Top punter changes mind, picks Badgers over U

By From Staff Reports

Last update: October 2, 2007 - 12:27 AM

Brad Nortman, one of the nation's top high school punters who gave a verbal commitment to the Gophers football team this summer, has decided to change his commitment to Wisconsin.

Nortman, who attends Brookfield Central in suburban Milwaukee, committed to the Gophers in June after attending their summer camp. He received a scholarship offer from Wisconsin later, and rumors began to circulate that he eventually would change his decision.

"My decision was based on wanting to be closer to my family and friends," Nortman said. "Plus, I've been a Badgers fan my whole life."

CHIP SCOGGINS

Gophers-Wildcats on BTN

The Gophers football game at Northwestern on Oct. 13 will start at 11 a.m. and be televised by the Big Ten Network.

Wild put Reitz on waivers

The Wild placed defenseman Erik Reitz on waivers Monday. If Reitz clears today at 11 a.m., he can be assigned to AHL Houston within 10 games or 30 days. Reitz is on the roster because defensemen Kurtis Foster and Petteri Nummelin are injured.

MICHAEL RUSSO

Etc.

• North Dakota is ranked No. 1 and the Gophers No. 5 in the U.S. College Hockey Online men's preseason poll released Monday. The Fighting Sioux received 13 of 29 first-place votes and were followed by Boston College, Michigan State, Miami (Ohio) and the Gophers.

• Gophers sophomore libero Christine Tan and Penn State's Arielle Wilson were named Big Ten volleyball defensive co-players of the week. Tan had 40 digs in victories over Iowa and Michigan.

• The Gophers moved up one spot to No. 11 in the weekly American Volleyball Coaches Association poll.