Kill had two Navy SEALs speak to the Gophers last week about unity and helping one another. “They talked about you’re only as good as your team,” Kill said.
Redshirt freshman running back Lamonte Edwards didn’t see game action for the Gophers last year, and at Woodbury High School he was also a defensive back. “Lamonte could be a tremendous football player,” Kill said last weekend. “He’s just gotta learn how to play running back, but he’s had a good camp so far.”
Junior MarQueis Gray has become a starter for the Gophers at quarterback and said he’s thankful for the opportunity to be No. 1. “I understand that it is up to me to continue to grow as a quarterback and lead this team,” he said. “And if I don’t do that, then they will find someone else.”
Gray said he weighed between 235 and 240 pounds during spring practice but has added muscle this summer and now carries about 245 pounds on his 6-4 frame.
Rumors of Texas A&M and perhaps Virginia Tech joining the SEC prompts speculation the Big Ten might one day pursue Oklahoma and Notre Dame (again).
Davis Lombardi Dalton, son of former Vikings assistant coach Dean Dalton, is a running back for Eden Prairie’s football team. He’s also a middle fielder in lacrosse and is looking at Division II and III college offers.
Dalton’s son Devon is at Auburn where he plays tuba as a member of the marching band.
Defending national champion Minnesota-Duluth is ranked No. 1 in the preseason American Football Coaches Association’s Division II national poll. The Bulldogs open their season September 3 at No. 8 ranked Augustana. St. Cloud State is ranked No. 13 in the poll.
Joe Mauer’s athleticism and strong arm make him a candidate to eventually play at third base, first base or either of the corner outfield positions. With his history of injuries, plus a big contract and team need for his bat in the lineup all the time, the days of Mauer catching over 130 games per year are probably history.
Major league baseball seems likely to consider a more balanced schedule in the near future, reducing the number and emphasis on division games.
Home regular season and preseason single game Wild tickets go on sale Saturday starting at 9 a.m. at the Xcel Energy Center box office. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster and the Wild’s website starting at noon.