June 13, 2012
Through Monday, the Big Ten will highlight each of the 24 student-athletes nominated for the conference's Jesse Owens Male and Suzy Favor Female Athlete of the Year Awards. Award winners are voted on by a pre-selected media panel and will be announced live on BTN's season-ending awards show on Monday at 6:30 p.m. CT.
Tony Nelson - Minnesota - Wrestling
Nelson defeated 2011 NCAA Champion Zach Rey of Lehigh to capture this year's NCAA Heavyweight Championship. The redshirt sophomore was named an All-American and Minnesota's Best Male Athlete of the Year. The Big Ten Champion finished the year with a 32-2 overall record, including a 25-match win streak, and an undefeated 8-0 mark in Big Ten dual matches. Click HERE for more information on Tony.
Previously Highlighted Nominees:
Jessica Barnett, Iowa field hockey
Matt McDonough, Iowa wrestling
Kevin Plawecki, Purdue baseball
Ariel Turner, Purdue volleyball
Draymond Green, Michigan State basketball
Caroline Powers, Michigan State golf
