TCU ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME
As a member of Coach Abe Martin's first freshman class, John Nikkel participated in two Cotton Bowl games (1956 and 1957). He was also an Academic All-American each of those two seasons. While at TCU, Nikkel, a three-year letterman, was elected to the Alpha Chi Honor Society and named to the Who's Who list. He graduated summa cum laude in 1958 with a double major in mathematics and geology. From 1958-76, Nikkel was employed as a geologist for AMOCO. He then joined Cotton Petroleum and ascended to President until 1983. Nikkel worked for the Unit Corporation from 1983-2005 when he retired as Chairman and CEO. He was referred to as "The Finest Oil Finder In The World" by the Champlin Oil Company.
