Bowling Green State University Athletics
Nell, Criswell Named Vito's Athletes Of The Week
February 27, 2017 | General, Ice Hockey, Women's Swimming & Diving
Each week, the Bowling Green State University Athletic Department names the Vito's Athletes of the Week, as selected by the athletic communications department based on their athletic performances from the previous week. This week's winners are hockey player Chris Nell and swimmer Natalie Criswell.
Male Athlete of the Week
Chris Nell, a junior from Green Bay, Wis., marked his third consecutive shutout on Saturday night against Alabama Huntsville to lift the Falcons to a weekend sweep and home ice for the first round of the WCHA Playoffs. Nell shutout UAH the entire weekend, and set a school record with an active 207:31 shutout streak, in addition to tallying a season-high of 38 saves on Saturday night. Over the course of the series, Nell marked a 71 save weekend, a best for the season by 20, leading the Falcons to its first full weekend shutout in school history. Additionally, Nell was critical in Saturday night's game as he made 12 critical saves throughout Alabama Huntsville's 12 power play opportunities.
Female Athlete of the Week
Natalie Criswell, a junior from Portage, Mich., broke two school records in the championship final of the 1650 freestyle at the 2017 MAC Championships. Criswell, who was already the school record holder in the event, shattered her own record with a time of 16:31.89, almost 20 seconds faster than the previous mark, to place third in the conference. Within her record-breaking performance, Criswell swam 10:30.17 over the first 1000 to break the 1000 freestyle school record as well.
Full list of Athletes Of The Week
Chris Nell, a junior from Green Bay, Wis., marked his third consecutive shutout on Saturday night against Alabama Huntsville to lift the Falcons to a weekend sweep and home ice for the first round of the WCHA Playoffs. Nell shutout UAH the entire weekend, and set a school record with an active 207:31 shutout streak, in addition to tallying a season-high of 38 saves on Saturday night. Over the course of the series, Nell marked a 71 save weekend, a best for the season by 20, leading the Falcons to its first full weekend shutout in school history. Additionally, Nell was critical in Saturday night's game as he made 12 critical saves throughout Alabama Huntsville's 12 power play opportunities.
Natalie Criswell, a junior from Portage, Mich., broke two school records in the championship final of the 1650 freestyle at the 2017 MAC Championships. Criswell, who was already the school record holder in the event, shattered her own record with a time of 16:31.89, almost 20 seconds faster than the previous mark, to place third in the conference. Within her record-breaking performance, Criswell swam 10:30.17 over the first 1000 to break the 1000 freestyle school record as well.
Full list of Athletes Of The Week
Players Mentioned
BGSU Softball "Outside the Chalk" - Morgan Beckham (April 21, 2026)
Wednesday, April 22
BGSU Men's Golf : Posttournament Interviews 4.20
Monday, April 20
BGVB vs DePaul & Grand Valley
Saturday, April 18
BGSU Softball Highlights (April 17, 2026)
Friday, April 17




