David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

Ex-MSFC Chair Optimistic About New Stadium

Posted on April 18, 2011October 10, 2011 by David Shama

Roy Terwilliger, who is experienced with stadium issues including past service as chairman of the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission, is upbeat about the legislature approving a bill this session for a new Vikings stadium.

“I am optimistic it will get done,” Terwilliger told Sports Headliners. “There’s been a lot of ground work done by the commission, the Vikings, and a lot of different people have put time and effort into it.”

Terwilliger, who served for 11 sessions in the state Senate representing Edina and Eden Prairie, doesn’t agree with those who predict a stadium bill has to be passed this session because 2012 is an election year and politicians might not be willing then to take on this controversial legislation. “People can say that, but I would call attention that 2006 was an election year, too, and the Twins and Gophers got stadiums approved,” he said.

The Vikings and their supporters have been pitching a new stadium for years, but now there’s more urgency to get something done with the franchise’s lease at the Metrodome expiring after this season. In addition, new governor Mark Dayton is more proactive on the stadium issue than predecessor Tim Pawlenty.

Among the most important of elements for stadium legislation receiving approval is how much the Vikings and NFL are willing to contribute to a facility that could cost about $900 million, roof included. If during an 11^th hour deal the Vikings and league pledge $400 million or more, perhaps Hennepin County will become a partner dedicating sales tax revenues to the new facility.

A three partner funding model with the Vikings-NFL, Hennepin County and state of Minnesota contributing might be the final outcome of legislation. Minneapolis and county leaders do want the stadium and not just for the prestige of retaining the Vikings, but for the many other events that can benefit the city and area economy.

The site? Probably either the Star Tribune property near the Metrodome, or a site close to Target Field. Either option allows the Vikings to play in the dome until the new facility is built.

If the site were on the Metrodome property the Vikings would have to temporarily play at TCF Bank Stadium where game revenues will decline because of smaller seating capacity and other limitations. It’s believed the Vikings will expect to be compensated for lost revenue, adding further to new stadium project expenses.

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Chemo Doesn’t Slow Lynx Executive

Posted on April 18, 2011November 27, 2011 by David Shama

Minnesota Lynx chief operating officer Conrad Smith arrived home at 10 p.m. last Monday night with a smile on his face. During a whirlwind day the Lynx had drafted three-time college player of the year Maya Moore and the response from fans and media was extraordinary for the local WNBA franchise that often goes unnoticed.

The Lynx sold over 150 new season tickets within 30 hours. Not only was Moore draft coverage prominent on the local news, ESPN was here, too. The Lynx even arranged for an airplane to fly over downtown on Tuesday night with a banner that said: “Welcome Maya Moore. Season starts June 5.”

The buzz was energizing and rewarding for Smith, who last May was diagnosed with a brain tumor about the size of a quarter. Instead of being exhausted last Monday night he was excited, anticipating a “great season” ahead starting later this spring, and grateful for being “healthy.”

He had surgery on June 11 last year to remove the tumor and remains realistic about his health. “I continue to be treated for cancer and get scans every two months,” he said. “The last one was clean. It (the cancer) may never come back, or it may in a month or two years. Maybe in a different place.”

Smith receives chemotherapy by taking night-time pills 10 days per month on a 28 day cycle. “I still have all the energy I had before (the tumor),” he said. “I am typically in the office at 7 or 7:30 a.m. I work 50 to 60 hours a week.”

He represented the Lynx in the WNBA draft lottery last fall. His presence was good luck for the franchise that was 13-21 last year and has been known for losing records and not qualifying for the playoffs.

“Things have been kind of tough here,” Smith said. “It’s like starting brand new (now). Like starting a race all over and knowing you have some of the best runners in the race.”

In last week’s WNBA draft the Lynx also acquired Xavier forward Amber Harris with the fourth pick in the first round. The rookies join a talented roster that includes former Gophers superstar guard Lindsay Whalen and high scoring guard-forward Seimone Augustus.

“Half the team is made up of all-stars and Olympians,” Smith said. “There is an incredible buzz.”

But it’s Moore who will receive much of the attention when the Lynx report to camp on May 15. She will be seen by some as a savior for a franchise that once sold 6,000 season tickets but had 2,400 in 2010, the club’s 12^th year of operation.

Moore’s most recent honor came late last week when she won the 2011 Honda Sports Award in basketball, recognizing her as the nation’s top collegiate female player. The 6-foot guard won the Honda-Broderick Cup last year as the Collegiate Woman Athlete of the Year and could receive that honor in 2011.

Moore, from Jefferson City, Missouri, led Connecticut to four Final Four appearances, two national titles and a 150-4 record during her college career. She is the fourth-leading scorer in NCAA history, with 3,036 points. A three-time WBCA Wade Trophy honoree and four-time WBCA State Farm First Team All-American, she won the Naismith Trophy, the Associated Press Player of the Year Award and the USBWA Player of the Year Award in 2009 and 2011.

The first opportunity for fans to see Moore will be on May 24 when the Lynx play Indiana at Concordia University-St. Paul in a pre-season game starting at noon. Not surprisingly, the Lynx are already selling tickets for the game.

The Lynx’s regular season home opener will be June 5 at Target Center against Los Angeles. Tickets can be purchased in various ways including at www.lynxbasketball.com .

Smith said on Friday the Lynx have sold 175 new season tickets and renewals were going well. No doubt he was smiling and energized.

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Worth Noting

Posted on April 18, 2011October 10, 2011 by David Shama

Francisco Liriano, who makes his fourth start of the season tonight for the Twins in Baltimore, is 0-3 this season with a 9.42 ERA (14.1 innings, 15 earned runs). Through his first three starts in 2010, he was 2-0, with a 1.29 ERA (21 innings, three earned runs).

Twins reliever Jose Mijares gave up the winning hit against Tampa Bay on Saturday night, but has yet to officially allow a run this season (five innings pitched). His last run allowed was September 30 against Toronto.

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said on his KSTP Radio show yesterday that former All-Star closer Joe Nathan, trying to come back from Tommy John surgery, isn’t able to throw his slider as in the past. For at least awhile, Matt Capps will replace Nathan as the team’s ninth inning closer. Nathan blew two recent save opportunities in Tampa Bay.

Former Twins shortstop J.J. Hardy, now with Baltimore, is on the 15-day disabled list with a strained muscle.

While local speculation has the Vikings trading their No. 12 pick in the first round, national NFL mock drafts have them keeping the pick. Foxsports.com’s Peter Schrager and Profootballweekly.com’s Nolan Nawrocki have the Vikings choosing Washington quarterback Jake Locker while SI.com’s Don Banks changed his mind about Locker and now has Minnesota taking California defensive end Cameron Jordan at No. 12. Some draft day maneuvering by Vikings vice president of personnel Rick Spielman seems likely.

Although the Vikings need a quarterback, their task is made more difficult because several other NFL teams have that problem, too.

Positive-thinking Gophers football coach Jerry Kill at a cold, windy outdoor practice last week declared the weather was “nice.”

Former Minnetonka prep star Anthony Tucker, reportedly a possible transfer to the Gophers from Winona State, averaged 11.9 and 10.4 points per game at Iowa as a sophomore and freshman. Tucker left the Hawkeyes to play for Winona State where he averaged a team best 15.9 this past season.

Ross Bernstein, local author of nearly 50 books including works on Herb Brooks and Brett Favre, will be the speaker at the C.O.R.E.S. luncheon in Bloomington on Thursday, May 12. C.O.R.E.S. members can make reservations by contacting Jim Dotseth, dotsethj@comcast.net. C.O.R.E.S. is an acronym for coaches, officials, educators, reporters and sports fans.

Swarm forward Ryan Benesch leads the National Lacrosse League with 43 goals. Last Saturday he broke the club single season record of 40 set by forward Aaron Wilson last year.

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