Casey inks commitment to Minnesota

Brayten Casey is your Varsity Journal Athlete of the Week. The senior from Menomonie High School made his college decision official when he put pen to paper this past week, inking his commitment to compete at the University of Minnesota in the fall.

Casey has been a standout wrestler for the Mustangs his last four years. Competing in the 113-lb weight class, Casey proved why he is deserving of a spot on the Golden Gopher’s mats.

He put himself in the history books with other great Menomonie wrestlers on December 2 of this past season, when he pinned his final opponent, at the Board Hyland Invitational meet. Casey’s win marked the 100th of his career, but he was not finished there. The senior would later go on to lead his team to their first state appearance in school history.

Casey’s size, speed, and moves were enough to cement himself as one of the top wrestlers in Division 1 this past season as he amassed a record of 50-7. All of this effort was good enough to earn him the #2 ranking in Wisconsin on his way to state.

At the Kohl Center, Casey capped off his successful career with a second-place finish in his weight class and stood on the podium with a silver medal around his neck.

With his signing on April 17, the senior will head West to join the Minnesota Gophers wrestling squad. The Gophers, a powerhouse in Big 10 Wrestling, are home to several Olympic or former Olympic wrestlers, including recent 2020 Olympic gold medalist, Gable Steveson.

Casey will look to become a contributor to this stellar squad, and above all else, get some more pins.