Vikings
Packers lose!
Bears lose
Vikings lose. I'll get to that last one later.
Bison
For those who only care about the Football team, it was a great week. Anyone who pays attention to other parts of the athletics department probably don't think so.
It started with a visit to the #1 team in the country and the men's team was dispatched in unsurprising fashion. The men's Basketball team followed that up with an appearance in the Final Four dry run at US Bank Stadium. Unbeknownst to everyone, Drake has an All American in disguise that dropped a triple double on the Bison. That created a hole from which they could not dig themselves out.
To a lesser degree, the women's team had their tough week to get through. First was a trip to Northern Illinois that finished with them down 18. After that came a matinee against UMKC in which they came up 10 points short. I've started to wonder what it will take for this program to become competitive in the conference. The only answer I have is that the coaches need to start poaching some of the best division 2 level players in hopes of hitting on a player or two that can be a women equivalent of Taylor Braun. Maybe they're already doing that but without the positive results. I don't have another answer to solve it though. I'm glad I don't have to have the answer either!
Moving on, rewind to Friday, the Wrestling team finished in 14th at the "Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational." The day after, three of the guys managed to win at the "Dragon Open." Those who were still in the desert had a day that saw them conclude in 18th place.
But the Football team routed their first playoff opponent of the season, so maybe all is well. It isn't, but maybe it is for you.
I will say this before moving on though. If the men's Basketball team isn't ready for conference play after the slate of games they've been grinding through then nothing will get them ready. It lightens up significantly after tomorrows game against Iowa State, then we'll know what the Bison men's Basketball team really is.
Dragons
Moorhead State's week started with a visit by Mayville State's men's Basketball team. The Dragons went 12 deep, lead by Johnny Beeninga's 16 on the way to a 94 - 73 win. They came back yesterday and despite a 21 point day by Addison Park, fell by 16 to Northern State.
A day earlier the Aquathletes made a splash on their way to a first place finish in the "Dragon/Cobber Invite" that should get rebranded to be less clunky.
Also on Friday, the Wrestling team was victorious over Northern State 25 - 12. They came back out for the Dragon Open on Saturday & managed to be very successful, but check the release for yourself.
The women's Basketball team also travelled to Northern State. They finished with only 47 points but held the Wolves to 39. Ideally it would be better but a wins a win.
Which leaves the Football team in their season finale. The weather was a factor early but during a technical failure disrupted the broadcast, the Miners jumped out to a double digit lead which they only extended in the second half en route to a 51 - 16 loss. That shouldn't take any of the shine off the season that was from the Dragons. I'll be back next Summer with another preview & season prediction. For now, just enjoy what was & what will be from the other sports going down around town!
Cobbers
It was a saint heavy schedule by the corn cobs. First was a trip by the men's Basketball team to St. Scholastica. That 16 point loss followed by a 10 point loss on Saturday against Hamline.
The lady ballers also played a school calling itself saint, this one being Benedict. Lead by 17 from Kirstin Simmons, they came back from seven down at the half to win by six. They also followed up with a Saturday at Hamline. A pair of players for Concordia scored 12 points & 13 points on the way to a wire to wire win, 63 - 50.
The Hockey teams kept the trend going on Friday with a pair of games against St. Olaf. The men netted five goals from five different players while the ladies got four from four on the way to wins for both teams. That begs a rematch, if your a Cobber fan and Saturday supplied just such at occurrence. The women squeaked out a 2 - 1 win while the guys scored another four goals to get their own double up win, 4 - 2.
The Aquathletes took part in the "Cobber/Dragon Invite" that really should get rebranded. After two days in the water, the Cobbers dried off with a fifth place finish.
Then on Saturday the Wrestlers hit the mat in the "Dragon Open." Results range from 2nd to unknown, but if you're interested you can see the full list of outcomes!
Timberwolves
Back at .500 for a couple days and even off the loss in those hideous jersey's, the Wolves have such a great energy. If it can sustain & the play can continue to improve they will put themselves right back in the conversation for a playoff spot. Going 40 - 20 the rest of the way is a tall order but I'm a believer!
High School Sports
The winter season is in full swing. Snuck in a visit to Park Christian on Thursday night for the first of a few girl's Basketball games to watch this season. There's a lot more to come over the next few months but check out the post about that one first!