A good humored Bill Fitch talking about whether he ever regrets leaving college coaching, going from the Gophers in 1970 to take over the expansion Cleveland Cavs and beginning an NBA coaching career that ended in 1998: “No, I never look back. … I stumble when I look forward. I look back at my days there (Minnesota) and they were great days. …”
Fitch on the Wolves trading guard Mike James to Houston: “James was not a happy camper and I’ve always said, ‘get rid of unhappy campers.’ They’re not going to help you. …”
Look for the Timberwolves to make at least one more major roster move involving one of their veterans before next season.
Two highly regarded NBA draft prospects, Georgetown University forward Jeff Green, Big East Conference Player of the Year, and University of Florida forward/center Al Horford, a third team All-American, were scheduled to work out for the Timberwolves earlier today.
Michael Cuddyer has put runners on notice they need to be cautious about trying to take an extra base on him. The Twins right fielder has used his strong and accurate right arm to cut down the daring or foolish. Cuddyer never played the outfield until 2001 in the minor leagues. He played first base, second base and third base in the lower minors. He told Sports Headliners playing the infield encourages habits like throwing accuracy and getting rid of the ball quickly that help when making the transition to the outfield. “Also, you have to focus a little more in the infield,” Cuddyer said. “I think that’s allowed me to take that focus level out to the outfield. …”
Any guess about improvement from Viking players beginning their second season in the NFL could include defensive end Ray Edwards. He showed exceptional pass rushing skill last season as a 21-year-old who had skipped his senior season at Purdue to enter the NFL draft.
TCF Bank Stadium, scheduled to open in 2009 with a capacity of 50,000, could be expanded to approximately 80,000 based on future need, according to Tom Wistrcill, Gopher associate athletics director.
Andrew Zimmern, local food critic and Travel Channel TV host, is now hosting an afternoon show on WFMP- FM107.1. Canterbury Park jockey Lori Keith was a guest today.
Saint Mary’s University’s Amanda Weinmann has been selected as the MIAC representative for the 2007 NCAA Woman of the Year Award. The award honors senior student-athletes for their cumulative collegiate achievements in service, leadership, athletics and academics. A national winner will be announced in October. Weinmann was chosen by the MIAC Executive Committee after reviewing nominations from conference schools.