The University of Minnesota Crookston baseball program announced the signing of five student-athletes in the early signing period for their 2026 class. The Golden Eagles inked Drew Ellingson (P, 6-1 188, Dent, Minn./Perham H.S.), Marek Hall (C/UT, 6-0 185, Missoula, Mont./Sentinel H.S.), Carter Nelson (RHP, 6-5 215, Bayport, Minn./Stillwater H.S.), Isaac Porter (RHP, 6-3 210, Park River, N.D./Park River Area H.S.), and Thomas Vekich (3B, 6-3 185, Coleraine, Minn./Minnesota North College – Itasca).
“We are extremely excited about our early signees,” said Head Coach Steve Gust. “It isn’t a complete list of recruits for next year, but in the portal and transfer era of recruiting, this is an awesome bunch of recruits. We have a lot of size and athleticism in this class including some top-tier power pitchers. We have been very particular with whom we recruit, and these guys graded out on top of our 2026 class. Most importantly, they all do well in the classroom, and have a strong desire to join our baseball program and get a University of Minnesota degree.”
Drew Ellingson (RHP, 6-1 188, Dent, Minn./Perham H.S.)
Ellingson has been a top talent in Minnesota on Prep Baseball Report for the 2026 class. He was a 2025 All-Section 8-AA selection. Ellingson was named 2025 Heart O’Lakes All-Conference and 2024 All-Conference Honorable Mention. He went 6-1 last season, with a 0.83 ERA in 42 innings pitched.
He is the son of Brenda and David Ellingson. Ellingson plans to major in elementary education at Minnesota Crookston.
“Drew has been on our radar for the past several years,” Gust stated. “He is one of the state’s top power pitchers, a proven winner, and comes from one of Minnesota’s top Class AA baseball programs. He is a competitor, loyal and hard working. He has a strong desire and passion for our program and school. He has a chance to be a top-end pitcher for us early in his career.”
Marek Hall (C/UT, 6-0 185, Missoula, Mont./Sentinel H.S.)
Hall was a First Team All-Western AA Conference selection. He was named the Sentinel High School Defensive Player of the Year. Hall received the coaches’ award, and earned the Missoula Impact Baseball – Pete Rose Award. He was named to the Reese Widman Memorial All-Tournament Team. Hall hit .371 in high school, and caught 18 runners stealing.
He is the son of Dannalee and Victor Hall. He plans to major in exercise science and wellness at Minnesota Crookston.
“Marek is just an all-around great person, and he fills a need for us at the catcher position,” Gust stated. “He has tools, is passionate about the game and our school, and will be a great teammate. I would expect him to see big gains in his development once he gets here, and we expect him to have a stellar senior season in Montana.”
Carter Nelson (RHP 6-5 215, Bayport/Stillwater H.S.)
Nelson has been a top talent per Prep Baseball Report in Minnesota, ranking at 29 in the state and 12 at his position. He was an All-Conference Honorable Mention selection and was named the Logan Shore Top Pitcher for 2024-25 with the Minnesota Blizzard. Nelson was a Junior Legion All Star in 2024 with Bayport Legion. Nelson was named to the Perfect Game All Tournament Team.
He is the son of Shana Nelson and Steven Bertrand. Nelson plans to major in business at Minnesota Crookston. His aunt went to school at Minnesota Crookston.
“Carter has a passion and desire to do whatever it takes to be successful,” Gust said. “He is a talented pitcher right now and is very projectable. His size, strength and arm speed will help him transition to our level. We expect big things from Carter from day one and feel he has a chance to develop into a special player.”
Isaac Porter (RHP, 6-3 210, Park River, N.D./Park River Area H.S.)
Porter was a Second Time All-Region 4 selection. He was a Second Team All-State pick.
His cousin Neil Nagle played for Coach Steve Gust at Dakota Wesleyan University, as did his cousin Kevin Hatcher. He is the son of Donny and Amy Porter. Porter plans to major in agricultural business.
“Isaac has a bright future for us,” Gust remarked. “He has developed into a good high school pitcher and we feel he will continue to develop at our level. He is another recruit that comes from a winning program and plays for one of the best small town high school programs in North Dakota. It will be fun to watch how he develops over the next four years.”
Thomas Vekich (3B, 6-3 185, Coleraine/Minnesota North College – Itasca)
Vekich earned All-Conference honors in high school in 2023 and 2024 at Greenway High School. He hit .374 in 41 games for the Itasca Vikings. Vekich hit one home run, had 35 RBI, and 26 runs scored. He also stole six bases.
He is the son of Julie and Mike Vekich. Vekich plans to major in natural resources-law enforcement. His uncle Derek played hockey at St. Cloud State, and his father Mike Vekich played baseball at Minnesota Duluth.
“Thomas is a great all-around talent,” Gust said. “He is a left-handed hitting infielder who can play the outfield, as well. He has a combination of power and speed. His versatility is just what we are looking for in a junior college recruit. I expect him to have a big year at Itasca and continue to develop when he arrives on campus.”
