Dick Jonckowski, Gopher basketball public address announcer, was the public address man when the Minnesota Pipers of the old American Basketball Association played their last game here in 1969. Now the Minnesota Ripknees play in a new ABA and Jonckowski did the PA for the team’s opening game.
Vikings wide receiver Troy Williamson said he will train in Florida during the off-season and also spend time at his home in South Carolina. Williamson will be preparing for his third season in the NFL, following two seasons that he didn’t establish himself as a starter.
Much praised Vikings’ defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin’s name might be rumored during the off-season when NFL coaching changes occur. Tomlin, 34, now has seven years of NFL coaching experience including with Tampa Bay when the Bucs won the Super Bowl. In his first season with the Vikings he’s turned heads while coaching one of the NFC’s better defenses. His resume qualifies him for other coordinator positions if he’s interested and despite his youth he might receive a look from a team wanting a young head coach.
Jim Lehman said his brother Tom’s goal is to play for the American Ryder Cup team in 2008. Tom, who turns 48 in March, has “at least two good years” to look forward to on the PGA Tour, according to Jim who works for SFX Golf in Minneapolis. Jim has years of experience in player representation and golf management.
Local author Ross Bernstein, who has written more than 30 books, has two new hockey books. “The Code” is an intriguing look at fighting in the NHL based on Bernstein’s interviews with more than 50 current and former hockey tough guys. “America’s Coach” shares the life lessons, including motivation, of legendary coach Herb Brooks whose “Miracle on Ice” 1980 Olympic hockey team will long be remembered. Brooks died in 2003 but his wisdom will inspire those who read “America’s Coach.”
Former Gopher basketball player Barry Wohler, now head coach at Hamline, has two former Gophers as part-time assistants, Gary Holmes and Zeb Howell. Former Minneapolis Washburn and North Dakota State star Lance Berwald, who played 14 years of European professional basketball, is also a part-time assistant.
St. Paul Saints play-by-play broadcaster Kris Atteberry, 34, has been hired by the Minnesota Twins to serve as pre-game and post-game host on the team’s new radio network. He will be heard before and after all Twins games and provide in-game updates.
Former Gopher basketball player Vince Grier has been sent to the Sioux Falls Skyforce by the NBA Development League.