Atkins Makes Olympic Field

Derrick Atkins, one of - if not the - greatest runners from my alma matter (Dickinson State), made the Olympics.

Click here if you want to see how he did it.

McQuade Results

Want to know how the McQuade tournaments went? I highly suggest clicking here and reading this roundup from the Bismarck Tribune.

Probably the Biggest Comeback in Recent Memory

When I think of memorable comebacks, New Rockford-Sheyenne ralling to beat Bottineau for the state Class B boys' basketball championship immediately comes to mind. I might have to make a little room for another comeback, though.

Hatton's American Legion baseball team trailed 21-2 on the road after just three innings, but rallied for a win against Hillsboro-Central Valley. To me that is fairly rediculous. I am not alone.

The Herald's Greg DeVillers wrote up a story on the game talking with coaches and KMAV's Dan Keating, who was covering the game. Basically all agreed it was pretty unbelievable.

To get the full rundown on DeVillers' story, click here.

More Good From Schlossman

When it comes to a good Monday pick-me-up, I didn't have to go much further than the Herald's Brad Schlossman.

Schlossman brought all kinds of good stuff talking to and about former UND runner Arjan Gelling. I had no idea who Gelling was, but I was really pumped for him, not only with running, but with him going through his battle with cancer.

Click here to give it a read.

Question and Answer: Weston Dressler

KO - Today we are talking a little shop with former Bismarck Demon and University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux standout Weston Dressler, who is currently in the Canadian Football Leagues' Saskatchewan Roughriders. I certainly appreciate the time Weston, but let's not waste any time talking about me. Let's talk about you.

1. How exciting has the last couple of weeks been with preparing for your first pro preseason game?

WD – The last couple of weeks have been exciting. I’ve learned a lot about the CFL game and I’m just trying to continue learning and improving every day.

2. KO - Talk a little bit about that first game. What was it like going into that kind of atmosphere? Obviously you know how to play the game, but did everything feel brand new?

WD – The first game was very fun. The fans here are amazing and they make the games fun for the players and fans.

3. KO - You didn't record a reception in your first game, but I'm guessing that first experience isn't about stats. Was it more a process of seeing how well you made reads and how quickly you were able adapt to the situations presented? How crazy was it settling under a punt for the first time, getting ready to return it?

WD – I learned a lot from the two pre-season games. The game is different from what I’m used to and those games helped me become more accustomed to it. I’m starting to feel more comfortable on the field now and I just need to focus on continuing to learn the game.

4. KO - Do you have anything in store for the next time you meet up with British Columbia? Don't you guys open the regular season against them?

WD – We actually play Edmonton in our first regular season game this weekend. We play B.C. in week 2. Each week of preparation is a little different studying player and team tendencies.

5. KO - Do you have any pregame rituals that seem to stand out as quirky or a little superstitious?

WD – Nothing out of the ordinary. I usually listen to some music to help keep me relaxed and not get overly excited before the game.

6. KO - Entering a program like Saskatchewan, a team that won the Grey Cup last season and has made the playoffs six years straight, is there quite a bit of pressure to step in and do well? How do you handle that pressure?

WD – Winning the Grey Cup last year the Riders have a pretty good team. This has helped me coming in as I get to play with and learn from some the best players in the league. I’ve always had high expectations for myself and the teams I have played on so the outside pressures don’t bother me too much.

7. KO - What do you see as your role on the team and what do you want your role to be on the team? What kind of work are you putting in to accomplish that?

WD – As an incoming rookie its hard to tell exactly what my role on the team will be. I just want to do anything I can to help the team win. Every week I need to be as prepared as I can both physically and mentally to do that.

8. KO - Any older players that have taken you under their wing? I would think all of a sudden being a rookie after gaining a bit of celebrity status while at Bismarck and while at UND would have to be strange getting used to. Any interesting rookie hazing stories?

WD – The veteran players have been real helpful. They understand what it takes to win and on the field they do whatever they can to help the rookies understand the game better. The rookie hazing comes after practice and in meetings. We won’t get into that now, but so far it hasn’t been bad.

9. KO - What does one for for fun outside of football in Saskatchewan?

WD – Honestly during training camp there isn’t much time outside of football and when we do get some free time its spent resting. Now that the season is starting we will have more time. I’ve checked a few golf courses in town and I’m hoping to get out on the links one of these days.

10. KO - Any advice for any high school or college football players that have the dream of playing professional ball?

WD – I have always been a believer in goal setting. Set goals for yourself that you can evaluate on a daily basis. Set short-term goals to help you achieve your long-term goals. Always continue to evaluate your goals. Sometimes they need to be changed, set them higher or sometimes lower from your initial expectations. Most importantly work as hard as you possibly can in everything you do. Get in the habit of always working hard.

KO - Fantasic stuff, and that about wraps it up. Again man, I sure do appreciate the time. Best of luck wherever your adventures take you and take care. Anything else you'd like to add?

WD - I would like to say thank you to everyone in Bismarck, Grand Forks and North Dakota. The support and blessings I have received is truly remarkable and it makes it fun and enjoyable for me. Thank you.

Note: You can keep up with Dressler all season by going to to the Saskatchewan Roughriders website. Click here for a link to Riderville.com.

Minot's Olympic Hopefulls

I caught a bit of the Olympic trials on the Tele over the weekend, and much to my surprise, we have a couple of Olympic hopefulls right here in North Dakota.

Minot's Matt Lowe and Dagny Knutson will both be in the running (technically swimming) for a berth in the Olympics next week.

I have no idea what their odds of making the squad are, or what the swimming situation is this year - guess I'll have to catch it on TV and figure it out with the rest of America.

Chris Bieri, who is hopefully not regretting picking up too many Brewers inhis fantasy baseball draft, from the Minot Daily News handles the story here.

Fargo South to Field 2 Teams

Come the fall of 2010 Fargo South will field a pair of varsity teams in preparation for the opening of Davies High School which is slated to open its sports schedule in 2011.

It creates a bit of an interesting situation coming up for South, as I'm not exactly sure how the teams will be determined or things of that nature. Still, it is going to give kids more of a chance to play sports at the high school level and that is never a bad thing.

One issue created out of this is a possible ramification in which Davies (and/or South I suppose?) may not have the enrollment to warrant playing at the AAA level and may be moved to AA. Couple this with a request to move more sports to three or four divisions, and suddenly that is a whole big ball of wax that I thought was just voted down. Regardless, it appears as though more classes are still being debated.

Big E, Eric Peterson, is on the horn - you know the drill. Click here.

Joe Mays Gets Paid

There is nothing like picking up six figures to play a game, just ask former NDSU linebacker and current Philadelphia Eagle Joe Mays.

Mays signed his first pro contract that might be worth somewhere in the neighborhood of $2.6 million over four years. Tremendous.

Great stuff from Mays, too. In Jeff Kolpack's story in the Forum, Mays was quoted as saying, "It was like signing the Declaration of Independence or something like that." Mays, who graduated from SU in the spring, is still my favorite player to come out of the Bison football program in case you were wondering.

Good stuff from Kolpack throughout. Click here to open the gateway.

Optimist All-Stars Tip Off

The summer all-star games always seem to sneak up on me. I think it is that I get lulled into a false sense of security once all the sports wrap up at the end of May and beginning of June. And then all of a sudden, here is another round of things coming down the pipe when I'm dreaming about summer vacations and stuff.

East and West duke it out for bragging rights and the final chance for many to compete in the sport while for others it is a final time to play in high school.

The Forum's Tom Mix put together a preview taking a look at the Fargo kids that are playing and the roster of both squads is also included. Click here to read it.

NDAPSSA Award Kick Off

So here you have it, the highest award handed out by the North Dakota Sportscasters and Sportswriters Assocaition - the Special Achievement award.

This year it goes to a pair from Minot and one person from Bismarck.

The awards go to Minot High's Gene Manson and Ken Disher, along with the University of Mary's Al Bortke.

There is not enough room on the Interweb to list all of their achievements and plusses they brought to North Dakota athletics, so instead I'm going to turn it over to the MDN's Michael Linnell. Click here to read his story.

6 UND Players Taken in NHL Draft

This will be short and sweet because basically when there is someone out there who does something better, you can either try and beat them when you know you can't, or you can direct people to the real deal.

Ladies and gents, here is the real deal's blog. You might otherwise know him as the Grand Forks Herald's Brad Schlossman.

On a Hot Day, Nothing is Better Than a Kolpack

Jeff Kolpack has one of the most busy, most fun jobs in the state - covering NDSU athletics. Still, even though he is pumping countless inches every day/week/month/etc., Kolpack continues to produce fine copy.

Case in point: Kolpack put together a tremendous feature on Bison Football over the weekend, taking a look at the work players put in each summer and how they make some coin to afford luxeries in life like a roof over the head and enough food to fuel a football-player body.

Kind of funny actually...how much work goes into those 60 minutes a week in the fall, barring overtime of course.

Anyway, catching up on some weekend stuff here, but I promise you - if you have not read it yet, it is well worth 5 minutes of your time. Click here.

Montana Crushes ND in Badlands Bowl

Well...

Not a whole lot seemed to go right for North Dakota as they found themselves on the short end of a 54-14 game to Montana at the Badlands Bowl.

The backbreaker was a pair of picks that were taken back for points in the second quarter, moving a 14-0 Montana lead to 27-0.

From the comment left from Mr. Chris Aarhus, Montana had a pair of D-I offensive linemen that were pretty dominant.

Tyler Steffan had a solid game with three catches totaling 94 yards, the bulk of which came on a 50-yard scoring grab. But as far as highlights go, that would be about it as North Dakota's only other score came via a Michael McAtee three-yard plunge.

Montana's Beau Donaldson was named the game's MVP, rushing for 94 yards on 16 carries.

So that means no two-game winning streak for North Dakota as Montana has now won 11 of the first 15 games played.

To recap the damage, click here.

Leever's Classic Tournament Pairings

2008 Leever's Classic

June 26-29
at Charlie Brown Field, Valley City

Pool A

Valley City, Dickinson B, Kindred, Washburn

Pool B

Groton (SD), Oakes, Fargo B, Langdon

Thursday, June 26

Game 1 - Oakes vs. Fargo, 9 a.m.
Game 2 - Kindred vs. Washburn, 11 a.m.
Game 3 - Fargo vs. Langdon, 1 p.m.
Game 4 - Valley City vs. Kindred, 3:30 p.m.
Game 5 - Groton vs. Oakes, 5:30 p.m.
Game 6 - Valley City vs. Dickinson, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, June 27

Game 7 - Oakes vs. Langdon, 9 a.m.
Game 8 - Dickinson vs. Washburn, 11 a.m.
Game 9 - Langdon vs. Groton, 1 p.m.
Game 10 - Dickinson vs. Kindred, 3:30 p.m.
Game 11 - Fargo vs. Groton, 5:30 p.m.
Game 12 - Valley City vs. Washburn, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, June 28

Game 13 - Pool A4 vs. Pool B3, 10 a.m.
Game 14 - Pool A3 vs. Pool B4, Noon
Game 15 - Pool A2 vs. Pool B1, 2:30 p.m.
Game 16 - Pool A1 vs. Pool B2, 4:30 p.m.

Sunday, June 29

Game 17 - Game 13 Loser vs. Game 14 Loser, 10 a.m.
Game 18 - Game 13 Winner vs. Game 15 Winner, Noon
Game 19 - Game 15 Loser vs. Game 16 Loser, 2:30 p.m.
Game 20 - Game 15 Winner vs. Game 16 Winner, 4:30 p.m.

Question: Where's the Beef? Answer: North Dakota

North Dakota has a bit of a size advantage on the offensive line when it faces Montana at the Badlands Bowl.

According to the story by Chris Aarhus, six of the Prairie Rose state's 10 hogs (offensive linemen) tip the scales at 270 pounds or heavier. Yeah...love the girth. When it comes to pushing the ball down someone's throat, there is nothing better than leaning on a defense with a couple of beefy boys.

Nice selection Aarhus, saving a story about the linemen for the final preview. I likey.

Click here for the story.

UND Tabs Dodson as Diamond Coach

UND has named Jeff Dodson the school's new baseball coach.

Dodson has been coaching in Missouri the last few years, and I'm going to go out on a limb that he'll be faced with a few different challenges up north than he was down south (namely snow on the ground in April). Still, with UND making the move to Division I, it more or less makes for a pretty attractive position.

I don't know much about UND's baseball program, so I'll turn you over to the Herald's Wayne Nelson now - click here.

KVRR Gets New Sports Director

KVRR's new head sports guy is Greg Enkers who had been their weekend sports guy. I'm going to go out on a limb and say they are likely going to have to sign a new weekend sports guy now.

Click here for a two-sentence wrapup.

Sun's Scotty T on Jimmy K

When it comes to living the football dream in North Dakota, I always turn to Jimmy Kleinsasser. I first saw Ol Clank Clank from the sidelines my freshman year in high school when Carrington came up to Mayville to play under the Friday night lights.

That game was pretty amazing, going down to the wire when Patriot fullback Dan Swift was stopped just short of the goal line as time expired, denied the game-winning score on a leap toward the end zone. Crazy game.

Kleinsasser then went up to UND and as I lived in Ross Amlie's old house, basically I grew up a Fighting Sioux fan. At the end of my freshman year in college Kleinsasser was drafted by the Vikings (it didn't take the sting out of the playoff loss from that season, but it game me hope for the future) and the rest has been history.

Jimmy K has never been the receiving threat I thought he would be, but he has far exceeded what I thought he would be as a blocking tight end. He is a mammoth man and I can't imagine lining up against him.

With that, I indirectly present to you dear reader, Jim Kleinsasser - one of three to be inducted this year into the North Dakota Sports Hall of Fame. Scott Throlson, Jamestown Sun sports editor extraordinaire, delivers a solid read on the hometown man-child. Click here to read it.

Sun's Story on Dick Karlgaard

Dick Karlgaard had quite a ride as one of the athletic leaders in North Dakota athletics.

Karlgaard began his role as Bismarck Athletic Director in 1963, holding the position until 1990. You can imagine the changes he saw in the course of his job.

One amazing stat: He managed 81 state tournaments and 54 regional tournaments, while also serving as the NDHSCA's first executive secretary. He has previously been inducted into the National High School Coaches Hall of Fame, the North Dakota High School Coaches hall of Fame, the Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame and the Bismarck State College Hall of Fame. Wow.

To read up on what sets Karlgaard apart from the rest of the pack, click here.

Pronk Needs to Keep With It

Sounds like Pronk's second opinion on his ailing shoulder was quite a bit like the first one.

The doc said he probably wouldn't need surgery, but should get his shoulder examined again in 7-10 days.

Click here to read the AP story.

Zach Wentz named ND starting QB

Chris Aarhus takes over for the third day of Badlands Bowl previews for the Dickinson Press, reporting that Century grad Zach Wentz will, in all likelyhood, be named the starting quarterback for Team North Dakota.

I am shocked. That is sarcasm.

Wentz was, in my opinion, the state's finest senior signal-caller last season, and if it is a wide-open offensive game, he is a solid choice to direct a team. Heading to NDSU in the fall, Wentz is legit on talent and last season made the Patriots a very dangerous offensive team.

To check out the Aarhus submission, give right here a click.

Tribune Feature on Bryan Sandy

When it comes to impact players, Harvey grad Bryan Sandy has lived up to the term.

Sandy, who comes from a successful family tree that includes football players and coaches, is at the Badlands Bowl this week, the first of two All-Star games he'll play in. In the fall he will head to Bismarck to play ball for U-Mary, and should be a nice asset for their squad.

As a senior Sandy was selected to his second straight All-State first team, helping lead the Hornets to a state title. As Harvey's primary receiving threat he tallied 37 catches for 664 yards (18 YPC) and 11 touchdowns. He's a player.

Mike Weber's got a solid story about Sandy, his family and his future, that is well worth a read. Click here to execute the commands that allow you to read it.

Champagne Heading Up Thompson Legion Team

Thompson has a new coach, but someone who is a familiar face to the ballpark.

Craig Champagne, who coached and umped baseball for quite a few years took over skipper duties as John Dolleslager is working on his master's degree and wasn't able to coach this year.

Thompson has had a pretty successful run at the game of baseball, and there should be some toys for Champagne to play with this season.

Click here to give the story from Greg DeVillers a read.

Selvig on Dewey King

I haven't ever heard of Dewey King. I wouldn't know him from anyone else going by my house when I am mowing the yard.

So when I started reading the Sun's story on Dewey King, who will be inducted into the ND Sports Hall of Fame on Saturday, basically it was like I was entering a brand new world.

King played in Cando and went on to UND. Then he started coaching. He was on the staff of Michigan State when the Spartans won the 1952 national championship and went on to coach on the east coast with stops at the University of Pennsyvania, Rutgers before heading west to San Jose State before setting in at Weaton, Ill.

It has been a great road for King, and he sure appears to be very deserving of HOF status.

Good stuff from Selvig here, stuff that shouldn't be missed. Click here to give it a read.

A new campaign

As of today, I'm starting a campaign.

In this PC world, it is about time we get some PC that the populus can get behind.

With that, I introduce my new campaign, a PC rally cry I'm sure you you can relate to: Play Coste.

Playing primarily as a backup this season, Coste has seen his average dip under .300 over the course of four days. Let that sink in a minute. As a catcher, one of the hardest positions in all of professional sports to play, Chris Coste is hitting at an All-Star clip.

Coste has played in just 40 games this season, but has 37 hits in 120 at bats (.308) with 6 home runs and 17 at bats. With an on-base percentage of .366 and a slugging percentage of .533, his OPS is sitting right at .900. Very very good.

In the last 10 games he has 6 hits in 32 at bats, which isn't exactly off the charts and has watched his batting average fall from .341 to its current possition. It also appeared as though he started eight of nine straight games, a significantly heavy load.

If he was given a little more consistent playing schedule, Coste has proven he can hit at the major-league level. Against lefties this season he is hitting at a .344 clip, and is hitting .333 at home this season.

He has proven he can play. Now all he needs is a consistent schedule. If there is a GM in the majors that needs a batterymate that can rake on a day-in, day-out level with a break every fourth or fifth day (which is doesn't seem too out of the ordinary to me), trade for Coste. If you are a GM in the American League, plug him in as a DH and let him bat second. He'll get on base, he'll move guys along. He is the piece to the puzzle you need.

Quick Check on Ersty's Game Played This Season

So, prior to Wednesday's game, Jamestown native Darin Erstad has played in a total of 69 games this season.

He versatile Houston Astros player has pinch hit 32 times and was a pinch runner once this season. He has also logged 7 games at first, 18 games in left, 7 games in center and four games in right.

He has yet to commit an error this season, in 157 innings in the field. He has 36 put outs at first base and 33 put outs in the outfield. He is a plus defensively, I tell ya.

Offensively, he's still holding his own, hitting .316 with a .830 OPS to go with 2 home runs and 14 RBIs.

Monke's Badlands Bowl Coverage - Day 2

For the second day of previews on the Badlands Bowl, the Dickinson Press' Dustin Monke went into the trenches, where three future Dickinson State lineman are going to be playing side-by-side.

It has always intrigued me about how good offensive lines aren't always the sum of their parts. You can take two average lineman skill-wise, but if they communicate well and can compliment each other, suddenly you have a very strong side of a line.

As a fan of DSU coach Hank Biesiot, who definitely knows how to coach up an offensive line, Blue Hawk fans that get a first-glimpse at these players should really be getting excited. Add in that the three are going to be that much ahead of the curve when fall camps open in August...it is a good thing.

To check out Monke's preview, give this link a click.

Hotzler Examines State of Women's Golf

The Forum's Heath Hotzler put the magnifying glass on the state of women's golf in the area. It is interesting in that it reflects a trend that seems to be happening in all avenues of sports.

All in all, I don't know what to offer as a way to turn around participation in athletics. The world, it is a-changin' that is for certain. And basically, if I've learned anything, this too shall pass. Other than that, nothing is certain. Act accordingly.

If you want a pretty interesting read, give Hotzler's story a try.

Philly Signs Mays

NDSU football fans, the day is here. Joe Mays has signed with an NFL team.

Mays signed a four-year deal with Philadelphia, so without further ado...LET THE PAIN BEGIN. I can't wait for Mays to get his chance. He was by far my favorite player to watch for SU, and I normally gravitate to the offensive side of the ball.

I think what impressed me about Mays was even though he didn't make every play, he was always around the ball and always in position to pick up a loose ball if he wasn't the one putting a hat on the ball carrier.

The Sun put together a shorty on the signing, which gives a few of Mays' career highlights with the Bison. Click here for a read.

Pronk's Return Nixed

Travis Hafner's return has been put off, and the Cleveland Indians' slugger now has a date with a surgeon in Alabama. This is definitely not a good development for the Sykeston, ND, native.

Apparently surgery is an 'unlikely' option, according to an MLB story, but the surgeon will evaluate what needs to be done next to speed up Hafner's recovery.

He has been on the 15-day disabled list since May 30 and had been projected to rejoin the Tribe this week.

To give the full MLB story a read, click here.


Cleveland added another bat to their AAA lineup on Tuesday, acquiring Morgan Ensberg who had been designated for assignment by the Yankees. Ensberg can play either first or third base and might be an option to DH.

YouTube Highlight Reel of Weston Dressler at UND

Badlands Bowl In-Depth Look

Reading the Dickinson Press' Dustin Monke talk about the Badlands Bowl, I got a little football fever and decided to do some investigating on it.

Jason White, a former quarterback for the University of Oklahoma who won the Heismann Trophy in 2003, is going to be a guest speaker at the camp. Great pick. White tore ACLs in both knees (requiring surgery in both legs), but showed a resilient nature and came back to be the Sooners' all-time leader in career passing yards and career touchdown passes.

North Dakota won the 2007 Badlands Bowl 30-21, giving the state wins in two of the last three years. However, Montana owned the series from 1997-2004 winning by an average of 35-6.9 which included a pair of shutout victories.

Last year's game was won in the trenches when North Dakota got 69 yards rushing from Catlin Solum and 36 yards from Joey Dawson. Meanwhile Montana's leading rusher was Zach McRae, who posted 12 yards on five attempts. Montana did do a bit of damage through the air as McRae was 18-for-24, finishing with 276 yards passing. He hit five different receivers in the game, including completing seven passes to Christian Prosperie for 80 yards while Derryk VanZee had five catches totaling 90 yards. ND countered with Brandon Larson, who's 7 of 15 day through the air resulted in 129 yards.

This year's game will be played in Miles City, Mont., at Denton Field.

If you want to get some more information on the Badlands Bowl, including this year's rosters, how to order tickets, more historical data, a copy of last year's game, etc., give their website a click.

Good luck North Dakota!!

Tee Tike

If you are a fan of the game of golf, you know it is a game that can be picked up early, but take a lifetime to master. Glen Ullin's Gehrig Geiss is getting a good head start.

Geiss is just five years old, but has been playing golf since he was 16 months old. CRAZY.

If you think he is just a feel-good story about a kid that picked up some clubs, the AP story says that last week he played against his mom - both were playing from the red tees - and beat her 44-51.

Good stuff. Click here to give it a read.

Ready For Football Yet?

It is never, I repeat NEVER, too early to start thinking about the gridiron. Football is one of those sports that always perks my ears, and this time of year I am anxiously waiting the Badlands Bowl.

The players got on the practice field, many putting on pads for the first time in seven months, and started kicking off the rust in hopes of putting together a two-game winning streak against Montana. The Montana team holds a 10-4 advantage in the series which is entering its 15th year.

Dustin Monke revolved his story around Dickinson High standout, and future U-Mary receiver, Tyler Steffan. If you are like me, you need no urging to click here to read the story.

MDN Story on Bowlers Having to Relocate

Kind of a different story. That is what came to mind when I read Larry McFall's story in the Minot Daily News about Minot's North Hill Bowl undergoing a facelift which is forcing some of the roundball faithfull to have to go elsewhere to get in their throws.

McFall brings up an interesting point - bowling is somewhat unique in that it can be played year-round and you don't have to worry about weather to do it January through December.

Anyway, it is a neat take on what could have been a bland story. I'm not normally a big bowling story guy, but I kind of got a kick out of this one. Click here to give it look-see.

Babiarz Goes In-Depth on Dressler's Pro Debut

Weston Dressler's pro football career opened last week as the speedy Bismarck High and UND standout, took the field for the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Dressler will likely play in his first regulation game on June 28 as the Roughriders open the season playing the British Columbia Lions.

Although he didn't catch a pass in the exhibition game, there are quite a few people excited about Dressler's future with the team and in pro football.

The Tribune's Lou Babiarz handled the writing duties on a more in-depth look at how the game went for Dressler. You want to read it, I know this already, and will not stand in your way. Click here and give it a read.

I also suggest taking a look at the article's comments. One person posted that he/she emailed a local TV station to see if they would carry Dressler's games. I think it would be a great idea and might be something that interests you, also.

East Region Tournaments Changing Locations

So you can pretty much plan on going to new locations during the 2009-10 tournament seasons if you are a fan of Class A's East Region.

Some 2009-10 changes include:

* Going to Fargo for the East Region Hockey Tournament
* Going to Grand Forks for boys' and girls' basketball tournaments

Some 2008-09 changes:

* Going to seperate sites in Fargo for boys' and girls' tournaments

The Forum's Kerry Collins is on the call, so for a full rundown of the changes and the reasoning behind them, give this a click.

Heinle Dismissed From KVRR

KVRR sports director Scott Heinle has been dismissed from KVRR apparently.

Heinle, with KVRR for four years, was apparently fired last Thursday, but no reason was given for the move.

Weekend sports guy Greg Enkers will act as the interum sports director until a successor is named.

The story is brief and doesn't give a whole lot of details, but for a little more info on the situation, click here.

Forum's Schnepf on Phil Boerger

Phil Boerger is one of the state's top soccer prospects and is off to play college ball at Evansville University next fall.

The Jamestown product was named the state's SPOY in this past season and is joining a team that I believe was ranked in the nation's Top 25 or right near the Top 25. So yeah, he's decent.

Anyway, Kevin Schnepf from the Forum put together a feature story on Boerger, who will be a backup initially to MLS prospect Alec Dufte in goal.

To give it a read, click here.

Grann-d Champions

Minnewaukan's Bobbi Grann and Spiritwood's Austin Visser each grabbed all-around titles at the state rodeo finals on Sunday.

Grann claimed the girls' all-around title with 329 points, advancing to the national finals rodeo in July. Visser put together 330.5 points for the boys' title, despite his top place being a pair of thirds.

To see a full roundup of who won what, click here to read Dustin Monke's story.

Great Story From Herald's Schlossman

You want a good pick-yourself-up-by-the-bootstraps story to read?

The Herald's Brad Schlossman delivers in this story about Ty Griffin, a college baseball player who was once drafted in the top 10 of the MLB draft. He toiled in the minors for a decade, wrapping up his career in Grand Forks before going back to school and getting a degree. Today he works as a sports agent in Florida.

As an agent, Griffin is someone that can look at a high school kid and honestly tell them they need to get a degree because an athletic career might not work out. You look at some of the best baseball players in the country, and they never make it to the majors because of a variety of reasons. But life doesn't exactly give you a rebate because you were drafted to a professional organization once. So you need a backup plan.

I wish every high school kid that is involved in sports would talk with a guy like Griffin. I think he would reinforce how no matter how good you are in one area, you need to have that plan that will help you succeed in other ways.

Anyway, if you are intrigued, I give this story two thumbs up.

DeVillers Looks at Possible Changes in Class B

Whenever there are changes brought up about the state of Class B athletics, I have to be honest...I always kind of perk up. Class B sports are what I grew up with in high school and what I followed professionally for a couple of years. Sadly, what is happening is that Class B is changing without anyone changing anything about it.

The Herald's Greg DeVillers dove into a story that examines some of the changes that are proposed for the 2010-11 school year. Basically the changes will effect the fall and winter seasons, dealing specifically with basketball and volleyball.

I'm interested to see what the response is by the general population. The changes will certainly have an effect on who makes tournaments and basically there will be more emphasis on winning early.

Anyway, without writing in circles too much and denying you the joy of the story, if you are a fan of Class B sports at all, you should probably click here to take a look at the changes in the DeVillers story. It is certainly worth a look-see.

Grann Leading All-Around

I first met Bobbi Grann at state basketball a couple of years ago, taking in an interview after watching her single-handidly taking apart a team (I am struggling to recall who) with her defensive abilities.

I had heard Grann was better at rodeo than any other sport, and she proved her worth this weekend, leading the all-around at the girls' NDHSRA state finals.

I'm certainly not going to fill you full of guanto and pick apart what she did well and this and that when it comes to the world of rodeo. I'm a casual fan and that is about it. I appreciate the skill that goes into the events, without really even knowing what goes into it.

So with that in mind, I'll turn you over to the Press's Dustin Monke, who put together the story on how the day went. Click here to give it a read.

Dressler Begins Pro Career

Former Bismarck High and UND standout Weston Dressler played his first pro game this past week, helping the Saskatchewan Roughriders win their first preseason game against the British Columbia Lions 33-13.

Dressler didn't do much stat-wise, but fumbled one punt which he recovered.

To give the Trib's recap of the game, click here.

Tischer Hangs It Up

Jamestown College's Brent Tischer is calling it time to move on as the men's track and field and cross country coach. The JC grad coached for two years for the Jimmies but said he wants to return to Wisconsin where his family is at.

Click here for more info.

Sun on Schutt, Krause

While Brent Krause is getting used to his surroundings in Minnesota, Jason Schutt is learning a brand new language.

Schutt is playing baseball for the Quebec Capitales in the CAA (Canadian American Association), as the team's closer.

Krause, who played with the Baltimore Orioles' A or AA team last year (can't quite remember which...maybe both) is hitting .276 with 3 HRs and 15 RBI with the St. Paul Saints, one of the chief rivals of the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks.

The Sun's Dave Selvig is on the call - and if you want to give it a read, click here.

Steve Thomas On Schumacher

Is there a better wrestling writer in the state than Steve Thomas? If you want my opinion, Thomas is at the top of the mountain. He loves the sport and it shows in the quantity and quality of work he pumps out on grapplers throughout the calandar year.

With that preface, Thomas put together a story talking about Bismarck High sophomore Joe Schumacher. Schumacher won the Greco-Romas and freestyle championship at 119 pounds last weekend, going 14-1 over two days.

To give it a read, click here.

Selvig Shoots, He Scores

I do love it when the Sun's Dave Selvig breaks out the column pen and tosses his opinion out there. He is one of the smartest people I've met in sports and in life and always has an interesting take on anything from the Brewers' lineup to the state of politics.

He, like me, was kind of surprised when Minot voted down paying for a domed athletic facility in the recent voting (inisert appropriate noun here). In all, it does seem just weird that greater Magic City didn't want to take the plunge and make a community asset. So be it, though. The people have spoken.

To read Selvig's spin on the ordeal, click here.

Dave Nelson Hanging It Up

When you talk about one of the most successful basketball coaches in the state over the last decade, MPCG's Dave Nelson comes to mind immediately.

But when the Patriots tip off for the 2008-09, they will have a new coach at the helm. Nelson resigned from coaching and as the school's activities director in favor of selling athletic equipment for Universal Athletic Services.

MPCG wasn't in the immediate coverage area when I was working at the Sun, but I still got to interview him a couple of times in previews and what-not when the Pats were playing a Region 3 or 4 team. Also, I would get some information from them because they share a district with Griggs County Central. To sum up my experiences with Dave, he was always professional, always good for information and automatic for quotes. His approach to basketball was one of patience, as his teams surgically sliced the opposition. They never put up huge points or anything, winning by 10 or 12 points was likely considered a blow-out, but his teams were fundamentally sound.

He was a definite benefit to Class B sports and North Dakota sports. He will certainly be missed.

Greg DeVillers is on the call for the story, putting together a bit of the past on Nelson, as well as what his future holds. To read it, click here.

Pronk Swinging a Bat Again

Sounds like Travis Hafner is able to swing a bat again after taking a bit of time off to let his aching shoulder heal up a bit. Definitely a good sign, but how good of one really remains to be seen.

Click here to read the story from MLB.com.

Dahl's NFL Future

I've always wondered how unsatisfying it would be to win a championship at any level, but to be injured and unable to play while your teammates win the team's season-ending game. I would think that it would put a fire in your gut and push you continuously through the offseason.

That was the situation facing former NDSU standout Craig Dahl last season, after he played in nine games for the New York Giants last season, but tore up his knee prior to the Giants defeating the Patriots in the Super Bowl.

Dahl was released after the season ended and is rehabbing in hopes of latching on with the Giants again, or another of the league's teams. I would think as long as he can prove he has recovered from the knee injury, he should be A-OK. Not to downgrade his injury, certainly a torn ACL has ended many a career, but it seems like it isn't anywhere near the career-ender that it was 10 and 15 years ago. My gut tells me Dahl should be fine.

I'm guessing he would be an asset that most teams would like to have on their roster and basically I got that same impression from Jeff Kolpack's story today in the Forum. To give that story a read, click here.

Trib Story on Carr, Post Draft

The Trib's Mike Weber did a follow-up story with Kyle Carr, the Linton native taken in the 12th round of the MLB Draft.

The story talks about how at the end of the season Carr needed surgery on his knee and that may have hurt his draft status a bit, but he ended up going about where he thought he would go, and he's happy with the Twins' organization and that they are showing him continued support.

Good stuff. Click here to read it.

DLJ story on Curt Herman

When Curt Herman stepped down as a coach for Dakota Prairie last year, he didn't exactly trade in a world of sports for a life of regular old retirement.

Instead he took a position at the Gerrells Sports Center in Devils Lake.

The Devils Lake Journal's Mike Bellmore is on the call, catching up with a guy who put in quite a few years helping to guide a host of athletes through their sports season.

To give it a read, click here.

Twins take Carr, A's take Elgie in MLB draft

The Minnesota Twins continued showing some love for Kyle Carr, drafting the Linton southpaw on the second day of the MLB draft. Carr, who has been with the University of Minnesota since graduating high school, was taken in the 12th round.

No idea what the future holds for Kyle, if he is going to join one of the Twins' minor league clubs or if he will finish out his college career with the Gophers. Either way he will have a connection with the state of Minnesota, and of course he will always have a connection to North Dakota.

Fellow North Dakotan Zacary Elgie, who just graduated from Minot High, was also taken on the second day of the MLB Draft. Elgie, who is tabbed to play first at the next level, went two picks prior to Carr and joins a franchise that, like the Twins, builds from within and counts on prospects to earn their way through the minors.

Elgie will likely not go to the minors as I believe he had planned to go to college. Tough to say though, if he can play in the minors that is a pretty tantalizing prospect.

Either way, congrats to both. North Dakota has plenty of talent and it is always good to see when that talent gets a chance to go to that next step.

If you want to read the AP article on both being drafted, click here.

Dickinson's Legion Baseball

Kind of an interesting situation going on in Dickinson. They have enough of a turnout for Legion baseball, they have added another team that will compete at the Class B level.

Sounds like there are 14 kids on the Class B team and a couple of them will also put in time on the team playing Class A teams.

All in all, I like it. I'm all for giving more kids a chance to play in meaninful games. And for the communities that have a larger population, put some more teams on the court.

Chris Aarhus on the call for the Class A link, and the Class B link.

McFeely take on RedHawks

The Forum's Mike McFeely put together a bit of an early-season column/story talking about RedHawks' manager Doug Simunic stating the state of the Fargo-Moorhead baseball team and the Northern League.

Sadly, I see the Northern League and the Dakota Athletic Conference as being in the same boat. Teams have left in recent years and there is some fear those losses will cause the end of the conference/league. The worst part about the situation facing both, is I enjoy the on-court product each provides. There is some talent there, some history, a lot of good times.

Personally, I agree with the take that you have to be completely honest about what is going on with the state of the conference/league or you are going to watch it crumble in front of our eyes while you wear a fake smile. To read McFeely's latest offering, give this a click.

MDN story on Community Bowl

Minot's Craig Haupert put together an interesting read on the Magic City looking at a proposal for a structure that could house sports such as softball, football, and track.

I think the possibility of this facility would mean a huge plus for Minot when it comes to hosting sports throughout the entire calandar year. I am unsure how many entities would utilize the facility, if this would be something Minot State would use, as would the Minot High Schools, and any groups from the Minot Park and Rec (or whatever group runs some of the youth sports).

Obviously things like paying for this bad boy would be a chief concern, but it does create a really interesting set of questions.

Anyway, if you are intrigued by this, click here and give it a read.

Ersty on the Radio

If you have the capability to pull in KQDJ on Saturday morning (that would be 1400 AM) and you have your eyes open at 9:06 a.m., you should tune in.

The pride of the Buffalo City, Jamestown (ND), will be on the airways talking about how his career is going this season with the Houston Astros.

Taking a look at Erstad's season (through June 4), he has 74 at bats in 50 games. He's hitting .311 (23 hits), 1 home run and 12 RBI.

In May was hit .300 (10-for-30) with four doubles, the home run and 8 RBI. He had four games in which he had more than two official at bats (two of those games during interleague play at Texas), and in two of those four games with four at bats, he had a pair of hits.

Basically a .300 hitter for his career, his postseason resume includes hitting .339 (40-for-118) in 29 games. He hit 3 homers and had 12 RBI while collecting 5 walks and striking out 17 times. He was also 4-for-4 in steal attempts.

This is all while playing plus defense either in the outfield or at first.

I am pulling for Ersty to become a bench coach when he decides to retire from being an MLB player, I think the guy just IS a leader.

Trib's Carr Draft Preview

Former Linton standout and current Gopher standout Kyle Carr is on the cusp of being drafted again.

Carr was drafted in the 31st round a frew years ago by the Twins, but after serving as a bullpen arm in 2007 and a starting pitcher this season for the University of Minnesota, Carr has a pretty good shot at being drafted again.

When it comes to a pitcher and a person, Carr is as good as they've come. He was a senior the first year I covered sports and I talked with him a bit once he went to college. He's always been cool to talk to and I'm pulling for him to make it to the show.

If you want a good, solid read from the Tribune's Mike Weber talking with Carr going into the draft, give this a click, and get to reading.

Legion All-Star Games

If you are anywhere near Mayville this weekend, you might want to swing by the ol ballpark on Saturday or Sunday afternoon and catch some of the state's finest players in action.

The Class B East-West game will be played at 1 p.m. on Saturday, followed by the Class A game at 1 p.m. on Sunday.

To check out the rosters for all the teams playing, check out the Sun's wrap up here.

Mary Names Thomas New AD

Roger Thomas, the former AD and football coach at the University of North Dakota, as well as commish of the NCC, is keeping his Division II roots intact, becoming the AD at the University of Mary.

For Cindy Peterson at the Trib, click here to read her submission.

The Forum's Heath Hotzler on the call. Click here to give it a read.

Midgets Claim Third at State

So why am I posting about the third-place game at the Class A tournament and not the championship?


What Williston did at the state tournament was amazing, as they turned it on and won a state title with pitching, tossing three consecutive consecutive shutouts. But, I never saw it.

Instead, I found myself at the capital city watching 14 innings of baseball that turned out to be just one game. I arrived at the Mandan Memorial Field (or Ressler Field...I'm not positive on which is the official title of the ballpark) intent on watching a couple of games and then heading home.

That certainly wasn't in the plans as Dickinson and Century went at it, taking a 1-1 tie into the 8th inning...then into the 10th inning...then into the 12th and 13th and finally into the 14th frame. The Midgets finally won the exhausting affair on Ben Herauf's bases-loaded infield single, claiming a game in which there really wasn't a loser.

There wasn't much offense to speak of throughout the game as both teams' pitching and defense continually eliminated threat after threat. Still, the Midgets were able to take an early lead on Herauf's fourth-inning home run, only to see the Patriots knot the game on Evan Kendall's run-scoring single in the top of the fifth.

The rest of the game was donuts, though the two teams combined for 22 hits. While I prefer to see a little more offense in games it was still a fun game to watch and I certainly appreciated it. The only problem was, I had to be back home by a certain time, my backside was sore from the bleachers before the championship ever started and basically I was ready to pull the plug before the first pitch of the title game was thrown. Ah well...there was still people there covering the game and I could read about it later.

Anyway, if you want to get a recap from the Press' Chris Aarhus, I highly suggest giving this a click and you will be transported to sed recap.

Herald Story on Sheri Kleinsasser

For some reason, I missed out on Sheri Kleinsasser.

I wasn't quite old enough to really appreciate high school sports in the state when Kleinsasser (who is actually Sheri Stockmoe after getting married, but for some reason, even though I never saw her play she is still Kleinsasser to me) was tearing up courts in Carrington and at UND.

Kleinsasser, along with Dani Parkos Fluge (who I also have never met) is starting a magazine and a web site to help Fargo-Moorhead moms. They will put out a mag four times a year called On the Mind of Moms (with the accompanying site www.onthemindofmoms.com which will be up and running later in June) that will help make things easier on moms. I'm not really sure what more I can offer than that, but if nothing else, keep the site in mind and give it a look later on in June.

To check out Brad Schlossman's story on the endeavor, click here.

Nulph Said

I jumped on the Forum's web site and apparently their sports section is under new direction.

Scott Nulph, a Wahpeton native who grew up a fan of the Forum, took over recently. He wrote a column basically introducing himself here if you want to read it.

Best of luck.