Golden Gophers – Page 177 – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

Thielen Ignores Not So Athletic Tag

Posted on December 12, 2018December 12, 2018 by David Shama

Adam Thielen is the unofficial Most Valuable Player on the 2018 Vikings’ offense, with three crucial games remaining in the regular season to determine whether Minnesota qualifies for the playoffs. Ironically, an ankle injury suffered Monday night in a low scoring game against the Seahawks has caused speculation whether the team’s leading receiver will be available for the next game.

And inexplicably the 28-year-old wide receiver from Detroit Lakes, Minnesota—who is on a possible path to becoming first-team All-Pro for the first time in his career—still doesn’t know why NBC TV analyst Cris Collinsworth referred to him as not being that athletic during the Vikings-Packers game November 25.

With or without Thielen, the Vikings take a 6-6-1 record into Sunday’s game against the Dolphins at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings, along with the 8-5 Seahawks, are the most favorably positioned potential wild card teams right now in the NFC.

That hardly means all is well with Minnesota, though. The Vikings managed just 17 points during the last two weeks in road losses of 24-10 and 21-7 to the Patriots and Seahawks. The failures with both the run and pass have been numerous and contributed mightily to Minnesota being without a victory this season against teams with winning records.

The offense has weak spots in the interior line and quarterback Kirk Cousins has appeared skittish, despite piling up the stats. Plenty of players have failed to execute at times but there has also been a problem with game plans and play calling, and that led to the dismissal of offensive coordinator John DeFilippo yesterday.

Thielen, despite double coverage and being shut down without a catch in the first half Monday night, stepped up in the second half of the Seahawks game. He caught five passes for 70 yards, including one scrambling and athletic run that should have prompted a nod of approval from Collinsworth. In the fourth quarter with the Vikings behind 6-0, Thielen also got himself open for a touchdown catch that could have turned the game around but Cousins threw an incomplete pass targeting tight end Kyle Rudolph.

Thielen’s five receptions Monday night pushed him over 100 catches for the season, a lofty level for any Viking now or in the past. His 103 catches lead the NFL, and with 1,236 yards he is only 40 behind his career high of 1,276 last season when he was second-team All-Pro.

It will be a challenge for the Vikings if Thielen’s ankle, injured late in the Seahawks game, won’t allow him to play. All season he has shown off a tool kit of skills including sure hands, deft moves, breakaway speed, hard running and old fashion grit.

The former four-sport high school athlete is exciting to watch with attributes that include the ability to find openings against defenders. Yet on NBC TV Sunday Night Football Collinsworth made that comment to a national audience about Thielen’s athleticism.

Collinsworth didn’t elaborate on the comment while on air and apparently hasn’t done so since. Nor has Collinsworth privately communicated anything more to Thielen about his observation that offended his fans.

Thielen photo courtesy of Minnesota Vikings

“I mean people are going to say stuff, (and) that doesn’t bother me,” Thielen told Sports Headliners. “…If you paid attention to all the stuff people said about you, you probably wouldn’t be where you are.”

Reserve quarterback Kyle Sloter told Sports Headliners that Thielen’s Vikings teammates regard him as “a great athlete.” Sloter praised Thielen for his sure hands and knowing where he is supposed to be on routes, while possessing football “measureables” comparable to the NFL’s best catchers.

Does Thielen rank among the more athletic pro wide receivers? “I would think so,” Sloter said. “To me when you are continually blowing by All-Pro corners and guys that have been there, done that…you’re pretty athletic. …I was a former wide receiver for three years and I feel like I know the difference between a guy that’s just a possession receiver and a guy that’s a go-to-guy in any situation, and I think Adam’s that for sure.

“I think one of his best physical gifts that people overlook is his quickness. I think he’s very fast (in) straight line speed, but his quickness in and out of his breaks, being able to shift his weight, being able to play off of people’s leverage, and being able to get in out of his breaks (is special). I think he’s up there with the best of them (wide receivers).”

Worth Noting

Steve Erban loves the Golden Gophers and for decades he has been hosting fan trips through his Stillwater-based Creative Charters. He’s promoting a “Golden Trek” vision of Gophers football, and he wrote via email that the journey begins with fans attending the December 26 Quick Lane Bowl in Detroit where Minnesota will play Georgia Tech.

Erban thinks coach P.J. Fleck’s program is on a roll after closing the season impressively, including claiming “The Axe” in Madison with a victory over the Badgers for the first time since 2003. He looks at the many Gopher players returning next season who are highly regarded and believes this is just the beginning in transforming the program under Fleck who has the reputation of a strong recruiter.

The message to fans is get in on the Gopher ascent that Erban believes will one day end at the Rose Bowl, or even at the national championship game. Those fans who do can claim they made the “Golden Trek,” an experience Erban compares to his attending every Gopher NCAA Tournament men’s basketball game going back to 1989.

Creative Charters is offering a day-trip itinerary on December 26 with an 8 a.m. flight out of Minneapolis. As part of Erban’s ambitious plan, he’s targeting five airplanes filled with 850 Gophers fans.

Erban wrote: “This trip to the Quick Lane Bowl will allow many Gopher fans to stand at the Rose Bowl/championship game some day and say: ‘I made the GOLDEN TREK.’ “

More at creativecharter.com

New Twins pitching coach Wes Johnson referred to pitcher Fernando Romero as having “wow” talent when talking on WCCO Radio’s “Sports Huddle” program Sunday. Romero, 24 later this month, started 11 games as a rookie last season, with a 3-3 record and 4.69 ERA. He could be a starter or reliever, according to Johnson who comes to the Twins directly from college coaching.

Because of open dates early in the 2019 schedule, Johnson speculated the Twins may begin the year with 12 pitchers, rather than 13.

It will be 100 years ago on December 21 that Hobey Baker, considered the first great American hockey player, passed away. The Hobey Baker Award, given annually to college hockey’s best player, was the brainchild of Chuck Bard, CEO of the former Decathlon Club in Bloomington.

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Ex-Gopher Was U President Candidate

Posted on December 7, 2018December 7, 2018 by David Shama

Although it hasn’t been reported, Minneapolis native and former Gophers linebacker Pete Najarian was a candidate to be the next President of the University of Minnesota. Najarian, who was co-captain of the 1985 Gophers, confirmed his candidacy to Sports Headliners during a telephone interview this week.

Najarian, who found success and fame nationally as an options trader, financial markets analyst and TV personality, didn’t seek the position that now has a sole finalist in University of South Carolina Provost Joan Gabel. “The fact that I was nominated was very flattering,” Najarian said.

Najarian loves the University and pursued the school’s athletic director’s position before it was filled in 2016 by Mark Coyle. Unlike that process when he was given a formal interview, there was no such sit down for the President’s position, although he had conversations with selection committee members.

To some observers of the Presidential selection process that could raise the question of whether a business person with an accomplished background like Najarian was treated as a serious candidate. “You know, I think it’s a tough thing, quite frankly. I think they were legitimately considering (alternative) folks but I think also they’re looking for somebody…within the educational system already,” Najarian said. “I am sure there are many, many highly qualified candidates out there…who have great résumés from different universities.”

Najarian has an easy going personality, and that along with his professional background, could have made him a strong leader and uniter of the many factions at the University. He said that while the President’s position “was not something I had sat back and dreamed about like I did the AD position,” he envisioned things where he could make the University better.

A source told Sports Headliners the final three candidates to become President were all females and high level administrators at other schools. Cabal would be the first female President ever at the University of Minnesota.

Worth Noting

Condolences to family and friends regarding the death this week of pro wrestling legend and Minnesota native Larry “The Axe” Hennig. He was a star in the old American Wrestling Association that entertained generations of fans in Minneapolis, St. Paul and other major cities.

Jim Brunzell, another AWA star, emailed with the news yesterday and wrote: “I affectionately called him Dad, and would greet him with a hug and big kiss on the cheek! May he rest in peace!”

Former Spring Lake Park football player E.J. Ejiya, a senior at North Texas, was named this week as a Conference USA all-league first-team linebacker. After graduating from high school in 2014, he became a Junior College All-American at North Dakota State College of Science. His skills and work ethic have him positioned now as an NFL prospect.

Ejiya ranks fourth nationally in tackles for loss with 23 and leads the Mean Green in sacks with 9 (fourth in C-USA). His 113 total tackles are also fourth most in the league. As the top rated defensive player for North Texas, he has a grade of 86.5 from Pro Football Focus. That ranks him 26th among all FBS linebackers.

A side benefit for the Golden Gophers in preparing for Georgia Tech’s triple-option offense in the December 26 Quick Lane Bowl is that Georgia Southern, Minnesota’s nonconference opponent on September 14 of next year, also employs that seldom used system. The run-dominated offense at Southern is coached by coordinator Bob DeBesse who was Gopher OC under Jim Wacker from 1992-96.

Will the Gophers have all their starters for the Quick Lane Bowl game on December 26? Maybe more on that later.

Bud Grant will be at the Triple Crown Sports Card and Bobblehead Show from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday at Southtown Shopping Center in Bloomington. Two of his former Vikings players, Bob Lurtsema and Dave Brown, make appearances from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday.

Minnesota Twins legend Joe Mauer was in the holiday spirit last weekend at Mauer Chevrolet where he was helping build bicycles for Toys for Tots.

Mark Rosen said he is retiring January 10 from his longtime position as WCCO TV’s No. 1 sports anchor. Rosen, whose wife Denise is dealing with cancer, had announced earlier this year he intended to retire from TV in April but he has moved up the date. The 67-year-old started working part-time at WCCO TV in 1969 and will be missed a lot by Minnesota sports fans.

Rosen told Sports Headliners he has signed a new contract with KFAN and will continue a regular role with the Minneapolis FM station. His new schedule without TV but with radio will allow him to be home by late afternoon weekdays. The Rosen family will vacation in Mexico later in the month.

Recently retired Star Tribune sports editor Glen Crevier is interviewed on “Behind the Game,” the Twin Cities cable TV program co-hosted by Patrick Klinger and Bill Robertson. Crevier had a 43 year career in journalism, including the last 20 at the Star Tribune. He is passionate about college football and has visited famous stadiums including Michigan Stadium this year. In addition to cable, the Crevier interview can also be viewed on YouTube.

As the nation mourns the death and also celebrates the life of George H.W. Bush, coaches and athletes could pause and remember the grace and humility with which the former war hero and President lived his life.

Today’s “look at what I did” athletes stand in sharp contrast to the quiet, humble and kind manner in which Mr. Bush lived his life including accomplishments that in perspective were far more important than winning touchdowns, last minute goals and ninth inning home runs. When the heroes from “The Greatest Generation” scored touchdowns, they simply handed the football to the referee. After a creative scoring play in basketball, the athlete from that era quietly headed back up the court to take his position on defense.

Hotdogging after a spectacular accomplishment in sports or another endeavor? Mocking an opponent by wagging a finger, or nodding a head? Not in Mr. Bush’s generation that included all those World War II men and women who came home and were reluctant to even talk about what they had seen and done.

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U Volleyball Following Golden Script

Posted on November 29, 2018November 29, 2018 by David Shama

It looks almost predestined for the Golden Gophers volleyball team to win the 2018 national championship.

Minnesota’s path in the NCAA Tournament begins tomorrow night at home in Maturi Pavilion. If the Gophers keep on winning they can land at Target Center next month in the Final Four, never having left Minneapolis.

The Gophers are the No. 2 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament after winning the Big Ten regular season championship. At times during the season Minnesota was ranked No. 1 nationally in the American Volleyball Coaches Association poll, and now are at No. 2.

Earlier this month Minnesota head coach Hugh McCutcheon was honored with induction into the International Volleyball Hall of Fame. McCutcheon coached the U.S. men’s volleyball team to the 2008 Olympic gold medal. He directed the American women to the 2012 Olympic silver medal. At Minnesota he won the 2015 Big Ten title and twice has led teams to the Final Four.

Clearly this is a storybook season so far for McCutcheon and the Gophers, and the final chapter to their story could have a very happy ending. But what friends know about McCutcheon is that no matter how this narrative ends, the coach will keep it all in perspective and try to use the results as a learning experience for himself and his players.

McCutcheon photo courtesy of Minnesota athletic communications.

McCutcheon is a coach’s coach. Others in the coaching profession, regardless of sport, seek his counsel. Understanding process, temperament and relationships are common threads in all sports. McCutcheon goes about his business in a personable and engaged manner but you sense he is always under control, and calculating a next thought or move.

Asked this week what the Gophers will do next year without one of their stars, McCutcheon said, “We’ll miss her, but we’re going to keep playing volleyball.”

Former Gophers athletic director Joel Maturi hired McCutcheon and describes him as a very special coach. Maturi told Sports Headliners that McCutcheon not only knows what needs to be accomplished but makes the necessary adjustments. With him the Xs and Os of the sport don’t block out relating to his players and getting the best out of them. “He does it better than anybody I’ve been around,” Maturi said.

In an email Maturi reflected on McCutcheon’s use of process: “He has the ability to get his athletes to focus on the process rather than the score as well as any coach I know. No emotion over a mistake or good point. It is about the next point.

“As you heard (at a McCutcheon talk), it is about relationships. Understanding each athlete and their needs, yet holding them accountable and responsible. He is special.”

The Gophers, 25-3, play Bryant, 22-12, on Friday night. If the Gophers win they will advance to the second round Saturday and compete against Friday night’s Colorado-South Carolina winner also at Maturi Pavilon. By winning out over the weekend Minnesota can keep on playing in the tournament and at the Pav December 7-8. The Final Four at Target Center is December 14 and 15.

Worth Noting

The Gophers are fourth nationally in average home volleyball attendance at 5,354 fans per match. Nebraska leads the country with an average of 8,188.

Maturi Pavilion and adjacent Williams Arena will both have air conditioning installed next year. A volleyball performance center at the Pav where players can train is also being planned.

Big games and limited time during the next seven days puts pressure on the Gopher men’s basketball coaches and players. Minnesota, 5-1, plays Oklahoma State, 4-2, in a game that doesn’t start until 9 p.m. Friday at U.S. Bank Stadium. Sunday night the Gophers open their Big Ten season against 6-0 Ohio State in Columbus. Then next Wednesday, Minnesota has a second conference game—playing Nebraska, 6-1, at Williams Arena.

If the Gophers can earn at least two wins, in March they might look back and say that stretch contributed to an NCAA Tournament invitation. To have success during the next several days Minnesota will have to improve its shooting from Monday night’s loss at Boston College. The Gophers made 19 of 65 field goals, including 5 of 30 three-point attempts.

Friday night’s game is part of the U.S. Bank Stadium Basketball Classic—a two-night trial run on the basketball configuration and logistics in the facility for next spring’s NCAA Final Four. St. Thomas and UW-River Falls meet prior to the Gophers and Cowboys in the first basketball games ever played in the facility that opened in 2016. Saturday night North Dakota State plays Drake, followed by South Dakota State and Northern Iowa.

The classic is being administered and promoted by the stadium management company, SMG, and not the University of Minnesota. Only lower level seating will be set up, with SMG targeting attendance of 12,000 to 15,000 Friday and 10,000 to 12,000 Saturday. Ads in the Star Tribune have been promoting $15 tickets.

Memphis might be a leader in the “sweepstakes” for a commitment next spring from Rochester John Marshall superstar and senior Matthew Hurt. The new Memphis staff, featuring head coach Penny Hardaway, and assistants Mike Miller and Sam Mitchell, all have impressive NBA backgrounds. They can talk to Hurt from experience about how positioned the three are to get him best prepped for a pro career.

Kirk Cousins has thrown for more yards this season than Tom Brady, his quarterback rival in Sunday’s showdown game between the Vikings and Patriots in New England. Cousins’ total is 3,289 while Brady, whose leading receiver is running back James White, is at 3,031.

Jason Williamson, the Owatonna running back and free safety who has verbally committed to the Gophers, is one of 11 finalists for the Mr. Football Award given annually to an outstanding high school senior in the state. The other candidates are Bryce Benhart, Lakeville North; Matt Cavanaugh, Edina; Alex Folz, Spring Grove; Nick McCabe, Caledonia; Cade Plath, Chanhassen; David Roddy, Breck; Luke Ryan, BOLD; Treyton Welch, Buffalo; Brandon Westberg, Cambridge-Isanti; and Cole Woodford, Redwood Valley.

The award winner will be announced December 16 at the Doubletree by Hilton Minneapolis Park Place Hotel. The Mr. Football Award is sponsored by the Minnesota Football Coaches Association and the Vikings.

Antonio Montero, last year’s Mr. Football winner from Eden Prairie, has been a starting linebacker as a true freshman at Rice this fall. He had six solo tackles in one game.

Gophers football coach P.J. Fleck has his 38th birthday today.

Stepan Falkovsky, the 6-7, 224-pound defenseman the Wild acquired last week from the Kings, is only 21 and not yet on Minnesota’s roster while he gains more lower level experience. If he were on the team now he would be the Wild’s tallest player.

Meanwhile, the Wild’s Matt Dumba is the leading goal scorer among defensemen in the NHL with 10.

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