USG Racing

USG's NASCAR Ford was in town today. This baby driven by Matt Keneseth had four wins last year (Fontana, Dover, Michigan and Bristol) and a career best of 15 top-five finishes. Matt, also, finished second in the Nextel Cup championship point standings.

The USG/NASCAR partnership began nine years ago in 1998. Many more exciting years are anticipated.
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Grandson's Birthday

My wife and I went to my grandson's birthday party and had a blast. Shown here is the 'Little Man' with what appeared to be his favorite gift. Not the gift I bought but, this toy was really cool. He now has his own lawnmower which makes your typical lawn mower sound and expels bubbles for exhaust. Very, clever idea. Little Man loves it and so do his parents stating, " . . . it will help him burn off some energy." He surely has plenty of energy!

We, also, took him to his first ever Twins game. He is obviously too young to follow the game but, he truly seemed to enjoy himself immensely because he is definitely a people watcher. The arena is of course a haven for people watchers.


My daughter chose the 'Family Seats' which I have never used before. The view from here was alright and it was less crowded than what I'm accustomed to, which is really to my liking. This may just be because of this particular game but, whatever the reason I enjoyed having a little moving room.


The Twins won 4 to 3 with Silva pitching into the 7th inning and allowing 2 hits.

The Ashley Abrahamson Tournament

I was able to spent a little time at Braun Park yesterday, enjoying The Ashley Abrahamson Tournament which features many of the top teams from around the area and even some from the Twin Cities. The tournament is named in honor of Ashley Abrahamson who died in a car crash along with Tom and Marcia Braun, after whom the park is named. Young Ashley (13) was an avid softball player from the area. At each tournament The Ashley Award, is given to a player on each team who best exemplifies the traits and what Ashley stood for.

There will be eight U-12 teams and 10 U-14 teams playing this year. I believe it was the largest tournament Braun Park has ever hosted. There will be pool play on Saturday with three games for each team. On Sunday, games will start at 8 a.m. with third place and consolation championships at 4 p.m. and the championship at 5:30. Sadly, work prevents me from attending Sundays games.

If you would like to purchase any photos go to Printroom and look under Galleries

Viking No Show

Nothing to report on the Vikings today, as they did not show up for the game.

DEFENSE KEYS VICTORY

Author: Mike Wobschall, vikings.com

The Minnesota Vikings (3-2) scored 23 points in the final quarter to complete a thrilling come-from-behind 26-17 victory over the Detroit Lions (0-5) at the Metrodome on Sunday. Two defensive touchdowns in the fourth quarter sealed the victory for Minnesota and running back Chester Taylor's 123-yard rushing performance also paced the Vikings en route to their first division win of the 2006 season. Minnesota scored just three points in the entire first half and the Lions used a 17 unanswered points to take a 17-3 lead into the final quarter of play. Finally, the Vikings offense found the endzone in the fourth quarter, as quarterback Brad Johnson found Travis Taylor wide open for a touchdown. That play brought the Vikings within a touchdown of the Lions early in the final quarter. Johnson finished the day going 26-34 for 201 yards and one touchdown. Mewelde Moore and Chester Taylor each had five receptions and Travis Taylor had four catches for 44 yards and the touchdown. Taylor had 26 carries for 123 yards to go along with his receiving numbers.

read more

Vikings Are 2 -0

I didn't get to see the end of the game yesterday (see previous post) but, what I saw was OK. I don't think they are playing amazingly this year but, what I have seen isn't too bad and I'll definately take another win.

Here is the rundown -

16-13 Win

The Minnesota Vikings (2-0) defeated the Carolina Panthers (0-2) 16-13 on Sunday in an overtime thriller at the Metrodome in front of 63,623 enthusiastic patrons. Minnesota used timely playmaking and a warrior-like performance from running back Chester Taylor to nip the Panthers. The victory sets up an NFC North showdown next Sunday, as the Chicago Bears (2-0) visit the Vikings in a battle for the division lead.

read more . . .

VIKINGS WIN OPENER ON THE ROAD

Brad Johnson and Chester Taylor, along with a timely defense, paced the Vikings (1-0) in a tight 19-16 victory over the Washington Redskins (0-1) at FedEx Field on Monday Night Football. Vikings Head Coach Brad Childress opens his era with a win and guides Minnesota to its second season-opening victory in three years.

Read more . . .

Juneau County Rodeo

Good Times!


My wife and I attended the Juneau County Rodeo in Mauston, Wisconsin yesterday the 16th. She participated in rodeo events as a child and I had never even been to a rodeo. I have seen competitions on ESPN and really got into it. I decided it was time I saw one in person, so we drove down to Mauston to check it out.

It was a great time and we are both glad we took the five hour drive to see the Three Hills P.R.C.A. Rodeo. The events and the competitors were awesome. Beside the professional competitions, there were events for the local children that were really fun. These future cowboys rode sheep as well as the big boys rode their horses and steers. There were the typical rodeo clowns interjecting humor into the festivities. While the clowns were generally funny, sometimes the jokes got a little too corny for my tastes.

My only regret is the late hour in which the event was held. It made almost impossible to take a decent photo. I am certain a pro with fast glass, more experience, and greater access would do alright. With my restricted access and limited equipment it just wasn't going to happen. Still it was very, worthwhile attending and I'm scouting for more rodeo events in the future. Perhaps there will be better photo opportunities. Actually, there has to be better photo opportunities.

We'll see ya all at the next rodeo,
OK pardners.

If you would like to purchase any photos go to Printroom and look under Galleries

Storm Hits Park During Tournament

A storm hit Braun Park, this past weekend during the ASA Minnesota State U-14 Girls Fastpitch Softball Tournament. All of the portable shelters, which the park recently acquired for the event, were destroyed by the winds. The storms eventually died down and the games continued in spite of the unseasonably hot weather, which did not diminish. Congratulations to the Cloquet team which weathered all the storms and went on to take first place in the competition.

ASA-Minnesota State U-14 Girls Fastpitch Tournament

Cloquet girls win the division! Congratulations on a super job.

For more tournament photos

State U14 Girls Softball Tourney This Weekend

KERRY RODD
The Pine Journal


Cloquet is gearing up for a big weekend of softball action. Braun Park will be the host site of the ASA-Minnesota State U-14 Girls Fastpitch Tournament starting Friday night.
There will be 27 teams competing in the Rec I level of play with teams coming in from all across the state. Area teams include
A number of local teams have qualified including two teams from Cloquet: Cloquet Re-Max and Cloquet Fond du Lac.
The Braun Park Complex is no stranger to state tournaments and has hosted them in the past few years. With six playing fields available, it is a perfect site for a state tournament.
An entry fee will be charged at the gate and patrons will find a concession stand with water, soft drinks, hot dogs, candy and burgers available throughout the three days provided by B&B Market of Cloquet.
Those planning to attend the event will find some shaded areas, but they are also asking spectators to bring umbrellas to help against the hot weather we’ve had in the area for the past three weeks.
The tournament is being hosted by the Cloquet Area Youth Baseball/Softball Association.

Pine Journal sports reporter Kerry Rodd can be contacted at: kdrodd@aol.com.

Yesterday's T-Ball Game

Are we playing T-Ball or Twister?

Heading Home

Photo Friday: Happiness Is -

Minnesota Twins : News : Minnesota Twins News

It' arrived. The Twins opener starts tonight.

I have great faith in our pitching rotation this year. It has a lot of depth. Let's hope that Tony Batista can do what he needs to do.

Minnesota Twins : News : Minnesota Twins News: "Tony Batista"

Kirby Puckett, after stroke, dies at 45

SI.com - Hall of Famer Kirby Puckett, after stroke, dies at 45

Kirby was missed once when glaucoma took him out of the game and now he will be missed again. He was a hall-of-famer if ever there was one. And I really relish the fact that his whole career was spent in Minnesota. Most professional athletes attain at least some degree of fame and respect, but Kirby's was extremely elevated. Known not only for his extreme athleticism and mastery on the diamond but, also, for his charismatic personality, his unending smile, encouraging nature, and his ability to make everyone around him feel great. I always knew this but, didn't appreciate the broad scope of peoples love for him until today. The radio has gone non stop with everyone's out-pouring of love for this giant. The endless tales of praise from people he has come in contact with are phenomenal. I'm not talking about Minnesotans only. I'm talking about the whole nation. And calls from admiring people are not abating. Wow.

I'll not write more on this because many, many writers will be expressing their thoughts much more elegantly than I. Everyone has something to say about Kirby.

Kirby we'll miss you and keep catching 'em up there.