Cheering for the Home Team
The 'home' colors changed from one day to the next, but Todd Walkingstick of Owatonna was just as enthused each day as he cheered on Blooming Prairie in the state Class A semifinals Saturday and the Vikings in Sunday's game at US Bank Stadium.
Walkingstick is a big booster of local high school sports and hosts an online interview program called "Beyond the Game" at OwatonnaLive.com. He speaks with athletes, coaches and other sports figures with a new show being posted each week. He is also a longtime Vikings season ticket holder.
"I was on such a high after the Blooming Prairie game. I was so happy for that town and those kids," Walkingstick said after watching BP hammer Ada-Borup 41-0 Saturday to advance to the Prep Bowl finals for the first time in school history. The Awesome Blossoms will meet BOLD in the Class A championship game Friday, November 29 at 10 am at US Bank Stadium.
"That team played just a solid game. To see them in person, I just can't wait to go back. They're just solid. They're a team." [Walkingstick has some great thoughts and insight in the segment below.]
While Blooming Prairie left little doubt who would win Saturday's prep game by jumping out to a big lead, it was just the opposite for Sunday's professional game as the Vikings dug themselves a 20-0 hole at halftime. Walkingstick said the 'boo's" rained down heavily on the team as they left for the locker room.
He also saw many people leave early. Walkingstick is not one to do that and he was able to witness an historic comeback that saw the Vikings prevail 27-23 over Denver, one of the biggest come-from-behind victories in franchise history.
Still, Walkingstick was left holding his breath in the closing seconds as the Broncos had several opportunities at the goal line with the clocking running out. Walkingstick also said he injured himself while doing the Skol cheer. The bye week comes at a good time for the team and its fans to heal up.
Listen for a chat with Walkingstick most Monday afternoons at 5:30 pm on AM 1390 KRFO.