2020 MSU Maverick Football

[SW_Mustang]

Don't forget the Minnesota Curling Association.

The biggest of them all! Roller Derby exists here too. I think there is a team in New Ulm.

[Tundra_Man]

So many teams I can't even keep them all straight!

There's also the NAHL, NA3HL, UMAC/NCHA, and MCAC - though I'm not sure how much support they all get. I know there's interest in getting an USHL team into Minnesota as well. I wonder when we'll have "too much," when the MLL tries to establish a franchise here again? haha

Don't forget the Minnesota Curling Association.

[SW_Mustang]

You forgot the WNBA ;)

So many teams I can't even keep them all straight!

There's also the NAHL, NA3HL, UMAC/NCHA, and MCAC - though I'm not sure how much support they all get. I know there's interest in getting an USHL team into Minnesota as well. I wonder when we'll have "too much," when the MLL tries to establish a franchise here again? haha

[Twincitiesmav]

Wow, that's cool. Good for him!

We've definitely been starved for affiliated ball for the last 50-ish years. Mankato shut down in the late 1960s and I think the Northern League as a whole wasn't too far behind. The Saints are the smartest choice considering logistics, infrastructure, and fan support - though I agree, they will lose some of that "wackiness" that made them relevant in the first place. They also gave a lot of opportunity to local guys, which won't be happening as much anymore. That being said, I am definitely excited.

I've always maintained with UST that they will have a honeymoon period and then their attendance will dip back down to what it was previously for the most part. I think once the general population realizes the D1 nametag doesn't come with the big games and national recognition, interest will slowly wain. Hockey would get a big boost though, IMO. Still exciting to have another option.

I do think we are getting bloated though. We are a relatively small market, yet we have MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL, FBS, FCS, NCHC/CCHA, MLS, MiLB, CWL for "major" programs. The NSIC, MIAC, and NWL tend to have a decent amount of fan interest, and then of course there is the MSHSL as well. Nevertheless, the landscape of MN sports these past 5 years has been interesting, and the next 5 years look interesting as well.

You forgot the WNBA ;)

[SW_Mustang]

Wow, that's cool. Good for him!

We've definitely been starved for affiliated ball for the last 50-ish years. Mankato shut down in the late 1960s and I think the Northern League as a whole wasn't too far behind. The Saints are the smartest choice considering logistics, infrastructure, and fan support - though I agree, they will lose some of that "wackiness" that made them relevant in the first place. They also gave a lot of opportunity to local guys, which won't be happening as much anymore. That being said, I am definitely excited.

I've always maintained with UST that they will have a honeymoon period and then their attendance will dip back down to what it was previously for the most part. I think once the general population realizes the D1 nametag doesn't come with the big games and national recognition, interest will slowly wain. Hockey would get a big boost though, IMO. Still exciting to have another option.

I do think we are getting bloated though. We are a relatively small market, yet we have MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL, FBS, FCS, NCHC/CCHA, MLS, MiLB, CWL for "major" programs. The NSIC, MIAC, and NWL tend to have a decent amount of fan interest, and then of course there is the MSHSL as well. Nevertheless, the landscape of MN sports these past 5 years has been interesting, and the next 5 years look interesting as well.

[Twincitiesmav]

I didn't know Shane had a baby, that's cool! I could see him taking the Brandon route and going up north for a while, probably a lot harder to do with a child though. Whatever he ends up doing, football or not - I'm sure he'll do great at it! I'm just glad I have a new NSIC player to collect cards for - Adam Thielen is way too expensive, and I already completed my Wayne Hawkins collection :D

I'm a little torn on the Saints. MN is really starved for affiliated ball and they are an excellent candidate. However, I really liked the position they created for themselves in indy ball - most teams could only dream of reaching those heights, even many affiliated clubs. In any case, it will sure be exciting!

[SW_Mustang]

I didn't know Shane had a baby, that's cool! I could see him taking the Brandon route and going up north for a while, probably a lot harder to do with a child though. Whatever he ends up doing, football or not - I'm sure he'll do great at it! I'm just glad I have a new NSIC player to collect cards for - Adam Thielen is way too expensive, and I already completed my Wayne Hawkins collection :D

I'm a little torn on the Saints. MN is really starved for affiliated ball and they are an excellent candidate. However, I really liked the position they created for themselves in indy ball - most teams could only dream of reaching those heights, even many affiliated clubs. In any case, it will sure be exciting!

[Twincitiesmav]

No kidding. He should have landed somewhere in the professional ranks, yet nobody gave him a look - all because COVID shut down his opportunity to showcase himself at a regional combine or something. I really feel for him.

Starting a collection of these cards is bittersweet in that regard - I'm glad he has a card, though I'm bummed he didn't make it to the next level (yet?).

COVID really screwed the small-school guys in terms of UDFA. It completely altered the MLB draft too, and I am beginning to wonder if D2 guys will ever get a real shot at professional baseball ever again - though the restructuring of the MiLB didn't help any.

[SW_Mustang]

SAGE also released an autograph card for Shane. I don't own this one yet though I will probably snag a few today. Both cards have a few different variations that I intend to pick up as well as I find them.

[SW_Mustang]

Covid screwed him big time. He should be at least on a practice squad or at the very least gotten a tryout.

No kidding. He should have landed somewhere in the professional ranks, yet nobody gave him a look - all because COVID shut down his opportunity to showcase himself at a regional combine or something. I really feel for him.

Starting a collection of these cards is bittersweet in that regard - I'm glad he has a card, though I'm bummed he didn't make it to the next level (yet?).

COVID really screwed the small-school guys in terms of UDFA. It completely altered the MLB draft too, and I am beginning to wonder if D2 guys will ever get a real shot at professional baseball ever again - though the restructuring of the MiLB didn't help any.

[Twincitiesmav]

I picked up three of these last night. Unfortunately, SAGE (the manufacturer) lost their NCAA license years ago - so they had to airbrush the Mavs logo on the helmet. Still interesting to see that he got some football cards.

Covid screwed him big time. He should be at least on a practice squad or at the very least gotten a tryout.

[SW_Mustang]

I picked up three of these last night. Unfortunately, SAGE (the manufacturer) lost their NCAA license years ago - so they had to airbrush the Mavs logo on the helmet. Still interesting to see that he got some football cards.

[SW_Mustang]

I started watching that drive, then I turned my attention to something else (but kept "listening" too it). I'll never forget diverting my attention back to the game and thinking "Huh, the Mavs still have the ball. Nice. Wait..."

[Clean Liver]

Two years ago today I sat, but mostly stood, through the most amazing game that I have ever attended. Mavs come from behind to beat Tarleton in the playoff game in blizzard conditions. Thank goodness that they were wearing gold that day so that I could see them.

I remember watchin' it on either the 'net or TV and thinkin', "Better them than me." And bein' thankful I moved to the desert so I don't have to live through those types of games anymore.

[Purple Mav Man]

I ended up in the ditch midway between Nicollet and Gaylord. Yes, before the game the story was that the weather would not be a problem. After the game it was that the game never should have been played in such conditions. Can't have it both ways. I hated playing in the snow and I've lived here all of my life. You can't understate the weather, it was a huge factor.

Typical LSC fans, their team is the best ever, then they get beat.