Welcome to the December 17, 2020 Sports Feever column. I am starting to work on the world-famous A to Z list. If you have any ideas for the 2020 A to Z list, email them to me at chrisjfee@yahoo.com. Thank you and enjoy another feever column.
— — —
Governor Tim Walz announced sports wouldn’t be able to start until January 4. While most expected that would be the case, it was still tough to take, especially after the numbers had been dropping. It looks like teams could get a decent schedule in this year with games starting in mid-January. And hopefully, numbers continue to drop and most teams can play their games they have scheduled. If teams can get 14 to 16 games in before section playoffs, I think we would all consider it a success this year (and this year only!!).
Complete season details remain unclear, but under the governor’s order Wednesday, the Minnesota State High School League winter practices can start January 4, first games for most sports can begin January 14.
MSHSL bylaws mandate 10 days of practice (5 for Alpine and Nordic skiing, which could start competing on January 11). Under this timeframe, 70% percent of the winter season can be completed.
The MSHSL board has made it clear that they want winter state tournaments to happen.
Here is what the January 4 start date means according to MSHSL information that was released earlier.
Wrestling – Normally 15 weeks. This year the season will be 12 weeks
Basketball – Normally 18 weeks. This year the season will be 13 weeks
Hockey – Normally 17 weeks. This year the season will be 13 weeks
Dance – Normally 17 weeks. This year the season will be 10 weeks
— — —
We asked some Crookston and area coaches for their thoughts on the latest announcement. The responses are below –
Crookston Boys Hockey Coach Josh Hardy
I’m excited to get started on January 4th, would have loved to get on the ice next week but will be even more fired up to get going on the 4th. Looking forward to a quiet Christmas and more time to prep for the season to come!
Red Lake Falls Girls Basketball Coach Brian Remick
I pretty much figured that January 4th is when we would start. Hopefully, we can get through the holidays and be ready to start fresh with the new year. We will see what the MSHSL comes out with but our hope would be a 16-18 game season with section and state playoffs in the end. As always, we will stay tuned and stay flexible.
Thief River Falls Wrestling Coach Kenny Geiser
This is great news for our kids. They have been asked to carry the burden of this shutdown for 9 months. It is time they get some sense of normalcy. For their physical and more importantly their mental health. I am hopeful our governor will understand the science and data of this virus and allow our student-athletes to compete and have state tournaments. The biggest factor going forward will be a decision on spectators. And quite frankly, if we are putting our kids first- they can compete without spectators if need be. On another note, our surrounding states are already all competing, and North Dakota finished their fall state tournaments and did it safely. Lots of good news and data for our kids!
Fertile-Beltrami Boys Basketball Coach Neil Steffes
I was hoping we would be able to start practicing on December 21st so I’m a little disappointed. I think though we have to support the decision and understand that we still have a long ways to go when dealing with the pandemic and the safety of the kids is important. I think these kids need to get back on the court and hopefully, Minnesota will be ready to do this on the 4th. If we really want to see these kids back in sports it is up to all of us as adults and kids to do the right thing and make this happen.
Fosston-Bagley Wrestling Coach Pat Wolfe
As a coaching staff, we have been keeping our athletes in the loop on what is going on in the state. Naturally, our kids were disappointed with the original pause as they were geared up for the season. We have encouraged them to stay positive & to not let this affect them negatively. We tell our kids all the time to control the things they can control and this is one they can’t.
Hearing that we are starting on the 4th is exciting! I know the 11th & 18th of January were being thrown around a bit as start dates, so the 4th is good to hear. Athletics aside, the kids are just excited to get back around their friends & teammates and to socialize!
There are a lot of details yet to come on how practices will be run, when competition will get underway, etc. These details will get ironed out soon. We are just excited for the kids to get back on the mat & do the things they enjoy doing…..wrestle!
Crookston Girls Basketball Coach Darin Zimmerman
I am pleased for our athletes and excited to start on January 4th. Spending time with my family over the holiday and getting ready for the season starting after the break is a lot to be grateful for. Have a Merry Christmas!
Perham Boys Basketball Coach Dave Cresap
Ecstatic with the good news today! Kids can finally get back in the gym and start getting ready for another season. Yes, we would have liked to start the 21st, but at least now we know the date, how many possible games, and the idea of a possible state tourney. This is awesome news!!! Bring on January 4th.
— — —
The Minnesota State High School League sent out the following press release on Wednesday.
In alignment with Executive Order 20-103 announced today by Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the Minnesota State High School League will begin in-person practice for winter sports and activities on Monday, January 4, 2021.
Thirteen days ago, the League’s Board of Directors approved a flexible scheduling model, presented by the Return to Participation Task Force, which will adapt to the new Executive Order. The new mandate modifies and is an extension of Executive Order 20-99 that went into effect on Nov. 20 and was set to expire Dec. 18. The first date of competition under the new directive has not yet been determined.
Member schools have the option to begin in-person participation at a later date if it best aligns with their district’s COVID-19 response plan.
On January 4:
Gymnastics, Girls and Boys Basketball, Girls and Boys Hockey, Wrestling, Boys Swimming and Diving, Girls and Boys Nordic Skiing and Girls and Boys Alpine Skiing may begin in-person practice
The Dance season may resume in-person practice sessions
Adapted Floor Hockey may begin its training season
“While we recognize that our students, coaches and families are anxious to return to activities and athletics, the January 4, 2021, date aligns well with many member schools’ calendars as they return from extended breaks,” said League Executive Director Erich Martens. “This opportunity to participate in athletics and activities also comes with great responsibility. It is critical that all students, coaches, directors and officials maintain the highest standard of health and safety, both in and outside of school. Everyone must actively share the responsibility of reducing the spread of COVID-19 and keeping themselves and others safe and healthy.”
The Minnesota State High School League will continue to work with the Minnesota Department of Health and the League’s Sports Medicine Advisory Committee to review and update the Sports and Activities Guidance and Information that will further clarify, reinforce and implement the commitment to providing the safest environment for all involved.
“The League appreciates the hard work of Governor Walz and state departments in recognizing the significance and importance of these activities and athletics for our students,” Martens said. “Through participation in League activities and athletics, our students have enhanced physical and mental health and well-being. And, when they participate under the leadership and mentorship of League-trained and certified coaches and directors, implementing League provided protocols and guidance, they can enjoy the safest possible experiences.”
— — —
The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) is meeting Thursday and Friday and as of Wednesday, they were planning on having the basketball season starting January 2, 2021. But we have heard that several of the school presidents/chancellors were wanting to follow the Governor’s orders so we will know more after Thursday and Friday’s meetings.
The NSIC and UMC basketball teams have officially released their schedules with start times. The UMC schedules are below –
Minnesota Crookston Women’s Basketball Schedule
January 2 – at Concordia-St. Paul – 2 p.m.
January 3 – at Concordia-St. Paul – 2 p.m.
January 8 – at MSU Moorhead – 5:30 p.m.
January 9 – at MSU Moorhead – 3:30 p.m.
January 15 – Northern State – 5:30 p.m.
January 16 – Northern State – 1:30 p.m.
January 22 – at Minot State – 6 p.m.
January 23 – at Minot State – 2 p.m.
January 29 – UMary – 5:30 p.m.
January 30 – UMary – 1:30 p.m.
February 5 – Minnesota Duluth – 5:30 p.m.
February 6 – Minnesota Duluth – 1:30 p.m.
February 12 – at St. Cloud State – 6 p.m.
February 13 – at St. Cloud State – 4 p.m.
February 19 – Bemidji State – 5:30 p.m.
February 20 – Bemidji State – 1:30 p.m.
Minnesota Crookston Men’s Basketball Schedule
January 2 – Concordia-St. Paul – 1:30 p.m.
January 3 – Concordia-St. Paul – 1:30 p.m.
January 8 – MSU Moorhead – 5:30 p.m.
January 9 – MSU Moorhead – 1:30 p.m.
January 15 – at Northern State – 7 p.m.
January 16 – at Northern State – 4 p.m.
January 22 – Minot State – 5:30 p.m.
January 23 – Minot State – 1:30 p.m.
January 29 – at UMary – 6 p.m.
January 30 – at UMary – 6 p.m.
February 5 – at Minnesota Duluth – 7:30 p.m.
February 6 – at Minnesota Duluth – 5:30 p.m.
February 12 – St. Cloud State – 5:30 p.m. .
February 13 – St. Cloud State – 1:30 p.m.
February 19 – at Bemidji State – 6 p.m.
February 20 – at Bemidji State – 3:30 p.m.
— — —
Some area high school football players signed letters of intent to play Division 1 football this week.
Finn Diggins, of Perham, a 6’4 215-pound tight end is going to play at NDSU next year.
Trey Feeney, of Moorhead, a 6’3 195-pound quarterback and Minnesota Mr. Football finalist. He threw for 1,973 yards with 36 touchdowns and one interception as a senior. He threw for nearly 6,900 yards, 85 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions in his high school career! Feeney’s dad is the head football coach at Moorhead High School and former NDSU football player!
— — —
Alaska Men’s Hockey notified the WCHA on Friday afternoon that it will opt out of the 2020-21 hockey season, effective immediately.
The announcement on hockey was made in conjunction with a decision to suspend competition in men’s and women’s basketball at the school as well due to health and safety concerns.
Alaska is the 10th college hockey team to announce they won’t play this season. So 1/6th of the teams aren’t playing hockey this winter.
— — —
JOKES
Three guys died and when they got to the pearly gates, St. Peter met them there. St. Peter said, “I know that you guys are forgiven because you’re here. Before I let you into Heaven, I have to ask you something. You have to have a car in Heaven because Heaven is so big, what kind of car you get will depend on your answer.”
The first guy walks up and Peter asks him, “How long were you married?”
The first guy says, “24 years.”
“Did you ever cheat on your wife?”, Peter asked. The guy said, “Yeah, 7 times…but you said I was forgiven.”
Peter said, “yeah, but that’s not too good. Here’s a Pinto to drive.”
The second guy walks up and gets the same question from Peter.
The second guy said, “I was married for 41 years and cheated on her once, but that was our first year and we really worked it out good.”
Peter said, “I’m pleased to hear that, here’s a Lincoln.”
The third guy walked up and said, “Peter, I know what you’re going to ask. I was married for 63 years and didn’t even look at another woman! I treated my wife like a queen!”
Peter said, “That’s what I like to hear. Here’s a Jaguar!”
A few days later, the two guys with the Lincoln and the Pinto saw the guy with the Jaguar crying on the golden sidewalk. When they asked the guy with the Jaguar what was wrong, he said, “I just saw my wife, she was on a skateboard!”
— —
There was a blonde. She had never been horseback riding and decided to try, even though she had no prior experience. So the blonde gracefully mounted the horse. The horse started off at an easy gallop, the blonde thought she was doing quite well. When all of a sudden she began to slip! She tried to grasp the horse’s mane but it was too slick! So she decided to jump to safety….so she jumped, but her foot was caught in the stirrup! She was at the mercy of the horse’sW feet, and right before she was knocked unconscious…. the manager of Wal-Mart walked out and turned the horse off.
— —
Jose and Carlos are panhandlers that panhandle in different areas of town.
Carlos panhandles just as long as Jose but only collects $2-3 every day.
Jose brings home a suitcase FULL of $10 bills every day, drives a Mercedes, lives in a mortgage-free house and has a lot of money to spend.
One day, Carlos asked Jose: “I work just as long and hard as you do, but how do you bring home a suitcase full of $10 bills every day?”
“Look at your sign, what does it say?” replies Jose.
Carlos’ sign reads: “I have no work, a wife and six kids to support.”
Jose says: “no wonder you only get $2-3.”
‘Carlos says: “So what does your sign say then?”
Jose shows Carlos his sign – it reads: “I only need another $10 to move back to Mexico”
— — —
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
Aleece Durbin, is a Junior on the University of North Dakota Women’s Track and Field team.
Brady Butt is a freshman playing football at the University of Jamestown.
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.
Brita Fagerlund, is a Senior on the University of Jamestown Jimmy Women’s Track team.
Ben Trostad, is a Junior member of the University of Minnesota Crookston golf team.
Elise Tangquist, is a Senior golfer for the University of Northwestern in St. Paul.
Rachel Hefta, a Sophmore, is playing volleyball at Hastings College in Nebraska.
Cade Salentine is a redshirt-Sophomore playing football at the University of North Dakota.
Nick Garmen, is a sophomore playing tennis at the University of Minnesota Morris.
Caden Osborn, is a freshman playing basketball at the University of Minnesota Morris.
Thea Oman, a sophomore, is swimming at St. Ben’s.
Crookston School District Coaches –
Emily Meyer is a girls hockey and softball assistant coach.
Carrie Clauson is a Junior High girls tennis coach.
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
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
Tags:
