College Wrestler of the Year - 2004

JORDAN NICHOLS
Fort Hays State University

Jordan Nichols won his wrestling successes in the state of Kansas as a high school and a collegiate competitor. After a successful career at tradition-rich Garden City High School, Nichols stayed in-state to attend college at Fort Hays State University and compete for coach Cody Bickley and the Tigers.

Nichols ended his senior year as an NCAA Division II All-American, placing sixth at 184 pounds. He was also a West Regional and Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference champion and posted a 25-8 record as a senior.

In his collegiate career, Nichols was a three-time national qualifier with a career record of 72-32. He was named to the Amateur Wrestling News All-Rookie team.

Nichols was a two-time Academic All-American and member of the Academic National Championship Team at FHSU. He also served as president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Council as well.

In high school, Nichols was a four-time state placer for the Garden City Buffaloes. He finished 5th, 5th, 3rd, and 1st in the 6A state tournament. He was an undefeated state champion as a senior. He helped lead his team to state titles in 1998 and 1999.

His future plans are to become a high school teacher and wrestling coach, and eventually a school athletic director or principal.