Gopher Road Trip Chalk Talk Comes to Owatonna Wednesday

Local University of Minnesota fans will get an extra dose of Gopher coaches when the chalk talk tour comes to Owatonna on Wednesday, June 8, at the Owatonna Country Club.

Gophers radio announcer Mike Grimm told KRFO radio that it's unusual for both the football and men's basketball coach to appear at the same stop. Indications are that football coach Tracy Claeys and men's hoops coach Richard Pitino will both be on hand.

New Director of Athletics Mark Coyle also will headline the Owatonna visit. Grimm says that Coyle moved up his date of employment in order to be part of the chalk talk. The road trip is one way the University of Minnesota thanks its supporters around the state according to Grimm.

Coyle has already had to address the tough issues facing the University's athletics department. Grimm understands that people want to ask about problems the department is dealing with, but he also says the university has had a fantastic athletic and academic year with multiple Big Ten titles and a women's hockey national championship.

Wednesday's event begins at 8AM at the Owatonna Country Club and will include a free breakfast. There is no cost to attend but fans are asked to register online and bring their ticket. Go to www.mygophersports.com to sign up.

Residents will hear from a number of coaches at the event.