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Mavericks bolster lineup with two more signees
April 20, 2004
Mankato, Minn.-- Minnesota State head coach Jim Makovsky has announced the signing of two more accomplished wrestlers to National Letters of Intent to join the Maverick program in 2004-05. Minnesota natives Stephen Pilgram and John Koons join lightweights Adam Delander (Roberts, Wis.) and Shane Johnson (St. James, Minn.) who signed earlier this week.
An Annandale, Minn., native, Pilgram capped a stellar career with the 140-pound Class AA championship at the Minnesota state tournament and a 35-1 senior record. In his Annandale/Maple Lake career, he compiled a 130-35 mark. Pilgram is expected to compete for action at the 141-pound slot that will be vacated when All-American Jason Rhoten (Kasson, Minn.) moves up to 149 pounds next season.
"We are excited that Stephen chose MSU and we feel that he has the potential to be a great college wrestler," said Makovsky. "Improving our lower weights is one of our top priorities this recruiting season and Stephen will help us achieve that goal. It will be a great fit for him and our program."
Koons, a former Crosby-Ironton High School standout, comes to MSU after leading Ridgewater College to a 10-4 record and a runner-up finish at the 2004 NJCAA National Championships. The 184-pounder also capped his two-year Warrior career with MCCC and Region XIII titles and an individual runner-up finish at the national meet. He will likely remain at 184 and vie for the slot that outgoing senior Jon Dierks (Waldorf, Minn.) will leave open.
"We can't wait to get John on the mat and get to work. He had a great season last year and we feel he has the potential to make an immediate impact on our program," Makovsky stated. "Both of these guys know what it takes to be successful and have the ability to have great careers at Minnesota State."
All signings are contingent upon admission at MSU and compliance with NCAA rules, including certification with the NCAA Clearinghouse.
2004-05 MSU Wrestling Recruiting Class
|
Wrestler |
Proj. Weight |
Hometown/Last Team |
|
Adam Delander |
125 |
Roberts, Wis./St. Croix Central |
|
Shane Johnson |
125/133 |
St. James, Minn./St. James |
|
Stephen Pilgram |
141 |
Annandale, Minn./Annandale/Maple Lake |
|
John Koons |
184 |
Crosby, Minn./Ridgewater College |