A major announcement regarding football scheduling, possibly involving a couple of future opponents will be made soon by the Gophers, according to Maturi.
Maturi said his department is looking at cost estimates for a new practice facility for Gopher basketball. Such a facility may also accommodate other sports like wrestling and possibly be attached to Williams Arena on the University Ave. side of the building. New basketball practice facilities are popular now among big time college basketball programs. Maturi said the project will have to wait until fund raising is completed for the new TCF Bank Stadium.
Maturi is “hopeful” ground can be broken in 2010 for the new baseball stadium. The facility will be located almost on the same site as Siebert Field and capacity will be in the 3,000 to 5,000 capacity, Maturi said. Cost stages could begin with $5 million and extend to $15 million. Starting with the basics of the field, dugouts, press box and stands will allow a more comfortable progression of financing. Maturi said, “We don’t need to have all the amenities on the front end. …”
That was former Hopkins star Dan Vandervieren who played for Colorado State against the Gophers on Saturday night in Fort Collins. Vandervieren, a sophomore center who started his college career at Purdue, scored 15 points and had eight rebounds in a 72-71 loss to the Gophers.
The Wolves’ management was hoping for a better performance than the team showed in a 95-78 loss to the NBA champion Celtics on Friday night. Playing before a rare near capacity crowd, the Wolves made a positive marketing statement in the first half when they led 39-36, but in the third quarter the Celtics out scored them 35-10. On local TV, team color man Jim Petersen said early in the fourth quarter: “I wouldn’t mind seeing Brock Lesnar in a Wolves uniform at this point.” The former Gopher wrestler and now mixed martial arts champion attended the game.
The Wolves, 3-9, played their best game of the season last night in an impressive 106-80 win at Detroit against the Pistons.
It was cold and blustery on Saturday night when the Gophers played their final game indoors at the Metrodome. It will be outdoor football next year and from researching historical weather records Minnesota coach Tim Brewster said the average game day temperature for Gopher games is 64 degrees.
Jason LaFrenz, assistant athletics director for marketing and ticket sales, said the Gophers have a waiting list of 800 interested in buying season tickets in the sold out TCF Bank Stadium.
Coach Brad Childress told KFAN’s Greg Coleman after yesterday’s Vikings win against Jacksonville that he will rely on both Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor in the remaining five games. He referred to them as a “two headed monster.” Peterson, who didn’t start the game because of missing a team meeting, ran 17 times for 80 yards and a touchdown. Taylor rushed nine times for 25 yards and one touchdown, plus caught two passes for 12 yards.
Cris Carter, the former Vikings and Ohio State receiver, was on the sidelines with Buckeye players in Saturday’s OSU win against Michigan. Carter’s son Duron, a receiver from Florida, will attend Ohio State next year.
Good guy Don Swanson sponsored the 60th annual Minneapolis High School Football Coaches Association party last week. The event was attended by 45 past and present city coaches, plus coaches from Hamline, Augsburg, St. Thomas and Gustavus. A championship plaque was presented to Peter Haugen who coached Washburn to the city title. Southwest’s Sean McMenomy was given the best coaching job award. Another award went to Laurie Balzer who was recognized for his volunteer coaching at South. Swanson, a leader for many years among high school coaches, was head coach at Henry for 28 years.
Tejas Restaurant in Edina, with involvement from KARE 11 and Taste of the NFL, will host a benefit brunch from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Sunday with proceeds benefiting Second Harvest Heartland. Former Vikings are expected to attend, meeting guests and signing autographs. Tickets are $30 per person and can be purchased by calling Tejas at 952-926-0800. More information is available at www.tejasrestaurant.com or www.tasteofthenfl.com.