Erich Hinterstocker was named an assistant Gophers volleyball coach. He was North Dakota State's coach from 2006-10, during which the Bison had a 95-38 record.

"We're excited to have Erich join the Gopher volleyball staff," said Hugh McCutcheon, the team's head coach. "Erich brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this job, and has had a winning tradition throughout his coaching career. We couldn't be happier that he's accepted this position."

Taking over a 5-31 program in 2005, Hinkerstocker's Bison teams were 17-13 record in 2006, went 20-8 in 2007 and 24-4 in 2009.

U swimmers excelSwimmers for the Gophers won nine events in the Minnesota Challenge at the University Aquatic Center.

Derek Toomey won the 50 freestyle in 19.83 seconds, a career best and the fastest time by a Gopher this season. Monica Radecke won the women's 50 freestyle with a season best of 23.36.

The meet began with the 200 medley relay and ended with the 400 medley relays, and the Gophers' A relay teams won all four of those races. Radecke was on both those women's relays.

Other first-place finishers for the Gophers were Christie Clarke and Logan Redondo in the 500 freestyle and David Friesch in the 200 individual medley.

U golfers fall twiceThe Gophers men's golf team lost twice in the Big Ten Match Play Championships in Bradenton, Fla. Michigan beat the Gophers 3-2 in their first match and Penn State defeated them 3-1-1 in consolation play. Erik Van Rooyen won his first match 5 and 4 and halved his second for the Gophers. The only teammates who won were Tyler Lowenstein 3 and 1 against the Wolverines and Jon Trasaman 1 up against the Nittany Lions.

Etc.• The Gophers won three individual events but lost 422.750 to 419.450 to host Iowa in men's gymnastics. Matt Frey won floor exercise (15.100), Adam Kern vault (15.300) and Steve Jaciuk high bar (14.150) for the U. ... Freshman Daniel DiBenedetto of the Gophers placed fourth on the high bar (14.200) in the first-day preliminaries at the Winter Cup in Las Vegas.

• Craig Stern was named the head football coach at St. Olaf. He has been on the Oles' staff the past nine seasons.