The Gophers have sold 2,000 and 1,000 new football and basketball season tickets, according to Jason LaFrenz, director of marketing and ticket sales for University athletics.
Basketball insiders say the Gophers’ Tubby Smith is one of the best X’s and O’s coaches in the country.
A family rivalry missed: If the Vikings had selected quarterback Brady Quinn of Notre Dame he could have competed twice per season against his brother-in-law, linebacker A.J. Hawk of the Packers.
Twins pitcher Joe Nathan talking about last season when he was 7-0 with a career best 1.58 ERA: “Last year I think I did a really good job of using all three pitches (slider, fast ball and curve). That was kind of what kept me from being predictable. And you don’t ever want to be predictable when you’re on the mound. The more pitches you are comfortable with out there, the better.”
Legendary St. John’s coach John Gagliardi, 80, just finished teaching his annual Theory of Football course to 53 students and is focusing on 2008 recruiting. He was a speaker at the recent Minnesota State High School League’s athletic directors conference.
The United States Handball Association National 4-Wall Championship starts today and goes through May 6 at the University of Minnesota Rec Center. Hundreds of participants from America and other countries will participate. More information is available at www.ushandball.org.