Author: David Shama

Among the most popular sports radio shows ever in this market is WCCO’s Sports Huddle.  The station celebrates 25 years of Sid Hartman and Dave Mona as hosts with a breakfast and live broadcast open to the public from 9 a.m. to noon on Sunday, September 10 at the University of Minnesota’s Sports Pavilion. The Sports Huddle had a previous co-host who worked with Hartman.  Mona learned he had the Sports Huddle assignment on a Thursday and was ready to go on air the following Sunday when Hartman offered a pessimistic prediction. 

“Sid came in the booth (and) literally the music for our introduction was playing and we’d had no (previous) conversation,” Mona remembered.  “He looked at me and said, ‘No offense to you, David, but this isn’t going to work.  I am going to have to ask them to cancel the show.’  Then the light went on and we went on the air.  So that was fairly remarkable. I like to laugh (that) he (still) feels exactly the same way.”

 All these years and they are still turning out the top rated show on Sunday morning radio in this market.  One of the reasons is Hartman’s talent for lining up guests.   “A lot of people laugh when he says it but he is capable of getting almost anybody in America on the phone,” Mona said.

Don’t include new Vikings defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin among the critics of the Metrodome.  “I’ve always, even when I was down in Tampa, loved playing indoors,” he said.  “Schematically you always want a fast surface.  This defense is built for speed, so you look forward to playing on a fast surface. “

Vikings safety Darren Sharper leads the NFL in interceptions since the 2000 season with 40.  Last season his nine was one short of the Vikings’ single season mark of 10 set by Paul Krause in 1975.

Jake Mauer talking about his trip to baseball’s All-Star game last month and how grandson Joe provided first class travel accommodations including limousine service and police escort:  “I never knew about ‘red carpet’ treatment before, but I do now and I like it.”

Sporting News’ Big Ten football preview magazine is more candid than the usual publications.  Among the features are quotes from an anonymous scout or conference coach.   Here are excerpts on the Gophers:  “I think Mason (Glen) is a good coach.  He’s a hard-nosed guy.  That’s a hard-nosed team. … They are kind of like Northwestern on defense.  They won’t ever have the horses.”

The Gophers’ offensive line is being rebuilt with changes that include replacing all-Americans Greg Eslinger and Mark Setterstrom, and Tony Brinkhaus moving from tackle to center to replace Outland Trophy winner Eslinger.  Still, Brinkhaus expressed optimism about the line earlier this month.  “We think once we get that cohesiveness as a line we’re going to be one of the best in the Big Ten (Conference),” he said.

Former Gopher coach Jim Dutcher, who became an outstanding TV basketball analyst, will receive the Minnesota Magic Basketball Club’s Lifetime Service Award at Golden Valley Country Club on October 26.   Television partner Dick Bremer will emcee.

Ouch!  The sound of broken bones or other injuries to Brad Johnson and Bryan Cupito will spark anxiety among the local football populace.  For the Vikings or Gophers to lose their starting quarterbacks isn’t welcome news any season but this year neither team has an experienced backup. 

Johnson, 38 next month, with limited mobility, faces a physical challenge to escape the 16 game season without injury.  Yes, he’s smart, experienced and delivers the ball quickly out of the new West Coast offense, and his line has the talent to provide protection.  Still, it’s a long season and only one play could sideline him for one or more games. 

Cupito enters his senior season with the Gophers having already been a two-year starter.  Along the way he’s missed playing time with a concussion and shoulder injury.   With a likely commitment to more passing than in the past, Cupito’s ability and luck in escaping injury may well be tested more than ever.  A respected Big Ten quarterback for his passing and on-field command, Cupito has neither the Herculean build (6 foot 3, 205), nor the scrambling ability that can help avoid injuries. 

Rookie Tarvaris Jackson is the guess here to replace an injured Johnson.  Although just a rookie, Jackson showed poise, touch and scrambling ability in his brief pre-season debut against the Oakland Raiders.  “I think they are getting this young man ready to be the No. 2 quarterback,” Joe Theismann told a national TV audience on ESPN.  The former Super Bowl quarterback said Jackson impressed him in practice, too.  

Despite his lack of experience, Jackson is 23, older than some rookie quarterbacks and he played collegiately at both Arkansas and Alabama State, gaining experience at two programs.  At State his numbers improved dramatically over three seasons with interceptions going from 13 to 9 to 5.  Touchdown passes increased from 18 to 20 to 29. 

Tony Mortensen played in six games last season, starting once for an injured Cupito.   If a replacement is needed for Cupito, he seems the likely choice.  A redshirt sophomore from Hutchinson, the 6-foot-3, 230- pound Mortenson spent the summer preparing himself knowing “you are only one snap away” from going into the game.  He wants to be more consistent in his throwing motion but is confident in his abilities. 

In his game as a starter, Mortensen completed seven of 17 passes for one touchdown.  For the season, playing limited minutes, he attempted 24 passes, completing nine. The coaching staff used conservative playing calling and limited his opportunities to throw the ball. 

Coach Glen Mason said Mortensen is probably the team’s most improved player since spring practice.