University of Minnesota Athletics
Minnesota Wrestling Adds Two on National Signing Day
11/10/2021 11:59:00 AM | Wrestling
MINNEAPOLIS - The University of Minnesota wrestling program has announced the signings of Troy Spratley and Hunter Lyden to National Letters of Intent. Both grapplers are eligible to compete for the Gophers during the 2022-23 season.
Troy Spratley, a Bainbridge, N.Y. native, is touted as one of the best recruits in the nation as the 18th-ranked wrestler in the Class of 2022, and is currently slotted at No. 3 at 126 pounds by FloWrestling. The future Gopher lightweight has found success in some of the toughest tournaments across the nation, placing in many of high school wrestling's premiere events. Spratley is a 2020 Super 32 finalist and a two-time Super 32 placewinner. He also has previously placed third at the Walsh Jesuit Ironman, and fourth at both the National Prep Championships and the Best of the East Tournament. Spratley has won two high school state titles as a freshman and sophomore, with a combined record of 49-6.Â
"Troy is the top lightweight in the country and we are excited to add him to the Gopher wrestling family," head coach Brandon Eggum said. "He wrestles an incredibly physical style that is fitting for the Big Ten Conference and he will be fun for our fans to watch."
Hunter Lyden, who comes out of Stillwater, Minn., has also garnered national attention as he is ranked No. 61 in the Class of 2022, and the eighth-ranked 170-pounder in the nation. In his prep career, Lyden has qualified for the Minnesota state tournament five times, tallying a career record of 193-22. He is a two-time reigning state champion, earning titles at 152 pounds as a sophomore, and 170 pounds as a junior.Â
"Hunter is a fearless competitor and we are excited that he has chosen to wrestle for us here at the University of Minnesota. He has an athletic style and is always looking to score points."Â
Minnesota opens the 2021-22 season in Fargo N.D., at the Bison Open on Saturday, Nov. 13. The Gophers first action in Maturi Pavilion takes place on Saturday, Nov. 20 at 7:00pm as the Maroon & Gold plays host to rival Oklahoma State. Â
Gopher Wrestling season and single-match tickets are on sale now here.