2011 MARIS TOURNAMENT BIOS

Bernie Allen
A two-sport collegiate star at Purdue University, enjoyed rewarding 12-year major league career with the Minnesota Twins, Washington Senators, New York Yankees and Montreal Expos. . . Stationed primarily at second base, member of the 1965 Twins team that won the American League pennant. . . Career totals include 73 home runs, 357 runs scored and 351 RBI. . . Native of East Liverpool, OH, starting quarterback at Purdue and led Boilermakers to 23-14 record as a three-year letterman. . . All-Big Ten selection, guided Boilermakers to a major upset of nationally-ranked University of Minnesota. . .

Tony Cornish, Jr.
Major voice in the world of sports broadcasting, making first appearance at Roger Maris Celebrity Golf Tournament this summer. . . Sports anchor of WZBN TV-25 in Trenton, NJ. . . Former freelance sports feature reporter and play-by-play announcer for Catch 47/Tampa Bay Sports Television on Bright House Networks in Tampa, FL. . .Host of “Timeout with Tony C!”. . . Former Sports Director andExecutive Producer of “Sports Talk Live” on WBEK-TV in Augusta, GA, also served as Sports Director at WWSB-TV in Sarasota, FL, WWPR radio in Bradenton, FL and freelance reporter for ESPN. . . Presented three national AXIEM awards for “Best Sports Coverage”. . .

Craig Dahl
Five-year veteran of the National Football League, key member of St. Louis Rams’ defense. . . Stationed at safety, credited with 98 tackles, including 87 unassisted stops, two pass interceptions, one fumble recovery and one quarterback sack in 2010. . . Finished product of rich football tradition at North Dakota State, played in 43 games for the Bison with 238 tackles, seven interceptions and two sacks. . . First-team All-GWFC selection as a senior in 2006, second team pick as a junior. . . Signed with New York Giants in 2007, made first start against Philadelphia Eagles. . . Earned Super Bowl ring with the Giants. . . Joined Rams in 2009. . . Prep star at Mankato East High School, all-conference and all-state football selection, also set several track records. . .  

Greg Bingham
Foundation of Houston Oiler defense for more than a decade, fixure at middle linebacker for the Oilers from 1973 through 1985. . . Also filled vital role on Oilers’ special teams and listed as emergency quarterback as well. . . Exited with 1,970 lifetime tackles, highest in Houston franchise history. . . Member of Oilers’ All-Time Dream Team. . . Collegiate football star at Purdue University, All-Big Ten Conference selection and Boilermakers’ leading tackler. . . Fourth round draft pick in 1973. . . Graduated with Industrial Economics degree, later added a Ph.D. degree from UHK. . .

Tommy Kramer
Native of San Antonio, TX and a star at Rice University, spent 14 seasons in the National Football League. . . First round draft choice in 1977, replaced Hall of Fame quarterback Fran Tarkenton as Vikes’ starting QB in 1979. . . Passed for 24,777 yards and 159 touchdowns during his career. . . First NFL quarterback to throw for over 450 yards in a game twice, once tossed six TD passes in a single game against Green Bay. . . His ‘Hail Mary’ touchdown pass to Ahmad Rashad lifted Vikings to a 28-23 victory over Cleveland Browns and a berth in 1980 NFL playoffs. . . Shared NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award in 1986 with San Francisco quarterback Joe Montana, named to Pro Bowl. . .
.

John Callahan
Long recognized soap opera headliner making first Roger Maris Celebrity Golf Tournament appearance. . . Best known for his work as Edmund Grey on All My Children. . . Spent over 20 years in the entertainment industry, including role of Dr. Baker on Days of Our Lives, also appeared regularly in Falcon Crest and Santa Barbarasoap operas. . . Brooklyn, NY native, has appeared as a celebrity panelist on To Tell the Truth and Spin City, and served as co-host of the Miss America pageant. . .

Lou Cordileone
First round draft pick of the National Football League New York Giants in 1960. Played for the Giants, San Francisco 49ers, Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints. All-American and Scholastic All-American at Clemson University. Voted to first team of Clemson Centennial Team, played in Bluebonnet Bowl, Sugar Bowl and Hula Bowl. Member of Tiger baseball team that appeared in the College World Series. Named to second team all-time GTE Academic All-America team in 1997. First Clemson player to be chosen first team Academic and on-field All-American in the same season.

Jim "Mudcat" Grant
Onetime member of the Fargo-Moorhead Twins, logged memorable career during 14 major league seasons. . . Played for the Cleveland Indians, Minnesota Twins, Los Angeles Dodgers, Montreal Expos, St. Louis Cardinals, Oakland Athletics and Pittsburgh Pirates. . . Compiled a 145-119 career record with 53 saves. . . Won 21 games for the 1965 American League champion Twins and two games in the 1965 World Series. . . First African-American in the AL to win a World Series game. . . Named an All-Star in 1963 and1965, earned Expos’ first franchise win in 1969. . . Appeared in the 1971 ALCS with the A’s, later served as broadcaster and executive for both the Indians and Athletics. . . Participated in memorial ceremony to celebrate the life of former teammate Harmon Killebrew in May. . .

Ben Jacobson
Certified collegiate coaching star with solid North Dakota roots. . . Became fastest coach in University of Northern Iowa basketball history to collect 100 career victories, helped Panthers reach 18-plus win mark for eighth straight year. . . Guided UNI to its first appearance in the NCAA Division I Sweet Sixteen in 2010 and prodded Panthers to a shocking ambush of top-ranked Kansas University. . . His 2009-10 club finished 30-5, set a UNI single season record for wins and swept Missouri Valley Conference and tournament championships for a second straight year. . . Twice named MVC Coach of the Year. . . Graduate of Mayville-Portland High School and University of North Dakota, four-year starter for the Sioux. . Two-year captain at UND, set career assist record and helped North Dakota capture two North Central Conference titles and two NCAA II Elite Eight appearances. . . Former assistant at UND, NDSU and UNI. . .

Andy Strasberg
Established himself as one of the most innovative professional marketers in 22 years with the San Diego Padres. Created ACME (All-Star Corporate Marketing Enterprises) after leaving Padres, providing valuable service to diverse roster of clients. Frequent guest lecturer at sports’ marketing symposiums. Native New Yorker and cum laude graduate of Long Island University. Takes enormous pride in reference of being Roger Maris’ most loyal and faithful fan. Sports director of KGB-FM in San Diego from 1979-83. Major donor to Maris Celebrity Auction since its beginning. Appeared in and served as a technical consultant for the “61*” HBO movie, frequent contributor of Maris features.

Dick Jonckowski
Public address announcer for the Minnesota Golden Gophers’ basketball and baseball teams. Popular master of ceremonies at many national events. Has appeared at Old Timers’ Baseball Dinner in Chicago and annual Legend’s Banquet in Newark, NJ, strong advocate of the Roger Maris Celebrity Benefit Golf Tournament. One-time broadcaster of Minnesota Muskies, Minnesota Pipers and College World Series. Inducted into Halls of Fame by the Minnesota High School Basketball Coaches, Mancini’s Restaurant and Shakopee, Minn., High School.

Mark Ladwig
Olympic figure skating sensation, returns for a second time to Roger Maris Celebrity Golf Tournament. . . Joined Amanda Evora of Sugar Land, Texas to place 10th in short pairs program at 2010 Vancouver Olympics. . . Set personal best by a sizable margin as top U.S. pair teams, finished second in U.S. Figure Skating Championships at Spokane, Wash. and ninth at 2010 World Figure Skating Championships in Turin, Italy. . . Finished fifth at Cup of China competition and earned bronze medal at Rostelecom Cup last winter, currently ranked 13th in the world. . . Installed as member of U.S. Figure Skating Athletics Advisory Committee in 2009-10, previously served as pairs vice-chair. . . A 1999 graduate of Moorhead High School. . .

Saul Phillips
Completed fourth season as head coach at North Dakota State last winter, owns a 67-53 career record . . . Guided Bison to a 26-7 finish in 2008-09 that included Summit Conference regular season and post-season titles and a memorable first ever trip to NCAA Division I National Championships. . . Finalist for Mid Major Coach of the Year in 2008-09. . . Promoted to head coaching post at North Dakota State in 2007 after three years as assistant. . . . Served as director of basketball operations for three years at Wisconsin under Bo Ryan. . . Spent two years as assistant coach under Ryan at Wisconsin-Milwaukee (1999-01) and two years as assistant at Lake Superior State (1997-99) . . . Native of Reedsburg, WI, graduated from Wisconsin-Platteville with degree in business and psychology in 1996. . . Played basketball for four seasons at UWP under Ryan, captain of Pioneers’ 1995 undefeated national championship team. . .

Ken Sanders
Award-winning relief pitcher, spent 10 years in the major leagues. Won 1971 Fireman of the Year Award with the Milwaukee Brewers, led American League in saves (31) and appearances (83). During his career also played for the Kansas City A’s, Boston Red Sox, Oakland A’s, Minnesota Twins, Cleveland Indians, Los Angeles Angels, New York Mets and Kansas City Royals. Career totals include a 29-45 record with 86 saves and a 2.98 earned run average.

Rod Simons
First time tournament participant, spent nearly 20 years as award-winning television news and sports anchor in Seattle, WA; Portland, OR and St. Paul, MN. . . Graduate of Washington State University. . . Eight-time Emmy award-winner, recipient of three Emmys for Outstanding Sports Anchor in the Midwest. . . Will serve as Master of Ceremonies for 2011 Maris banquet. . . Actively promoting and raising dollars for the Gift of Adoption at his Golf for the Gift Celebrity Tournament at Troy Burne in Hudson, WI. . .

Otis Sistrunk
Legendary defensive lineman with the Oakland Raiders, spent seven seasons in the National Football League. . . One of few NFL players to not play college football, joined United States Marines after graduating from William H. Spencer High School in Columbus, GA. . .  After leaving the military, the 21-year-old played two years of semi-pro football before signing on with Norfolk Neptunes of the Continental Football League in 1969. . .  Named to Pro Bowl in 1974. . . Major contributing member of 1976 Raiders’ team that defeated Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl XI. . . Retired after 1978 season, finishing his career with seven fumbles recovered and three interceptions in 98 games played. . . Later wrestled professionally, spent 12 years as a civilian employee at Fort Benning, GA and made cameo appearance in the movie Car Wash. . . Manages Cowan Memorial Stadium at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA, also helps with athletic training programs. . .

Rickey Young
Legendary rushing and receiving threat, spent nine seasons in the National Football League after sparkling collegiate career at Jackson State (MS). . . Collegiate teammate of immortal Walter Payton. . . Drafted by San Diego Chargers in 1975, traded to Minnesota Vikings in 1978 for all-pro offensive guard Ed White. . .  First player to score a touchdown in Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome. . . Led the league with 88 receptions in 1978 in his first season with Minnesota. . . Caught 292 passes for 14 TDs during his Viking career. . . NFL lifetime totals include 3,666 rushing and 23 touchdowns, 408 catches for 3,285 yards and 16 TDs. . .

Larry Ziegler
Familiar face on the professional golf scene for over a half century. . . Joined pro tour in 1959, posted finest season in 1995 with nine top-10 finishes. . . Began second career on the Seniors Tour in 1989 and finished in the top 10 in five of his first 12 starts. . . Won three times on the PGA Tour, including the 1976 NBC New Orleans Open, the 1975 Greater Jacksonville Open, and the 1969 Michigan Classic. . . Also placed third at the 1976 Masters at Augusta, GA. . . International victories include 1978 South and Central American Open in Costa Rica and the 1974 Morocco International Grand Prix. . .