Vermillion’s Luke Heine signs with Augie wrestling

Luke Heine of Vermillion has signed a national letter of intent to attend Augustana College and wrestle for the Vikings, according to head coach Jason Reitmeier.

Heine, who is entering his senior season at Vermillion High School, has qualified for the South Dakota Class A state meet in each of the past three seasons. He won the 171-pound state title as a junior in 2007 after posting a 34-1 record that included 72 takedowns.

Along the way he helped the Tanagers to a 12-2 dual record, a runner-up regional finish and a 9th-place finish at the state tournament.

Heine, a 3-time All-Big 8 Conference performer, finished fifth in the state at 160 pounds as a junior in 2005-06 after finishing second at the regional championships. He finished the season with a 30-9 record.

Entering his senior year, Heine has a 91-22 record over the past 3 seasons.

We are extremely happy to have Luke coming to Augie, Reitmeier said of Heine, who is expected to compete at 174 or 184 pounds at Augustana. Luke is a big strong kid with a lot a athletic ability. Luke will excel in our program working with Tom Meester and the rest of our young upper weights. I don't think Luke has even tapped into his overall potential. Luke is also a strong student and I am looking forward to having him on the team in 2008-09.

Heine is the third high school standout to sign with the Vikings during the early signing period. He joins a class that includes Nate Herda of Rock Rapids, IA, and Carl Serck of Hudson.