The 2026 campaign will be Coach Nikkel's 12th year as skipper of the Norse program. During his tenure he has led the Norse to an overall record of 262-186 and two trips to the NCAA III National Baseball Tournament (2016, 2021). His players have earned a combined 49 all-conference honors, including two named conference Pitcher of the Year, Nate Beckman in 2016 and Joey Cardaman in 2018. He has also coached 14 players who were named all-region, and one All-American.
During the 2016 season, the Norse set single season school records for wins (34), hits (485), and doubles (116). Senior catcher Mitch Knippenberg was named a third team ABCA/Rawlings All-American, only the second Luther player in school history to earn this honor.
A 2007 graduate of Southwest Minnesota State University, he was a four-year letter winner as a catcher and twice served as team captain. Following his playing career he served an assistant coach for three years (2007-10).Â
Prior to being named the head coach at Luther in 2015, he was the top assistant and recruiting coordinator at Augustana College, Sioux Falls, S.D. for four years. During this stretch, Augustana produced four 30-plus win seasons; made two NCAA II National Tournament appearances; four Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Tournament appearances, capturing the tournament championship in 2014.Â
During his 17-year coaching career, he has recruited and coached nine players who have gone on to play professionally. He has also served as Head Coach for the Marshall, Minn., American Legion baseball team (2009-11) and the Grand Rapids, Minn., VFW baseball team (2004-07).Â
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