SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Augustana head wrestling coach Jason Reitmeier announced Wednesday Morgan Engbrecht from Sturgis, S.D., and Brandon Charbonneau from Emporia, Kan., have signed letters of intent to continue their academic and athletic careers at Augustana beginning in 2012-13.
Engbrecht is a senior at Sturgis High School, where he already has two state titles. As a junior, he went 44-2 and logged 32 pins en route to a state title, while his junior season included a 46-0 mark, 39 pins and a state title. He was a third-place state finisher as a freshman after going 39-2. A three-time all-conference performer, Engbrecht is expected to wrestle at 125 pounds for Augustana.
“Morgan is a scoring machine and is always looking for points and the fall,” Reitmeier said. “He has a great mat sense and always knows which way to turn and move. Morgan has had great success not only on the state level but on the national stage. He trains year round, which will make his transition to the college level very smooth.”
Charbonneau will graduate from Emporia High School in Kansas this spring. He charted a 32-6 record last year as a junior and finished third at state. As a sophomore, Charbonneau went 37-4 and earned a state title. He also finished 32-9 as a freshman. Charbonneau is a two-time All-American on the junior circuit. He will wrestle at 141 pounds for the Vikings.
“Brandon comes in with a wealth of wrestling knowledge, having competed in all three styles throughout his career,” Reitmeier said. “He has had great success at the national level and will not be intimidated by the college scene. Brandon is a very intelligent wrestler who seems to always find a way to win, especially the big matches.”
Wednesday is the first day of the early signing period for NCAA wrestling programs.
Augustana competes at the Dakota Wesleyan Open Saturday in Mitchell, S.D.
Located in Sioux Falls, S.D., Augustana College is a member of NCAA Division II and competes in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.