Gophers men’s basketball player Kyle Sanden will sit out the 1996-97 season after suffering two concussions in fall practice, the team announced Thursday.
Sanden experienced his initial concussion the first day of practice last month when teammate Sam Jacobson accidentally kneed him in the back of the head. His second one came during the Gophers intrasquad game Oct. 26 when Trevor Winter’s elbow hit him in the head.
Headaches and dizziness have bothered the freshman from Thief River Falls, Minn., since the injuries. He hasn’t been able to participate in contact drills during practice.
Sanden is the second Gophers player to redshirt this season. The other is freshman Kevin Loge, who is recovering from finger surgery.
— Todd Zolecki
Gophers baseball signings
The Gophers baseball team has received written commitments from six players in the early signing period. The list includes five Minnesota high school seniors and a junior-college transfer from Casper, Wyo.
Here is a list of the players and a short biography:
ù Jeremy Beaulieu is a defensive catcher from Mounds View High School. Minnesota coach John Anderson believes Beaulieu will be able to come in as a freshman and contribute to the team right away.
ù Paul Hartmann, a native of Red Wing, Minn., can play any position on the field except pitcher. He has good speed and will be asked to learn how to switch hit. Anderson said Hartmann’s versatility will be an asset to the team.
ù Scott Howard hit .320 and had 38 stolen bases last season for Rosemount High School and legion teams. The second baseman helped the Irish to consecutive state tournament berths in his sophomore and junior years. He has good speed and will also learn to switch hit.
ù Jason Kennedy is an outfielder for Minnetonka High School who has impressive offensive statistics. He hit .423 with 77 hits in only 59 games. He also had 35 stolen bases. Anderson said Kennedy’s best asset, however, is his defense and strong arm.
ù Joshua Russell is a big, athletic shortstop who can hit for power. Anderson compared the St. Paul native to former Gophers shortstop Bill Mobilia.
ù Josh Kalinowski is a left-handed junior college standout as a pitcher. He was recruited by powerhouses Florida, Florida State, Alabama and N.W. Louisiana and was drafted by the Major League’s Colorado Rockies in the 1996 amateur draft. Anderson said Kalinowski is professional-caliber talent who will start and star for the Gophers immediately.
— Matthew Cross