Greg Jones, the Michigan State junior linebacker who was selected earlier this week as the Big Ten Conference’s Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, was interested in the Gophers when in high school. His interest lessened when there was a coaching change at Minnesota after the 2007 season.
The Gophers’ 2009 schedule is a stark contrast from two other Big Ten programs that have byes, Illinois and Wisconsin. Both those schools have December games, lengthening their schedules and providing rest for players and coaches. Illinois and Wisconsin both have two byes in their schedules. “It’s hard to go 12 straight weeks,” Illinois coach Ron Zook said at the conference’s media day on Monday. “It’s hard for players and coaches.”
Minnesota coach Tim Brewster is an advocate of adding a 12th team to the conference, dividing the league into two divisions and having a conference championship game between the winners in December. There’s probably a consensus among conference coaches that later games in the fall will help keep their teams sharper for bowl games. “I think playing into December would help us,” Brewster said.
At media day Brewster described his program, 1-11 two years ago but 7-6 last season, as an “ascending program.” He said this about the upcoming season: “We’re experienced, we’re talented and it’s an opportunity for us to really step forward as we go into TCF Bank Stadium.”
Four MIAC players have been named to the D3football.com Preseason All-America team. First team selections included St. Thomas senior center Josh Ostrue and Bethel senior cornerback Tim Cornish. Saint John’s senior defensive lineman Nick Gunderson and Gustavus senior safety Joe Welch were named to the second team defense.
Gustavus has chosen nine individuals for induction into its Athletics Hall of Fame. The 2009 inductees are Kerri Pool Foss (soccer), Dan Dohmeier (baseball), Bob Klindworth (cross country/track and field), Leisha Johnson Ronning (basketball), C.J. Page (gymnastics), Scott Anderson (football), Jon Lindquist (golf), Amy McCrea Morrell (tennis) and Steve Wilkinson (coach).