The Big Ten Network aired a one hour preview of the Gophers last Friday night. Analyst Gerry DiNardo likes Brewster’s coaching staff but said Minnesota has the “most difficult” schedule among Big Ten teams. Among the team’s newcomers he likes are junior college defensive back Christyn Lewis and redshirt freshman offensive tackle Ed Olson who he predicts one day will be all-conference.
Dave Mona, talking on WCCO Radio’s Sports Huddle, not only predicted a 6-6 record for the Gophers but also said backup quarterback MarQueis Gray could make all-Big Ten as a wide receiver this season.
Maturi said the possibility of the Big Ten expanding its conference games from eight to nine for each team has delayed a decision about replacing Texas on Minnesota’s schedule in 2015. The Gophers have a BCS opponent to add but will wait until spring to learn what decision the Big Ten will make.
Former Minneapolis city council member and retired Air Force general Denny Schulstad gave a 45 minute speech on leadership and teamwork to the Gophers football team earlier this year.
Former Gophers national championship coach Murray Warmath, 97, has been a resident at Friendship Village in Bloomington for several years. A new fitness center is being built there and plans are to name the facility after Warmath. An area at the center will honor him, remembering his life. A group of Warmath’s friends are raising money to help fund the fitness center and contributions are needed. More details are available by contacting former Gophers assistant football coach Dick Larson at 651-842-0575, extension 203.
Roy Terwilliger, chairman of the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission, told Sports Headliners that a new Vikings stadium with a roof could be used for about 300 events per year and the playing field configuration will accommodate amateur baseball teams.
The Vikings probably have too much depth at linebacker for rookie Nate Triplett, the former Gopher, to make the final roster.
The Twins have acquired four impressive pitchers off waivers during the last two seasons: starter Carl Pavano, and relievers Jon Rauch, Brian Fuentes and Randy Flores. The addition this season of Fuentes and Flores has added badly needed left- handed help.
The American Volleyball Coaches Association preseason top 25 rankings include MIAC schools St. Thomas at No. 8, St. Olaf at No. 19 and St. Mary’s No. 24.