Minneapolis/St. Paul – The Minnesota Timberwolves today announced that the club has re-assigned rookie guard Malcolm Lee to the Sioux Falls Skyforce of the NBA Development League. Lee is expected to play tomorrow as Sioux Falls plays host to Bakersfield.
Lee appeared in three games for the Skyforce in his first stint with Sioux Falls, averaging 9.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 25.3 minutes. He tallied 16 points and dished out six assists on Feb. 7 vs. Dakota, had nine points and seven assists in a win over Idaho on Feb. 10, and recorded four points, four rebounds and five assists vs. Canton on Feb. 11.
Lee, acquired on draft night from the Chicago Bulls, has yet to appear in a regular season game for the Wolves after undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee on December 30.
Per NBA rules, a first- or second-year player can be assigned to the team's D-League affiliate a maximum of three times in a season.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
NDSU's Nathan Anderson Named Summit League Men's Golfer of the Week
ELMHURST, Ill. - North Dakota State's Nathan Anderson was named Summit League Men's Golfer of the Week by the league office Wednesday, Feb. 29, after getting his first collegiate victory.
Anderson, a junior from Oxbow, N.D., shot an even-par 72 in the first round and a 76 in the second round to win the Quintero Invitational by six shots over Creighton's John Rasmussen.
Anderson is just the second NDSU men's golfer to earn the award and the first since Nick Olsgaard in February 2010.
Anderson, a junior from Oxbow, N.D., shot an even-par 72 in the first round and a 76 in the second round to win the Quintero Invitational by six shots over Creighton's John Rasmussen.
Anderson is just the second NDSU men's golfer to earn the award and the first since Nick Olsgaard in February 2010.
Nicole Smart named GWC Player of the week
For the second time this season, North Dakota senior guard Nicole Smart has been named the Great West Conference Player of the Week, as announced by league offices today. She nabbed conference honors after leading the Fighting Sioux to a pair of Great West victories last week in Texas. Those wins helped to lead the Sioux to their second GWC regular-season title in three years.
Just yesterday, Smart was named the College Sports Madness Great West Conference Player of the Week.
A native of Ada, Minn., Smart averaged 16.5 ppg last week in the Lone Star State.
In the 60-58 victory at Texas-Pan American on Thursday, she led the squad with a career-high 19 points, and was clutch down the stretch. With 54 seconds left in the game, Smart sank her only three-pointer of the night. She then drained a pair of free throws with 19 seconds left on the clock, extending UND’s lead to four. She finished 5-for-12 from the field and a perfect 6-for-6 at the free throw line.
On Saturday against Houston Baptist, she finished with a team-high 14 points on 5-for-12 shooting from the field, including a pair of three-pointers in each half. Inside UND’s 14-6 first-half-ending run, Smart swished a pair of baseline three’s, including one to end the half. Inside the four-minute mark of the second half, she drilled back-to-back shots from beyond the arc to give UND a 22-point advantage.
Others nominated: Devyn Weymouth (Houston Baptist), Nicole Maticka (NJIT), Bianca Torre (Texas-Pan American) and Sammie Jensen (Utah Valley).
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
17th Annual Taste of the Timberwolves
MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Timberwolves FastBreak Foundation will host its 17th annual Taste of the Timberwolves, presented by Starkey Hearing Foundation, on Tuesday, March 6 from 6-9 p.m. at Target Center.
The 2012 Taste of the Timberwolves' cornerstone sponsors include POPP Communications and Log House Foods and the event will continue to showcase some of the finest local restaurants and food vendors. Taste of the Timberwolves tips off with the traditional great fare of Taste and concludes with an exciting live auction and Timberwolves players competing against each other in an entertaining game of Family Feud.
Taste of the Timberwolves is the annual fundraising gala for the Timberwolves FastBreak Foundation, which provides and supports hands-on programs that positively impact Minnesota youth. The "Taste-ing" begins at 6 p.m. with attendees enjoying cuisine from some of the Twin Cities' best restaurants as Wolves players and basketball staff members serve the food.
Taste-goers will have the opportunity to bid on unique items, experiences and merchandise during silent and live auctions, including a road trip with the Wolves to Memphis and Charlotte from March 26-28 and a Twin Cities Sports Package that includes unique experiences and tickets from the Wolves, Vikings, Twins, Gophers and Saints. Other auction items will include special Timberwolves player experiences that cannot be won elsewhere.
Following a live program, Timberwolves players will compete against each other in a live version of the Timberwolves Family Feud. Along with great food, fun and entertainment, each guest in attendance will receive an exclusive team-autographed print.
"We're excited to celebrate our 17th Taste of the Timberwolves event this year. The entire Timberwolves organization is proud of what this great event has come to represent to our fans and our community over the past 16 years," said Timberwolves President Chris Wright. "This unique evening gives our fans an opportunity to interact with our players and coaches while raising the funds that allows our FastBreak Foundation to continue its great work with Minnesota's youth in need. We sincerely appreciate everyone who contributes to Taste and makes our Foundation's work possible."
Restaurant and food vendor participants at this year's Taste include: 2 Gingers, Anheuser-Busch, Bacardi, Bar 508, Caribou Coffee, CRAVE/Sopranos, Dickey's BBQ, Ellsworth Creamery, FACES, Granite City Food & Brewery, Huberts/A Chef's Production, Log House Foods, Kieran's, MillerCoors, Northern Vineyards, O'Donovan's, Pepsi, Pinstripes, SEVEN, Sky Deck, Vescio's and Wildfire Grill.
Over the past 16 years, Taste of the Timberwolves has raised more than $4 million dollars for the Timberwolves FastBreak Foundation.
The 2012 Taste of the Timberwolves' cornerstone sponsors include POPP Communications and Log House Foods and the event will continue to showcase some of the finest local restaurants and food vendors. Taste of the Timberwolves tips off with the traditional great fare of Taste and concludes with an exciting live auction and Timberwolves players competing against each other in an entertaining game of Family Feud.
Taste of the Timberwolves is the annual fundraising gala for the Timberwolves FastBreak Foundation, which provides and supports hands-on programs that positively impact Minnesota youth. The "Taste-ing" begins at 6 p.m. with attendees enjoying cuisine from some of the Twin Cities' best restaurants as Wolves players and basketball staff members serve the food.
Taste-goers will have the opportunity to bid on unique items, experiences and merchandise during silent and live auctions, including a road trip with the Wolves to Memphis and Charlotte from March 26-28 and a Twin Cities Sports Package that includes unique experiences and tickets from the Wolves, Vikings, Twins, Gophers and Saints. Other auction items will include special Timberwolves player experiences that cannot be won elsewhere.
Following a live program, Timberwolves players will compete against each other in a live version of the Timberwolves Family Feud. Along with great food, fun and entertainment, each guest in attendance will receive an exclusive team-autographed print.
"We're excited to celebrate our 17th Taste of the Timberwolves event this year. The entire Timberwolves organization is proud of what this great event has come to represent to our fans and our community over the past 16 years," said Timberwolves President Chris Wright. "This unique evening gives our fans an opportunity to interact with our players and coaches while raising the funds that allows our FastBreak Foundation to continue its great work with Minnesota's youth in need. We sincerely appreciate everyone who contributes to Taste and makes our Foundation's work possible."
Restaurant and food vendor participants at this year's Taste include: 2 Gingers, Anheuser-Busch, Bacardi, Bar 508, Caribou Coffee, CRAVE/Sopranos, Dickey's BBQ, Ellsworth Creamery, FACES, Granite City Food & Brewery, Huberts/A Chef's Production, Log House Foods, Kieran's, MillerCoors, Northern Vineyards, O'Donovan's, Pepsi, Pinstripes, SEVEN, Sky Deck, Vescio's and Wildfire Grill.
Over the past 16 years, Taste of the Timberwolves has raised more than $4 million dollars for the Timberwolves FastBreak Foundation.
Lynx Trade Forward Charde Houston to Phoenix
MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Lynx today announced the team has executed a sign-and-trade deal with Phoenix, sending forward Charde Houston and the 24th overall pick in the upcoming 2012 WNBA Draft to the Mercury in exchange for the 18th overall selection in this year's draft.
“Charde was an important part of our team for the last four years,” said Lynx Executive Vice President Roger Griffith. “She was able to positively impact our team, not only with her play on the court, but also with her personality off the court and with the fans. Charde had expressed an interest getting more playing time, and hopefully this trade will give her a larger opportunity. We are appreciative of everything she has done for our organization and wish her the best in Phoenix.”
A four-year veteran out of Connecticut, Houston was originally selected by the Lynx in the third round (30th overall pick) of the 2008 WNBA Draft. She was named an All-Star during her sophomore season in 2009, averaging career highs with 13.1 points and 5.5 rebounds in 23.3 minutes per game. Last season, Houston averaged career lows in minutes (7.8 mpg), points (2.9 ppg) and rebounds (1.7 rpg) in 27 appearances. She holds career averages of 9.5 points and 3.9 rebounds in 18.3 minutes per game.
The Lynx have six draft picks in the upcoming 2012 WNBA Draft, which will be held in April. Minnesota holds two picks in the first round (3rd and 12th overall), three in the second round (18, 19 and 20) and one in the third round (31).
The 2011 WNBA Champion Lynx will kick off their title defense with the team's Home Opener on Sunday, May 20 at 11:30 a.m. at Target Center against the Phoenix Mercury on ABC. Lower-level tickets are available for as little as $10 a game for the 17-game home season and can be purchased by calling 612-673-8400 or visiting the Lynx website at www.lynxbasketball.com.
“Charde was an important part of our team for the last four years,” said Lynx Executive Vice President Roger Griffith. “She was able to positively impact our team, not only with her play on the court, but also with her personality off the court and with the fans. Charde had expressed an interest getting more playing time, and hopefully this trade will give her a larger opportunity. We are appreciative of everything she has done for our organization and wish her the best in Phoenix.”
A four-year veteran out of Connecticut, Houston was originally selected by the Lynx in the third round (30th overall pick) of the 2008 WNBA Draft. She was named an All-Star during her sophomore season in 2009, averaging career highs with 13.1 points and 5.5 rebounds in 23.3 minutes per game. Last season, Houston averaged career lows in minutes (7.8 mpg), points (2.9 ppg) and rebounds (1.7 rpg) in 27 appearances. She holds career averages of 9.5 points and 3.9 rebounds in 18.3 minutes per game.
The Lynx have six draft picks in the upcoming 2012 WNBA Draft, which will be held in April. Minnesota holds two picks in the first round (3rd and 12th overall), three in the second round (18, 19 and 20) and one in the third round (31).
The 2011 WNBA Champion Lynx will kick off their title defense with the team's Home Opener on Sunday, May 20 at 11:30 a.m. at Target Center against the Phoenix Mercury on ABC. Lower-level tickets are available for as little as $10 a game for the 17-game home season and can be purchased by calling 612-673-8400 or visiting the Lynx website at www.lynxbasketball.com.
Monday, February 27, 2012
State Wrestling Tournament preview
All three of the 2011 team champions return to defend their respective titles: the Jackson County Central Huskies in Class A; the Simley Spartans in Class AA; and the Apple Valley Eagles in Class AAA. Jackson County Central, which tied Frazee for top honors in 2011, is looking for its third consecutive title. Simley of Inver Grove Heights is looking for its fifth consecutive title and Apple Valley is seeking its seventh consecutive
title.
Two teams are making their first tournament appearances this year: Barnesville in Class A and Champlin Park in Class AAA. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Eagles of Apple Valley return for their 30th consecutive and 31st overall appearance. In the individual competition, 20 champions return for more gold medals - five in Class AAA, 10 in Class AA, and five in Class A. This will also be the first year that new weight classes are in effect. The National Federation of State High School Associations which writes rules for wrestling adopted the current 14 weight structure following an exhaustive study by the National Wrestling Coaches Association. Actual weigh-in information of 195,000 wrestlers was analyzed and the current structure was developed to include approximately 7.14 percent of all wrestlers per weight with the intent of providing an equal distribution of all wrestlers across all weights. The new structure also includes a new weight in the low 180-pound range.
Here are the current and former weight classes for comparison:
Current Former
106 103
113 112
120 119
126 125
132 130
138 135
145 140
152 145
160 152
170 160
182 171
195 189
220 215
285 285
The 2012 State Wrestling Tournament opens Thursday, March 1, and runs through Saturday, March 3, at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. The three-day format features all of the team dual competition on Thursdayfollowed by exclusive individual competition Friday and Saturday. This is the fourth year that the teams have been seeded. The 24 coaches of the section champions logged onto a special page of the League Web site and each coach ranked the other teams one through seven. The highest and lowest rankings for each team were discarded, leaving five rankings for each team. From those rankings, the top four seeds were selected. In conference calls with all eight head coaches of each class, League Associate Director and Tournament Director Craig Perry announced the top four seeds and then conducted a blind draw of the four remaining teams to establish the opponent for the seeded teams.
Class A Team Highlights
Six teams that competed in the 2011 tournament, including the two-time defending champions from Jackson County Central (Section 2), return to this year's field. The Huskies are also the top-seeded team this year. Jackson County Central, which shared top honors with Frazee in 2011, is making its third consecutive and fourth overall appearance under this name. In addition to the past two years, the Huskies also claimed top honors in 2008. Jackson County Central, as a co-op with Southwest Star Concept of Okabena, made four additional appearances between 1998 and 2007 and won titles in 1999 and 2000. Jackson also made three appearances as a co-op with Heron Lake-Okabena-Lakefield between 1993 and 1997. The other returning teams are: Kimball Area (Section 5); Minneota (Section 3); Zumbrota-Mazeppa (Section 1); Pierz (Section 7) and Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial (Section 4). The Kimball Area Cubs, who are the No. 2 seed this year, are making their second consecutive and fifth overall appearance. They earned the consolation title in 2011.
The Minneota Vikings enter this year's tournament as the No. 3 seed and they're hoping to improve on last year's third-place showing. This year marks their third consecutive and fifth overall appearance. The Cougars of Zumbrota-Mazeppa, who placed sixth last year, are making their third consecutive and seventh overall appearance. Pierz returns for its second consecutive and ninth overall appearance. In 2011 the Pioneers were eliminated in the consolation semifinals. If the Pioneers win it would be their third title. They won previous back-to-back championships in 2004 and 2005.
Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial, this year's No. 4 seed, is the final returning team. The Knights, who earned fourth-place honors in 2011, are making their fourth consecutive appearance and their sixth under this name. Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial also made one additional appearance as a co-op with Mankato Loyola in 2004.
Barnesville (Section 6) and Badger/Greenbush-Middle River (Section 8) round out the Class A field. It is the fifth appearance as a co-op for the Badger/Greenbush-Middle River Gators, but their first since 2005. Greenbush made one additional appearance in 1986. The Barnesville Trojans are making their debut appearance at this year's tournament. The 9 a.m. Thursday Class A seeded quarterfinal pairings and the team records followed by the final rankings of The Guillotine wrestling publication are: No. 2 Kimball Area (32-0 No. 2) vs. Barnesville (22-4 No. 12); No. 3 Minneota (23-2 No. 3) vs. Zumbrota-Mazeppa (20-10 No. 11); No. 1 Jackson County Central (22-3 No. 1) vs. Pierz (26-4 No. 10); No. 4 Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial (18-4 No. 5) vs. Badger/Greenbush-Middle River (16-1 No. 4).
Class AA Team Highlights
The Spartans of Simley (Section 4) return as the four-time defending champions. This is the fifth consecutive and 18th overall appearance for the Spartans, who are the No. 1 seed this year. In addition to the past four years, Simley also won championships in 1987, 1988, 1989, and 1992. Four other teams also return from the 2011 field: Monticello (Section 5); Scott West, a co-op between Belle Plaine, Jordan, and Holy Family Academy of Belle Plaine (Section 2); Foley (Section 6); and Kasson-Mantorville (Section 1).
Foley and Scott West are both making fifth consecutive appearances. The Foley Falcons are the No. 3 seed this year and are looking to improve on last year's fourth-place showing. This is their 19th overall appearance and they won previous titles in 1989, 1993, and 1994. The Scott West Panthers, who placed second last year, enter the tournament as the No. 2 seed. This is their 13th appearance.
The KoMets of Kasson-Mantorville, who are making their third consecutive and sixth overall appearance, finished third last year. They enter this year's tournament as the No. 4 seed. The Monticello Magic return for their second consecutive and third overall appearance. They lost in the consolation semifinals in 2011.
Perham (Section 8), Milaca/Faith Christian (Section 7), and Windom/Mountain Lake/Butterfield-Odin (Section 3) are the final teams competing in the Class AA field. The Perham Yellowjackets are making their sixth appearance, but first since 2009, and the Milaca/Faith Christian Wolves are making their 10th appearance, but first since 2010. The Cobras of Windom/Mountain Lake/Butterfield-Odin return after a three-year absence to make their fourth appearance.
The 11 a.m. Thursday Class AA seeded quarterfinal pairings and the team records followed by the final rankings of The Guillotine wrestling publication are : No. 2 Scott West (23-0 No. 2) vs. Monticello (13-12 No. 11); No. 3 Foley (25-1 No. 3) vs. Windom/Mountain Lake/Butterfield-Odin (19-5 No. 10); No. 1 Simley (25-3 No. 1) vs. Milaca/Faith Christian (28-9 No. 7); No. 4 Kasson-Mantorville (24-5 No. 4) vs. Perham (21-5 No. 8).
Class AAA Team Highlights
Apple Valley (Section 3) returns as the six-time defending champion. The Eagles, who are the No. 1 seed, are making their 30th consecutive and 31st overall tournament appearance. In addition to the past six years, they also won team championships in 1983, 1985, 1986, 1991, 1994, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004. Three other teams also return from the 2011 qualifying field. St. Michael-Albertville (Section 7) returns for its 14th consecutive and 22nd overall appearance. The Knights placed second last year and are the No. 3 seed this year. If they win it would be their seventh title. They won previously in 1996, 1997, 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007. White Bear Lake Area (Section 4) is making its third consecutive and overall appearance. The Bears took the consolation crown in the 2011 tournament. Prior Lake (Section 2) is the final returning team. The Lakers, who are the No. 4 seed this year, are making their second consecutive and fourth overall appearance. They're hoping to improve on last year's third-place showing.
The other teams competing in Class AAA are: Hastings (Section 1); Little Falls (Section 8); Willmar (Section 6); and Champlin Park (Section 5). The Hastings Raiders return to tournament action for the first time since 2007. They are the No. 2 seed this year and are making their 11th appearance. If they win it would be their second title; they claimed their first in 1996. The Flyers of Little Falls are making their fifth appearance, but first since 2006, and the Willmar Cardinals are making their third appearance, but first since 2005. The Rebels of Champlin Park are making their debut tournament appearance.
The 9 a.m. Thursday Class AAA seeded quarterfinal pairings and the team records followed by the final rankings of The Guillotine wrestling publication: No. 2 Hastings (28-6 No. 2) vs. Little Falls (22-8 No. 10); No. 3 St. Michael-Albertville (27-6 No. 3) vs. Champlin Park (17-10 unranked); No. 1 Apple Valley (26-1 No. 1) vs. Willmar (20-5 unranked); No. 4 Prior Lake (23-11 No. 9) vs. White Bear Lake Area (20-7 No. 11).
Class A Individual Highlights
106 pounds - Cameron Sykora (41-1) of Border West, who won the title at 103 pounds last year, returns in search of more gold. Joey Majerus (38-5) of Zumbrota-Mazeppa and Cody Hanson (34-6) of St. James, also return. They placed third and fourth at 103 pounds, respectively. There are no perfect records in this weight class.
113 pounds - There are four returning medalists: Shane Novak (38-1) of New York Mills, runner-up at 112 pounds; Tyler Keller (33-7) of Medford, fifth at 103 pounds; Tyler Berghuis (34-6) of Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City, sixth at 103 pounds; and Quinten Berres (37-1) of Kimball Area, sixth at 112 pounds. No one has a perfect record.
120 pounds - Mitchel Lexvold (42-1) of Kenyon-Wanamingo, last year's champion at 119 pounds, leads the field. Two additional medal-winners also return: Isaac Novacek (39-0) of Badger/Greenbush-Middle River, third at 112 pounds; and Dustin Esplan (36-4) of New Richland-H-E-G, third at 119 pounds. Novacek boasts the only perfect record.
126 pounds - Oakley McLain (38-4) of Kenyon-Wanamingo, who won at 125 pounds in 2011, leads the returning qualifiers. Hayden Rouser (40-2) of Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City and Gus McCarthy (36-6) of Border West also return. Rouser placed fourth at 119 pounds last year and McCarthy was fifth at 125 pounds. Andy Poster (34-0) of Royalton/Upsala has the only perfect record.
132 pounds - Ben Rynda (34-4) of Trinity School at River Ridge of Bloomington, fourth at 125 pounds last year, is the highest returning qualifier. The only other returning medalist is Taner Trembley (36-2) of Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial; he placed fifth at 119 pounds last year. No one has a perfect record.
138 pounds - Three medal-winners return: Michael Jarnot (40-0) of Holdingford, runner-up at 153 pounds; Bruce Lemon (38-5) of Frazee, sixth at 130 pounds; and Jacob Anderson (33-2) of River Valley, sixth at 135 pounds. Jarnot has the only unblemished record. 145 pounds - Three medalists from last year's 140-pound weight class return: Larry Bomstad (39-0) of Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City, third; Adam Cooling (37-2) of Madelia/Truman/Martin Luther, fourth; and Garret Hoffner (38-0) of Mahnomen/Waubun, fifth. Bomstad and Hoffner boast the only perfect records.
152 pounds - The 2011 champion at 145 pounds, Curt Maas (39-1) of Medford, leads this year's qualifiers. Two other medalists also return: Jordan Chouanard (35-1) of Aitkin, third at 145 pounds; and Chris Pfarr (32-8) of LeSueur-Henderson, sixth at 125 pounds. There are no perfect records.
160 pounds - Two returning medal-winners return: Darick Vancura (40-1) of Jackson County Central, runner-up at 145 pounds; and Stephen Erlandson (29-2) of Breckenridge/Campbell-Tintah, runner-up at 160 pounds. There are no perfect records.
170 pounds - There are no returning medal-winners. Cooper Moore (42-0) of Jackson County Central has the only perfect record.
182 pounds - Brett Pfarr (38-1) of LeSueur-Henderson and Nate Meixell (33-3) of Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial are the only returning medal-winners. Pfarr was the runner-up at 152 pounds in 2011, and Meixell was the runner-up at 189 pounds. There are no perfect records.
195 pounds - Adam Josephson (39-1) of Minneota, who placed third at 189 pounds last year, is the only returning medalist. Nathan Rose (41-0) of Sibley East of Arlington and Christopher Zimmer (35-0) of Walker-Hackensack-Akeley/Nevis both have unblemished records.
220 pounds - Josh VanOverbeke (37-1) of Minneota is the only returning medal-winner. He placed third in the heavyweight class in 2011. There are no perfect records.
285 pounds - Alex Yeager (33-2) of Badger/Greenbush-Middle River, who earned championship honors in the heavyweight class last year, is one of two returning medalists. Colin Turchin (37-1) of Bertha-Hewitt/Verndale is the other; he placed fourth at heavyweight in 2011. No one has a perfect record.
Kimball Area leads the Class A field with 10 qualifiers. Minneota, Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City, and Pierz each qualified nine wrestlers.
Class AA Individual Highlights
106 pounds - Two returning medalists compete in this weight class: Skyler Petry (40-2) of Waterville-Elysian-Morristown/Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton, fifth at 103 pounds; and Anthony Luft (34-5), sixth at 103 pounds. No one has a perfect record.
113 pounds - Kyle Gliva (24-2) of Simley of Inver Grove Heights, who won the title at 103 pounds last year, leads this year's field. Jarred Oftedahl (35-0) of Benilde-St. Margaret's of St. Louis Park is the only undefeated competitor. He was runner-up at 103 pounds last year. Other returning medal-winners are: Tristan Manderfeld (27-1) of Foley, third at 103 pounds; and Abbot Aho (38-4) of Fergus Falls, third at 112 pounds.
120 pounds - Brett Stolarzyk (33-6) of Stewartville returns in search of another championship; he earned top honors at 112 pounds last year. Three other medalists also return: Luke Betchwars (38-4) of Scott West, fourth at 103 pounds; Eric Bourgeois (34-5) of Monticello, fourth at 112 pounds; and Ty Griffin (32-3) of Rockford, sixth at 112 pounds. No competitors enter undefeated.
126 pounds - Eric Madson (39-3) of Hutchinson looks to improve on last year's third-place finish at 125 pounds. John Weeding (38-3) of Dawson-Boyd/Lac qui Parle, who placed fifth at 119 pounds in 2011, is the only other returning medalist. No one has a perfect record.
132 pounds - Joe Munos (41-0) of South Saint Paul, champion at 125 pounds in 2011, returns in search of a title at 132 pounds. He is the only competitor with a perfect record. Three additional medal-winners also return: Jonah Gahm (39-4) of Milaca/Faith Christian, fourth at 125 pounds; Mason Brownlee (31-6) of Montgomery-Lonsdale/Le Center, fifth at 125 pounds; and Jordan Hanan (33-5) of Annandale/Maple Lake, sixth at 119 pounds.
138 pounds - Nate Lynn (31-1) of Adrian Area is the only returning medalist. He finished fourth at 130 pounds last year. No competitors enter with a perfect record.
145 pounds - Two defending champions compete for more gold at 145 pounds. Jake Short (40-1) of Simley won the title at 140 pounds last year and Gabe Fogarty (39-3) of Scott West won the title at 135 pounds. One additional medal-winner returns: Dustin Ellsworth (27-4) of Saint Paul Harding, fifth at 140 pounds. No one is undefeated.
152 pounds - The 2011 champion at 145 pounds, Nick Wanzek (38-4) of Simley, enters competition in pursuit of another title. Charlie Pesch (29-9) of Scott West is the only other returning medalist, placing sixth at 145 pounds last year. There are no perfect records.
160 pounds - Taylor Lewandowski (38-1) of Foley, is the defending champion at 160 pounds. Sam Haas (41-1) of Dawson-Boyd/Lac qui Parle, who finished fifth in this class last year, is the only other returning qualifier. No one has a perfect record.
170 pounds - Two competitors return to the tournament undefeated: Micah Barnes (40-0) of Simley, runner-up at 160 pounds last year; and Garret Miller (37-0) of Plainview/Elgin-Millville, who placed third at 160 pounds. 182 pounds - Blake Petrich (40-1) of Staples-Motley looks to improve on his third-place finish at 171 pounds last year. He is joined by Jamison Evans (41-1) of Grand Rapids, who placed sixth at 160 pounds. There are no perfect records.
195 pounds - Broc Berge (41-0) of Kasson-Mantorville, 2011 champion at 189 pounds, returns in search of another title. He is the only undefeated wrestler in this class. Justin Ladehoff (25-1) of Milaca/Faith Christian, who placed sixth at 171 last year, is the only other returning qualifier.
220 pounds - There are no returning medal-winners and no undefeated competitors.
285 pounds - Defending heavyweight champion Austin Goergen (33-1) of Caledonia/Houston/Spring Grove and 215-pound champion Michael Kroells (41-0) of Scott West lead the qualifiers in this weight class. They are joined by Sam Stoll (41-1) of Kasson-Mantorville, last year's runner-up at heavyweight. Kroells and Jesse Hein (41-0) of Perham have the only perfect records in this weight class.
Simley leads the field with 12 qualified wrestlers. Foley has 10 qualifiers and Scott West has nine.
Class AAA Individual Highlights
106 pounds - There are no returning medalists and no perfect records.
113 pounds - Five 2011 medal-winners, including 103-pound champion Tommy Thorn (40-1) of St. Michael-Albertville, return. The others are: Tanner Johnshoy (37-7) of Prior Lake, runner-up at 103 pounds; Erik Olson (30-8) of Sauk Rapids-Rice, fourth at 103 pounds; Luke Rowh (35-8) of Hastings, fifth at 103 pounds; and Nick O'Brien (38-4) of Wayzata, sixth at 112 pounds. There are no perfect records.
120 pounds - Four 2011 medalists return: Cole Sladek (35-3), runner-up at 112 pounds; Seth Gross (39-3) of Apple Valley, third at 103 pounds; Dustin Weinmann (37-2) of Irondale of New Brighton, fifth at 112 pounds; and Dakota Wangsness (30-9) of Albert Lea Area, sixth at 103 pounds. There are no perfect records.
126 pounds - Mitch Bengtson (40-0) of St. Cloud Apollo returns in search of more gold. He was the champion at 119 pounds last year. He is joined by three other returning medal-winners: Lucas Hansen (30-7) of Albert Lea Area, third at 112 pounds; Sam Brancale (31-1) of Eden Prairie, third at 119 pounds; and Amin Buta (32-8) of Minneapolis South, fifth at 125 pounds. Bengtson boasts the only undefeated record.
132 pounds - Dakota Trom (27-4) of Apple Valley leads a field of six returning medalists. He won at 125 pounds last year. He is joined by: Eric Bauer (30-4) of Hastings, third at 125 pounds; Ben Morgan (34-2) of Forest Lake, third at 130 pounds; Alex Johannes (32-4) of Willmar, fourth at 130 pounds; Mark Voss (35-8) of St. Michael-Albertville, fifth at 119 pounds; and Carsen Canedy (36-5) of Northfield, sixth at 119 pounds. There are no perfect records.
138 pounds - Grant Nehring (39-3) of St. Cloud Apollo, who placed third at 135 pounds last year, is the top returning qualifier. Five other 2011 medalists also move up in search of a title: Tyler Isaacson (35-6) of Forest Lake, fourth at 119 pounds; Adam Hammer (36-3) of Osseo, fourth at 135 pounds; Ben Donnelly (33-8) of Woodbury, fifth at 130 pounds; Matt Kahnke (30-12) of Prior Lake, fifth at 135 pounds; and Jake Hanson (35-4) of Rochester Mayo, sixth at 130 pounds. No one has a perfect record.
145 pounds - Mark Hall (35-0) of Apple Valley, who was the champion at 130 pounds last year, is the only returning medal-winner. He also boasts the only perfect record.
152 pounds - Adam Jackson (38-3) of Rosemount, who earned runner-up honors in this weight class last year, is the highest returning medalist. Cody Skog (34-5) of Cambridge-Isanti and Derek Weinman (33-7) of Irondale, also return. They placed third and fourth last year, respectively, at 140 pounds.
160 pounds - Five 2011 medal-winners, including the defending champion at 140 pounds Brandon Kingsley of Apple Valley, return in pursuit of a championship. The others are: Travis Holt (37-5) of Cambridge-Isanti, runner-up at 135 pounds; Corey Parsons (32-3) of Andover, fourth at 152 pounds; Dalton Westerlund (24-4) of Albert Lea Area, fourth at 145 pounds; and Anton Kalista (36-4) of Lakeville North, sixth at 160 pounds. No competitors have a perfect record.
170 pounds - Kyle Begin (34-2) of Anoka, the 2011 champion at 160 pounds, is the only returning qualifier. No one in this class is undefeated.
182 pounds - Five 2011 medal-winners will vie for the title at 182 pounds. Clayton Jennissen (39-3) of Cambridge-Isanti, runner-up at 171 pounds, and Daniel Woiwor (33-5) of Apple Valley, runner-up at 145 pounds, are the top returning qualifiers. Joining them are: Beau Bibeau (31-4) of White Bear Lake Area, third at 171 pounds; Chase Morlock (37-4) of Moorhead, fourth at 160 pounds; and Richard Carlson (37-2) of Mounds View, fifth at 160 pounds. There are no perfect records.
195 pounds - Two returning qualifiers look to improve on last year's results. Jake Swenson (35-7) of Hastings placed fourth at 171 pounds and Tommy Petersen (27-1) of Lakeville South finished sixth at 189 pounds in 2011. Clay LeVasseur (21-0) of Rogers is the only undefeated competitor. 220 pounds - Isaac Eichmann (34-7) of Hastings, runner-up at 215 pounds last year, and Michael Burkhardt (35-4) of Coon Rapids, fourth place at 215 pounds, lead the field of qualifiers. No wrestlers enter with a perfect record.
285 pounds - Tanner Lowe (27-4) of Coon Rapids and Corey Anderson (40-2) of Shakopee return to the heavyweight competition in search of a championship. Lowe placed third last year and Anderson finished fourth. There are no perfect records.
Apple Valley qualified 13 wrestlers and St. Michael-Albertville qualified nine. Albert Lea Area and White Bear Lake Area were next with eight individual qualifiers apiece.
The Schedule and Ticket Information
This year's schedule features the team tournament running all day on Thursday, March 1. The action starts with the Class A and Class AAA quarterfinals at 9 a.m. They will be followed by the Class AA team quarterfinals at 11 a.m., which will be run simultaneously with the Class A and Class AAA consolation semifinals.
At 1 p.m. on Thursday, all three classes will wrestle in the team championship semifinals and Class AAA will also have its consolation semifinals. The consolation and third-place team matches for all three classes will begin at 5 p.m. Thursday evening, followed by the team championship matches for all three classes at 7 p.m.
On Friday, March 2, the Class AAA individual first round begins at 9 a.m. The Class A individual first round starts at 11 a.m., followed by the Class AA individual first round at 1 p.m. On Friday evening, the Class AAA individual quarterfinals begin at 5 p.m. The Class A and Class AA individual championship quarterfinals will follow at 6 and 7 p.m., respectively. The evening session will conclude with all wrestlebacks at 8 p.m.
On Saturday there will be five rounds of competition. The first starts at 10 a.m. and will consist of all individual consolation quarterfinals. The second round will start approximately at 11:15 a.m. and will entail all individual championship semifinals. Round Three begins approximately at 1:15 p.m. and will encompass all individual consolation semifinals. At approximately 5 p.m., all individual fifth- and third-place matches will begin, followed by awards. The day will end with all individual championships beginning at approximately 7:30 p.m. Awards will also follow the final round.
Other than the first matches of each session, all subsequent rounds will start immediately following the conclusion of the previous competition in that session. Thus, most of the start times are approximate. Fans should bear that schedule in mind in planning their arrival at Xcel Energy Center. Ticket prices are $14 per adult and $9 per student for each session.
Daily passes are available for $26 for adults and $17 for students. Season passes, good for the entire tournament, are available to adults for $78 and to students for $51.
Live Web Streaming
The championship semifinals and championship matches of the team and individual competition for all classes will be streamed live by Prep45.com on the Web and are available at no charge.
Tournament results will be posted periodically each day on the League Web site - http://www.MSHSL.org.
title.
Two teams are making their first tournament appearances this year: Barnesville in Class A and Champlin Park in Class AAA. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Eagles of Apple Valley return for their 30th consecutive and 31st overall appearance. In the individual competition, 20 champions return for more gold medals - five in Class AAA, 10 in Class AA, and five in Class A. This will also be the first year that new weight classes are in effect. The National Federation of State High School Associations which writes rules for wrestling adopted the current 14 weight structure following an exhaustive study by the National Wrestling Coaches Association. Actual weigh-in information of 195,000 wrestlers was analyzed and the current structure was developed to include approximately 7.14 percent of all wrestlers per weight with the intent of providing an equal distribution of all wrestlers across all weights. The new structure also includes a new weight in the low 180-pound range.
Here are the current and former weight classes for comparison:
Current Former
106 103
113 112
120 119
126 125
132 130
138 135
145 140
152 145
160 152
170 160
182 171
195 189
220 215
285 285
The 2012 State Wrestling Tournament opens Thursday, March 1, and runs through Saturday, March 3, at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. The three-day format features all of the team dual competition on Thursdayfollowed by exclusive individual competition Friday and Saturday. This is the fourth year that the teams have been seeded. The 24 coaches of the section champions logged onto a special page of the League Web site and each coach ranked the other teams one through seven. The highest and lowest rankings for each team were discarded, leaving five rankings for each team. From those rankings, the top four seeds were selected. In conference calls with all eight head coaches of each class, League Associate Director and Tournament Director Craig Perry announced the top four seeds and then conducted a blind draw of the four remaining teams to establish the opponent for the seeded teams.
Class A Team Highlights
Six teams that competed in the 2011 tournament, including the two-time defending champions from Jackson County Central (Section 2), return to this year's field. The Huskies are also the top-seeded team this year. Jackson County Central, which shared top honors with Frazee in 2011, is making its third consecutive and fourth overall appearance under this name. In addition to the past two years, the Huskies also claimed top honors in 2008. Jackson County Central, as a co-op with Southwest Star Concept of Okabena, made four additional appearances between 1998 and 2007 and won titles in 1999 and 2000. Jackson also made three appearances as a co-op with Heron Lake-Okabena-Lakefield between 1993 and 1997. The other returning teams are: Kimball Area (Section 5); Minneota (Section 3); Zumbrota-Mazeppa (Section 1); Pierz (Section 7) and Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial (Section 4). The Kimball Area Cubs, who are the No. 2 seed this year, are making their second consecutive and fifth overall appearance. They earned the consolation title in 2011.
The Minneota Vikings enter this year's tournament as the No. 3 seed and they're hoping to improve on last year's third-place showing. This year marks their third consecutive and fifth overall appearance. The Cougars of Zumbrota-Mazeppa, who placed sixth last year, are making their third consecutive and seventh overall appearance. Pierz returns for its second consecutive and ninth overall appearance. In 2011 the Pioneers were eliminated in the consolation semifinals. If the Pioneers win it would be their third title. They won previous back-to-back championships in 2004 and 2005.
Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial, this year's No. 4 seed, is the final returning team. The Knights, who earned fourth-place honors in 2011, are making their fourth consecutive appearance and their sixth under this name. Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial also made one additional appearance as a co-op with Mankato Loyola in 2004.
Barnesville (Section 6) and Badger/Greenbush-Middle River (Section 8) round out the Class A field. It is the fifth appearance as a co-op for the Badger/Greenbush-Middle River Gators, but their first since 2005. Greenbush made one additional appearance in 1986. The Barnesville Trojans are making their debut appearance at this year's tournament. The 9 a.m. Thursday Class A seeded quarterfinal pairings and the team records followed by the final rankings of The Guillotine wrestling publication are: No. 2 Kimball Area (32-0 No. 2) vs. Barnesville (22-4 No. 12); No. 3 Minneota (23-2 No. 3) vs. Zumbrota-Mazeppa (20-10 No. 11); No. 1 Jackson County Central (22-3 No. 1) vs. Pierz (26-4 No. 10); No. 4 Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial (18-4 No. 5) vs. Badger/Greenbush-Middle River (16-1 No. 4).
Class AA Team Highlights
The Spartans of Simley (Section 4) return as the four-time defending champions. This is the fifth consecutive and 18th overall appearance for the Spartans, who are the No. 1 seed this year. In addition to the past four years, Simley also won championships in 1987, 1988, 1989, and 1992. Four other teams also return from the 2011 field: Monticello (Section 5); Scott West, a co-op between Belle Plaine, Jordan, and Holy Family Academy of Belle Plaine (Section 2); Foley (Section 6); and Kasson-Mantorville (Section 1).
Foley and Scott West are both making fifth consecutive appearances. The Foley Falcons are the No. 3 seed this year and are looking to improve on last year's fourth-place showing. This is their 19th overall appearance and they won previous titles in 1989, 1993, and 1994. The Scott West Panthers, who placed second last year, enter the tournament as the No. 2 seed. This is their 13th appearance.
The KoMets of Kasson-Mantorville, who are making their third consecutive and sixth overall appearance, finished third last year. They enter this year's tournament as the No. 4 seed. The Monticello Magic return for their second consecutive and third overall appearance. They lost in the consolation semifinals in 2011.
Perham (Section 8), Milaca/Faith Christian (Section 7), and Windom/Mountain Lake/Butterfield-Odin (Section 3) are the final teams competing in the Class AA field. The Perham Yellowjackets are making their sixth appearance, but first since 2009, and the Milaca/Faith Christian Wolves are making their 10th appearance, but first since 2010. The Cobras of Windom/Mountain Lake/Butterfield-Odin return after a three-year absence to make their fourth appearance.
The 11 a.m. Thursday Class AA seeded quarterfinal pairings and the team records followed by the final rankings of The Guillotine wrestling publication are : No. 2 Scott West (23-0 No. 2) vs. Monticello (13-12 No. 11); No. 3 Foley (25-1 No. 3) vs. Windom/Mountain Lake/Butterfield-Odin (19-5 No. 10); No. 1 Simley (25-3 No. 1) vs. Milaca/Faith Christian (28-9 No. 7); No. 4 Kasson-Mantorville (24-5 No. 4) vs. Perham (21-5 No. 8).
Class AAA Team Highlights
Apple Valley (Section 3) returns as the six-time defending champion. The Eagles, who are the No. 1 seed, are making their 30th consecutive and 31st overall tournament appearance. In addition to the past six years, they also won team championships in 1983, 1985, 1986, 1991, 1994, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004. Three other teams also return from the 2011 qualifying field. St. Michael-Albertville (Section 7) returns for its 14th consecutive and 22nd overall appearance. The Knights placed second last year and are the No. 3 seed this year. If they win it would be their seventh title. They won previously in 1996, 1997, 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007. White Bear Lake Area (Section 4) is making its third consecutive and overall appearance. The Bears took the consolation crown in the 2011 tournament. Prior Lake (Section 2) is the final returning team. The Lakers, who are the No. 4 seed this year, are making their second consecutive and fourth overall appearance. They're hoping to improve on last year's third-place showing.
The other teams competing in Class AAA are: Hastings (Section 1); Little Falls (Section 8); Willmar (Section 6); and Champlin Park (Section 5). The Hastings Raiders return to tournament action for the first time since 2007. They are the No. 2 seed this year and are making their 11th appearance. If they win it would be their second title; they claimed their first in 1996. The Flyers of Little Falls are making their fifth appearance, but first since 2006, and the Willmar Cardinals are making their third appearance, but first since 2005. The Rebels of Champlin Park are making their debut tournament appearance.
The 9 a.m. Thursday Class AAA seeded quarterfinal pairings and the team records followed by the final rankings of The Guillotine wrestling publication: No. 2 Hastings (28-6 No. 2) vs. Little Falls (22-8 No. 10); No. 3 St. Michael-Albertville (27-6 No. 3) vs. Champlin Park (17-10 unranked); No. 1 Apple Valley (26-1 No. 1) vs. Willmar (20-5 unranked); No. 4 Prior Lake (23-11 No. 9) vs. White Bear Lake Area (20-7 No. 11).
Class A Individual Highlights
106 pounds - Cameron Sykora (41-1) of Border West, who won the title at 103 pounds last year, returns in search of more gold. Joey Majerus (38-5) of Zumbrota-Mazeppa and Cody Hanson (34-6) of St. James, also return. They placed third and fourth at 103 pounds, respectively. There are no perfect records in this weight class.
113 pounds - There are four returning medalists: Shane Novak (38-1) of New York Mills, runner-up at 112 pounds; Tyler Keller (33-7) of Medford, fifth at 103 pounds; Tyler Berghuis (34-6) of Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City, sixth at 103 pounds; and Quinten Berres (37-1) of Kimball Area, sixth at 112 pounds. No one has a perfect record.
120 pounds - Mitchel Lexvold (42-1) of Kenyon-Wanamingo, last year's champion at 119 pounds, leads the field. Two additional medal-winners also return: Isaac Novacek (39-0) of Badger/Greenbush-Middle River, third at 112 pounds; and Dustin Esplan (36-4) of New Richland-H-E-G, third at 119 pounds. Novacek boasts the only perfect record.
126 pounds - Oakley McLain (38-4) of Kenyon-Wanamingo, who won at 125 pounds in 2011, leads the returning qualifiers. Hayden Rouser (40-2) of Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City and Gus McCarthy (36-6) of Border West also return. Rouser placed fourth at 119 pounds last year and McCarthy was fifth at 125 pounds. Andy Poster (34-0) of Royalton/Upsala has the only perfect record.
132 pounds - Ben Rynda (34-4) of Trinity School at River Ridge of Bloomington, fourth at 125 pounds last year, is the highest returning qualifier. The only other returning medalist is Taner Trembley (36-2) of Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial; he placed fifth at 119 pounds last year. No one has a perfect record.
138 pounds - Three medal-winners return: Michael Jarnot (40-0) of Holdingford, runner-up at 153 pounds; Bruce Lemon (38-5) of Frazee, sixth at 130 pounds; and Jacob Anderson (33-2) of River Valley, sixth at 135 pounds. Jarnot has the only unblemished record. 145 pounds - Three medalists from last year's 140-pound weight class return: Larry Bomstad (39-0) of Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City, third; Adam Cooling (37-2) of Madelia/Truman/Martin Luther, fourth; and Garret Hoffner (38-0) of Mahnomen/Waubun, fifth. Bomstad and Hoffner boast the only perfect records.
152 pounds - The 2011 champion at 145 pounds, Curt Maas (39-1) of Medford, leads this year's qualifiers. Two other medalists also return: Jordan Chouanard (35-1) of Aitkin, third at 145 pounds; and Chris Pfarr (32-8) of LeSueur-Henderson, sixth at 125 pounds. There are no perfect records.
160 pounds - Two returning medal-winners return: Darick Vancura (40-1) of Jackson County Central, runner-up at 145 pounds; and Stephen Erlandson (29-2) of Breckenridge/Campbell-Tintah, runner-up at 160 pounds. There are no perfect records.
170 pounds - There are no returning medal-winners. Cooper Moore (42-0) of Jackson County Central has the only perfect record.
182 pounds - Brett Pfarr (38-1) of LeSueur-Henderson and Nate Meixell (33-3) of Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial are the only returning medal-winners. Pfarr was the runner-up at 152 pounds in 2011, and Meixell was the runner-up at 189 pounds. There are no perfect records.
195 pounds - Adam Josephson (39-1) of Minneota, who placed third at 189 pounds last year, is the only returning medalist. Nathan Rose (41-0) of Sibley East of Arlington and Christopher Zimmer (35-0) of Walker-Hackensack-Akeley/Nevis both have unblemished records.
220 pounds - Josh VanOverbeke (37-1) of Minneota is the only returning medal-winner. He placed third in the heavyweight class in 2011. There are no perfect records.
285 pounds - Alex Yeager (33-2) of Badger/Greenbush-Middle River, who earned championship honors in the heavyweight class last year, is one of two returning medalists. Colin Turchin (37-1) of Bertha-Hewitt/Verndale is the other; he placed fourth at heavyweight in 2011. No one has a perfect record.
Kimball Area leads the Class A field with 10 qualifiers. Minneota, Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City, and Pierz each qualified nine wrestlers.
Class AA Individual Highlights
106 pounds - Two returning medalists compete in this weight class: Skyler Petry (40-2) of Waterville-Elysian-Morristown/Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton, fifth at 103 pounds; and Anthony Luft (34-5), sixth at 103 pounds. No one has a perfect record.
113 pounds - Kyle Gliva (24-2) of Simley of Inver Grove Heights, who won the title at 103 pounds last year, leads this year's field. Jarred Oftedahl (35-0) of Benilde-St. Margaret's of St. Louis Park is the only undefeated competitor. He was runner-up at 103 pounds last year. Other returning medal-winners are: Tristan Manderfeld (27-1) of Foley, third at 103 pounds; and Abbot Aho (38-4) of Fergus Falls, third at 112 pounds.
120 pounds - Brett Stolarzyk (33-6) of Stewartville returns in search of another championship; he earned top honors at 112 pounds last year. Three other medalists also return: Luke Betchwars (38-4) of Scott West, fourth at 103 pounds; Eric Bourgeois (34-5) of Monticello, fourth at 112 pounds; and Ty Griffin (32-3) of Rockford, sixth at 112 pounds. No competitors enter undefeated.
126 pounds - Eric Madson (39-3) of Hutchinson looks to improve on last year's third-place finish at 125 pounds. John Weeding (38-3) of Dawson-Boyd/Lac qui Parle, who placed fifth at 119 pounds in 2011, is the only other returning medalist. No one has a perfect record.
132 pounds - Joe Munos (41-0) of South Saint Paul, champion at 125 pounds in 2011, returns in search of a title at 132 pounds. He is the only competitor with a perfect record. Three additional medal-winners also return: Jonah Gahm (39-4) of Milaca/Faith Christian, fourth at 125 pounds; Mason Brownlee (31-6) of Montgomery-Lonsdale/Le Center, fifth at 125 pounds; and Jordan Hanan (33-5) of Annandale/Maple Lake, sixth at 119 pounds.
138 pounds - Nate Lynn (31-1) of Adrian Area is the only returning medalist. He finished fourth at 130 pounds last year. No competitors enter with a perfect record.
145 pounds - Two defending champions compete for more gold at 145 pounds. Jake Short (40-1) of Simley won the title at 140 pounds last year and Gabe Fogarty (39-3) of Scott West won the title at 135 pounds. One additional medal-winner returns: Dustin Ellsworth (27-4) of Saint Paul Harding, fifth at 140 pounds. No one is undefeated.
152 pounds - The 2011 champion at 145 pounds, Nick Wanzek (38-4) of Simley, enters competition in pursuit of another title. Charlie Pesch (29-9) of Scott West is the only other returning medalist, placing sixth at 145 pounds last year. There are no perfect records.
160 pounds - Taylor Lewandowski (38-1) of Foley, is the defending champion at 160 pounds. Sam Haas (41-1) of Dawson-Boyd/Lac qui Parle, who finished fifth in this class last year, is the only other returning qualifier. No one has a perfect record.
170 pounds - Two competitors return to the tournament undefeated: Micah Barnes (40-0) of Simley, runner-up at 160 pounds last year; and Garret Miller (37-0) of Plainview/Elgin-Millville, who placed third at 160 pounds. 182 pounds - Blake Petrich (40-1) of Staples-Motley looks to improve on his third-place finish at 171 pounds last year. He is joined by Jamison Evans (41-1) of Grand Rapids, who placed sixth at 160 pounds. There are no perfect records.
195 pounds - Broc Berge (41-0) of Kasson-Mantorville, 2011 champion at 189 pounds, returns in search of another title. He is the only undefeated wrestler in this class. Justin Ladehoff (25-1) of Milaca/Faith Christian, who placed sixth at 171 last year, is the only other returning qualifier.
220 pounds - There are no returning medal-winners and no undefeated competitors.
285 pounds - Defending heavyweight champion Austin Goergen (33-1) of Caledonia/Houston/Spring Grove and 215-pound champion Michael Kroells (41-0) of Scott West lead the qualifiers in this weight class. They are joined by Sam Stoll (41-1) of Kasson-Mantorville, last year's runner-up at heavyweight. Kroells and Jesse Hein (41-0) of Perham have the only perfect records in this weight class.
Simley leads the field with 12 qualified wrestlers. Foley has 10 qualifiers and Scott West has nine.
Class AAA Individual Highlights
106 pounds - There are no returning medalists and no perfect records.
113 pounds - Five 2011 medal-winners, including 103-pound champion Tommy Thorn (40-1) of St. Michael-Albertville, return. The others are: Tanner Johnshoy (37-7) of Prior Lake, runner-up at 103 pounds; Erik Olson (30-8) of Sauk Rapids-Rice, fourth at 103 pounds; Luke Rowh (35-8) of Hastings, fifth at 103 pounds; and Nick O'Brien (38-4) of Wayzata, sixth at 112 pounds. There are no perfect records.
120 pounds - Four 2011 medalists return: Cole Sladek (35-3), runner-up at 112 pounds; Seth Gross (39-3) of Apple Valley, third at 103 pounds; Dustin Weinmann (37-2) of Irondale of New Brighton, fifth at 112 pounds; and Dakota Wangsness (30-9) of Albert Lea Area, sixth at 103 pounds. There are no perfect records.
126 pounds - Mitch Bengtson (40-0) of St. Cloud Apollo returns in search of more gold. He was the champion at 119 pounds last year. He is joined by three other returning medal-winners: Lucas Hansen (30-7) of Albert Lea Area, third at 112 pounds; Sam Brancale (31-1) of Eden Prairie, third at 119 pounds; and Amin Buta (32-8) of Minneapolis South, fifth at 125 pounds. Bengtson boasts the only undefeated record.
132 pounds - Dakota Trom (27-4) of Apple Valley leads a field of six returning medalists. He won at 125 pounds last year. He is joined by: Eric Bauer (30-4) of Hastings, third at 125 pounds; Ben Morgan (34-2) of Forest Lake, third at 130 pounds; Alex Johannes (32-4) of Willmar, fourth at 130 pounds; Mark Voss (35-8) of St. Michael-Albertville, fifth at 119 pounds; and Carsen Canedy (36-5) of Northfield, sixth at 119 pounds. There are no perfect records.
138 pounds - Grant Nehring (39-3) of St. Cloud Apollo, who placed third at 135 pounds last year, is the top returning qualifier. Five other 2011 medalists also move up in search of a title: Tyler Isaacson (35-6) of Forest Lake, fourth at 119 pounds; Adam Hammer (36-3) of Osseo, fourth at 135 pounds; Ben Donnelly (33-8) of Woodbury, fifth at 130 pounds; Matt Kahnke (30-12) of Prior Lake, fifth at 135 pounds; and Jake Hanson (35-4) of Rochester Mayo, sixth at 130 pounds. No one has a perfect record.
145 pounds - Mark Hall (35-0) of Apple Valley, who was the champion at 130 pounds last year, is the only returning medal-winner. He also boasts the only perfect record.
152 pounds - Adam Jackson (38-3) of Rosemount, who earned runner-up honors in this weight class last year, is the highest returning medalist. Cody Skog (34-5) of Cambridge-Isanti and Derek Weinman (33-7) of Irondale, also return. They placed third and fourth last year, respectively, at 140 pounds.
160 pounds - Five 2011 medal-winners, including the defending champion at 140 pounds Brandon Kingsley of Apple Valley, return in pursuit of a championship. The others are: Travis Holt (37-5) of Cambridge-Isanti, runner-up at 135 pounds; Corey Parsons (32-3) of Andover, fourth at 152 pounds; Dalton Westerlund (24-4) of Albert Lea Area, fourth at 145 pounds; and Anton Kalista (36-4) of Lakeville North, sixth at 160 pounds. No competitors have a perfect record.
170 pounds - Kyle Begin (34-2) of Anoka, the 2011 champion at 160 pounds, is the only returning qualifier. No one in this class is undefeated.
182 pounds - Five 2011 medal-winners will vie for the title at 182 pounds. Clayton Jennissen (39-3) of Cambridge-Isanti, runner-up at 171 pounds, and Daniel Woiwor (33-5) of Apple Valley, runner-up at 145 pounds, are the top returning qualifiers. Joining them are: Beau Bibeau (31-4) of White Bear Lake Area, third at 171 pounds; Chase Morlock (37-4) of Moorhead, fourth at 160 pounds; and Richard Carlson (37-2) of Mounds View, fifth at 160 pounds. There are no perfect records.
195 pounds - Two returning qualifiers look to improve on last year's results. Jake Swenson (35-7) of Hastings placed fourth at 171 pounds and Tommy Petersen (27-1) of Lakeville South finished sixth at 189 pounds in 2011. Clay LeVasseur (21-0) of Rogers is the only undefeated competitor. 220 pounds - Isaac Eichmann (34-7) of Hastings, runner-up at 215 pounds last year, and Michael Burkhardt (35-4) of Coon Rapids, fourth place at 215 pounds, lead the field of qualifiers. No wrestlers enter with a perfect record.
285 pounds - Tanner Lowe (27-4) of Coon Rapids and Corey Anderson (40-2) of Shakopee return to the heavyweight competition in search of a championship. Lowe placed third last year and Anderson finished fourth. There are no perfect records.
Apple Valley qualified 13 wrestlers and St. Michael-Albertville qualified nine. Albert Lea Area and White Bear Lake Area were next with eight individual qualifiers apiece.
The Schedule and Ticket Information
This year's schedule features the team tournament running all day on Thursday, March 1. The action starts with the Class A and Class AAA quarterfinals at 9 a.m. They will be followed by the Class AA team quarterfinals at 11 a.m., which will be run simultaneously with the Class A and Class AAA consolation semifinals.
At 1 p.m. on Thursday, all three classes will wrestle in the team championship semifinals and Class AAA will also have its consolation semifinals. The consolation and third-place team matches for all three classes will begin at 5 p.m. Thursday evening, followed by the team championship matches for all three classes at 7 p.m.
On Friday, March 2, the Class AAA individual first round begins at 9 a.m. The Class A individual first round starts at 11 a.m., followed by the Class AA individual first round at 1 p.m. On Friday evening, the Class AAA individual quarterfinals begin at 5 p.m. The Class A and Class AA individual championship quarterfinals will follow at 6 and 7 p.m., respectively. The evening session will conclude with all wrestlebacks at 8 p.m.
On Saturday there will be five rounds of competition. The first starts at 10 a.m. and will consist of all individual consolation quarterfinals. The second round will start approximately at 11:15 a.m. and will entail all individual championship semifinals. Round Three begins approximately at 1:15 p.m. and will encompass all individual consolation semifinals. At approximately 5 p.m., all individual fifth- and third-place matches will begin, followed by awards. The day will end with all individual championships beginning at approximately 7:30 p.m. Awards will also follow the final round.
Other than the first matches of each session, all subsequent rounds will start immediately following the conclusion of the previous competition in that session. Thus, most of the start times are approximate. Fans should bear that schedule in mind in planning their arrival at Xcel Energy Center. Ticket prices are $14 per adult and $9 per student for each session.
Daily passes are available for $26 for adults and $17 for students. Season passes, good for the entire tournament, are available to adults for $78 and to students for $51.
Live Web Streaming
The championship semifinals and championship matches of the team and individual competition for all classes will be streamed live by Prep45.com on the Web and are available at no charge.
Tournament results will be posted periodically each day on the League Web site - http://www.MSHSL.org.
Series ticket packages for WCHA 1st round on sale Tuesday
GRAND FORKS, N.D. - Series ticket packages for North Dakota's Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) first-round playoff series will go on sale on Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 10 a.m. Central.
Ticket packages for both the general public and UND students go on sale beginning at 10 a.m. Tuesday. Student tickets will be available online only at Ticketmaster.com. General public ticket packages can be purchased by calling 1-800-745-3000, logging on to Ticketmaster.com or by visiting the UND Ticket Office at the Ralph Engelstad Arena. The ticket office is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
UND students will receive an e-mail with a keyword needed to purchase a series ticket passage. Student ticket packages will be held for students until the student pre-sale ends on Thursday, March 1 at 5 p.m. All unsold student tickets will then be released to the general public at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 2. Students may purchase up to four reserved seat tickets per UND student ID.
Series ticket packages are $40 for adults, $20 for youth and $14 for UND students.
Single-game WCHA first-round playoff tickets will go one sale on Tuesday, March 6 at 10 a.m. Single-game tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for youth and $7 for UND students. Single-game tickets are subject to availability.
The first round of the WCHA playoffs take place March 9, 10 and 11 (if necessary). Game times are 7:37 p.m. on Friday and 7:07 on Saturday and Sunday. All times Central. UND's first-round opponent has not yet been determined.
Ticket packages for both the general public and UND students go on sale beginning at 10 a.m. Tuesday. Student tickets will be available online only at Ticketmaster.com. General public ticket packages can be purchased by calling 1-800-745-3000, logging on to Ticketmaster.com or by visiting the UND Ticket Office at the Ralph Engelstad Arena. The ticket office is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
UND students will receive an e-mail with a keyword needed to purchase a series ticket passage. Student ticket packages will be held for students until the student pre-sale ends on Thursday, March 1 at 5 p.m. All unsold student tickets will then be released to the general public at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 2. Students may purchase up to four reserved seat tickets per UND student ID.
Series ticket packages are $40 for adults, $20 for youth and $14 for UND students.
Single-game WCHA first-round playoff tickets will go one sale on Tuesday, March 6 at 10 a.m. Single-game tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for youth and $7 for UND students. Single-game tickets are subject to availability.
The first round of the WCHA playoffs take place March 9, 10 and 11 (if necessary). Game times are 7:37 p.m. on Friday and 7:07 on Saturday and Sunday. All times Central. UND's first-round opponent has not yet been determined.
NDSU's Colwell Named Summit League Baseball Player of the Week
ELMHURST, Ill. - North Dakota State first baseman Nick Colwell was named Summit League baseball Player of the Week by the league office Monday, Feb. 27.
Colwell, a senior from Shoreview, Minn., hit .700 (14-for-20) in NDSU's four-game sweep at Northern Colorado. He had two doubles, two triples and nine RBIs, stole a base, and scored seven runs.
Colwell had at least two hits in each game and tied the NDSU single-game record for hits when he went 5-for-6 in the third game of the series. He raised his season batting average from .200 to .533.
Western Illinois senior right-hander Dustin Hunter was named Pitcher of the Week after going seven innings for a win at Alabama A&M, where he allowed two hits and zero earned runs while striking out a career-high 12.
Colwell, a senior from Shoreview, Minn., hit .700 (14-for-20) in NDSU's four-game sweep at Northern Colorado. He had two doubles, two triples and nine RBIs, stole a base, and scored seven runs.
Colwell had at least two hits in each game and tied the NDSU single-game record for hits when he went 5-for-6 in the third game of the series. He raised his season batting average from .200 to .533.
Western Illinois senior right-hander Dustin Hunter was named Pitcher of the Week after going seven innings for a win at Alabama A&M, where he allowed two hits and zero earned runs while striking out a career-high 12.
hockey polls
GRAND FORKS, N.D. - North Dakota is ranked 14th in the USCHO.com poll and 15th in the USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine poll, both of which were released on Monday.
UND (18-12-3, 14-11-1 WCHA) maintained its position in the USCHO poll and fell three spots in the USA Today poll after a split last weekend at Denver.
Boston College unseated Ferris State atop both polls.
The Fighting Sioux will host Minnesota State University, Mankato in the final weekend of the regular season.
USCHO.com Division I Men's Poll
Rk. School (1st place) Record Pts. PR
1. Boston College (44) 23-10-1 993 2
2. Minnesota Duluth (5) 22-7-5 922 4
3. Ferris State (1) 22-9-5 861 1
4. Boston University 20-11-1 814 5
Minnesota 23-11-1 814 6
6. Michigan 21-11-4 805 3
7. Union 20-7-7 661 8
8. Massachusetts-Lowell 20-10-1 612 7
9. Denver 19-11-4 538 9
10. Maine 19-11-3 496 10
11. Miami 21-13-2 487 15
12. Merrimack 16-9-7 474 12
13. Cornell 15-7-7 435 11
14. North Dakota 18-12-3 376 14
15. Michigan State 19-13-4 361 13
16. Western Michigan 17-13-6 244 19
17. Northern Michigan 16-12-6 177 NR
18. Notre Dame 17-16-3 119 18
19. Colorado College 16-14-2 112 16
20. Air Force 17-9-7 52 NR
Others Receiving Votes: Ohio State 49, Quinnipiac 26, Harvard 25, Lake Superior State 25, Colgate 12, Niagara 7, Nebraska Omaha 1, New Hampshire 1.
USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine Poll
Rk. School (1st place) Record Pts. PR
1. Boston College (31) 23-10-1 504 2
2. Minnesota Duluth (2) 22-7-5 468 4
3. Ferris State (1) 22-9-5 418 1
4. Boston University 20-11-1 399 6
5. Minnesota 23-11-1 381 5
6. Michigan 21-11-4 372 3
7. Union 20-7-7 255 8
8. Massachusetts-Lowell 20-10-1 249 7
9. Miami 21-13-2 192 15
10. Denver 19-11-4 189 10
11. Maine 19-11-3 185 11
12. Merrimack 16-9-7 158 13
13. Cornell 15-7-7 106 9
14. Michigan State 19-13-4 91 14
15. North Dakota 18-12-3 87 12
Others Receiving Votes: Northern Michigan 14, Western Michigan 5, Ohio State 4, Notre Dame 2, Air Force 1.
UND (18-12-3, 14-11-1 WCHA) maintained its position in the USCHO poll and fell three spots in the USA Today poll after a split last weekend at Denver.
Boston College unseated Ferris State atop both polls.
The Fighting Sioux will host Minnesota State University, Mankato in the final weekend of the regular season.
USCHO.com Division I Men's Poll
Rk. School (1st place) Record Pts. PR
1. Boston College (44) 23-10-1 993 2
2. Minnesota Duluth (5) 22-7-5 922 4
3. Ferris State (1) 22-9-5 861 1
4. Boston University 20-11-1 814 5
Minnesota 23-11-1 814 6
6. Michigan 21-11-4 805 3
7. Union 20-7-7 661 8
8. Massachusetts-Lowell 20-10-1 612 7
9. Denver 19-11-4 538 9
10. Maine 19-11-3 496 10
11. Miami 21-13-2 487 15
12. Merrimack 16-9-7 474 12
13. Cornell 15-7-7 435 11
14. North Dakota 18-12-3 376 14
15. Michigan State 19-13-4 361 13
16. Western Michigan 17-13-6 244 19
17. Northern Michigan 16-12-6 177 NR
18. Notre Dame 17-16-3 119 18
19. Colorado College 16-14-2 112 16
20. Air Force 17-9-7 52 NR
Others Receiving Votes: Ohio State 49, Quinnipiac 26, Harvard 25, Lake Superior State 25, Colgate 12, Niagara 7, Nebraska Omaha 1, New Hampshire 1.
USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine Poll
Rk. School (1st place) Record Pts. PR
1. Boston College (31) 23-10-1 504 2
2. Minnesota Duluth (2) 22-7-5 468 4
3. Ferris State (1) 22-9-5 418 1
4. Boston University 20-11-1 399 6
5. Minnesota 23-11-1 381 5
6. Michigan 21-11-4 372 3
7. Union 20-7-7 255 8
8. Massachusetts-Lowell 20-10-1 249 7
9. Miami 21-13-2 192 15
10. Denver 19-11-4 189 10
11. Maine 19-11-3 185 11
12. Merrimack 16-9-7 158 13
13. Cornell 15-7-7 106 9
14. Michigan State 19-13-4 91 14
15. North Dakota 18-12-3 87 12
Others Receiving Votes: Northern Michigan 14, Western Michigan 5, Ohio State 4, Notre Dame 2, Air Force 1.
Friday, February 24, 2012
ND boys/girls State Tournament to be held at Fargdome
The NDHSAA sponsored State A Boys’/Girls’ Basketball Tournament will be held at the FARGODOME, 1800 University Drive North, March 8-10, 2012. Ed Lockwood, Athletic Director for Fargo Public Schools, will be the tournament manager.
East Region basketball is scheduled for February 28, March 2-3 and West Region slated March 1-3 with the top 4 boys and girls teams from each region advancing to state competition March 8. State tournament action begins at 1:00 p.m. in the Bison Sports Arena with the girls’ West Region 1st seed playing the East Region 4th seed. Boys’ contests begin at 2:00 p.m. at the FargoDome with the same bracket pairings.
Thursday March 8 and Friday March 9 provide afternoon and evening sessions. Saturday’s consolation action begins at 9:30 a.m. Tournament play continues concluding with the girls’ championship slated for 6:00 p.m. and boys’ title round following at approximately 8:30 p.m.
For more information, please go to www.ndhsaa.com.
East Region basketball is scheduled for February 28, March 2-3 and West Region slated March 1-3 with the top 4 boys and girls teams from each region advancing to state competition March 8. State tournament action begins at 1:00 p.m. in the Bison Sports Arena with the girls’ West Region 1st seed playing the East Region 4th seed. Boys’ contests begin at 2:00 p.m. at the FargoDome with the same bracket pairings.
Thursday March 8 and Friday March 9 provide afternoon and evening sessions. Saturday’s consolation action begins at 9:30 a.m. Tournament play continues concluding with the girls’ championship slated for 6:00 p.m. and boys’ title round following at approximately 8:30 p.m.
For more information, please go to www.ndhsaa.com.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
PTP Basketball Players of the Week
(February 21, 2012)
Kari Skersick (Bagley) and Jace Hennen (Ada-Borup) have earned the final Girls and Boys Basketball Players of the Week awards for the 2011-2012 season.
Kari helped the Flyers to a 2-1 record for the week. She scored 24 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in a 57-46 win over Lake Park-Audubon on Tuesday. On Thursday, she had a career high 32 points and 8 rebounds in a 69-14 victory against Section 8AA foe, Park Rapids. Kari finished her week off by scoring 28 points in a 50-49 loss at Warroad. For the week, she averaged 28 points and shot 29-31 from the free throw line.
Jace had a game high 33 points, including scoring his career 1000th point, against Mahnomen in a 94-55 victory. To make Jace’s game even more impressive, he went 8 for 8 from behind the 3 point line and added 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals in the Cougars only game for the week.
There were several other outstanding performances during last weeks action, including: Justine Yost (Waubun) with 20 points and 9 steals, Jake Pavek (Mahnomen) averaging 30 points and 15.5 rebounds in two games and Tyler George (Bagley) averaged 19.5 points and 6.5 assists in two games.
Kari Skersick (Bagley) and Jace Hennen (Ada-Borup) have earned the final Girls and Boys Basketball Players of the Week awards for the 2011-2012 season.
Kari helped the Flyers to a 2-1 record for the week. She scored 24 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in a 57-46 win over Lake Park-Audubon on Tuesday. On Thursday, she had a career high 32 points and 8 rebounds in a 69-14 victory against Section 8AA foe, Park Rapids. Kari finished her week off by scoring 28 points in a 50-49 loss at Warroad. For the week, she averaged 28 points and shot 29-31 from the free throw line.
Jace had a game high 33 points, including scoring his career 1000th point, against Mahnomen in a 94-55 victory. To make Jace’s game even more impressive, he went 8 for 8 from behind the 3 point line and added 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals in the Cougars only game for the week.
There were several other outstanding performances during last weeks action, including: Justine Yost (Waubun) with 20 points and 9 steals, Jake Pavek (Mahnomen) averaging 30 points and 15.5 rebounds in two games and Tyler George (Bagley) averaged 19.5 points and 6.5 assists in two games.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
UND's Knight named WCHA Offensive Player of the Week
GRAND FORKS, N.D. - University of North Dakota junior center Corban Knight has been named Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) Offensive Player of the Week for his performance in UND's series last weekend against Michigan Tech.
Knight registered three goals and four points while winning more than 62 percent of his faceoffs as the Fighting Sioux took three of four WCHA points from the Huskies. Knight had two goals and an assist in UND's 4-2 win on Friday, then scored the lone Sioux goal in Saturday's 1-1 overtime tie. It was the first 3-goal series of Knight's career.
The 6-foot-2, 193-pound Knight won 15 of 24 (62.5 percent) faceoffs on Friday and 18 of 29 (62.1 percent) on Saturday. A key member of UND's special teams units, Knight helped the Sioux go 3-for-7 (42.9 percent) on the power play and a perfect 6-for-6 on the penalty kill.
In 28 games this season, Knight has 30 points and is tied for the team lead with 19 assists.
Minnesota's Kent Patterson and Kyle Rau were named WCHA Defensive Player of the Week and WCHA Rookie of the Week, respectively.
Knight and the 14th-ranked Sioux travel to Denver on Friday and Saturday for a WCHA series against the ninth-ranked Pioneers.
Knight registered three goals and four points while winning more than 62 percent of his faceoffs as the Fighting Sioux took three of four WCHA points from the Huskies. Knight had two goals and an assist in UND's 4-2 win on Friday, then scored the lone Sioux goal in Saturday's 1-1 overtime tie. It was the first 3-goal series of Knight's career.
The 6-foot-2, 193-pound Knight won 15 of 24 (62.5 percent) faceoffs on Friday and 18 of 29 (62.1 percent) on Saturday. A key member of UND's special teams units, Knight helped the Sioux go 3-for-7 (42.9 percent) on the power play and a perfect 6-for-6 on the penalty kill.
In 28 games this season, Knight has 30 points and is tied for the team lead with 19 assists.
Minnesota's Kent Patterson and Kyle Rau were named WCHA Defensive Player of the Week and WCHA Rookie of the Week, respectively.
Knight and the 14th-ranked Sioux travel to Denver on Friday and Saturday for a WCHA series against the ninth-ranked Pioneers.
Monday, February 20, 2012
State Girls’ Gymnastics Meet
Perham, which is the eight-time defending Class A champion, returns in search of more gold when the 2012 State Girls’ Gymnastics Meet opens at the Sports Pavilion on the University of Minnesota campus on Friday, Feb. 24. Three other qualifying teams also return from last year’s Class A field. In Class AA, five teams, including the two-time defending champions from Northfield, return from the 2011 field.
Two Class AA individual champions also return to defend their titles. Meaghan Howell of Northfield is looking for her second consecutive title on the uneven bars and Julia Stedman of North, North St. Paul, is seeking her consecutive title in the floor exercise.
New individual champions will emerge in all of the Class A events.
Class A Highlights
Eight-time defending champion Perham returns with six of the Yellowjackets’ gymnasts who competed in the state meet last year. Three additional teams that competed in the 2011 team competition also return: Melrose Area, third; New Prague, fourth; and Breck School of Golden Valley, sixth. The other qualifying teams are Austin, Jackson County Central, the co-op of Rush City/Pine City/Hinckley/Finlayson, and Big Lake.
Ten of 30 event medal-winners will return for the 2012 Class A individual competition.
Mikayla Dockendorf of Sartell-St. Stephen, who earned runner-up honors last year, is one of four returning competitors in floor exercise. The other returning medalists are: Hailey Brinkman of Melrose Area, third; Sarah Hoffman of New Prague, fourth; and Laura Jore of Big Lake, sixth.
Jessica Stelter of Detroit Lakes is the only returning qualifier in the uneven bars. She placed fifth in 2011.
In the balance beam competition, two medal-winners return: Brinkman of Melrose Area placed third and Libby Lee of Breck School finished sixth.
Sydnee Donnelli of Jackson County Central and Tara Svalland of Worthington are the only two medalists returning in the vault. Donnelli placed fifth in 2011 and Svalland tied for sixth.
Brinkman, who placed third last year, is the only returning medal-winner in the all-around competition.
Class AA Highlights
Northfield, which includes students from Cannon Falls and Randolph, returns as the two-time defending champion. The Raiders return seven gymnasts from last year’s team. In addition to Northfield, four other teams also return from the 2011 field: Roseville Area, runner-up; Park of Cottage Grove, third; Cambridge-Isanti, fourth; and St. Cloud Tech, which includes students from St. Cloud Cathedral, sixth. The other qualifying teams are Lakeville North, Stillwater Area, and Minnetonka.
Fifteen of 30 event medal-winners in 2011 will return for 2012 Class AA individual competition.
Emily Guimont of Edina is the only returning medalist in the balance beam. She placed third last year.
Julia Stedman of North, North St. Paul, who earned runner-up honors in 2011, is the highest returning medal-winner in the vault competition. Three other medalists also return; Mackenzie Dent of Eden Prairie, third; Leah Robinette of East Ridge of Woodbury, fourth; and Kasondra Tulloch of Park, fifth.
Four medal-winners, including defending champion Meaghan Howell of Northfield, return on the uneven bars. The others are: Tulloch, runner-up; Robinette, fourth; and Kellie Dougherty of White Bear Lake Area, fifth.
Stedman of North, who captured the top honor last year, is the highest returning medalist in the floor exercise. Three other medal-winners also return: Rachel Deephouse of Park, third; Dent, fourth; and Tulloch, sixth.
Tulloch and Stedman are the only returning medalists in the all-around competition. They placed second and fourth, respectively, in 2011.
Schedule & Tickets
The meet is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Feb. 24 and 25, at the Sports Pavilion on the University of Minnesota campus in Minneapolis. Team competition is scheduled for Friday, with Class A competition beginning at 11 a.m. and Class AA competition beginning at 6 p.m. The identical time schedule will be followed for Saturday's individual and all-around events, with Class A beginning in the morning and Class AA beginning in the evening.
Tickets for the meet are available at the Sports Pavilion. Adult tickets cost $12.00 per session and student tickets cost $8.00 per session.
The entire state meet — team competition on the 24th and individual competition on the 25th — will be webcast live and free on Prep45.com
A visit to any participating Wells Fargo metro location can yield a $2 discount coupon for students 13 and younger. The discount coupons are also available for the following tournaments: Girls’ Hockey, Class A Boys’ Hockey, and Girls’ and Boys’ Basketball.
Two Class AA individual champions also return to defend their titles. Meaghan Howell of Northfield is looking for her second consecutive title on the uneven bars and Julia Stedman of North, North St. Paul, is seeking her consecutive title in the floor exercise.
New individual champions will emerge in all of the Class A events.
Class A Highlights
Eight-time defending champion Perham returns with six of the Yellowjackets’ gymnasts who competed in the state meet last year. Three additional teams that competed in the 2011 team competition also return: Melrose Area, third; New Prague, fourth; and Breck School of Golden Valley, sixth. The other qualifying teams are Austin, Jackson County Central, the co-op of Rush City/Pine City/Hinckley/Finlayson, and Big Lake.
Ten of 30 event medal-winners will return for the 2012 Class A individual competition.
Mikayla Dockendorf of Sartell-St. Stephen, who earned runner-up honors last year, is one of four returning competitors in floor exercise. The other returning medalists are: Hailey Brinkman of Melrose Area, third; Sarah Hoffman of New Prague, fourth; and Laura Jore of Big Lake, sixth.
Jessica Stelter of Detroit Lakes is the only returning qualifier in the uneven bars. She placed fifth in 2011.
In the balance beam competition, two medal-winners return: Brinkman of Melrose Area placed third and Libby Lee of Breck School finished sixth.
Sydnee Donnelli of Jackson County Central and Tara Svalland of Worthington are the only two medalists returning in the vault. Donnelli placed fifth in 2011 and Svalland tied for sixth.
Brinkman, who placed third last year, is the only returning medal-winner in the all-around competition.
Class AA Highlights
Northfield, which includes students from Cannon Falls and Randolph, returns as the two-time defending champion. The Raiders return seven gymnasts from last year’s team. In addition to Northfield, four other teams also return from the 2011 field: Roseville Area, runner-up; Park of Cottage Grove, third; Cambridge-Isanti, fourth; and St. Cloud Tech, which includes students from St. Cloud Cathedral, sixth. The other qualifying teams are Lakeville North, Stillwater Area, and Minnetonka.
Fifteen of 30 event medal-winners in 2011 will return for 2012 Class AA individual competition.
Emily Guimont of Edina is the only returning medalist in the balance beam. She placed third last year.
Julia Stedman of North, North St. Paul, who earned runner-up honors in 2011, is the highest returning medal-winner in the vault competition. Three other medalists also return; Mackenzie Dent of Eden Prairie, third; Leah Robinette of East Ridge of Woodbury, fourth; and Kasondra Tulloch of Park, fifth.
Four medal-winners, including defending champion Meaghan Howell of Northfield, return on the uneven bars. The others are: Tulloch, runner-up; Robinette, fourth; and Kellie Dougherty of White Bear Lake Area, fifth.
Stedman of North, who captured the top honor last year, is the highest returning medalist in the floor exercise. Three other medal-winners also return: Rachel Deephouse of Park, third; Dent, fourth; and Tulloch, sixth.
Tulloch and Stedman are the only returning medalists in the all-around competition. They placed second and fourth, respectively, in 2011.
Schedule & Tickets
The meet is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Feb. 24 and 25, at the Sports Pavilion on the University of Minnesota campus in Minneapolis. Team competition is scheduled for Friday, with Class A competition beginning at 11 a.m. and Class AA competition beginning at 6 p.m. The identical time schedule will be followed for Saturday's individual and all-around events, with Class A beginning in the morning and Class AA beginning in the evening.
Tickets for the meet are available at the Sports Pavilion. Adult tickets cost $12.00 per session and student tickets cost $8.00 per session.
The entire state meet — team competition on the 24th and individual competition on the 25th — will be webcast live and free on Prep45.com
A visit to any participating Wells Fargo metro location can yield a $2 discount coupon for students 13 and younger. The discount coupons are also available for the following tournaments: Girls’ Hockey, Class A Boys’ Hockey, and Girls’ and Boys’ Basketball.
UND ranked 12th/14th in latest men's hockey poll
GRAND FORKS, N.D. - North Dakota made a significant jump in one poll and held its ground in the other in the weekly national men's hockey polls released on Monday.
The Fighting Sioux climbed three spots from No. 15 to No. 12 in the USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine poll, tied with Cornell for the biggest jump in this week's poll. UND maintained its No. 14 ranking in the USCHO.com poll.
UND most recently took three of four points from Michigan Tech last weekend in Grand Forks, winning 4-2 on Friday and tying 1-1 on Saturday. The Sioux will travel to Denver on Friday and Saturday for their final road series of the regular season. The Pioneers are ranked No. 9 in this week's USCHO.com poll and No. 10 in the USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine poll.
Top-ranked Ferris State retained its spot atop both polls.
USCHO.com Division I Men's Poll
Rk. School (1st place) Record Pts. PR
1. Ferris State (36) 22-8-4 979 1
2. Boston College (11) 21-10-1 939 3
3. Michigan (3) 20-10-4 860 5
4. Minnesota Duluth 20-7-5 836 4
5. Boston University 18-11-1 757 2
6. Minnesota 21-11-1 748 7
7. Massachusetts-Lowell 20-9-0 736 6
8. Union 19-6-7 677 8
9. Denver 18-10-4 521 10
10. Maine 18-10-3 511 11
11. Cornell 14-6-7 472 12
12. Merrimack 15-9-6 434 9
13. Michigan State 18-12-7 388 16
14. North Dakota 17-11-3 384 14
15. Miami 19-13-2 331 19
16. Colorado College 16-12-2 254 15
17. Ohio State 15-11-5 227 17
18. Notre Dame 16-15-3 140 13
19. Western Michigan 16-13-5 133 18
20. Colgate 17-12-3 52 NR
Others Receiving Votes: Lake Superior State 47, Northern Michigan 44, Air Force 14, Quinnipiac 8, Nebraska Omaha 6, Clarkson 1.
USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine Poll
Rk. School (1st place) Record Pts. PR
1. Ferris State (28) 22-8-4 504 1
2. Boston College (6) 21-10-1 470 4
3. Michigan 20-10-4 424 5
4. Minnesota Duluth 20-7-5 405 3
5. Minnesota 21-11-1 363 7
6. Boston University 18-11-1 337 2
7. Massachusetts-Lowell 20-9-0 320 6
8. Union 19-6-7 289 8
9. Cornell 14-6-7 184 12
10. Denver 18-10-4 174 10
11. Maine 18-10-3 164 11
12. North Dakota 17-11-3 135 15
13. Merrimack 15-9-6 104 9
14. Michigan State 18-12-4 92 NR
15. Miami 19-13-2 55 NR
Others Receiving Votes: Colorado College 27, Ohio State 20, Notre Dame 7, Air Force 3, Nebraska Omaha 3.
The Fighting Sioux climbed three spots from No. 15 to No. 12 in the USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine poll, tied with Cornell for the biggest jump in this week's poll. UND maintained its No. 14 ranking in the USCHO.com poll.
UND most recently took three of four points from Michigan Tech last weekend in Grand Forks, winning 4-2 on Friday and tying 1-1 on Saturday. The Sioux will travel to Denver on Friday and Saturday for their final road series of the regular season. The Pioneers are ranked No. 9 in this week's USCHO.com poll and No. 10 in the USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine poll.
Top-ranked Ferris State retained its spot atop both polls.
USCHO.com Division I Men's Poll
Rk. School (1st place) Record Pts. PR
1. Ferris State (36) 22-8-4 979 1
2. Boston College (11) 21-10-1 939 3
3. Michigan (3) 20-10-4 860 5
4. Minnesota Duluth 20-7-5 836 4
5. Boston University 18-11-1 757 2
6. Minnesota 21-11-1 748 7
7. Massachusetts-Lowell 20-9-0 736 6
8. Union 19-6-7 677 8
9. Denver 18-10-4 521 10
10. Maine 18-10-3 511 11
11. Cornell 14-6-7 472 12
12. Merrimack 15-9-6 434 9
13. Michigan State 18-12-7 388 16
14. North Dakota 17-11-3 384 14
15. Miami 19-13-2 331 19
16. Colorado College 16-12-2 254 15
17. Ohio State 15-11-5 227 17
18. Notre Dame 16-15-3 140 13
19. Western Michigan 16-13-5 133 18
20. Colgate 17-12-3 52 NR
Others Receiving Votes: Lake Superior State 47, Northern Michigan 44, Air Force 14, Quinnipiac 8, Nebraska Omaha 6, Clarkson 1.
USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine Poll
Rk. School (1st place) Record Pts. PR
1. Ferris State (28) 22-8-4 504 1
2. Boston College (6) 21-10-1 470 4
3. Michigan 20-10-4 424 5
4. Minnesota Duluth 20-7-5 405 3
5. Minnesota 21-11-1 363 7
6. Boston University 18-11-1 337 2
7. Massachusetts-Lowell 20-9-0 320 6
8. Union 19-6-7 289 8
9. Cornell 14-6-7 184 12
10. Denver 18-10-4 174 10
11. Maine 18-10-3 164 11
12. North Dakota 17-11-3 135 15
13. Merrimack 15-9-6 104 9
14. Michigan State 18-12-4 92 NR
15. Miami 19-13-2 55 NR
Others Receiving Votes: Colorado College 27, Ohio State 20, Notre Dame 7, Air Force 3, Nebraska Omaha 3.
NDSU's Luke Anderson Named Summit League Pitcher of the Week
ELMHURST, Ill. - North Dakota State's Luke Anderson was named Summit League baseball co-Pitcher of the Week by the league office on Monday, Feb. 20. It is his first career award.
Anderson, a senior right-hander from Savage, Minn., held No. 5-ranked Arizona to two hits and two earned runs with three strikeouts in an 8-2 victory on Saturday, Feb. 18.
Anderson held Arizona batters to an .095 average and retired seven straight to preserve a 2-2 tie before NDSU rallied for six runs in the eighth inning.
He shared the award with Western Illinois senior left-hander Rich Mascheri, who pitched seven scoreless innings with four hits and five strikeouts in a season-opening win at Georgia State.
Western Illinois outfielder Dan Dispensa was named Player of the Week after hitting .583 (7-for-12) with three doubles, four RBIs, two walks, two stolen bases and three runs scored in the four-game series at Georgia State.
Anderson, a senior right-hander from Savage, Minn., held No. 5-ranked Arizona to two hits and two earned runs with three strikeouts in an 8-2 victory on Saturday, Feb. 18.
Anderson held Arizona batters to an .095 average and retired seven straight to preserve a 2-2 tie before NDSU rallied for six runs in the eighth inning.
He shared the award with Western Illinois senior left-hander Rich Mascheri, who pitched seven scoreless innings with four hits and five strikeouts in a season-opening win at Georgia State.
Western Illinois outfielder Dan Dispensa was named Player of the Week after hitting .583 (7-for-12) with three doubles, four RBIs, two walks, two stolen bases and three runs scored in the four-game series at Georgia State.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
ND State Class B Boys BB Tournament
The NDHSAA sponsored State B Boys’ Basketball Tournament will be held at the Grand Forks Alerus Center, 1200 South 42nd Street, March 1-3, 2012. Todd Olson, Athletic Director for Grand Forks Public Schools, will be the tournament manager.
The three-day event will begin Thursday, March 1, at 1:00 with opening round play. Thursday and Friday, March 1-2, will have 1:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. sessions. Doors will open to the public one hour before each session.
Saturday, March 3, consolation competition will begin at 1:00 p.m. Third place competition will start at 6:00 p.m. with the title game following. Doors will open to the public one hour before each session.
Tickets may be purchased in advance online at www.aleruscenter.com or by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000. Additional information can be found at www.ndhsaa.com.
The three-day event will begin Thursday, March 1, at 1:00 with opening round play. Thursday and Friday, March 1-2, will have 1:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. sessions. Doors will open to the public one hour before each session.
Saturday, March 3, consolation competition will begin at 1:00 p.m. Third place competition will start at 6:00 p.m. with the title game following. Doors will open to the public one hour before each session.
Tickets may be purchased in advance online at www.aleruscenter.com or by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000. Additional information can be found at www.ndhsaa.com.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
PTP Players of the Week
(February 13, 2012)
Jess Trandem (Fosston) and Sam Lerud (Waubun) have been recognized as the Pine to Prairie Girls and Boys Basketball Players of the Week for their
efforts on the court this past week.
Jess (Sr., Forward) scored 16 points while shooting 66% from the field. She
also added 5 assists, 3 steals and 10 rebounds in a 60-31 win over Mahnomen. Jess followed that effort up with 11 points, 4 assists, 4 steals
and 9 rebounds as the Greyhounds defeated Ulen-Hitterdal.
Sam led thw Waubun Bombers to a win over lake Park-Audubon as he scored 21 points, and added 7rebounds, 7 assists and 6 steals. In a thrilling come back loss to Mahnomen, Sam scored 40 points – including 8 threepointers,
grabbed 11 rebounds and added 6 steals and 6 assists.
Jess Trandem (Fosston) and Sam Lerud (Waubun) have been recognized as the Pine to Prairie Girls and Boys Basketball Players of the Week for their
efforts on the court this past week.
Jess (Sr., Forward) scored 16 points while shooting 66% from the field. She
also added 5 assists, 3 steals and 10 rebounds in a 60-31 win over Mahnomen. Jess followed that effort up with 11 points, 4 assists, 4 steals
and 9 rebounds as the Greyhounds defeated Ulen-Hitterdal.
Sam led thw Waubun Bombers to a win over lake Park-Audubon as he scored 21 points, and added 7rebounds, 7 assists and 6 steals. In a thrilling come back loss to Mahnomen, Sam scored 40 points – including 8 threepointers,
grabbed 11 rebounds and added 6 steals and 6 assists.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
MSHSL, Wells Fargo offer discounted youth tournament tickets
The Minnesota State High School League and Wells Fargo, its premier corporate partner, are once again sponsoring a state tournament discount ticket program for elementary and middle school students. Students 13 and younger will receive $2.00 off the admission to select state tournaments by picking up a Tournament Discount Coupon at participating Minnesota Wells Fargo stores and redeeming the coupon at the venue box offices.
“We are thrilled to work with Wells Fargo to provide discount student tickets for nearly all of the winter tournaments,” said David Stead, executive director of the Minnesota State High School League. “Being part of the thrill and excitement of a state tournament is a great way to keep young people interested in athletics and fine arts activities.”
Each participating Minnesota Wells Fargo store will have approximately 100 Tournament Discount Coupons available for the following tournaments:
* Dance Team: February 17-18, Target Center, Minneapolis
* Girls’ Hockey: February 22-25, Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul
* Girls’ Gymnastics: February 24-25, University Sports Pavilion, Minneapolis
* Boys’ Class A Hockey: March 7-10, Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul
* Girls’ Basketball: March 14-17, Target Center and Williams Arena, Minneapolis
* Boys’ Basketball: March 21- 24, Target Center and Williams Arena, Minneapolis
“Wells Fargo has been the premier partner of the Minnesota State High School League since 2003, and we are pleased to support both the organization and the Tournament Discount Ticket Program,” said Dave Kvamme, regional president for Wells Fargo in Minnesota. “The coupons are available at 157 Wells Fargo stores across the state of Minnesota. We hope our customers and their families will come out to support our state’s talented high school athletes.”
The Tournament Discount Coupons are free, but are available only while supplies last. No purchase is necessary. For more information about this ticket program, contact Nancy Myers at (763) 560-2262.
“We are thrilled to work with Wells Fargo to provide discount student tickets for nearly all of the winter tournaments,” said David Stead, executive director of the Minnesota State High School League. “Being part of the thrill and excitement of a state tournament is a great way to keep young people interested in athletics and fine arts activities.”
Each participating Minnesota Wells Fargo store will have approximately 100 Tournament Discount Coupons available for the following tournaments:
* Dance Team: February 17-18, Target Center, Minneapolis
* Girls’ Hockey: February 22-25, Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul
* Girls’ Gymnastics: February 24-25, University Sports Pavilion, Minneapolis
* Boys’ Class A Hockey: March 7-10, Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul
* Girls’ Basketball: March 14-17, Target Center and Williams Arena, Minneapolis
* Boys’ Basketball: March 21- 24, Target Center and Williams Arena, Minneapolis
“Wells Fargo has been the premier partner of the Minnesota State High School League since 2003, and we are pleased to support both the organization and the Tournament Discount Ticket Program,” said Dave Kvamme, regional president for Wells Fargo in Minnesota. “The coupons are available at 157 Wells Fargo stores across the state of Minnesota. We hope our customers and their families will come out to support our state’s talented high school athletes.”
The Tournament Discount Coupons are free, but are available only while supplies last. No purchase is necessary. For more information about this ticket program, contact Nancy Myers at (763) 560-2262.
UND, UNO to play outdoors in Feb 2013
OMAHA, Neb. - The University of North Dakota men's hockey team will face the University of Nebraska Omaha in an outdoor game on Feb. 9, 2013 in Omaha at the home of the College World Series.
The Omaha Sports Commission, Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority (MECA), University of Nebraska Omaha, Omaha Lancers and Mutual of Omaha jointly announced TD Ameritrade Park Omaha will be the site for this first-of-its-kind hockey event. The Mutual of Omaha Battles on Ice will feature the Omaha Lancers playing United States Hockey League opponent the Lincoln Stars at 12:30 p.m., followed by the UNO Mavericks facing off against Western Collegiate Hockey Association foe the North Dakota Fighting Sioux.
Tickets for the two games will go on sale Monday, October 1, 2012, and prices will start at $30. One ticket will cover both the Omaha Lancers and UNO Mavericks games. Officials expect the Mutual of Omaha Battles on Ice will draw hockey fans from across the region. UNO and Omaha Lancer season ticket holders will be able to order tickets for the game during their regular ticket renewal program. Tickets will be sold to the public through ticketmaster.com and the CenturyLink Omaha box office.
"Outdoor hockey games have become extremely popular in cities around the country and we think games featuring UNO, the Omaha Lancers and their rivals will be a big hit in Omaha," Omaha Sports Commission President Harold Cliff said. "The Omaha Sports Commission is proud to host this event and we want to thank Mutual of Omaha for serving as title sponsor of this unique sports competition.
"We believe outdoor hockey will be extremely popular at TD Ameritrade Park Omaha," MECA President and CEO Roger Dixon said. "Our goal is to offer a wide variety of sporting events at the ballpark and we think outdoor hockey will be an exciting attraction."
"This will be a tremendous event both for our long-time fans and folks who may be relatively new to college hockey," UNO's Director of Athletics Trev Alberts said. "As we attempt to grow our flagship sport, a game like this will showcase all that UNO hockey has going for it - a supportive community, great facilities, outstanding opponents and national exposure."
"Our players are already excited to play in a game like this, which is sure to receive plenty of local and national attention," said Dean Blais, UNO Mavericks head coach. "We have had very competitive games against North Dakota since we joined the WCHA, and playing outdoors in front of a big crowd will only make these games more fun for everyone."
"Lancers fans have seen a lot in the long and storied history of the Omaha Lancers, but they haven't seen anything like this," Omaha Lancers President and Managing Partner Ben Robert said. "This year begins with the opening of our new arena in Ralston, while the February 9 Mutual of Omaha Battles on Ice will showcase two fixtures of the Omaha sports community against two of their biggest rivals in what will be a day the City of Omaha will never forget."
"An extraordinary amount of hard work has been done to make this event possible," said Mike Aikens, Omaha Lancers head coach. "It will be a great day for hockey, the people of Omaha and State of Nebraska."
"The Lancers-Stars rivalry is known for being one of the fiercest and most respected in amateur sports, and showcases what USHL hockey is all about," Lincoln Stars President Jim Pflug said. "We appreciate the effort of everyone to make Mutual of Omaha's Battles on Ice a reality."
"Bringing these two teams together in an event like this will only add to the intensity that has been established over the years," said Chad Johnson, Lincoln Stars head coach. "We're looking forward to being a part of it."
This game will be an exceptional, and unique, opportunity to showcase collegiate hockey," said North Dakota Athletics Director Brian Faison. "We are looking forward to a great event."
"This will be a great event and an exciting venue to continue building the healthy rivalry that we have with the Mavericks," said Dave Hakstol, North Dakota Fighting Sioux head coach. "Our team and fans are looking forward to the opportunity to be part of an outdoor game that is sure to bring national attention to college hockey."
"The UNO Mavericks and Omaha Lancers both have outstanding hockey traditions and Battles on Ice will showcase these two great teams as never before," Mutual of Omaha Senior Vice President John Hildenbiddle said. "Mutual of Omaha is very proud to sponsor this unique event, further establishing Omaha as the nation's amateur sports capital."
The Omaha Sports Commission, Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority (MECA), University of Nebraska Omaha, Omaha Lancers and Mutual of Omaha jointly announced TD Ameritrade Park Omaha will be the site for this first-of-its-kind hockey event. The Mutual of Omaha Battles on Ice will feature the Omaha Lancers playing United States Hockey League opponent the Lincoln Stars at 12:30 p.m., followed by the UNO Mavericks facing off against Western Collegiate Hockey Association foe the North Dakota Fighting Sioux.
Tickets for the two games will go on sale Monday, October 1, 2012, and prices will start at $30. One ticket will cover both the Omaha Lancers and UNO Mavericks games. Officials expect the Mutual of Omaha Battles on Ice will draw hockey fans from across the region. UNO and Omaha Lancer season ticket holders will be able to order tickets for the game during their regular ticket renewal program. Tickets will be sold to the public through ticketmaster.com and the CenturyLink Omaha box office.
"Outdoor hockey games have become extremely popular in cities around the country and we think games featuring UNO, the Omaha Lancers and their rivals will be a big hit in Omaha," Omaha Sports Commission President Harold Cliff said. "The Omaha Sports Commission is proud to host this event and we want to thank Mutual of Omaha for serving as title sponsor of this unique sports competition.
"We believe outdoor hockey will be extremely popular at TD Ameritrade Park Omaha," MECA President and CEO Roger Dixon said. "Our goal is to offer a wide variety of sporting events at the ballpark and we think outdoor hockey will be an exciting attraction."
"This will be a tremendous event both for our long-time fans and folks who may be relatively new to college hockey," UNO's Director of Athletics Trev Alberts said. "As we attempt to grow our flagship sport, a game like this will showcase all that UNO hockey has going for it - a supportive community, great facilities, outstanding opponents and national exposure."
"Our players are already excited to play in a game like this, which is sure to receive plenty of local and national attention," said Dean Blais, UNO Mavericks head coach. "We have had very competitive games against North Dakota since we joined the WCHA, and playing outdoors in front of a big crowd will only make these games more fun for everyone."
"Lancers fans have seen a lot in the long and storied history of the Omaha Lancers, but they haven't seen anything like this," Omaha Lancers President and Managing Partner Ben Robert said. "This year begins with the opening of our new arena in Ralston, while the February 9 Mutual of Omaha Battles on Ice will showcase two fixtures of the Omaha sports community against two of their biggest rivals in what will be a day the City of Omaha will never forget."
"An extraordinary amount of hard work has been done to make this event possible," said Mike Aikens, Omaha Lancers head coach. "It will be a great day for hockey, the people of Omaha and State of Nebraska."
"The Lancers-Stars rivalry is known for being one of the fiercest and most respected in amateur sports, and showcases what USHL hockey is all about," Lincoln Stars President Jim Pflug said. "We appreciate the effort of everyone to make Mutual of Omaha's Battles on Ice a reality."
"Bringing these two teams together in an event like this will only add to the intensity that has been established over the years," said Chad Johnson, Lincoln Stars head coach. "We're looking forward to being a part of it."
This game will be an exceptional, and unique, opportunity to showcase collegiate hockey," said North Dakota Athletics Director Brian Faison. "We are looking forward to a great event."
"This will be a great event and an exciting venue to continue building the healthy rivalry that we have with the Mavericks," said Dave Hakstol, North Dakota Fighting Sioux head coach. "Our team and fans are looking forward to the opportunity to be part of an outdoor game that is sure to bring national attention to college hockey."
"The UNO Mavericks and Omaha Lancers both have outstanding hockey traditions and Battles on Ice will showcase these two great teams as never before," Mutual of Omaha Senior Vice President John Hildenbiddle said. "Mutual of Omaha is very proud to sponsor this unique event, further establishing Omaha as the nation's amateur sports capital."
UND to play outdoor hockey game in 2012!!
OMAHA SPORTS COMMISSION BRINGS OUTDOOR HOCKEY TO TD AMERITRADE PARK OMAHA WITH THE MUTUAL OF OMAHA BATTLES ON ICE
FEBRUARY 9, 2013 GAMES FEATURES UNO MAVERICKS AND OMAHA LANCERS AGAINST TOP CONFERENCE RIVALS
Omaha, Neb. – Outdoor hockey is coming to Omaha on Saturday, February 9, 2013. The Omaha Sports Commission, Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority (MECA), University of Nebraska Omaha, Omaha Lancers and Mutual of Omaha jointly announced TD Ameritrade Park Omaha will be the site for this first-of-its-kind hockey event. The Mutual of Omaha Battles on Ice will feature the Omaha Lancers playing United States Hockey League opponent the Lincoln Stars at 12:30 p.m., followed by the UNO Mavericks facing off against Western Collegiate Hockey Association foe the North Dakota Fighting Sioux.
Tickets for the two games will go on sale Monday, October 1, 2012, and prices will start at $30. One ticket will cover both the Omaha Lancers and UNO Mavericks games. Officials expect the Mutual of Omaha Battles on Ice will draw hockey fans from across the region. UNO and Omaha Lancer season ticket holders will be able to order tickets for the game during their regular ticket renewal program. Tickets will be sold to the public through ticketmaster.com and the CenturyLink Omaha box office.
“Outdoor hockey games have become extremely popular in cities around the country and we think games featuring UNO, the Omaha Lancers and their rivals will be a big hit in Omaha,” Omaha Sports Commission President Harold Cliff said. “The Omaha Sports Commission is proud to host this event and we want to thank Mutual of Omaha for serving as title sponsor of this unique sports competition.
“We believe outdoor hockey will be extremely popular at TD Ameritrade Park Omaha,” MECA President and CEO Roger Dixon said. “Our goal is to offer a wide variety of sporting events at the ballpark and we think outdoor hockey will be an exciting attraction.”
“This will be a tremendous event both for our long-time fans and folks who may be relatively new to college hockey,” UNO’s Director of Athletics Trev Alberts said. “As we attempt to grow our flagship sport, a game like this will showcase all that UNO hockey has going for it – a supportive community, great facilities, outstanding opponents and national exposure.”
“Our players are already excited to play in a game like this, which is sure to receive plenty of local and national attention,” said Dean Blais, UNO Mavericks head coach. “We have had very competitive games against North Dakota since we joined the WCHA, and playing outdoors in front of a big crowd will only make these games more fun for everyone.”
“Lancers fans have seen a lot in the long and storied history of the Omaha Lancers, but they haven’t seen anything like this,” Omaha Lancers President and Managing Partner Ben Robert said. “This year begins with the opening of our new arena in Ralston, while the February 9 Mutual of Omaha Battles on Ice will showcase two fixtures of the Omaha sports community against two of their biggest rivals in what will be a day the City of Omaha will never forget.”
“An extraordinary amount of hard work has been done to make this event possible,” said Mike Aikens, Omaha Lancers head coach. “It will be a great day for hockey, the people of Omaha and State of Nebraska.”
“The Lancers-Stars rivalry is known for being one of the fiercest and most respected in amateur sports, and showcases what USHL hockey is all about,” Lincoln Stars President Jim Pflug said. “We appreciate the effort of everyone to make Mutual of Omaha’s Battles on Ice a reality.”
“Bringing these two teams together in an event like this will only add to the intensity that has been established over the years,” said Chad Johnson, Lincoln Stars head coach. “We’re looking forward to being a part of it.”
This game will be an exceptional, and unique, opportunity to showcase collegiate hockey,” said North Dakota Athletics Director Brian Faison. “We are looking forward to a great event.”
“This will be a great event and an exciting venue to continue building the healthy rivalry that we have with the Mavericks,” said Dave Hakstol, North Dakota Fighting Sioux head coach. “Our team and fans are looking forward to the opportunity to be part of an outdoor game that is sure to bring national attention to college hockey.”
“The UNO Mavericks and Omaha Lancers both have outstanding hockey traditions and Battles on Ice will showcase these two great teams as never before,” Mutual of Omaha Senior Vice President John Hildenbiddle said. “Mutual of Omaha is very proud to sponsor this unique event, further establishing Omaha as the nation’s amateur sports capital.”
FEBRUARY 9, 2013 GAMES FEATURES UNO MAVERICKS AND OMAHA LANCERS AGAINST TOP CONFERENCE RIVALS
Omaha, Neb. – Outdoor hockey is coming to Omaha on Saturday, February 9, 2013. The Omaha Sports Commission, Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority (MECA), University of Nebraska Omaha, Omaha Lancers and Mutual of Omaha jointly announced TD Ameritrade Park Omaha will be the site for this first-of-its-kind hockey event. The Mutual of Omaha Battles on Ice will feature the Omaha Lancers playing United States Hockey League opponent the Lincoln Stars at 12:30 p.m., followed by the UNO Mavericks facing off against Western Collegiate Hockey Association foe the North Dakota Fighting Sioux.
Tickets for the two games will go on sale Monday, October 1, 2012, and prices will start at $30. One ticket will cover both the Omaha Lancers and UNO Mavericks games. Officials expect the Mutual of Omaha Battles on Ice will draw hockey fans from across the region. UNO and Omaha Lancer season ticket holders will be able to order tickets for the game during their regular ticket renewal program. Tickets will be sold to the public through ticketmaster.com and the CenturyLink Omaha box office.
“Outdoor hockey games have become extremely popular in cities around the country and we think games featuring UNO, the Omaha Lancers and their rivals will be a big hit in Omaha,” Omaha Sports Commission President Harold Cliff said. “The Omaha Sports Commission is proud to host this event and we want to thank Mutual of Omaha for serving as title sponsor of this unique sports competition.
“We believe outdoor hockey will be extremely popular at TD Ameritrade Park Omaha,” MECA President and CEO Roger Dixon said. “Our goal is to offer a wide variety of sporting events at the ballpark and we think outdoor hockey will be an exciting attraction.”
“This will be a tremendous event both for our long-time fans and folks who may be relatively new to college hockey,” UNO’s Director of Athletics Trev Alberts said. “As we attempt to grow our flagship sport, a game like this will showcase all that UNO hockey has going for it – a supportive community, great facilities, outstanding opponents and national exposure.”
“Our players are already excited to play in a game like this, which is sure to receive plenty of local and national attention,” said Dean Blais, UNO Mavericks head coach. “We have had very competitive games against North Dakota since we joined the WCHA, and playing outdoors in front of a big crowd will only make these games more fun for everyone.”
“Lancers fans have seen a lot in the long and storied history of the Omaha Lancers, but they haven’t seen anything like this,” Omaha Lancers President and Managing Partner Ben Robert said. “This year begins with the opening of our new arena in Ralston, while the February 9 Mutual of Omaha Battles on Ice will showcase two fixtures of the Omaha sports community against two of their biggest rivals in what will be a day the City of Omaha will never forget.”
“An extraordinary amount of hard work has been done to make this event possible,” said Mike Aikens, Omaha Lancers head coach. “It will be a great day for hockey, the people of Omaha and State of Nebraska.”
“The Lancers-Stars rivalry is known for being one of the fiercest and most respected in amateur sports, and showcases what USHL hockey is all about,” Lincoln Stars President Jim Pflug said. “We appreciate the effort of everyone to make Mutual of Omaha’s Battles on Ice a reality.”
“Bringing these two teams together in an event like this will only add to the intensity that has been established over the years,” said Chad Johnson, Lincoln Stars head coach. “We’re looking forward to being a part of it.”
This game will be an exceptional, and unique, opportunity to showcase collegiate hockey,” said North Dakota Athletics Director Brian Faison. “We are looking forward to a great event.”
“This will be a great event and an exciting venue to continue building the healthy rivalry that we have with the Mavericks,” said Dave Hakstol, North Dakota Fighting Sioux head coach. “Our team and fans are looking forward to the opportunity to be part of an outdoor game that is sure to bring national attention to college hockey.”
“The UNO Mavericks and Omaha Lancers both have outstanding hockey traditions and Battles on Ice will showcase these two great teams as never before,” Mutual of Omaha Senior Vice President John Hildenbiddle said. “Mutual of Omaha is very proud to sponsor this unique event, further establishing Omaha as the nation’s amateur sports capital.”
State Girls’ Dance Team Tournament
All six championship teams return to defend their titles at the 2012 State Girls’ Dance Team Tournament. The Divas of Marshall School of Duluth are the only team seeking a sixth consecutive title. They won the Class A Jazz titles in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011. The other five returning champions are all looking for their second consecutive titles.
The 16th Minnesota State High School League tournament for dance teams, which features squads from 47 schools, will be held at Target Center in Minneapolis. The Jazz dancers will compete on Friday, Feb. 17, and the High Kick competition is set for Saturday, Feb. 18.
The 2012 tournament will actually be the 38th state competition for dance teams. Until 1997 the previous events were conducted by the Minnesota Association of Dancelines, later renamed the Minnesota Association of Dance Teams. The Minnesota State High School League added girls’ dance team as a sponsored athletic activity in March 1996. Although sponsored by the League as an athletic activity, individual schools’ girls’ dance teams must meet stringent federal Title IX guidelines to be considered a sport.
An all-tournament team will again be named at this year’s tournament. Twelve students will be chosen from each class in each division — Jazz and High Kick. The awards will be presented during the championship award ceremonies.
High Kick Division
All three of the 2011 champions will try to defend their titles in the High Kick category: Cannon Falls in Class A, Sartell-St. Stephen in Class AA, and Eastview of Apple Valley in Class AAA. Of the 2011 finalists, 17 return to compete in the High Kick category.
Class A Qualifiers: (Section 1) Cannon Falls, Lake City, and Dover-Eyota; (Section 2) Aitkin, Marshall School of Duluth, and Mayer Lutheran; (Section 3) Yellow Medicine East of Granite Falls, Lac qui Parle Valley/Dawson-Boyd, and BOLD of Olivia; (Section 4) Pelican Rapids, Bagley, and Crosby-Ironton.
Class AA Qualifiers: (Section 1) Chaska, Austin, and Faribault, which also includes students from Bethlehem Academy of Faribault; (Section 2) Totino-Grace of Fridley, Fridley, and Hill-Murray of Maplewood; (Section 3) Marshall, Waconia, and Hutchinson; (Section 4) St. Cloud Cathedral, Sartell-St. Stephen, and Sauk Rapids-Rice.
Class AAA Qualifiers: (Section 1) Apple Valley, Eastview of Apple Valley, and Burnsville; (Section 2) Wayzata, Hopkins, and Eden Prairie; (Section 3) Centennial of Circle Pines, Spring Lake Park, and Eagan; (Section 4) St. Cloud Tech, Blaine which includes students from Legacy Christian Academy of Andover, and Brainerd, which includes students from Pillager.
Jazz Division
The Divas of Marshall School of Duluth are in the hunt for their sixth consecutive Class A Jazz title. Benilde-St. Margaret’s of St. Louis Park and Maple Grove also return to defend their Class AA and Class AAA titles, respectively. Overall, 17 finalists from 2011 return to compete in the 2012 tournament.
Class A Qualifiers: (Section 1) Cannon Falls, St. Charles, and Zumbrota-Mazeppa; (Section 2) Marshall School of Duluth, Aitkin, and Mayer Lutheran; (Section 3) Yellow Medicine East of Granite Falls, Lac qui Parle Valley/Dawson-Boyd, and Renville County West; (Section 4) Pelican Rapids, Frazee, and Crosby-Ironton.
Class AA Qualifiers: (Section 1) Benilde-St. Margaret’s of St. Louis Park, Chaska, and Simley of Inver Grove Heights; (Section 2) Totino-Grace of Fridley, Duluth Denfeld, and Fridley; (Section 3) Mound-Westonka, Marshall, and Holy Family Catholic of Victoria; (Section 4) St. Cloud Cathedral, Sartell-St. Stephen, and Sauk Rapids-Rice.
Class AAA Qualifiers: (Section 1) Eastview of Apple Valley, Lakeville North, and Burnsville; (Section 2) Wayzata, Maple Grove, and Eden Prairie; (Section 3) Eagan, Spring Lake Park, and Centennial of Circle Pines; (Section 4) St. Cloud Tech, Blaine, which includes students from Legacy Christian Academy of Andover, and Brainerd, which includes students from Pillager.
Scoring
Judges observe the routines and award points on a 100-point scale. Judging criteria are subdivided into four categories. The three common categories of criteria are: 1) Presentation; 2) Execution; and 3) Choreography. The fourth category is unique for each type of dance. In the High Kick division the judges look for straight backs and legs, pointed feet, uniform height and place of kicks, level hips, foot placement, and arm connections. In the Jazz category judges are looking for rotation timing and completion, posture, difficulty of skills, and flexibility movements.
Point values in each of the five judging criteria are awarded as follows: 9-10 for Excellent; 7-8 for Above Average; 5-6 for Average; and 3-4 for Below Average. After the qualifying competition for each type of dance in each class, six finalists are announced and those teams compete again to determine the state champion.
Tournament Schedule
Friday, Feb. 17 — Jazz
Noon-1:30 p.m. Class A Qualifying Competition
1:45 p.m. Class A Finalists Announced
2:15-4:30 p.m. Class AA and Class AAA Qualifying Competition
4:45 p.m. Class AA Finalists Announced
5:00 p.m. Class AAA Finalists Announced
5:45 p.m. Class A Finals and Awards Presentations
7:15 p.m. Class AA and Class AAA Finals and Awards Presentations
Saturday, Feb. 18 — High Kick
Noon-1:30 p.m. Class A Qualifying Competition
1:45 p.m. Class A Finalists Announced
2:15-4:30 p.m. Class AA and Class AAA Qualifying Competition
4:45 p.m. Class AA Finalists Announced
5:00 p.m. Class AAA Finalists Announced
5:45 p.m. Class A Finals and Awards Presentations
7:15 p.m. Class AA and Class AAA Finals and Awards Presentations
Tickets for the 2012 State Girls’ Dance Team Tournament will be available at the Target Center box office beginning at 10 a.m. each day. Adult tickets cost $14 and student tickets cost $9.
A visit to any area Wells Fargo bank can yield a $2 discount coupon for students 13 and younger. The discount coupons are also available for the following tournaments: Girls’ Gymnastics, Girls’ Hockey, Class A Boys’ Hockey, and Girls’ and Boys’ Basketball.
Live Webcast
The entire tournament will be webcast live and free at Prep45.com. Advisor Aric Harrier of New London-Spicer and advisor Cary Hagrud of Pelican Rapids will be bringing students to do this year’s webcast.
The 16th Minnesota State High School League tournament for dance teams, which features squads from 47 schools, will be held at Target Center in Minneapolis. The Jazz dancers will compete on Friday, Feb. 17, and the High Kick competition is set for Saturday, Feb. 18.
The 2012 tournament will actually be the 38th state competition for dance teams. Until 1997 the previous events were conducted by the Minnesota Association of Dancelines, later renamed the Minnesota Association of Dance Teams. The Minnesota State High School League added girls’ dance team as a sponsored athletic activity in March 1996. Although sponsored by the League as an athletic activity, individual schools’ girls’ dance teams must meet stringent federal Title IX guidelines to be considered a sport.
An all-tournament team will again be named at this year’s tournament. Twelve students will be chosen from each class in each division — Jazz and High Kick. The awards will be presented during the championship award ceremonies.
High Kick Division
All three of the 2011 champions will try to defend their titles in the High Kick category: Cannon Falls in Class A, Sartell-St. Stephen in Class AA, and Eastview of Apple Valley in Class AAA. Of the 2011 finalists, 17 return to compete in the High Kick category.
Class A Qualifiers: (Section 1) Cannon Falls, Lake City, and Dover-Eyota; (Section 2) Aitkin, Marshall School of Duluth, and Mayer Lutheran; (Section 3) Yellow Medicine East of Granite Falls, Lac qui Parle Valley/Dawson-Boyd, and BOLD of Olivia; (Section 4) Pelican Rapids, Bagley, and Crosby-Ironton.
Class AA Qualifiers: (Section 1) Chaska, Austin, and Faribault, which also includes students from Bethlehem Academy of Faribault; (Section 2) Totino-Grace of Fridley, Fridley, and Hill-Murray of Maplewood; (Section 3) Marshall, Waconia, and Hutchinson; (Section 4) St. Cloud Cathedral, Sartell-St. Stephen, and Sauk Rapids-Rice.
Class AAA Qualifiers: (Section 1) Apple Valley, Eastview of Apple Valley, and Burnsville; (Section 2) Wayzata, Hopkins, and Eden Prairie; (Section 3) Centennial of Circle Pines, Spring Lake Park, and Eagan; (Section 4) St. Cloud Tech, Blaine which includes students from Legacy Christian Academy of Andover, and Brainerd, which includes students from Pillager.
Jazz Division
The Divas of Marshall School of Duluth are in the hunt for their sixth consecutive Class A Jazz title. Benilde-St. Margaret’s of St. Louis Park and Maple Grove also return to defend their Class AA and Class AAA titles, respectively. Overall, 17 finalists from 2011 return to compete in the 2012 tournament.
Class A Qualifiers: (Section 1) Cannon Falls, St. Charles, and Zumbrota-Mazeppa; (Section 2) Marshall School of Duluth, Aitkin, and Mayer Lutheran; (Section 3) Yellow Medicine East of Granite Falls, Lac qui Parle Valley/Dawson-Boyd, and Renville County West; (Section 4) Pelican Rapids, Frazee, and Crosby-Ironton.
Class AA Qualifiers: (Section 1) Benilde-St. Margaret’s of St. Louis Park, Chaska, and Simley of Inver Grove Heights; (Section 2) Totino-Grace of Fridley, Duluth Denfeld, and Fridley; (Section 3) Mound-Westonka, Marshall, and Holy Family Catholic of Victoria; (Section 4) St. Cloud Cathedral, Sartell-St. Stephen, and Sauk Rapids-Rice.
Class AAA Qualifiers: (Section 1) Eastview of Apple Valley, Lakeville North, and Burnsville; (Section 2) Wayzata, Maple Grove, and Eden Prairie; (Section 3) Eagan, Spring Lake Park, and Centennial of Circle Pines; (Section 4) St. Cloud Tech, Blaine, which includes students from Legacy Christian Academy of Andover, and Brainerd, which includes students from Pillager.
Scoring
Judges observe the routines and award points on a 100-point scale. Judging criteria are subdivided into four categories. The three common categories of criteria are: 1) Presentation; 2) Execution; and 3) Choreography. The fourth category is unique for each type of dance. In the High Kick division the judges look for straight backs and legs, pointed feet, uniform height and place of kicks, level hips, foot placement, and arm connections. In the Jazz category judges are looking for rotation timing and completion, posture, difficulty of skills, and flexibility movements.
Point values in each of the five judging criteria are awarded as follows: 9-10 for Excellent; 7-8 for Above Average; 5-6 for Average; and 3-4 for Below Average. After the qualifying competition for each type of dance in each class, six finalists are announced and those teams compete again to determine the state champion.
Tournament Schedule
Friday, Feb. 17 — Jazz
Noon-1:30 p.m. Class A Qualifying Competition
1:45 p.m. Class A Finalists Announced
2:15-4:30 p.m. Class AA and Class AAA Qualifying Competition
4:45 p.m. Class AA Finalists Announced
5:00 p.m. Class AAA Finalists Announced
5:45 p.m. Class A Finals and Awards Presentations
7:15 p.m. Class AA and Class AAA Finals and Awards Presentations
Saturday, Feb. 18 — High Kick
Noon-1:30 p.m. Class A Qualifying Competition
1:45 p.m. Class A Finalists Announced
2:15-4:30 p.m. Class AA and Class AAA Qualifying Competition
4:45 p.m. Class AA Finalists Announced
5:00 p.m. Class AAA Finalists Announced
5:45 p.m. Class A Finals and Awards Presentations
7:15 p.m. Class AA and Class AAA Finals and Awards Presentations
Tickets for the 2012 State Girls’ Dance Team Tournament will be available at the Target Center box office beginning at 10 a.m. each day. Adult tickets cost $14 and student tickets cost $9.
A visit to any area Wells Fargo bank can yield a $2 discount coupon for students 13 and younger. The discount coupons are also available for the following tournaments: Girls’ Gymnastics, Girls’ Hockey, Class A Boys’ Hockey, and Girls’ and Boys’ Basketball.
Live Webcast
The entire tournament will be webcast live and free at Prep45.com. Advisor Aric Harrier of New London-Spicer and advisor Cary Hagrud of Pelican Rapids will be bringing students to do this year’s webcast.
Detroit Lakes Senior Alex Mason Scores AMAZING hockey goal!
Detroit Lakes HS Sr. Alex Mason is gaining national attention with his lacrosse style breakaway goal that went viral. In just 3 days, his video has been witnessed over 260,000 times. Not to mention it was a shorthanded goal! Many hockey players are dubbing it one of the best goals of the year...in ALL of hockey! Check it out for yourself!
Monday, February 13, 2012
T-Wolves rookie Derrick Williams to participate in NBA Cares Special Olympics
Exhibition Game Part of 2012 All-Star Weekend Festivities
Minneapolis/St. Paul – The NBA and Special Olympics today announced the first-ever NBA Cares Special Olympics Unity Sports Basketball Game which will take place as part of the 2012 NBA All-Star weekend festivities in Orlando and will feature Timberwolves rookie forward Derrick Williams. With support from The Coca-Cola Company, the game will tip off on Center Court at NBA All-Star Jam Session on Sunday, Feb. 26, and will feature 12 Special Olympics athletes from across the country, along with NBA Legends Chris Mullin, Clyde Drexler and Dikembe Mutombo, current WNBA players, and celebrities. In addition to Williams, NBA players Kevin Durant and Kemba Walker will also participate in the game.
The exhibition game will combine athletes with and without intellectual disabilities as teammates to showcase the power of Special Olympics’ Unified Sports® program, which helps unite communities and foster an environment of acceptance and inclusion. In addition, as part of the NBA Cares All-Star Community Caravan, NBA/WNBA legends and players will host a clinic for local Special Olympics athletes at Jam Session immediately following the game.
"I'm honored to be joining these incredible Special Olympic athletes for the inaugural Unity Game," said Williams, who will be participating in the BBVA Rising Stars Challenge on Feb. 24. "I looking forward to participating in All-Star Weekend and this event will make it even more memorable."
“The NBA is excited to expand our longtime partnership with Special Olympics by hosting the Unity Sports basketball game as part of our NBA All-Star festivities,” said NBA Senior Vice President of Community Relations Todd Jacobson. “The NBA Cares Special Olympics Unity Sports Basketball Game is about having fun, promoting fitness and bringing people together.”
“We are proud to have this unique opportunity to show the world the incredible talents of our Special Olympics athletes, playing alongside basketball legends from the NBA and WNBA,” said Peter Wheeler, Special Olympics’ Chief Officer of Strategic Properties. “This is another great moment in our long-standing partnership with the NBA and we hope that this Unity Sports basketball game shows NBA fans the power of sports to unite us all.”
NBA Cares Special Olympics Unity Sports Basketball Game roster:
East West
Marc Campbell, ON Jesse Burnett, CO
Keyuana Davis, FL Jackie Buxton, OR
Kerri Gilroy, MA Steve Lynn, OK
Rickie Kelly, WI Anthony Nunn, MN
Andre Larry, FL Sean Vigil, UT
Tony Payne, TN Jennifer Wardlow, NC
These 12 Special Olympics athletes and their families will be treated to an unforgettable NBA All-Star experience including dinner with an NBA legend, in-arena recognition at NBA All-Star Saturday Night presented by State Farm, and tickets to the NBA All-Star Game.
The NBA’s global partnership with Special Olympics began more than 30 years ago when the league helped to introduce basketball as a new sport to the organization. The NBA has since provided sponsorship to Special Olympics basketball tournaments, created public service announcements featuring NBA players, and participated in major Special Olympics events. In addition, the NBA's Basketball without Borders program has featured international clinics for Special Olympics athletes in China, Puerto Rico, Russia, France, Greece, Italy, Brazil, Spain, and Mexico.
Minneapolis/St. Paul – The NBA and Special Olympics today announced the first-ever NBA Cares Special Olympics Unity Sports Basketball Game which will take place as part of the 2012 NBA All-Star weekend festivities in Orlando and will feature Timberwolves rookie forward Derrick Williams. With support from The Coca-Cola Company, the game will tip off on Center Court at NBA All-Star Jam Session on Sunday, Feb. 26, and will feature 12 Special Olympics athletes from across the country, along with NBA Legends Chris Mullin, Clyde Drexler and Dikembe Mutombo, current WNBA players, and celebrities. In addition to Williams, NBA players Kevin Durant and Kemba Walker will also participate in the game.
The exhibition game will combine athletes with and without intellectual disabilities as teammates to showcase the power of Special Olympics’ Unified Sports® program, which helps unite communities and foster an environment of acceptance and inclusion. In addition, as part of the NBA Cares All-Star Community Caravan, NBA/WNBA legends and players will host a clinic for local Special Olympics athletes at Jam Session immediately following the game.
"I'm honored to be joining these incredible Special Olympic athletes for the inaugural Unity Game," said Williams, who will be participating in the BBVA Rising Stars Challenge on Feb. 24. "I looking forward to participating in All-Star Weekend and this event will make it even more memorable."
“The NBA is excited to expand our longtime partnership with Special Olympics by hosting the Unity Sports basketball game as part of our NBA All-Star festivities,” said NBA Senior Vice President of Community Relations Todd Jacobson. “The NBA Cares Special Olympics Unity Sports Basketball Game is about having fun, promoting fitness and bringing people together.”
“We are proud to have this unique opportunity to show the world the incredible talents of our Special Olympics athletes, playing alongside basketball legends from the NBA and WNBA,” said Peter Wheeler, Special Olympics’ Chief Officer of Strategic Properties. “This is another great moment in our long-standing partnership with the NBA and we hope that this Unity Sports basketball game shows NBA fans the power of sports to unite us all.”
NBA Cares Special Olympics Unity Sports Basketball Game roster:
East West
Marc Campbell, ON Jesse Burnett, CO
Keyuana Davis, FL Jackie Buxton, OR
Kerri Gilroy, MA Steve Lynn, OK
Rickie Kelly, WI Anthony Nunn, MN
Andre Larry, FL Sean Vigil, UT
Tony Payne, TN Jennifer Wardlow, NC
These 12 Special Olympics athletes and their families will be treated to an unforgettable NBA All-Star experience including dinner with an NBA legend, in-arena recognition at NBA All-Star Saturday Night presented by State Farm, and tickets to the NBA All-Star Game.
The NBA’s global partnership with Special Olympics began more than 30 years ago when the league helped to introduce basketball as a new sport to the organization. The NBA has since provided sponsorship to Special Olympics basketball tournaments, created public service announcements featuring NBA players, and participated in major Special Olympics events. In addition, the NBA's Basketball without Borders program has featured international clinics for Special Olympics athletes in China, Puerto Rico, Russia, France, Greece, Italy, Brazil, Spain, and Mexico.
Four Lynx Among Finalists for 2012 USA Olympic Team
MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL – USA Basketball today announced that Lynx players Seimone Augustus, Rebekkah Brunson, Maya Moore and Lindsay Whalen are among the 21 finalists for the 2012 USA Women's Olympic Team. The Lynx have been represented on the Olympic Team roster three times in franchise history: Augustus (2008) and Katie Smith (2000, 2004). The finalists were selected by the USA Basketball Women’s National Team Player Selection Committee.
"We are excited that they have a chance to be a part of this opportunity with USA Basketball," said Lynx Executive Vice President Roger Griffith. “We all have seen firsthand the impact these women have on a team and we wish them the best of luck in their efforts to make the final Olympic roster.”
No stranger to representing her country in international play, Augustus (6-1, guard/forward) is looking to play in the Olympics for the second time in her career after winning a gold medal in 2008. She appeared in all eight games off the bench in 2008, averaging 7.9 points and 2.3 rebounds per game, as the USA swept their way to the gold.
Brunson (6-2, forward) appeared in both the 2007 FIBA Americas Championship and 2003 Pan American Games with Team USA. Her performance in the 2007 FIBA Americas Championship helped Team USA qualify for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, averaging 9.0 points and 3.6 rebounds per contest as the U.S. went unbeaten.
Moore (6-0, forward) is looking to make the final roster after helping the U.S. qualify for the Olympics during the 2010 FIBA World Championship. She appeared in all nine games during the competition, averaging 8.7 points and 3.3 rebounds in 18.3 minutes per contest as the USA went unbeaten to secure their spot in London.
Whalen (5-9, guard) was also a member of the unbeaten 2010 FIBA World Championship team that avenged their 2006 bronze medal. She averaged 5.9 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 18.4 minutes off the bench, including scoring a team-high 16 points in their second round victory over Canada.
Joining the Lynx players as finalists are: Jayne Appel (San Antonio Silver Stars), Sue Bird (Seattle Storm), Swin Cash (Chicago Sky), Tamika Catchings (Indiana Fever), Tina Charles (Connecticut Sun), Candice Dupree (Phoenix Mercury), Sylvia Fowles (Chicago Sky), Brittney Griner (Baylor University), Lindsey Harding (Atlanta Dream), Asjha Jones (Connecticut Sun), Kara Lawson (Connecticut Sun), Angel McCoughtry (Atlanta Dream), Renee Montgomery (Connecticut Sun), Candace Parker (Los Angeles Sparks), Cappie Pondexter (New York Liberty), Diana Taurasi (Phoenxi Mercury) and Sophia Young (San Antonio Silver Stars).
The Olympic National Team is coached by University of Connecticut head coach Geno Auriemma. He will be assisted on the Olympic coaching staff by DePaul University head coach Doug Bruno, Olympic gold medalist and Washington Mystics assistant coach Jennifer Gillom and Atlanta Dream head coach Marynell Meadors.
Team USA is seeking its fifth consecutive and seventh overall gold medal, as well as extending its 33-game Olympic winning streak. The 2012 Olympic basketball tournament will be held from July 28 to August 12 in the Olympic Park Basketball Arena (preliminary round and quarterfinals) and North Greenwich Arena (semifinals and finals).
"We are excited that they have a chance to be a part of this opportunity with USA Basketball," said Lynx Executive Vice President Roger Griffith. “We all have seen firsthand the impact these women have on a team and we wish them the best of luck in their efforts to make the final Olympic roster.”
No stranger to representing her country in international play, Augustus (6-1, guard/forward) is looking to play in the Olympics for the second time in her career after winning a gold medal in 2008. She appeared in all eight games off the bench in 2008, averaging 7.9 points and 2.3 rebounds per game, as the USA swept their way to the gold.
Brunson (6-2, forward) appeared in both the 2007 FIBA Americas Championship and 2003 Pan American Games with Team USA. Her performance in the 2007 FIBA Americas Championship helped Team USA qualify for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, averaging 9.0 points and 3.6 rebounds per contest as the U.S. went unbeaten.
Moore (6-0, forward) is looking to make the final roster after helping the U.S. qualify for the Olympics during the 2010 FIBA World Championship. She appeared in all nine games during the competition, averaging 8.7 points and 3.3 rebounds in 18.3 minutes per contest as the USA went unbeaten to secure their spot in London.
Whalen (5-9, guard) was also a member of the unbeaten 2010 FIBA World Championship team that avenged their 2006 bronze medal. She averaged 5.9 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 18.4 minutes off the bench, including scoring a team-high 16 points in their second round victory over Canada.
Joining the Lynx players as finalists are: Jayne Appel (San Antonio Silver Stars), Sue Bird (Seattle Storm), Swin Cash (Chicago Sky), Tamika Catchings (Indiana Fever), Tina Charles (Connecticut Sun), Candice Dupree (Phoenix Mercury), Sylvia Fowles (Chicago Sky), Brittney Griner (Baylor University), Lindsey Harding (Atlanta Dream), Asjha Jones (Connecticut Sun), Kara Lawson (Connecticut Sun), Angel McCoughtry (Atlanta Dream), Renee Montgomery (Connecticut Sun), Candace Parker (Los Angeles Sparks), Cappie Pondexter (New York Liberty), Diana Taurasi (Phoenxi Mercury) and Sophia Young (San Antonio Silver Stars).
The Olympic National Team is coached by University of Connecticut head coach Geno Auriemma. He will be assisted on the Olympic coaching staff by DePaul University head coach Doug Bruno, Olympic gold medalist and Washington Mystics assistant coach Jennifer Gillom and Atlanta Dream head coach Marynell Meadors.
Team USA is seeking its fifth consecutive and seventh overall gold medal, as well as extending its 33-game Olympic winning streak. The 2012 Olympic basketball tournament will be held from July 28 to August 12 in the Olympic Park Basketball Arena (preliminary round and quarterfinals) and North Greenwich Arena (semifinals and finals).
Minnesota Lynx Sign Guard Erin Thorn
MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Lynx today announced the team has signed free agent guard Erin Thorn. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Thorn, a 5-9 sharpshooting guard, lived up to her reputation last season with the Chicago Sky, shooting 39.5 percent from three-point range, ranking 13th in the WNBA, and 94.7 percent (18-for-19) from the free throw line. She appeared in all 34 games during the 2011 campaign, averaging 5.4 points, 2.4 assists and 1.7 rebounds in 16.8 minutes per game.
"We are excited to welcome Erin to the Minnesota Lynx organization," said Lynx Executive Vice President Roger Griffith. "She is a fantastic shooter and a threat to score from anywhere on the court. Erin will add some excellent depth to our backcourt this season."
"We're happy to add someone of Erin's experience," said Lynx Head Coach Cheryl Reeve. "Erin has been around the league for a long time and carries a strong reputation for being a heady player with leadership qualities. Additionally, Erin has tremendous versatility and can play both guard positions, which will be a valuable asset for our bench."
A nine-year veteran out of BYU, Thorn was originally drafted by the New York Liberty in the second round of the 2003 WNBA Draft. She spent the first six years of her career with the Liberty, enjoying perhaps the best season of her career in 2007 with career highs in points, assists, rebounds and minutes. Thorn spent the last three seasons with the Sky, appearing in all 102 games and shooting an impressive 40.7 percent from three-point range during that time. In her career, Thorn has averaged 5.1 points in 16.0 minutes per game.
The 2011 WNBA Champion Lynx, who own the No. 3 pick in April's 2012 WNBA Draft, will kick off their title defense with the team's Home Opener on Sunday, May 20 at 11:30 a.m. at Target Center against the Phoenix Mercury on ABC. Lower-level tickets are available for as little as $10 a game for the 17-game home season and can be purchased by calling 612-673-8400 or visiting the Lynx website at http://www.lynxbasketball.com.
Thorn, a 5-9 sharpshooting guard, lived up to her reputation last season with the Chicago Sky, shooting 39.5 percent from three-point range, ranking 13th in the WNBA, and 94.7 percent (18-for-19) from the free throw line. She appeared in all 34 games during the 2011 campaign, averaging 5.4 points, 2.4 assists and 1.7 rebounds in 16.8 minutes per game.
"We are excited to welcome Erin to the Minnesota Lynx organization," said Lynx Executive Vice President Roger Griffith. "She is a fantastic shooter and a threat to score from anywhere on the court. Erin will add some excellent depth to our backcourt this season."
"We're happy to add someone of Erin's experience," said Lynx Head Coach Cheryl Reeve. "Erin has been around the league for a long time and carries a strong reputation for being a heady player with leadership qualities. Additionally, Erin has tremendous versatility and can play both guard positions, which will be a valuable asset for our bench."
A nine-year veteran out of BYU, Thorn was originally drafted by the New York Liberty in the second round of the 2003 WNBA Draft. She spent the first six years of her career with the Liberty, enjoying perhaps the best season of her career in 2007 with career highs in points, assists, rebounds and minutes. Thorn spent the last three seasons with the Sky, appearing in all 102 games and shooting an impressive 40.7 percent from three-point range during that time. In her career, Thorn has averaged 5.1 points in 16.0 minutes per game.
The 2011 WNBA Champion Lynx, who own the No. 3 pick in April's 2012 WNBA Draft, will kick off their title defense with the team's Home Opener on Sunday, May 20 at 11:30 a.m. at Target Center against the Phoenix Mercury on ABC. Lower-level tickets are available for as little as $10 a game for the 17-game home season and can be purchased by calling 612-673-8400 or visiting the Lynx website at http://www.lynxbasketball.com.
Friday, February 10, 2012
'Piggyback Bandit' declared a threat to MN athletes & is banned from games
On Friday, Minnesota State High School League executive director Dave Stead banned Sherwin Shayegan, described as "The Piggyback Bandit" for jumping on the backs of high school players, from all league-sanctioned events.
In a letter sent on Friday to the league's more than 400 member schools, Stead said Shayegan has been banned from sporting events in three other states, was spotted Thursday in St. Cloud and is known to be in Minneapolis.
On Thursday, the North Dakota High School Activities Association banned Shayegan from attending any sanctioned events. He is also banned from attending high school-sanctioned events in Oregon and Montana.
In a letter sent on Friday to the league's more than 400 member schools, Stead said Shayegan has been banned from sporting events in three other states, was spotted Thursday in St. Cloud and is known to be in Minneapolis.
On Thursday, the North Dakota High School Activities Association banned Shayegan from attending any sanctioned events. He is also banned from attending high school-sanctioned events in Oregon and Montana.
NDSU Baseball picked 4th in Summit League Preseason Poll
ELMHURST, Ill. - The North Dakota State baseball team was picked to finish fourth in The Summit League according to a preseason poll of the league's seven head coaches released Friday, Feb. 10.
Fourteen-time defending tournament champion Oral Roberts was the unanimous pick to win the league again with 36 points, Western Illinois was second (27), South Dakota State third (25) and NDSU fourth (21).
Southern Utah (19), Oakland (11) and IPFW (8) rounded out the fifth through seventh spots in order.
NDSU was 22-32 overall and placed third in The Summit League with a 15-12 record last year under head coach Tod Brown, who is beginning his fifth season.
The Bison return seven position starters and six pitchers who threw at least 20 innings last year. The top returning hitters are sophomore designated hitter Blake Turbak (.349) and sophomore center fielder Tim Colwell (.333).
NDSU is scheduled to open the season Feb. 17-19 with a three-game series at Arizona. The home openers are scheduled for April 10-11 against Valley City State and Mayville State, and the Summit League schedule begins April 13-15 with a four-game series at Western Illinois.
The top four teams in the regular-season standings will advance to the Summit League tournament May 24-26 at J.L. Johnson Stadium in Tulsa, Okla., with the winner of the double-elimination bracket earning the league's automatic berth in the NCAA playoffs.
2012 Summit League Baseball Preseason Poll
Team (First-Place Votes) Points
1. Oral Roberts (6) 36
2. Western Illinois 27
3. South Dakota State 25
4. North Dakota State 21
5. Southern Utah (1) 19
6. Oakland 11
7. IPFW 8
Fourteen-time defending tournament champion Oral Roberts was the unanimous pick to win the league again with 36 points, Western Illinois was second (27), South Dakota State third (25) and NDSU fourth (21).
Southern Utah (19), Oakland (11) and IPFW (8) rounded out the fifth through seventh spots in order.
NDSU was 22-32 overall and placed third in The Summit League with a 15-12 record last year under head coach Tod Brown, who is beginning his fifth season.
The Bison return seven position starters and six pitchers who threw at least 20 innings last year. The top returning hitters are sophomore designated hitter Blake Turbak (.349) and sophomore center fielder Tim Colwell (.333).
NDSU is scheduled to open the season Feb. 17-19 with a three-game series at Arizona. The home openers are scheduled for April 10-11 against Valley City State and Mayville State, and the Summit League schedule begins April 13-15 with a four-game series at Western Illinois.
The top four teams in the regular-season standings will advance to the Summit League tournament May 24-26 at J.L. Johnson Stadium in Tulsa, Okla., with the winner of the double-elimination bracket earning the league's automatic berth in the NCAA playoffs.
2012 Summit League Baseball Preseason Poll
Team (First-Place Votes) Points
1. Oral Roberts (6) 36
2. Western Illinois 27
3. South Dakota State 25
4. North Dakota State 21
5. Southern Utah (1) 19
6. Oakland 11
7. IPFW 8
Minnesota Lynx Re-Sign Guard Candice Wiggins
MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL - The Minnesota Lynx today announced the team has re-signed guard Candice Wiggins. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Wiggins played a pivotal role for the Lynx during their championship run a season ago, appearing in all 34 games off the bench. Wiggins averaged 17.1 minutes per game last season, while shooting a career-best 39.5 percent from three-point range. The fourth-year Stanford graduate ranked second on the team with a career-high 49 three-pointers, including matching a career-best with five treys on three different occasions. Wiggins finished the season averaging 5.9 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists per contest.
"We are very excited to bring Candice back for our title defense this upcoming season," said Lynx Executive Vice President Roger Griffith. "The energy that she provides off the bench and her ability to stretch the floor was instrumental to our success last season. We are looking forward to her continued growth as a player this season."
"Candice was an extremely important part of our team's success last season," said Lynx Head Coach Cheryl Reeve. "She acts as a disruptive force defensively coming off of our bench and provides our team with excellent energy. Candice has a great ability to create offensive opportunities with her defense, which was a tremendous benefit for our team throughout the course of the season."
Drafted by the Lynx with the third overall pick in the 2008 draft, Wiggins had an excellent rookie season in Minnesota, coming off the bench in 29 of 30 games and averaging 15.7 points per game, the league's highest scoring average ever for a player off the bench. Her season concluded with being named the WNBA's Sixth Woman of the Year, the first time in team history a player had earned the honor. Wiggins holds career averages of 11.6 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.2 steals per contest.
The Lynx, who own the No. 3 pick in the upcoming 2012 WNBA Draft, will kick off their title defense with the team's Home Opener on Sunday, May 20 at 11:30 a.m. at Target Center against the Phoenix Mercury on ABC. Lower-level tickets are available for as little as $10 a game for the 17-game home season and can be purchased by calling 612-673-8400 or visiting the Lynx website at lynxbasketball.com
Wiggins played a pivotal role for the Lynx during their championship run a season ago, appearing in all 34 games off the bench. Wiggins averaged 17.1 minutes per game last season, while shooting a career-best 39.5 percent from three-point range. The fourth-year Stanford graduate ranked second on the team with a career-high 49 three-pointers, including matching a career-best with five treys on three different occasions. Wiggins finished the season averaging 5.9 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists per contest.
"We are very excited to bring Candice back for our title defense this upcoming season," said Lynx Executive Vice President Roger Griffith. "The energy that she provides off the bench and her ability to stretch the floor was instrumental to our success last season. We are looking forward to her continued growth as a player this season."
"Candice was an extremely important part of our team's success last season," said Lynx Head Coach Cheryl Reeve. "She acts as a disruptive force defensively coming off of our bench and provides our team with excellent energy. Candice has a great ability to create offensive opportunities with her defense, which was a tremendous benefit for our team throughout the course of the season."
Drafted by the Lynx with the third overall pick in the 2008 draft, Wiggins had an excellent rookie season in Minnesota, coming off the bench in 29 of 30 games and averaging 15.7 points per game, the league's highest scoring average ever for a player off the bench. Her season concluded with being named the WNBA's Sixth Woman of the Year, the first time in team history a player had earned the honor. Wiggins holds career averages of 11.6 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.2 steals per contest.
The Lynx, who own the No. 3 pick in the upcoming 2012 WNBA Draft, will kick off their title defense with the team's Home Opener on Sunday, May 20 at 11:30 a.m. at Target Center against the Phoenix Mercury on ABC. Lower-level tickets are available for as little as $10 a game for the 17-game home season and can be purchased by calling 612-673-8400 or visiting the Lynx website at lynxbasketball.com
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Kevin Love Named to NBA Western Conference All-Star Team
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Love has been named to the 2012 Western Conference All-Star team, the National Basketball Association announced today. Love was named to the team via a balloting by NBA head coaches. The 2012 NBA All-Star Game will be played at Amway Center in Orlando on Sunday, Feb. 26.
The honor is the second of Love's career as he made his first appearance in last year's game. Love is the second player in franchise history to make more than one All-Star Game appearance, joining Kevin Garnett (10 appearances). Tom Gugliotta, Wally Szczerbiak and Sam Cassell all made one appearance as a Timberwolves player. Love recorded two points and four rebounds in 12 minutes during the 2011 NBA All-Star Game at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.
"I'm excited to be playing in the All-Star Game again and proud to be representing the Timberwolves organization at this premier event," Love said. "I'm thankful to the NBA head coaches for voting me in, as well as to all the great Wolves fans that have been behind me and my teammates all season long."
Love, the 2011-12 NBA leader in double-doubles with 22, ranks second in rebounding (13.7 rpg), fourth in scoring (25.0 ppg), first in free throw made (175) and first in minutes (39.4 mpg). He has tallied 30+ points seven times this season. Love has recorded seven 30-point/10-rebound games this season; no other player has more than four such games. He has notched 19 20-point/10-rebound games this season -- 10 more than the next highest total.
Love scored a season-high 39 points and added 12 rebounds vs. Houston on Jan. 23. He sank the game-winning three-pointer as time expired in the Wolves' 101-98 win at the Los Angeles Clippers on Jan. 20. Love started the season with eight-straight games of 20+ points and 12+ rebounds, the longest streak to start a season in the NBA since Kareem Adbul-Jabbar’s 10 consecutive to start the 1975-76 season.
Wolves fans can celebrate Kevin Love being named to play in his second All-Star Game by taking advantage of a special ticket offer. Fans can buy an upper level ticket for the Feb. 10 game vs. Dallas and receive a FREE ticket to the Feb. 15 game vs. Charlotte. To purchase tickets, call the Kevin Love hotline at 612-673-1640. Offer expires Feb. 10 at 3:00 p.m.
The honor is the second of Love's career as he made his first appearance in last year's game. Love is the second player in franchise history to make more than one All-Star Game appearance, joining Kevin Garnett (10 appearances). Tom Gugliotta, Wally Szczerbiak and Sam Cassell all made one appearance as a Timberwolves player. Love recorded two points and four rebounds in 12 minutes during the 2011 NBA All-Star Game at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.
"I'm excited to be playing in the All-Star Game again and proud to be representing the Timberwolves organization at this premier event," Love said. "I'm thankful to the NBA head coaches for voting me in, as well as to all the great Wolves fans that have been behind me and my teammates all season long."
Love, the 2011-12 NBA leader in double-doubles with 22, ranks second in rebounding (13.7 rpg), fourth in scoring (25.0 ppg), first in free throw made (175) and first in minutes (39.4 mpg). He has tallied 30+ points seven times this season. Love has recorded seven 30-point/10-rebound games this season; no other player has more than four such games. He has notched 19 20-point/10-rebound games this season -- 10 more than the next highest total.
Love scored a season-high 39 points and added 12 rebounds vs. Houston on Jan. 23. He sank the game-winning three-pointer as time expired in the Wolves' 101-98 win at the Los Angeles Clippers on Jan. 20. Love started the season with eight-straight games of 20+ points and 12+ rebounds, the longest streak to start a season in the NBA since Kareem Adbul-Jabbar’s 10 consecutive to start the 1975-76 season.
Wolves fans can celebrate Kevin Love being named to play in his second All-Star Game by taking advantage of a special ticket offer. Fans can buy an upper level ticket for the Feb. 10 game vs. Dallas and receive a FREE ticket to the Feb. 15 game vs. Charlotte. To purchase tickets, call the Kevin Love hotline at 612-673-1640. Offer expires Feb. 10 at 3:00 p.m.
Three UND players named WCHA Scholar-Athletes
GRAND FORKS, N.D. – University of North Dakota senior goalie Brad Eidsness, sophomore forward Taylor Dickin and sophomore defenseman Dillon Simpson have each been named Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) Scholar-Athletes today by the league office.
To earn recognition as a WCHA Scholar-Athlete, conference-member student-athletes must have completed at least one year of residency at their present institution prior to the current academic year and must also have a grade-point average of at least 3.50 on a 4.0 scale for the previous two semesters or three quarters, or may qualify if his or her overall GPA is at least 3.50 for all terms at his present institution.
Eidsness, a graduate student from Chestermere, Alberta, was one of 14 WCHA players to earn the honor for the third straight year, while Dickin and Simpson were both first-time honorees. Dickin is an undeclared major from Winnipeg, Manitoba, while Simpson is a pre-entrepreneurship major from Edmonton, Alberta.
“It is with a great deal of pride today that we announce our seventh annual group of WCHA Scholar-Athletes,” said WCHA Commissioner Bruce McLeod, associate commissioner Sara Martin, Michigan Tech Athletics Director Suzanne Sanregret and University of Minnesota Faculty Representative Perry Leo in a joint statement.
“This announcement has become one of the real highlights for the Western Collegiate Hockey Association each season as it focuses attention on a truly exceptional group of student-athletes. These outstanding young men and women have gone above and beyond to achieve great success both on and off the ice and their accomplishments are a testimony to the amount of dedication and hard work they put in throughout the school year. Together, they represent their teams and their league in a most impressive way and we could not be more proud of each and every one of them. On behalf of the entire WCHA, We wish them all the success in the world.”
UND has now had 22 WCHA Scholar-Athlete recipients since the award was introduced during the 2005-06 season.
To earn recognition as a WCHA Scholar-Athlete, conference-member student-athletes must have completed at least one year of residency at their present institution prior to the current academic year and must also have a grade-point average of at least 3.50 on a 4.0 scale for the previous two semesters or three quarters, or may qualify if his or her overall GPA is at least 3.50 for all terms at his present institution.
Eidsness, a graduate student from Chestermere, Alberta, was one of 14 WCHA players to earn the honor for the third straight year, while Dickin and Simpson were both first-time honorees. Dickin is an undeclared major from Winnipeg, Manitoba, while Simpson is a pre-entrepreneurship major from Edmonton, Alberta.
“It is with a great deal of pride today that we announce our seventh annual group of WCHA Scholar-Athletes,” said WCHA Commissioner Bruce McLeod, associate commissioner Sara Martin, Michigan Tech Athletics Director Suzanne Sanregret and University of Minnesota Faculty Representative Perry Leo in a joint statement.
“This announcement has become one of the real highlights for the Western Collegiate Hockey Association each season as it focuses attention on a truly exceptional group of student-athletes. These outstanding young men and women have gone above and beyond to achieve great success both on and off the ice and their accomplishments are a testimony to the amount of dedication and hard work they put in throughout the school year. Together, they represent their teams and their league in a most impressive way and we could not be more proud of each and every one of them. On behalf of the entire WCHA, We wish them all the success in the world.”
UND has now had 22 WCHA Scholar-Athlete recipients since the award was introduced during the 2005-06 season.
Volleyball Uniform Requirements to Change in 2016
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (February 9, 2012) — In an attempt to more clearly distinguish between the libero and other team members, uniform requirements will be changing in high school volleyball.
The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Volleyball Rules Committee, at its January 9-11 meeting in Indianapolis, approved new uniform requirements that will take effect in 2016. All rules changes passed by the Volleyball Rules Committee were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.
The revised rule will require the libero to wear a uniform top that is immediately recognized from all angles as being in clear contrast to and distinct from the other members of the team. The libero and/or his/her teammates shall wear a solid-colored uniform top. The solid-colored uniform top shall clearly contrast from the predominant primary color(s) of the teammates’ uniform top, with the predominant color(s) being the color(s) appearing on approximately half of the uniform.
Other requirements of the solid-colored top are 1) the sleeves shall be the same color as the body of the uniform top; 2) piping/trim no wider than 1 inch in total at its widest point may be placed along the seams and may be a different color(s) than the uniform top; 3) lettering and collars may be different color(s) than the uniform top; and 4) numbers shall be a contrasting color to the uniform top and meet all other specifications in Rule 2-2-4.
“Some uniforms were affecting the officials’ ability to identify the libero and determine legal playing action,” said Becky Oakes, NFHS director of sports and liaison to the Volleyball Rules Committee. “The tradition is that volleyball is a sport with colorful uniforms. Because there has been increasing difficulty identifying the libero because of uniform design, the rules needed to make sure the libero was easily identified.”
The rule will take effect July 1, 2016, which should give uniform manufacturers time to make the necessary changes and allow high schools to make uniform changes in their normal budgeting process and not incur additional expense, according to Oakes.
The committee also made a change to Rule 10-3, which deals with illegal alignment penalties.
The rule now states, “Illegal alignment is charged when an illegal substitute is identified in the set after the whistle/signal for serve and results in a loss of a rally/point.”
Oakes said that the committee wanted to add consistency to the rule and that a team should face the same consequences regardless of whether it plays an illegal libero or an illegal substitute.
In addition, some changes were made to the responsibilities for referees.
In Rule 5-3-4d, prior to a deciding set, the second referee shall conduct the coin toss at the officials table. The second referee shall then confirm with the first referee the result of the coin toss. Formerly, the coin toss would take place at center court, and the first referee had the option of conducting the coin toss or passing it off to the second referee.
“This rule change will give the second referee some extra responsibility,” Oakes said, adding that the committee believes that the change will be a much more efficient procedure.
Referees now will be required to carry a watch, per a change to Rule 5-2-2, to serve as an alternate to the visual timing device in the event of a malfunction with the on-site device.
The final rule change comes with the increasing presence of electronic media in high school sports. Rule 11-2-3 now allows state associations to determine the number of electronic media time-outs transmitted for matches and to have the option to reduce the number of charged time-outs.
A complete listing of all rules changes approved by the committee is available on the NFHS Web site at www.nfhs.org. Click on “Athletics & Fine Arts Activities” on the home page, and select “Volleyball.”
Volleyball is the third-most popular girls sport and 13th-most popular boys sport at the high school level according to the 2010-11 NFHS High School Athletics Participation Survey. There are 409,332 girls at 15,479 high schools and 50,016 boys at 2,078 high schools participating nationwide.
The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Volleyball Rules Committee, at its January 9-11 meeting in Indianapolis, approved new uniform requirements that will take effect in 2016. All rules changes passed by the Volleyball Rules Committee were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.
The revised rule will require the libero to wear a uniform top that is immediately recognized from all angles as being in clear contrast to and distinct from the other members of the team. The libero and/or his/her teammates shall wear a solid-colored uniform top. The solid-colored uniform top shall clearly contrast from the predominant primary color(s) of the teammates’ uniform top, with the predominant color(s) being the color(s) appearing on approximately half of the uniform.
Other requirements of the solid-colored top are 1) the sleeves shall be the same color as the body of the uniform top; 2) piping/trim no wider than 1 inch in total at its widest point may be placed along the seams and may be a different color(s) than the uniform top; 3) lettering and collars may be different color(s) than the uniform top; and 4) numbers shall be a contrasting color to the uniform top and meet all other specifications in Rule 2-2-4.
“Some uniforms were affecting the officials’ ability to identify the libero and determine legal playing action,” said Becky Oakes, NFHS director of sports and liaison to the Volleyball Rules Committee. “The tradition is that volleyball is a sport with colorful uniforms. Because there has been increasing difficulty identifying the libero because of uniform design, the rules needed to make sure the libero was easily identified.”
The rule will take effect July 1, 2016, which should give uniform manufacturers time to make the necessary changes and allow high schools to make uniform changes in their normal budgeting process and not incur additional expense, according to Oakes.
The committee also made a change to Rule 10-3, which deals with illegal alignment penalties.
The rule now states, “Illegal alignment is charged when an illegal substitute is identified in the set after the whistle/signal for serve and results in a loss of a rally/point.”
Oakes said that the committee wanted to add consistency to the rule and that a team should face the same consequences regardless of whether it plays an illegal libero or an illegal substitute.
In addition, some changes were made to the responsibilities for referees.
In Rule 5-3-4d, prior to a deciding set, the second referee shall conduct the coin toss at the officials table. The second referee shall then confirm with the first referee the result of the coin toss. Formerly, the coin toss would take place at center court, and the first referee had the option of conducting the coin toss or passing it off to the second referee.
“This rule change will give the second referee some extra responsibility,” Oakes said, adding that the committee believes that the change will be a much more efficient procedure.
Referees now will be required to carry a watch, per a change to Rule 5-2-2, to serve as an alternate to the visual timing device in the event of a malfunction with the on-site device.
The final rule change comes with the increasing presence of electronic media in high school sports. Rule 11-2-3 now allows state associations to determine the number of electronic media time-outs transmitted for matches and to have the option to reduce the number of charged time-outs.
A complete listing of all rules changes approved by the committee is available on the NFHS Web site at www.nfhs.org. Click on “Athletics & Fine Arts Activities” on the home page, and select “Volleyball.”
Volleyball is the third-most popular girls sport and 13th-most popular boys sport at the high school level according to the 2010-11 NFHS High School Athletics Participation Survey. There are 409,332 girls at 15,479 high schools and 50,016 boys at 2,078 high schools participating nationwide.
Football Rules Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (February 9, 2012) — High school football players must sit out one play next year if their helmet comes off while the ball is live.
In cases where the helmet comes completely off without it being directly attributable to a foul by the opponent, the player will have to leave the game for at least one down.
This addition to Rule 3-5-10 was one of eight rules changes approved by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Football Rules Committee at its January 20-22 meeting in Indianapolis. All rules changes were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.
“The committee made this rules change after reviewing data from multiple states regarding the frequency of helmets coming off during live-ball play,” said Julian Tackett, chair of the Football Rules Committee and commissioner of the Kentucky High School Athletic Association. “It is the committee’s hope that this serves notice for schools to properly fit players with helmets to reduce the incidence of these situations and remind the players not to take steps that alter the fit.”
Another significant change next season will be a new interpretation of a legal catch. A receiver now will be required to establish possession of the ball and contact the ground inbounds while maintaining possession – regardless of the opponent’s action.
“In previous years, the covering official could have ruled that an airborne player attempting to catch the ball would have come down inbounds, but was prevented from doing so because of contact by the opponent,” said Bob Colgate, NFHS director of sports and sports medicine and liaison to the Football Rules Committee. “Now, the player must establish possession and contact the ground inbounds for a legal catch.”
The Football Rules Committee also cleared the way for state associations and their member schools to place corporate advertising and/or commercial markings on the field of play. These types of markings previously were only allowed in the end zones and outside the field.
Rule 1-2-3l will state that while corporate advertising and/or commercial markings will be allowed, the markings may not obstruct the yard lines, hash marks or nine-yard marks.
A risk-minimization change was made to Rule 2-3-7 that changes an interpretation for blocking below the waist.
“The previous interpretation was that it was not a foul for a player to block below the waist if the hand(s) of the opponent was first contacted below the waist,” Colgate said. “This revision changes that interpretation and stipulates that such action is a foul.”
After experimentation in Minnesota and Iowa, the committee revised Rule 9-3-8 to prohibit members of the kicking team from initiating contact (blocking) against members of the receiving team until the ball has broken the plane of the receiving team’s restraining line, or until the kicking team is eligible to recover the free kick.
The other three rules changes approved by the committee include Rule 1-5-3c(8), which expands the list of illegal equipment to include play cards that are not worn on the wrist or arm, as well as Rule 9-4-3h, which now states that grasping the tooth and mouth protector, as well as the face mask, is a foul. Also, to provide guidance to game officials, the committee clarified Rule 9-4-3k by adding the direction in which the opponent was pulled during a horse-collar.
Finally, the NFHS decided to extend the effective date of its new glove rule from 2012 to 2013. During the 2012 season, both gloves meeting the current standard and gloves meeting the new standard will be legal for play.
“The game of football at the high school level is in great shape, and the committee continues to review all available data to minimize the risk to participants,” Tackett said. “A hallmark to the NFHS playing rules is the constant emphasis on risk minimization, as well as historic tenets regarding the balance between offense and defense and making the rules appropriate for the levels of the coaches, players and officials.”
Football is the No. 1 participatory sport for boys at the high school level with 1,134,377 participants in the 2010-11 school year, according to the High School Athletics Participation Survey conducted by the NFHS through its member state associations. In addition, the survey indicated there were 1,561 girls who played football in 2010-11.
In cases where the helmet comes completely off without it being directly attributable to a foul by the opponent, the player will have to leave the game for at least one down.
This addition to Rule 3-5-10 was one of eight rules changes approved by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Football Rules Committee at its January 20-22 meeting in Indianapolis. All rules changes were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.
“The committee made this rules change after reviewing data from multiple states regarding the frequency of helmets coming off during live-ball play,” said Julian Tackett, chair of the Football Rules Committee and commissioner of the Kentucky High School Athletic Association. “It is the committee’s hope that this serves notice for schools to properly fit players with helmets to reduce the incidence of these situations and remind the players not to take steps that alter the fit.”
Another significant change next season will be a new interpretation of a legal catch. A receiver now will be required to establish possession of the ball and contact the ground inbounds while maintaining possession – regardless of the opponent’s action.
“In previous years, the covering official could have ruled that an airborne player attempting to catch the ball would have come down inbounds, but was prevented from doing so because of contact by the opponent,” said Bob Colgate, NFHS director of sports and sports medicine and liaison to the Football Rules Committee. “Now, the player must establish possession and contact the ground inbounds for a legal catch.”
The Football Rules Committee also cleared the way for state associations and their member schools to place corporate advertising and/or commercial markings on the field of play. These types of markings previously were only allowed in the end zones and outside the field.
Rule 1-2-3l will state that while corporate advertising and/or commercial markings will be allowed, the markings may not obstruct the yard lines, hash marks or nine-yard marks.
A risk-minimization change was made to Rule 2-3-7 that changes an interpretation for blocking below the waist.
“The previous interpretation was that it was not a foul for a player to block below the waist if the hand(s) of the opponent was first contacted below the waist,” Colgate said. “This revision changes that interpretation and stipulates that such action is a foul.”
After experimentation in Minnesota and Iowa, the committee revised Rule 9-3-8 to prohibit members of the kicking team from initiating contact (blocking) against members of the receiving team until the ball has broken the plane of the receiving team’s restraining line, or until the kicking team is eligible to recover the free kick.
The other three rules changes approved by the committee include Rule 1-5-3c(8), which expands the list of illegal equipment to include play cards that are not worn on the wrist or arm, as well as Rule 9-4-3h, which now states that grasping the tooth and mouth protector, as well as the face mask, is a foul. Also, to provide guidance to game officials, the committee clarified Rule 9-4-3k by adding the direction in which the opponent was pulled during a horse-collar.
Finally, the NFHS decided to extend the effective date of its new glove rule from 2012 to 2013. During the 2012 season, both gloves meeting the current standard and gloves meeting the new standard will be legal for play.
“The game of football at the high school level is in great shape, and the committee continues to review all available data to minimize the risk to participants,” Tackett said. “A hallmark to the NFHS playing rules is the constant emphasis on risk minimization, as well as historic tenets regarding the balance between offense and defense and making the rules appropriate for the levels of the coaches, players and officials.”
Football is the No. 1 participatory sport for boys at the high school level with 1,134,377 participants in the 2010-11 school year, according to the High School Athletics Participation Survey conducted by the NFHS through its member state associations. In addition, the survey indicated there were 1,561 girls who played football in 2010-11.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
NDSU Women’s Golf Picked Third in Summit League Preseason Poll
ELMHURST, Ill. - The North Dakota State women's golf team was picked to finish third in The Summit League according to a preseason poll of the league's 10 head coaches released Wednesday, Feb. 8.
Fourteen-time defending league champion Oral Roberts was picked first with 79 points and seven first-place votes and UMKC was second with 75 points and three top votes ahead of the Bison with 59 points.
IUPUI was fourth (57, Oakland fifth (47), South Dakota State sixth (40), Southern Utah seventh (36), Western Illinois eighth (29), IPFW ninth (19) and South Dakota last (9).
North Dakota State is led by Amy Anderson, a junior from Oxbow, N.D., who leads The Summit League by more than three full strokes with a 72.82 average. Anderson was Summit League champion and tied for 12th at the NCAA championship last year.
The Bison are fifth in the league in team scoring with a 316.91 average. Oral Roberts leads the league at 308.25.
NDSU coach Matt Johnson, a teaching professional since 1995 and owner of The Sports Bubble in Fargo since 2004, is in his third season with the Bison. He coached the NDSU men's team from 2001 to 2004.
North Dakota State is scheduled to open the spring portion of its schedule Feb. 27-28 at the Texas A&M Corpus Christi Islander Classic. The Bison have four tournaments scheduled before the Summit League championship April 23-24 at the Primm Valley Golf Club in Primm, Nev.
2012 Summit League Women's Golf Preseason Poll
Team (First-Place Votes) Points
1. Oral Roberts (7) 79
2. UMKC (3) 75
3. North Dakota State 59
4. IUPUI 57
5. Oakland 47
6. South Dakota State 40
7. Southern Utah 36
8. Western Illinois 29
9. IPFW 19
10. South Dakota 9
Fourteen-time defending league champion Oral Roberts was picked first with 79 points and seven first-place votes and UMKC was second with 75 points and three top votes ahead of the Bison with 59 points.
IUPUI was fourth (57, Oakland fifth (47), South Dakota State sixth (40), Southern Utah seventh (36), Western Illinois eighth (29), IPFW ninth (19) and South Dakota last (9).
North Dakota State is led by Amy Anderson, a junior from Oxbow, N.D., who leads The Summit League by more than three full strokes with a 72.82 average. Anderson was Summit League champion and tied for 12th at the NCAA championship last year.
The Bison are fifth in the league in team scoring with a 316.91 average. Oral Roberts leads the league at 308.25.
NDSU coach Matt Johnson, a teaching professional since 1995 and owner of The Sports Bubble in Fargo since 2004, is in his third season with the Bison. He coached the NDSU men's team from 2001 to 2004.
North Dakota State is scheduled to open the spring portion of its schedule Feb. 27-28 at the Texas A&M Corpus Christi Islander Classic. The Bison have four tournaments scheduled before the Summit League championship April 23-24 at the Primm Valley Golf Club in Primm, Nev.
2012 Summit League Women's Golf Preseason Poll
Team (First-Place Votes) Points
1. Oral Roberts (7) 79
2. UMKC (3) 75
3. North Dakota State 59
4. IUPUI 57
5. Oakland 47
6. South Dakota State 40
7. Southern Utah 36
8. Western Illinois 29
9. IPFW 19
10. South Dakota 9
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