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At Eagan, a rivalry takes shape

By Star Tribune, 02/01/12, 8:21PM CST

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Four teammates choose between Minnesota Duluth, St. Cloud State during National Signing Day


St. Cloud State-bound Mitch Knutson received a bear hug from football coach Rick Sutton during a National Signing Day ceremony at Eagan.

One after another, 13 Eagan High School athletes signing national letters of intent Wednesday morning were introduced by activities director Sandra Setter. At the far end of the group, Mitch Knutson stood up in his bright red St. Cloud State T-shirt and thanked family members in attendance squeezed into the crammed multipurpose room at the school.

He was asked what he's looking forward to most about his college career.

"Playing against the 'Three Musketeers' over there," he said with a nod to his right.

The trio -- Drew Bauer, Connor Randall and Eric Woodcock -- all signed to play for Minnesota Duluth.

"It's not just a team, it's a brotherhood," Woodcock said of the Bulldogs.

They've got some talent up there, too.

Minnesota Duluth won NCAA Division II championships in 2008 and 2010. The Bulldogs were knocked out by Wayne State (Mich.) in this fall's quarterfinals, but all three future players said getting back to a national stage is the prime goal.

"Nothing comes easy, so we know we're going to have to work harder than we ever did in high school," Bauer said.

Bauer, a quarterback, will benefit under the tutelage of former Rosemount athlete Chase Vogler, who passed for 1,873 yards and 13 touchdowns for the Bulldogs this fall. The two grew up in the same neighborhood.

"He's excited to have me up there," Bauer said. "But the first thing I'm going to do is find Coach [Bob Nielson], give him a big hug, say thanks and get to work."

BRIAN STENSAAS

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