Morning Edition: Sports

The story of Ray Ruschel, a 49-year-old college football player from North Dakota, has garnered national attention in recent weeks. For a bit of perspective, Ruschel is only four years older than Tom Brady.  
High school athletes' new sponsorship options kick up debate among coaches
In June, the Minnesota State High School League approved guidance that allows students to sign name, image and likeness deals. While some coaches say the new policy helps young athletes, others are concerned about equity and team play.
Twins preview: Hopes high for Buxton's leadership, Correa's bat, young pitchers
The Minnesota Twins kick off the 2022 season Friday, hosting the Seattle Mariners for the home opener at Target Field. Star Tribune baseball writer Megan Ryan spoke to MPR News on what fans can expect from the team this year.
Lakeville's Regan Smith headed to the Olympics after winning 100-meter backstroke
At the U.S. swimming trials, the 19-year-old touched first in 58.35, not as fast as her then-record time at the 2019 world championships (57.57), but surely good enough to set her up as one of the gold medal contenders in Tokyo.
Timberwolves, Lynx owner: A-Rod, partner in agreement to buy teams
Former baseball star Alex Rodriguez and e-commerce mogul Marc Lore signed a letter of intent Saturday to buy the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx, owner Glen Taylor said.
St. Cloud State advances to its first national hockey title game
Nolan Walker scored on a redirection with 53.2 seconds left and St. Cloud State held off Minnesota State 5-4 on Thursday night to advance to the program's first national championship game.
It was a big weekend for college hockey fans in Minnesota. MPR News Host Cathy Wurzer caught up with Jess Myers, hockey writer for @therinklive and Forum News, for the latest.
'They've learned what resiliency is': Football season ends early with COVID dial-back — and a few lessons
A high school football season that was first postponed until the spring, and then restarted late this fall, came to a sudden close on Friday. The state high school league squeezed in more than 80 games in the hours before new statewide restrictions meant to slow the spread of COVID-19 took effect.