Rod's Friday Take N Things

I have the perfect theme song for both the Pierre Governors and Lady Governor basketball team's for the coming week beginning today as I am on the road with the Governors going to Yankton. My wife does not like Yankton. Never has. It has to do back in the early 80's when the Lady Govs and Yankton ruled the big school girls basketball world. Yankton always seemed to have our number at Yankton. We finally got our just revenge in 1982 beating Yankton in the state championship game. Anyway, the theme song "Life is a Highway". Rascal Flatts or Chris LeDoux version, doesn't matter. Both the Govs and Lady Govs will be on the highway for the next week. As 4th seeds, there is no home game in the District. Pierre and Aberdeen Central girls will play in Aberdeen Monday night at 7 p.m. The Governor boys play at Huron on Tuesday night at 7:30 p.m. in Huron. They have a pair of Class 9B semi final games being played beginning at 4 p.m. in the Huron Arena. Tickets will go on sale for the Pierre game beginning at 6 p.m. according to Huron Athletic Director Terry Rotert. No matter where the games are Thursday night for the girls and Friday night for the boys, it will be on the road. for the girls, either at Mitchell or Huron. For the boys, either at Mitchell or Aberdeen. If the Lady Govs go 1-1 in their district they would host a region playoff game on Saturday only if they don't play either of the Rapid City schools. Depending on what the boys do tonight, they would probably go on the road no matter who they would play if and that is a big if, they would go 1-1. But after last night, if this Pierre boys team does not have a little confidence, I am not sure they will get any more. One of these days, things have to take a Pierre bounce, don't you think?

Darren Boyle's weekly words of wisdom

There will be alot of district tournament championships decided Thursday night. Miller takes on Crow Creek for the district 12A title, Miller won when they played a couple of weeks ago but the Lady Chieftains seem to have found their scoring stride over the last few games. The Rustlers have one of the taller lineups in the area and if they get good guard play like they have lately, they are going to be tough to beat.

Mobridge and Cheyenne Eagle Butte will hook up in the district 11A championship game. Two very good teams... this one will come down to the end with the winner getting the nod as the early favorite for the Region 6A title. This game will be broadcast on Star99 FM and www.dakotaradiogroup.com.

In Onida Thursday night Gettysburg and Highmore Harrold will meet for the District 5B championship. The Pirates ended the reign of the Sully Buttes Chargers as champions of their district, and ends a string of consectutive state tournament appearances that started in 2004. Gettysburg used some good defense and excellent free throw shooting to defeat Faulkton. This is going to be a fun contest, will the upstart Lady Battlers start a cinderella run to the regions or is Highmore Harrold ready for the big time? I will be in Onida for the call 7:00 tipoff on KGFX and www.dakotaradiogroup.com

There are several other district title games going on around the area Thursday night. Go see a game, looks like the weather is going to cooperate for a change.

Brian must be missing something....

An AP story in My Daily News today says:

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - There's a new name in the basketball record books. Division II Philadelphia University coach Herb Magee won his 903rd career game last night with the Rams' 76-65 win over Goldey-Beacom College to move past Hall of Famer Bob Knight and become the winningest men's coach in NCAA history.

Am I missing something? Don Meyer at NSU? Does that name ring a bell? He's been in the news quite a bit. (Well, maybe AP writers don't pay attention to the news.) :o)


Hey, State Wrestling Tournaments are this weekend, which I always look forward to. I think as an announcer, the State Wrestling Tournament has always been my favorite event to cover because it is, hands down, the most intense event around, for participants, for coaches, and for fans alike. Good luck to all our area wrestlers: to the Pierre Governors, who are taking 12 to State for the first time in a while and have a chance to finish well into the top 8 in the team standings; and to all the Chamberlain, Cheyenne-Eagle Butte and Todd County wrestlers who will also be competing at the A in Rapid City. Good luck also to the Class B wrestlers that we'll be following from Philip, Lyman, Gettysburg, Stanley County, Miller/Highmore-Harrold, as well as Winner, Mobridge, and Faulkton. Time to get serious, boys!! Tune in for reports Friday & Saturday on KGFX!

Rod's Tuesday Take N Things

Pierre has a new head boys and girls cross country coach and they did not have to go outside the Pierre Riggs High School building to find probably the most qualfied candidate you could hope for. ESD coaching experience. Big School coaching experence and collegiate coaching experience! Riggs High Librarian Keith Christensen is the new coach boys and girls cross country coach. Here is his resume!

-21 years of experience as a Cross Country Coach.
-17 years as the Mitchell High School Head Cross Country and 14 years as the Head Track Coach
-Keith has coached teams to 3 ESD Cross Country titles (2 boys, 1 girls) and 4 ESD Track and Field titles (2 boys, 2 girls) while at Mitchell.
-3 years as Asst. Cross Country Coach at Dakota Wesleyan University
-1 year as Head Cross Country Coach at JFK High School – Denver Colorado

That is an impressive resume, don't you think. I asked Riggs Athletic Director Dan Whalen how many candidates there were for the job and here is what he told me. And I quote.

"We had 3 candidates all within the Pierre system. All were good candidates and we feel lucky to have that type of quality in our system. Keith brings a vast amount of experience and success to our program. Keith will take over a program that we think is on the rise and we are confident he can continue that rise as we search to go to the next level with our Cross Country program".

And we should congratulate Bruce Venner one more time. He put in a number of years as head coach, worked with the kids religously and had results. Names like Brad Lowery stick out the most. Alec Espeland is the most recent. And we have a rising star in Bridget Simmmons who is a sophomore this year. Way to go Bruce and good luck Keith.

Brian: Focus on SamO

For those interested in checking up on Sam Ostarello at Purdue, the Purdue Womens Basketball web page has a focus on Sam: http://www.purduesports.com/sports/w-baskbl/spec-rel/021810aaa.html

Props to former Stanley Co. AD Guy Hunter (Steeler fan), who was mentioned, but not directly named, in this article as a driving force behind Sam's love for the game and desire to excel. And small props to anyone (like radio announcers) who ever held on to Sam's #32 necklace (also mentioned in the article), and didn't lose it, while she played ball in high school. :o)

For the season, Sam has posted good freshman numbers, averaging 5 points and a team-leading 5 rebounds a game, in about 17 minutes per game on average. Some games, she has had a lot more production than others, like 13 rebounds against Penn St. last Sunday, or 14 points and 7 boards in the team's biggest win of the year, over Ohio St. on Jan. 25. There have been down games as well, based on matchups and things like that, and her shooting percentages could use some improvement, but all in all, every indication I have seen or heard is that the coaching staff couldn't be happier with what they're getting out of South Dakota's reigning Miss Basketball.

As for the Lady Boilermakers as a whole, right now a 14-13 record probably will keep them out of the Big Dance, unless they really go nuts in the Big 10 Tournament in a couple of weekends. They've had some quality wins and other near misses, but their inability to win on the road in the conference is probably what will keep them in the NIT. But in a year or two, I'd say, watch out!

Rod's Monday Take N Things

Congratulations to coach Ryan Noyes and the Governor Wrestlers. 12 out of a possible 13 heading to the state tournament this week in Rapid City. Tanner Monfore had has a memorable year both on the mat and off. He is a Region champion and the only one the Govs had on Saturday. 5 second place, 5 third place and 1 4th place finish. That 4th place finish by Sean Snyder and according to the coaches, all Sean does is go about his business on the mat. Work hard in practice and good things have happened. Good luck Sean in the state tournament. And to all of the guys of course.

I thought Saturday night was the night the Govs were going to get that win. Very not good in the first half but kept plugging away and put themselves in a position at the end. Trailed by 18 early in the third. Was down only 3 in the final minute. IT WAS physical, fairly well officiated but could have been better (but what game isn't) but was called both ways I thought for the most part from beginning to end which is all you ask of as coach and player. Again, I cannot overstate the character of this team. It is the kind of character you can only hope the kids will show. No complaining buy the guys. They played hard. They knew at the end they made a couple of miscues and Brandon Valley made a play or two down the stretch that won the Lynx the game. And all of this after they got to spend some unxpected time at a truck stop outside of Plankinton because the team bus broke down on the way to Brandon. There was no game day routine on Saturday after that happened. This boys team still plays their heart out everytime they step on the court. They play Huron on Thursday in one last home game and I can only hope that the fans of Pierre high school basketball show up and show their appreciation of the fight in this team even though they have not won many games. They have represented the city of Pierre the way that we, as adult citizens can only hope our youth will represent us. And who knows, maybe Thursday night will be the night when it all comes together. After all, they had Huron in Huron early last month only to lose in overtime.

The Lady Govs end their regular season tomorrow night. Fans might take note that there is a Class B district girls basketball tournament in the Huron Arena before the Lady Govs game at 7:30 p.m. So the JV and "C" games are going to be played at the Huron High School gym. And the girls will be the visiting team in post season play for the first time since 2006. As the 4th seed, the girls will be on the road for both of their district games. If they would play in the region game, meaning they got 2nd or 3rd in their district, they might be at home for that region game, depending on seeding points. But you have to get through the district tournament first. And before that you play Huron tomorrow night. I just think it would be a whole lot of fun if both of our 4th seeded teams, girls and boys, would find a way to win their district. We'd be the talk of the state in AA basketball the way you want to be talked about in the state.

And the Pierre School Board meets tonight and it is expected that a new head varsity cross country coach will be named. Bruce Venner resigned, retired, what ever you want to call it, from the coaching position at the end of last season. I have an idea who will be named but nothing is official until the school board officially says so.

Brian's Roll on Region 6A

Things have really gotten interesting this past week in Boys Basketball Region 6A. On Monday, a 12-3 Miller team went up to Mobridge and was dumped by a 6-7 Tiger squad that appeared to have played probably their best game of the season in a 65-52 win. The next night Mobridge handled Stanley County, and looked very much like a team playing with a lot of rhythm and confidence. Friday night Stanley County went to Miller and played pretty well, all things considered, but simply didn't have a chance against the Rustlers, who literally looked like a well-oiled machine. They were hitting more 3's than 2's in the first half and eventually shot well over 60% on the game. Yes, they played a struggling team, but there weren't as many easy shots as you might think. I could go on and on, but I'll just say that like Mobridge on Monday night against Miller, I can't imagine the Rustlers playing much better than they did in that game. Anyway, as I was driving home from that game, I was able to hear the end of the Mobridge-Winner game that had gone into overtime. The Tigers had a chance to win it in regulation, but when they could not, they ended up dominating the overtime period and beat a 16-2 team, 70-61. Seeing Miller tonight made me think they were definitely the team to beat in the region, but with the week that Mobridge-Pollock has had, I will be careful about jumping to such conclusions. Granted the Tigers were at home in all 3 games this week, but they definitely have something figured out. They'll have their hands full Saturday night at Sisseton, who like Mobridge, doesn't have a dazzling record, but they have recently put together some real impressive wins. Miller goes to Winner now on Monday to make matters that much more interesting as well. Obviously there are other teams in these two districts that will help make for some exciting postseason basketball, but the fact of the matter is, some of the best postseason basketball in South Dakota might be happening right here in our own listening area. Good luck everyone!

By the way, I was in the all new Mobridge high school gym for the first time earlier this week, and while I like the look and feel of the place, I do have one complaint, and I even heard it come into play late in tonight's game. Why is the ceiling so low?!?!

Rod's later Friday Take N Things

From the state gymnastics meet today. Stanley County finished 5th and Pierre 9th in the team day. Lady Buffs scored a 129.313 and beat out Chamberlain and was less than a point behind Hot Springs for 4th. Pierre had 134.326. They beat out Aberdeen and R.C. Stevens as well as Yankton/Bon Homme. Watertown won the AA and Madison the A. Watertown scored 150.145. Madison had 141.927. Nicely done girls. Good team scores and good luck tomorrow at individual day.

Rod's Friday Take N Things

I wonder if Aberdeen Central basketball would just like to pack up and move to Riggs High Gym. The way they shoot here they certainly would feel like it is their home away from home. After watching the boys Tuesday night light up the nets, the Golden Eagle Girls were not going to be outdone last night. 65 percent in the second half. Missed only 8 shots. 56 percent I think on the game. That senior class at Aberdeen is something else. The year they have had already. State runner up in football. State champs in volleyball and both have a great chance in basketball. They were good in tennis and cross country this spring. Aberdeen Central is having a year that our young Govs and Lady Govs can set their goals at for the next couple of years down the road.

And I am resigned to the fact that district tournament basketball in two weeks will all be on the road. Pierre will be the 4th seed in both the boys and girls. I don't remember that happening in recent years anyway. It's good for radio purposes I suppose.

Tomorrow will be a big sports day. Gov wrestlers at Region 3A. Lady Govs at home against Brandon Valley and the Govs on the road at BV in basketball. Lady Govs competing at state gymnastics meet as well. We will have wrestling reports and the Lady Govs baksetball game on KGFX. All SDSU women play at 11:30 a.m. tomorrow morning so Steph Paluch and Katie Lingle of Pierre are on the air at IPFW. The boys game will be on River 92.7 tomorrow night. And you can keep up on the gymnastics on the public broadcasting website www.sdpb.org. I also understand that the video of the boys game will be streamed by the Brandon Valley school district on their website tomorrow night as well. We will also have Region 4B wrestling reports from Ft. Pierre tomorrow on KGFX as well.

Brian's Friday Freakout

Well, there is something definitely worth talking about around the water cooler this morning, and that something happened at Crow Creek High School last night (Thursday). Crow Creek freshman Jolanna Sazue scored an amazing 54 points in an 82-68 win over Stanley County. Interestingly enough, by my count JoJo scored 18 points from inside the arc, 18 points from outside the arc, and 18 points from the free throw line. I first saw Sazue two years ago as a 7th grader when she scored 17 points against the Lady Buffs, who won easily that night to finish off a regular season that they continued on all the way to the State A. Of course, the following year (last year), Sazue came to play for Tom Rogers and Lady Buffs and became a fine compliment to Sam Ostarello, whether off the bench early on or starting during the second half of the season. Now this year, back at Crow Creek, I admit I haven't been keeping up to date with the box scores for the Lady Chieftains, but when I got to the gym last night, I found out Jolanna scored 43 at Miller Saturday night and has routinely put up 20+ this season, and several times 30 or more. She had 29 in the first half last night, and as I watched, I couldn't help but wonder where that kind of production was last year at Stanley County. :) The thing that struck me most last night, though, was how much Sazue has improved from last year to this year, and the biggest improvement, in my opinion, is how under control she appeared to be. She doesn't rush perimeter shots, she dribbles well in traffic, she moves well without the basketball, and she played a good defensive game. The only blemish was that she fouled out of the game, but then again, so did a lot of people.

So, the big question now is, where does JoJo's 54-point tally rank among the best ever for a single game in the State? For some reason, this piece of information, as I have searched this morning, is a little difficult to come across, even with the wonders of the internet. We speculated during the broadcast about the career highs of players like Jill Young, or Becky Flynn, or SuAnn Big Crow, or maybe even Carla Allard. It seems to me Young hit for 50+ on at least one occasion, but I can't find any evidence. If anyone knows what the record might be, please let the rest of us know.

In the meantime, look for Crow Creek to make some noise in the district tournament coming up in this week ahead. They'll have to play better defense, but they may be a sleeper in the region as well. I think we'll definitely have some great games coming up in the next couple of weeks.

Rod's Thursday Take N Things

After Tuesday night's Aberdeen Central peformance against the Governors, one can only say WOW! If they play like that in the post season, I am not sure who can beat them. The Golden Eagles problem is Huron. It's in their head. They can't beat them. But as good as Aberdeen shot Tuesday, it was not as good as Mitchell against Watertown in the second half on Tuesday. 76 percent! Missed only 5 shots the entire half and the Kernals beat the team I previously thought had a complete package, as long as they made their shots.

Word is Ryan Yackley is out for the season at Mitchell with torn ACL. I've been told it is the exact same knee injury his older sister Alexis had. Of course that also means any chances he were to come back to Pierre to play American Legion baseball this summer is now done also. That is a 6 month minimum rehab.

Lady Gov basketball play Aberdeen Central tonight and the game is on River 92.7. I'm doing the game and unlike with the Governor boys I have less tie in's with the Lady Govs players. But a few. For instance, coach Kannegeiter and my wife both have/had the same mentor, Nancy Nieber. Coach K's college basketball coach and my wifes fastpitch softball teammate back in the late 60's and early 70's. Ive known the assistant coaches for a long long time. Skip Kurth for 30 years. Kelly Brant and Kim Bierle probably for 20. Bierle and my wife coached junior high basketball together. I have some good stories on that coaching tandem I probably won't tell you about here. As far as players, other than the fact that I know a few of the parents of the girls, that is about it. A couple of exceptions. For instance, Sophomore Katie Ludemann's mom Ellen. She was a fast pitch softball player during her high school days in O'Neill, Nebr. The 3 years I was there working at the radio station there, we used to broadcast some of their games. So Ellen's play on the field was described by me, just like her daughters on the basketball court. And Amber Olson's mom Karen was on a slow pitch softball team that I coached back quite a few years ago. Played first base and she probably has stories on me, we don't want to get into here either. I blush easily!

Anyway, look for a spirited effort tonight by the Lady Govs. An upset is not out of the question. And look for the Governors on Saturday to give Brandon Valley a run for their money. There will be at least 1 win for the Young Govs before the regular season ends. So keep listening. The Lady Govs will get at least 1 win out of these last 3 regular season games also. It's just a gut feeling you know. At least I hope it is a feeling and not something I ate!!!!!!!!!!!

Andy Shoe's Scuttlebutts

I recently visited with my brother, who lives in Nevada, and he was upset by the conclusion of his son's basketball game. Seeking an explanation, I asked what happened. The answer has me perplexed. Apparently the game was one of importance because the winner would have received a higher seed in the zone tournament, which is similar to district tournaments here in South Dakota. The game started off with my nephew's team down early by a good measure, and then in the second half made a come back effort that was by no means a small one. They climbed back in to the saddle and by the end of the game they were just a few points behind. They hit a basket and, along with the score keeper, thought they had taken the lead.
However, the other teams score keeper had them down by one point at the end of regulation. My nephew's score keeper had his team winning the game by two. This is were it gets confusing, as the official score keeper had a completely different score then the other two score books. So, to summarise there were three different books and three different scores at the end of the game. I thought to myself that it would be an easy fix and that all they had to do was get a copy of the game film and get an accurate score count. By the rules,the official book is the last word. There apparently is no way to protest the score book. I would like to know why, when we all know that no one is perfect, that there are no checks and balances for a situation like this. I don't think the kids playing are concerned with the winning or losing as much as they want to know what happened and why there was so much disparity and discrepancy. When these kids graduate from high school and move on to the real world they should be prepared for an imperfect world and a sometimes cruel one in which not everything is fair. On the other hand in this cruel, unfair world there are checks and balances to a certain extent. I only hope that they will realize that in this instance there are things that will never be fair to all. I do think though, if the parties involved could sit down and discuss this in a manner befitting professionalism and justness they would send a powerful message to the kids that even if life is unfair, they did everything possible to make this right. I do realize that what I am asking for in my way of solving a problem is just like an argument that is raging throughout major sports about instant replay. I would think though that again everything should be done to ensure that the kids won't be jaded as a result of one game and one case of human error.

Rod's Monday Take N Things

The weekend brought us crappy weather, the longest Daytona 500 ever and another absolutley uninteresting NBA All Star game. I vote the Tim McGraw concert prior to Daytona better than the Usher mini concert that was disquised as "the starting lineups" at the NBA All Star game. Usher is a very talented individual and very good at what he does. I just prefer Tim McGraw being a little better at what he does. And what gives with the little dancing as the East All Stars were introduced? Dwight Howard, Superman? I agree with Shaq. Superman my ______. The West guys when they were introduced were at least "professional" about it. Daytona was a very good race, if you stuck with it. The last two laps, when they finally happened were as good as it gets. And I am sure the term Jamie McMurry used when he saw Earnhardt on his tail from 10th to 2nd was not as he described "Oh No". Oh might have been one of the words. But it is a good story line. McMurry, almost didn't have sponsors for this year and wasn't sure if he was even going to race. No worry now. And the weather. You could have guessed it was gong to be like that. Afterall, the Governors boys were going to Watertown. It always is crappy weather when the Govs play at Watertown. You always wonder if you going to make it home. And Pierre usually plays like that up there. Lets play, get done and get home. It also has something to do with the fact that Watertown usually is a good team. They don't seem to have these transitional years like Pierre is going through. No freshman and very few sophomores ever play on the Watertown varsity. Speaking of our transistional year for Governor basketball. This year is like no year I have had in announcing Pierre boys hoops. The close losses. The blow outs. The not so blowouts but the not so impressive performances. On would think that eventually the odds will catch up with us and the Govs will put a game or two together this year that they play out of their head and win despite being the youngsters of the league. I still believe it will happen. I also have looked back at what I have in common with this team. And I came up with it. It's the parents. Here's what I mean starting the seniors and looking right down the lineup starting the seniors.

Taylor Becker....I have known is grandfather for a long time. And his mother was one of the players my wife coached in what was then, junior high basketball

Graham Schuetzle...I have known his mom and dad for a real long time. My wife played softball with his aunt Bonnie Sivage in college. And I at one time worked with his uncle Scott at another radio station here in town.

The Juniors

Scott Cichos....His Dad was on the very first Governor basketball team I covered in 1979-80, a year after their state championship which I wasn't in Pierre yet.

Travis Adney... I have to admit, I don't have any ties in the past with his family but he is a very nice young guy and good athelte. And his grandmother listens to every game on the radio.

Tanner Johnson... I covered both his mom and dad in their athletic endevours in high school in Pierre. Dad was a pretty good football player for sure and played hoops for Bob Judson.

Jordan Jenkins... since this is his first year in Pierre, there is no background between the two of us either than he always say "Hi' when he sees me.

The Sophomores

Connor Berg.... His dad is our mailman

Joe Tetzlaff... His older brother played with my son Mike in junior high and a couple of years in high school.

And the Freshman.

Lane Severyn... His dad is a Riggs High alum and played for the Governors which is why every once in awhile Shane is in the game rather than Lane. Would have been easier if mom and dad would have named him Sam or Bill or something but that's my problem to deal with. I also covered his aunt who played for Pierre and then down at Lyman for a year or two.

And Zach Hanson.. No close ties to the past or present with the young Mr. Hanson, but I found one. Zach's dad is the boss of the mom of my oldest son's best freind and apartment mate in Fargo!

It truly is a small world, isn't it! And congratulations to Tanner Monfore who won the 103 lb. ESD championship Saturday at the ESD tournament and is the only first team All ESD wrestler this year for the Govs. Terrance Maier and Chase Lettau were runnersup in their weight classes and earned 2nd team All ESD. And there were 3 honorable mention All ESD with 3rd place finishes. Congrats to Caleb Stolenberg, Tyler Sarringer and Dusty Paulsen.

That's about it. I probably have more tomorrow. I was thinking about the Lady Gov basketball team and any ties to the past with any of the current players. I am still researching and might come up with something tomorrow.

Darren Boyle's weekly words of wisdom, more NFL stuff

Finally the NFL season has come to an end,and in that end the New Orleans Saints are the Super Bowl champions as they pulled off one of the more improbable upsets in recent memory. The onside kick to start the second half was one of the boldest coaching moves ever and really was the turning point in the game. After that the Colts had no momentum and Peyton Manning looked like he was totally lost. Did you notice that Manning didnt know the third quarter was coming to an end? That isnt something that happens to one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. I know there was a block in the back during the interception return, but by then the damage was done and now we have the first "feelgood" story of the new decade. What could possibly top that? What would a team have to do to be the media darlings of the 2011 Super Bowl, so they could get every call and then get away with things like illegal hits and stuff? As soon as possible Zygy Wylf needs to announce that the Minnesota Vikings are moving............................... to Haiti!

Is there anything more uplifting than a Super Bowl win? Is there a country that needs it more than Haiti? How could the NFL keep the 2011 Lombardi trophy from the boys in purple? This is a cant fail plan. Whether Farve comes back or not, and even if Childress (a.k.a. VSK) remains the head coach. The league wouldnt keep a Super Bowl win from the Haitian people. Think of the international exposure, this is much better than having two regular season games in London. And while the Vikings are gone, the people of Minnesota could renovate the Metrodome to the Vikings liking. This is too good of an idea to ignore. GO HAITIAN VIKINGS!!!! This a really good idea or it has been too cold too long.

Rod's Tuesday Take N Things after Aberdeen

Wow, what a Bummer. The Governors got into a early hole once again, down 20-5 early in the second quarter but then played the Golden Eagles even the rest of the way as we lose 62-45. They were down 8 at the half but there was no second half comeback. Good game I thought by Travis Adney with 15 points. And our freshman and sophomores did not stand back and let this senior dominated team roll over them. I mentioned it to coach Becker on our post game interview that it seems like our guys have to get mad and say enough before they scratch and claw and find thier way against these more veteran teams. I can guarantee you one thing. There are now 3 coaches in District 3AA that are leary about playing Pierre in the district tournament. Aberdeen coach Brent Norberg even said that before the game tonight. Eventually those shots inside will start to fall and when they do, look out. Another bright point was turnovers. Yes, we had 20 and that is too many but considering we had 15 in the first half, it was a marked improvement in protecting the ball. Next up Watertown on Friday in H2O town. Then Yankton at home on Saturday.

And there is good news to report. The Governor wrestlers won thier dual at Brookings 50-15. Terrance Maier and Chancy Riggle won by pin at 171 and 189 and Tanner Monfore won by technical fall at 103 for the highlights. JV won 61-0. Everything was a forfeit except for weight classes. Dawson Monfore and Alec Williams won the two matches that were wrestled.

Rod's Tuesday Take N Things from Aberdeen

Thought I would try something new today. Blog from the game site. The Governors are in Aberdeen taking on the Golden Eagles in the spacious Golden Eagle Arena. The JV game is going on. I counted. 6 people here in the stands as fans at the tip off. We are probably closer to 30 now early in the second half. Kerry Wenbourne is officiating of course. He alwasy does when we play here. Kerry is a Riggs High alumnus and former Governor standout athlete "back in the day" But then weren't we all. I have a courtside seat as they put the radio guys at the scorers table. I am next to the Governor bench so you will hear plenty tonight and perhaps get a true feeling of how the game is at court level.

The Govs will have their hands full as this Aberdeen Central team is a very good and very quick team much like Pierre faced last weekend. The key as I interviewed coach Becker is getting back on defense. If they get up around or more than the 70's you will know the guys did not do it. And this will be another big test for our freshman post guy Zach Hanson. Got a feeling that he will get to know his Golden Eagle counterparts real up close and personal by the time this one is over. If Travis Adney and Scott Cichos can provide some scoring punch like they did against Washington on Saturday, and Taylor Becker hit a few from the outside, the Govs will have a chance. And they get to play these guys twice in a week. The Golden Eagles are in to Riggs High Gym next Tuesday night.

By the way, if you think we have snow in Pierre. We got nothin, compared to what they have here.

Go Govs.............

Rod's Monday Take N Things

Capitals boys hockey won 6-1 yesterday. Good day once again for Josh Rogers with a couple of goals. Jacob Parsons also scored twice in the game to highlight the offensive output. Lady Capitals lost 4-1 to Huron on Saturday and 5-2 to Mitchell on Friday night.

The Super Bowl yesterday was a pretty good football game. Not a great game. Not as good as the game two years ago when the Giants beat the Patriots. Not as good as last year when Pittsburgh beat Arizona. New Orleans played well. I guess if I were a Colts fans, I would be dismayed by the lack of a blocking in the back penalty on Peyton Manning on the interception returned for the clinching TD. But then, there were less penalties called yesterday that I would venture to say, any game this year. I mean a normal game is usually good for 5 to 10 holding penalties. Don't think they reached that. Maybe CBS got together with the NFL and said, he we have to have this over close to 10 p.m. est so we can put on our next program flop, Undercover Boss! I wasn't all that impressed with the commercials either. The Dorito's ones were interesting. The Budwieser Clydedale towards the end of the game was pretty good. Betty White getting sacked was pretty funny but then I think she is a real neat lady and person. And a very good comic actress. I still watch the reruns of her show with Bea Arthur and Rue McClannahan "The Golden Girls". Pretty funny stuff still.

A little uncomfortable news yesterday about the bus with the Sioux Falls O'Gorman and Roosevelt wrestlers sliding off the interstate by Mitchell coming back from a tournament in Spearfish. Happened about 11 p.m. Saturday night I guess. Some parents are upset how the thing was handled by Sioux Falls School authorities, but it was handled, no one was hurt apparently and there was a happy ending. Again, there were some complaints they even went because of the weather but it is a tough call for the Athletic Directors and administrative people that make that call. Either way, they make the wrong decision so again, nobody can do their job better than anybody but them. Then again, we have not had a winter like the one we are having for quite awhile either............An early spring and unsually dry March April and May to get us through the school year activities would be nice.

Pierre Govs/Lady Govs Sports results from Saturday"

Lady Govs finish 3rd at ESD Gymnastics
ESD Gymnastics yesterday at Yankton. Team Points: Watertown 148.000, Brookings 139.650, Pierre 134.550, Mitchell 133.375, Huron 133.125, Aberdeen 129.250, Yankton-Bon Homme 127.075. “The Lady Govs” Cheyna Lodge, finish 6th in the All Around 35.275.
Govs/Lady Govs both on short end in Basketball
Boys Basketball:
Sioux Falls Washington 69, Pierre 62 OT Zach Hanson 17 points 12 rebounds
Girls Basketball:
Sioux Falls Washington 57, Pierre 34 Amber Olson 12 points 6 rebounds. Pierre held to 14 points in 2nd half.

Capitals win lone game of the weekend
Boys Hockey:
Pierre 7, Mitchell 4 Max Hanson and Josh Rogers score 2 goals each to lead the way offensively. Cody Bishop 30 saves in goal

Brian's Friday Frenzy

I don't have a lot to say today (mostly because I'm in a hurry) other than the Twins signed second-baseman Orlando Hudson to a one-year deal, and that is FLIPPIN' SWEET!!! An All-Star Gold Glover who can hit, from both sides of the plate no less! Wow, if Joe Crede stays around and stays healthy, and if JJ Hardy can hit better than .200 like he did in Milwaukee most of last season, along with O-Dog and Morneau - wow, this has the makings of a pretty stout offense! Much as I love Nick Punto, I like offense, and signing Hudson is huge for the Twins, in my opinion. And as for Alexi Casilla, thanks for the Division-clinching hit and all, but it may be Ca-see-ya instead.

Rod's Friday Take N Things

Here is the biggest news of the week when it comes to college football in South Dakota.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - Kalen DeBoer, who coached Sioux
Falls to three NAIA championships in four years, is leaving the
school to become offensive coordinator at Southern Illinois.
DeBoer announced the move Friday, two months after the
Cougars won their second straight title. They were 67-3 in
DeBoer's five seasons as coach.
The American Football Coaches Association last year named
DeBoer as NAIA coach of the year for the third time in the past
four seasons. The Baptist-affiliated, 1,600-student South Dakota
school is moving up to Division II.
Southern Illinois last year advanced to the quarterfinals
of the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs, closing the
season at 11-2.

I can only say WOW.....And my pick for the Super Bowl on Sunday is after much debate among myself and after telling people the last few days. After further review....

THE INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Although it will be close. Main reason is something I hear Tony Dungy say and after considering it. The Big Reason is..........The Colts won't commit 7 Turnovers. Sorry Vikings fans. If Brett, Adrian and boys could have held on to the ball I'd be picking the Vikings to join the Bills as 5 time Super Bowl losers. Another big fact.........the game ain't being played in New Orleans.

No consider the fact that when I began picking the playoff winners back early last month my record is 1 win. That was the Colts in the AFC title game. I even picked the Vikings to beat the Saints. See where it got me to be the good NFC North fan!!!! And I have not commented on Mike Martz being signed as offensvie coordinator for the Bears. I will only say, don't look for any big miracles. And don't look for any 1,000 yard rushers in the Bears near future. But after the 4 guys turned down the job, he was the best available guy out there. I mean, if he were really that great, Detroit wouldn't be in the mess they are in. Or St. Louis for that fact.

The Governors will play Brookings tonight and S.F. Washington tomorrow. The Warriors play Sioux City East tonight. And if you go to the game, I think you will really be impressed with Ryan McCutcheon of Brookings. Just does the little things that coaches salivate over in a player. I hope we do a better job against him this time that last. Autograph night tonight and tomorrow they are going to honoring other sports past All State and conference winners or something like that that. Don't have the itineray (?) but it should be something to take note of and enjoy. 4:30 varsity tip off. 1 p.m. JV game. Freshman will play at 2:45. Injuries n stuff have left the sophomores depleted again at last check anyway. The Lady Govs have the same time frame with JV's at 1, "C" at 2:45 and varsity at 4:30 at Sioux Falls Washington tomorrow afternoon. Girls tonight and tomorrow are on KGFX. Boys on RIVER 92.7 (like the new music format on River?) And tonight's Stanley County at Lyman girls and boys doubleheader will be carried from Presho on 100.5 FM here in Pierre-Ft. Pierre. Otherwise, only on the net outside of the 2 cities. www.dakotaradiogroup.com. Same situation for tomorrow's Platte-Geddes at Miller girls boys doubleheader.

Big Dakota Wrestling tournament is tomorrow in Ft. Pierre. 16 teams wrestling beginning at 10 a.m. Pierre JV's are at a JV tournament in Brookings. Varsity and JV's also wrestle Brookings in their final ESD Dual on Monday evening. And the Lady Gov gymnast go to Yankton tomorrow for the ESD meet. I don't ever remember, and coach Nikki Abels, who competed for Pierre and has coached them for few years now says she has never been to Yankton for gymnastics. So it should be interesting. Hope they enjoy the drive down and back. I don't have much for our high school hockey teams other that the Lady Capitals play at Mitchell tonight and then tomorrow morning they play Huron in Ft. Pierre. Lots of hockey again this weekend. The boys JV's play Sioux Center Iowa in 3 games over the weekend and the boys varsity has one on Sunday afternoon at Ft. Pierre against Mitchell.

Rod's Thursday Take N Things

A busy night for former Pierre and at least one Ft. Pierre athlete on the basketball hardwood tonight. Michael Tveidt and NDSU host UMKC tonight in a Summit League men's basketball game at Fargo. (SDSU host Southern Utah by the way). Sam Willard and his Pacific Tigers take to the court to try to avenge their only Big West Conference loss of the season tonight. Pacific hosts UC Santa Barbara who beat them by a single point last month. Sammy is coming off a career high scoring night on Saturday when he scored 20 against UC-Riverside. And Sam Ostarello plays tonight as well as Purdue faces Illinois at home. Yes, I remembered that Sam O plays college basketball too. And she is in the starting lineup of a Big 10 program as a true freshman!

Tomorrow night is autograph night for the Pierre boys basketball team. They will be giving out "Hankies" that in turn you can have autographed by players, managers and coaches of the team following tomorrow night's game against Brookings. You can also bring a basketball, t-shirt, cap etc. and the guys and gals (in managers case) will autograph it for you. Nice idea that was started a couple of years back. And despite the fact they are 2-9 on the season, they are a pretty fun bunch to watch, if you can handle the cringes of missed shots and assingments and plays once in a while. If they learn from it, the sky can be the limit with this group of players. Unfortunatly, the news for the Lady Govs isn't quite as good as senior Linsey Petersen will not return for the rest of the year. She has been out of the lineup wit injuries. Her ball handling and outside scoring ability will be missed. But here is a chance for someone to "step up".

Pierre Area Coaches Association Athletes of the Week up at Riggs High this week are co-athletes of the week. Paige Burkett of the Lady Govs basketball team and Joe Bluestone, who wrestles heavyweight for the Pierre JV wrestling team. Joe is the first JV athlete to get the award this year and it was well deserved. He needed to pin his opponent from Yankton last week for the JV's to stay undefeated and all Joe did was do just that. Coach Noyes and Sullivan both say that Joe works hard in the wrestling room, doesn't say much (around them anyway) and just goes about what he is supposed to to. And the athelte of the week award isn't labled, the varsity athlete of the week so it gives some the JV guys and gals something to shoot for I would think. JV's are wrestling in a JV Invitational tournament in Brookings on Saturday.

And despite the ice, spring is nearing. How do I know that? Pole Vaulters for the Gov and Lady Govs Track and Field teams are getting ready for the track and field season. Track season is only about 7 weeks away. Another sign of spring nearing? Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer will be on the cover when the video game "MLB 10 The Show" is released next month. Mauer donned a skintight, high-tech suit dotted with dozens of sensors this week to have his motions recorded for the game.

If that doesn't say Spring is about ready to Sprung, what does?

Darren Boyle's weekly words of wisdom... more Viking fan rehab

It has taken me more than a week to decompress from the completely devastating loss by the Vikings in the NFC championship game. I had accepted the outcome on the Monday after the game but then when the NFL announced that the biggest hit of the game, the hit where Brett Farve injured his ankle and threw interception #1 was indeed a late hit and the int shouldnt have counted, it was like they lost all over again. In fact, the Vikings should have got the ball back and got a first down. Even though the Saints didnt score on the possession, who knows what could have happened the way the Vikings were moving the ball. In my mind there were several plays like that. Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams says he wanted to make the game a "street fight", guess he got the job done. One of the first things to watch in the Super Bowl is if they continue that tact with Peyton Manning. Manning will most likely get hit by one of those cheap shots early and if it isnt flagged, look for the Saints to have a chance. Sounds a little like the WWE doesnt it? If the Saints get away with playing the way they did vs. the Vikings and they win, it is going to change the game of professional football forever. And there are other things to watch this Sunday.

Did you know that Indianapolis school are starting school late next Monday because they know that the bus drivers are not going to be at work on time.

Brad Childress is the true VSK.

Saints running back Reggie Bush has a clause in his contract that gives him a $1,000,000 bonus if the Saints win the Super Bowl. Will the Colts punt to him? Did a USC booster put up the money?

Immediately after the Super Bowl the Colts and Peyton Manning will enter into talks to give Manning a contract extension to keep him in Indy for the remainder of his career. It is reported it includes a signing bonus of at least $35 million.

Danica Patrick will appear in another of the racy godaddy.com commercials with I am sure, a conclusion that can only be found at godaddy.com. In fact, all of her godaddy.com commercials are at godaddy.com. How do I know this? Well, you know, I had to find out what happened.......at godaddy.com. This new commercial appears after Danica makes her stock car debut in the ARCA race at Daytona on Saturday afternoon. godaddy.com has alot of $$$ tied up in this venture so it will be fun to see what happens. If she gets wrecked is she going to storm down pit road and want to rumble with whoever causes it? Remember Danica, rubbin's racing. I expect after a few rough outings early in the season, she is going to do pretty well in stock cars and it will be good for the sport. She may do better than Dale Jr.

Tiki Barber is talking, to anyone who will listen, about Adrian Peterson's fumbling problem. He goes as far as to say that AP is becoming a "liability" for the Vikings and an "intervention" is in order to save his career. I hate to admit it but Barber is right. AP cost the Vikings the Bears game with a fumble. That win would have given the Vikes home field right? And lets not get into the NFC Championship game. It sure has been a strange year when I have to agree with Tiki Barber. I would suppose Tiki knows how to fumble.

With the fumbling problem in mind one should perhaps think about what a team could get in trade value for a player of AP's caliber. Didnt a trade like that create a dynasty in Dallas in the 90's? And a new stadium? You listening Zygy? Glue your stadium model back together and make some calls. I'm not saying make the trade for anyone but if someone from the AFC offered half their team or their #1 draft picks for the next decade you would have to consider it right?

Brad Childress is the true VSK

With the possibility of the NFL operating without a salary cap next season, how good could the Vikings be if Farve announced in the next month that he would come back for one more "final year" with the Vikings? How many free agents would sign with the purple for one shot at the super bowl and to be a part of the Farve farewell tour? Maybe Randy Moss would come back and want to really try? Just the thought gives me hope. Dont burn your #4 Viking jerseys yet.

Have you heard that Brett Farve and Adrian Peterson are going into business together? They are going to open a bakery and sell turnovers.

OSHA is replacing the universal symbol to show someone that you are choking with the Viking logo.

Brad Childress is the true VSK, with a contract extension by the way.

I am sure you have heard about the tower situation with KPLO. The folks at the DRG are doing everything possible to get the station up and running as soon as humanly possible, In the meantime, we will webcast all remaining games on KPLO's schedule at
dakotaradiogroup.com. Tell your friends what we are doing and join us in the live chat area. My board op at the station keeps me updated on the questions and we will try to answer some of them on the air.

Things could be worse, we could be Lion fans.

Rod's Take N Things for Wednesday

I have found out in over 35 years in the business I am in one thing. People in general can do my job better than I can. All you have to do is ask many of them. I am one of those people. I can make better decisions about running the country than our current leaders. Just ask me. Do I want to do that? No! I do what I choose to do! And today, I choose to tell you that today has become an important day in the sports landscape of not just our area, but around the country. Today is National Girls and Women in Sports Day. It is a day that has been around since 1987. It is a day that every young female athlete should take make it a point to have a history lesson and see where women, and women in sports have come. Do sports that the guys play take center stage. Not always, but probably. Especially when it comes to the big money sports. NFL, Major League Baseball, NBA, etc. But it should not diminish what female athletes have done, can do and can accomplish. I have always been around high school girls sports since I started in this business back in 1975. The very first game I announced in my very first job was a girls basketball game. It went triple overtime. My wife was a girls basketball coach here in Pierre when we met. She also was a very good fast pitch softball player. I wasn't around when her fast pitch "traveling" team was in it's hay day but I have learned that alot of people would come in the summer and watch their games when they played the Huron's and Sioux Falls Locke Electric's and the likes. One thing that I have learned is that high school girls athletics are just as important in communities as boys athletics. Especially in small towns. Be it girls or boys, they bring people together and give people a common point. Cheer for their team. More and more schools are making it a point to recognize their girl athletes and Kudo's to the South Dakota High School Activities Association for their involvement in urging their member schools to do just that. Now, in my opinion, schools can do more. Hiring of female head coaches to coach girls teams still seems to lag behind. ESD basketball for instance. There are only two female head basketball coaches. Lisa Kannegeiter here in Pierre and Dawn Seiler in Aberdeen. The other head coaches are men. And at the smaller school level you will find that the number of female head coaches is far below the number of male's coaching girls teams. Progress can be slow but as long as it is steady. And I only selected girls basketball as an example. Like I said earlier, girls should do their homework when it comes to athletics, and find out where they have been, where they are, and where they can go. National Girls and Women in Sports Day today. It's truly a good day.

Rod's Tuesday Take N Things

The Twins seem to be on the verge of signing Joe Mauer to that multi year contract. That is a good thing. Professional sports team's need to embrace their local guys. College Sports too. SDSU should probably sign the best high school player in South Dakota every year. If they don't then USD should. Same for the Twins. Mauer is from St. Paul. The Vikings should probably grab up a stud from the Golden Gophers when they can. Or at least one from the Dakota's like they have with Greenway and Leber. The Bears and Bulls and Cubs should get someone who was a really good player from Notre Dame or Purdue. Nebraska usually does this via their walk on program in football. Their basketball team should do the same. It just keeps the local interest a little bit higher that it would otherwise. Here in Pierre, we all have a soft spot of course for SDSU, but with Steph Paluch and Katie Lingle on the team, the spot is a little softer. And face it, even though NDSU is the evil Bison, with Michael Tveidt on the men's basketball team, even the staunchist SDSU person has to be checking the stats to see how he did and hopes he does well. And Pacific. Who in Pierre cares about Pacific? Alot of us because of Sam Willard. Sammy is the second leading scorer on the team. Coming off a career high 20 points on national TV the other night and probably the team we will watch with great interest come NCAA tournament time. They are this year's NDSU. They have a great chance to make the tournament and then probably be the one to take on the Kansas's or Duke's in the NCAA first round. I would also like to take this time and pat myself on the back for the job of snow removal I did on the sidewalk and driveway at my house. I can see the pavement. I look at the street in front of my house and It's all snow.