University of Minnesota Athletics
Gophers Ink Minnesota's Most Sought After Recruit
11/9/2005 12:00:00 AM | Men's Swimming & Diving
University of Minnesota men’s swimming and diving head coach Dennis Dale announced today that Mark Solfelt has signed a National Letter of Intent to attend the University of Minnesota. The Eden Prairie, Minn., native was the 2005 U.S. Junior National champion in the 200 individual medley, and is widely regarded as the top senior swimmer in the state.
“We are ecstatic to have Mark Solfelt stay at home and attend the University of Minnesota,” Dale said. “He was sought after by every major program in the country.”
Solfelt has won the last two state titles in the 200 individual medley and is the state record holder in the event. He also won the 2005 state title in the 100 breaststroke and led Eden Prairie High School to state team titles in 2003 and 2004. Solfelt also earned the 2004 Minnesota State Class AA Swimmer of the Year honor. He owns top 200 IM times of 1: 48.95 (short course yards) and 2:06.48 (long course meters).
Solfelt chose Minnesota over two-time defending NCAA champion Auburn and Stanford. He continues a family legacy at the University of Minnesota. His sister, Sarah, was a letterwinner on the Gopher women’s swimming team from 2002-05. Both of his parents also attended the U of M.
The Gophers have had great success recruiting in their home state, signing the top swimmer from Minnesota each of the last three seasons. The 2004 Minnesota State Class AA Swimmer of the Year, Jason Timmer and 2005 Minnesota State Class A Swimmer of the Year, Colin Lee-To , both signed with the Gophers. Minnesota also inked four-time state champion Adam Weis and 2005 state 500 freestyle runner-up Mike Holmes last year.
“We are ecstatic to have Mark Solfelt stay at home and attend the University of Minnesota,” Dale said. “He was sought after by every major program in the country.”
Solfelt has won the last two state titles in the 200 individual medley and is the state record holder in the event. He also won the 2005 state title in the 100 breaststroke and led Eden Prairie High School to state team titles in 2003 and 2004. Solfelt also earned the 2004 Minnesota State Class AA Swimmer of the Year honor. He owns top 200 IM times of 1: 48.95 (short course yards) and 2:06.48 (long course meters).
Solfelt chose Minnesota over two-time defending NCAA champion Auburn and Stanford. He continues a family legacy at the University of Minnesota. His sister, Sarah, was a letterwinner on the Gopher women’s swimming team from 2002-05. Both of his parents also attended the U of M.
The Gophers have had great success recruiting in their home state, signing the top swimmer from Minnesota each of the last three seasons. The 2004 Minnesota State Class AA Swimmer of the Year, Jason Timmer and 2005 Minnesota State Class A Swimmer of the Year, Colin Lee-To , both signed with the Gophers. Minnesota also inked four-time state champion Adam Weis and 2005 state 500 freestyle runner-up Mike Holmes last year.
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