Sports odds and ends
The U of M’s M Club will on Sept. 16 induct 13 new Hall of Fame members at a Friday evening in-person ceremony on the Williams Arena court. Three persons of color are in the 2022 class: Clyde Turner (posthumously), Ron Johnson and Paula Gentil.
Clyde Turner
Clyde Turner (basketball, 1971-73) was an integral part of the 1972 Big Ten Championship team and was named a first team All-Big Ten that season. Turner was a part of Minnesota’s first conference title since 1937, and the first outright title since 1919.
He played in a total of 51 games and led the Gophers in scoring both seasons, where he averaged over 18 points a game. He also made second team all-conference in 1973 and now ranks eighth all-time in career scoring average per game (18.4 ppg). Turner passed away on August 9, 2022.
After Minnesota, Turner was a fourth-round draft pick of the Milwaukee Bucks in 1973, and later played professionally in Europe for two seasons. He earned two degrees from the U of M and became a community staple as a youth advocate for over four decades.
Ron Johnson
Ron Johnson (football, 1998-2001) was a staple on the Minnesota football team. He set school records in receiving yards (2,989), receptions (198), and receiving touchdowns (31). A 2000 All-Big Ten first-teamer, Johnson tied an NCAA record with a reception in 46 straight games. That same season she set school records for receiving TDs (11) and receiving yards (1,125).
During his Gopher years, Johnson recorded eight 100-yard receiving games and led Minnesota in receptions and receiving yards for three seasons. He also set a school record with seven straight games with a receiving touchdown.
Johnson was drafted by Baltimore in 2002 in the fourth round and played there 2002-04. Overall, he played professionally 2002-08.
Paula Gentil (volleyball, 2005-08) was Minnesota’s first-ever designated libero under the late coach Mike Hebert. She still is one of the best to compete with the Gophers. The three-time Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year was also the school’s first-ever three-time All-American in U of M’s history.
The 2022 M Club HOF class will be recognized at various events throughout this weekend, including Saturday’s Gophers-Colorado football game.
Rhodes’ super cool experience
The MSR has been following St. Catherine golfer Jaycee Rhodes, now in her junior year, since she became a college student a couple of years ago. The Eastview High School grad and three-time state tournament participant spoke to us prior to her fall season.
Rhodes last April won her first Fleur-de-lis Award as she helped St. Kate’s fourth-place finish at the Wash U Spring Invite.
“There’s so much that has happened with me,” said Rhodes, including coaching youngsters at the Solomon Hughes St. Golf Academy. “I was a coach for their fellowship team. I love it. It was really exciting…to see the kids improve and grow in confidence. It was super cool.”
She got to meet pro golfer Michelle Wie West, “and I actually got to have a conversation with her. Super cool,” reaffirmed Rhodes. The junior business administration major is anxious to start her college season after the pandemic delayed her college playing for a year. “I’m ready for competition,” said Rhodes.
Support Black local news
Help amplify Black voices by donating to the MSR. Your contribution enables critical coverage of issues affecting the community and empowers authentic storytelling.