Former North Dakota State University national champion wrestler Phil Reimnitz, 61, formerly of Bismarck, died Thursday Oct. 11, in Kalispell, Mont., from an apparent stroke.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday Oct. 20, at Grace Lutheran Church, Fargo. He is survived by three children, Curt (Michele), Zach and Rachel; and his brothers and sisters.
Inducted into the Bison Athletic Hall of Fame in 1987, Reimnitz pinned 31 opponents during the 1972-73 season including a record 22 straight. He recorded 37 consecutive wins in a 37-1 season in 1972-73 when he won the NCAA College Division championship at 126 pounds.
Twice Reimnitz was the North Central Conference runner-up at 126 pounds and he captured the league title in 1973. Reimnitz charted an 87-13-1 record during his four-year career at NDSU and earned a third-place finish at the 1974 NCAA Division II championships.
Reimnitz was selected the state’s College Athlete of the Year in 1973 by the North Dakota Associated Press Sportswriters and Sportscasters.
His brother, Mark, was a two-time mat All-American for the Bison and the national champion at 150 pounds in 1977. His brother, Andy, was an all-conference wrestler for NDSU.
