Author: David Shama

David Shama is a former sports editor and columnist with local publications. His writing and reporting experiences include covering the Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Gophers. Shama’s career experiences also include sports marketing. He is the former Marketing Director of the Minnesota North Stars of the NHL. He is also the former Marketing Director of the United States Tennis Association’s Northern Section. A native of Minneapolis, Shama has been part of the community his entire life. He is a graduate of the University of Minnesota where he majored in journalism. He also has a Master’s degree in education from the University of St. Thomas. He was a member of the Governor’s NBA’s Task Force to help create interest in bringing pro basketball to town in the 1980s.

Gophers Earn Preseason Recognition

Posted on June 19, 2022June 19, 2022 by David Shama

With the Gophers’ opening game against New Mexico State approaching two months out, preseason publicity for Minnesota football is coming from national sources. The trend is to laud center John Michael Schmitz and label the team a dark horse to win the Big Ten West Division.

Athlon Sports has Schmitz as its first team preseason All-American center. Lindy’s Sports lists the Gopher senior as the second best center in the nation behind Notre Dame’s Jarrett Patterson. Perhaps no source commands more respect annually than Phil Steele Publications. That outlet also named Schmitz a second team preseason All-American.

Schmitz and eight other Gophers have earned recognition from Phil Steele. Schmitz was named first team All-Big Ten, while defensive tackle Trill Carter and running back Mo Ibrahim are second teamers. Offensive lineman Chuck Filiaga, rush end Thomas Rush, linebacker Mariano Sori-Marin, long snapper Brady Weeks and wide receiver Dylan Wright are third team All-Big Ten. Running back Trey Potts was named to the fourth team offense.

Gophers drawing recognition from Lindy’s include wide receiver Chris Autman-Bell and tight end Brevyn-Spann Ford, both named third team All-Big Ten. Safety Tyler Nubin and punter Mark Crawford earned third team defense recognition along with Sori-Marin. Ibrahim is included on the second team offense.

Lindy’s predicts the Gophers will finish fifth in the West Division behind Wisconsin, Iowa, Purdue and Nebraska. The magazine frets about the quality of the offensive and defensive lines, and points out quarterback performance must improve.

Athlon forecasts Minnesota placing fourth behind Wisconsin, Purdue and Iowa. Minnesota’s record will be 7-5 overall, 4-5 in the Big Ten, per Athlon. Ibrahim is a member of the magazine’s All-Big Ten second team while Sori-Marin and Nubin are third teamers on defense.

Ouch. If there’s one place Gophers fans don’t want to return for a bowl game, it’s Detroit. But that’s where Athlon says Minnesota will have a date in the Quick Lane Bowl against Central Michigan. If that rendezvous works out, there could be Christmas parties that attract larger crowds.

Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck’s teams have been known to exceed expectations. His 2019 and 2021 teams both surprised prognosticators with respective records of 11-2 and 9-4. The 2019 team finished a stunning No. 10 in the country in two polls and last year’s Gophers won a third consecutive bowl game under Fleck. In his last 39 games he has a 27-12 record with the Gophers.

A prickly subject is Minnesota’s streak of seven consecutive losses to Iowa dating back to 2014 (Fleck’s first Gopher team was 2017). You can bet defeating Iowa November 19 in Minneapolis is a Row the Boat obsession.

Minnesota has won two of its last four games in its other border rivalry. Wisconsin could be the school to beat in a West Division that in preseason national rankings will be without a top 10 team. The division isn’t daunting and the Gophers, despite having to play five conference road games versus four at home, will be thinking “why not us?”

The first four games of the 12-game schedule should tell a lot about the season. The Gophers need to start 3-0 against nonconference opponents New Mexico State, Western Michigan and Colorado (all at home). They need to play at a high level, win or lose, in their Big Ten opener September 24 at Michigan State. The Spartans are one of the better teams in the East Division and possible top 20 program in 2022.

Cornerback Justin Walley, named to the 247Sports True Freshman All-American team last year, is being slighted in early recognition of Big Ten players. But his team is, too, and you can be sure Walley and the Gophers will value accolades at season’s end a lot more than in June.

Gophers Football Notes

If the Gophers win the West Division they will face an intimidating history in the Big Ten championship game against the East Division representative. The West champion is 0-8 in Big Ten title games.

Fleck makes his annual appearance before the Twin Cities Dunkers Thursday at Interlachen Country Club.

Grumbling Penn State fans don’t think the Gophers are worthy of being designated their annual White Out game opponent. Minnesota plays in Happy Valley October 22.

Former Gophers two-time All-American tackle and Outland Trophy winner Bobby Bell turned 82 Friday.

Ex-Minnesota head coach Glen Mason took a bad fall earlier this year, fracturing seven ribs. However, he told Sports Headliners he is “going strong now.”

The Goal Line Club will again raise money for the football program by staging its annual golf tournament. The Gopher Football Golf Classic at StoneRidge Golf Club in Stillwater is open to Goal Line Club members and their guests. More at the Goal Line Club website.

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Twins Clarify Buxton 100 Games Target

Posted on June 14, 2022June 14, 2022 by David Shama

Reports this spring left fans with the impression the Twins want to limit star center fielder Byron Buxton to 100 games this year. Derek Falvey told Sports Headliners yesterday there is no “stop light” at 100.

Buxton, a do-it-all talent capable of becoming the American League’s best player, is invaluable to the Twins, but an unusual number of injuries have prevented him from playing 100 games each season dating back to 2018. The club wants to proceed with caution, while maximizing Buxton’s availability to help produce a Central Division title and playoff run.

“We’re not shooting just for 100 games,” said Falvey, the Twins’ baseball operations boss. “I think we’re trying to eclipse what he has yet to eclipse over the last five years. Playing him the way we had in prior years didn’t get us there. We would like to try a more sophisticated way to keep him on the field as much as possible….”

Falvey also said the 28-year-old Buxton is on pace to play in 115 to 120 games. He acknowledged the player who “can put us on his back” and carry the team has low-level inflammation in his right knee. The knee became news in April and Buxton was briefly sidelined. He was also diagnosed with a low-level hip strain this spring.

Falvey indicated Buxton is able to manage his health issues—and no differently than teammates who face challenges. Buxton played a MLB career high 140 games in 2017, his third season with the big league club. This year in 45 games for the 36-27 Twins he has hit a team leading 18 home runs and driven in 32 runs.

Fans grumbled over the weekend that neither Buxton nor shortstop Carlos Correa played in Saturday’s Minnesota’s home game against the Rays. Ticket buyers wanted to see the club’s two marquee players and box office attractions.

“Hey, we want both of those guys out there as much as possible,” Falvey said good-naturedly. “That wasn’t pre-planned or designed by Rocco or me or otherwise.”

The Twins played the Rays Friday night and then Saturday afternoon. Falvey said sometimes in that situation manager Rocco Baldelli will go to players and talk about the possibility of not playing in the afternoon game.

Correa, the All-Star the Twins signed as a free agent during spring training, has missed time with an injury and more recently with COVID. He was absent from 11 games with a right finger contusion and then eight because of COVID, returning to the active roster last Wednesday.

Falvey said there are no lingering health issues with the 27-year-old Correa but it can require time for players to recover their muscle strength after COVID. “We’re trying to bring him back thoughtfully,” Falvey said.

With the pandemic, a shortened spring training and the normal physical demands on players in today’s modern game, teams in Major League Baseball have dealt with a lot of roster disruptions. Among the more serious for the Twins was placing first baseman Miguel Sano on the 60-day Injured List in mid-May following knee surgery.

Falvey departed for Fort Myers yesterday and he will see Sano who is working out with the organization’s minor league players. Falvey said it will be awhile before a return date to the Twins active roster can be determined. “But hopefully he is a boost for us at some point during the course of the end of June and into July.”

NFL Films Visits Dick Jonckowski

NFL Films came to Dick Jonckowski’s home in Shakopee yesterday to relive moments from the famous 1975 Vikings-Cowboys game at Metropolitan Stadium. Jonckowski’s visitors included Drew Pearson who caught the famous “Hail Mary” touchdown pass in the final minute to give the Cowboys a 17-14 fourth quarter win in the NFC title game.

Jonckowski, known best by many Minnesota sports fans as the public address voice of Gophers basketball for decades, was a field usher at the stadium back in the 1970s. A passionate Vikings fan, the colorful Jonckowski had his name on the back of his usher jacket and drew attention throwing behind-the-back passes with the football.

Before the “Hail Mary” pass, the trailing Cowboys, trying to sustain what would be the winning drive, had a fourth and 16 situation. Quarterback Roger Staubach passed to Pearson who picked up 17 yards and a first down. The catch was controversial, though, with many observers insisting Pearson caught the ball out of bounds.

The reception was made near Jonckowski who wasn’t happy about it. “I was frustrated. I just kind of (gave) a sissy kick. I kicked the bottom of Drew Pearson’s shoe which really wasn’t much, but (Dallas coach) Tom Landry’s wife saw it from the stands. After the game was over, she called Pete Rozelle, who was then the commissioner.”

Rozelle phoned Bob Sims who ran the ushering operation and said Jonckowski had to be reprimanded. Sims decided Jonckowski could continue as an usher but not be on the field. He was banned as a field usher for two years.

“Somebody told me…if it (the incident) happened today you would probably go to jail,” Jonckowski said. “You know the way the world is, I probably would. Who knows?”

There was animosity between Pearson and Jonckowski prior to the 1975 encounter. “We didn’t like each other way before that. He was pretty cocky,” Jonckowski said. “I just didn’t like his attitude. So one day I yelled at him, ‘You couldn’t carry (NFL Hall of Famer) Charley Taylor’s jock.’ And he came running over to me and was going to pound me, but he let it go.”

After the 1975 run-in, Staubach told Jonckowski Pearson was a good guy and the two should patch things up. They did so before Pearson retired in 1983.

Several years ago Pearson was in town for an autograph appearance. “He remembered me right away and we had kind of a fun time,” Jonckowski said.

Arlene and Dick Jonckowski in their sports memorabilia-filled basement.

Things went well yesterday when Pearson spent about two hours talking with Jonckowski. Both are outgoing and enjoy humor (a Jonckowski calling card with his endless jokes and stories he uses while speaking to groups). Wife Arlene was also interviewed during the nine hours spent by NFL Films at the Jonckowski residence.

Before coming to Minnesota Pearson didn’t know much about his friend’s background. “He wants me to come to Dallas to sign autographs and speak,” Jonckowski said.

The game remains vivid in the minds of Jonckowski, Pearson and thousands of NFL fans, mostly because of its controversial finish. Staubach, who would later describe the play as a “Hail Mary” desperation heave, threw the winning 50-yard touchdown pass to Pearson who appeared to push Vikings’ defender Nate Wright on the play.

But no penalty.

Jonckowski saw the play and that evening newspaper columnist Sid Hartman called him at home to ask if there was a shove by Pearson. Jonckowski said he thought there was. “…Sid slammed the phone down. Didn’t even say thank you. But that’s typical Sid.”

The 1975 Vikings, 12-2 during the regular season, were led by NFL MVP Fran Tarkenton and might have been one of the best teams in franchise history. The team was a Super Bowl favorite but instead saw its playoff march end in bitter disappointment.

Jonckowski didn’t have details yesterday as to how the filming will be used and when it will air.

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Gophers Hoops Boasts ‘Junkyard Dog’

Posted on June 12, 2022 by David Shama

This week the University of Minnesota men’s basketball team has its first summer practice with coaches. Last week was orientation with activities that included new players moving into their residences, but now it’s time to get on the court with coach Ben Johnson and his staff.

Assistant Dave Thorson—the 56-year-old former nine-time DeLaSalle state tournament championship coach—told Sports Headliners “we’re really excited about the upcoming season.” The coaches, going into their second season after an overall 11-13 record last season, have seven newcomers on the roster. The newbies and returning players can now be instructed in strength, conditioning, individual basketball skills and on-court team practice.

Thorson, who was a U assistant from 1990-1994, was asked during a telephone interview for a brief comment about each of the players. His answers included individual references to a “junkyard dog” and a “matchup nightmare.” Team comments included this is a roster with the size and athleticism to play different roles, providing the Gophers with versatility.

Junior forward Jamison Battle, last season’s leading scorer at 17.5 points per game (sixth in the Big Ten): “High IQ basketball player. Skilled due to the diligence he has at working at his game. I think only scratching the surface on what kind of player he can be.”

Freshman guard Braeden Carrington: “Lights out shooter. Championship pedigree, very competitive. Can’t wait to coach him.”

Backcourt transfer and senior Ta’Lon Cooper: “Pass first point guard. Extremely unselfish, knows how to win. Can’t wait for him to drive the Gopher car.”

Junior forward Parker Fox: “Incredible spirit and love for being a Gopher and playing. I can’t wait for the fans to see that. A highlight machine in the making.”

Sophomore forward transfer Dawson Garcia who was an impact player in prior college seasons at Marquette and North Carolina: “Extremely talented and skilled face-up (to the basket) threat. Matchup nightmare (at 6-11, 235 pounds) and hard playing dude. Another guy I can’t wait to coach.”

Freshman guard-forward Jaden Henley: “Extremely versatile. A big, long guard that does a little bit of everything. Another guy that I think brings versatility…that is going to make us tough.”

Junior forward Isaiah Ihnen: “Fought back from adversity in terms of the injury (knee). …Has really worked on his shot—and a guy that I think is going to present all kinds of trouble defensively because he can defend both perimeter and inside players for us. … You’ll see a different version of him than what you remember from him two years ago.”

Freshman forward Josh Ola-Joseph: “Oh my, I love him. He’s a junkyard dog; plays so hard. He finds a difference to make a difference on the court. … Just how hard he plays. He’s another Gopher that is going to be fun to watch.”

Freshman forward Pharrel Payne: “Pharrel, he is a beast (athleticism at 6-9, 230). He is a physical (guy). He reminds me of John Thomas (former NBA first rounder) who I recruited to the U in the ‘90s. I don’t want to put too much pressure on Pharrel but when I watched him play, every time I watched him I thought John Thomas. So that should tell something about what I think is in store for his future.”

Sophomore guard Jackson Purcell: “Another really high IQ player. He’s one of those guys that bring something to the table for us that doesn’t always show up in the stat sheet. You know once he got cleared (from injury) so that he could practice with us, he was a key guy in terms of practicing against and doing things of that sort. …”

Junior guard Will Ramberg from way up north Grand Marais: “I don’t know if he wants me to call him an Iron Ranger, but he’s a hard playing guy. In the opportunities that he had last year, he made a difference. …He’s a guy you can count on, no matter what the situation.”

Fifth year Dartmouth guard transfer Taurus Samuels: “He’s a heady point guard. He’s going to bring a lot to the table in terms of how he attacks in a ball screen. He just understands how to play. I love his pace and I love his attitude about the game. So another guy I think that Gopher fans are going to love to see.”

Sophomore center Treyton Thompson: “Man, has he worked hard. I think the neat part about Treyt is that you look at this 7-footer and yet he is…a stretch guy (big man who can play outside). He can face up and make threes—and he’s really worked hard on getting stronger. So I think Treyton’s best basketball is ahead of him.”

Knee injuries to Fox and Ihnen sidelined them for the entire season of 2021-2022. That lessened the talent and depth on a roster already fragile from the transition to Johnson about 15 months ago after head coach Richard Pitino was fired. Ihnen is the only remaining player Pitino and his staff coached.

“Yeah, we’re looking forward to having a full team for the first time since we’ve been here,” Thorson said.

The Gophers’ Big Ten record last season was 4-16. Minnesota and Nebraska tied for last place. For most of the winter the Gophers weren’t even a consideration for making the NCAA Tournament field. “Our goal always is to make the NCAA Tournament,” Thorson said.

He also said the Gophers didn’t have the depth to compete for the tourney last season. “You know without question we want to field a team that on any night, if there is a Big Ten contest, that we have a chance to win. So I think that is (also) what our goal is.”

Johnson has one remaining scholarship he could use for an additional player this summer. “I think recruiting is like shaving, you gotta do it everyday,” Thorson said. “Try to keep your focus on and open.

“In all likelihood we probably won’t add anyone but you just gotta keep your eyes and your ears open because that’s just the way the basketball world works sometimes. So again, we’ll see.”

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