Cristie Kerr, the defending U.S. Women’s Open champion, is coming to town on May 19 to meet with the media. The 63rdOpen will be at Interlachen Country Club in Edina from June 23-29.
One man’s opinion on the Twins’ most valuable players so far: slugger Justin Morneau who has produced over 20 percent of the team’s runs batted in and closer Joe Nathan who has saved 11 of the 16 wins.
Ch. 5 sports reporter Ryan Kibbe will be a candidate to replace Rod Simons as KSTP TV’s No. 1 sports anchor. Kibbe is an impressive sports journalist.
Canterbury Park will hold its second annual Extreme Race Day on July 20 with camel and ostrich races.
Former Gopher running back Amir Pinnix on Minnesota’s prospects for next season: “I think they have a very good shot to make a bowl game. I think they’ll be pretty good. Coach (Tim) Brewster and his staff, they’re an excellent staff. They really get you prepared. …”
Wide receiver Jaymar Johnson, the Vikings sixth round draft choice from Jackson State, averaged 17.6 yards per reception his junior season and 17.0 his senior year. He might be used by the Vikings to return punts or kicks. He said he has run a 4:41 40-yard dash.
Quarterback John David Booty, the Vikings fifth round pick, enrolled early at Southern California, skipping his senior year of football in high school because his dad was fired as the quarterbacks coach. Drafting Booty gives the Vikings four quarterbacks on the roster and probably means Brooks Bollinger will eventually be let go. Gus Frerotte, a 14 year veteran, looks like the mentor to young quarterbacks Tarvaris Jackson and Booty.
College Sporting News has named Maria Bye and P.J. Theisen, both from St. Thonmas, as its female and male athlete award winners from the MIAC. A selection committee comprised of coaches, administrators and former MIAC athletes chose them from a group of 24 seniors nominated by the schools. They were honored for excellence on the playing field, coupled with superior academic performance and involvement in community service. Bye is a softball All-American while Theisen is an All-American in track and honorable mention All-American in football.