Recent content from Patrick Reusse
Patrick Reusse's 2024 Turkey of the Year winner is …
Evidence exists that some recent Grand Turkeys changed their behavior after receiving the prestigious honor. Inspired, The Chairman declares this the Make the Turkeys Great Again era.
Reusse: State boxing scene has been put on hold
The Armory is about to go a full year without having played host to boxing, the sport that helped ring in the building's return to relevance in downtown Minneapolis.
Reusse: Minneota seeks another state football championship
Small town has won handfuls of state titles with lots of parent involvement, some versatile coaches.
Reusse: After all this time, we finally care about the Timberwolves
Led by Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle, this year's iteration of the Wolves are something all Minnesotans can get behind.
Reusse: In entertaining fashion, St. John's outscores Bethel for MIAC championship
The Johnnies' Aaron Syverson passed for five touchdowns in a game that turned into a second-half shootout.
Reusse: Meet Jimmy 'The Foot' McNeil, undersized Totino-Grace tackle and heroic kicker
Totino-Grace needed field goals like never before Friday, so Jimmy McNeil, who kicked only one in the regular season, booted three.
Reusse: Expanded Big Ten makes Gophers' volleyball schedule even more grueling
Coming off home losses to Washington and Oregon, the Gophers play at No. 2 Nebraska on Thursday night. The Huskers are 24-1 and feature old friend Taylor Landfair.
Reusse: Outgoing Twins President St. Peter was always right for the job
A blue-collar guy from Bismarck, N.D., he was a calm in the storm for some of the Twins' zanier moments.
Reusse: Holy Family, even with help of legendary coaching staff, sinks vs. Stewartville
Dan O'Brien was joined by Dave Nelson and Jeff Ferguson and more recently Paul Miller to give the Fire a well-proven coaching staff, but Saturday's challenge was too much.
Reusse: An aging Williams Arena crowd has something to watch, at least, with these Gophers
Dawson Garcia and co. give fourth-year coach Ben Johnson a solid core, with some capable newcomers. Now, about that schedule...
Reusse: Hoosiers football at last enjoys its moment in the spotlight
New coach Curt Cignetti has Indiana undefeated and ranked in the top 10 — and a double-digit favorite against the defending national champions.
Reusse: Bemoan baseball's decline, or watch the right documentary
The moment seemed set for criticism of the modern game and especially the postseason. This time the cure was a stop on Netflix for "The Comeback."
Reusse: From the best player in franchise history to a details guy, Wild are showing a sturdy crew
Kirill Kaprizov is better than ever, the second line is loaded, a local hero is in the mix, and tying it all together is Freddy Gaudreau making a return to prominence.
Vikings fans from Hawaii eager to watch the team in person Sunday
Most of the time the group gathers to watch at a golf course bar in Honolulu; this weekend, they're in Minneapolis.
Reusse: In a blossoming rivalry with Dallas Mavericks, Timberwolves still don't match up
Tandem of Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic again proved too much when Minnesota faced its old Western Conference finals nemesis.
Reusse: Tommies give San Diego too much Hope
A month after losing 64-0, crisp air and falling leaves signaled the return of the Tommies in a 34-14 victory over San Diego.
Reusse: Load management could be good for Wolves' youngsters
Dedicated to a nine-man rotation, Chris Finch needs to find ways to get his young players some early-season minutes in case he needs them in March and beyond
Reusse: A trip down memory lane ahead of Friday's World Series showdown between the Dodgers and Yankees
In a battle that will span the country, the Dodgers and Yankees will meet Friday night for the 12th time in World Series history
Reusse: Yes, it's only one game, but Wolves' opening clunker leaves a bad impression
The sideshow of trying to compare LeBron and Bronny to the Griffeys only made the loss to the Lakers less palatable.
Reusse: In these modern Timberwolves we see parallels to 20 years ago. No way it happens again, right?
Two decades ago, Kevin Garnett, Sam Cassell and Latrell Sprewell were fresh off success. More was expected, but you'll recall that Spree got to fretting about feeding his family.
Reusse: In a world where the Lions are winners, a search for normalcy leads, without satisfaction, to Gophers women's hockey
The Gophers would defeat Wisconsin, right? And no way an absurd penalty called on the home team would lead to some other result. Except in this parallel universe.
Reusse: A foul settles a rugged WNBA Finals Game 4, and the analysis leads to this: Let's go to Brooklyn
The most notable aspect of Friday's game was the quiet of the referees, until their involvement settled it. Fair enough.
Reusse: These are an unforgettable WNBA Finals, and we didn't need Caitlin Clark
The Lynx and New York Liberty showed Friday, and have shown all series, that this new era for the WNBA is not about a single player.
Reusse: Collier and Stewart are part of UConn's WNBA fingerprints
Collier and Stewart, two of the best players in the WNBA Finals, are part of Geno Auriemma's UConn's WNBA fingerprints and will go head-to-head in a massive Game 3 showing Wednesday night.
Reusse: Here's a label for Twins followers who labeled their two owners 'cheap'
Let's go with "whiners." Minnesota Twins fans are better at complaining than attending games, and that will show even if the next owner throws dollars at the roster.
Reusse: For love of the Gophers and the Rose Parade, never mixing the two
Denny Schulstad and his late wife, Pam, shared a love for the Gophers and the Rose Parade but never had the chance to see the Gophers play in Rose Bowl Stadium.
Reusse: Emotions high in Evason's return to Minnesota in Wild-Blue Jackets opener
Wild's firing of Dean Evason last season, offseason death of Columbus' Johnny Gaudreau add meaning to season opener.
Reusse: Collier elevates Lynx beyond season's modest expectations
This supporting cast wasn't like the star power that surrounded Maya Moore during her run, but those teams didn't have Napheesa Collier.
Reusse: How does Finch find minutes for a Wolves roster with too much talent?
After receiving Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo in return, the Timberwolves now have one of the deepest and most versatile rosters in the league
Reusse: Pressure will be on Twins to spend money, but they should rebuild instead
It's time to eschew the higher priced veterans and just fill up the lineup card with young players and prospects.
Reusse: Love him or hate him, Pete Rose deserves to be ranked among the greatest ever
Despite being banned from organized baseball for gambling on Reds games in August 1989, Pete Rose is still the game's greatest hitter and should be remembered as such.
Reusse: Lynx turnaround has been impressive, but they're facing another feisty team now
The Connecticut Sun won Game 1 with old-fashioned tenacity, not the smooth sailing the Lynx had in the first round.
Reusse: A look back at the Connecticut Sun's unique WNBA journey
Born after Orlando Miracle was sold to the Mohegan Tribe in 2003, Connecticut Sun was the first independently owned and operated WNBA franchise.
Reusse: St. John's again showcases its wealth of football talent in decisive victory over Bethel
Aaron Syverson threw for 362 yards and three touchdowns, again showcasing the arm that had him in Division I for a couple of seasons.
Reusse: Frigid finish is accurate representation of Twins
The lights have shined bright in the clubhouse, but that can't hide the darkness that has taken over this injury-plagued franchise.
Teammates turned foes when Syverson, Drews meet in St. John's-Bethel MIAC opener
After waiting for his turn at St. John's, Cooper Drews transferred to Bethel when Johnnie's QB Aaron Syverson announced his return for a sixth season — and now they'll square off Saturday in their MIAC openers.
Longtime Augsburg athletic director Swenson to retire
Jeff Swenson coached Augsburg's wrestling dynasty before becoming the school's athletic director in 2007. He will retire at season's end.
Reusse: With this loss, Twins are on way to closing out their worst collapse in their 64 seasons in Minnesota
Let's hear it for the 2024 Twins and declare that, at least mathematically, they are closing out the worst collapse in the 64 seasons of this team in the Upper Midwest.
Reusse: DeLaSalle got a football field, and the neighborhood survived
The Islanders had to overcome some residents to get DeLaSalle Athletic Field built 15 years ago; on Friday, they couldn't quite overcome a Minneapolis North team that has dominated the series in recent years.
Reusse: Minnesota townball keeps on keepin' on ... with another Hall of Fame induction
A simple tradition has been going strong for decades, even when the cynical me thought it would decline in popularity.
Reusse: Current Twins give us flashbacks to Jamie Quirk, Ron Davis and the collapse of 1984
What looked like a playoff berth this season has turned into an agonizing ordeal.
Reusse: Cousins' six years with the Vikings were an ultra-expensive failure
One playoff win for $185 million — how a game-losing throw in the playoffs turned into an eventual victory for the Vikings ... Good luck in Atlanta, Kirk, and thanks for the generous cap space.
Reusse: Rocco Baldelli second-guessers, beware when you get what you want
Baseball fans have long complained about managerial decisions, and Twins followers have learned of late that sometimes you're damned if you do and damned if you don't.
Reusse: New Bethel football coach Mike McElroy comes from the Jerry Kill coaching tree
Replacing legendary Bethel coach Steve Johnson won't be easy, but Mike McElroy, 36, took every step he could, learning along the way from the likes of former Gophers coach Jerry Kill.
Reusse: Notre Dame football coach Marcus Freeman still has a big fan in St. Paul native Sean Sweeney
Dallas Mavericks assistant coach Sean Sweeney, a Cretin-Derham Hall grad, keeps a house in South Bend to use on Notre Dame home Saturdays.
Reusse: Notre Dame's loss to Northern Illinois has Irish Catholics rolling over in their graves
Not only did Saturday's tragedy mark how low Notre Dame football has fallen over the years, it has also created a crisis of faith for even the most fervent of Irish fans.
Reusse: Unfamiliar opponent brings out plenty of familiar names at St. John's football opener
To add appeal to a less-than-exciting home opener, the Johnnies invited the 93 living football All-America players who had starred through the decades for this legendary football program.
![Carlos Santana has been a steadying force for the Twins this season.
] AARON LAVINSKY • aaron.lavinsky@startribune.com](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/C26MLGGRCRFMTHDJETSF346AR4.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Reusse: Twins being held together with duct tape and glue
A surprising season, yes, but can they make it to the playoffs with all their September issues?
Reusse: News of NHL star Johnny Gaudreau's death hits home for BC teammate Michael Sit
Gaudreau was going to be a groomsman in Sit's wedding in Minneapolis this weekend, but the Blue Jacket and his brother were killed while biking on the eve of their sister's wedding.
Reusse: Jordan's victories keep beers flowing for home fans at Mini Met
The Jordan Brewers will be playing for another Class C championship at the State Amateur Baseball Tournament at home Monday.
Reusse: A journey to southeast Minnesota with the great John Millea
After 15 years at the Minnesota State High School League — and nearly 20 at the Star Tribune before that — John Millea is preparing to call it a career.
Reusse: 'Flexibility genius' draws famous, once-limber crowd in his death
Matt Birk and Joe Mauer were among the Minnesota athletes who honored Roger Erickson with their presence at Mancini's, telling tales of his skills and his persona.
Reusse: First-year coach Polasek aims to lead North Dakota State's return to top
North Dakota State hopes its journey back to the top of the mountain will come under new head coach Tim Polasek and a roster full of Minnesotans, as usual.
Reusse: Caitlin Clark has been a story worth chasing, but it's getting harder to keep up
What started as the perfect little column idea has morphed into something much, much bigger, as Caitlin Clark returns to Target Center on Saturday with the Indiana Fever.
Reusse: Former Gophers assistant Jimmy Williams dies at the age of 77
Once a key figure as a Gophers basketball assistant during the 1970-80s, Jimmy Williams' chance to return to the U in 2007 was squashed following the ordeals of a 30-year-old recruiting machination.
Reusse: Green Isle's Irish Yard stands out as host for Minnesota State Amateur baseball tournament
The first of four games, starting at precisely 11 a.m., in Green Isle featured the defending Class C champs Maple Lake.
Reusse: Reeve passed on Reese, but could and should have made it work
The Chicago rookie leads the league in rebounding while Lynx first-rounder Alissa Pili rarely plays.
Reusse: Sweden's Zetterström brings her NHRA dragster dreams to Brainerd
With 200,000-plus Instagram followers, Ida Zetterström has become a NHRA fan favorite heading to Brainerd International Raceway.
Reusse: Celebrate Minnesota's hockey lifers while we still have them
The State of Hockey lost another all-time great in former Minnesota Duluth coach Mike Sertich.
Reusse: Preservers of baseball history gather for Minneapolis convention
Society for American Baseball Research members aren't just "stats nerds" anymore, but tellers of the sport's stories.
Rick Stelmaszek had a way of needling Twins players to perform their best
Former bullpen coach Rick Stelmaszek, who will enter the Twins Hall of Fame this Saturday along with ex-general manager Terry Ryan, spent 32 years with the team. He's remembered fondly for turning several players' careers around and being in the middle of hundreds of stories around the ballpark.
Reusse: Two of Minnesota's youngest stars are among their sport's brightest
Whether it's NASCAR or the NHL, the young jewels in Minnesota's sporting scene — William Sawalich and Brock Faber — have the poise to reach the highest heights.
Reusse: Rocco Baldelli skittish even as White Sox arrive on a record slide
The White Sox, armed with a strong middle in their lineup, will have to win eventually, but not on Friday, as they made it 18 losses in a row.
Reusse: Fleck coaches better than Brewster, but equals him in gibberish
The Gophers beat Bowling Green in the Quick Lane Bowl last season ... but so what?
Reusse: It took a while, but familiar names again top 3M Open leaderboard
The final groups will have Sahith Theegala, Matt Kuchar and Jhonattan Vegas, as well as a former college No. 1 who had to sleep on the airport floor coming back from Scotland.
Reusse: Bill Nelson and Dundas are big parts of Minnesota 'townball' history
The Dukes have been a state power for decades, with plenty of success and some recent bad news.
Reusse: Two decades after historic Minnesota summer, Ryan Moore returns for 3M Open
A dominant amateur, Moore also played a role in the U.S. victory at the 2016 Ryder Cup at Hazeltine.
Patrick Reusse looks back at Hall of Fame weekend in Cooperstown
Joe Mauer, Todd Helton, Jim Leyland and Adrian Beltre went into the baseball shrine.
Reusse: Rod Carew still visits Cooperstown to show respect to baseball's legends
The Twins great, a Hall of Famer for more than three decades, is back in New York as "a taller me" is enshrined in Joe Mauer.
Reusse: 'Ball writer' Fraley will also have his moment in Cooperstown
The late Gerry Fraley, a longtime reporter for the Dallas Morning News, will be honored at the Baseball Hall of Fame this weekend.
Reusse: Addison is now Vikings' No. 1 knucklehead receiver
There should be no need to gather more information on Vikings receiver Jordan Addison after a second dangerous incident in a vehicle in his two years in the NFL.
Reusse: Clark reunited with former Hawkeyes teammate Czinano
After three years competing alongside Iowa star Caitlin Clark, Monika Czinano happy to watch her friend play where the two won the Big Ten tournament in 2023.
Reusse: Playing career over, two-time Twin LaMarre has no regrets
The former outfielder is moving on with his life with his wife, former Edina tennis standout Whitney Taney, and their two boys.
Reusse: Augustine rides U's pipeline from Trinidad and Tobago to Paris
Trinidad & Tobago might be a small Caribbean country, but it has produced some standout Gophers sprinters, including Olympics-bound Devin Augustine.
Reusse: Let's savor the blur that is the Twins' Buxton while we can
Byron Buxton's career has long held great promise, but always with the caveat "if he stays healthy." Now he has been playing well for several weeks, and that blinding speed on the bases and in center field is still a wonder to behold.
