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.

Don’t Fret Over Kill Contract Yet

Posted on August 24, 2011November 27, 2011 by David Shama

Media reports that Kill has not signed his contract may give Gophers fans undue worry. Maturi said Kill signed and is working under a five year Memorandum of Understanding with terms that include a $1.1 million salary.

A detailed contract continues to be negotiated between Kill and the Gophers. What some observers may not realize is that it’s not unusual for someone like Kill to coach for at least part of his first season without a signed contract.

Former Gophers coach Glen Mason didn’t have his formal contract completed while coaching during his initial season in 1997. As with Mason, Kill and other coaches around the country, negotiations involve agents and lawyers. Agreement on specific language can require time.

During the interview with Sports Headliners, Maturi said his department continues to look at a contract extension with Gophers basketball coach Tubby Smith. Although he has three years remaining on his deal, Smith is looking for an extension and undoubtedly a salary boost from his annual compensation of about $2 million that already ranks him fourth in the Big Ten.

Smith also wants a new practice facility but Maturi said funding requires “seven figure” lead donors. So far that funding hasn’t been secured.

Maturi’s to-do list these days also includes hiring a chief financial officer, replacing Elizabeth Eull who is still with the University but not in the athletic department. The position requires budgetary and human resources expertise.

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Worth Noting

Posted on August 24, 2011October 9, 2011 by David Shama

The kicking game might be a strength on this year’s Gophers team. Although it’s unusual for a head coach, Kill is involved with tutoring his punters and placekickers. He doesn’t like standing around and sometimes wants to be involved with teaching. Punter Dan Orseske and Chris Hawthorne, both sophomores, have impressed in preseason workouts.

National football authority Phil Steele ranks the Gophers’ schedule the 21^st most difficult in the country.

College football fan Dana Marshall emailed that since Minnesota began playing in the Metrodome in 1982 and continuing through last season the Gophers and Indiana have the fewest seasons—four each—of above .500 conference records.

Vikings running back Toby Gerhart spent part of his offseason with Adrian Peterson and the team’s other running backs at the Pro Bowl in Hawaii. Gerhart’s brother Garth is a center for Arizona State. Another brother, Colton, is a sophomore quarterback at Norco High School in California where his dad, Todd, is head coach.

In practice Gerhart sometimes lines up with Peterson in a two-back set, prompting speculation they may play in games together on a somewhat regular basis.

Ron Gardenhire said on his 1500 ESPN radio show Sunday he wants Alexi Casilla to remain a second baseman next season and not be a shortstop. Gardenhire will play infielder-outfielder Trevor Plouffe at shortstop in some games before the season ends. The Twins manager indicated the shortstop job will be an open competition at spring training in 2012.

Gardenhire also said there is “absolutely” room on next year’s roster for outfielders Jason Kubel and Michael Cuddyer, both of whom will need new contracts to stay with the Twins. Gardenhire wants to see Cuddyer, 32, finish his career here.

Tink Larson will complete his transition to assistant coaching next year after being a head coach for 50 seasons, according to a story this month in the Waseca County News. He will be an assistant with Waseca’s VFW, Legion and town-ball team, the Braves. He is already an assistant coach with Minnesota State University, Mankato and the Waseca High School team.

It will be Maya Moore bobblehead night on Friday when the Lynx play at Target Center against San Antonio.

Dave and Linda Mona report they raised more than $32,000 for Cystic Fibrosis at last week’s Camden’s Concert, named in honor of their 3 ½ year-old grandson, Camden Mona. The next concert date will be July 25, 2012, and feature country western singer Suzy Bogguss.

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Opportunity Knocks Again for T-Jack

Posted on August 19, 2011October 9, 2011 by David Shama

Former Vikings assistant coach Dean Dalton ─ who still follows the NFL closely including for his Sirius Satellite Radio show ─ expects Tarvaris Jackson to start for Seattle tomorrow night against the Vikings, and the preseason game will be another confidence test for the 28-year-old quarterback.

Jackson left the Vikings after last season and so, too, did his former offensive coordinator in Minnesota, Darrell Bevell. The two have a new beginning in Seattle where Jackson is expected to become the team’s starter.

Jackson was unimpressive in Seattle’s first preseason game of the year, completing three of five passes during limited playing time in the first half. Tomorrow night in Seattle the Seahawks’ new quarterback receives another opportunity.

This opportunity is special because Jackson has the advantage of playing against former players and coaches he knew in Minneapolis. Dalton expects Bevell will be playing up the advantage to Jackson. “Darrell will be pumping his brain full of confidence,” Dalton said.

Jackson spent five seasons here playing in Bevell’s West Coast offense, the system he was trying to execute last weekend during Seattle’s 24-17 win over San Diego. “He (Jackson) didn’t look particularly crisp,” Dalton said. “Hopefully, he will have a new life in Seattle.”

Although Jackson started 20 games for the Vikings during his career, there was ongoing doubt among media and fans about whether he was worthy of being the No. 1 quarterback. Dalton said Jackson lacked confidence and consistency.

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