Gophers sophomore Wally Ellenson finished second in the men's high jump on Friday at the NCAA Division I outdoor track and field championships at Eugene, Ore.

Ellenson, from Rice Lake, Wis., cleared 7-4½, a ­personal record. Arizona State junior Bryan McBride won the event by clearing 7-5¾. Gophers junior Dominique Howard finished ninth in the men's discus with a throw of 192 feet, 3 inches. Alabama freshman Hayden Reed won the event with a toss of 205-10. U senior John Simons will run in the 1,500 meter finals on Saturday.

Gophers sign another receiver

With a late addition, the Gophers have another tall, fast receiver in their 2014 recruiting class. Desmond Gant, a 6-3, 200-pound sprinter from Aurora, Ill., recently signed, with plans to enroll in the summer session and begin practicing with the team on Aug. 1.

According to the Aurora Beacon-News, Gant had to wait until after his recent graduation at East Aurora High School to make sure he passed through the NCAA clearinghouse and could be eligible this fall.

Vikings sign receiver

The Vikings signed wide receiver Josh Cooper to their 90-man roster. Cooper, 25, had been with the Browns, who originally signed him as an undrafted free agent out of Oklahoma State in 2012. He played 11 games for the Browns over two NFL seasons, catching 17 passes for 166 yards with no touchdowns. The Browns released Cooper, 5-10 and 190 pounds, last month. To make room, the Vikings put wide receiver Lestar Jean, who signed with the team in April, on injured reserve.

Saints beat Winnipeg

Nick Barnese and two relievers combined on a seven-hit shutout to pitch the St. Paul Saints to a 2-0 win over the Winnipeg Goldeyes to move into a tie for first place in the American Association North Division.

staff and news services