We had a jam-packed Sports Feever column with a lot of great comments, feedback, and info.
The first day of Fall sports (except football and volleyball) will be August 17!!!!!! I am happy for the kids to get out and be “normal” for a change!
We have received interesting news from three area activity directors and a few coaches as well. They are saying the MSHSL wanted to have football and volleyball in the fall, but the Minnesota Department of Health told them they would shut them down if they did. I haven’t reached out to the MSHSL or the MDH, but trust the people that mentioned it and they are pretty tuned in to what is going on. I don’t think it would shock anybody if it is true. But I don’t have confirmation from anybody, so it is just a rumor now.
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The Big 10 Conference and the PAC 12 have announced they are postponing fall sports and will try to play them in the spring.
The Big 10 presidents met for two days and know they are taking a huge monetary hit by doing this. The University of Minnesota Gopher Athletic Department estimates they will have a budget shortfall of 75 million dollars. Wisconsin Athletics is estimating a budget deficit of 100 million. Colleges will likely have to cut sports, including the U of Minnesota. It is definitely a troubling time.
With COVID numbers continuing to rise and the flu season coming around the corner, it could get ugly this fall – or so “they” say.
I want them to play football this fall because the Gophers should have a great season, and while I am disappointed, I completely understand the decision was made for the health and safety of the athletes, coaches, staff, and fans. If they would have played this fall, fans wouldn’t be able to attend the games and that is what MAKES college sports so special. The fans, the bands, the atmosphere are the reasons why I like college football better than the pros.
You have a large portion of NFL players opting to not play this year. You have big-name college football players not wanting to play this season (mainly future draft picks)
I am not going to go to much farther into it because getting mad about it is silly.
With that said, I received an email from the Vikings (Radio network) and they said they aren’t certain they will play all 16 regular-season games this year. So there you go. The NFL isn’t certain they will play all their games. Let that sink in. That just doesn’t happen, but it is happening this year so get used to it!
If you are mad seasons are getting postponed….get a life. Sports are completely meaningless in the grand scheme of things, but losing a son or daughter, or a loved one because they competed in a fall sport would be the worst possible outcome. Playing football or volleyball in the spring, possibly in front of full stadiums would be awesome!!!
Look at how each coach handles having the fall sports moved to the spring. If they are telling kids they are getting screwed and not accepting the postponement….that ISN’T a coach you want your kid playing for (or an idiot Millenial who hasn’t been told no or life isn’t fair). You want a coach that says we are going to practice this fall, work hard and be ready to play in the spring. That is a coach you want your kid to play for!
Here are some interesting facts/information.
- Over 80% of the NCAA revenue comes from March Madness.
- The Big Ten’s current TV deals with ESPN/Fox Sports amount to $2.6 billion over six years. It’s unclear what insurance protection they have, but individual schools could lose $54M each
- Alabama turned a profit in only 2 sports in 2019: Football – $25.5M and Men’s Basketball – $62k
Biggest losers – Mens Baseball – $3 Million, Womens Basketball – $2.8M.
Alabama athletics made about $3 Million total.
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The Minnesota American Legion Baseball Board of Directors met August 6 with the main topic of discussion of starting a fall baseball league for this fall only. Nothing was decided at the meeting. But, the Legion Baseball representatives in each town should have received a survey via email Friday to gauge interest.
Crookston received the email and filled out the survey saying they would be interested and they had 13 players say they would play in about 30 seconds after receiving the group text.
It will be interesting to see what they decide. We will let you know as soon as we know!
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Last week I had some football coaches and a Crookston Pirate volleyball coach Ashley Stopa‘s comments on moving the season to the early spring. I have another area volleyball coach responding with Red Lake Falls’ Nicole Gullingsrud. Her comments are below –
I am happy that we get to have a season and a chance to play! This is another life lesson…things may not always go the way we want them to, but our attitude and how we choose to react makes all the difference! We have a choice every day to be positive and make the best of every situation! We as coaches and adults need to remember that we are role models for the kids! Whether we agree or disagree with decisions made, we need to remember to be RESPECTFUL and KIND to others at all times!
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We finally know what Minnesota State High School League Fall sports will look like.
The Minnesota State High School League has released information on the fall sports season. All the information is below –
Boys and Girls Soccer –
Start date – August 17
First competition date – August 27
Last date of regular-season competition – October 10
End date – October 24
Total weeks including postseason – 10
Maximum number of contests – 11
Maximum number of contests per week – 2
Opponents – Conference, Section, local teams only
Girls Tennis –
Start date – August 17
First competition date – August 24
Last date of regular-season competition – October 3
End date – October 17
Total weeks including postseason – 9
Maximum number of contests – 11
Maximum number of contests per week – 2
Dual meets only (No invites or tournaments)
Opponents – Conference, Section, local teams only
Girls Swim and Dive –
Start date – August 17
First competition date – August 27
Last date of regular-season competition – October 17
End date – October 31
Total weeks including postseason – 11
Maximum number of contests – 11
Maximum number of contests per week – 2
Dual meets only (No invites or True team)
Opponents – Conference, Section, local teams only
Boys and Girls Cross Country –
Start date – August 17
First competition date – August 27
Last date of regular-season competition – October 10
End date – October 24
Total weeks including postseason – 10
Maximum number of contests – 7
Maximum number of contests per week – 2
Dual or Tri meets only (No invites)
Opponents – Conference, Section, local teams only
–All aspects of athletics including meetings, practices, competition, transportation, and facility usage must align with the requirements of the Minnesota Department of Education plan for return to learning. Must follow the requirements from the Minnesota Department of Health’s Guidance on Youth Sports, and must include the required actions identified in the Governor’s Executive orders.
–The first week of practice should focus on implementing effective protocols and routines for pre-participation screenings, effective social distancing, compliance with all health recommendations, establishment of pod limits of 25 or less, and additional actions that mitigate the spread of disease and enhance safety of students and coaches.
–Athletic programs must follow the identified protocols for students or coaches who have tested positive, are experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19 diagnosis, or have had exposure to an individual who has been diagnosed with COVID-19.
–For schools that are required by localized metrics to be in a distance learning mode, practices are limited to virtual contact only.
-Interscholastic scrimmages will not be allowed.
-Competitions with opponents from bordering states are allowed when less than 50 miles one way and when determined as local. Competitions of greater distances may be approved by the MSHSL with supporting rationale. Any out of state competition must follow MSHSL guidelines for competition types.
–No captain’s practices should be held.
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The MSHSL Board of Directors has approved the creation of optional Fall Training Seasons for volleyball, football, and MSHSL sanctioned spring sports*. These Fall Training Seasons are MSHSL sponsored programs. All MSHSL member schools have the authority to provide the entire Training Season, offer a reduced Training Season, or choose not to offer a Training Season.
Volleyball and Football Fall Training Seasons:
• Start Date—September 14
• End Date—October 3
• Maximum Number of daily sessions per sport — 12
Spring Sport Fall Training Seasons*
• Start Date—October 5
• End Date—October 24
• Maximum Number of daily sessions per sport — 12
Each sport will have the opportunity to have an organizational meeting and distribute equipment on a date to be selected prior to their Fall Training Season.
Each sport-specific Fall Training Season provides the opportunity for high school coaches to connect with student-athletes and provide sport-specific training and instruction.
• Students who participate in the Fall Training Seasons must meet all MSHSL and school eligibility requirements for participation.
• Coaches who participate in the Fall Training Seasons must meet MSHSL requirements and be certified by the school athletic administrator.
o Required this fall: Concussion CER.
o Required prior to competitive season: Online General Rules Meeting and Sport-specific online rules meeting.
• At the discretion of school administration, students may participate simultaneously in Approved Fall Sports and Fall Training Seasons.
The following activities or events are not allowed during the Fall Training Seasons:
• Tryouts
• Scrimmages—defined as any sport-specific training, instruction or interaction that involves members of your high school program with individuals or students who are not members of your high school program and who are not students at your school.
• Jamborees
• Competitions
• Captain’s Practices
All MSHSL rules, policies and bylaws are applicable with the following exception:
Students may participate in an MSHSL Fall Training Season and also participate on a non-school team in that same sport. (Board Exception to MSHSL Bylaw 208)
Fall Training Season interpretations:
Fall Training Seasons are an approved extension of the MSHSL approved interscholastic season for each sport.
• Fall Training Seasons are considered “in season.” Coaches within the approved interscholastic season may coach their
student-athletes within the Fall Training Season. (Interpretation of MSHSL Bylaw 208)
• MSHSL Coaches may not coach a non-school team during the Fall Approved Training Season.
Additional guidance for Fall Training Seasons:
-All aspects must align with the requirements of the Minnesota Department of Education plan for return to learning, must follow the requirements from the Minnesota Department of Health’s Guidance on Youth Sports, and must include the required actions identified in the Governor’s Executive Orders.
-The first week of practice should focus on implementing effective protocols and routines for pre-participation screenings, effective social distancing, compliance with all health recommendations, the establishment of pod limits of 25 or less, and additional actions that mitigate the spread of disease and enhance the safety of students and coaches.
-Athletic programs must follow the identified protocols for students or coaches who have tested positive, are experiencing symptoms consistent with a COVID-19 diagnosis or have had exposure to an individual who has been diagnosed with COVID-19.
-For schools that are required by localized metrics to be in a distance learning mode, practices are limited to virtual contact only.
-MSHSL Spring Sports include Girls Badminton, Baseball, Boys and Girls Golf, Boys and Girls Lacrosse, Girls Softball, Synchronized Swimming, Boys Tennis, and Boys and Girls Track and Field.
-Adapted sports offered in the fall and spring seasons will be reviewed with recommendations from the Minnesota Adapted Athletic Association and seasons will be determined soon.
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Former University of Minnesota Crookston men’s basketball player Javier Nicolau (Castellon, Spain) has signed a contract to play for C.B. Benicarlo of LEB Silver, the third basketball division of the Spanish basketball league system.
Nicolau played three seasons at UMC. He scored 405 points, grabbed 302 rebounds, and recorded 99 blocks.
He started 27 games as a senior for the Golden Eagles, averaging 7 points and 4 rebounds per game.
C.B. Benicarlo is located in Benicarlo, Spain, a part of the Valencian Community, located on the Mediterranean Coast. They went 7-18 during the 2019-20 season. The squad plays their home games at Poliesportiu Municipal. The squad moved up from the fourth division of Spanish basketball, Liga EBA, after posting a 15-11 mark and finishing second during the 2018-19 slate. They are coached by Jordi Adell.
Nicolau came to the Golden Eagles prior to the 2017-18 season, after playing two seasons at UCAM Murcia in Murcia, Spain, where he averaged 7.7 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. Benicarlo, Spain, is located just 50 miles from his hometown of Castellon, Spain.
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JOKES
A young boy had just gotten his driver’s permit and inquired of his father, an evangelist, if they could discuss his use of the car. His father took him into his study and said to the boy, “I’ll make a deal with you, son. You bring your grades up from a C to a B, study your Bible a little, get your hair cut, then we’ll talk about the car.”
Well, the boy thought about that for a moment, and decided that he’d settle for the offer, and they agreed on it.
After about six weeks, the boy came back and again asked his father about using the car. Again, they went to the study, where his father said, “Son, I’ve been real proud of you. You’ve brought your grades up, and I’ve observed that you have been studying your Bible, and participating a lot m!ore in the Bible study class on Sunday morning. But, I’m real disappointed, since you haven’t gotten your hair cut.”
The young man paused a moment, and then said, “You know, Dad, I’ve been thinking about that, and I’ve noticed in my studies of the Bible that Samson had long hair, John the Baptist had long hair, Moses had long hair and there’s even a strong argument that Jesus had long hair.”
His father replied, “You’re right, son. Did you also notice that they all walked everywhere they went?”
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When the hockey season was suspended our Zamboni driver went missing. We weren’t worried as we knew he would resurface.
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A lady went into a bar in Waco and saw a cowboy with his feet propped up on a table. He had the biggest boots she’d ever seen.
The woman asked the cowboy if it’s true what they say about men with big feet are well endowed.
The cowboy grinned and said, “Shore is, little lady.Why don’t you come on out to the bunkhouse and let me prove it to you?”
The woman wanted to find out for herself, so she spent the night with him.
The next morning she handed him a $100 bill.
Blushing, he said, “Well, thankee, ma’am. Ah’m real flattered. Ain’t nobody ever paid me fer mah services before.”
“Don’t be flattered. Take the money and buy yourself some boots that fit.”
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How are former Crookston Pirates athletes doing in college or elsewhere?
****LET ME KNOW OF OTHERS TO ADD TO THE LIST email me at chrisjfee@yahoo.com
Paul Bittner is playing for the Cleveland Monsters, the AHL affiliate of the Columbus Bluejacket.
Brady Heppner, is playing hockey for the Roanoke Raildogs in the SPHL.
Aleece Durbin, is a Sophomore on the University of North Dakota Women’s Track and Field team.
Brita Fagerlund, is a Junior on the University of Jamestown Jimmy Women’s Track team.
Ben Trostad is a sophomore member of the University of Minnesota Crookston golf team.
Isaac Westlake, is a Senior on the Winona State Warrior Men’s Golf team.
Elise Tangquist, is a Junior golfer for the University of Northwestern in St. Paul.
Mason LaPlante, a freshman, is playing soccer at the University of Jamestown.
Rachel Hefta, a freshman, is playing volleyball at Hastings College in Nebraska.
Cade Salentine is a redshirt Freshman playing football at the University of North Dakota.
Nick Garmen, is a freshman playing basketball and tennis at the University of Minnesota Morris.
Thea Oman, a freshman, is swimming at St. Ben’s.
Crookston School District Coaches –
Jeremy Lubinski is a Pirate 8th Grade Football coach.
Amy Boll is the head Pirate Girls Track head coach and assistant volleyball coach
Sarah Reese is the Pirate Head Girls Soccer coach
Cody Brekken is the Head Pirate Girls and Boys Tennis coach and Crookston Community Pool Supervisor
Marley Melbye is the Head Girls Swimming coach
Mitch Bakken is the head Pirate Baseball coach.
Brock Hanson is the Pirate Baseball volunteer assistant coach.
Jeff Perreault is the Pirate Girls Golf head coach
Wes Hanson is the Pirate Wrestling Head Coach and assistant boys golf coach
Kevin Weber is a Pirate Boys Basketball volunteer assistant coach
Connor Morgan is the Pirate Boys Hockey assistant coach
Sam Melbye is the Pirate Boys J.V. Hockey coach
Chris Dufault is a youth wrestling Coach
Blake Fee is an assistant wrestling coach
Colton Weiland is an assistant wrestling coach
Non-Crookston High School coaching –
Cody Weiland is an assistant wrestling coach at Proctor/Hermantown
Kaylee Desrosier is a softball coach for Fargo Davies Middle School.
Justin Johnson is an assistant softball coach at the University of Minnesota Crookston.
Josh Edlund is an assistant football coach and phy ed teacher at Flandreau, South Dakota.
Allison Lindsey Axness is Assistant Varsity Volleyball Coach in Champlin Park
Jeff Olson is Head Wrestling coach and Head Baseball coach at Delano.
Jake Olson is an Assistant Football Coach and Head Boys Tennis coach at Delano.
Carmen (Kreibich) Johnson, is Head Volleyball coach at Little Falls High School.
Katy Westrom, is Head Girls Tennis Coach and Head Boys Tennis coach at Monticello High School.
Matt Harris, is a Director of Athletics at the British International School of Houston.
Marty Bratrud is the Superintendent and High School Principal at Westhope High School.
Gordie Haug is an assistant football coach at the University of Wyoming
Mike Hastings is the Minnesota State Mankato Men’s head Hockey coach
Mike Biermaier is the Athletic Director at Thief River Falls High School
Stephanie (Lindsay) Perreault works with the North Dakota State stats crew for Bison football and volleyball and basketball in the winter. Stephanie’s husband, Ryan, is the assistant director for the Bison media relations
Jason Bushie is the hockey athletic trainer at Colorado College
Chris Myrold is a Tennis Pro on Nevis Island in the West Indies
Kyle Buchmeier is a Tennis Pro at the Reed-Sweatt Family Tennis Center in Minneapolis
Jarrett Butenhoff is serving our country with the U.S. Navy
Joshua Butenhoff is serving our country on a Submarine with the Pacific Fleet with the US Navy.
Peter Cournia is a 2002 Crookston High School Graduate and also a grad of West Point and is currently is serving in the U.S. Army.
Erik Ellingson is serving our country with the U.S. Air Force at Minot.
Philip Kujawa class of 2004 from Crookston High School. He is an Army recruiter in Rochester.
Scott Riopelle is head of Crookston Parks and Recreation
Rob Sobolik is the General Manager of the Fargodome
That’s it for this week. Thanks for the comments and if you have anything to add or share, please e-mail chrisjfee@yahoo.com or call. Thanks for reading and listening to KROX RADIO and kroxam.com
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