Rod's Monday Thoughts

Boys basketball teams get to begin or already began practice across the state today and the girls are beginning their second week. Terry Becker had his Governors on the court at 5:30 a.m. this morning for their first day of two a days. Pierre, the consolation champions of last year's state AA tournament with their "Running Govs" offense look to do much the same this year. So if you suit up for the varsity, you'll likely play. Only 3 seniors this year. Graham Schuetzle, Tyrelle Walker and Drew Brandnor. Graham and Tyrelle are the only two that saw extensive varsity time last year. Pierre opens at Mitchell a week from Friday and then host Brandon Valley the following night. The Pierre girls have two seniors who did not go out last year out again this year. Jordyn Anderson and Mandi Atkins. The Lady Govs also look to run this year. Anderson is a sprinter in track and 6' tall to go along with 6 footer Amber Olson. The three senior guards back from last year's team look to be the leaders. Linsey Petersen, Paige Burkett and Amanda Stout.

Steph Paluch had a career night on Friday for SDSU scoring 14 points in 14 minutes, both career high's. 3 for 3 from 3 point range and 5 for 7 from the field plus a couple or more rebounds. Michael Tveidt is averaging 17 points and 7 rebounds to lead the NDSU Bison. Sam Willard was limited to 4 points in the last couple of Pacific games but foul trouble may have been a big reason why. He is still around double figures in scoring average. And high school wrestling begins this week. Pierre is having open challange matches at Riggs High Gym at 5:30 tonight. Public can come and watch as long as they bring a bottle of gatorade for their admission. Pierre begins Saturday at the 8 team Watertown dual invitational. Stanley County and Lyman open the dual season tomorrow night in Presho in a quadrangular before most of central S.D. comes to Ft. Pierre this weekend for the Buffalos Inviational Friday and Saturday.

And Nebraska can beat Texas on Saturday in the Big 12 Conference title game in Dallas. Ball control, no penalties and the defense will have to come up with some big turnovers and probably even have to score a TD or two along the way. But the Huskers have the advantage in the kicking game. Alex Henery is the perfect example why every high school soccer player who ever thought of playing football in college should go to the coach and try out. Henery was a walk on, and earned a full ride scholarship while putting his name in the "legends book" of Nebraska Cornhusker football.

There, a positive post today. No mention of whether or not the NFL is making sure that Brett Favre gets the pee cup. How can any guy that old play that well without some help? So what if he is! All he would have to do is say "I didn't know what was in it". I bet the Williams boys could help him out!! But then the NFL allows Jarred Allen to get away with his stupid excessive celebrating after a qb sack without a penalty. Oh well, maybe the refs are getting sore arms throwing all those flags for holding this year.

And for awhile on Saturday I was thinking that the Minnesota Golden Gophers could compete in the NCAA FCS. Maybe even win it. That was when SDSU was ahead of number 1 seed Montana 41-14. After further review and 47 points later, maybe the Gophers should just be happy going to the insight dot toilet bowl game or whatever one they are eligible to go to. SDSU I am afraid undid in one quarter what they have been building up for the last 3 to 4 years.