The University of Minnesota athletic department has mailed a new brochure regarding NCAA rules to thousands of boosters. A booster is defined by multiple criteria in the brochure including financial contribution to the University. Among the many NCAA restrictions is that a booster can’t purchase a restaurant meal for an athlete or send a get well card. “We continue to do all we can to educate our student-athletes, staff and boosters of NCAA rules and this brochure is another avenue,” athletic director Joel Maturi said via e-mail. “I believe we printed 20,000 and will mail to season ticket holders, donors and all.”
Joanne McCallie, who was the Michigan State women’s basketball head coach, left the Spartans last week to take over at Duke. You wonder if former Clem Haskins Gopher assistant Al Brown, a women’s assistant at MSU, will follow McCallie to Duke. Brown has worked as an assistant coach for men’s and women’s teams in both the Big Ten and Southeastern conferences. I don’t think anyone else can claim that on a resume.
Among the local fighters to watch with interest is Minneapolis heavyweight Joey Abell who has 12 knockouts in 12 victories. He fights Harvey Jolley of Detroit tonight at Roy Wilkins Auditorium in St. Paul. The headline fight on the card is the featherweight match between Jason Litzau of St. Paul and Aldo Valtierra of Mexico City. The bout will be televised by ESPN2.
Beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday Canterbury Park is offering a free informational seminar on racehorse ownership. The seminar focuses on forming a partnership, licensing, finding a trainer and claiming horses. For more information, call Jeff Maday, 952-496-6437.
The Mr./Miss Basketball begins at 5 p.m. Sunday at the Minneapolis Marriott West in St. Louis Park. For more information, call 651-503-8881.
The Minnesota North Stars, starting with the 1967-68 season, made the playoffs in five of their first seven years. The Minnesota Wild has been in the playoffs twice in seven seasons.
Hockey fan favorite Glen Sonmor wants to return as color commentator on Gopher radio broadcasts next season. Sonmor said he works on a one year contract.