The Northwoods League held their annual ‘Winter Meetings’ in Shakopee, MN this past week at Canterbury Park. League representatives for all 16 NWL teams were in attendance for the four days of meetings, discussion, ‘Celebrity Poker Tournament’, and Timberwolves/Grizzlies basketball group outing.
The ‘Winter Meetings’ began on Monday, January 31st with a ‘Celebrity Poker Tournament’ in Shakopee with over 50 poker players. St. Cloud River Bats fan Brandon Gunderson won the tournament against various NWL fans and local sports celebrities. Gunderson won golf with former Minnesota Twins pitcher Bert Blyleven in Fort Myers, FL on March 22nd. Gunderson will appear with Blyleven on the Fox Sports North telecast of the Minnesota Twins spring training game against Baltimore on March 23rd. These experiences are in addition to the $2,500 top prize and championship bracelet.
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday were filled with league meetings, discussions and brainstorming sessions for the 2011 NWL season. League President Dick Radatz and Director of Operations Curt Carstensen organized the four day event while facilitating daily league discussions.
League awards were also awarded for:
• ‘Manager of the Year’ – Dale Varsho, Eau Claire Express
• ‘Executive of the Year’ – Liz Kern, Wisconsin Rapids Rafters
• ‘Playing Surface of the Year’ – Green Bay Bullfrogs
• ‘Organization of the Year’ – Willmar Stingers
On Wednesday night approximately 40 NWL team representatives bussed from Shakopee to Minneapolis to watch the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Timberwolves battled the Memphis Grizzlies on ‘College Night’ losing 102-84 albeit a great experience for NWL team representatives.
The four day event was a success as various new and innovative topics were discussed for the upcoming 2011 season. NWL team representatives are working hard during the off-season and are eager for the start of the NWL season on June 1st, 2011.
Top left ‘Manager of the Year’ – Dale Varsho, top right ‘Executive of the Year’ – Liz Kern, bottom left, ‘Playing Surface of the Year’ – Green Bay Bullfrogs, bottom right ‘Organization of the Year’ – Willmar Stingers.
