Minnesota third baseman Jack Hannahan and the Detroit Tigers have come to terms on a contract that will pay him $480,000.

“It’s a big relief,” said Hannahan. “I’ve missed a lot of practice time and the season has already started. I was just really anxious to get out there and start playing.”

Hannahan is headed to New York to play with the Oneonta Tigers of the N.Y.-Penn League. Oneonta is a Class-A affiliate of Detroit.

Hannahan was drafted by the Tigers in the third round of the June draft after receiving Big Ten player of the year honors. He hit .372 with 15 home runs and 63 RBI last year as a junior for the Gophers.

Lowney wrestles the world

Minnesota wrestler Garrett Lowney, the 2001 Big Ten heavyweight champion, competes this weekend at the World Team Trials in Cincinnati, Ohio. Lowney will wrestle in the Greco-Roman division at 213.75 pounds.

The Challenge Tournament in all three styles will be held on Friday and Saturday and the championship finals in each weight class take place Sunday.

Former Gopher grapplers Brandon Eggum (187.25 pounds) and Tim Hartung (213.75) will also compete at the trials.

Minnesota 23rd in
standings

The University finished the 2000-01 school year in 23rd place for the Division I Sears Directors’ Cup. The Gophers scored 639 points, good for fifth among Big Ten teams in the standings. Points are awarded on each of the institutions finish in up to 20 sports, 10 each for men and women. Each national champion receives 100 points.