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.

Lurtsema on Vikes: Trade No. 3 Draft Pick

Posted on April 9, 2012April 9, 2012 by David Shama

Former Vikings defensive lineman Bob Lurtsema is a close observer of the NFL including the Vikings organization. He told Sports Headliners the Vikings should trade the No. 3 pick in the first round of the NFL draft later this month to acquire more draft choices.

The Vikings had their worst regular season record last year since 1984. The club has numerous personnel needs on offense and defense. “You go 3-13 and you’re not deep at every position,” Lurtsema said.

He believes the Vikings could move down in the draft order, pick up a couple of extra picks and help themselves more than staying at No. 3 in the draft. “We need receivers, corners, we need a lot of help,” he said.

Lurtsema said the Vikings can give up the No. 3 choice and still be able to acquire players they want and need. Among positions he places at the top of the list is a “good wide receiver.”

Such a player will not only help second-year quarterback Christian Ponder but also All-Pro runner Adrian Peterson, according to Lurtsema. The impact of a deep threat will stop opposing cornerbacks from crowding the line of scrimmage.

Lurtsema expects Ponder, who threw 13 interceptions in 11 games last season, to be improved. But he said at times the Vikings’ “predictable play calls” did Ponder no favors last season.

Despite the immense player talent in the NFL, team success is “60 to 65 percent coaching,” Lurtsema said.

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Worth Noting

Posted on April 9, 2012April 9, 2012 by David Shama

Lurtsema said choosing a player in the first round of the NFL draft doesn’t guarantee later performance. “One-third will be total busts,” he said. “One-third will be mediocre.”

Among the Vikings draft choices last year was tight end Kyle Rudolph in the second round. The 6-6, 258- pound Rudolph impressed in part-time work during 2011 and Lurtsema described him as “the steal of the draft.”

Congratulations to the Fitzgerald family, including Larry Sr. and Larry Jr., for ongoing efforts to raise money for charities involving breast cancer, HIV and urban education. The eighth annual Carol Fitzgerald Memorial Fund Benefit was held last Friday at the Metropolitan Ballroom in Golden Valley.

In its March 26 baseball preview issue, Sports Illustrated predicts the Angels, who play at Target Field this afternoon in the Twins home opener, will win the American League pennant and defeat the Giants in the World Series.

The magazine reports that Albert Pujols’ new 10-year contract with the Angels includes a bonus payment of $7 million if he hits 763 career home runs, breaking the major league record of 762 held by Barry Bonds. The 32-year-old Pujols has hit 445 home runs in his big league career that began in 2001.

Pujols ranked No. 3 nationally in Majestic jersey sales in 2011, according to a MLB.com news release last week. The Yankees’ Derek Jeter was No. 1 with the Phillies’ Cliff Lee No. 2. The Twins’ Joe Mauer ranked No. 12.

Despite numerous media reports linking Gophers assistant coach Ron Jirsa to the head coaching search at Northland College in Ashland, Wisconsin, Minnesota coach Tubby Smith said he expects no change in his staff for next season.

Smith had only two scholarships available for his 2012 recruiting class. The two incoming recruits, Wally Ellenson and Charles Buggs, will attend summer school at Minnesota.

Smith is an “11-12” handicapper and would love to play Augusta National Golf Club.

Gophers senior Ralph Sampson III is expected to attend the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament this week. Also attending the pre-NBA draft event is Bloomington native and Badgers player Jordan Taylor, according to the tournament website.

The April 9 issue of Sports Illustrated includes a college basketball top 10 for 2012-13 and Indiana is ranked No. 1. The other schools in order are Louisville, Kentucky, Florida, Michigan, Syracuse, Gonzaga, North Carolina, Arizona and Memphis.

Charlotte coach Paul Silas was an NBA forward whose 16-year playing career began in 1964. He’s impressed with the Wolves’ Kevin Love who in his fourth season is often referred to as the best power forward in the league. “If he continues to do like he’s doing, for a good portion of his career, he’s going to be one of the best ever because you just don’t see anybody in this league scoring like he does and rebounding the way he does,” Silas said.

The Wolves are hosting three free TV viewing parties this month including Wednesday night’s game from Denver. The games aren’t on local TV and will be seen via NBA League Pass. The Wednesday night party begins at 7:30 p.m. and can be seen at Champps Americana in Eden Prairie.

Defending MIAC football champion St. Thomas opens spring practice on Wednesday. The Tommies spring intrasquad game will be on May 12 starting at 1 p.m. at O’Shaughnessy Stadium.

Bethel’s Nicole Wriedt (volleyball), Gustavus’ Benjamin Ceder (soccer) and Brad Kruckeberg (football), and St. Thomas’ Dan Chapman (football) are among 58 women and men the NCAA announced have won postgraduate scholarships. The grants are $7,500 each.

The Gophers baseball team was 3-0 in the Big Ten Conference before losing three games on Friday, Saturday and Sunday to Ohio State in Columbus. In a preseason coaches’ vote, the Gophers (3-3) were predicted to finish No. 3 in the conference behind Michigan State (3-3) and Purdue (7-2).

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Maturi Supports Smith Contract Extension

Posted on April 6, 2012April 6, 2012 by David Shama

Joel Maturi told Sports Headliners earlier this week he hopes an announcement will come soon regarding a contract extension for Gophers basketball coach Tubby Smith. The Gophers athletic director said University of Minnesota attorney Mark Rotenberg is talking with Smith’s agent, Ricky Lefft.

Smith’s contract has two years remaining and an extension has been speculated upon for about a year. Discussions have been on and off over the last 12 months with the two sides unable to reach a deal, although neither Smith nor the University has publicly detailed the differences.

Smith said yesterday at a season-ending news conference he doesn’t expect an agreement to be reached until after a new athletic director is hired in May or June. “I am confident we’ll get it done,” he said.

Maturi, who is leaving his position at the end of June, has talked with Smith about his contract and so too has new University president Eric Kaler. “He’s (Kaler) comfortable with me being here,” Smith said.

Maturi hired Smith in 2007, thinks highly of him and wants him to stay with the Gophers. Maturi has no doubt provided a favorable report on the coach to Kaler.

“I think it’s (the contract extension) the right thing to do,” Maturi said. “I’ve always felt good about Tubby Smith. I think he’s the right fit for Minnesota.”

Smith reportedly earns close to $2 million on his present deal, and by achieving certain goals in his contract can earn more. His five year stay at Minnesota has been criticized by some fans and media. In addition to off-court problems involving the basketball program, his Big Ten record is 14 games below .500. He’s coached two teams to the NCAA tournament and this spring led the Gophers to second place in the National Invitation Tournament.

Smith’s name has often been rumored with other college openings including South Carolina last month. His agent is based in that state but the Gamecocks hired Kansas State coach Frank Martin for their opening.

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