Aberdeen, S.D. – Northern State University head coach
Rocky Burkett announced today the signing of eight student-athletes for the 2020-21 season. Ty Althoff (Watertown, S.D.), Michael Bigler (Pacifica, Calif.), Treyton Cacek (Ruthven, Iowa), Eli Jansen (Springdield, Neb.), Caleb Lazure (Omaha, Neb.), Hayden Prater (Rochester, Ind.), Brenden Salfrank (Aberdeen, S.D.), and Sam Stroup (Watertown, S.D.) will join the Wolves in the fall.
Ty Althoff is a 133-pound wrestler out of Watertown High School. He is a 4-year starter and team captain for the Arrows under the direction of head coach Chas Welch. Althoff has 102 career victories placing fifth at 106-pounds in 2018 and second at 120-pounds in 2019. He is a 2-time all-conference performer. He is the son of Aaron and Christina Althoff.
Michael Bigler is a 125-pound wrestler out of Archbishop Riordan High School. He is a 4-year starter and 2-year team captain for the Crusaders under the direction of head coach Tony Tran. Through his first three seasons, Bigler has 105 career victories. He is a 3-time league champion, 2-time section place winner, California Freestyle State Champion, and Reno Worlds All-American. Bigler finished seventh at the California State Tournament in 2019 and was the San Francisco Wrestler of the Year. He is the son of Steve and Erica Bigler.
Treyton Cacek is a 184-pound wrestler out of Ruthven-Ayrshire High School. He is a4-year starter and team captain for the Titans under the direction of head coach Alex Helmich. Cacek holds a career record of 107-14, after going 46-0 as a junior. Cacek won the Iowa State Championship a season ago. He is the son of Keith and Jennifer Cacek.
Eli Jansen is a 197-pound wrestler out of Skutt Catholic. He is a 4-year starter and team captain for the Hawks under the direction of head coach Chas Devetter. Through his first three seasons, Jansen has 104 career victories. He was a state qualifier as a freshman, took second as a sophomore, and won the Nebraska State Championship as a junior at 182 pounds. Skutt Catholic has one two State and State Dual Championships in Jansen's tenure. Jansen is also a USAW Folkstyle All-American. He is the son of Terry and Julie Jansen.
Caleb Lazure is a 133-pound wrestler out of Skutt Catholic. He is a 4-year starter and 2-year team captain for the Skyhawks under the direction of head coach Chas Devetter. He won the Nebraska State Title as a freshman and finished fourth and second the following two seasons. Lazure is a 2-time academic all-state recipient. He is also a member of MWC, where he finished sixth at preseason nationals in 2018. He is the son of Joe and Keri Lazure.
Haydn Prater is a 157-pound wrestler out of Rochester High School. He is a 4-year starter and 3-year team captain for the Zebra under the direction of head coach Clint Gard. Prater won both the conference and sectional championships in 2019, advancing to the semi-state round. He is the 2019 regional champion, an All-TRC honoree, and academic all-state honorable mention selection. He is the son of Robert and Hollie Prater.
Brenden Salfrank is a 125-pound wrestler out of Aberdeen Central High School. He is a 4-year starter and 2-year team captain for the Golden Eagles under the direction of head coach Donnie Bowden. Slafrank holds a career record of 108-27 heading into his senior campaign. He is a 2-time all-conference selection, 2-time all-area pick, 2-time all-state honoree, 2-time region champion, and 2-time state placer. Salfrank went undefeated in 2019, en route to the South Dakota State Championship. He was named to 2019 All-Area Wrestler of the Year. Salfrank is a 2-time USAW folkstyle All-American. He is the son of Todd and Lori Salfrank.
Sam Stroup is a 165-pound wrestler out of Watertown High School. He is a 4-year starter and team captain for the Arrows under the direction of head coach Chas Welch. Stroup is a 3-time state qualifier, placing once in his career. Watertown won the conference championship in 2017 and 2018. He is the son of Rich and Susie Stroup.
