MARSHALL, Minn. -  Southwest Minnesota State head wrestling coach Jesse Nelson announced today the signing of two more student-athletes for the 2009-10 season.  The signees include Erik Berdahl of Coon Rapids, Minn., and William Fate of Mecosta, Mich.

A five-time letterwinner and 2009 graduate of Coon Rapids High School, Berdahl brings a Minnesota state title to SMSU.  He was also an all-state and all-conference performer for the Cardinals and set the CRHS single-season record for pins.  Berdahl was also a two-time member of both the Junior National Team and the Cadet National Team.  Also a standout on the football field, Berdahl put together an impressive 44-4 campaign this past season.  He is expected to wrestle at 184 or 197 pounds for SMSU.

“Erik is going to be a great addition to our team,” said Nelson.  “He has a lot of experience under his belt and knows what it takes to be successful.”

Fate brings a trio of Michigan state finishes to SMSU, highlighted by a third-place finish this past season.  A native of Mecosta, Mich., and 2009 graduate of Chippewa Hills High School, Fate was a four-time state qualifier, three-time district champion, two-time regional champion and two-time league champion.  His 59 wins in 2009 set a CHHS single-season record; he is also the school's all-time leader in career wins with 199.  Fate is expected to wrestle at 171 pounds for SMSU.

“We are very excited to have William join our team,” Nelson said.  “He's a great athlete with a solid work ethic, and we are confident he will make a big impact as a Mustang.”

The two signees join a group of nine others who have already signed with SMSU.  They include Justin Reinsma from Slayton, Minn., Codie Lane from Sauk Rapids, Minn., Trent Molacek from Willmar, Minn., Travis Frederiksen from Cosmos, Minn, Casey Field from Clarkfield, Minn., Austen Cole from Clarkfield, Minn., Jacob Begin from Anoka, Minn., Andrew Rodas  from Monona, Iowa, and Micah Larson from Atwater, Minn.

Southwest Minnesota State University, located in Marshall, Minn., is a member of NCAA Division II and the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.