Torii Hunter was featured in the Sunday Los Angeles Times. Hunter, the former Twin who signed a five year, $90 million off-season deal with the Angels, grew up in poverty and had a father addicted to cocaine, according to the Times. Hunter now has a home with 11 bathrooms.
Guard Steve Hutchinson, running back Adrian Peterson and defensive tackle Kevin Williams were named to the Sporting News all-pro team. Peterson was also the publication’s near unanimous choice for Rookie of the Year. Selections are made through voting by pro personnel directors.
Gopher football coach Tim Brewster said assistant Tim Cross has been selected by rivals.com as the No. 1 recruiting assistant coach in the Big Ten Conference and No. 8 in the country.
Sports Illustrated didn’t include the Wild’s Marian Gaborik among its Western Conference all-star wings, instead choosing Jarome Iginla of the Flames and Henrik Zetterberg of the Red Wings.
Hobey Baker Memorial Award ballots go out to Division I hockey coaches next week and the top 10 candidates for the 2008 award will be announced on March 22. The winner will be announced April 11 during the NCAA Frozen Four championships in Denver and televised live on ESPNU at 7 p.m. Minneapolis time. The award annually honors college hockey’s top player. More information is available at www.hobeybaker.com.
Randy Foye started his first game of the season last night as the Timberwolves easily defeated Philadelphia 104-88. He and regular point guard Sebastian Telfair started at the guard positions. “I wanted to see him (Foye) and Basie together a little bit more,” coach Randy Wittman said. “I can get them together with more minutes starting them together than I can bringing them off the bench. …” Foye scored 13 points and Witman predicted the two guards will start again tomorrow night (Thursday) against San Antonio at Target Center. The Spurs have won eight of the last nine against the Wolves.
St. Paul is being labeled as “Tournament City USA” with Xcel Energy Center and Roy Wilkins Auditorium playing host to six athletic tournaments over five weeks, starting with last weekend through March 22.
Former pro Tracy Austin is coming to town in early May to help promote tennis, according to a local source.
Sophomore forward Craig Heiman had the third highest scoring game in school history with 36 points on Saturday night, leading Concordia University (St. Paul) to a 79-61 win at Upper Iowa University. The performance moved him within 94 points of Brian Jamros’ single season school record of 529 points.