Peter Haugen is, by all accounts, a great guy. One of my college roommates is his personal friend and swears by him. But is he the right man to lead the Gustavus Adolphus football program? Since he was hired after a secret, controversial process in the winter, that's been the question on many people's minds. A group of alumni my age ('04) fired off hundreds of e-mails the day the announcement was made. The tone was skeptical, to say the least.

Before we dive into the details, let's review what is common knowledge:

• Haugen was a three-sport standout at Bethel in the early '90s.
• He's spent the last 15 years coaching at Minneapolis Washburn.
• His claim to coaching fame essentially revolves around three things: coaching Ryan Hoag, increasing player participation from 35 to 110 and reaching the first round of the 2007 state tournament.

As best as I can tell, Haugen's resume is solid but not spectacular. He won 11 conference championships in a poor league and rarely made noise in the postseason. For all the success his career record would indicate - 111-44 - he owned just an 0-1 record in the state tournament. The fact that his first official hire - a former St. Thomas football player - reportedly showed up on campus for his first day of work looking like this and swearing like a drunken sailor during noonball doesn't inspire a ton of confidence.

Is Haugen qualified to lead the Gusties? I would have liked to see someone a little more familiar with the collegiate process (ie recruiting, scouting, game planning), but you can't really say he's unqualified. I'm doing my best to give him the benefit of the doubt until we see his product, but recent news from The Hill has raised my level of concern.

For those who haven't heard, Gustavus President Jack Ohle has drawn less-than-friendly fire from many faculty members. Four high-profile resignations have already been laid at Ohle's feet, with one specifically citing "lack of presidential support." Details can be found here, here and here. It's interesting to note that Wartburg, where Ohle came from, documented similar problems as recently as 2005.

What's this all got to do with Haugen? Everything, actually.

A former assistant to the recently retired Jay Schoenebeck claims Ohle gave the Gustie legend the ol' "shape up or ship out" talk early in the year. Schoenebeck, who was 20-30 in the previous five years, responded by turning in his resignation by the end of the week. That led to an...interesting...job search after the program's best season in nearly a decade.

(Gustavus, where a mediocre 6-4 record is to be celebrated while watching highlights of the last conference championship...in 1987)

Ohle led the two-man search committee. Gustavus athletic director Al Molde was given the other voice. No one else was apprised of the applicants or who was chosen for interviews, though word leaked out that Carleton's Kurt Ramler was one of the secret candidates. I had him pegged for the gig until he withdrew his name after a rumored pay raise from the Knights.

That left Haugen, longtime GAC assistant Tom Brown and an unidentified coaching candidate. Coach X and Ramler were eliminated from consideration, at which time Mankato Free Press sports reporter Chad Courrier shocked his newsroom by opining that Brownie wasn't a shoo-in for the job. Turns out his intuition was correct.

To recap, the timeline looks something like this:

• Gustavus hires Ohle as president after initial search failed; vetting process questioned
• Ohle puts Schoenebeck on notice
• Schoenebeck resigns, effective at the end of the season, then has Gusties in MIAC title hunt
  
• Ohle presides over secret coaching search
• Ohle and Molde select a Bethel alum with very little/no college coaching experience
• Ohle tries to mend a burned bridge with Brownie by creating an assistant athletic director position
• Four prominent GAC faculty members suddenly resign in protect of Ohle's actions/decisions; others get liability insurance in case they are fired for critical remarks
  
• Entire campus is walking on eggshells as potential lawsuits are discussed

Does this sound like a healthy situation in which to make a hire? I can't help but feel a little bit bad for Haugen, who works right down the hall from the man he beat out for the job. But I put that at Ohle's feet - if you knew you had at least one candidate you liked better than Brownie, why keep him involved in the process? Have that conversation right away. To string him along like that is embarrassing for everyone involved. I would have skipped three days of work afterward, too. While I haven't talked to Brownie yet, I've got to believe it's an extremely awkward situation for both guys.

Which makes it a perfect time for me to visit campus! I'll be over there for the next five days working basketball camp and hope to meet Haugen. If he doesn't have time for an actual interview - or I'm too sweaty to take notes - I'll at least plan some feedback for next weekend.

I've been covering high school sports for four years. If it rains — or looks like it might — I wear my old Gustavus football coat. If it's chilly, I throw on the same windbreaker. Heck, if it's hot out and I might pit out I'll throw on ol' faithful. It remains in surprisingly good shape, which is great since my connection to the football program took a significant hit with the recent hiring of a Bethel grad.

(I'm still trying to collect my thoughts on this. A post is coming soon, I promise.)

It's not really an act of devotion. It began as my only form of protection from the elements. It remains the only piece of clothing that stays in my car 24/7. After a Cannon Falls parent recently accused me of wearing it 25 days a month, I may have to rethink my wardrobe.

Athletic attire was at the forefront of Thursday's Class AA state golf tournament. Thankfully, it had nothing to do with me. Instead, Red Wing's Mark Giorgi shunned the school colors of purple and white to don a blood red polo in his pursuit of the state title. The decision brought a smile to the face of Bob Alpers, the head golf coach at St. John's University who was named the 2008-09 MIAC Coach of the Year.

Giorgi became the first state champion in the history of Red Wing boys golf, claiming a one-stroke victory over Orono's Patrick Johnson. He had a scoring average of just over 73 this season and probably could have gone Division I. Instead, he decided to become a Johnnie.

Alpers and Alex Wallerich, Giorgi's friend and a current freshman at SJU, watched his whole round at Day 2 of the state tournament in Jordan, Minn. When Giorgi closed his round with a birdie, Alpers greeted him with an assessment of his outfit — the red shirt and black shorts are exactly what the Johnnies wear on the final day of tournaments, apparently. The pair remained inseparable over the next hour, preventing any concern that another school would sweep in with a scholarship offer to steal Giorgi away.

It's the latest example of the rich getting richer. The Johnnies have won two of the last three Division III national titles and have qualified for 10 straight national tournaments. They took eighth this season, though they lose their top four golfers to graduation.

Giorgi, whose scoring average is nearly identical to that of three-time MIAC Player of the Year Joe Schoolmeesters, plans to take some time away from the links before diving into his next challenge in the fall.

"We have some big shoes to fill," he said.

Take a deep and exhale. Now relax and realize Kevin McHale isn't in danger of ruining whatever cap flexibility his last few trades have created for the Timberwolves.

Need a few more seconds? Fine. Breath, exhale. In, out. Spin that new Ben Harper disc if you have to. Now excuse me while I turn down Kevin Harlan's voice and wipe the drool from McHale's chin before continuing.

In case you haven't noticed, the NBA playoffs are in full swing. Some games have been blowouts, while many have brought fans to their feet in shock, awe and anger. That's fairly standard. What's a little less standard are the prominent players involved. While none are truly game-breakers, this year's crop of pivotal players has been surprisingly pale in complexion.

Ok, put the pen down, Kevin. You don't have the authority to sign anyone. Heck, most of them aren't even free agents after this year. And no, it wouldn't be smart to sign them to an under-the-table contract.

*Sigh*

Let's take a look at the players who have McHale dreaming of whitewashing the league for the 2009-10 season.

Bulls vs. Celtics

With Game 7 on tap tonight, this has the very real potential of being the best series in playoff history. Everyone knows about the stars — Pierce, Jesus, Gordon, Rose — but think about the subplots that have unfolded.

Brad Miller has been involved in a number of physical plays, initiating some and getting initiated in others. If the Bulls lose the series, his hazy look at the end of Game 5 will be the indelible image of the historic battle. But I doubt McHale would like him. Remember, he dished out clotheslines in his day. How could he respect a whiner who got floored by a tiny guard?

And how about Kirk Hinrich? Chicago may be allowing a triple-double to Rajon Rondo, but he's not about to go down quietly. Their scrap in Game 6 was like Jo Jo English/Derek Harper Lite.

But my favorite in the series is barrel-chested ginger Brian Scalabrine. Just think, the Celtics went from KG to Powe to Scalabrine. That's depressing...but Scalabrine has proven surprisingly serviceable. In very, very small spurts, anyway. If he were five years younger, I'm sure McHale would have already traded a few future first rounders for him.

I'm sure his desire to help the Celtics wouldn't even cross his mind before signing on the dotted line.

New Orleans vs. Denver

James Posey has been the poster boy for role players over the last few years, winning titles with Miami and Boston. You know what? I bet McHale hates him. Based on the way this particular series played out, perhaps that's justified.

Birdman was better off the bench than any New Orleans post, starter or reserve. His production was augmented by fellow caucasian Linas Kleiza, who provides versatility and instant offense off the bench.

Sadly, the Hornets appear headed down the KG road with CP3. They've surrounded him with too many niche players and not enough guys who can make a real impact. I actually felt sorry for CP3 watching this series.

Utah vs. LA Lakers

Matt Harping has always been a favorite of mine. He's heady and very physical, yet still possesses the ability to hit an open shot. He does all the little things that don't show up in the box score, endearing himself to overachievers everywhere.

I hate the Lakers. I hate their fans. I hate Kobe. But I love Luke Walton's game enough to overlook his annoying dad. Phil Jackson troubling habit of yanking him in and out of the lineup is frustrating, but he's an extremely versatile option whose skills shine in the triangle. Plus, he's a former Wildcat who played for Augsburg grad, Lute Olson.

Houston vs. Portland

Portland's bench is, perhaps, the most intriguing in the leegue to the original Big Fundamental. Rudy Fernandez? Sergio Rodriguez? McHale is/was probably licking his chops at the thought. Unfortunately, he'd probable hold out for Raef LaFrentz and Shavlik Randolph to complete his ghost of a dynasty.

The Rockets offer a different option. Namely, a legit NBA difference maker. Luis Scola is an underappreciated big man willing to do the dirty work. Crafty is a McHale favorite, but he's vastly underpaid. I'm sure a sign-and-overpaid deal could be worked out to make it more paletable.

What exactly would it take to make McHale bite on a trade? A three-way that also nets Marko Jaric would seem ideal.

Dallas vs. San Antonio

I've got to believe McHale would jump at the chance to pair Scalabrine with Matt Bonner. Really, who wouldn't? Anyone can use two reliable drinking buddies for a game of poker.

Detroit vs. Cleveland

McHale's already experimented with Wally, so that might be the one pasty guy he doesn't covet. But Sasha Pavlovic? I'd love to see the cell phone records of Danny Ferry when the rumor first came out that McHale was losing GM responsibilities. If you don't believe he was frantically trying to make something work, you're crazy.

Everyone remembers when Walter Hermann became a fantasy stud a few years back. Sounds like the foundation for a real life title contender, right? Shhh, it's best to just let McHale dream.

Miami vs. Atlanta

I'll be honest, this series doesn't interest me very much. I haven't watched a game yet. I'll have to get back to you after Game 7. McHale might make a desperate call to check on Zaza Pachulia's availability if everything else falls through, but I'd guess he'll rely on his Hibbing charm to make something else work.

Intrigued by this experiment yet? It's like being a fly on the wall in his own personal war room. Let's complete the fantasy with a look at his dream roster.

Starters
PG: Ricky Rubio (draft)
SG: Rudy Fernandez (trade)
SF: Mike Miller
PF: Kevin Love
C: Al Jefferson

Bench
Sergio Rodriguez (trade)
Matt Bonner (trade)
Brian Scalabrine (trade)
Brian Cardinal
J.J. Barea (trade)
Raef LaFrentz (trade)
Mark Madson (captain)

Not realistic, you say? McHale, with an assist from KG, has taught the Minnesota faithful that anything is possible. Besides, if everything else fails, I'm sure McHale's still got Paul Grant on speed dial.