Wild president Doug Risebrough, coach Jacques Lemaire, assistant coach Mario Tremblay, assistant general manager Tom Thompson and coordinator of amateur scouting Guy Lapointe have a combined 28 Stanley Cup rings. Lemaire was involved with 11 teams who won the NHL championship.
The Wild had a record media turnout for this year last night with 305 people in the press box. The largest number in Wild history was 450 during the 2003 playoffs.
Here’s a Tubby Smith story that is testament to his friendliness and people skills. A bus rider saw the new Gopher coach and yelled, “Hey, Tubby.” Not only did Smith go out of his way to greet the person but he said hello to others on the bus, too.
Gustavus Adolphus football coach Jay Schoenebeck reports via e-mail that former Gustie Ryan Hoag is playing in NFL Europe as a wide receiver. Hoag, a 2003 grad, has had tryouts with NFL teams including the Minnesota Vikings.
Former Gopher head track coach Roy Griak, now 83, is currently Minnesota’s coordinator for men’s track and field. Griak, who came to Minnesota in 1963 from St. Louis Park High School, said he works out everyday for 30 to 45 minutes. His routine includes 120-140 sit-ups.
Gopher football coach Tim Brewster is featured in the Sporting News. USC is the publication’s choice as the pre-season No. 1 college team.