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May 4, 2012

Courrier: Ziegler, the stadium issue, and a few other thoughts

By Chad Courrier Free Press Staff Writer

— The 1,000-point scorer has become more prevalent in high-school basketball since the 3-point line was introduced some 30 years ago.

So when you analyze the career of Mankato East’s Brody Ziegler, you need to take into account that he scored 1,100 points without making a 3. It helps that he made about 6 out of every 10 shots during his career, but how many players in the last 30 years have reached 1,100 points without a 3?

He should fit in well at Gustavus Adolphus, which usually fancies a pretty high field-goal percentage.



This is Kentucky Derby weekend, which is always a lot of fun. But as the doors open at Canterbury Park for another summer, you wonder how long the track can hold on.

The recent news that the racetrack and Mystic Lake casino have come to an agreement that would allow Canterbury Park to get more revenue from its card club is a positive step, but it’s still hard to understand why the state legislature has gone out of its way to keep a legitimate business from expanding its operations, even when those upgrades would directly send money into state coffers.

The racino remains a good idea, despite what the legislators with financial ties to the casinos will tell you.

Perhaps one idiotic comment from Rep. Phyllis Kahn might sum up the stupidity of those trying to stop Canterbury Park from increasing its purses, thus attracting more horses for the summer and making it more profitable for owners and breeders who are trying to survive economically: “You encourage people to run horses that might be injured.”

Wow! That ignorance is mind-boggling.



Which new coach has the more daunting task short-term? Mankato East football coach Eric Davis or Mankato West girls basketball coach Kristin Krusemark?

First, the state shutdown, then this Vikings stadium debate.

Our state’s politicians haven’t looked this dopey since Jesse Ventura left office.

These people were elected to do the people’s work, and it seems as though nothing of substance has been done.

Again, this isn’t a pro- or anti-stadium rant, it’s just an observation of legislators more interested in re-election or party politics than making decisions.

If you vote for an incumbent in the next election, you’re part of the problem.



When talking with University of Minnesota offensive coordinator Matt Limegrover last week, you get the feeling that former Mankato West quarterback Philip Nelson will be redshirted this fall.

That would be the right decision.

The Gophers are not going to be very good next season, especially in the offensive line, and there are other, more experienced options at quarterback.

According to Limegrover, Nelson had a good spring practice, and his future is excellent. Limegrover said that Nelson has the “it factor.” That means he understands what needs to be done, has the tools to do it and has the work ethic to accomplish his goals.

There’s no need for him to get beat up this season when he could sit out and have a real good career with the Gophers, which may have a much better team in one year.



Chad Courrier is a Free Press staff writer. To contact him, call 507-344-6353 or e-mail at ccourrier@mankatofreepress.com or check out his local sports blog.

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