Sports

Minnesota Varsity League launches scholastic middle school esports program
Earlier this week, the Minnesota Varsity League announced the start of a scholastic esports program specifically geared toward grades 5-8. It’s part of the league’s mission to expand academic experiences for students and provide competitive gaming and educational enrichment through play. 
This week in sports news with Wally and Eric
Watching the Twins and Timberwolves could get easier soon, as Axios Twin Cities reported earlier this week. Both teams are ending contracts with the parent company behind Bally Sports, which streaming services have dropped. Of course, when you miss a game, Wally Langfellow and Eric Nelson can help you get caught up.
Gobert has 16 points and 21 rebounds, helps Timberwolves beat Spurs 102-94
Rudy Gobert had 16 points and 21 rebounds and the NBA-leading Minnesota Timberwolves held on to beat San Antonio 102-94 on Wednesday night for their fifth straight victory and the Spurs’ 15th loss in a row.
Vikings will stick with Joshua Dobbs at QB, after bye week assessment
Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell announced on Wednesday that he will remain the starter this week, after he threw four interceptions during a damaging 12-10 loss at home to Chicago on Nov. 27. O’Connell acknowledged after that game he considered benching Dobbs to give the offense a spark.
Don’t change the channel: Minnesota’s first women’s sports bar is ready to tip off
The Midwest’s first bar dedicated to promoting and watching women’s sports plans to open in the Seward neighborhood of Minneapolis, led by a woman who got tired of pleading with bartenders to change the TV to women’s sports.
Minnesota Twins unveil design for new specialty license plate
The Minnesota Twins on Tuesday unveiled the design for their “This is Twins Territory” specialty license plate, which will be available starting Jan. 1.
International Ice Hockey Federation to mandate neck guards after death of Minnesota player
The International Ice Hockey Federation is making neck guards mandatory for all levels of competition in the tournaments it runs. That includes the Olympics and men's and women's world championships. 
St. Olaf College men's soccer wins national championship
The St. Olaf College men's soccer team won its first NCAA Division III national championship with a 2-1 overtime win over Amherst College on Sunday afternoon in Virginia.
Minnesota to take on Bowling Green in Quick Lane Bowl
Bowling Green and Minnesota will meet in the Quick Lane Bowl, with both teams quite familiar with the game. The Golden Gophers have been there twice since 2015, winning both times in the midst of a six consecutive postseason wins.