University of Minnesota Athletics
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Carson Brolsma faces off against the South Dakota State Jackrabbits
Photo by: Eric Miller
Gophers travel to Las Vegas for Cliff Keen Invitational
11/28/2018 9:18:00 AM | Wrestling
The Gophers travel to Las Vegas for the Cliff Keen Invitational Tournament which will begin on Friday and close out Saturday afternoon.The first day will feature the first few championship rounds as well as the first two consolation rounds before the final matches are fought on Saturday to determine the winner and subsequent placements.
The Competition
The Cliff Keen Invitational is a renowned tournament known for its compilation of elite talent from across the nation. This year's tournament features top-10 programs such as Ohio State and Cornell and includes nearly half of the ranked wrestlers across all weight classes.
Cliff Keen himself was a 20th century wrestler and eventual head coach of the University of Michigan from 1925 to 1970. This will be the 36th annual Cliff Keen Invitational.
Schedule of Events (All times central)
Friday November 30
8:40am CT: Skin Check
9:00am: Weigh-ins, Las Vegas Convention Center
11:00am: Round 1 Pig Tail Championship, Round 2 of (32) Championship, Round 3 Consolation of (32), Round 4 Championship of (16), Consolation 1st of (16) Round 5 Consolation 2nd of (16)
8:00pm: Round 6 Championship Quarter Finals & Consolation Round 1st of (8)
Saturday December 1
9:45am CT: Skin Check
10:00am: Weigh-ins, Las Vegas Convention Center
11:00am: Round 7 Consolation 2nd of (8)
12:00am: Round 8 Championship Semi-Finals, Round 9 Consolation Semi Finals, Consolation Finals 5th & 6th, 7th & 8th Places
5:00pm: CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS 1st & 2nd, 3rd & 4th Places
Last Time Out
In their last dual on Sunday November 25, 2018 the Gopher wrestling team took down the South Dakota State Jackrabbits 35-6. The Gophers scored four technical falls and one pin for five bonus point victories among the eight total victories.
The first four Gopher wrestlers won for the team to take a 19-0 lead and then they closed out the dual with two wins to secure the 35-6 victory. Now No. 15 Tommy Thorn took down then-No. 17 Henry Pohlmeyer, the lone ranked wrestler for the Jackrabbits, in a revenge match after Thorn lost to him in the finals of the Daktronics Open.
Climbing the ladder
Several Gophers are nearing career milestones that could arrive before the end of the year. Nearing the century mark is No. 7 Ethan Lizak who currently holds 93 wins so far as a Gopher. No. 5 Mitch McKee sits only two wins away from 50 on his career.
Tommy Thorn has 79 after defeating Pohlmeyer last weekend. Elsewhere 165-pound Carson Brolsma needs only one win to reach 30 on his career.
Up Next
Next week the Gophers travel even further west to California in order to dual Fresno State. The Gophers defeated them 38-7 last season at Maturi Pavilion. Afterwards the Gophers get a week off before traveling to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida for the South Beach Duals.
The team returns home to open their Big Ten slate on January 6 against Rutgers.
The Competition
The Cliff Keen Invitational is a renowned tournament known for its compilation of elite talent from across the nation. This year's tournament features top-10 programs such as Ohio State and Cornell and includes nearly half of the ranked wrestlers across all weight classes.
Cliff Keen himself was a 20th century wrestler and eventual head coach of the University of Michigan from 1925 to 1970. This will be the 36th annual Cliff Keen Invitational.
Schedule of Events (All times central)
Friday November 30
8:40am CT: Skin Check
9:00am: Weigh-ins, Las Vegas Convention Center
11:00am: Round 1 Pig Tail Championship, Round 2 of (32) Championship, Round 3 Consolation of (32), Round 4 Championship of (16), Consolation 1st of (16) Round 5 Consolation 2nd of (16)
8:00pm: Round 6 Championship Quarter Finals & Consolation Round 1st of (8)
Saturday December 1
9:45am CT: Skin Check
10:00am: Weigh-ins, Las Vegas Convention Center
11:00am: Round 7 Consolation 2nd of (8)
12:00am: Round 8 Championship Semi-Finals, Round 9 Consolation Semi Finals, Consolation Finals 5th & 6th, 7th & 8th Places
5:00pm: CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS 1st & 2nd, 3rd & 4th Places
Last Time Out
In their last dual on Sunday November 25, 2018 the Gopher wrestling team took down the South Dakota State Jackrabbits 35-6. The Gophers scored four technical falls and one pin for five bonus point victories among the eight total victories.
The first four Gopher wrestlers won for the team to take a 19-0 lead and then they closed out the dual with two wins to secure the 35-6 victory. Now No. 15 Tommy Thorn took down then-No. 17 Henry Pohlmeyer, the lone ranked wrestler for the Jackrabbits, in a revenge match after Thorn lost to him in the finals of the Daktronics Open.
Climbing the ladder
Several Gophers are nearing career milestones that could arrive before the end of the year. Nearing the century mark is No. 7 Ethan Lizak who currently holds 93 wins so far as a Gopher. No. 5 Mitch McKee sits only two wins away from 50 on his career.
Tommy Thorn has 79 after defeating Pohlmeyer last weekend. Elsewhere 165-pound Carson Brolsma needs only one win to reach 30 on his career.
Up Next
Next week the Gophers travel even further west to California in order to dual Fresno State. The Gophers defeated them 38-7 last season at Maturi Pavilion. Afterwards the Gophers get a week off before traveling to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida for the South Beach Duals.
The team returns home to open their Big Ten slate on January 6 against Rutgers.
Highlights: Gophers 37, Maryland 6
Sunday, February 08
Coach Eggum Post-Match Speech
Thursday, February 05
Cinematic Recap: Gophers Upset #4 Iowa
Thursday, February 05
Coach's Corner with Brandon Eggum
Thursday, February 05







