Three high school standouts have signed national letters of intent to attend Augustana College and compete for the Viking wrestling team, head coach Jason Reitmeier announced today.
The future Vikings include Robert Eklund of Friend, Neb., Matthew Morris of Albert Lea, Minn., and Brett LeBrun of New Ulm, Minn.
Eklund is a three-year letter winner at Friend High School going into
his senior season. He finished his junior year with a record of 36-1
and was unscored on until the Class D state tournament. He earned a
third-place finish at 125 pounds at the state tournament, and received
All-Conference, All-State, and Academic All-State honors. As a
sophomore he finished with a 34-1 record and won the 119-pound state
title. He has also been named a team captain both his junior and senior
years.
"We are very excited with the addition of Robert to our team,"
Reitmeier said. "Robert is very talented athlete with a big a
heart and a great work ethic. He will be a great addition to our
lower weights. He is a natural fit for Augustana at 133 pounds."
Morris is a four year starter at Albert Lea High School where he has
already earned three letters on the wrestling team. His junior season
he posted a record of 45-7, and went on to place fourth at 145 pounds
and the Minnesota Class AAA state tournament. He received All-Big 9
Conference honors during his junior, sophomore, and freshman years, and
was named to the Academic All-State Second Team in his junior year.
Morris is also a three-year letter winner in both football and track.
"Matt comes from one of the best wrestling programs in Minnesota where
winning is a tradition," Reitmeier said. "He is an extremely tough
wrestler on the mat. Matt is a very hard worker with burning desire to
succeed. Matt will compete at Augie around 165 or 174 pounds."
LeBrun is a four year starter at New Ulm High School. A two-year state
qualifier, he finished fifth at the state tournament his junior year
and earned a 35-2 record. He was also a sectional champion that year.
He has already lettered three years in wrestling as well as earning a
letter three years on the New Ulm football team.
"Brett is exactly what you want in a heavyweight, a big, strong,
bruising man," Reitmeier said. "Brett will carry on the long line
of great heavyweights at Augustana. Brett could come in and be a factor
right away on the college scene."