Carlie kicks off college hoops career Friday
By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
High school is history for Carlie Wagner.
A new chapter begins Friday, Nov. 14 on the court where she captured so much glory last March: Williams Arena in Minneapolis.
The freshman phenom from New Richland will begin her college basketball career as the Minnesota Golden Gophers face Southwest Louisiana at 7 p.m.
Wagner, of course needs no introduction around here. The 2014 NRHEG High School graduate grew to legendary proportions while leading the Panthers to three consecutive state tournaments and the last two state championships. She could have attended virtually any college in the country but picked Minnesota, mostly to stay close to family.
That family and many others from the area will be there to cheer her on Friday and many other times this season (see full schedule on Page 7 of the Nov. 13 Star Eagle).
Wagner’s mom, Jane Wagner, reported she’s doing well and anxiously awaiting the opener.
“She’s doing good,” said Jane. “Her knees were acting up a little, but she’s doing good. She’s very excited.”
The Wagner family plans to attend every home game and some away ones, though they won’t be going to Fort Myers, Fla. for the Gulf Coast Showcase at the end of November.
“We’ll have ‘Super Bowls’ for every game that we can’t go to, either host a party to go to someone else’s,” said Jane.
Many games can be found on television on the Big Ten Network or ESPN2. All games can be found on the radio at 1500 AM ESPN Twin Cities or KBEM Jazz 88.5 FM. If games are not on Big Ten Network or ESPN2, they will be streamed on Big Ten Network Plus, a subscription service.
Wagner, Minnesota’s Miss Basketball and the Minnesota Associated Press Player of the Year for 2013-14, has been praised for her efforts thus far in practice. It was announced this week she'll be in the starting lineup for Friday's season opener.
Meanwhile in New Richland, Carlie Fever seems to have reached a new fervor as the Gophers’ opener nears.
“It’s not slowing down,” said Jane. “Everywhere I go, I have to stop and talk about it for 20 minutes. It’s kind of like it was after the state tournament. Then it kind of let up a little bit. Now, it’s unbelievable. We’re going to have the whole Panther chaos up there.”