In its August 2 issue Sporting News magazine lists the top 100 prep football recruits from across the country. There’s not a single player from Minnesota, and the Gophers aren’t included on the possible college destinations for any prospect.
Big Ten football media day (televised by the Big Ten Network) wasn’t without interesting moments on Monday. A reporter asked 83-year-old Penn State coach Joe Paterno if he plans to die coaching. Paterno, who has been head coach in Happy Valley since Lyndon Johnson was president in 1966, answered the question politely and said he plans to coach indefinitely. Wisconsin’s Brett Bielema said coaches “brainwash players” but he doesn’t. Illinois coach Ron Zook, on the hottest coaching seat in the conference, said his team “on paper” is the equal of the Illini’s 2008 Rose Bowl team.
Gophers coach Tim Brewster has a local media lunch today and then his team opens practice tomorrow.
Independence Party candidate for governor Tom Horner is the son of the late Jack Horner, a pioneer sportscaster on television here.
For the fourth consecutive year Canterbury Park is promoting non-wagering races involving camels and ostriches. Those races are part of “Extreme Race Day” on Sunday that also includes unconventional horse racing.
Members of the C.O.R.E.S. and Minnesota Minutemen organizations will have their annual golf tournament on September 2 at Ridges at Sand Creek in Jordan. The registration deadline is August 23. For more information contact Duane McEwen at 651-484-5614 or mcewendh@aol.com.