MIAC – Page 46 – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

Iowa Rivalry Absorbs U Players

Posted on September 28, 2012September 28, 2012 by David Shama

There’s no mistaking the awareness of Gophers football players about their annual game against Iowa.

This week the “pig” visited the Gophers’ locker room. Before the season the Gophers players talked about the team’s rivalries including, of course, the fight tomorrow in Iowa City for the bronze “pig”—Floyd of Rosedale.

In the lobby of Minnesota’s football complex this week there was a scoreboard image showing a 12-0 score. Underneath the score was this statement: “The last time we went to Iowa City.” In 2009 the Hawkeyes won 12-0 at home. The Gophers have won two straight against Iowa, but both games were in Minneapolis.

In Iowa City starting at 11 a.m. tomorrow the two teams resume a travelling trophy game dating back to 1935. It can be argued this is among the most famous trophy games in college football.

Floyd of Rosedale originated to encourage civility between the schools and their fans. No one has been killed over the years but strong feelings remain between the two border states.

University of Minnesota students were chanting “We hate Iowa!” weeks ago. The statement has characterized the identity of student fans in recent years and certainly is something the Gophers’ players are aware of.

“There’s a lot of animosity between the two schools,” said John Rabe. The Gophers’ senior tight end is an Iowa native and growing up in that state certainly gives him perspective on the “We hateIowa!” chant. “That just shows how much it (the game) means to these people and us.”

Rabe expects to make his new hometown fans happy by late tomorrow afternoon. “We’re gonna get this win. I feel confident that we will.”

The Gophers, 4-0 in nonconference games, still haven’t made believers out of the odds-makers. Iowa, 2-2, is about a touchdown favorite, and Gophers coach Jerry Kill said for his team to win turnovers will have to be avoided.

Minnesota had no turnovers in a 17-10 win against Syracuse last week, despite starting a sophomore quarterback. Max Shortell, making only his third career start, had no interceptions or fumbles. “We can’t turn the ball over (at Iowa),” Kill told Sports Headliners.

Iowa has started the season slow, often playing poorly, particularly on offense but Kill said “we’re gonna get their best” tomorrow. He’s followed Iowa under coach Kirk Ferentz for years. “Iowa has a pattern of improving as the season progresses,” Kill said.

Kill admires Ferentz who coached in the pros before taking over at Iowa and has earned a reputation of being among the better college coaches. Ferentz and staff are known for their teaching abilities. “They run as good a practice as anyone,” Kill said.

Football & Other Notes:

Ferentz, 57, is in his 14^th season at Iowa, the most seasons of any current Big Ten head coach. Second in seniority are Wisconsin’s Bret Bielema, 42, and Northwestern’s Pat Fitzgerald, 37.

Gophers’ quarterback MarQueis Gray, injured in the Western Michigan game, was walking cautiously on his high ankle sprain this week and isn’t expected to play against Iowa.

Iowa beat the Gophers 55-0 in 2008. Gophers’ defensive tackle Ra’Shede Hageman wasn’t on the team then but the Minneapolis native remembers hearing about the game and was asked if it was embarrassing. “I mean it would embarrass anybody. I am pretty sure no team would want to lose by that much. …”

Big Ten Network football analyst Chris Martin talking about the Gophers before last Saturday’s win over Syracuse: “They (the Gophers) can beat Iowa.”

Kill, in his second season at Minnesota, was asked where he’s at in building the program: “…I think very similar to where we were at Southern Illinois. I think we were 1‑10 the first year, and we weren’t very good, and next year we got better and we won four games that year. And I don’t do so much with wins and losses, but I think we’re certainly better than we were a year ago.

“We’ll find out how much better over the next eight weeks and how much they’re going to improve. If we stay the same, results won’t be very good. We’ve gotta continue to make progress. …”

Lester Bagley said last week the odds are about 50-50 the new Vikings stadium will have a “retractable feature.” That doesn’t necessarily mean a retractable roof. Bagley, a Vikings’ stadium executive, said odds of a moving roof are less than 50-50 because of budget limitations.

The new downtown stadium may have a retractable feature like a large window at one end of the facility. Bagley said until the design of the stadium is finalized it won’t be known if there is sufficient money to have a retractable roof but he didn’t express much likelihood the Vikings, state or city of Minneapolis will go beyond the $975 million budget.

“$477 million (from the Vikings). It’s the third largest (NFL) team contribution in history (for a stadium),” Bagley said. “I don’t see the public coming up with more money either. I am not sure that’s an option.

“I guess never say never, but we’re gonna try to design and build and stay on time and at budget which is $975 million. …We are confident in getting a great facility for $975 but that’s the budget. There’s no discussion about any more money.”

Bagley said the stadium will seat 65,000 but can be expandable to 73,000 for a Super Bowl. The Vikings have informed the NFL they want to host the 2018 Super Bowl. A decision on the host city for that year will be made in 2014, according to Bagley.

The Vikings are studying personal seat licensing for a portion of the new stadium. Such licensing means fans pay a fee beyond the price of tickets for a specific seat location. Bagley said the 49ers expect to generate more than $300 million from licensing in their new Santa Clara facility but the Upper Midwest market can’t be expected to approach that kind of figure.

A longtime Vikings season ticket holder said to resell his tickets this year he accepted less than $100 each for his face value $128 per game tickets. He said the team’s 3-13 record last season and this year’s unusually late (December) NFC North home games against Chicago and Green Bay diminished value. He’s holding on to his tickets, though, and expecting a sharp increase in value when the new stadium opens.

The Vikings, 2-1, play at Detroit, 1-2, on Sunday in the first NFC North game of the season for either team. The Vikings won’t play another division game until November 11 when Detroit comes here.

The Vikings’ Percy Harvin leads the NFL with 27 receptions. That’s the most catches by a Viking in the first three games of a season since 1997 when Cris Carter had 23 receptions.

An MIAC game to follow tomorrow is at Augsburg between the 3-0 Auggies and 3-0 Bethel. The Royals lead the MIAC in scoring both on offense (43.0 per game) and defense (7.0 per game). The Auggies may have the most dynamic newcomer in the conference in freshman quarterback Ayrton Scott, named the MIAC’s Offensive Player-of-the-Week each of the last two weeks.

North Woods football coach John Jirik won his 100^th high school game last week. North Woods High School opened in 2011 combining students from the Cook and Orr communities.

Gophers’ baseball coach John Anderson said his team will open its new on-campus outdoor baseball stadium on April 5, 2013 against Ohio State. Minnesota will play 17 home games before then in the Metrodome and has 17 scheduled outdoors. He hopes the Gophers can use the dome in the spring if weather prevents home games from being played outside.

Twins’ utility infielder Alexi Casilla, who is hitting .233 this season, has a lifetime average of .571 against Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia who won his 14^th game of the year on Wednesday against Minnesota. Casilla had two hits in three at bats in the game. His career average of .571 is the highest of any hitter against Sabathia with at least 15 at bats. Casilla has 21 at bats.

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Vikings’ Simpson Plans to Stay Humble

Posted on September 19, 2012September 21, 2012 by David Shama

Jerome Simpson told Sports Headliners he’s learned his lesson after pleading guilty earlier this year to a felony drug charge and then being suspended by the NFL for violating league substance abuse policy.

“Just getting back to the old Jerome Simpson, and just being myself and not getting out of character,” Simpson said. “Just always staying humble and doing the right thing.”

It was reportedly a year ago this month that a marijuana shipment to Simpson’s home in Kentucky led to his problems. That development would detract from a breakout season while playing for Cincinnati.

The Vikings signed Simpson in the offseason, hoping he will become the deep threat receiver the offense needs. The 6-foot-2, 189-pound North Carolina native who grew up an only child influenced by his mother’s values will finish his three-game suspension by the NFL after this Sunday’s Vikings-49ers game.

Simpson described the waiting to play as “grueling” but believes he’s circled back to the values he was raised with. “I’ve grown so much in being able to appreciate the position I am in, and the influence that I have on the community and a lot of youth, and people back home, and just all around me,” he said.

A second round pick by the Bengals in 2008, Simpson never had more than 20 catches until last season. In 2011 he had 50 receptions for 725 yards and four touchdowns while averaging 14.5 yards per catch. Among the highlights was a front flip into the end zone touchdown against the Cardinals that has become YouTube content.

The Vikings have been searching for an elusive big play receiver since Sidney Rice left for Seattle after the 2010 season. In two games this season the Vikings’ longest pass completion by quarterback Christian Ponder is 29 yards and the team’s average pass reception is 8.3 yards. With an exceptional slot receiver in Percy Harvin, promising tight end in Kyle Rudolph and All-Pro running back in Adrian Peterson, a speed-blessed wide receiver to stretch the field and the defense is a missing element in the offense.

The wait to learn if Simpson is the answer is almost over.

Notes:

Controversial former Viking Randy Moss will receive attention locally this week and on Sunday when the 49ers come to Mall of America Field. But at age 35 Moss is no longer the dominating wide receiver he was when he played here from 1998 to 2004. Moss didn’t start for the 49ers in either of his team’s first two games this month. He caught four passes for 48 yards and a touchdown in the opening game and one ball for 14 yards last Sunday.

During player introductions on Sunday night Moss said he was from Rand University, a school that doesn’t exist. The reference was to his hometown while growing up, Rand, West Virginia.

Gophers football coach Jerry Kill said yesterday he isn’t sure when MarQueis Gray’s high ankle sprain will allow him to play again but didn’t rule out the senior quarterback’s participation in Saturday’s home game against Syracuse. The guess here is Gray will be able to play against Iowa on September 29, or following Minnesota’s bye week in early October.

As of yesterday afternoon the Gophers had about 1,500 tickets at $40 each available to the public for Saturday’s game. A spokesman said all 5,300 tickets on sale earlier in the week at a special discount price of $10 are gone.

Friends and family of John Williams will feel joy and sorrow tomorrow night at the M Club Hall of Fame induction ceremonies in TCF Bank Stadium’s DQ Club Room. John passed away this summer and I know how pleased he would have been to attend the ceremonies along with eight other honorees including volleyball’s Lindsey Berg, football’s Tyrone Carter, hockey’s Butsy Erickson and wrestling’s J Robinson. John was a Time Magazine All-American offensive tackle on the Gophers 1967 Big Ten championship team. He was admired for his football accomplishments, including playing in the NFL, but family and friends know what made him special was his devotion to helping others.

John was a good friend who was quietly proud of the Gophers and his many achievements including his dental practice in north Minneapolis. I can’t give John a higher compliment than to say “I can’t replace him in my life.”

St. Thomas confirmed what most MIAC observers thought last week when the Tommies defeated Saint John’s 43-21 in their famous rivalry game. The Tommies are among the best Division III teams in the country and have impressed with a 3-0 start that includes a defense holding opponents to 98 total yards rushing for the season. The Tommies have a schedule bye this Saturday.

Former Vikings wide receiver Leo Lewis and ex-Stillwater head football coach George Thole will be among the speakers for the MVP event on Tuesday, September 25 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Stillwater. MVP is an abbreviation for Men, Value and Purpose. MVP gatherings celebrate sports with “food, fellowship and inspiration.” The public is welcome to attend next Tuesday’s event and more information is available by emailing Todd Fultz, toddfultz@me.com.

Former Gustavus tennis coach Steve Wilkinson received the Iowa Varsity Club Lifetime Achievement award last Friday. On Saturday the former Hawkeyes’ tennis player and assistant coach was introduced at Kinnick Stadium prior to the start of the Iowa-Northern Iowa football game. Wilkinson has the most coaching victories (929) in the history of college tennis, was five times national tennis coach of the year and is a member of six tennis halls of fame, according to the Varsity Club.

Twins’ Target Field attendance for the 2012 season is 2,580,329 with two home stands remaining. Attendance totals the first two seasons at Target Field (2010 and 2011) were 3,223,640 and 3,168,107.

Stubhub.com listed tickets on Monday starting at $5 to $7 for next week’s Yankees series at Target Field.

The Twins, tied for last place in the Central Division with a 61-87 record, have been swept 11 times this season.

Scott Diamond, the team’s leading pitcher in wins with 11, has only one victory since August 6. He has an ERA of 7.33 in his last four starts.

Zack Greinke, known for not liking a lot of media attention, will be a free agent during the off-season. This market seems like a comfortable fit for Greinke who is pitching for the Angels.

St. Paul native Ken Mauer starts his 27^th season as an NBA referee this fall. He may officiate for another five to six years. Mauer said salaries for NBA officials range from $90,000 to $400,000. He will work 70 to 75 games per season and be on the road about 25 days per month.

Close friends know Mauer has a 1989 Rolls Royce convertible. He acquired the car after making a successful investment. “It’s not as fancy as everybody thinks it is but I take good care of it because I probably won’t be able to get another one,” he said.

Bleacherreport.com puts the Timberwolves at No. 17 in its new NBA power rankings out this week. The website said “on paper” the Wolves are better than last season but won’t make the playoffs. Too many ifs including point guard Ricky Rubio’s recovery from ACL surgery, and how effectively new but aging acquisitions Brandon Roy (shooting guard) and Andrei Kirilenko (small forward) perform.

Coach Kevin McHale’s Rockets receive a No. 29 ranking. Coach Randy Wittman’s Wizards are No. 24. Both are former Wolves head coaches.

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Could Wild Lose $1.5 Million Per Game?

Posted on September 14, 2012September 14, 2012 by David Shama

A Sports Headliners hockey source estimates the Wild could lose up to $1.5 million per game if the upcoming NHL season is postponed or cancelled.

The current collective bargaining agreement between the league and its players expires tomorrow night. If a new deal isn’t struck during the immediate hours ahead the source predicted it could take until about January 1 to start the season.

Even having a new agreement in place by then would be better than eight years ago when failed negotiations between players and owners wiped out the entire season of 2004-05. “A terrible time,” the source said.

His believes the Wild might lose $1 million in ticket revenues for each game played next season, plus other revenues including concessions, merchandising, suite purchases and parking. The pending work stoppage comes at an unfortunate time for the Wild who with the summer signing of free agents Zach Parise and Ryan Suter caused such a stir in the local sports market it’s possible the franchise could move to No. 2 in popularity behind the Vikings.

Most NHL players don’t get paid until the season starts but Parise and Suter received bonuses of $10 million this summer, according to the source. He also said the Wild ownership is probably working on a plan now regarding how front office employees will be compensated if the coming season is delayed for a long time.

Wild players have been working out at local rinks including the Bloomington Ice Gardens and Orono Ice Arena. They are expected to be physically prepared whenever the season starts.

Football Notes & More:

The Gophers (2-0) are favored by only a few points to defeat Western Michigan (1-1) tomorrow at TCF Bank Stadium, and there was talk earlier in the week about the Broncos being the odds-makers’ choice. Either way it doesn’t impact senior Gophers quarterback MarQueis Gray.

“As a freshman I was worried what outsiders thought about us,” Gray said. “You realize the only people that matter are the ones wearing the uniforms or that’s in this building (Gibson-Nagurski Football Complex). The comments and stuff that people say doesn’t stick to me anymore.”

Minnesota players were aggressive and focused last week, despite playing FCS New Hampshire. Coach Jerry Kill wants his team to approach each game with an “underdog” mentality, regardless of the opponent. “We feel we should do that every weekend,” Gray said looking back on the New Hampshire game.

The 6-4, 250-pound Gray ranks eighth among Big Ten rushers with 177 yards. He’s no proponent of sliding to avoid tacklers. “I don’t think about it,” he said. “I just think about how big I am. I just use my size and know that I am basically like a d-end playing quarterback. I can fall forward to get two yards. Lowering my shoulder or trying to get out of bounds are my best options. So sliding is never an option.”

Speculation a few years ago was the Gophers’ Ra’Shede Hageman would be a standout tight end in college. Although he played offense and defense at Washburn High School, he knew his preference.

“I didn’t care about defense,” he said. “I didn’t like it.”

Now a junior and one of the most promising defensive linemen in the Big Ten, Hageman has three sacks in two games and is tied for the Big Ten lead in that category with Purdue’s Kawann Short.

Broncos quarterback Alex Carder threw five touchdown passes last Saturday in a 52-21 win over Eastern Illinois. Since the start of the 2010 season he’s thrown 67 touchdown passes. The Broncos rank No. 13 in passing offense (333.50 yards per game) among NCAA major college teams.

Carder, who is on preseason watch lists for the nation’s top quarterback, is one of five fifth-year starters on the Broncos offense. The lone Minnesotan listed on the roster is Jonathan Harden, a 5-9, 319-pound No. 2 nose tackle from Cretin-Derham Hall.

Western Michigan lost its opening game this season at Illinois (24-7) but the Broncos are considered a contender to win the West Division of the Mid-American Conference.

The Broncos are 0-3 against Minnesota, with the last meeting in 1977, a 10-7 loss to the Gophers. Broncos alumni include Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings and former Vikings defensive lineman Bob Lurtsema.

Big Ten teams lost six of 12 nonconference games last weekend. The conference has only three teams in the Associated Press top 25, with Michigan Statethe highest ranked at No. 10. The SEC has four teams ranked among the top nine, including No. 1 Alabama.

Don’t believe the hype that major college football programs just schedule “cupcakes” in nonconference games. Northwestern plays Boston College tomorrow and the Wildcats’ first two games were against Syracuse and Vanderbilt. Michigan State plays Notre Dame tomorrow and opened its season against western power Boise State.

Vikings offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave said Adrian Peterson still has a “ways to go” in reaching the performance level he had last season prior to his ACL injury.

Musgrave was asked if he’s ever seen anyone run harder for his size than Percy Harvin (5-11, 184): “No. Never have. What would be the term? No fair dodging. That’s Percy’s theme. He’s not going to avoid anybody. He can make people miss… he’s agile but he’s not going to run out of bounds. He’s going to run through or run over somebody.”

When St. Thomas played at Saint John’s two years ago the game drew 16,421 fans, a record for Division III football. The Tommies and Johnnies, both 2-0, play tomorrow in Collegeville with such a large crowd expected the Saint John’s sports website is featuring information about travel and parking information.

John Gagliardi will coach his 600^th game for Saint John’s tomorrow. He is college football’s winningest coach and is in his 60^th season as Johnnies head coach.

Gophers’ wrestling coach J Robinson, a former U.S. Army Ranger, was asked about the September 11 anniversary this week and he said Americans have been mostly “insulated” from evil during their lives. “They got a real taste of what it was like and they didn’t like it,” he said.

But Robinson also said the “wake-up call” has been forgotten by many and not much has changed since 9-11-01 for millions of Americans other than security checks in airports. That won’t alter the reality that America has its enemies. “Evil exists in the world and we are very naive in not addressing it,” Robinson said. “Evil can not co-exist with good anywhere.”

This school year is his 27^th as Gophers wrestling coach. The program has won three national titles with Robinson as coach. At 66 years old, how many more can he coach? “A bunch,” he said. “I plan to but whether I will or not that’s another thing.”

Robinson expects his team to be ranked No. 2 or 3 nationally this fall. “Half of our team are All-Americans and the other half want to be All-Americans. So that’s good.”

Prep basketball authority Ken Lien is guessing that Apple Valley junior point guard Tyus Jones will attend Kentucky. He said the prep super star’s final three college choices could be Kentucky, Michigan State and Duke.

Kentucky coach John Calipari visited Apple Valley High School this week and North Carolina coach Roy Williams will be in town next week, according to Lien.

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