Bowling Green, KY – After a big win over a ranked opponent, Bryce Nickel claims his second career MSC Wrestler of the Week award, announced by the conference office on Monday. Nickel, ranked 15th in the NAIA at 141 pounds, went 2-0 on the weekend in duals as the Patriots met #13 Marian and #5 Indiana Tech on the mat.
 
Nickel went toe-to-toe with sixth-ranked Conner Gimson of Indiana Tech, a match that came down to the final minute. With the match even at three-all into the final period, Nickel broke away for an escape and scored on a takedown to take the win over the 2020 All-American. He won 6-4 over the higher-ranked grappler, the first win of the day over Indiana Tech.


 
In an earlier match, Nickel easily dominated Aundre Beatty of Marian in an 11-3 major decision. The score of that match was even at three-each part way through the first. Nickel shutout his opponent through the match, taking the win without allowing a point in the second and third periods.
 
Nickel is now 2-1 all-time against Gimson. Last year, Gimson won in a 6-5 decision at the Patriot Open, while Nickel took the win in a 7-6 verdict in a duals match-up.
 
On the mats, Nickel is now 6-2 overall, after opening the year strong 4-2 at the Patriot Open. He also had a strong showing at the UWW Freestyle Junior Nationals in November.
 
Nickel and the Patriots men's wrestling team travel to Midway this Wednesday for the first MSC North dual of the season. The team, now 1-1 in duals after Friday, will see the Eagles on their mats, who are 4-1 on the season. The match is set to begin at 5 PM.
 
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