Gophers coach Tim Brewster expects at least seven players to be walk-ons, adding to his 2010 recruiting class. Among those expected to walk-on is Isaac Fruechte, wide receiver from Caledonia, according to https://www.winonadailynews.com/sports/e88f5a22-0c96-11df-a747-001cc4c03286.html.
Seantrel Henderson is included on the final list of 25 candidates for the state’s Mr. Basketball award. The winner will be announced in March prior to the boys’ state tournament, according to an announcement last week from Mr. Basketball chair Ken Lien.
Vikings wide receiver Percy Harvin and offensive tackle Philip Loadholt were named to the NFL all-rookie team in the January 18 issue of Sporting News magazine. Harvin also was the magazine’s choice as kick returner on both its all-rookie and all-pro teams. Other Vikings on the all-pro team were running back Adrian Peterson, offensive guard Steve Hutchinson, defensive end Jared Allen and defensive tackle Kevin Williams.
When the Colts and Saints play in the Super Bowl, two former Gopher assistants will be coaching. The Colts offensive coordinator is Tom Moore (1972-73 and 1975-76), while the Saints special teams coach is Greg McMahon (1983-84).
A players poll in the January 18 issue of Sports Illustrated selected former Timberwolf Kevin Garnett as the “NBA’s biggest trash talker.” Garnett, now with the Celtics, had 62 percent of the votes, while Kobe Bryant of the Lakers was second at a distant seven percent.
Joel Przybilla, the former Gophers center from Monticello, is rehabilitating his torn right patella tendon in Brookfield, Wisconsin, according to friend John Bell Wilson. He said Przybilla has been told by his personal trainer it’s “80-20” he could play for his Portland team by April. Przybilla, originally from Monticello, makes his home in Brookfield.
Canterbury Park’s thoroughbred stakes schedule for 2010 features 34 races totaling $1.71 million in purses, including six Claiming Crown races and seven on Minnesota Festival of Champions Day. The 62-day meet begins May 14 and closes on August 29, festival day. The 12th Claiming Crown, an event attracting top jockeys and claiming horses from throughout the country, will be July 24.
The St. Thomas men’s baseball team is ranked No. 1 in the preseason polls by the American Baseball Coaches Association and D3Baseball.com. Interim head coach Chris Olean will have 19 of 25 players back from last season’s NCAA championship team. Practices start today.