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WIN Magazine Ranks Gopher Recruiting Class Tops in the Big Ten

December 16, 2008

The University of Minnesota wrestling program inked the top recruiting class in the country last season, and early indications are that J Robinson’s 2009 class is no slouch either. This week, WIN Magazine named Robinson’s 2009 group of early signees tops in the Big Ten Conference. The magazine’s Dec. 8 issue pegs the Minnesota class sixth-best nationally, ahead of Big Ten foes Wisconsin (7th), Iowa (8th), Michigan (11th), Ohio State (13th), and Indiana (17th) in the annual top-25 listing.

Once again there is a strong local flavor in the Gophers’ recruiting class, with five of the seven student-athletes signed on National Signing Day hailing from the state of Minnesota. The class includes Jake Kettler (Ramsey, Minn.), Alec Ortiz (Newberg Ore.), Bart Reiter (Gilbertville, Iowa), Pat Smith (Chaska, Minn.), Kevin Steinhaus (Pennock, Minn.), David Thorn (St. Michael, Minn.) and Danny Zilverberg (Wayzata, Minn.).

“Having five Minnesota High School wrestlers sign with us during the fall period is a tribute to the great programs for youth wrestling that exist here in Minnesota,” Robinson said. “There is exceptional quality in this state and we are very excited about this incoming class. They have proven themselves on the national level and we expect big things from this group at the collegiate level.”

The Golden Gophers are on the road this weekend for a dual with No. 4 Nebraska on Sunday at the NU Coliseum in Lincoln. Minnesota hosts Big XII powerhouse Oklahoma State to open its home dual season in a 2:00 p.m. New Year’s Day clash at the University Sports Pavilion. Tickets can be purchased by calling 1-800-U-GOPHER or by contacting the Gopher Ticket Office at 612.624.8080.