About That Consolation Round
You may be aware that the MSHSL has scheduled a consolation bracket at the girls state tournament for the 1st time. We've been asking coaches over the past few weeks how they like it, and we asked the first couple…
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Continue ReadingYou may be aware that the MSHSL has scheduled a consolation bracket at the girls state tournament for the 1st time. We've been asking coaches over the past few weeks how they like it, and we asked the first couple of losers today about it, too. Here's what we've heard.
Minnetonka coach Leah Dasovich (a couple of weeks ago)
There has to be something for going to the state tournament, especially if you’re a team that doesn’t get seeded. It’s nice if it’s not one and done. If you want the state tournament to be a really special end of the season event, there needs to be a consolation round.
Park Center coach Chris Vander Hyde then
It’s hard to get kids up when their season is kind of over, so I’m kind of torn about it. I’m glad they’re doing it overall. It’s good for kids overall. For me it would be a challenge back up for another game after you lost and your season’s pretty much over.
And Dasovich today
It makes it feel more like a tournament, it gives it a special feel. You get another game, another practice.
Park Center players today
Ann Simonet: To be honest, I’m a senior, and I love playing the consolation game. I love my team. They’re like family to me.
Mikayla Hayes: It’s not the game we wanted, obviously, but either way we get to play one more game on Thursday, and I would do anything for my team that I can.
Some other coaches
Hutchinson coach Tim Ellefson
I do. It’s really hard for parents and fans to plan, especially for outstate teams. I just think it’s a lot better, whether we have to pay for it or the high school league does, it’s a lot better.
Kennedy coach Quintin Johnson
I’m all for that, especially for outstate kids. When the come down here, they deserve to play more than one game. It should bring in some revenue. The more the better, especially for the seniors.
Moorhead coach Jed Carlson
I think we’d like to play consolation rather than just go home. I’m in favor of that.
Forest Lake coach Jen Wagner
I think it’s great. Every other sport has it. With basketball it’s tough with four classes and facilities and all that stuff. But when you get to the state tournament and you play one game? And then you’re done? C’mon. Let’s even things out with the other sports andgive kids a state tournament experience which is what they deserve.
New Prague coach Ron Gunderson
Yeah, I think so. It’s about kids playing. Once you get there, and it’s not very often that you do, it would be nice to play another game. It’s a good idea.
Hopkins coach Brian Cosgriff
I like it. I get to coach my kids. I love my kids. Our goal from day 1 was to play from the first day to the last day. I’ve got 6 seniors and they’re amazing kids. I just want to stay with them as long as I can. That’s what’s hard about coaching. You say goodbye to some amazing kids. So I like it. I want to coach my kids as long as I can.