University of Minnesota Athletics
Minnesota Adds Marek and Ryerse to 2025-2026 Roster
12/31/2024 2:53:00 PM | Baseball
MINNEAPOLIS– University of Minnesota head coach Ty McDevitt has announced the addition of Sam Marek and Luke Ryerse to the 2025-2026 roster.
Marek, the Chanhassen, Minn. native will join the Gophers after spending two seasons at Iowa Western. The right-handed pitcher appeared in 13 games as a freshman, throwing 12.1 innings and collecting 14 strikeouts. He will compete in his final season at Iowa Western this spring.
Pitching Coach Alec Crawford on Marek: "Sam comes to us with a very physical build and the ability to help us compete on the mound. He tallied 14 strikeouts in 12 innings last spring for Iowa Western. Equipped with a low to mid 90s fastball, and a sharp slider. We are expecting Sam to contribute greatly to the future of Gopher Baseball."
Ryerse, the Woodbury, Minn. native will join the Gophers after a successful high school career at East Ridge High School and being ranked the number one player in Minnesota. He features a fastball that sits 90-93 and a slider that is 83-85. Luke will also be kicking for coach PJ Fleck and the Gopher Football team.
Pitching Coach Alec Crawford on Ryerse: "Luke is the ultimate competitor and will come in as the number 1 ranked player in the state of Minnesota. A dynamic two sport athlete, we can't wait to have Luke's talents and dedication to his craft in our program. The time he has spent competing at a high level in two sports will pay dividends for Luke the minute he steps on campus. We are excited to add him to the pitching staff."
Luke's older brother Grant also attended the 'U' where he was a kicker/punter from 2017-2020.
Marek and Ryerse join the other eight additions that will join the program in the fall of 2025.
Marek, the Chanhassen, Minn. native will join the Gophers after spending two seasons at Iowa Western. The right-handed pitcher appeared in 13 games as a freshman, throwing 12.1 innings and collecting 14 strikeouts. He will compete in his final season at Iowa Western this spring.
Pitching Coach Alec Crawford on Marek: "Sam comes to us with a very physical build and the ability to help us compete on the mound. He tallied 14 strikeouts in 12 innings last spring for Iowa Western. Equipped with a low to mid 90s fastball, and a sharp slider. We are expecting Sam to contribute greatly to the future of Gopher Baseball."
Ryerse, the Woodbury, Minn. native will join the Gophers after a successful high school career at East Ridge High School and being ranked the number one player in Minnesota. He features a fastball that sits 90-93 and a slider that is 83-85. Luke will also be kicking for coach PJ Fleck and the Gopher Football team.
Pitching Coach Alec Crawford on Ryerse: "Luke is the ultimate competitor and will come in as the number 1 ranked player in the state of Minnesota. A dynamic two sport athlete, we can't wait to have Luke's talents and dedication to his craft in our program. The time he has spent competing at a high level in two sports will pay dividends for Luke the minute he steps on campus. We are excited to add him to the pitching staff."
Luke's older brother Grant also attended the 'U' where he was a kicker/punter from 2017-2020.
Marek and Ryerse join the other eight additions that will join the program in the fall of 2025.
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