Gophers Basketball – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

Dry Spell Way Too Long on Vikings Postseason Consistency

Posted on February 4, 2026February 4, 2026 by David Shama

In four seasons under the leadership of recently dismissed GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and current head coach Kevin O’Connell, the Vikings have made the playoffs twice, qualifying in alternate years going back to 2022. Go back almost to the start of the new millennium and the Vikings have shown similar frustration and inconsistency in earning a postseason spot.

It hasn’t been since 2000 that the Vikings strung together three consecutive playoff appearances. Coach Denny Green’s teams made the playoffs five consecutive times from 1996-2000. In Green’s first season, 1992, he also started a run of three straight playoff appearances.

Bud Grant’s Vikings had a streak of six consecutive playoff seasons from 1973-1978. Although there were three Super Bowl losses in that period, it was clearly a period of glory for the franchise.

Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell image by David Shama — Kevin O’Connell

What the current Viking drought shows is the lack of consistency by the Vikings in the new millennium. NFL teams who have achieved three straight playoff years and sometimes more in that time frame include the Bears, Bengals, Bills, Broncos, Bucs, Cardinals, Chiefs, Colts, Cowboys, Eagles, Falcons, Giants, Packers, Panthers, Patriots, Raiders, Rams, Ravens, Saints, Seahawks, Steelers, Texans, Titans and 49ers.

That’s 24 of the 32 NFL teams.

Teams with the most sustained success have great quarterbacks. The Vikings have been searching for “the guy” for decades while quarterbacks like Tom Brady, Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers, Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen and others have lit up defenses.

Interestingly, Green never found the savior, but he found multiple quarterbacks in the 1990s that brought success. They had the support of superb linemen and receivers and an elite running back in Robert Smith.

A veteran pro football source, who has worked as an executive for NFL teams, believes the Vikings could make the playoffs after the 2026 regular season. “…It’s such a competitive league. Injuries are going to play a big part in it. The quarterback play obviously (is vital). Neither of those things lined up for them (the Vikings) this year and they still won nine games…. It shows that there’s enough talent to get it done, and if you’ve got a really top quarterback, and if (J.J.) McCarthy becomes that player, then there’s a really good chance they could have an extended streak of consistent playoff appearances and become a Super Bowl contender.”

The Vikings will be dealt an easier schedule in 2026 because of their mediocre record last season. One that figures to be more manageable than in 2025 because the Vikings had gone 14-3 in 2024.

Worth Noting

ESPN.com’s David Purdum recently wrote that approximately $1.76 billion is expected to be wagered on Sunday’s Super Bowl via U.S. Sports Books, per the American Gaming Association. That would represent a 27 percent increase from last year. Legalized gambling via Sports Books is available in 39 states and the District of Columbia, Purdum wrote.

Marshall Tanick, the Minneapolis-based attorney, writer and historian, wrote in a recent article for the Minneapolis Times that sports wagering in America had roots in Minneapolis after World War II. “The saga started here in the backroom of a cigar store on the corner of 4^th and 1^st Avenue, in what is now referred to as the Warehouse District of Minneapolis, about two blocks from where the Target Center stands. It was initially created by Leo Hirschfield, the slightly built but highly sharp son of a Minneapolis physician,” Tanick wrote.

A publication called the Green Sheet was sold by Hirschfield to clients offering odds on games involving two of the most popular sports of the day, major league baseball and college football. Ironically, Minnesota is one of the states where legalized gambling is not available. https://minneapolistimes.com/minneapolis-was-the-mecca-of-sports-betting/

In Sunday’s matchup between the favored Seahawks and Patriots, at least one former Gopher will earn a Super Bowl ring. Linebacker Boye Mafe and tight end Nick Kallerup play for the Seahawks, while linebacker Jack Gibbens is with the Seahawks.

Vikings alumni with the Seahawks are running back Cam Akers, quarterback Sam Darnold, linebacker Chazz Surratt and former offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. Alums with the Patriots include wide receiver Stefon Diggs, quarterback Josh Dobbs, center Garrett Bradbury, linebacker Christian Elliss, offensive tackle Vederian Lowe and defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga.

Darnold can become the fourth quarterback ever to win the Super Bowl in his first season with a team. The others are Tom Brady (Super Bowl LV with the Bucs), Trent Dilfer (Super Bowl XXXV, Ravens) and Matthew Stafford (Super Bowl LVI, Rams).

Chiddi Obiazor, the defensive end from Eden Prairie listed at 6-6, 275-pounds, has transferred from Kansas State to national champion Indiana. He seems a likely starter for the Hoosiers who host the Gophers October 31.

The Gophers aren’t included in the many “way too early top 25 rankings” from many sources. Opponents drawing mention on Minnesota’s 2026 12-game schedule are Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Penn State and Washington.

Twins pitchers and catchers report for their first workout next week, February12 at the Lee Health Sports Complex in Fort Myers. First full squad workout is February 16. First spring training game is at the complex February 20 against the Golden Gophers.

The Gopher men’s basketball team is averaging 8,511 in home game attendance (similar to last year’s 8,923) at Williams Arena, capacity 14,625. The St. Thomas men’s team, playing in its new Lee and Penny Anderson Arena with a capacity of 5,400, is averaging 2,723. The Tommies averaged 1,437 last season at Schoenecker Arena.

It will be interesting to see how the Wild and other playoff contending NHL teams play after a layoff of more than two weeks to accommodate the Winter Olympics. Injuries sustained in the Olympics and the issue of team chemistry are a potential nemesis because of the long break.

The Wild plays its final game before the break tonight at home against the Predators, then resumes with a key matchup in Colorado against the Western Conference leading Avalanche February 26.

The highly acclaimed annual MFCA Coaches Clinic, headquartered at the DoubleTree Hotel in St. Louis Park, will be held March 26-28 and is a partnership with the football Gophers. https://www.mnfootballcoaches.com/page/show/2279758-mfca-clinic-information

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Even Hospice Can’t Discourage Ex-Gopher & Laker Great

Posted on December 17, 2025December 17, 2025 by David Shama

Charley Mencel is in hospice now. He is the former University of Minnesota All-American guard from the 1950s and last living member of the Minneapolis Lakers.

Charley, 92, resides in a senior facility in Rogers with his wife of 72 years, Ann. He has multiple health issues including balance which restricts his mobility to a wheelchair and walker. He has atrial fibrillation and other cardio problems. A catheter is his daily companion and part of ongoing urinary issues.

There is also blood in his urine, but Charley and Ann have decided not to pursue tests. He has been hospitalized in the past and doesn’t want to return. “This is a nice place to finish. I’ve had one happy life,” he told Sports Headliners on Monday.

Charley has been in hospice before. Although he is again in that late-life care mode, he and Ann report his health has improved of late.

How about Charley’s attitude?

A+.

“This positive man will not complain about anything,” Ann said.

If there was a dark time in Charley’s life it occurred while he was a boy growing up in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. His dad got caught up in an insurance scheme and was an alcoholic with behavior issues. A divorce forced Charley’s mother to work two jobs, one during the day and the other at night.

She bought Charley a membership at the YMCA and told him to go there if he didn’t have anything to do or some place to be. He found mentors at the YMCA and sometimes was all alone in the gym where he shot basket after basket.

He credits his lifelong positive outlook on life to his mom’s influence. She was a role model and sacrificed for him and his two sisters. “It was a good life because of her. For sure,” Charley said.

It’s been a good life, too, because of Ann. They were high school sweethearts in Eau Claire. Charley said a first kiss sealed the relationship forever.

Asked what a 92^nd Christmas will mean to him, he answered it’s been a “blessing to live that long” and particularly sharing his life with Ann.

“That’s pretty hard to top that one, and it’s been a joy to watch our family develop,” Charley said. “We have three kids, two daughters and a son, seven grandkids and now we have 18 great grandkids.

“So, the family has just bloomed and exploded during our lifetime, and they bring us just so much joy. You gotta say, ‘Thank you God, for that blessing.’ ”

Ann and Charley are members of Christ Presbyterian Church in Edina. Every Sunday at 11 a.m. they watch services on YouTube. “I am still a Christian,” said Charley who grew up going to a Presbyterian church.

Ann showed a visitor a calendar of activities that fill their days. There are many things to do at the facility where they reside and there are aides who come daily to check on Charley. A chaplain visits weekly and so does a music therapist.

Charley’s mom played the piano, and his dad played the trombone. Sundays found them entertaining at polka gatherings.

Charley used to play the trumpet. His favorite song is Amazing Grace and after he sang it passionately for a visitor it was a reminder why he and Ann talk about music being so important for human souls.

On Christmas Day the two will go to daughter Deborah’s house. She has rented a ramp to her residence. In anticipation, Charley chuckled about being able to “roll right up” the ramp in his wheelchair.

What does he want for Christmas? “I want to celebrate a 100^th birthday,” said Charley who turns 93 on April 21.

Charley created a five-point philosophy about life that he readily shares with others. He came up with it a few years ago and joked that a man creates such things when he has plenty of time to sit and contemplate life.

The following things are what he tries to live by: 1. Make good choices; 2. Have a good attitude every day; 3. Bring joy to all your relationships; 4. Be patient; 5. Love your neighbor.

It’s no secret among basketball historians that Charley is the last of the Minneapolis Lakers. He receives autograph requests each month as fans reach out wanting to acknowledge his place in NBA history. About one year ago the Czech Basketball Federation honored him and a select number of others with the Fatherland of Excellence Award because of his Czech heritage and footprint he made on the game of basketball including as an early NBA player.

A second-round draft choice in 1955, Charley played two seasons for the Lakers. In his second season, 1956-1957, the 6-foot, 170-pound guard was a starter, playing in 72 games and averaging 9.2 points. After that he spent two years fulfilling his military obligation and never again played for the Lakers who relocated to Los Angeles after the 1959-1960 season.

In Charley’s NBA era, players had offseason jobs to supplement their basketball income. He made $5,000 to play for the Lakers. He guessed that the great George Mikan, the Lakers superstar center who was named Mr. Basketball for the first half century, earned $8,000.

Now, even if he were a college a player Charley would make millions. Of course, he would have liked that kind of money, but he talks about what the U did for him, providing an education, basketball opportunity and friendships.

As a freshman player at the U, coach Ozzie Cowles introduced him to local businessman Herman Lange because he knew he would be a welcome mentor for Charley. After the Lakers, it was Lange who helped Charley become a business executive with Twin Cities companies.

Cowles recruited Charley to Minnesota, telling him a starting guard spot as a freshman could happen. Badgers coach Bud Foster didn’t like the idea of playing freshmen. That ended any possibility of going to Madison and playing for his home state Badgers.

Ironically, in Charley’s last season, 1954-1955, the Badgers beat the Gophers in the final game of the season. The defeat left Minnesota with a 10-4 conference record and ended the possibility of tying 11-3 Iowa for the Big Ten championship. Always looking for the positive, Charley points out that during his college career Minnesota won five of seven games against the Badgers.

The Gophers had an earlier opportunity to establish ground in the Big Ten race when they played Iowa at Williams Arena on February 28, 1955. The fire marshal looked the other way, and a then record college basketball crowd of over 20,000 rocked the arena in one of the most famous games in U history.

The Gophers had defeated Iowa earlier in the season in Iowa City, 81-80. In the rematch it was so close again with Minnesota losing, 72-70, in a back-and-forth game. Mencel led the Gophers in scoring with 27 points in what might have been the best game of his career at Minnesota.

Back in the day the Big Ten only allowed one team to go to the NCAA Tournament. So, the second place Gophers, who that winter had been ranked No. 6 in the country, stayed home while Iowa finished third in the tournament which was won by Bill Russell and San Francisco.

Charley’s No. 30 jersey was retired by the U on January 26, 2011. A banner hangs in the rafters at Williams Arena commemorating his great career. He is also a member of the M Club Hall of Fame.

With 1,391 points, he averaged 15.1 points per game during his career. He left Dinkytown holding five different school scoring records.

Charley was All-Big Ten and All-American as a collegian. For the 1955 season, Mencel was awarded the Chicago Tribune’s Silver Basketball Award as the Big Ten’s MVP.

In the four years prior to Charley’s Gopher career the team was 25-25 in league games. During his four seasons Minnesota was 41-19 in conference games, finishing third three times and second his last season.

Throughout Charley’s long life he has been an extraordinary Gopher supporter. In addition to being a longtime season ticket purchaser and avid fan, he was co-chairman for the remodeling of Williams Arena years ago and he endowed a basketball scholarship.

There’s so much to celebrate about Charley and his basketball life, business success and beloved family. No wonder every day at 4 p.m. he and Ann enjoy a glass of wine—or maybe two.

The doctor told him no more Scotch. “I loved Scotch,” Charley said.

Cheers to Charley and Ann!

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Vikings Head Coach O’Connell Calls Boo-Birds ‘Justified’

Posted on November 17, 2025November 17, 2025 by David Shama

The Vikings disappointed themselves and their sometimes booing home crowd in yesterday’s closing seconds 19-17 loss to the Bears when Chicago’s Cairo Santos booted a walk-off 48-yard field goal.

Part of the fan frustration focused on Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy whose inconsistent play included an on-point performance leading the Vikings to a touchdown drive that put them ahead 17-16 with 50 seconds to play but also included completing just 50 percent of his passes and throwing two interceptions.

McCarthy’s lack of accuracy was an issue all game, with balls frequently off target. About halfway through the third period he threw high on an incomplete pass to franchise wide receiver Justin Jefferson.

The boos cascaded down on the field inside U.S. Bank Stadium.

McCarthy, 22, made just his fifth NFL start yesterday. He has minimal experience in his first season as a starter and is dealing with a lot playing for a team with preseason playoff expectations. Head coach Kevin O’Connell was asked today if he was concerned the boos could negatively impact the confidence of the young quarterback.

O’Connell answered no and termed the disgruntlement as justified because the fans have understandable expectations for his team. “The mental toughness and the physical toughness of the player is clear and evident to everybody,” the coach said. “I understand and I think J.J. does (too), the frustration with maybe seeing Justin or (WR) Jordan (Addison) or somebody open and we don’t throw and catch that. There’s a standard we have for ourselves that I hope our fans have for us. I think all that is valid and justified. …”

O’Connell believes all the ongoing preparation work in practice can lead to better performances by his quarterback. That improvement, he said, is expected by others on the team, too.

O’Connell praised the effort and physical play of his team that is now 4-6 and plays in Green Bay Sunday against the 6-3-1 Packers, while stressing the Vikings need to be more consistent in their play. “…We’re going to keep attacking in a way that hopefully makes our fans proud of the way we’re fighting like heck to go 1-0 every week,” O’Connell said.

Worth Noting

Here is an intriguing stat from local sports talk host Phil Mackey writing on X yesterday: With McCarthy quarterbacking, the Vikings have called 16 pass plays on third and fourth downs in short yardage (three yards or less). The results? Zero completions.

Case Keenum, 37 and the quarterback hero of the 2017 Vikings, is the third team QB for the Bears but wasn’t activated for yesterday’s game.

Austin Booker, the Bears defensive lineman who played for the Gophers and Kansas, started at defensive end and the 2024 draft choice had one tackle and one assisted tackle in the game.

BetMGM has the Gophers as 4.5 point underdogs to Northwestern on Saturday at Wrigley Field in Chicago. The stadium also hosted last Saturday’s Michigan-Northwestern game and from 1921-1970 was the Bears home facility.

Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck said today planning for footwear started even in the offseason for playing on grass in late November at Wrigley, the home of the baseball Cubs.

Fleck went to high school in the greater Chicago area and recalled this morning on KFAN Radio a field trip to see the Cubs when Kerry Wood tied a MLB record with 20 strikeouts in a 1998 win over the Astros.

BTW, the view here is Fleck won’t be leaving Minnesota for any of the numerous college football head coaching openings including UCLA where his name has been rumored.

The Gophers have been outscored by 125 to 19 in three Big Ten road losses to No. 1 ranked Ohio State, No. 6 Oregon and previously top 25 Iowa.

The 3-1 basketball Gophers needed overtime to defeat Green Bay by seven points Saturday night, while 3-2 St. Thomas beat the Phoenix 80-61 on Thursday in St. Paul. But the highly respected Pomeroy College Basketball ratings yesterday had Minnesota at No. 86 in the nation and the Tommies at 161.

Reliever Jhoan Duran, part of the Twins trade dump last summer, made the 2025 All-MLB team announced recently. The Phillies’ 27-year-old right-handed fast baller had a career best 32 saves.

Congratulations to ticketing executive Paul Froehle on his 40^th anniversary with the Twins. Earlier in his career he worked in ticket operations for the NHL North Stars.

In this crowded marketplace and during the upcoming holiday season, it will be interesting to monitor both the attendance and the game results at the IHF World Junior Championship December 26-January 5. The 10-nation tournament showcases the best under 20-year-old hockey players in the world. The United States will play Germany in an opening game December 26 at Grand Casino Arena. A portion of the 29-game tournament schedule will also be held at 3M Arena at Mariucci. https://www.nhl.com/news/2026-world-junior-championship-schedule

The U.S. has won the WJC seven times, including three of the past five years. The Americans are two-time defending champions having won 4-3 in overtime against Finland in the 2025 gold-medal game in Ottawa, and they defeated Sweden 6-2 in 2024 at Gothenburg, Sweden.

Minnesota hockey legend Lou Nanne and Gophers coach Bob Motzko will speak to the Twin Cities Dunkers about the tournament on December 1.

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