FB: Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[sjusection105]

   When other people (Olympic officials) drag politics into sports it's a little bit hard to avoid.

The Olympic Officials are a lot like the United Nations or FIFA officials

[BDB]

I think you are OK on the politics angle there Oz. I was watching from a hotel room in Little Falls thinking a lot of the same thoughts. When professional athletes got into the games and others with major endorsement contracts the whole Olympic concept went down the drain for me.

During the opening ceremonies it felt like a small town parade where they go around the block twice just because. The costumes looked like somebody's mom made them and the potted plants looked like a failed attempt at growing some home made weed.

[Greggers]

Did some research and found that St. Thomas has only 1 returning starter on the offensive line, and only 1 other player with any playing time on the line. I am very aware of the talent of Roberts but it clearly all starts up front, could be a concern. Also concerning offensive line I see St. John's got a little bigger with 2 transfers coming in at 6'4 340 and 6'3 320, along with a big freshmen O-Line class.

[faunch]

Did some research and found that St. Thomas has only 1 returning starter on the offensive line, and only 1 other player with any playing time on the line. I am very aware of the talent of Roberts but it clearly all starts up front, could be a concern. Also concerning offensive line I see St. John's got a little bigger with 2 transfers coming in at 6'4 340 and 6'3 320, along with a big freshmen O-Line class.

Johnnies did indeed add some beef on the o-line.  I addition they added the 2014 team defensive player of the year for Maple Grove and the 2015 team defensive player of the year from Elk River.
http://www.sctimes.com/story/sports/college/2016/08/06/football-sartell-lineman-thene-transfers-sju/88337344/

[Tom Thumb]

Did some research and found that St. Thomas has only 1 returning starter on the offensive line, and only 1 other player with any playing time on the line. I am very aware of the talent of Roberts but it clearly all starts up front, could be a concern. Also concerning offensive line I see St. John's got a little bigger with 2 transfers coming in at 6'4 340 and 6'3 320, along with a big freshmen O-Line class.

This was a concern last year after UST lost Luke Marks, T.J. Woodrow, and Ulice Payne. As we know, UST responded pretty well. Based on what I saw from the second string guys, I don't expect to see a significant setback with the OL.

My biggest question with UST is who will replace CBs Mozus Ikuenobe and Jordan Young? In my opinion, those guys were underrated. They were big, physical, and great in man coverage. They gave UST a lot of freedom on defense. Should be interesting to see how that competition shakes out. I could see UST moving a QB (Dylan Andrew?) or a WR over there to create some competition.

[repete]

I think you are OK on the politics angle there Oz. I was watching from a hotel room in Little Falls thinking a lot of the same thoughts. When professional athletes got into the games and others with major endorsement contracts the whole Olympic concept went down the drain for me.

During the opening ceremonies it felt like a small town parade where they go around the block twice just because. The costumes looked like somebody's mom made them and the potted plants looked like a failed attempt at growing some home made weed.

First chance I've had to watch NBC's coverage since the '98 Winter Games ... and it's truly bad. Not a big fan of Costas. I knew there was plenty of puff but geez.

[OzJohnnie]

The Aussies always compete well in the swimming, usually fighting it out for King of the Pool with the USA.  The Oz family girls were going crazy cheering on Mack Horton yesterday who won gold in the 400 freestyle.

Mack went to high school at Caufield Grammar which is around the corner from where we live and a family friend is a PE teacher there who taught him in year 8. So the Oz girls reckoned that made them as good as first cousins.

[OzJohnnie]

The girls are also quite excited to watch the women's rugby 7's (#2 already declaring she's going to take up the sport) because one of the Aussies on that team is an 2014 alum of Star of The Sea, the Oz girls' high school.

The network here did a short bio on her and had some footage of her competing at a local track in the high school's colors. Confirmed celebrity proximity!!!  OMG!!!

[repete]

I recall your A(ussie)BC crew doing some hilarious stuff during the 2000 Games, including a late night wrap that did not take itself anywhere as seriously as the NBC gasbags. The Canadians were good in Vancouver. Must be a Commonwealth thing.

[OzJohnnie]

I recall your A(ussie)BC crew doing some hilarious stuff during the 2000 Games, including a late night wrap that did not take itself anywhere as seriously as the NBC gasbags. The Canadians were good in Vancouver. Must be a Commonwealth thing.

The wife was chortling last night as she listened to his commentary about Rio. I've asked her to forward a link. I'll let you know.

Edit: Nope. It was something else she was listening to. Not those guys.

[OzJohnnie]

Ooooh, controversy in the pool. I didn't listen to Horton's post swim interview but apparently he was asked on live TV how it felt to beat his rival (a guy from China) who was back swimming (from a drug suspension, the reason for the absence obviously not mentioned by the questioner). Horton apparently only said, "I don't have time for drug cheats."  Needless to say, the official people have their knickers in knots but Horton apparently recieved a standing ovation from the other swimmers when he returned to the practice pool after the interview.

[DuffMan]

Horton apparently only said, "I don't have time for drug cheats."

LOL, American swimmer Lilly King also called out her Russian competition as a cheater during an interview last night.

[hazzben]

Horton apparently only said, "I don't have time for drug cheats."

LOL, American swimmer Lilly King also called out her Russian competition as a cheater during an interview last night.

Good for them. It's ridiculous that the entire Russian federation wasn't banned. IOC is gutless

[GoldandBlueBU]

Heading up to my uncle-in-laws cabin on Superior in Bayfield, WI and stopping for lunch in Duluth. Pretty sure we're gonna do lunch at Fitgers Brew House.

Any suggestions for menu items and tap selections?

You find anything noteworthy to eat or drink in Duluth or Bayfield?

I've yet to be disappointed by any brews that I've purchased from Duluth's Bent Paddle brewery.

[DuffMan]

I've yet to be disappointed by any brews that I've purchased from Duluth's Bent Paddle brewery.

I've only had their black ale, but it's pretty good!