These 2 Gophers Wrestling Stars Are Also Twin Brothers

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) - Yes, it would make for a better story if Nick and Chris Dardanes were born seven minutes apart – the length of a wrestling match.

But alas, in the interest of honesty, it's eight minutes.

Nick is the older of the Gopher wrestling twins.

And since we're being honest and all: "I'm bigger," he says. "I'm tougher."

Without missing a beat, "little" brother Chris chimes in: "Yeah right."

The verbal barbs aside, Nick and Chris got along pretty well growing up.

"If we were going to fight," Chris said, "it'd be in the wrestling room."

Neither loses many in there.

Chris is ranked No. 1 in the country at 133 pounds, a perfect 19-0 this season.

Nick is ranked fourth at 141 pounds, with a record of 18-2.

Twin brothers both as highly-ranked as these -- it's not something you come across very often. They're the eighth set of brothers to earn All-American status for the Gophers, but the first twins.

Both say they wouldn't have near the success they've had if not for the other.

"Yeah, the bottom line is no," Nick said. "Just the amount we push each other. I don't think I'd be where I am without the help of Chris."

"For sure," Chris adds.

Of course, if you had basically a live-in training partner roughly your same weight for all but eight minutes of your entire life?

"It helps a lot," Chris admits. "It's a huge advantage."

Since they'll never compete against each other on the mat, they – like most brothers – find other avenues.

"Pretty much everything," Nick jokes.

Lately it's academics. Chris has the higher GPA – but barely.

"He'll hear about it though," Chris said, "for the rest of my life."

But before the rest of their lives comes their final postseason. As seniors, it's their last chance to go out on top.

It's something they've always dreamed of doing together.

"That's the ultimate goal," Nick said.