Wenzlaff becomes second signee to ink with DWU men’s soccer

MITCHELL, S.D. – Dakota Wesleyan University men's soccer Head Coach, Paul Bennett continues to add local talent to the 2017 roster, this time with the addition of Gabriel Wenzlaff from Yankton, S.D.

 Wenzlaff started for the Yankton Bucks for three seasons at the forward position. He looks to make an immediate impact and add pressure to opposing defenses.

 "We are excited to keep another South Dakota product in the state and to continue his athletic and academic career at DWU," Bennett said.

 He was named Second Team All-State and Second Team All-ESD in 2015 while the Bucks finished with a 6-6 record. During his senior season in 2016, the Bucks finished 8-1-3 while Wenzlaff earned Second Team All-ESD honors. The 5-foot-8 forward helped his team to an ESD championship in 2014.

 "Gabriel is a player with a good ability, coupled with a high soccer IQ," Bennett said. "These qualities should allow him to adapt to the collegiate game fairly quickly, which will create some much needed competition amongst our attacking options."

 Outside of high school, Wenzlaff competed on the soccer pitch for various club teams. He competed for the Yankton Inferno and the Dakota Alliance Soccer Club based out of Sioux Falls, S.D. Off the soccer field, the Yankton, S.D., native competed for the Bucks football team for one season and the wrestling team for two years.

 Gabriel is the son of Mark Wenzlaff and Angela Shuff. He plans to major in biology while attending DWU.

 The Tigers open their season with an exhibition contest against Iowa Lakes Community College at 4:30 p.m. Aug. 12 in Mitchell, S.D.