One Shining Moment(s) Volume 5

Once again we'll take a look back at some of the memorable (ok...maybe not so much memorable) athletes/coaches that have graced us with their presence on our local teams:

Dusty Rychart - A walk-on freshman who is forced to play significant minutes against Gonzaga in the first round of the NCAA tournament, (because four teammates were suspended due to an investigation into the basketball program, plus injuries to two other players) almost catapults the Gophers past the Zags in a comeback with a 23 point/17 rebound effort. This gets me off topic...and I'm not saying Clem and the program didn't cheat and bend the rules, but how does this get released when it did...isn't there a "John Calipari/Kelvin Sampson cheaters' ethic rule" of only releasing negative information about the program in the off-season.

Paul Grant - It's bad enough when you cheat and forfeit first round draft picks (Joe Smith scandal), but then when you draft someone and they don't even play until almost two years after you initially drafted them (injury related)...and he's not even a foreign player playing overseas. But, what takes the cake is he played at Wisconsin (a border battle rival school) and we still barely knew who he was at the time. Your "One Shining Moment" was being a big white man in the Midwest area at a time when part-time GM Kevin McHale was running the basketball operations. Impeccable timing.

Dimitrius Underwood - He's an NFL 1st round pick that has attempted suicide more times (2) than NFL games played (0). He was a gamble that Denny Green/staff took a bite on, only because Randy Moss proved to be worth every penny and more the year before. By default, your "One Shining Moment" is the escape from Training Camp on Day One...it was an O.J. in the white Bronco type moment for Viking rubes to try to follow our 1st round draft pick whereabouts.

Cheryl Littlejohn - She is the sucky version of John Calipari in the women's side of college basketball. Not only did she help put violations on both programs she was affiliated with (Minnesota and Chicago State), she underperformed in the win-loss column. In four years at the U of M, she won a whopping 7 games in Big Ten play. Despite all of this, her "One Shining Moment" was getting Lindsay Whalen to attend the U of M. The very next year, Brenda Oldfield and sophomore guard Lindsay Whalen helped the Gophers post a 22-8 record (11 Big Ten wins in one year).

Willie Banks - Willie Banks was on two championship teams ('91 Twins and '98 Yankees) without really being "on" those teams for any significant reason.

Tutu Atwell - Undersized, speedy wide receiver that also played a huge role in the special teams return game. He racked up a lot of stats on bad teams that were always playing from behind in the Wacker era. His "One Shining Moment" though was majoring in "Recreation"...I try to refrain from swearing...but, what the fuck...you can really major in that?

Fuad Reviez - Also known as Fuad-o-matic...he was the Vikings placekicker from 1990-95. Our offenses were so lackluster during that time span that his jersey was often seen worn by fans at games. When the kicker's jersey is selling...you know your offense sucks.

Derek Boogaard - I usually do blasts from the past, but this guy is just too embarrassing to pass up. I know you serve a purpose by being a goon that likes to fight on the team. But, come on...can you show me some inkling of hockey skill while that puck is around you. I've seen better hand-eye coordination in special ed. floor hockey games on the public access channels. Fourteen points in five years in the NHL. Your "One Shining Moment" of your career will be starting a hockey camp that teaches youngsters how to fight...way to help out the youth, Derek.

SBG