WADENA — WDC senior Josh Dykhoff has signed a National Letter of Intent to continue his baseball career at the University of Minnesota-Crookston.
Josh signed during the early signing period last fall but was recognized with a signing at the school on Monday, March 21.
"They had been in contact with me since the start of my junior year," Dykhoff said. "They are a team on the rise and play good baseball in a good, competitive league."
Josh added that he also likes the small campus and the small town feel. Josh will join his older brother Jake who also plays for the Golden Eagles. Jake is currently a redshirt junior.
"The more I saw Josh, the more I wanted him in our program," said Golden Eagles' baeball head coach Steve Gust. "He has all the tools we look for in a player. I probably saw him pitch a handful of times and I like his competitiveness, passion for the game, ability to command the ball and his projectability. I believe his best baseball is ahead of him even though he has had an outstanding high school career thus far. His size and presence on the field lead me to believe that he can blossom at our level."
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Josh added that another reason he liked UM-Crookston is that he would be able to play right away as a pitcher and possible outfielder.
"We do believe he will be a guy that helps us in year one," Gust said. "Josh probably projects as a top level pitcher, but we are not ruling out his ability to be a two-way player. I really like his swing and his ability to play other positions. That decision can be made at a later date after we see him compete with the other members of our program."
Josh's parents, Wayne and Stacy Dykhoff, said they were "extremely proud" of their son's accomplishments and added that it shows other student/athletes that "if you work hard, your dreams can come true."
"He's is a gifted athlete, but he has worked hard on, his craft," said Josh's high school baseball coach, Kyle Dykhoff. "But in addition to his talent, he knows the importance of helping his teammates and brings out the best in each one."
Norm Gallant, WDC Activities Director, agreed.
"Josh is one of the best leaders that I've seen," Gallant said. "It's like having another coach on the field, no matter the sport. He has an outstanding work ethic that sets an example for his teammates and he makes each and every player feel valued."
"Our roster is full of Minnesota kids who really want to develop as players and students," added Coach Gust. "He will be earning a University of Minnesota degree and playing baseball at a high level. Pitchers in the NSIC get drafted almost every year and others get signed to independent professional contracts."
"I'm excited to keep playing," Josh stated. "I hope to stay healthy and plan to get stronger before starting my college career. Dreams can come true."
