The Vikings chose 10 players in the NFL draft, the most since they selected 10 in 2000. The large number is important for an organization trying to create more competition for jobs, and with numerous personnel needs even at starting positions.
Among the most intriguing selections is Iowa defensive lineman Christian Ballard, drafted on the fourth round. Vikings vice president of player personnel Rick Spielman said his organization considered Ballard a second round value.
The Big Ten Conference led the nation in men’s basketball attendance for the 35th consecutive season, averaging 12,826 fans per home game, according to NCAA figures. Seven Big Ten schools ranked in the top 25 in average attendance, while no other league had more than four. Wisconsin was seventh nationally with an average of 17,230 fans per game. Illinois was No. 10 (15,851), followed by No. 12 Indiana (15,259), No. 13 Ohio State (15,125) and No. 15 Michigan State (14,797). Also among the top 25 were No. 17 Purdue (13,916) and No. 24 Minnesota (13,241).
Lynx players Seimone Augustus, Rebekkah Brunson, Maya Moore, Lindsay Whalen and Candice Wiggins were named last week to the USA Basketball Women’s National Team training camp roster, the most participants of any WNBA team. The five players are expected to comprise nearly half of the Lynx’s 11 women season opening roster later this spring. The USA training camp will be May 10-12 in Las Vegas.
Because of declining student enrollment, the Minneapolis North basketball team will participate next season in Class A, the smallest of Minnesota State High School League groupings for teams. Class A includes charter schools and other schools such as the Academy for Sciences & Agriculture, Calvin Christian High School and Maranatha Christian Academy.
Twins pitcher Nick Blackburn, expected to start Wednesday in Chicago against the White Sox, is 1-4 with a 5.14 ERA. In his last outing he gave up eight hits and five earned runs during 3.1 innings at home against Tampa Bay.
The Twins have to play seven of their next 11 games against East Division teams Boston and Toronto. After Tampa Bay swept the Twins at home last week, Minnesota was 5-12 so far this season against teams from the East Division.
The NHL Coaches Association will hold its annual Coaching Clinic on June 23 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Hilton Hotel in Minneapolis. Coaches from all hockey levels are welcome at the clinic where NHL coaches will lead group presentations and break-out sessions. Registration for the clinic is available at www.wild.com/nhlca.