The Gophers added a nationally recruited local kicker to their 2017 class Wednesday, when East Ridge's Grant Ryerse committed to Minnesota.
If Ryerse holds his commitment through signing day in February, he'll become the first kicker or punter to come to the Gophers on scholarship since Ryan Santoso signed in 2013.
Ryerse, who announced his decision to pick the Gophers on Twitter, is rated as the nation's No. 2 kicker in the Class of 2017 by 247Sports.com. He also has reported offers from Northwestern and Cal and has drawn interest from the likes of Alabama and Stanford.
New law to generate more track funds
A new law authorizing advance deposit wagering on out-of-state horse races will generate an additional $1.5 million per year for the sport in Minnesota, the state racing commission announced Wednesday.
In advance deposit wagering (ADW), bettors create an account with an authorized provider and use the funds to place wagers online or by phone. The law ensures that Canterbury Park and Running Aces Harness Park will receive a percentage of ADW wagers made by Minnesota residents. The Minnesota Racing Commission estimated that Minnesotans bet $20 million per year through ADW, and with no state regulation, those providers have paid nothing to Minnesota tracks.
The law requires ADW providers to be licensed by Nov. 1 and to negotiate fees with Canterbury and Running Aces.
Donnelly fourth in hammer throw
Gophers senior Sean Donnelly finished fourth in the hammer throw on the opening day of the NCAA outdoor track and field championships in Eugene, Ore. Donnelly had a throw of 233 feet, 10 inches.
Saints end losing streak
Tony Thomas went 4-for-4 to extend his hitting streak to 20 games as the St. Paul Saints (13-8) ended a four-game losing streak with a 10-6 victory over the Texas AirHogs in Amarillo. The Saints wiped out a 6-5 deficit with a four-run eighth inning.