Aug. 12, 2005

Champaign, Ill. - University of Illinois senior outfielder Ryan Rogowski (Livonia, Mich.) will sign a contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers following the completion of his season in the Northwoods League. Rogowski was named first team All-Big Ten in 2005 after hitting a team-leading .374 and stealing 31-of-36 bases.

"It's sad to leave Illinois, but I believe this is the best opportunity I'll get so I can't pass this up," Rogowski said. "We've accomplished a lot there and I wish I could come back, but I feel like this is the best opportunity for me."

Rogowski starred in the wooden-bat Northwoods League this summer, leading the Madison Mallards in batting average (.338), runs (51), hits (77), stolen bases (41), triples (5), home runs (4), slugging percentage (.474) and on-base percentage (.407) through Aug. 8.

Rogowski must wait to sign a professional contract until after the NWL season in accordance with league rules regarding amateur players.