2001 College News - Pike named Big Ten Wrestler of the Week

January 24, 2001

Pike named Big Ten Wrestler of the Week

Minnesota senior wrestler Brad Pike has been named the Big Ten Wrestler of the Week, following his dominating performances in leading the Golden Gophers to the National Duals title last weekend.

Pike, currently ranked third in the nation at 165 pounds, went 4-0 in the tournament defeating No. 10 Noel Thompson of Hofstra 3-1 in first round, Nebraska's Ryan Schultz in a 17-6 major decision in the quarterfinals and No. 8 Ben Shirk of Iowa 11-4 in the semifinals. Then, in the title meet, Pike proved to be the unlikely hero, pinning Oklahoma State's Billy Gabel at 6:34 to lead the Golden Gophers over the top-ranked Cowboys. Pike, a native of Brownsdale, Minn., is 23-2 overall and 11-0 in dual meets.

* In other news &endash; The Minnesota vs. Michigan dual meet at the Sports Pavilion this Friday, Jan. 26, will be broadcast live on Midwest Sports Channel (MSC) at 7:30 p.m.