Zane Zeman Signs on to Wrestle at University of Minnesota

wrestling standout Zane Zeman has made school history before the wrestling season even started.

The senior signed a national letter of intent on Wednesday to attend the University of Minnesota.

Athletic director Erich Frombach said that Zeman is the first Avon High athlete to get an athletic scholarship to a Big Ten school.

He's also the first Avon wrestler to get a Division I scholarship, coach Mark Porter said.

"Minnesota recognized a lot of things in Zane we've seen," Porter said. "He's improved every year. He's focused and extremely hard-working. But he's not an egomaniac. Wrestling is an individual sport, but he cares a lot about the team and his teammates."

Zeman is 119-16 in his career heading into his senior season. He reached the championship match at the last year, but was pinned by Bo Jordan of St. Paris Graham Local.

Zeman plans to study bioengineering.

Also signing a letter of intent Wednesday was Eagles baseball star Joel Yeagley, who will attend Division II Mercyhurst College in Erie, Penn.

"I knew when (Joel) was a freshman that he could be a great player," said Eagles coach Frank DeSmith. "He's the kind of kid who carried the bags and buckets because the seniors told him to do so. Now that he's the upperclassman, he's still out there putting the tarp on, doing what needs to be done, setting an example for the younger players."

The Eagles won their last season.

Yeagley plans to major in business with a focus on finance.