University of Minnesota Athletics
Softball Appears at the State Fair
8/31/2009 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Minneapolis, Minn. - The Golden Gopher softball team was at the State Fair this morning (Aug. 31) as Co-head coach Lisa Bernstein, and players Sammie Howard (Shoreview, Minn.), Chonquita Jones (Chicago, Ill.), Alissa Koch (Racine, Wis.) and Danni Skrove (Zimmerman, Minn.) took some time out of their mornings to speak.
This was the second day of Golden Gopher teams appearing at the fair, as they were first displayed last Thursday, Aug. 27. As was the case last week, Golden Gopher public address announcer Dick Jonckowski was the host for each session, and today the softballers were up first.
Bernstein was first to speak, mentioning the beginning of what will be her 19th season at Minnesota. She also talked about her team's home field in Jane Sage Cowles Stadium and the growth she has seen in the sport while she has been at the University of Minnesota.
"The growth of the sport, nationwide, it's just been phenomenal. The Olympics really helped us out, getting the word out there about all the opportunities, there are professional leagues now where people are being able to continue their careers. The talent pool is just getting so much better."
Bernstein also touched on playing a very tough national schedule, and competing at a high level with some of the best teams in the country.
Jonckowski then went down the line of the players, speaking next with Howard. A second baseman, Howard made an immediate connection with the host, as Jonckowski also was a second baseman back in his day. Howard went on to answer questions about what drew her to Minnesota, as well as spoke about her family and how she enjoys playing in front of them so close to home.
Next up was Skrove, who fielded questions about her high school days and playing multiple sports, as well as her major at Minnesota and position for the Golden Gophers. Skrove also touched on the topic of Cowles Stadium stating that "It is beautiful, it's the best stadium the in the Big Ten."
Jones spoke next, and she opened Jonckowski's eyes to the position of a pinch-runner. She also talked about her family, her major, and being from Chicago. A White Sox fan, Jones played to the crowd a bit about the upcoming Twins-White Sox series.
Last to field questions was Koch. She opened answering all the same questions about her major, her family and why she chose the Golden Gophers, but also echoed Skrove's statements about Cowles stadium saying, "It's beautiful, I love playing there."
Before wrapping everything up, Jonckowski mentioned the Golden Gophers schedule and their season opening Metrodome tournament in February. The Golden Gophers will also host their annual Fall Invitational this season, hosting it on October 17 and 18, at Jane Sage Cowles Stadium.
Check out the video below for some shots from the day.
