Bison score big by signing Mueller

The Forum, Fargo, North Dakota

11/22/1996

Bison score big by signing Mueller By Jeff Kolpack On the eve of hosting the University of Minnesota tonight, North Dakota State's wrestling program scored a potential NCAA Division I recruit.

Hillsboro's Bryan Mueller inked a letter of intent with the Bison during the NCAA's early-signing period.

The Bison are expecting big things from Mueller, who pinned 31 of his 32 opponents last year. The opponent who escaped the fall was beaten by technical fall. None of 32 of Mueller's matches lasted more than two periods.

"Bryan has the potential to become one of the greatest pinners in our wrestling history," said NDSU coach Bucky Maughan. "He's just awesome on the mat." Maughan considers Mueller the best prep recruit in North Dakota this year "without a doubt." By signing early, he probably will avoid an influx of nationwide recruiters.

"Everybody in the world would be after him," Maughan said.

Mueller enters his senior season at Hillsboro with a 133-24 career record, including 108 by pin. He was the Class B 160-pound champion last year.

Maughan expects Mueller to wrestle at 177 or 190 pounds at NDSU. The Bison have a pipeline going with the Burro program, which has elevated under coach Ron Gadberry.

"He has great levers and an uncanny feel for the sport," Gadberry said of Mueller. "He's like a cat." Mueller will follow John Duffy, Morris Duffy and Joel Vettel. The Duffys are currently freshmen at NDSU and Vettel was a Division II national runner-up in 1994.