University of Minnesota Athletics
Former Gophers to Make Appearance in Eden Prairie Saturday
5/13/2008 12:00:00 AM | Football
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. Three former Minnesota football players who are currently playing their trade in the National Football League will be making an appearance and signing autographs in Eden Prairie this weekend.
Ben Utecht, Logan Payne and Rhys Lloyd will all be taking part in the GolfTEC Eden Prairie Grand Opening Saturday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. In addition to the three former Gopher football players, former Miss Minnesota and Gopher golfer Karyn (Stordahl) Utecht will be in attendance at the event.
"It always feels great to come back to Minnesota," Utecht said. "Just flying over the state line feels so good inside, because I have so much love for Minnesota. My family is here, so coming home is very special."
Utecht currently plays tight end for the Cincinnati Bengals and played for Minnesota from 2000-03. Payne is currently on the Seattle Seahawks’ roster as a wide receiver and played for the Gophers from 2004-06. Kicker Rhys Lloyd is currently a member of the Carolina Panthers and played for Minnesota from 2003-04.
In addition to the meet and greet with the former Gophers, numerous live demonstrations and competitions will take place throughout the day. Five percent of the proceeds from the week will be donated by GolfTEC to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.
GolfTEC Eden Prairie is located at 12200 Middleset Road, Suite 400.
