University of Minnesota Athletics
Gopher Recruits Cap Prep Careers with Titles
3/11/2016 12:00:00 AM | Wrestling
The college wrestling season is speeding toward its close at the NCAA Championships next week. Meanwhile, earlier this winter, both Gopher signees for the 2016 recruiting class wrapped up their high school careers with state championships.
Across the Hudson River in Wisconsin, Hunter Marko became the 14th four-time state champion in Wisconsin history when he won a 138-pound title in Madison, Wis. earlier this winter. The state title capped an undefeated senior year for Marko, who went 39-0 in his last season wrestling for Amery High School and his father, head coach Scott Marko. His run through the state tournament featured an opening round tech fall, a 7-1 decision in the semifinals and a 9-1 major decision to claim first place. Marko had previously won titles at 106, 113 and 126 pounds.
Just a few miles down Interstate 94 from the Gopher wrestling room, St. Michael-Albertville's Mitch McKee won his third consecutive state title. A five-time finalist in his high school career, McKee had previous won titles at 120 and 126 before winning a 138-pound championship this season. Like Marko, McKee's title completed an undefeated campaign, one in which he went 50-0. All four of McKee's wins at state were bonus point wins, beginning with a fall in the first round, followed by major decisions in the quarters and semis and a 20-5 tech fall for the title.
Both Marko and McKee will join the Gopher program this fall.
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