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Welcome to the December 31, 2010; edition of the MYAS Update
In this Issue
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MYAS Update Info
Our newsletter is designed to provide timely youth sports information to coaches, athletes, parents and administrators. It includes notes from the Executive Director, sport program information, calendar reminders, new service announcements and special events information. Contributions from sponsors assist us in delivering high quality youth sport services and events at the lowest possible cost and partially fund this newsletter, and certain sponsors will be featured.
Dan's Notes - from Executive Director Dan Klinkhammer
GOOD RIDDANCE TO 2010
I think that many of us will be happy to say goodbye to the year 2010. This past year will probably be best remembered for all the worst: family, friends and neighbors unemployed; record numbers of home foreclosures; a roller coaster ride in the stock market. And all the second guessers (including me) pointing fingers at everyone but themselves. Yes, I sincerely doubt that many of us will miss 2010. So let's all join in a collective effort to be less miserable in 2011. I mean really - could it get much worse? (Don't answer that. I'm trying to write a positive article here!)
They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Well, when I apply that theory to youth sports I come up with some pretty interesting takes on how 2010 will be remembered by some of us. I am specifically referring to all the kids who participated in our programs and events in 2010. Hopefully those kids aren't thinking about unemployment, home foreclosures or falling stock prices. Here at the MYAS, we think that most of those kids will be remembering all of the good stuff that happened to them this past year.
A lot of kids were pretty excited to be selected to their first travel team or to be elevated from the B squad to the A squad. Others finally broke into the starting line-up. Somebody out there became the scoring leader for their team. Someone else recovered from an injury and is now back on the team. Many of them made new friends and visited new cities they had never heard of before. A bunch of kids got the chance to play their favorite position this year. Somebody tossed the final strike for a no-hitter, hit the game winning home run or launched an unbelievable 3-pointer to help their team claim the championship trophy. Some deserving kids earned a spot on the All-Star team and a select few now have the lasting memory of playing in a National Championship.
Kids aren't the only ones who have built some positive, lasting memories of 2010. There were plenty of parents who spent most of the year cheering for their kids from the stands. Quite a few moms and dads had the unique experience of coaching their kids. Others pulled on a face mask and chest protector or stripes and a whistle and found out that officiating any sport isn't easy, but may have found a new calling in life. Win, lose or draw, all of the parents were pleased to wear their "Proud Parent" buttons to every contest. Others spent hours bragging to grandma and grandpa about their kid's last game. And the kids weren't the only ones to make new friends and see new places.
Yes, 2010 was a tough year in many ways but it was also a dream come true for a lot of kids, coaches and parents involved in youth sports. I would be the first person to agree that there are a lot of problems with the world of pro sports and I will also admit that youth sports aren't as pure as all of us want them to be, but the bottom line is that there were hundreds of thousands of kids who had a blast this past year participating on their local baseball, basketball, swimming, volleyball or wrestling teams. There is no denying that those kids had a ton of fun and learned many life lessons in the process.
There is another old saying that states, "Sports builds character - or exposes it." In the Book of Dan, either result is a good thing because it gives a very clear look at who we really are. In 2010, a lot of kids found out who they really are. And that is a lesson that can't necessarily be taught in the classroom. In my opinion, we learn what we can be in the classroom but we learn who we are on the ball field or in the gymnasium. There's a big difference.
As we approach the coming New Year, the MYAS staff has spent a considerable amount of time trying to come up with ways to make 2011 an affordable and memorable year for everyone. Over the next several months, you will be seeing evidence that we are serious about making your youth sports experience the best it can be. There will be a special tribute to all basketball moms on Mother's Day weekend. The very next weekend (Minnesota's fishing opener), we will be recognizing all the basketball coaches with a special, one of a kind gift that might find its way into your tackle box. We are also planning a "Customer Appreciation Weekend" which will feature a significant decrease
in basketball entry fees. Not to be outdone, the baseball staff has plans for a Gopher State Baseball League All-Star Weekend, and several 14U and 15U baseball players will be participating in Traveling League Championship games at Target Field.
We are also working on a long-term project that will enhance the travel basketball experience for inner city players, parents and coaches while building trust and collaboration between inner city and suburban programs. This project is ambitious, but the MYAS stands at the intersection of all the basketball community stakeholders with a unique set of skills and perspectives. To paraphrase a famous quote, "If not us, then who? If not now, then when?" We are currently soliciting partners for this important endeavor and invite your insight and participation.
Last but not least, we are currently working on a makeover of our website. We believe that we already have one of the best youth sport websites in the country, but there's one more old saying that I think applies to this effort: "You ain't seen nothin' yet!" The new website is being redesigned to make it more customer-friendly, more interactive, more current and more informative. Oh, and did I mention that in a few short months, you will be able to go to the "Bonus Pack" portion of our website and download discount coupons for everyday products?
So there you have it. Goodbye to 2010 and HELLO 2011! I haven't been this excited and optimistic since the day my wife said, "I do." 2011 is going to be one heck of a year!
Visit the MYAS on Facebook!
We are excited about our new social media opportunity - Facebook! Check it out and "Like" our page to gain access to pictures, program updates and other exciting news.
You must have a Facebook profile to connect with our page. To get started, go to www.facebook.com and sign up for a free account. If you already have an account, simply log in and search for the "MYAS" page.
As our fan base grows, discussion topics can also be added. We look forward to connecting with our participants and families in this new venture! If you have questions about the MYAS Facebook page, please contact Jessica Christopherson at 763-746-1733 or jessica@myas.org.
Borton's Bench Notes
Coach Borton and the Gopher women's basketball team are on the road for their Big Ten opener at Illinois. Her column will return in a future issue of the MYAS Update.
Sports Medicine Tip
Which Member of the Sports Medicine Team Should I See After the Game?
Many of us take for granted the privilege we have to easily seek specialized health care. The Twin Cities has an abundance of sports medicine trained individuals who are easily accessible. When injuries happen, we no longer need to rely on seeing just anybody. This summary will help identify the appropriate health care provider for you.
Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC)
These providers have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Athletic Training and traditionally provide care on the sidelines of events. They pass a national certification exam and are registered by the MN Board of Medical Practice. When an athlete gets injured, they are the first ones on the scene. Athletic trainers are trained in emergency care, evaluation of injuries, rehabilitation of injuries and prevention of injuries. They work closely with physicians and are often considered physician extenders due to the breadth of knowledge they possess. ATCs manage musculoskeletal injuries, neurological problems like concussions, and a myriad of medical issues like abdominal injuries, rashes, breathing problems, lacerations, bee stings, seizures and eating disorders. They work in schools, physicians' offices, physical therapy offices and industrial settings. Plan to see them on the sidelines
right when the injury occurs. Ask your tournament director or site manager if an athletic trainer is on site.
Physical Therapist (PT)
These providers have a Bachelor's, Master's or Doctorate level degree in physical therapy. Physical therapists with a sports or orthopedic specialty work in out-patient clinics such as the Institute for Athletic Medicine and perform rehabilitation for injuries involving muscles, bones and joints. They use various machines or perform techniques with their hands to help decrease pain, prescribe individualized exercises to improve strength and mobility, and evaluate movement patterns or biomechanics for optimal efficiency. Legislative laws now allow anyone to seek direct care from a physical therapist for up to 90 days without first having to see a doctor. For any kind of muscle strain, nagging problem or sprained ankle that can bear some weight, see a physical therapist.
Primary Care Sports Medicine Physician (MD or DO)
A primary care physician is more than simply a regular doctor. A primary care sports medicine doctor has completed additional fellowship training in sports medicine and has passed a certification exam awarding them a CAQ - Certificate of Added Qualification - in sports medicine. Many of these specialists will only see orthopedic, musculoskeletal or sports related injuries including concussions and dermatological issues. They don't do any type of surgery (surgery is left to the skills of orthopedic surgeons) and they typically don't see ear infections, chronic colds or strep throat problems. Those issues are seen by a family physician or pediatrician. For sprained ankles that can't bear weight, shoulder pain that significantly limits movement or any other questionable problem that may need an x-ray, see a sports medicine doctor. They will determine a treatment plan to allow physical
activity as soon as possible without the suggestion of, "Let's wait two weeks and we'll see..."
Fairview Sports and Orthopedic Care (FSOC) is a specialty center which staffs all of the above mentioned specialists. Their team of doctors, physical therapists, chiropractors and athletic trainers offer the best in non-surgical orthopedic and sports medicine care for people of all ages. They'll discuss treatment options with the goal of getting the patient back to physical activities as quickly and safely as possible. And if surgery is the best option, they'll get you in to see the area's leading orthopedic surgeons right away.
FSOC clinics are located in Blaine, Burnsville, Elk River, Maple Grove, Minneapolis at University Village and Wyoming, MN. A new Eden Prairie site will be opening January 10, 2011. To schedule an appointment, call 612-672-7100. For more information go to www.fairview.org/fsoc.
Then And Now - by Larry Gallagher
MINNESOTA HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING DYNASTIES
The intent of this column has always been to historically look at a topic, and this month's column does that more than any of my previous columns have done. Unlike the old television series "Dynasty" that was about a family dynasty, I plan on taking you on a journey from the first wrestling state tournaments in Minnesota to the present day and show which teams have truly been dynasties in their time period. We will look at the schools, their coaches and a few of the wrestlers from those dynasties.
Let's begin by looking at a school that was the first Minnesota state champion - Minneapolis Marshall (a school that is no longer in existence). Marshall won the first four state tournaments in 1937-1940. They had six of nine weight class champions in 1937, four of nine in 1938, six of nine in 1939 and five of nine in 1940.
The second dynasty was Robbinsdale. They won a total of nine championships, including seven in a row. They tied with Minneapolis Marshall in 1940 and with Minneapolis Vocational and Wayzata in 1941. From 1942 through 1946 they were outright champions and won it again in 1961 and 1965 (when they were Robbinsdale Cooper). Robbinsdale has had 218 individual wrestlers enter the state tournaments from 1938-2010, which is 9th on the list in Minnesota.
You might remember the name Vern Gagne from early Robbinsdale teams, later at the University of Minnesota and even later in professional wrestling. Julian Hook was a Robbinsdale wrestler in the years after Gagne, and he also played football on some Big Ten champion teams from Minnesota. (I had the privilege of losing a baseball game when Hook slid in for the winning run and I couldn't handle the play at the plate because of his aggressive but legal slide.) John Grygelko was their coach at Robbinsdale and coached for 24 years (although not all at Robbinsdale). John was one of the best clinicians when it came to teaching wrestling to young coaches.
The next power to be seen was Anoka, as they were state champions in 1949-50, 1955 and 1959. When Minnesota went to two classes, they won in 1977, 1978 and 1990. The coaches during these championship seasons were Garth Lappin (102-17-4 record; 83% win/loss; he retired after only 10 years) and Ron Malcolm (464-119-5 record; 79% win/loss; he retired in 1992).
Blue Earth was also a power during this time as they won the state tournament in 1953, 1956-58 and more recently in 2001 and 2002 (under the three-class system of schools). Anoka has seven championships and Blue Earth has six. Anoka has the most state tournament individual entries in Minnesota history so far with 298 individual wrestlers competing from 1938 to 2010.
Fridley had a short run as a power beginning in 1967 and continuing in 1969, 1973, 1975 and 1979. Don Meyers (85-17-1 record; 83% win/loss) and Joe Frank were the coaches during this time.
Some outstate schools with smaller populations that have been wrestling powers for years are Canby and Staples. Canby won titles in 1976-77, 1979, 1986, 1988, 1994 (tied), 1995 and 2006, while Staples took the title in 1978, 1980 (tied), 1981 and 1983-85.
The next two dynasties are relatively new to the scene. Simley and the Short family began their dominance in 1987 and won again in 1988-89, 1992 and 2008-10. Simley is 8th on the list of individual wrestling entrants at 216. St. Michael-Albertville dominated in 1996-97 and 2004-07 and is sixth on the list of individual wrestlers at 220.
All of the above have been and are very strong wrestling dynasties, but none of them even come close to the domination of the Apple Valley wrestling program. Apple Valley began their championship run in 1983, which is the first of their 18 state tournament titles. The others came in 1985-86, 1991, 1994-95, 1997, 1999-2004 and 2006-10. Apple Valley is fourth on the list of individual state entrants at 242 wrestlers.
One thing to think about in Minnesota wrestling is that state titles were, at one time, determined only by individual wrestlers instead of dual meet tournaments as we have today. We owe that change to Don Meyers of Fridley and Ron Malcolm of Anoka. They went to the Minnesota State High School League to promote the idea of having a dual meet state champion and not one determined strictly by how the elite or top wrestlers on a team performed in the individual competition. (Next year I'll discuss how and when this took place and how it changed the type of competition.) Scoring for individual matches and dual meets was also changed when the format change for the Minnesota State Wrestling Tournaments occurred.
Below is a partial list of coaches that helped build Minnesota wrestling into a prominent power and helped promote their sport. They are listed by their winning percentages, and the list only includes coaches who had 200 or more wins. Because of limited space, I had to leave out many great coaches and hope to include them in a future article.
- Jim Jackson of Apple Valley: 549 wins, 25 losses, 4 ties from 1995-2010; 95% win/loss record
- Paul Erhard of Albert Lea and Kasson-Mantorville: 234 wins, 25 losses, 6 ties from 1977-present; 88% win/loss record
- Don Dravis of Staples: 401 wins, 51 losses, 4 ties from 1964-1995; 88% win/loss record
- Joe Frank of Fridley: 226 wins, 31 losses, 1 tie from 1969-1985; 88% win/loss record
- Scot Davis of Owatonna, Hutchinson, Bird Island-Lake Lillian and Belcourt (ND): 955 wins, 140 losses, 4 ties from 1977-2010; 87% win/loss record
- Dave Arens of Bloomington Kennedy and Jordan: 239 wins, 37 losses, 1 tie from 1984-present; 86% win/loss record
- John Grygelko of Robbinsdale: 250 wins, 40 losses, 0 ties (I don't have his years at Robbinsdale); 86% win/loss record
- Gregg Greeno of St. Michael-Albertville: 537 wins, 95 losses, 2 ties from 1980-2008; 85% win/loss record
- Bill Demaray of Apple Valley and Richfield: 407 wins, 70 losses, 4 ties from 1974-1995; 85% win/loss record
- Will Short of Simley and Mora: 302 wins, 56 losses, 0 ties from 1996-2010; 84% win/loss record
- Lyle Freudenberg of Foley and Oakes (ND): 603 wins, 117 losses, 6 ties from 1978-2010; 83% win/loss record
Team Championship coaches are listed below:
- Jim Jackson - 12 at Apple Valley
- Bill Demaray - 6 at Apple Valley
- Don Dravis - 6 at Staples
- Gregg Greeno - 6 at St. Michael-Albertville
- Jim Short - 6 at Simley
- Gerry Gingles - 5 at Canby
Apple Valley has been in 29 State Tournaments as a team and 28 of them were consecutive (1983-2010). They were also in the finals 24 times during that period of time.
Canby has been in 27 State Tournaments as a team and 18 of them were consecutive (1975-92).
Apple Valley has had 64 individual State Champions. Robbinsdale and Blue Earth have each had 50 individual Champions and Anoka has had 48.
The following wrestlers have each won five individual State Championships: Matt Nagle of Frazee in 1997-2001; Eric Sanders of Wabasha-Kellogg in 1999-2003; Zachary Sanders of Wabasha-Kellogg in 2003-07.
The following wrestlers have each won four individual State Championships: Jim Van Gordon of Mpls. Marshall in 1937-40; Steve Carr of Battle Lake in 1976-78 and Moorhead in 1979; John Miller of Renville-Sacred Heart in 1982-85; Ty Friederichs of Osseo in 1992-95; Chad Erickson of Apple Valley in 1994-97; Marcus Levasseur of Mpls. Roosevelt in 1998-2000 and Bloomington Kennedy in 2001; Ty Eustice of Blue Earth Area in 1998-2001; Jeff Pfaffinger of Blue Earth Area in 1999-2002; Charlie Falck of Apple Valley in 2001-04; Gabriel Mooney of Badger/Greenbush-Middle River in 2001-04; David Thorn of St. Michael-Albertville in 2006-09 and Destin McCauley of Apple Valley in 2006-08 and 2010.
I hope you enjoyed this journey and gained a very important appreciation of the special people involved in Minnesota amateur wrestling. All of the coaches and athletes in this great sport deserve everyone's respect because it takes as much or more dedication than any other sport I have known in my time as an athlete, coach or official. I have participated as an athlete in baseball, basketball and football and as a coach and/or official in baseball, basketball, football, volleyball and wrestling, and you can take it from me that wrestling is the most difficult sport to become a true athlete because of how much time, energy and practice time it takes to become a wrestler who can compete at a high level.
Congratulations to all those who have made Minnesota wrestling a great sport! There will be more on this topic in the future.
Midwest Regional Swim Meet
Registration is open for the 2011 Midwest Regional Swim Meet that will be held on the weekend of April 2-3 at the University of Minnesota Aquatic Center. Entry information and qualifying times are available on the Midwest Regional web page.
We have some exciting changes for 2011, including a family event at the Mall of America and potentially a webcast of the meet!
The 2010 meet was one of the best in our program history and we are looking forward to carrying that over to the 2011 Midwest Regional Swim Meet.
For more information, please visit the MRSM web page or contact Jessica Christopherson at jessica@myas.org.
MYAS Gopher State Wrestling
The MYAS Gopher State Wrestling Nationals (formerly Championships) have earned the reputation of being the toughest and best run tournament in Minnesota. In 2010 we had 988 registered wrestlers. The tournament has drawn wrestlers from Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Missouri, Louisiana, Michigan and California. Wrestlers from all states are eligible to participate in all Gopher State wrestling events.
The 2011 Nationals are scheduled for February 12-13. The tournament will once again be held at Monticello High School, which is quite possibly the best wrestling facility in the state.
We have some exciting changes for the upcoming tournament. Some of them include full mats for grades 3-8, bigger brackets and bigger awards. Click here to view all of the changes.
The Gopher State Wrestling program has seen tremendous growth since its inception in 2002. We thank you for your participation and look forward to another great season. To access more information, please click on the appropriate link below. You may also contact Jeremy Innes at 763-746-1720 or jeremy@myas.org.
Gopher State Wrestling Nationals
Gopher State K-6 Team Tournament
Football Rules of the Month
In our ongoing education mission, we would like to highlight three basic high school football rules. The answers appear later in the newsletter (see "In this Issue" for the link).
1. Player B3 gets in the path of Receiver A4 without making contact. B3's presence results in either: (a) A4 slowing down to avoid contact; or (b) A4 initiating contact in an effort to reach the ball. What is the ruling in each case?
2. Team A has a huge lead and scores another touchdown in the third period, and the captain of Team A informs the referee that his team does not wish to attempt the try. What is the ruling?
3. Player A1 scores a touchdown. During the scoring play, (a) Team A commits an unsportsmanlike foul; or (b) Team B commits an unsportsmanlike foul. What is the ruling in each case?
MYAS Day with the Gopher Women's Basketball Team
Join the MYAS in cheering on the University of Minnesota Women's Basketball Team as they take on the Ohio State Buckeyes on Sunday, February 13, 2011 at 2:00pm!
Your discount priced ticket includes post-game snacks, a meet & greet with Gophers players/coaches and a giveaway item from the U of M.
Please click here for more information and to download the ticket order form, or contact Jessica Christopherson at 763-746-1733 or jessica@myas.org.
MYAS Winter Basketball Tournaments and Leagues
The 2010-11 MYAS winter basketball calendar once again includes the Gopher State Winter Basketball League, Gopher State Invitational Tournaments and MYAS Super Saver Tournaments. There is sure to be an event that fits every team's schedule.
For more information about MYAS winter basketball events, please click here and then scroll down to the winter section of the page. You may also contact Jeremy Innes at 763-746-1720 or jeremy@myas.org.
MYAS Basketball Tournament Scheduling Services
The MYAS wants to help your basketball organization. We have put together a Tournament Scheduling Service package to make coordinating your event much easier. Our educated and trained staff has experienced the ins and outs of event planning. Let our expertise help you!
For just $3.00 per team, the MYAS will complete your tournament schedules and post them online and will provide you with a copy of the schedules, brackets to post at your site(s), score sheets for every game and many other valuable services. We are also working on the possibility of providing tournament directors with remote website access so they can update scores/schedules during their tournament.
What follows is a testimonial from Layne Skoyen, director of the Hastings Spiral Classic Basketball Tournament:
"As a volunteer with our Hastings Basketball Booster organization, it is very difficult to devote the time needed to coordinate a successful annual tournament. Jeremy (Innes) at MYAS took many of the headaches away with their tournament service program which provides a website, bracketing, printing of forms, etc. This year was a breeze compared to last year - very few emails or calls. MYAS is so easy to work with and very responsive to any questions or concerns. I would highly recommend this program to any Director that feels overwhelmed by the details and pressure of hosting a successful basketball tournament."
If you would like more information about the MYAS Basketball Tournament Scheduling Services, please click here or contact Jeremy Innes at 763-746-1720 or jeremy@myas.org.
MYAS "Travel Lite" Basketball Program - Save Time & Money
The MYAS staff often hears from coaches and parents who are commenting on how basketball tournaments consume an entire weekend. In an effort to give back some of that time to families, we have branded some of our events as MYAS "Travel Lite."
Benefits of Travel Lite include saving time and saving money on admission fees, concessions, travel and lodging.
MYAS Travel Lite programs include the Winter Jamboree, Super Saver Tournaments and the Gopher State Winter Basketball League.
For more information on MYAS Travel Lite, you may contact Jeremy Innes at 763-746-1720 or jeremy@myas.org with your questions.
MYAS Grade State Basketball Championships
The MYAS is looking forward with great anticipation to the 2011 Grade State Basketball Championships. The 2010 event was a record setting one in terms of numbers of teams, and we hope that many of you will be able to participate next March.
Even though the 2011 Championships are on the distant horizon, we are already gearing up for another phenomenal state tournament. Next spring's event will take place on March 5-6 (girls) and March 12-13 (boys). All of the pertinent information is available on the Grade State web page. We hope to see you in March for another exciting wrap-up of your winter basketball season!
Note to Coaches: Once your Grade State team is determined, please go to the MYAS website and complete your online roster via the Coaches Control Center (link is on the home page). Once your roster is complete, you will see which players still need age and/or grade verification. By doing so, you will save a lot of time and unnecessary paperwork in the long run.
If you have any questions, please contact Eric Rathke at 763-746-1730 or eric@myas.org.
MYAS Rec State Basketball Championships
Mark your calendars now for the 2011 MYAS Rec State Basketball Championships! The tournament is scheduled for March 19-20, 2011 in Cottage Grove, Osseo, St. Louis Park and St. Paul and at the beautiful Colin Powell Center in Minneapolis.
The Rec State Championships are held for boys' and girls' teams in grades 4-12 that participate in a city park and recreation, community education or in-house program. Teams in grades 10-12 that participate in an in-house program or a high school intramural program are eligible to participate.
Detailed information and registration materials are now available on the Rec State web page. If you have other questions, please contact Kevin Wilson at 763-746-1712 or kevin@myas.org.
Gopher State Spring Basketball
The MYAS is preparing to enter its third decade of providing the best in youth sports administration. Over the years we have listened to you, our participants, suggest how we can continue to provide the opportunities you and your children want. The 2011 spring/summer season will provide you with more opportunities to play, brand new events, showcase events that will bring in teams from across the country and opportunities to go to national tournaments.
New for 2011 will be our Summer Prep Series leading up to the 10th Annual Gopher State Prep Showcase in July.
We will also be holding 3-on-3 events, including a 3-on-3 summer league.
Does your team aspire to make it to nationals? Mark your calendars now to participate in the 2011 "Quest for the Rings" Gopher State Spring Championships.
Last year saw the creation of the Gopher State Basketball All-Star Weekend. It was a huge success and the skill level on the floor was amazing to watch. The 2011 event has been expanded to include separate weekends for boys' and girls' teams as well as a 7th grade division. We are currently working on making the All-Star Weekend a regional event to include teams from throughout the Midwest.
With all this going on, 2011 is going to be a great year for Minnesota basketball - but that's not all. In celebration of the beginning of our third decade and to thank all of you who have participated in our programs over the past 20 years, the MYAS will offer a "Basketball Customer Appreciation" weekend on May 7-8, 2011. The entry fee will be just $150 for all teams! The weekend will feature Gopher State tournaments just like you enjoy all spring, but at just 2/3 of the regular cost. We will also have a special surprise on Mother's Day weekend in celebration of all the moms. These special events are our way of saying thank you for your participation!
We continue to hear about teams signing up for other tournaments, only to have them cancelled, and then struggling to get their entry fees returned; or about tournaments where you end up playing the same teams every weekend. Don't be fooled by imitations! Quality teams, quality facilities and quality administration are what you get with the MYAS and Gopher State Spring Basketball.
Basketball Rules of the Month
In our ongoing education mission, we would like to highlight three basic high school basketball rules. The answers appear later in the newsletter (see "In this Issue" for the link).
1. While attempting a throw-in, Player A1 holds the ball through the plane of the end line. Player B1: (a) slaps the ball from A1's hand(s); or (b) simply grabs the ball and then throws it through Team B's basket. What is the ruling in each case?
2. Thrower A1 inadvertently holds the ball through the end-line plane during a throw-in. Player B1 is able to get his/her hands on the ball and A1 cannot pull it back. What is the ruling?
3. Following a goal, Player A1 is running the end line when Player B1 reaches through the plane in an attempt to prevent the throw-in. What is the ruling?
Gopher State Winter Baseball Camps
Information for the 2010-11 Gopher State Winter Baseball Camps is posted on the Winter Camp page of the MYAS website. We are looking forward to a terrific season of training with the Minnesota Twins Training Camps and the Lovdahl Pitching Academy. Hitting, fielding and pitching camps will be held at Concordia University in St. Paul, the Irish Sports Dome in Rosemount, Northwestern College in Roseville and the University of River Falls, WI.
Some of this year's camps will feature former Twins All-Star Ron Coomer! We are very excited to have Ron join our camp opportunities in 2011! Look for the dates on the Winter Camp web page.
The MYAS will be teaming up with the Minnesota Twins Training Camps and the Twins Training Academy. These camps will be held at the National Sports Center in Blaine. The Academy will run each month (either 6 or 8 sessions) from November 2010 through March 2011. Click on the applicable links above for more information.
Take a look at the Gopher State Winter Camp web page for more details and registration forms. In the meantime, if you have questions please contact Jeremy Barbe at 763-746-1731 or jbarbe@myas.org.
MYAS Baseball Staff to Set Up Informational Meetings
The MYAS/Gopher State baseball staff is currently setting up meetings for associations that would like to receive more information about and learn how their teams can participate in our comprehensive baseball program.
If you would like to set up an MYAS/Gopher State informational meeting between our baseball staff and your youth baseball association board of directors, please do not hesitate to contact Dawson Blanck at 763-746-1719 or dawson@myas.org.
2011 Gopher State Tournament of Champions Dates
Listed below for your information are the dates for the 2011 Gopher State Baseball Tournament of Champions.
July 8-10, 2011: 10AA, 11AA, 12AA, 13AA, 15AA
July 15-17, 2011: 10AAA, 11AAA, 12AAA, 13AAA, 14AAA, 14AA, 15AAA
July 22-24, 2011: 10A, 11A, 12A, 13A, 14/15A
Please keep checking the GSTC web page for any news for 2011! In the meantime, please contact Tony Groff at 763-746-1728 or tony@myas.org with your questions.
2011 Youth Baseball Tournament Listings
The MYAS baseball tournament web page is now available to add your local invitationals for the 2011 spring/summer season. Please visit our Youth Baseball Tournament web page to begin this process. If you are not familiar with the process, please email Tony Groff
and an informational slideshow can be made available to you and should answer any questions you may have. Please have your tournaments added to our website no later than January 7, 2011.
Thank you once again for your support of MYAS/Gopher State baseball. If we can be of any assistance to you in your preparation for the 2011 baseball season please let us know. You may email your questions to Tony Groff, Dawson Blanck or Jeremy Barbe, or call the MYAS office at 763-781-2220.
Gopher State Baseball League
We are looking forward to serving as your league administrators in 2011 and we are confident that you will be completely satisfied. The upcoming season features updated policies and new events in addition to the current enhancements the league offers such as online rosters, team and league websites, online score reporting and berths through league play to the Gopher State Tournament of Champions and the USSSA World Series. The future of the GSBL looks very bright!
NEW FOR 2011:
14AAA, 14AA, 15AAA and 15AA All-Star Weekend on August 6-8, 2011
14AAA and 15AAA Play Ball! Minnesota Traveling League Championship Games vs. Metro Baseball League at Target Field
Look for more information on these new events on the GSBL web page in the coming months!
The official league entry packet/team enrollment information for the 2011 9u-17/19u GSBL will be available on February 18, 2011 and will be sent to all Association Travel Directors and/or Presidents.
Team Enrollment Deadlines
9u-15u teams: March 25, 2011
16u-17/19u teams: May 16, 2011
Scheduling Sessions
9u-15u teams: April 16, 2011
16u-17/19u teams: May 26, 2011
Please click here to access information about 2011 league fees; click here to view 2011 league dates.
If you have any questions, comments or concerns or would like more information about the Gopher State Baseball League, please contact Dawson Blanck at 763-746-1719 or dawson@myas.org.
USSSA Baseball / Gopher State Mid-Summer Classic
Minnesota USSSA Baseball is proud to announce its 2011 schedule. The Gopher State Mid-Summer Classic, a USSSA national qualifier, is an excellent way for teams to advance to a USSSA World Series or National Tournament event and travel around the country. You do not need to qualify for the Mid-Summer Classic.
We have developed an added feature for 2011! The Gopher State Mid-Summer Classic has been designated a "Double Points" tournament for the Gopher State Tournament of Champions in July. For example, if 12 teams participate in a particular Mid-Summer Classic, each team will receive six points just for participating in the tournament. The "Double Points" tournament could propel a team with enough points late in the season to earn one of the at-large berths that are awarded for the GSTC events in July. Please click on the link to view the GSTC Double Points Tournament Breakdown.
Register early to secure your spot in this premier event. An updated list of Mid-Summer Classic dates and sites are available on the Minnesota USSSA Baseball page of the MYAS website. The page also contains hard copy and online application forms.
USSSA baseball is a great way for Minnesota teams to participate and compete against the top teams in the state as well as the country. If you would like more information on USSSA baseball and/or the Gopher State Mid-Summer Classic, please contact Dawson Blanck at 763-746-1719 or dawson@myas.org.
MYAS Latest News (as of 12/30/10)
MYAS Holiday Hours
Basketball Tournament Openings
New Baseball Bat Standards for 2011
Diamond Baseballs for Sale
Basketballs for Sale
Join Us For Gopher Day with the U of M Women's Basketball Team!
Gopher State Winter Baseball Training Camps
2011 Youth Baseball Tournament Listings
Free Golden Gopher Wrestling Tickets
Gopher State Wrestling - New for 2011
Visit us on Facebook!
Basketball Invitational Tournament Books Available
Are you looking for a basketball team to play on?
Let the MYAS Schedule Your Basketball Tournament - Just $3 Per Team
MYAS Introduces Travel Lite Basketball Events
MYAS Guidelines for Winter Basketball
Insurance - USSSA Basketball
MYAS Calendar (as of 12/30/10)
Sunday, January 2, 2011
MYAS Super Saver Basketball Tournament; various grades/divisions & sites
Monday, January 3, 2011
Gopher State Invitational Basketball Tournament entry deadline (Jan. 15-16 event)
Saturday, January 8, 2011
MYAS Super Saver Basketball Tournament; various grades/divisions & sites
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Gopher State Winter Basketball League play date; various grades/divisions & sites
Monday, January 10, 2011
MYAS Super Saver Basketball Tournament entry deadline (Jan. 22 event)
Thursday, January 13, 2011
MYAS Basketball Officials Video Clinic; Murzyn Hall, Columbia Heights
Saturday-Sunday, January 15-16, 2011
Gopher State Invitational Basketball Tournament; various grades/divisions; Fridley HS
Monday, January 17, 2011
Gopher State Invitational Basketball Tournament entry deadline (Jan. 29-30 event)
Monday, January 17, 2011
Gopher State Baseball Winter Training Camp - MLK Jr. Hitting Camp w/ MN Baseball Academy; Rogers
Monday, January 17, 2011
Gopher State Baseball Winter Training Camp - Twins MLK Jr. Training Camp; Natl. Sports Center, Blaine
Saturday, January 22, 2011
MYAS Super Saver Basketball Tournament; various grades/divisions; Osseo HS
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Gopher State Winter Basketball League play date; various grades/divisions & sites
Monday, January 24, 2011
MYAS Super Saver Basketball Tournament entry deadline (Feb. 5 & 6 events)
Saturday-Sunday, January 29-30, 2011
Gopher State Invitational Basketball Tournament; various grades/divisions; St. Paul Humboldt HS
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Gopher State Baseball Winter Training Camp - Parent/Player Instructional Camp; Concordia University, St. Paul
Monday, January 31, 2011
Gopher State Invitational Basketball Tournament entry deadline (Feb. 12-13 event)
Answers to Football Rules of the Month
The answers below are derived from the most recent edition of the National Federation of State High School Associations Football Rules Book and/or Football Case Book.
1. No foul in (a), but in (b) a foul by A4 for offensive pass interference (Case Book 7.5.10 Situation D, page 58).
2. There is no choice. Team A shall attempt a try, or at least snap the ball (Case Book 8.3.1 Situation, page 60).
3. In (a) and (b), the touchdown will be scored. The offended team will have the option to enforce the penalty on the try or carry it to the subsequent kickoff (Case Book 8.2.2 Situation G, page 60).
Answers to Basketball Rules of the Month
The answers below are derived from the most recent edition of the National Federation of State High School Associations Basketball Rules Book, Basketball Case Book and/or Rules by Topic publication.
1. In (a), no violation has occurred and play continues. In (b), score two points for Team B (Case Book 7.6.4 Situation A, page 61).
2. There is no player or team control during a throw-in. Therefore, a held ball is called, resulting in an alternating-possession throw-in. If the original throw-in is an alternating-possession throw-in, Team A still has the arrow following the held ball (Case Book 7.6.4 Situation F, page 62).
3. Team B is warned for the violation which is reported to the scorer and to the head coach. A1 may run the end line during the subsequent throw-in (Case Book 7.6.4 Situation E, page 62).
If you have questions about these or other basketball playing rules, please contact Buddy Hemric at 763-746-1717 or buddy@myas.org.
Important Association Services That Work!
The Minnesota Youth Athletic Services offers three important services:
1. Association and Player Sports Accident Insurance Coverage
Association liability and player accident insurance are always concerns for youth sports organizations in our increasingly litigious society. Some associations spend a lot of money and others go into denial and “run naked” without even minimal liability coverage for their members. Yet if insurance is not obtained, the personal assets of the individuals running the association may be at risk. Many sports facility managers, especially municipalities and schools, will not permit the use of their property or facilities unless it can be demonstrated that youth sports associations are covered under an insurance policy. Without insurance, the opportunity for young athletes to compete in organized sports programs may be substantially limited.
The MYAS has partnered with J.A. Price Agency, an insurance company which has access to dozens of other insurance companies and can handle any type of business or personal insurance needs that your association/board of directors may require. The insurance provides options for all types of needs within your association/community. This coverage is an advantage no amateur sports organization should be without!
Examples of coverage include but are not limited to:
- General Liability
- Sexual Misconduct
- Participant Accident
- Directors & Officers Liability
- Crime/Embezzlement
- Automobile
- Umbrella
- Workers' Compensation
General insurance questions should be directed to Bob Blomster at 952-253-4311 or bob.blomster@japrice.com.
2. Criminal Background Checks
How do we protect our children? Reports of sexual predators and child abuse involving the clergy, day care workers and youth volunteers are all too familiar. Unfortunately, this includes a disturbing number of youth sport coaches who have a history of incidents of sexual misconduct and/or violence. This is a complex issue and many youth sports organizations are unclear about what to do or how to approach this threat, yet they must take proactive steps to prevent their children from becoming innocent victims. Don’t put your children at risk!
In addition, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce reports that $50 billion is lost annually due to employee theft and fraud. Youth sports associations must protect themselves from this threat as well. Don’t put your association at risk!
Fortunately, youth sports associations now have a simple and inexpensive tool to avoid some of society’s worst fears. The MYAS, with its partner Trusted Employees, has designed a criminal background check system that offers three affordable options to youth sports associations. Trusted Employees, a local Twin Cities company, incorporates a “user-friendly” process combined with flexible information delivery to make this system easy and inexpensive for your organization. For more information, please contact Mike DeWane at 763-746-1716 or mike@myas.org.
3. Coaching Education Program
The MYAS has partnered with the American Sport Education Program (ASEP) to offer youth sport associations and their coaches the Coaching Youth Sport education program designed specifically for youth coaches. It provides coaches with a solid foundation in coaching principles, sport first aid and sport-specific techniques and tactics. These courses are available for baseball, basketball, football, soccer, softball, tennis, volleyball and wrestling and can be delivered in the classroom or online. For more information, please contact Mike DeWane at 763-746-1716 or mike@myas.org.
MYAS Sponsors
MYAS Membership Meetings
MYAS membership meetings are held at our offices (4111 Central Avenue NE; Columbia Heights, MN 55421) on the last Tuesday of each month at 9:00am (unless notified otherwise). All MYAS members are welcome to attend.
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