Vikings’ coach Brad Childress informed and entertained more than 30 media representatives during a two hour session last week labeled the “Coaching 101 Media Clinic.” He described his work day, including various meetings, and made a presentation on the Tampa 2 defense.
He talked about motivation including the concept of the hunter versus the hunted. He showed visuals of a lion attacking a man, and also water buffalo protecting one another, demonstrating the strength of the herd.
The coach’s dry wit was evident throughout the session and in a follow-up e-mail later in the week where he included a long list of humorous and informative items. Childress suggested that you know you’re living in 2008 when you try to enter your pin number on the microwave. There are more collect calls on Father’s Day than any day of the year. It costs $16,400 to raise the average medium size dog to age 11.
Civic leader Denny Schulstad said about $315,000 of the $450,000 needed for construction of the Veterans Tribute area at the new TCF Bank Stadium has been raised. The memorial will be located at the open end of the Gopher stadium and honors the legacy of every Minnesotan who served in the armed forces. The memorial will include a curved wall 72 feet long and 18 feet high identifying the area that will be a gathering place on game days. Flag raising and other pageantry will also originate there on game days and for other events. Anyone interested in donating to the project can contact Schulstad at 952-927-9822. Schulstad, a retired Air Force brigadier general, is co-chair of the veterans project with University vice president Karen Himle.
Gordon Gund, the former Minnesota North Stars owner, has a minority ownership position with the Cleveland Cavs who trail the Boston Celtics 2-1 in the NBA playoffs. Because Gund has been blind most of his adult life, he never saw the North Stars or Cavs play.
A week from Saturday is Willie Mays Day in San Francisco. Every May 24 the city recognizes the 77-year-old Hall of Fame centerfielder who played in Minneapolis as a minor leaguer before joining the New York Giants who eventually moved to San Francisco.
Twins’ infielder Alexi Casilla, recalled from Rochester over the weekend to replace the injured Nick Punto, was batting .219 with two RBI for the Red Wings.
Jacques Lemaire, 62, announced on Saturday he’s returning for an eighth season to coach the Wild. In a prepared statement he said: “When you are younger, it’s a lot easier to make a decision. At the end of the year, I said I wanted to ask questions of Doug (Risebrough, Wild general manager). I wanted to make sure my boss is happy with the work I am doing and with the way I manage the team. This is what we talked about in our meetings. I am reassured of my work and I want to coach again. My satisfaction behind the bench is getting the team to play the best it can, individually and as a group. Success will come with that.”
Cristie Kerr, the defending U.S. Women’s Open champion, draws attention on and off the golf course. Her beauty and skills make her one of golf’s most watched personalities. The 63rd Open will be at Interlachen Country Club in Edina from June 23-29.
The presidents from every Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference school have pledged their support to Division II’s game-environment initiative. Earlier this spring Division II chancellors and presidents stated “we are concerned about the uncivil behavior exhibited at college athletics contests, and, thereby, pledge to work together to make respectful, family-friendly events a standard of the Division II experience.” There is a new Division II game-environment Web site (www.diicommunity.org/gameenvironment/) featuring Winona State as a school with a positive atmosphere at basketball events.