The University of Minnesota wrestling team returned to the Maturi Pavilion to welcome family, friends, and fans to an open practice. The practice drew a solid turnout for the Gophers, who normally held their open practice in the Bierman Gym or wrestling room in Bierman in years past.
The Minnesota faithful got a chance to look at the team that wrestled in two groups, the heavier wrestlers on one side, and the lighter on the other side of the two mats that were set up in the Pavilion.
“It was great to see some good attendance today, it made these matches a little more realistic as we get closer to the Daktronics,” head coach Brandon Eggum said.
The coaching staff used the open practice as a chance to see live wrestling as the first action of the season is just in eight days at the Daktronics Open. Each healthy wrestler was able to complete three matches each in the few hours on the mat.
“We had all of these guys do a similar thing last week, getting close to wrestling weight,” Eggum said. “It is easier for some of the guys and tougher for other guys to get down to their weight as you can see today, but they have done a really good job overall.
The crowd was also given insight on the team as Eggum and other Gopher staff members worked on a microphone throughout the day’s matches.
The open practice was the second consecutive day that Gopher Wrestling showcased the program for in-person audiences. On Friday, the program hosted its annual Coaching Clinic, featuring experts in multiple facets of wrestling including nutrition, technique and more. Speakers included John Parenti, Max Askren and Hayden Zillmer.
The start of Minnesota’s season is just over a week away. Most of the Gopher lineup will start the year on Sunday at the Daktronics Open at South Dakota State University.
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