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.

Painful Loss, But So Much to Celebrate about John Anderson

Posted on August 9, 2026August 9, 2026 by David Shama

Minnesotans will offer their tributes tomorrow to University of Minnesota legendary baseball coach John Anderson. Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Monday at St. Olaf Catholic Church in Minneapolis, with a celebration of life open to the public starting at 6 p.m. at Maturi Pavilion at the University.

The events can be viewed via the following links:

www.youtube.com/user/SaintOlafChurch/live

https://www.youtube.com/live/R_p5bjmcka4?si=NlW2OfIAt8vvcDaO

Anderson died unexpectedly at age 71 last month, just a few days after experiencing heart failure. Friends have extended condolences to wife Jan, daughter Erin and other family, while also processing the stunning loss of the man who so deeply impacted the lives of many others.

Golden Gophers baseball is a special sport at the U. It’s the oldest program in the 22-team athletic department, dating back to 1876. Gopher baseball has an extraordinary tradition of leaders, players and championships.

The great Dick Siebert coached the Gophers from 1948-1978. He led Minnesota to national championships in 1956, 1960 and 1964. His extraordinary players included Paul Giel, Paul Molitor and Dave Winfield. They were Minnesota natives as were most of the players on his teams.

Anderson, born in Hibbing and a graduate of Nashwauk-Keewatin High School, wanted to pitch for the coach they called “The Chief.” An arm injured in 1975, after one year with the program, punctured that balloon so Anderson became a student assistant coach and later a grad assistant. He learned about the legacy of the program. And who better to have as a college baseball tutor than “The Chief”?

In 1981 it was Giel, then the school athletics director, who asked Anderson to become head baseball coach. At 26, he succeeded George Thomas (1979-1981) as head coach. He had been an assistant coach to Thomas.

Former Gophers baseball coach John Anderson — John Anderson

Anderson retired as Minnesota’s coach after the 2024 season. What a run it was over 43 seasons with a 1,390-1,021-3 record, ranking first in the Big Ten and 20th all-time among NCAA Division I coaches in career victories. Minnesota had winning seasons in 38 of his years as head coach, and the Gophers had 31 seasons with at least 30 wins and 10 seasons with at least 40.

Minnesota finished first or second in the Big Ten standings 24 times, advanced to 20 Big Ten Tournament championship games and qualified for the conference tournament in 31 of 38 Anderson’s seasons. He was named Big Ten Coach of the Year eight times, first as a rookie head coach in 1982 and most recently in 2018.

Anderson led the Gophers to 19 NCAA postseason appearances, including a historic and dramatic 2018 year that included hosting an NCAA Regional for the first time since 2000 and advancing to the program’s first NCAA Super Regional, achieving the program’s best postseason finish since reaching the College World Series in 1977.

But there was so much more to the man affectionately referred to by his uniform number, “14.” Awhile back he told Sports Headliners: “It’s not just about wins and losses. My philosophy has always been I am here to prepare people for the next 50 years of their lives. Kids have to understand there’s a 50 percent less chance to play professional baseball today because the draft got reduced by 20 rounds. You better be preparing people for life after baseball.”

Anderson had over 330 All-Big Ten Academic selections. He was proud to tell a reporter in 2024 his entire senior class that year would graduate with degrees. The academic progress rate for the last five years was a perfect 1000.

He cared deeply about the well-being of his players. He knew his role was that of a teacher devoted to guiding his players way beyond baseball, helping develop their academics, life skills and character with the intent they can thrive as adults in a competitive and changing world.

There was no doubting his leadership and devotion to the U. He could have left for better paying jobs, including ones with more resources for winning but he was loyal to the end to his program, players and school.

Remarkably, he spent 49 years at the U counting time as a player, student assistant coach, graduate assistant, and assistant coach. He loved Minnesota and in a final gesture keeping with the selfless spirit that defined his life, his body was returned to the University for organ donation.

I last communicated with him several weeks ago regarding the honor of being named the latest recipient of the prestigious Lefty Gomez Award from the American Baseball Coaches Association. The annual award was to be presented next January and is given to an individual who has contributed significantly to baseball locally, nationally, and internationally.

Anderson texted the following regarding the award: “Humbling honor that is an achievement by an army of people that contributed to the program’s success during my leadership of the Gopher baseball program. Nothing is accomplished by one individual. I am grateful for all those special relationships that I shared over the years.”

To further detail Anderson’s impact on others, Sports Headliners reached out to individuals via text and email asking for their comments. Their replies about “14” are below:

Charlie Nelson, Gopher baseball player 1991-1994 and leader of KLN Family Brands, a Sports Headliners advertiser

“John Anderson taught me the importance and the value of caring for someone even when they might have nothing to offer up at the time.

“I was a freshman on the baseball team and at the time, I wasn’t providing value as a student, baseball player, or teammate. When John sat me down, I didn’t know what to expect. Instead of telling me that maybe the U of M wasn’t for me…he spent time talking to me about life. He shared some of his own struggles with me and he reminded me that being a student athlete at the U of M was a longer journey than I had mentally prepared for.

“I worked hard over the next few years earning the opportunities he gave me and the patience he had with me when he didn’t need to. John was teaching me lessons about life and leadership before I even knew it. I was beyond fortunate to have played for “14” and to have called John Anderson a good friend.”

Patrick Klinger, former Twins marketing executive and now leader of the Saint Paul Winter Carnival

“John was an exceptional coach and an even better human. We smoked many cigars, raised a few glasses of vino and played numerous rounds of golf together.

“One of my favorite memories was rooming with John on golf trips to Arizona. We’d stay up late in our room discussing life, family, friends and sharing experiences. Funny, I never recall talking baseball with him even though we’d both been in that business.

“He was a special man, and I was honored by his friendship. And when I think of those whom I’d like to emulate, John Anderson is near the very top of that list.”

Joel Maturi, former Gopher athletics director from 2002-2012

“I wish I had something original to say about John Anderson but cannot find the words.

“As I have shared with others, I was an athletic administrator for 40 years and worked with and evaluated many coaches. No one embodied a whole person approach emphasizing the total growth and well-being of those he coached better than John.

“Every person I have spoken to or read comments of on his passing all spoke of his impact on their life, not baseball. It is what John believed his mission was and no one did it better.”

Bill Robertson, former sports executive including with the Minnesota Wild

“Coach John Anderson (14) was more than just a baseball coach at the University of Minnesota for so many seasons. He was a mentor of mine, relationship-builder and most importantly a caring husband and father.

“His knowledge of the environment in college baseball was off the charts. He saw things others could not (do) in developing talent. He knew the limitations and climate of playing college baseball in the Upper Midwest.

“John taught me a lot about being professional and how to treat others. Even players who did not play much for him still revere him as he was honest and upfront while truly caring about their future.

“If my son wanted to play college baseball, I would want him to play for John.”

Comments Welcome

These Vikings Deserve Fandom’s Accolades & Appreciation

Posted on July 28, 2026July 28, 2026 by David Shama

The Vikings have a game for the ages on Friday, September 18.

What?

The Minnesota Vikings’ schedule has them in Chicago September 20 for an NFC North Division game against the Bears.

We’re talking about the Minneota High School Vikings. And the good folks in the small southwestern Minnesota town of Minneota have a circle it date on the calendar for September 18.

Minneota has a citizenry of about 1,500 people, with the farm community’s population similar in size to the number of tailgaters outside US Bank Stadium at 6 a.m. on Vikings gameday. The football public in this state is more than aware where the Purple play on September 20, but folks ought to pay attention to what’s happening in Minneota two days prior.

It’s a compelling story about the town and the school with a grades 7-12 enrollment of approximately 300 students.

On that late summer evening the high school Vikings will host the Canby Lancers in a game that will be the talk of the town. The Vikings carry a 46-game win streak into the season and could set a school record on a night of celebration that includes honoring the legendary Gerhard Meidt. It was Meidt’s Minneota teams from 1986-1989 that won 48 consecutive games and set at that time a new state record for prep football in Minnesota.

Gerhard Meidt Stadium in Minneota — Minneota’s renamed stadiuim (photo submitted by Chris Meidt)

This coming season K.P. Kompelien Field becomes Gerhard Meidt Stadium. Dedication ceremonies on the evening of September 18 will also include celebrations of a new stadium scoreboard, signage and lights.

If that weren’t enough, the Lancers are a rivalry team and it’s Minneota’s Homecoming Game. There will even be fireworks on the big night.

“…We’ll do the whole deal,” said Chris Meidt. “It’ll be a great, great event.”

Chris played quarterback for his dad in the 1980s. Last year he attended a game celebrating the 40^th anniversary of the 1985 team that was the school’s first playoff group. The scoreboard malfunctioned in the second quarter and that embarrassment turned out to be a community changing moment.

Chris had a successful run as St. Olaf football coach, and his football resume also includes two seasons (2008 and 2009) as an offensive assistant coach with the NFL Washington Redskins. Now he’s president and CEO of North Risk Partners, a privately owned independent insurance brokerage and risk management firm headquartered in Minnesota. He understands finances and folks in Minneota turned to him to raise money for much of what the town will celebrate on September 18.

Challenge accepted. “I created a committee of one. I was the committee,” Chris said.

In a period of six months $500,000 was raised in donations. The money came almost entirely from Miinneota citizenry. About a dozen families pitched in for a fundraising effort Chris calls a “fun year” that included hearing stories about how Gerhard impacted the lives of people in the community.

It was an expression, too, of how proud donors are of Minneota. And beyond individuals, Chris said it was a “team effort” that also included help from the city and school district.

Gerhard passed away at age 88 in June of last year. What would he think of what’s going on now?

Chris said: “He would tell me, ‘What are you thinking? Why would you do this?’

“…But he passed away. So, he lost his vote. …”

Gerhard, known to many as Gary, arrived in Minneota in 1981 with wife Karen and his children. His background included a wonderful run of football success at Rothsay where his 1972 team won the first ever nine-man state championship. He moved on from Rothsay to Lyle where he was superintendent of schools.

In Minneota he was school superintendent, football coach and choir director. “He was an interesting guy,” Chris said, speaking for a legion of admirers. “He was a renaissance man probably a little bit before his time. But he did it all.

“He was a music major. He was a math teacher. He got his administrative degree. He loved football, loved the tactical side of it.

“He was ultimately just a team guy. He was all about creating team. Didn’t matter if it was music, band, (or) football. He wanted to collaborate together, cheer each other on. That’s what he instilled.”

It wasn’t just the “plug and play” youth that Gerhard cared about. The students who had what Chris referred to as an “edge” about them were not going to be left out of activities and attention if Gerhard could make a difference.

An educator to the core, he was diligent about finding a role for everyone to play and be successful at. “He never wrote anyone off. Ever,” Chris said.

One of his mantras was: “If you don’t love each other, you can’t win together.”

Chris played quarterback for his dad from 1984-1987. He was a prolific passer who once held the state caree record of 8,533 yards. His 1986 and 1987 teams won state Class C championships.

Minneota Athletic High School Hall of Famers Chris and Gerhard Meidt (photo submitted by Chris Meidt)

As quarterback, Chris was allowed to call his own plays, a demonstration of the commitment his father had in developing decision making and leadership in young people.“He just believed you coach them hard during the week and Fridays were for celebrating and letting the kids run the game,” Chris recalled.

Ron Stolski, the retired Brainerd football coaching legend and still the longtime executive director of the Minnesota Football Coaches Association, first met Gerhard in 1962. Ron followed and admired Gerhard’s career that had multiple stops.

“As a coach, he was very direct, well organized and demanded discipline,” Ron told Sports Headliners via email. “Traits he carried throughout his outstanding career. …

“It was in Minneota that he realized his greatest success. He was a change agent, an innovator who coached and introduced a multiple formations passing game featuring motion and spread formations that literally changed and affected the high school football landscape in Minnesota.”

Chris and his father are both in the Minneota Athletic High School Hall of Fame. This year a bust of Gerhard will be placed in the Hall of Fame as part of the grand celebration of their famed educator and coach. Gerhard was inducted into the Minnesota Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1999.

As for the 2026 Vikings, they’re coming off four consecutive Class 1 A state titles. Chris said good players were lost through graduation, but this year’s Vikings will be “formidable.”

The head coach is Chad Johnston. “He’s amazing. A wonderful man,” Chris said.

Johnston also led the Vikings to state titles in 2009, 2014, 2015 and 2017. “(Gerhard Meidt) was the guy that changed everything in Minneota football and it was his program,” Johnston told John Millea in a Minnesota State High School League story in December of 2022.

“There are shadows of what was done here before, and I think that’s what drives us,” Johnston said in the article. “And a lot of these kids have parents who have played in the Prep Bowl. That tradition means a lot to me, to be able to say that there has been no downslide in this program since the ‘80s. The kids have worked hard to keep us on the map and the credit goes to the kids, it really does.”

Gerhard, who won three Class C state titles at Minneota from 1986-88, had a head coaching record of 236-79 in 32 years at Rothsay, Minneota and Big Lake where he also coached after leaving the Vikings. He and wife Karen were married for 65 years and he was a proud father and grandparent.

He would be humbled and would no doubt deflect praise if present on September 18.

Skol!

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Smith’s Vikings Decision May Come in About 3 Weeks

Posted on July 22, 2026July 22, 2026 by David Shama

With the Vikings opening training camp in a few days, the Harrison Smith watch will prompt even more attention from fans and media. Will the 37-year-old safety and 14-year-veteran play another season in Minneapolis?

Smith and the Vikings leadership have been quiet about his future. A former leader with NFL front offices who knows about Smith and Viking head coach Kevin O’Connell spoke to Sports Headliners about the situation.

While acknowledging he doesn’t know if Smith will retire or join the team in training camp, he believes both Smith and O’Connell know what the decision is. “They’re just not saying,” the source said.

“…I suspect he’ll come back for one more year, but it wouldn’t surprise me either way,” he added.

The source believes if there is a return, Smith will be back in time for the two joint practices with the Ravens August 19 and 20. The Vikings will host the Ravens for scrimmages at TCO Performance Center, prior to their August 22 preseason home game against the Baltimore-based team.

Those practices are important to Minnesota’s preparation for the regular season and the authority referred to them as a “tipping point” during training camp.

The authority, who personally hopes Smith will play at least another season, said it’s clear to him that the Vikings want the six-time Pro Bowler to return, and that despite his age the veteran is still more than capable of playing at a high level. “I think they need him back. I think they’re a little thin at quality safeties.”

Smith is still athletic and able to run with younger rivals. Those skills haven’t deserted him like others who are moving toward their late 30’s.

And then there’s Smith’s high IQ for the game. He’s a defensive professor on the field knowing where to line up and getting his teammates adjusted if necessary. He can jump around and move before the snap, confusing and discombobulating quarterbacks. He’s a football encyclopedia with his knowledge of tendencies and rival players.

Smith may decide he’s still too interested and healthy to retire from the game he enjoys so much. The source wouldn’t rule out even another season in 2027.

“Hard to say. Probably but maybe not. If he plays healthy, stays healthy, I could see him continuing. I know he loves the game and I know he loves O’Connell and (defensive coordinator Brian) Flores.”

If retirement is the decision the factors could start with family. Smith is married with small children. He may decide he’s had a healthy and fulfilling career, and it’s just time to retire.

“He’s definitely a Hall of Famer,” the source said.

Worth Noting

NBA teams often build their rosters to compete with high impact individuals on other clubs who are championship caliber. And now there is a pattern going on in the Western Conference:

Monster talented Victor Wembanyama, 7-4 and 22 years old, has the attention of rivals with a window that has him as a possible league MVP annually and his Spurs team in the hunt for an NBA championship each year.

The 2025 NBA champion Thunder counter with Minneapolis native Chet Holmgren who is 7-1 and 24 years old. And in this year’s NBA Draft it looked like anti-Wemby strategy adding 7-3 Aday Mara who is 21.

The Lakers are rebuilding their roster including with the addition of 7-2 Walker Kessler, also 24. He was drafted by the Timberwolves in 2022, and was part of the trade that brought Rudy Gobert to Minneapolis. Gobert, 34, is 7-1 and is an annual contender for Defensive Player of the Year.

Now the Wolves could be grooming 7-3, 20-year-old center Rocco Zikarsky as a “Wemby Weapon.” The Bulls took him in the second round of the 2025 draft, then traded him to the Wolves where he played in five games last season. The Australian native averaged 2.8 points and 2.8 rebounds.

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

Minnesota funnyman and legendary public address announcer Dick Jonckowski celebrated his 60^th wedding anniversary with wife Arlene earlier this year. “The Polish Eagle” told Arlene they should get married in a bathtub and have a “double ring ceremony.”

Jonckowski, who turns 83 in October, treasures a lot of memories including the PA work at the first game played at Target Field when the Golden Gophers hosted Texas Tech before the Twins opened the new stadium. At Met Center he was once a last-minute replacement for the Harlem Globetrotters PA voice who was ill.

The other day Jonckowski recalled that famous St. Paul newspaper sportswriter Don Riley struggled remembering names, but recognized faces. His go to introduction with two people who were strangers was this: “Tiger, meet Ace. Ace, meet Tiger.”

There’s ongoing local interest in securing a National Women’s Soccer League team for Minneapolis-St. Paul. Craig Leipold has ownership not only in the Wild but is the principal investor in the new Minnesota volleyball team that debuts next year in Major League Volleyball, and he has a stake in the Twins.

Leipold is on record about this being an attractive time to buy sports franchises. Interested in a Minnesota NWSL franchise?

“I would never say never, but its never been presented to me,” Leipold told Sports Headliners. “So, I haven’t really thought much of it. So, I’d have to see what the opportunity is.”

Sunshine and warm temperatures figure to allow the 3M Open July 20-26 to go on without interruption at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler makes his 3M debut and will draw ticket buyers. Kurt Kitayama, 2025 winner, tries to become the first player to win back-to-back in the eight-year history of the 3M.

Nobody in the local media is more associated with golf than KFAN afternoon radio host Dan Cole. “The Common Man” is not only an avid player and reporter but also was declared long ago by Minnesota governor Jesse Ventura as the state’s ambassador of golf.

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