fallTwo-time Wisconsin Division 1 (large-school division) state cross country champion Chris Rombough signed a National Letter of Intent and will join the Minnesota men's cross country program in the fall of 2005, Golden Gopher head coach Steve Plasencia announced.

"Chris is one of the top seniors in the nation and we are thrilled that he is now a Golden Gopher," said Golden Gopher head coach Steve Plasencia. "Chris will make an immediate impact and will definitely help our program build a strong future."

Rombough, a New London High School senior, recently defended his state crown by covering the 5-kilometer state championship course in Wisconsin Rapids in a time of 15 minutes, 46.5 seconds. As a junior, he won his first state medalist honor in a time of 15:27.0. In 2002 as a sophomore, Rombough earned all-state honors with an eighth-place finish (16:06).

A native of Fremont, Wis., Rombough is also a four-time all-state honoree in track. He earned trips to the state meet in the 1,600-meter and 3,200-meter runs as both a sophomore and junior. He placed second in both events last season, clocking times of 4:15.09 in the 1,600m and 9:12.80 in the 3,200m. As a sophomore, Rombough finished seventh in the 1,600m (4:21.22) and fourth in the 3,200m (9:26.30).

Minnesota, currently ranked No. 22 nationally, competes on Saturday in the NCAA Midwest Region Championships in Peoria, Ill. The Golden Gophers are chasing an eighth consecutive trip to the NCAA Men's Cross Country Championships.