Rider University Athletics

Giel was the Rider male Athlete of the Year in 1998-99 after placing sixth in the nation at the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships to cap a 34-2 season and a 111-35 career record. Giel was 7-7 in three trips to Nationals in his career. As a junior Giel beat two wrestlers who were National Champions and placed third at the prestigious Midlands Tournament.

Sixth in the nation at 174 in 1999
Defeated Delany Berger (Minnesota), 3-1, sudden victory

Defeated Jamie Groudle (N. Carolina), 8-0

Defeated Will Hill (Michigan State), 7-4

Lost to #2 Glenn Pritzlaff  (Penn State), 3-2 (Pritzlaff finished first)

Lost to  #10 Josh Koscheck (Edinboro), 4-2 (Koscheck finished fourth)

Lost to  #1 Mark Smith (Oklahoma St.), 7-3 (Smith finished fifth)