Talking Preps

Introducing: Worth It

Fri, 16 May 2025 14:20:00 -0000

We’re excited to introduce Worth It, a new show from The Minnesota Star Tribune and Lemonada Media.Each week, editor Nicole Norfleet and columnist Aaron Brown are joined by people who know Minnesota inside and out – reaching into the spaces you might not know to share the stories worth your attention, the places worth a look, and the events worth your time – and money.In this episode, whether you kayak, canoe or paddleboard - or you want to - we’ll hear the best paddling routes to try in the Twin Cities metro. There’s a new show about a real-life Minnesota woman-cowboy-detective from the 1800s. Plus, why you should think “salvage” for home remodeling and the cost to raise a kid here.After you listen, be sure to follow Worth It wherever you get your podcasts, or head to: https://lemonada.lnk.to/WorthItStarTribunefd

Willie Braziel, veteran boys basketball coach, bids Columbia Heights goodbye and says hello to Simley

Fri, 10 May 2024 18:35:38 -0000

New Maple Grove football coach Adam Spurrell fulfills a long-time dream to coach the Crimson

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 18:44:00 -0000

Andover boys hockey coach Mark Manney dishes on this week's Class 1 A and 2A state state tournament fields

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 16:46:00 -0000

Bringing hockey fans inside the boards with Chisago Lakes girls coach Hannah Vitelli as she breaks down the state tournament

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 23:03:00 -0000

Talking Preps? You mean Talking Books this week! Hear from local authors Troy Urdahl and Reed Larson about their books and get a start on your holiday gift giving!

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 20:38:18 -0000

Get out the turkey sandwiches and settle in for two days of Prep Bowl madness. Here are things to watch...

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 18:06:52 -0000

Experience this week's football semifinal matchups through the expert eyes of the Star Tribune's pigskin prognosticators

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 17:44:26 -0000

All state tournaments all the time: A look inside this week's football and volleyball and a look back at cross-country and soccer

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 18:12:33 -0000

High school postseason primer -- What is the buzz on your favorite soccer and tennis teams?

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 16:18:02 -0000

One of the nation's "freakiest" football recruits calls Esko home. Get to know Koi Perich.

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 18:31:21 -0000

Decision time looms for boys volleyball season and Talking Preps gets you caught up on the news

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 16:23:12 -0000

Midseason Star Tribune football report: Best games, top players and surprise teams

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 19:04:49 -0000

Looking ahead to an important cross-country meet and recalling the Battle of Lakeville on the football field

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 22:04:01 -0000

Football rankings are here! Football rankings are here! Get the scoop on your favorite team while it's hot!

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 18:58:38 -0000

What did we learn from the football season's first week? Speed kills.

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 16:14:05 -0000

Opening night of high school football offers three intriguing games

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 16:24:51 -0000

Three-time boy's hockey state championship coach Ken Pauly of Benilde-St. Margaret's takes listeners inside this week's state tournament

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 11:00:00 -0000

Anna Keefer, the state's reigning long jump record holder, signs with World Wrestling Entertainment

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 13:43:52 -0000

Former state championship goaltender turned Ch. 45 broadcaster Julie Friend sorts out this year's state tourney brackets

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 11:00:00 -0000

A new book, "The Girl Who Played Hockey," chronicles former St. Paul United standout Delaney Middlebrook's incredible journey

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 23:32:31 -0000

Maureen Nelson, former Minnetonka football mom, honors her grandson by authoring "I Miss You Today"

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 20:42:47 -0000

Need a great holiday read? Order "Frozen in Time: A History of the U.S. Men's College Ice Hockey Championships"

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 11:00:00 -0000

"Hockey is for Everybody" author and former Edina standout Anthony Walsh combatting racism in his favorite game

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 17:30:54 -0000

Breaking down the first December Prep Bowl in prep history

Wed, 30 Nov 2022 19:08:19 -0000

Football state tournament at 50 years: Reliving the championship games and the players who shined

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 20:52:28 -0000

Cannon Falls volleyball coach Melissa Huseth reflects on her Bombers' first state tournament championship

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 14:33:26 -0000

Going deep downfield on top football state tournament quarterfinal matchups

Thu, 10 Nov 2022 20:08:49 -0000

Jim and David share fall state championship season tidbits and predictions

Wed, 02 Nov 2022 13:47:53 -0000

Rosemount girls' soccer coach Gretchen Stramel guides her team toward "unfinished business."

Thu, 20 Oct 2022 14:19:25 -0000

Former Minnetonka track and field standout Rashad Cohen brings message of hope to young people worldwide

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 23:33:14 -0000

Midseason Star Tribune football breakdown: Best games, top players, surprise teams and the most anticipated games ahead

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 20:53:33 -0000

Prep reporters David La Vaque and Jim Paulsen share wit and wisdom from five memorable weeks of football

Holy Angels volleyball coach Tom Emanuel and the Stars sit 13-0 without even losing a set

Thu, 29 Sep 2022 15:49:28 -0000

Minnetonka Sidney Morin blazes trail as scout for NHL's Carolina Hurricanes

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 16:14:54 -0000

Forest Lake football fighting back under first-year coach Brad Beeskow

Wed, 14 Sep 2022 18:33:44 -0000

Edina girls' soccer goalkeeper Bayliss Flynn discusses signing a NIL -- the first Minnesota high school athlete to do so

Fri, 24 Jun 2022 15:00:00 -0000

White Bear Lake softball coach Kaity Wightman and the Bears reach their first state tournament in 20 years

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Jason Mihalakis, coach of the streaking Hopkins baseball team, talks superstitions and high expectations on the eve of the playoffs

Thu, 26 May 2022 18:49:41 -0000

Mounds View boys' track and field coach Ross Fleming celebrates 35th running of True Team state meet

Thu, 19 May 2022 12:25:40 -0000

Krista Flemming, Minnesota Boys High School Volleyball Association vice president, shares pain of official sanctioning denial

Thu, 12 May 2022 16:39:21 -0000

Rosemount softball coach Tiffany Rose leads the defending Class 4A state champion Irish to a 7-0 start and No. 1 ranking this spring

Wed, 04 May 2022 03:12:22 -0000

Growing the game: How boys' lacrosse coach Andrew Law helped Moorhead hit the scene

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 15:07:40 -0000

Law shared insights with Star Tribune preps reporter David La Vaque on how to get a greater-Minnesota community to support lacrosse

Minneapolis North boys' basketball coach Larry McKenzie has the pulse on this week's state tournament

Mon, 21 Mar 2022 17:48:56 -0000

Minneapolis North boys' basketball coach Larry McKenzie has the pulse on this week's state tournament. HIs Polars are embracing the goal of Class 2A state championship or bust.

Author and former coach Carl Pierson dishes on who and what to watch at this week's girls basketball state tournament -- and his latest book "The Other Side of Glory"

Tue, 15 Mar 2022 15:41:34 -0000

Former Waconia girls' basketball coach Carl Pierson, author of the new book "The Other Side of Glory" takes us through all four classes of this week's state tournament

Boys' hockey state tournament fixture Lou Nanne discusses nearly 60 years as an analyst

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 17:36:37 -0000

Lou Nanne, who began calling boys' hockey state tournament games in 1964, remembers starting his analyst job while still playing in the NHL, discusses this week's Class 2A field with Star Tribune prep reporter David La Vaque and shares why he always pulls for the favored teams.

Wayzata boys' hockey coach Pat O'Leary shares his views of the section final games happening this week

Wed, 02 Mar 2022 02:00:00 -0000

Wayzata boys' hockey coach Pat O'Leary, who won a NCAA championship as a player and a state title as a coach, tells Star Tribune reporter David La Vaque about those experiences as well as unpacking the great section final matchups this week.

Minnesota hockey legend Winny Brodt Brown breaks down the girls' hockey state tournament

Tue, 22 Feb 2022 12:00:00 -0000

Winny Brodt Brown and Star Tribune preps reporter David La Vaque discuss team matchups and players to watch in the Class 1A and 2A quarterfinals, plus the growing physicality of the sport.

Talking success, streaks and superstitions with Rogers girls' basketball coach Karlee Anderson

Wed, 16 Feb 2022 16:57:50 -0000

Rogers girls' basketball coach Karlee Anderson gives Star Tribune preps reporter David La Vaque an inside look at what goes into winning 18 consecutive games.

An in-depth discussion of the girls' hockey section playoffs with Joe "Mr. Phunn" Anderson

Wed, 09 Feb 2022 16:22:18 -0000

Anderson, the former KFAN radio personality, is the current Minnesota Hockey District 2 Girls’ Coordinator as well as General Manager of their Minnesota Hockey High Performance and Tier 1 teams. He and Star Tribune reporter David La Vaque tackle a group of sections loaded with talented teams eager to reach the state tournament.

Signing day updates, hockey winning streaks and a basketball program's sudden fall from dominance

Thu, 03 Feb 2022 18:01:01 -0000

Star Tribune prep writers David La Vaque and Jim Paulsen canvass the winter sports landscape, offering insights and opinions as the top teams prepare for playoff action.

Columbia Heights boys' basketball coach Willie Braziel joins Talking Preps

Wed, 26 Jan 2022 16:33:20 -0000

Braziel chats with Star Tribune preps reporter David La Vaque about the undefeated Columbia Heights Hylanders, beating "The Machine" DeLaSalle and anticipating a showdown with another private-school power, Totino-Grace, in the section playoffs.

A visit with Blake School girls' hockey coach Kristi King

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 18:00:08 -0000

Star Tribune high school reporter David La Vaque chats with Kristi King, a girls' hockey coach who started at Centennial, joined the college ranks at the University of St. Thomas and is now in her first year at the Blake School.

Benilde-St. Margaret's boys' hockey coach Ken Pauly dispenses his wit and wisdom

Wed, 12 Jan 2022 21:28:00 -0000

Pauly and Star Tribune high school sports reporter David La Vaque discuss his team's current win streak and reflect on 10 years since Jack Jablonski's catastrophic injury.

New year, new excitement across the high school sports landscape

Wed, 05 Jan 2022 18:02:12 -0000

Star Tribune prep sports reporters David La Vaque and Jim Paulsen get high school sports fans caught up on chaos in the hockey rankings, basketball players and teams to watch and even a little football news.

State's top high school football players make their college decisions official

Thu, 16 Dec 2021 18:13:07 -0000

Star Tribune preps reporters Jim Paulsen and David La Vaque recap the biggest names signing their college football letters of intent. Jim discusses an already lively basketball season. And both guys reminisce on great 2021 moments.

Dropping the puck on boys' hockey news and predictions

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 17:49:34 -0000

Star Tribune preps reporters David La Vaque and Jim Paulsen recover from post-Prep Bowl depression by discussing all things boys' hockey.

Breaking down the excitement and intrigue offered by seven Prep Bowl games this weekend

Fri, 26 Nov 2021 11:00:00 -0000

Star Tribune reporters David La Vaque and Jim Paulsen share their picks for the final football games this season taking place Friday and Saturday at U.S. Bank Stadium

Football playoff excitement peaks as the final four in each class battle at U.S. Bank Stadium

Wed, 17 Nov 2021 17:56:09 -0000

Star Tribune prep sports reporters David La Vaque and Jim Paulsen also look back on the rollicking volleyball state tournament and ahead to girls' hockey dropping the puck on a season full of intrigue

Fall sports blitz continues as volleyball and football grab the state tourney spotlight

Tue, 09 Nov 2021 16:31:17 -0000

Star Tribune reporters David La Vaque and Jim Paulsen take a deeper look at exciting state tournament teams and matchups in volleyball and football.

A fall sports state tournament bonanza!

Fri, 05 Nov 2021 16:09:18 -0000

You want cross-country, football, soccer and volleyball insights? Star Tribune preps reporters David LaVaque and Jim Paulsen have you (and the landscape) covered.

Podcast: Football postseason arrives in Class 6A

Thu, 28 Oct 2021 16:13:22 -0000

Star Tribune preps reporters David La Vaque and Jim Paulsen review the wealth of football playoff upsets and discuss the Class 6A experiment pitting the tradition-rich programs against those trying to rebuild.

Podcast: Plunging into the muck of prep football postseason seeding

Tue, 19 Oct 2021 16:32:33 -0000

To QRF or not to QRF? Star Tribune preps reporters David La Vaque and Jim Paulsen tackle the imperfect and sometimes "bloody" process of seeding football teams.

Podcast: Soccer coaches from Edina and Lakeville South discuss postseason outlook

Wed, 13 Oct 2021 17:17:11 -0000

Katie Aafedt, the Edina girls' coach, and Aaron Fenton with the Lakeville South boys' program, talk all things soccer with Star Tribune reporter David La Vaque.

Podcast: Plot thickens for football rankings and a courageous tennis player begins her final playoff run

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 17:10:43 -0000

Star Tribune prep sports reporters David La Vaque and Jim Paulsen debate how to best rank a football team. They also give props to a courageous tennis player, and the architect of Eden Prairie's football program.

Podcast: The best places to watch high school football in the Twin Cities

Wed, 29 Sep 2021 18:24:52 -0000

Star Tribune's David LaVaque and Jim Paulsen talk running backs used more in the passing game and the stadiums where the Friday Night Lights shine brightest

Some answers -- but more questions -- as we approach the midpoint of the football season

Wed, 22 Sep 2021 18:30:21 -0000

High school writes David La Vaque and Jim Paulsen take you inside the game as they try to unravel what they know and don't know about the Minnesota high school football season.

Podcast: A St. Paul football rivalry comes back to life

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 22:08:38 -0000

St. Thomas Academy and Cretin-Derham Hall clash once again, as Jim Paulsen and David La Vaque discuss in their second Taking Preps episode of fall 2021.

Podcast: Our first talk of the season

Fri, 10 Sep 2021 19:19:46 -0000

David La Vaque and Jim Paulsen talk about a 2021 season that begins with a feeling of normalcy.

Podcast: High school sports season ends up a winner as robust crowds return

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 21:50:00 -0000

A season that begin haltingly last fall and ground to halt in the winter finished up with spring sports state tournaments featuring clutch performances, cool story lines and a sense of, dare we say, normalcy that bodes well for next year, according to the Star Tribune's Jim Paulsen and David la Vaque.

Podcast: State tournament season heats up before it really gets started

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 22:15:00 -0000

A sweltering week of boys' tennis offered a preview of what will be a five-sport blizzard of tournaments next week, including a cast of newcomers among the lacrosse final eight boys' and girls' teams. Plus what Chet Holmgren's latest honor says about Minnesota high school basketball, from the Star Tribune's David La Vaque and Jim Paulsen.

Podcast: Hockey coach resigns under a cloud, promising recruit tests new Gopher coach's in-state appeal

Wed, 02 Jun 2021 22:07:45 -0000

Controversial boys' hockey coach Mike Randolph steps down amid an investigation, Trejuan Holloman steps up as a possible Gopher, and the Minnesota State High School League is showing financial improvement. The Star Tribune's Jim Paulsen and David La Vaque dissect it all in the latest Talking Preps.

Podcast: High school sports writing lacks pomp but offers plenty of memorable circumstance

Wed, 26 May 2021 18:04:09 -0000

With 50 years of journalism experience between them, the Star Tribune's David La Vaque and Jim Paulsen offer graduation season reflections about covering a sports world full of community, everyday athletes and occasional stars before their time with one common denominator: "Rarely,'' Jim says, "do you get a no-comment.''

Podcast: Does the new Minnesota 6A football scheduling plan provide teams too much relief?

Wed, 19 May 2021 17:43:00 -0000

The idea was to improve competitive balance starting this fall among the state's largest football programs, where state tournament runs are skewed in favor a minority of teams. But as the Star Tribune's David La Vaque and Jim Paulsen discuss, those efforts have some questioning how much it will help when it comes to always-contentious postseason seeding.

Podcast: Why Minnesota high school boys' volleyball failed to get approved as a spring sport

Wed, 12 May 2021 18:10:11 -0000

The Star Tribune's Jim Paulsen, under astute questioning from colleague David La Vaque, breaks down how a strongly backed proposal came up a few votes short at a key Minnesota State High School League meeting even as girls' wrestling was approved for a state tournament division.

Podcast: No-hitters, grand slams and key votes looming to decide a new sport and state tournament

Wed, 05 May 2021 17:38:13 -0000

The Star Tribune's Jim Paulsen and David La Vaque recount superlative efforts across Minnesota high school sports this spring and set up a key meeting to decide whether boys' volleyball and a girls' wrestling state tournament are a go.

Podcast: The masks come off (sort of) as spring sports get their seasons in high gear

Wed, 28 Apr 2021 18:53:00 -0000

The Star Tribune's David La Vaque and Jim Paulsen delve into new guidance that makes mask-wearing optional during games and practices, provide insight into Chet Holmgren's move out west and call out a couple of coaching changes of note in boys' hockey.

Podcast: Winter state tournament surprises and favorite moments from behind the scenes

Wed, 14 Apr 2021 17:24:38 -0000

After a jam-packed run of championships, the Star Tribune's David La Vaque and Jim Paulsen disclose what stood out for them, including under-appreciated moments, from a just-completed stretch of high school state tournaments.

Podcast: State boys' and girls' basketball semifinal breakdown -- after 2020 heartbreak, is this Becker's year?

Mon, 05 Apr 2021 18:02:00 -0000

The Star Tribune's Ron Haggstrom and Jim Paulsen analyze all four classes of boys' and girls' basketball matchups starting Tuesday and wonder if the Bulldogs, shut down by the pandemic on the eve of their title game last year, can make it this time around.

Podcast: Ex-Hopkins coach 'Cos' on the girls' state tournament, Paige Bueckers and who could be the next one

Thu, 01 Apr 2021 16:44:00 -0000

Out of basketball coaching this year but probably not for good, Brian Cosgriff tells the Star Tribune's Jim Paulsen that he misses the game but not the COVID disruptions. And that it will take "the perfect game'' to keep his former team from another Class 4A title.

Podcast: The scariest team to watch for in the boys' hockey state tournament

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 22:23:55 -0000

Always loquacious Ted Cheesebrough, veteran high school hockey coach, dishes to the Star Tribune's David La Vaque what he learned when he quizzed his peers who will behind the bench starting Tuesday at Xcel Energy Center.

Podcast: Take it from a coach -- those blinding Xcel lights get girls' hockey player hearts pumping

Wed, 24 Mar 2021 17:53:00 -0000

Wayzata coach Taylor Williamson shares state tournament insights, who could surprise in quarterfinal games this weekend and what it will take to win it all in a conversation with the Star Tribune's David La Vaque.

Podcast: Hockey state tournament best bets to win it all, and who's not to be overlooked

Wed, 17 Mar 2021 19:56:56 -0000

The Star Tribune's David La Vaque handicaps the boys' and girls' tournaments as teams navigate through COVID concerns and colleague Jim Paulsen discloses a "pied piper'' of sorts who he thinks could help a new Gophers coach win over local players.

Podcast: What's in the air for fan limits at Minnesota high school state tournaments?

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 18:25:00 -0000

The Star Tribune's David La Vaque and Jim Paulsen talk Gopher in-state football recruiting success, No. 1 Maple Grove falls in boys' hockey, a busted winning streak in girls' basketball and whether attendance restrictions will be loosened at hockey and basketball state tournaments.

Podcast: What Cretin-Derham Hall's move to 5A football says about the state of the sport

Wed, 03 Mar 2021 19:20:55 -0000

The Star Tribune's Jim Paulsen and David La Vaque talk basketball players to root for in Tre Holloman and Will Tschetter, COVID still rippling through winter sports and a girls' basketball battle of teams with long winning streaks.

Podcast: Who's in the running for Star Tribune all-metro hockey, basketball honors?

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 16:28:55 -0000

Staff writers Jim Paulsen and David La Vaque serve up a slightly past midseason snapshot at who they would tap, based on performance to date, for first teams in boys' and girls' basketball and hockey.

Podcast: Too early to talk about Minnesota hockey state championship matchups? Nah.

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 18:59:00 -0000

The Star Tribune's David La Vaque and Jim Paulsen offer up the best two boys' teams, three girls' teams in the hunt and a nationally televised boys' basketball game that produced a surprise player not named Holmgren or Tschetter.

Podcast: Minneapolis North coach Charles Adams on Tyler Johnson and secrets of the Polars' success

Wed, 10 Feb 2021 19:32:00 -0000

The football coach talks with the Star Tribune's Jim Paulsen and David La Vaque about community pride in the school alum and Super Bowl champion Johnson, and how the team learned from his one-man 2015 Prep bowl performance to win it all without him the next year.

Podcast: Return of winter sports tournaments 'just means our season matters'

Fri, 05 Feb 2021 18:38:14 -0000

The Star Tribune's David La Vaque and Jim Paulsen talk through newly approved and highly anticipated plans to hold high school state championships again, some basketball news and offer their take on origins of "nothing to sneeze at.''

Podcast: In a pandemic, "it's not just about the wins and losses''

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 21:21:00 -0000

Amid the return of Minnesota high school winter sports, the Star Tribune's Jim Paulsen and David La Vaque are seeing an important new meaning being brought to the court, rink and mats that doesn't show up in the box scores.

Podcast: Hopkins girls' basketball looks even better than last year, if that's possible

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 21:31:00 -0000

A 50-point drubbing of a top foe has the Star Tribune's Jim Paulsen and David La Vaque wondering if the Royals, with a 64-game winning streak, will lose a game this year, Plus the latest on state tournaments coming into view,

Podcast: Minnesota winter sports restart and the two toughest sets of high school athletes

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 20:42:38 -0000

As high school sports resume Jan. 14 with masks required, Jim Paulsen and David La Vaque get the hockey season started and mix in basketball, wrestling and gymnastics as well.

Podcast: With masks and now fans, Minnesota winter sports set to start up -- finally

Wed, 06 Jan 2021 23:59:19 -0000

"Everyone wants the kids to play,'' says the Star Tribune's David La Vaque, who with colleague Jim Paulsen delve into the mask controversy and more with games set to begin Jan. 14.

Podcast: With Minnesota youth sports practices approved, what will it take to start playing games?

Thu, 17 Dec 2020 19:16:59 -0000

The Star Tribune's Jim Paulsen and David La Vaque look past the Jan. 4 start date for high school sports practices to when basketball, hockey and other sports will start to compete, and maybe even get to state tournaments.

Podcast: Volleyball exits on a talented note as football signing period approaches

Wed, 09 Dec 2020 17:27:23 -0000

The Star Tribune's David La Vaque and Jim Paulsen talk all-metro volleyball, look ahead to the college football early signing period starting Wednesday and offer predictions on when high school winter sports will get going again.

Podcast: Celebrating metro football's finest, hinting at the return of winter sports and state tournaments

Fri, 04 Dec 2020 18:24:00 -0000

The Star Tribune's Jim Paulsen and David La Vaque critique their work picking their All-Metro football teams and the Minnesota State High School League's plan for getting sports back in action.

Podcast: Who are the mythical No. 1 teams in Minnesota prep football?

Wed, 25 Nov 2020 18:34:32 -0000

The Star Tribune's Jim Paulsen and David La Vaque make the case for their favorites in a season that offered no clear answers, call out some personal football highlights and, with the winter season on pause, walk through recent high school league budget news.

Podcast: What to make of the pause in Minnesota high school sports

Thu, 19 Nov 2020 20:52:10 -0000

In the latest Talking Preps, David La Vaque and Jim Paulsen lament football and volleyball seasons cut short, discuss why it's a four-week break and speculate on what happens after that.

Podcast: Savoring three Minneapolis and St. Paul football players before a fluid postseason like no other

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 19:01:00 -0000

In the latest Talking Preps, David La Vaque and Jim Paulsen celebrate Sam Smith of St. Paul Humboldt and friends Nyle Dickel of Minneapolis Washburn and Nick Flaskamp of Minneapolis Southwest. And look ahead to section brackets unfortunately riddled by COVID absences.

Podcast: Was Minnesota season-ending cross-country showcase a blueprint for future state tournaments?

Wed, 04 Nov 2020 19:16:43 -0000

The Star Tribune's David La Vaque and Jim Paulsen talk with Aaron Berndt, a key organizer of races held last weekend to give many of the state's top high school runners, in the absence of a traditional state meet, a chance to compete as teams and individuals.

Podcast: Minnesota prep football's surprises, disappointments and 'the team to beat in 5A'

Wed, 28 Oct 2020 18:02:00 -0000

In the latest Talking Preps, Prep Redzone recruiting analyst Oliver West joins the Star Tribune's Jim Paulsen for a midseason assessment of teams and players making news, including a surprising number leading potent passing attacks in a state best known for running the ball.

Podcast: Sid Hartman stories plus Minnesota prep news from football, volleyball and cross-country

Wed, 21 Oct 2020 19:59:00 -0000

In the latest Talking Preps, David La Vaque and Jim Paulsen remember the legendary sports columnist from the preps perspective, break down a big football game Friday and a top recruit from Cooper, talk about an injury to volleyball star Kennedi Orr and hint at a special cross-country postseason event.

Remembering a Minnesota legend, soccer postseason push, football plays on

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 05:00:00 -0000

In the latest Talking Preps, Jim Paulsen talks about Chisholm basketball's Bob McDonald, David La Vaque recaps a soccer bid to have a state tournament and both get ready for chillier nights of football this week.

Podcast: It's game time -- finally -- for Minnesota prep football, volleyball

Wed, 07 Oct 2020 05:00:00 -0000

In the latest Talking Preps, David La Vaque and Jim Paulsen size football matchups Friday night and preview a volleyball season that serves up its first matches on Thursday.

Podcast: What killed Minnesota prep postseason 'super-regional' plan?

Fri, 02 Oct 2020 19:28:46 -0000

Podcast: After Monday's big news, what happens now in prep sports?

Thu, 24 Sep 2020 06:21:00 -0000

Podcast: Will fall prep football, volleyball get the OK on Monday?

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 18:28:00 -0000

Podcast: Large high school fee increase a subject of debate, surprise

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 00:50:00 -0000

Podcast: High school football on pause? Not for everyone from Minnesota

Wed, 02 Sep 2020 19:35:00 -0000

Podcast: COVID era changes fall sports, athletes just grateful to be playing

Wed, 26 Aug 2020 19:12:00 -0000

Podcast: Prep sports band is glad to be back but there's a void, too

Wed, 19 Aug 2020 19:40:00 -0000

Listen: Lots of answers needed about playing football, volleyball in spring

Wed, 05 Aug 2020 18:17:00 -0000

Podcast: What now for Minnesota high school sports?

Wed, 15 Jul 2020 17:21:00 -0000