Minnesota Scene: Illinois defensive back decommits from Gophers

Tyrik Henderson, a defensive back from Illinois who gave the Gophers a verbal commitment in April, announced Friday that he is reopening his recruiting.

Henderson, a 5-11, 165-pound senior at Glenbard North High School in Carol Stream, Ill., is rated a three-star recruit by 247Sports.

"This is a tough decision for me and my family, but I have decided to decommit from the University of Minnesota," Henderson tweeted.

"I never wanted to be that guy but it's just something I have to do. Thank you to Coach [P.J.] Fleck and Coach Cal [assistant coach Brian Callahan] for all they have done. It is greatly appreciated. To all the Minnesota commits I wish you all best of luck as future Gophers and I love you all as brothers."

Henderson's decision leaves the Gophers with 23 commitments for the Class of 2018, with the early national signing period beginning Dec. 20.

Randy Johnson

Gophers wrestler Nick Wanzek defeated Anthony Valencia of Arizona State 2-1 in the 165-pound quarterfinals on the first day of the Cliff Keen Invitational in Las Vegas. He won 9-7 in overtime over Jake Wentzel of Pittsburgh in his previous match.

Two of Wanzek's teammates lost in the quarterfinals. After pins in his first three matches, Tommy Thorn, the No. 3 seed at 141 pounds, lost 4-3 to Josh Alber of Northern Iowa Ethan Lizak, the top seed at 125, lost 4-3 to Taylor LaMont of Utah Valley.

• Freshman Mackenzie Padington won the women's 200-yard freestyle in the Minnesota Invitational in 1 minute, 44.15 seconds, a program record. Senior Danielle Nack — whose record Padington broke — won the 100-yard butterfly in 51.79, the second-fastest time in program history.

• The Gophers women's track and field team announced eight signings, including three athletes from Minnesota: Libby Halbmaier, Minnetonka middle-distance runner; Julia Hayes, Irondale hurdler; and Natalie Windels, Eagan hurdler.