MANHATTAN, Kan. - Kansas State head men's golf coach Tim Norris announced the signing of Mitchell Gregson to a National Letter of Intent (NLI), becoming the fifth signee for the 2006-07 season. Gregson joins Joe Ida, Ross Geubelle, Brian Larson and Jason Shulte, all who inked their names during the fall signing period.

"Mitchell is an excellent athlete," Norris said. "He is playing baseball right now, but is looking forward to devoting his time solely on golf. He is a competitive athlete that really understands the team concept of golf. His game really fits well for Colbert Hills because he has low ball flight. That will make for an easy transition."

Gregson actually signed with Saint Louis during the fall signing period, but the university informed Gregson that they were discontinuing golf starting next year.

"We both said it was kind of meant to be," said Norris.

Currently a senior at Waterloo (Ill.) High School, Gregson comes in with many accomplishments not only as a high school player, but also as an amateur in the St. Louis area. Gregson was named the team's Most Valuable Player and was an all-conference selection all four years (2002-05). During his senior season this past fall, he recorded a 72.00 stroke average and also broke the school's 9-hole record at 5-under par 31.

Gregson placed first in the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) regionals and sectionals, carding a 69 and a 71, respectively. He also broke an IHSA Class AA record, carding a 71-70-141 (-3) during the state tournament. He made a birdie putt on the last hole to force a playoff in the state tournament, but lost in a four-hole playoff.

Other accomplishments include being named the Metro East Player of the Year in 2005, the St. Louis Cardinals 2005-06 Athlete of the Year award, as well as the 2005 Belleville News Democrat Golfer of the Year.

During the summer Gregson competes in the AJGA and the St. Louis Metro Golf Association. His biggest amateur win came at the St. Louis Metropolitan Junior Amateur Championship in 2005, firing a 3-under par 141 to take home the title.

"There are plenty of competitive opportunities in the St. Louis area. It is really a good area for golf. After playing over there during the summer, he will be ready to step in in the fall," Norris said.

Gregson will join a young Wildcat team next season as the team fields eight freshmen and sophomores to go along with one junior and one senior.