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.

JC Coach Praises Ex-Gopher Jeff Jones

Posted on March 2, 2016March 2, 2016 by David Shama

The Gophers started spring football practice yesterday without the running back who 12 months ago might have prompted more than a few wagers he would be their starter in 2016 and beyond. These days Jeff Jones lives about 370 miles from Dinkytown and he may never play again in his hometown of Minneapolis.

The centerpiece of Minnesota’s 2014 recruiting class is trying (yet again) to show he can do academic work on the college level. And even if Jones does well enough with his school work to qualify for a return to the University of Minnesota, he might choose to go elsewhere.

Scott Strohmeier, Jones’ coach at Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs, told Sports Headliners Jones received a scholarship offer from the Iowa State Cyclones last month. A Headliners’ source added Jones will receive a lot more offers. Jones was interested in the Cyclones before signing with Minnesota in February of 2014.

In the months after signing his National Letter of Intent, Jones tried to achieve a high enough ACT score for admission to Minnesota. Ultimately he was admitted to the U but had to sit out the 2014 season to become academically eligible for 2015. Then last fall he fumbled again academically and enrolled in January of 2016 at Iowa Western.

Jones had considered Iowa Western in the spring of 2014 when there was a question whether he could be admitted to Minnesota. His past relationship with Strohmeier is probably easing the transition to junior college where there is a potential path back to Dinkytown.

Under NCAA rules Jones can return to the Gophers without earning a degree at Iowa Western. Being admitted to another Division I program will require a degree from Western, according to Strohmeier. The coach said a combination of credits and acceptable GPA could make Jones eligible to enroll again at Minnesota.

Mid-terms will take place later this month at Iowa Western. Strohmeier is satisfied Jones is moving in the right direction academically. “He is doing what he needs to do right now,” the coach said.

Jones was the state of Minnesota’s prep Mr. Football in 2014. A Rivals.com four-star recruit and one of the most hyped players in decades to choose the Gophers, he was an MVP in the prestigious 2014 Under Armour All-America Game in Florida. However, he was slow to make an impact with the Gophers last fall and his game action was minimal, never carrying the ball or catching a pass.

Part of the problems last fall were an ankle injury and migraine headaches. He also practiced at multiple positions—running back, receiver and defensive back. Then, too, the Gophers got an unexpected boost from true freshman running back Shannon Brooks who became a big playmaker for the team.

But Jones, whose power and speed was likened to Adrian Peterson while playing at Washburn High School, is still an intriguing talent who Gophers coach Tracy Claeys is reportedly open to having return to Dinkytown. “There’s no question why he was a major recruit,” Strohmeier said.

Jones, though, won’t be given anything at Iowa Western because of his physical skills and reputation. “Like I tell all our guys, I don’t care who recruited you out of high school,” Strohmeier said. “I don’t care how many (recruiting) stars you had. I don’t care what school you came from. You’re now at Iowa Western.

“We can only (by conference roster rules) play 20 out-of-staters so if you don’t do things right, you’re not guaranteed nothing. You gotta come in and earn it just like you would anyplace else. You gotta take care of your academics. You gotta do things right off the field and you gotta prove it on the field.”

Iowa Western is one of the nation’s top junior college football programs. Strohmeier’s team starts spring practice April 2 and after 20 sessions he’s likely to see a team with high potential for next fall. The Reivers, including Jones, have already been participating in winter conditioning including pre-dawn workouts.

Showing up at 4:50 a.m. is part of the price Jones must pay for a possible return to the glamour and resources of big time college football. Strohmeier has made clear to Jones the stakes are high regarding his future.

“…As I told him the other day, like this is your shot (to get back). If you really want to give football another shot and play at a high level, or play in the NFL, then you have to take care of business.

“I think he is. I do think it’s good that he’s away (from home). Really, all he’s got is a couple of buddies here that he’s met. It’s not like he can hop in the car and head home to some guys 20 minutes away.”

What did Jones say in response to that talk he had with the coach? “He understands,” Strohmeier said. “He’s a smart kid. He’s intelligent and he knows what he needs to do now.

“Like I told him, you’re going to be here all summer long. …You’re going to be in Council Bluffs (and) it’s boring as heck in the month of June but that’s just what you gotta do. He’s fine with that.”

Gophers fans who want to see Jones can consider a trip to Council Bluffs for the Reivers’ May 7 spring game which is open to the public.

Comments Welcome

U Contractor Role Next for Jerry Kill

Posted on February 29, 2016February 29, 2016 by David Shama

The public may not understand that Jerry Kill will have a role with the University of Minnesota in the coming weeks. News reports last week made it clear the former Gophers football coach and the University couldn’t agree on a full-time position for Kill, but he has accepted an invitation to be an independent contractor for his ex-employer.

Kill was upbeat speaking to Sports Headliners on Friday from Las Vegas where he was vacationing with family. His conversations with Gophers’ interim athletic director Beth Goetz led to an understanding that Kill, depending on his schedule, will be available to appear at University events. “I said whatever works out, if you need me, give me a call,” Kill said.

Goetz tweeted the following last week: “Looking forward to continuing our relationship with Jerry, already planning some great engagement this spring.” (An unsuccessful request for an interview with Goetz was made by Sports Headliners.)

Kill said dates and specifics regarding events for the University are so far undetermined. Since moving from Minneapolis to his lake home in Illinois, Kill has become self-employed with a busy schedule that includes public speaking.

“I don’t know how many times (for University activities)—or even if I am going to be available—because I’ve got a pretty good (busy) schedule,” Kill said. “I think they’re trying to tie some things in there because I am speaking in Minnesota twice in March. I am probably speaking six or seven days in Minnesota in the month of April, so I think I can tie some things in when I am there.”

Kill is revered by University boosters. At the time he resigned as head coach last fall because of his health, he had become the face of the athletic department and the most popular University figure. His influence with school supporters, including financial donors, is needed by the University including for the still in progress fundraising for the Athletes Village project.

Will Kill, as an independent contractor, be asked to raise funds? “If they ask me (to be) in a donor situation, I have no problems with it,” he said. “It’s whatever they need me to do. I have no problems at all.”

Friends of Kill wish he and the University had reached agreement on a full-time position. It appears a stumbling block to such an agreement was defining a role that included the lifetime coach having direct interaction with student-athletes.

Kill, 54, will be in Fort Worth this week helping Gary Patterson, the TCU coach, evaluate the Horned Frogs football team. Kill is still shaping his post-football life but is already involved with speaking assignments, looking after his Chasing Dreams Fund through the Epilepsy Foundation, and writing a book.

Last week he was having fun in Las Vegas with wife Rebecca, and Kill’s brother and his wife. “We don’t ever get to do these kinds of things because we’ve been involved in football so much,” Kill said. “So this is a real treat.”

Did he win any money in Vegas? “No, I haven’t won any money. The first night I dropped $90 and quit.”

Worth Noting

Rivals.com Gophers basketball writer Ryan James praises Rochester John Marshall senior guard Michael Hurt. James said Hurt, who will be on scholarship with the Gophers next season, excels at catching and shooting the ball. He described Hurt as a “hard worker,” effective team defender and a player with a high on-court I.Q. “You can trust Michael,” James told Sports Headliners.

The Gophers’ only scheduled men’s basketball game this season with Wisconsin is Wednesday night at Williams Arena. The Badgers, among the nation’s winningest programs since 2000, have built part of their success on recruiting Minnesota high school players. Wisconsin’s roster this season includes Minnesota natives and reserves Alex Illikainen and Jordan Smith. Illikainen, a 6-9 freshman from Grand Rapids, is averaging 10.9 minutes per game and 2.6 points. Smith, a 6-3 redshirt senior guard from Orono, averages 1 minute and 0.6 points per game.

Gophers football coach Tracy Claeys said that despite going into spring practice tomorrow with a new offensive coordinator “probably about 75 percent of the offense is the same.” As for position switches of players, defensive lineman Mose Hall is moving to offensive tackle for a trial period. Claeys said after five or six practices evaluation will be made about other players possibly switching positions.

Ex-quarterback Chris Streveler will continue as a wide receiver and special teams player. Claeys said he didn’t see a scenario right now where Streveler, who for much of last year was a QB, would return to that position. “The kid works hard,” Claeys said. “He’s a good athlete (and) he loves the game of football.”

Former Gophers administrator Phil Esten, who helped lead planning for TCF Bank Stadium, is involved with a review of Penn State’s facilities for its 800 athletes. Esten is deputy director of athletics and chief operating officer for the Nittany Lions athletic department.

The Minnesota High School Football Coaches Association will sponsor two all-star games for seniors this year. The June 25 game for 2016 seniors will be at Husky Stadium in St. Cloud. The December 10 game for 2017 seniors will be at the new downtown U.S. Bank Stadium. In 2017 and after, there will be only one all-star game per year and it will be played in December at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Former Eden Prairie High School running back Anthony Anderson is now at Iowa Western Community College and has a scholarship offer from Marshall University, but is still deciding on his college football future, according to Western coach Scott Strohmeier.

The first of 11 Twins spring training games on Fox Sports North will be this Thursday when Minnesota plays the Red Sox in Fort Myers starting at 6:05 p.m.

Rick Prescott from Minneapolis has written a book called “The Dome Is Down: Saying Goodbye to the Metrodome.” The dedication page says, “This book is dedicated to anyone who just before entering the Metrodome for an indoor baseball game on a sunny day, looked up at a beautiful blue sky and thought, ‘Today would be a great day for outdoor baseball.’ ”

WCHA commissioner Bill Robertson is expecting near sellout or sellout crowds for the women’s WCHA Final Face-Off on Saturday and Sunday at Ridder Arena. “We’ve got three of the top 10 ranked teams in the country competing in this tournament, which is outstanding,” he told Sports Headliners.

In the latest USCHO.com national poll Minnesota is ranked No. 2, followed by Wisconsin at No. 3, and North Dakota No. 8. Minnesota Duluth is the fourth team in the tournament involving WCHA teams who advanced from the first round of playoff games.

Wisconsin and Minnesota Duluth face off at 2 p.m. on Saturday, then starting at 5 p.m. the Gophers play North Dakota in the second semifinal. Winners advance to Sunday’s championship game at 2 p.m.

General admission and reserved seating are available for the tournament. More information about tickets is on the Gophers and WCHA websites.

Comments Welcome

Wins Perk Up Joey King & Gophers

Posted on February 26, 2016February 26, 2016 by David Shama

Joey King appreciates supportive Gophers fans but pays minimal attention to critics.

The Gophers’ senior forward is focusing on his last three regular season games during a career that has seen both praise and criticism of him and his teammates. As the only native Minnesotan playing significant minutes, King may receive more mean-spirited comments on social media and elsewhere than his teammates. It sometimes seems like the hometown crazies will pounce first and with more venom on local athletes.

“I do my best to avoid them (the critics),” King told Sports Headliners. “Throughout my career I’ve had so much respect for people that have stuck with us through our ups and our downs. Those are the people that I celebrate success with. …”

Perhaps no time during King’s career was the celebration more special than earlier this month when the Gophers (with a 0-13 Big Ten record) stunned the college basketball world by upsetting top-10 ranked Maryland. After the game King and teammates celebrated with Gophers fans who stormed the court at Williams Arena.

“The people that are left in the arena after our games are (among) the people that love us,” King said. “They just understand that this locker room has got a lot of character, and even though we have lost a few games here and there, we’ve continued to fight. Now we’re starting to reap some of the benefits from that. We’re starting to win some games. We’re starting to feel good about ourselves.”

The Gophers have won two straight after following up the Maryland win with a victory over Rutgers last Tuesday night. King, the team’s only senior, was a major contributor in both games. The 6-9 forward from Eagan had six rebounds and 15 points including key free throws in the Maryland game. He matched that point total against Rutgers and also had seven rebounds.

“Starting to get my shot back,” King said. “That feels good. Went through a little bit of a slump earlier this year.”

King, who played his freshman season at Drake in Des Moines, is having the best season of his college career for points and rebounds—averaging 11.6 points and 3.7 rebounds. His free throw percentage of .888 is a college best, too.

In three seasons playing for the Gophers King has shown relentless effort. Whether diving for loose balls, or playing to near exhaustion, King has been an exceptional competitor.

With only three regular season games remaining including at Illinois on Sunday, he hopes to improve his skills. The other night he talked about learning new ways to get off his shots, and how he has become more adept at jumping into passing lanes on defense to steal the ball.

As a sophomore two seasons ago King played on a Gophers’ team that didn’t qualify for the NCAA Tournament but did win the NIT. Last season’s club, a preseason favorite to finish in the Big Ten’s first division, stumbled to a 6-12 Big Ten record and didn’t participate in postseason play.

With a 2-13 Big Ten record and 8-19 overall, this year has been a major disappointment. Minnesota hopes to close with more wins and then add to the total in the Big Ten Tournament but the Gophers don’t figure to be in any postseason tournaments. Instead, they’re trying to finish strong and build momentum for spring workouts and next season.

How does King feel about being on a team that has won only two conference games? “I don’t really think about that anymore,” he said. “I’ve erased it.

“Now that we’ve got two in a row I am not going to dwell on the past. We’re really not going to let anyone get in our heads in regards to that.

“We’re not going to be completely fired up that we have two wins in a row. We obviously have three big ones left and we want to try and win out. …I am just looking forward to trying to steal a road win at Illinois.”

Gophers Basketball Notes

At home in January the Gophers lost in overtime to Illinois, 76-71. “I thought we had that game won and we gave it away at the foul line,” said Minnesota coach Richard Pitino. “Did a couple of silly things at the end.”

Freshman forward Jordan Murphy is emerging as a team leader. “I am really trying to make my voice heard and stuff like that,” he said. “I am just really trying to get our guys going. Just let them know I am here with them. I am supporting them.”

Murphy is tied with Michigan State’s Matt Costello for third in rebounding among Big Ten players. They are averaging 8.1 rebounds per game in combined Big Ten and nonconference games. Purdue’s Caleb Swanigan and Iowa’s Adam Woodbury are averaging 8.5 and 8.3 respectively, so it’s possible Murphy could finish first among Big Ten players.

Gophers freshmen next season will include Hopkins High School guard Amir Coffey. “He’ll be one of the best freshmen in the league,” Rivals.com Gophers basketball writer Ryan James told Sports Headliners.

James said Coffey, 6-6, could average eight to 10 points, four to five rebounds and three assists playing 20 minutes or more during his first season with the Gophers. He also praised Coffey, the son of former Gophers center Richard Coffey, for his defensive skills including shot blocking.

Apple Valley High School junior guard Gary Trent Jr. is one of the most coveted players nationally in the high school class of 2017. Although the Gophers were the second school to offer a scholarship (Texas Tech was first), James doubts Trent will ultimately choose Minnesota. “He’ll probably go to (one of) those big-name programs, I would assume,” James said.

Trent’s teammate, sophomore guard Tre Jones, is another player that interests Minnesota but the competition is stiff including from Duke where older brother Tyus attended school. “A lot of people think it’s Duke (as Jones’ college choice)) because there’s obviously been interest there but he‘s never said anything like that,” James said.

Ex-Gophers coach Tubby Smith is in his third season at Texas Tech, and although he and his staff continue to recruit the state of Minnesota for prep players, they have no commitments yet. James said Shakopee High School senior forward Steffon Mitchell has received lots of attention from Tech but James has no indication Mitchell will become the first Minnesotan to join Smith in Lubbock.

Gophers basketball attendance for home games is on the decline. With one remaining regular season game, Minnesota is averaging 10,175 for 17 games—11th lowest in the 14-team Big Ten. The Gophers haven’t sold out a single game in 14,625 seat Williams Arena and have reported only one crowd of more than 12,000. Last season the home attendance average was 12,188.

It was three years ago tonight that the Gophers upset No. 1 ranked Indiana at Williams Arena, 77-73. Minnesota went on to win only two of its last six games including an NCAA Tournament loss to Florida, and Smith was fired as coach.

Dick Jonckowski, the public address announcer in his 30th season working Gophers game at Williams Arena, will be a guest on WCCO TV’s Rosen Sports Show this Sunday. Jonckowski was presented with a No. 30 Gophers maroon basketball jersey earlier this month that has his name on it. During a presentation at halftime of the Maryland game he received a standing ovation from fans.

2 comments