The Golden Eagles were able to bring in four versatile players, all of whom can add to the team's pitching staff. Minnesota Crookston was able to land one of the top local talents with pitcher Logan Spencer, who has long been a top target for the program. In addition, UMN Crookston landed fellow Minnesota-natives Holm and Lindow, and Wiirre who has family from Minnesota and who competed for Vermillion Community College in Ely, Minn.
"We feel very fortunate to be able to sign these recruits," said Head Coach
Steve Gust. "They are pieces to the puzzle that we need to be successful both on and off the field. They are talented and passionate about the game and this university. And they can all pitch. We want the depth of our pitching staff to be a strength and not a weakness for next season. These guys give us that and more."
The Golden Eagles are coming off their best season in program history. Minnesota Crookston finished with a 26-12 (18-10 NSIC) mark. The Golden Eagles had their win-percentage in program history. In addition, they were ranked for the first time in program history. Minnesota Crookston reached as high as No. 18 in the NCBWA poll and No. 19 in the Collegiate Baseball poll. They were ranked No. 8 in the final NCAA Division II Central Region poll released to the public. Minnesota Crookston had four players named to the All-NSIC Teams including
Brock Reller (First Team),
Mason Ruhlman (First Team),
Will Zimmerman (Second Team and All-Defensive), and
Jake Dykhoff (Second Team). In addition, UMN Crookston had three players, Zimmerman, Reller, and
Conner Richardson named to the NSIC All-Tournament Team. The Golden Eagles made the NSIC Tournament for the fifth time in school history. UMN Crookston won three games at the NSIC Tournament, the most in program history. They finished one game shy of the NSIC Championship Game.
The Golden Eagles have signed 16 student-athletes for the 2021 season. The four signees join previous signees: Connor Bushbaum (OF, 5-11 170, Saginaw, Minn./South Ridge H.S.), Cameron DeMaria (1B/RHP, 6-7 250, Fresno, Calif./Caruthers H.S.), Nolan Dodds (OF/RHP, 5-11 155, West Fargo, N.D./Sheyenne H.S.), Justin Dykhoff (RHP/IF, 6-3 220, Wadena, Minn./Minnesota State Community and Technical College), Dalton Garbers (IF/OF, 6-3 225, Sioux Falls, S.D./Sioux Falls Lincoln H.S.), Camdin Miller (IF, 6-2 205, Williston, N.D./Williston State College), Angelo Pacyga (OF, 6-1 185, Sunfish Lake, Minn./Saint Thomas Academy), Cam Quinlan (IF, 5-11 155, Cottage Grove, Minn./Hill-Murray H.S.), Isaac Roers (RHP, 6-1 170, Stacy, Minn./Forest Lake H.S.), Sawyer Satrom (RHP/3B, Portland, N.D./May-Port C.G. H.S.), Americo Sculati (OF, 6-2 190, Golden Valley, Minn./Hopkins H.S.), and Max Weber (IF/RHP, St. Paul, Minn./Cretin-Derham Hall H.S.).
The student-athletes listed as having signed a National Letter of Intent or Offer of Admission to play baseball at the University of Minnesota Crookston have been verified by the Minnesota Crookston compliance office once they sign the National Letter of Intent or once the student-athlete has accepted an Offer of Admission for Minnesota Crookston.
Logan Spencer (RHP, 6-0 160, East Grand Forks, Minn./East Grand Forks H.S.)
Spencer has competed in baseball, hockey, and football for East Grand Forks H.S. He tossed an eight-inning shutout for his Senior Babe Ruth team blanking the Grand Forks Blue Devils in July of 2020. He struck out eight in the game, while not allowing a walk. Spencer pitched for East Grand Forks H.S. in 2019 and 2021. As a hockey player, he scored one goal and had 20 assists as a senior for the Green Wave. As a junior on the ice, Spencer notched eight goals and 24 assists.
"Logan was targeted as a top recruit a few years ago," Gust stated. "He flat out is able to pitch. He can command at least two pitches, has a high pitching IQ, and is repeatable with his mechanics. He is just an outstanding athlete and a great student. His commitment to the weight room and our throwing program could help him develop into one of our best in the years to come."
Tucker Holm (RHP/OF, 5-11 170, Hill City, Minn./Hill City H.S.)
Holm was an All-Northern Lakes Conference selection as a sophomore for baseball. He was an All-Northern Lakes Conference Honorable Mention pick in baseball as a freshman. Holm was named All-District for football as a sophomore, junior, and senior. He was a MN Football Honors Scholar-Athlete Honorable Mention selection as a senior.
Holm was born Oct. 1, 2002. He plans to major in sports and recreation management. Holm is the son of Chuck and Laurie Holm. His mom played softball at Itasca Community College and his dad has been active on a town ball team for the past 20-plus years. Baseball is a deep tradition in his family from his grandpa down. He was a school Valedictorian and an Academic Medal winner.
"We are looking for all-around good athletes and Tucker fits the bill," Gust said. "He can play a position for us but he is very intriguing on the mound. With proper development and maturation, Tucker could be an outstanding player for us in the near future."
Derek Lindow (LHP, 6-1 175, Nevis, Minn./Nevis H.S.)
Lindow has earned two letters in baseball and is currently competing in 2021 for Nevis H.S. Lindow had 14 strikeouts over his first six innings in a 5-4 win over Blackduck. He helped Nevis H.S. to an unblemished 6-0 start out of the gate. He also played football and basketball for Nevis H.S. As a sophomore, he hit .356 with 26 runs scored, 11 RBIs, and four doubles. On the mound, he went 4-3 with a 1.41 ERA in eight starts. He struck out 66 and walked just 19.
Lindow was born July 25, 2003. He plans to major in accounting at UMN Crookston. Lindow is the son of Brent Lindow and Karrin Lindow.
"I've watched Derek pitch and play ball since he was just a little kid and have been impressed with his development and maturity," Gust stated. "He has always been athletic but he's starting to understand what it really takes to be successful. He provides us instant depth as a left handed pitcher. It will be very interesting to see Derek's growth and development. He could be a good one for us."
Jakob Wiirre (RHP, 6-1 185, Mims, Fla./Vermillion C.C.)
Wiire was a Perfect Game All-American. He started his career at Division I Florida A&M University in 2019. As a freshman, he played in 15 games with two starts. He scored one run and had one RBI. In 2021, he competed for Vermillion Community College in Ely, Minn. Wiirre hit .402 in 31 games with 23 runs scored, nine doubles, one triple, seven home runs, and 39 RBIs. He also made his debut as a pitcher. Wiirre is 2-2 in 44 innings pitched. He has a 5.32 ERA with 56 strikeouts and 39 walks. Wiirre has tossed one complete game. He earned the high school coaches award and helped Florida A&M to a MEAC Championship in 2019.
He was born Feb. 2, 2001. Wiirre plans to major in healthcare management at UMN Crookston. He is the son of Ann and Kris Wiirre. His uncle Tyler Kondos ran track at Bemidji State. His cousin Dakotah Winans played basketball at Bemidji State. His great uncle Bruce Shutte played Division I hockey at the University of Minnesota and went on to play semi-professionally. His first college at-bat was on the MLB Network. While playing for Florida A&M, he qualified for the NCAA Division I Baseball Regionals. He earned the Phi Theta Kappa Scholar Award.
"Jakob is another intriguing prospect for us," Gust said. "He just started pitching this past year and put together a pretty good season for an improved program at Vermillion. He has played at a high level and knows what it takes to be successful. He is committed to doing whatever it takes to help our program. We believe he will continue to develop as a pitcher and might be a two-way player for us."
