University of Minnesota Athletics
GOLDEN GOPHER WRESTLING INKS TWO MORE SIGNEES
4/26/2000 12:00:00 AM | Athletics
Ross was a two-time state placer at Owatonna High School and a member of the 17-under National Greco Roman Team where he finished 6th in the world championships. Although wrestling heavyweight in high school, Ross is projected to wrestle in the 197-pound class as a collegian.
Verdeja joins the Golden Gophers from Simley High School where he was state champion of the 140-pound weight group. At Minnesota, Verdeja will be looked to wrestle in either the 141 or 149-pound class.
"Eli Ross is both the first Division I kid and first recruit from Owatonna to sign with U of M wrestling since Scott Davis was head coach," said head assistant coach Marty Morgan.
"What impressed us about both Ross and Verdeja is the ways they progressed. Verdeja, whose coach was former Minnesota All- American Willie Short (1993), went from state placer to state champion. Their abilities to excel is what kept us following them throughout the year."
Both signees join Josh McLay (Hastings, Minn.), Nate Baker (Jackson, Minn.), and Nick Zajac (Hastings, Minn.), and Tyler Marr (Forest Lake, Minn.) who were also signed to letters of intent last fall.
