Tubby Smith is staying in Minnesota
By: Larry Fitzgerald
Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
Originally posted 03/26/2009
University of Minnesota Golden Gophers Men's Basketball Coach Tubby Smith is not going to Virginia. Smith ended a weekend of speculation and rumors by making it clear that he enjoys his job here in Minnesota.
In just his second year at the helm, Smith guided the Gophers to a 22-11 record and the school's first NCAA appearance since 2005. It was only the school's second such appearance in the last 10 years.
Smith said, “The greater the challenge, the greater the reward, and that is what we try to share with our players. To whom much is given, much is expected — that's one of our major sayings. People hear me say that whenever I'm talking about serving and giving back, and the more you give, the more you receive.
“If they can learn that even in sports, more so in life, too. I was blessed that I had parents that taught me that early in my life, and that has been the key to my success.”
The Gophers, with Smith certain to lead them, will return 11 players next season. “That's the key to this team. We know that individuals have goals, individual players play the game, but in order for us to be successful we've got to be a team. And when you're a team, teams win championships, much like the Cardinals.
“The Arizona Cardinals epitomized what teamwork is all about, and that is what most coaches' ultimate goal is, to see that sacrifice,” said Smith. “And we're getting there — we're close.”
Larry Fitzgerald wins 2009 Minnesota Celebrity all star poker tournament
Saturday, March 21, at Running Aces Harness Park in Columbus, Minnesota, JD Style Group presented the 2009 Minnesota Celebrity All-Star Poker Tournament with portions of the proceeds to benefit some local charitable organizations.
Among the celebrities were Darrell Thompson, NFL; Chris Carr, NBA; Larry Fitzgerald, Sr.; National Programming Network's Phil Mackey; Cory Routs and Cory (Sludge) Cove, both from KFAN; Joe Greene of K102; Crisco & Big D from KDWB; and Ron Johnson, NFL.
The public had to register and buy in at $200 in a no-limit Texas Hold'em, and about a total of 50 players competed for the prizes and winnings. First prize was a seven-day vacation to Belize for two; second prize was a Bahamas cruise, and third prize was a Las Vegas trip.
In high-stakes poker, like the NCAA Tournament, you have to survive and advance. Guess who took home the big prize? Yours truly was a tough turtle to drown — I won it, plus $103,000.
Larry Fitzgerald can be heard weekday mornings on KMOJ Radio 89.9 FM at 8:20 am, and on WDGY-AM 740 Monday & Saturday mornings at 7:50 am and Fridays at 3:50 pm; he also commentates on sports 7-8 pm on Almanac (TPT channel 2). Larry welcomes reader responses to lfitzgerald@spokesman-recorder.com, or visit www.Larry-Fitzgerald.com.
