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Chip Scoggins

Columnist | Sports
Phone: 612-673-4484

Chip Scoggins is a sports columnist and enterprise writer for the Minnesota Star Tribune. He has worked at the Minnesota Star Tribune since 2000 and previously covered the Vikings, Gophers football, Wild, Wolves and high school sports.


Chip Scoggins is a sports columnist and enterprise writer for the Minnesota Star Tribune. A graduate of the University of Missouri journalism school, Scoggins worked at newspapers in Texas, Connecticut, North Carolina and Chicago before joining the Minnesota Star Tribune in 2000. He has been named Minnesota's Sportswriter of the Year four times by the National Sports Media Association.
Recent content from Chip Scoggins
Victorious Mavericks rush the field in Sioux Falls, S.D., after a playoff-opening win ... and they would do the same thing the next week, too.
(Photo

How handshakes and hellos conjured football playoffs magic

Football Across Minnesota: Coaches in Mankato reintroduced themselves to players for a fresh start. Two walk-off wins later, we can say: it worked.
Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold slips away from Cardinals linebacker Zaven Collins in the second quarter Sunday.

Scoggins: He's Savior Sam now, in the latest iteration of the Vikings quarterback

For 2½ quarters, Sam Darnold was a flawed QB, as he has been known to be. His work after that? Is career-changing too strong a term?
Gophers quarterback Max Brosmer looks for a receiver during Friday's 24-7 victory over Wisconsin at Camp Randall Stadium.

Scoggins: Brosmer's gift to the Gophers is how he's allowed Fleck to evolve

"I had to change," Gophers coach P.J. Fleck said of his cautious offensive approach, which looked totally different in Friday's convincing victory at Wisconsin.
Gophers coach P.J. Fleck stood before his team, getting ready for the Sept. 7 game vs. Rhode Island at Huntington Bank Stadium.

Scoggins: Gophers' season of toss-up games will largely be defined by Wisconsin outcome

A loss would drop the Gophers' record over the past two Novembers to 1-7, but a win would let them end a roller coaster regular season on a high note.
Estelline/Hendricks head coach Sherri Johnson huddles with her gymnasts at the end of practice Monday, Nov. 18, 2024 in Hendricks, Minn. Gary and Sher

When this Minnesota town was fading, a barn helped give it hope

Gary and Sherri Johnson's barn has become Hendricks' barn, and gymnastics has become part of the town's fabric.
From left, MSU Mankato coach Todd Hoffner, Maple Grove's Charles Langama and the state champion Becker Bulldogs.

Football Across Minnesota: On comebacks, jump-cuts and a can't-lose coach

Read about Minnesota State Mankato's mini-miracle, Charles Langama's nifty moves and Chris Meidt's magical weekend.
Gophers coach P. J. Fleck said he doesn’t regret the call, but he should.

Scoggins: Trick play to left tackle a regrettable decision for Gophers

Pass to Ersery did not work, the Gophers remained behind after a field goal and they never got the ball back.
Aaron Syverson (left), Jack Strand (top right) and Cooper Drews are three of Minnesota's best QBs.

Uncorked QBs smashing records all across Minnesota

Football Across Minnesota: 'Ground and pound' offenses are disappearing, replaced by record-setting quarterbacks at several Division II and III schools. Plus: prep stars, 8-2 Vikings and more.
Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold, center, sneaks in for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Titans at Nissan Stadium in Nashville on Sunday.

Scoggins: What does Vikings' 8-2 record say about them?

The Vikings currently are tied for the fourth-best record in the NFL. Does that say more about them or the league? Does it matter? Enjoy it, Vikings fans.
Titans quarterback Will Levis throws a pass that became a 98-yard touchdown in the third quarter Sunday against the Vikings at Nissan Stadium in Nashv

Vikings defenders manage to show their best and their worst

Harrison Smith made a crucial interception, and people in purple dominated the line of scrimmage. But there was that 98-yard pass …
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell jokes with wide receiver Justin Jefferson during practice on Friday at TCO Performance Center in Eagan.

Scoggins: Vikings' O'Connell must crack the code of complicated puzzle

The team's offense has to get back on track, and that means finding a way to get the ball to Justin Jefferson.
The Vikings' Harrison Smith (22) indicates his satisfaction after breaking up a pass.

Scoggins: Vikings' Smith is 'Hitman' on field and man of many talents off

A many of many talents, star safety Harrison Smith might be the most interesting man in the NFL — and he's a future Hall of Famer
Cam can do: LeRoy-Ostrander star Cam Hungerholt is a force on the football field for the Cardinals. (Photos courtesy of Brooke Jasper Photography.)

Football Across Minnesota: Meet Cam, the can-do star from down south

One of the most exciting players coming to Minneapolis for Semifinal Week is Cam Hungerholt, the do-it-all star of LeRoy-Ostrander. He can run, throw, tackle, score … and ace that quiz on Monday morning.
Maple Grove defensive back Brayden Dozier tracks Edina wide receiver Trillion Sorrell during Thursday's game.

Scoggins: Getting even meant getting two picks vs. Edina

Maple Grove defensive back Brayden Dozier had two interceptions Thursday, one year after getting picked on by the Hornets in a playoff loss.
Gophers running back Darius Taylor, middle, has 644 rushing yards and 315 receiving yards in eight games.

Scoggins: Among pantheon of Gophers running backs, Taylor has his own special traits

What makes Darius Taylor such an effective running back for the Gophers? Many things, but especially his vision and ability to find creases.
Macalester receivers coach Zach Johnston directs a portion of practice before sunrise at Macalester Stadium last week.

Football before sunrise? Why you can find it in St. Paul

Football Across Minnesota: Macalester players have learned to manage a unique schedule. Also: Alexandria's 99-yarder, and a legacy that began with Bud.
Maple Grove's Gannon Farrens, shown during Wednesday's state tournament soccer game against Andover, will compete in the cross-country state champions

Scoggins: Rest up, young man. There's another state championship to chase, and soon.

Gannon Farrens, a senior at Maple Grove, played Friday for a boys soccer state title. On Saturday he'll run in the cross-country state meet. Thanks go to his mom and his coaches.
Minnesota Gophers quarterback Max Brosmer (16) hugs defensive lineman Danny Striggow (92) before last Saturday's game at Huntington Bank Stadium in Mi

Scoggins: Now that Fleck has a QB he can trust, it's a new ballgame for Gophers

Few teams passed less than the Gophers over P.J. Fleck's first seven seasons with the Gophers, but senior quarterback Max Brosmer has given them a new identity.
Benilde-St. Margaret's Owen Guertin huddled with his teammates during a practice last week.

'He's won before kickoff': A senior's journey from brain surgery to section final

Football Across Minnesota: Owen Guertin used his love of sports to recover from a major surgery and is now a senior on a Benilde-St. Margaret's team playing for a bid to state.
Like other players, Vikings defensive tackle Harrison Phillips finds the turnaround from Sunday to Thursday games to be a taxing challenge.

Scoggins: No cookies, more sleep as Vikings prepare for Thursday night challenge

With little time to digest Sunday's loss to the Lions, the Vikings have a different set of challenges ahead of Thursday night's showdown with the Rams.
De'Marion Brown's first chapter of his college football career at Gustavus has been a stunner.

Football Across Minnesota: Twice as many defenders? Not a problem for this freshman

De'Marion Brown isn't just new to Gustavus, he's new to 11-player football. He's showing early signs that adjusting isn't much of an issue.
WNBA Finals matters are up in the air for Napheesa Collier and her Lynx teammates after a last-second loss in Game 3.

Scoggins: Lynx's challenge grows steep in WNBA Finals against Liberty

Fatigue is in play, as are emotions after a dramatic loss in Game 3. But the Lynx have proven all season they're a team you can't count out — do so at your own risk
Jackson Kollock's family, from left to right: Stella, Scarlett, Teresa, Jackson, Ryan, Layla and Kingston (front).

Football Across Minnesota: Gophers QB recruit honors sister lost to SIDS

Jackson Kollock was devastated by the loss of his sister, Catalina Raine, but football helped him through the pain. He's now a top prospect in Laguna Beach (Calif.) and committed to the Gophers.
Empty seats dominated Target Field in April, despite the Twins making a playoff breakthrough the previous season.

Scoggins: Pohlad family's decision to sell Twins feels necessary amid fans' criticism

The Twins' attendance fell in 2024 despite their playoff success in 2023, indicating matters had grown too sour.
Gophers fans Bruce Olson, center, and his sons Benton, left, and Peyton enjoy pregame festivities at the iconic Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif., before

Scoggins: Rose Bowl remains worth a spot on the bucket list, no matter why you go

The Gophers football team finally made it back to the famous stadium and its mountain setting, this time for a Big Ten game, and fans traveled, too.
Martin Jarmond has been UCLA's athletic director since June 2021.

Scoggins: UCLA was swimming in debt before the Big Ten floated a life raft

"You do have to modernize," UCLA athletic director Martin Jarmond said. "You can't romanticize because college athletics are not the same."
Wild defenseman Brock Faber plays basketball with teammates before a game against the Avalanche on Jan. 17 at Xcel Energy Center.

Faber's gameday: Predictable, until the jump shots start flying

'Getting Ready for Work' series: The Wild's rising star, Brock Faber, has every minute of his gameday mapped out.
Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert warms up before Game 4 of the NBA Western Conference finals at American Airlines Center in Dallas on May 28.

'Getting Ready': How Rudy gets his 7-foot-1 frame ready to go

'Getting Ready for Work' series: Rudy Gobert tunes up his tall frame on gamedays, but the Timberwolves' 7-1 center takes especially great care of his mental well-being.
Minnesota Twins pitcher Pablo Lopez takes the field for a start at Target Field in Minneapolis on June 12.

Pablo the Planner: Twins ace doesn't waste a minute on gamedays

Our 'Getting Ready for Work' series: When it's Pablo López's turn to pitch, not a minute will be wasted.
Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith stretches out on a device he made to prepare for a preseason game on August 10.

Harrison Smith goes medieval on gamedays

Getting Ready for Work: The Vikings All-Pro gives himself a twist at home before games.
PWHL Minnesota forward Kendall Coyne Schofield warms up before a playoff game against Toronto on May 13 at Xcel Energy Center.

'Getting Ready': How 'mom stamina' steeled this champion

'Getting Ready for Work' series: PWHL star Kendall Coyne Schofield hustles all day before sitting near the empty rink, visualizing her next moves.
Scoggins: Our Minnesota athletes are full of surprises on gamedays

Scoggins: Our Minnesota athletes are full of surprises on gamedays

Discovering the idiosyncrasies of some of Minnesota's best athletes was the most fascinating part of this nearly yearlong project.
Lynx forward Napheesa Collier looks through jewelry brought by stylist Kimberly Steward on Aug. 15 at Collier's home in Minneapolis.

For Napheesa Collier, there's a 'mad dash' day before her MVP-caliber play

Our 'Getting Ready for Work' series: Catch Napheesa Collier hustling around Minneapolis before she settles in, styles up and showcases her world-class talent.
Charlie Trapp, 2, dances for his father, Wil Trapp, during soccer training before one of Minnesota United's games.

'Getting Ready': A nap is his only break from soccer

Our 'Getting Ready for Work' series: Midfielder Wil Trapp enjoys the game he loves with the ones he loves on Minnesota United gamedays.
The Vikings cheerleaders and more than 100 other team employees made their way to London this past weekend.

Football Across Minnesota: Why the Vikings' victory Sunday was seven months in the making

The Vikings' massive operation went overseas for a week, and FAM goes behind the scenes to see how the franchise made their trip to London an all-around success.
Vikings linebacker Jihad Ward, left, and Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) pressure Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during the third quarte

Scoggins: Vikings are undefeated but still waiting to play their 'best ball'

The 5-0 Vikings are far from perfect, needing their defense to bail out the struggling offense and special teams in Sunday's win over the Jets in London.
Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) looks for an opening to connect with wide receiver Justin Jefferson against the Jets on Sunday.

Darnold, Vikings offense stall after Jones' injury

Running back Aaron Jones didn't play in the second half because of a hip injury, and Sam Darnold had his worst game as the Vikings quarterback in a 23-17 win over the Jets in London.
A sign advertising Sunday's Vikings vs. Jets game in London showed two of the game's draws: Aaron Rodgers and Harrison Smith.

Scoggins: Smith and Rodgers' cat-and-mouse game continues on Sunday

A future Hall of Fame safety meets a future Hall of Fame quarterback on Sunday when the Vikings' Harrison Smith and the Jets' Aaron Rodgers face off for the 21st time in their respective careers.
Justin Jefferson said the Vikings are carrying themselves to believe "that no one can guard us and no one can stay in front of us."

Scoggins: Vikings hitting another gear with speedy set of playmakers

Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell and General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah prioritized speed when reshaping the roster, surrounding Justin Jefferson's all-world talent with complementary teammates.
In 2023, New London-Spicer football player Myles Macik (left) played the Minnesota Fallen Heroes Game while honoring Ryane Clark (right), who died ser

Scoggins: This one meaningful Minnesota football game tradition could become many

New London-Spicer's annual 'Fallen Heroes Game' should be emulated in many communities around the state.
Former TV anchor Randy Shaver still hustles on Friday nights during football season. He conducted this interview for Game Time Media before the Lakevi

Football Across Minnesota: Former KARE 11 anchor Randy Shaver still drawn to the Friday Night Lights

Retirement for former KARE 11 sports and news anchor Randy Shaver looks a lot like his working days, as he hustles around town on Friday nights indulging his love of high school football.
Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold celebrates a touchdown pass in the first quarter against the Packers. He threw three TD passes Sunday and has 11 in fo

Scoggins: O'Connell, Vikings are leaning on Darnold, and it's paying off

Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell trusted quarterback Sam Darnold, who trusted the best receiver in football, helping the team survive a Packers rally and win at Lambeau Field.
Twins Executive chair Joe Pohlad, shown in 2022, set off an early firestorm before the 2024 season even started when he said publicly the team had no

Scoggins: It's time for the Pohlads to get serious or sell the Twins

After an approach to the season that was shameful and ended with one of the worst collapses in MLB history, the Twins fanbase deserves better.
Vikings receiver Jalen Nailor makes a catch Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium against the Houston Texans.

Scoggins: Dedication to Pilates part of Nailor's successful start

After dealing with nagging hamstring injuries for most of his life, time spent focusing on Pilates and all-encompassing body work has Nailor thriving for the Vikings
Sam Smith, an offensive lineman for Park Christian High, performed the national anthem on his violin before their game Friday in Moorhead.

Football Across Minnesota: He's an offensive lineman, but with strings attached

That 6-7 guy playing the national anthem on the violin in a football uniform is Sam Smith, a multitalented young man at Park Christian High in Moorhead.
Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell, left, and defensive coordinator Brian Flores, right, watch the action in the fourth quarter against the Texans Sun

Scoggins: Think the Vikings' defense looks crazy? That's the way they like it.

After putting the Texans in a vise grip for 34-7 win, the undefeated Vikings have grabbed the NFL's attention by concocting a defense that induces night terrors.
Iowa Hawkeyes defensive lineman Yahya Black (94) raises Floyd of Rosedale at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024 after

Scoggins: Gophers' first-half good vibes went out the window with a putrid second half

Iowa asserted its dominance after halftime and took Floyd back down the highway after an all-too-brief stay in the Twin Cities.
Minnesota hoists the Floyd of Rosedale trophy to the fans after the Gophers' 12-10 win over Iowa last year.

Scoggins: To win this pig, you'll have to win in the slop

Battle between the Gophers and Hawkeyes will come down to the line of scrimmage, with the winner walking away with the Floyd of Rosedale
Minnesotans know Chip Lohmiller as the former Gophers kicker, an outstanding NFL kicker and, today, the fire chief of Crosslake.

Minnesota's most-famous kicker now plays quarterback in Crosslake

Calling the shots as the chief of the Crosslake Fire Department became the second career for Chip Lohmiller.
Sam Darnold is 2-0 as starting quarterback for the Vikings and is throwing darts in crunch time.

Scoggins: Vikings teammates see an 'absolute baller' in Darnold

The new Vikings starting quarterback can be brilliant and exasperating. In Sunday's upset of the 49ers, he was a cool customer when his team needed him the most.
Twins shortstop Carlos Correa hits a solo home run in the bottom of the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers on April 9 at Target Field.

Scoggins: The absence of the Twins' Big Three have them on life support heading into the final stretch

The Twins have the potential to be great and make some noise in the postseason, but getting a combined 12% of games from their big three is why they find themselves battling just to make it to October
Justice Moody, shown at practice last week, tied a school record with six touchdowns in St. Paul Johnson's season-opening victory.

St. Paul's football spark: 'We need people to put on for the city'

Football Across Minnesota: Rising star Justice Moody might be on to something, with Johnson's jump in numbers to prove it.
Gophers quarterback Max Brosmer (16) is sacked by North Carolina defensive lineman Jahvaree Ritzie in the fourth quarter at Huntington Bank Stadium on

Scoggins: 'New' Gophers offense fails to generate much excitement

First-game issues aside, the offense as run by Max Brosmer looked a lot like the relatively pedestrian offenses of P.J. Fleck's past teams.
In order to compete in the expanded Big Ten, Coach P.J. Fleck will have to unleash the passing game in his eighth season as Gophers football coach.

Scoggins: For Gophers to be successful, Fleck's offense must adapt to modern times and let it fly

The Gophers relied too heavily on the run when they were in the Big Ten West division, but now they're in an 18-team conference with more high-powered offenses.
Rick Sellner prepares for the game in the dugout next to a sign for his son, Shane.

A tragic death. A town bonded by baseball. How Waterville embraced a family as one their own.

Following the tragic passing of Shane Sellner, the family found comfort and love in a town that wasn't theirs — at least to begin with.
Michigan celebrates after defeating Washington in the NCAA College Football Playoff championship on Jan. 8 in Houston.

Scoggins: Even a traditionalist can love the revamped college football landscape

The 12-team College Football Playoff, the 18-team Big Ten, the payments to players — all of it can enhance the sport.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell, right, has had a lot to manage and process beyond preparation for the 2024 season.

Scoggins: O'Connell's leadership has helped Vikings navigate turbulent summer

Having faced a series of emotionally jarring news this summer, the accumulation of it goes beyond the norm, requiring every bit of O'Connell's stewardship.
Anthony Edwards blocks a shot by Serbia's Vasilije Micic during the Olympics semifinals Aug. 8.

Scoggins: NBA welcomes Wolves to A-list status

With Anthony Edwards' charisma a key selling point, the Wolves are getting many more prime time appearances.
The loss of Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy, here playing against the Raiders on Saturday at U.S. Bank Stadium, to a season-ending knee injury is a

Loss of Vikings rookie QB J.J. McCarthy a heartbreak, but anguish will pass

Plans for season have been thrown into disarray, but injury is a setback, not the end, for ex-Michigan star.
Gophers quarterback Max Brosmer has been learning fast since transferring to Minnesota from New Hampshire.

Scoggins: Gophers QB Brosmer plays chess 10-15 times daily to keep his mind sharp

The Gophers are counting on their new quarterback's quick decision making and accuracy, and he'll face a learning curve coming from New Hampshire.
Twins infielder Kyler Farmer hugs third baseman Royce Lewis after they defeated the Guardians 6-3 in Game 3 of Friday's doubleheader at Target Field.

Scoggins: Heading into tough stretch, Twins ignoring noise

With three young, mostly unproven starters in the rotation in a pennant race after little action at the trade deadline, Twins buckle down and forge ahead.
Where the Gophers ultimately finish hinges largely on New Hampshire graduate transfer Max Brosmer, his transition to the Big Ten and the offense’s a

Scoggins: No telling how Gophers football team will fare in Big(ger) Ten

As a new-look Gophers team prepares for a new-look conference, the only certainty is that things will be more difficult.
The Vikings' Aaron Jones believes he's the best all-around back in the league.

Scoggins: Vikings running back Aaron Jones is ultra-confident

The team's offense will probably change dramatically with a versatile Jones in the backfield.
Vikings outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard is one of the new chess pieces defensive coordinator Brian Flores has at his disposal this season.

Scoggins: Vikings chess master Flores gets new pieces to move around field

Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores is evolving and changing with the NFL. Did he get enough new playmakers to stabilize the defense?
Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold led the first-team offense during the opening practice of training camp on Wednesday.

Scoggins: Time is now for Darnold to make his case as starting QB

Rookie J.J. McCarthy's time will come. But it's a now-or-never moment for Sam Darnold, who begins Vikings training camp as the No. 1 QB.
Amid the concern over Jordan Addison's driving record and the death of Khyree Jackson, coach Kevin O'Connell will need to summon every bit of his lead

Scoggins: Vikings need to take a harder line with Jordan Addison

Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell says the team will "wrap our arms" around receiver Jordan Addison after his recent arrest. But maybe it's time to borrow some of Mike Zimmer's fear-based methods.
Micah Grafenstein-Kinzel shows off a few of his marathon medals, which now include reps in all 50 states.

Scoggins: Local runner earns 50 States Marathon Club honors

After 20 years of chasing a dream, Micah Grafenstein-Kinzel ran a marathon in Helena, Mont., in June to become the 68th member from Minnesota to run a marathon in all 50 states.
Wild first-round draft pick Zeev Buium, left, jokes with Ryder Ritchie on Tuesday during the team's development camp at Tria Rink.

Scoggins: 224 miles a day paced Zeev Buium's path to the NHL draft

The Wild's first-round pick's parents immigrated from Israel with no knowledge of hockey at all.
Not only is Brooks Lee, right, off to a fabulous start to his MLB career with the Twins, but he homered off White Sox pitcher Drew Thorpe, left — hi

Scoggins: Lee's early run with Twins keeps getting better

Rookie Brooks Lee homered off best friend and college roommate Drew Thorpe in a victory over the White Sox on Wednesday.
The dreaded purple screen with a message to Comcast customers regarding a dispute with Bally Sports.

Scoggins: Twins television blackouts depriving fans of vital part of summertime

Fans of a professional sports team should not be denied access to televised games over a contract dispute.
Twins third baseman Royce Lewis left early because of a sore groin before the sixth inning of the Twins' victory over the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday.

Scoggins: Twins need to take deeper look at why Lewis keeps getting hurt

It is incumbent on everyone in his sphere to figure out if there is more to Royce Lewis' proclivity for injury than just terrible luck.
At the U.S. gymnastics Olympic trials at Target Center, fans turned out for a chance to see Suni Lee, the homegrown reigning Olympic women’s gymnast

Scoggins: Suni Lee delivers in first day of a pressure-packed homecoming

Tokyo gold medalist Suni Lee put herself in position to return to the Olympics with a strong opening performance at Target Center.
Matt Wilkinson celebrates his second-place finish last Sunday in the men's 3,000-meter steeplechase at the U.S. Track and Field Olympic Team Trials.

Scoggins: An improbable journey from Carleton to Gophers to Olympic doorstep

Last weekend in Oregon, the runner who couldn't make state, couldn't draw much DI interest, accomplished a major goal at the U.S. track and field Olympic trials.
Rob Dillingham put on a Spurs cap after he was drafted by San Antonio on Wednesday night; he was quickly traded to the Timberwolves.

Scoggins: Wolves improved offensive potential with first-round picks

Taking guards Rob Dillingham and Terrence Shannon Jr. should upgrade some of the team's offensive shortcomings.
Clockwise from left: Jonathan Dobis of St. Thomas Academy, Max Arlich of East Ridge and Riley Leatherman of Wayzata.

Scoggins: Minnesota baseball is experiencing a pitching bonanza

Year-round training and social media have helped put state's crop of ace pitchers on the radar.