In the above photo is Minnesota's own punching Gopher Neil Ofsthun (he's in the middle of the front row). April 5, 1952 Neil won his second straight NCAA title! Boxing who knew?
Boxing was an official NCAA sport from 1948 to 1960. Cody Connel won the first individual boxing title for the Minnesota in 1949. The best of the fighting Gophers was Neil Ofthun who boxed at the 125 pound weight class. Winning his first NCAA title in 1951, Neil was able to repeat the next year. Unfortunately he was unable to carry the Gopher Boxing team as they only won 1 meet in 1952 (beating Washington State).