University of Minnesota head coach John Anderson and the coaching staff have announced the signing of nine student-athletes Wednesday. Sam joins Minnetonka alum Luhe Petterson at the U of M. FULL ARTICLE

Easton Bertrand, Josh Culliver, Ryan Duffy, Patrick Fredrickson, Jacob Hitz, Charles “Bubba” Horton, Max Meyer and Sam Thoresen all signed National Letters of Intent while Danny Kapala inked an Acceptance of Admission.

The 2017 class features seven pitchers, one outfielder and one infielder. Six of the incoming student-athletes hail from Minnesota and the other three are from the states of Illinois, Nebraska and Washington respectively.

"I am excited about the make-up of the 2017 recruiting class,” Anderson said. “It reflects the exceptional work and leadership of Assistant Head Coach, Rob Fornasiere, the contributions of new assistant Pat Casey and our support staff. It represents an impressive class of pitching arms that was the main focus of this class. Add the two talented right-handed hitters that we need to off-set our strong line-up of left-handed hitters, and we have a talented foundation of players that make for a bright future starting with the 2018 season. The staff and I are extremely excited about this class of exceptional young men, their understanding and believe in our "Why". They have a strong desire to wear the "M", the talent and make-up that will translate to optimal, consistent performance in the Big Ten Conference. I am convinced they will add to our long and proud tradition of excellence in the classroom and on the field of play."

Sam Thoresen (Minnetonka, Minn./Minnetonka HS) RHP | 6-3 | B/T: R/R

Thoresen is ranked the No. 6 prospect in the state according to Prep Baseball Report. Was named all-conference in 2016 and team captain in 2017. Had a 1.13 ERA in 2016. Is on the A Honor Roll. His uncles Brian Thoresen and Jeff Teal played hockey for Minnesota from 1978-82.

Fornasiere: “Sam is a physical pitcher with a hard slider and a moving fastball. He is a strike thrower with swing and miss stuff. 

Thoresen: “I chose Minnesota because it is a great school and it has been my dream to play for the Gophers my whole life. The coaching staff is highly respected and the University of Minnesota is a strong academic institution.”