BleedGopher
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per Megan:
Rashod Bateman took off, sprinting down the field past his defender. Somewhere behind him, Tanner Morgan released the ball. It soared just a tad out of reach, but the Gophers receiver lunged, his left hand outstretched.
The ball landed right in his palm — almost like some magnetic force drew it there — and Bateman crossed into the end zone.
His one-handed score and four other first-half catches helped Minnesota survive South Dakota State's upset bid last week. Bateman has emerged as a critical piece of the offense, heading into Saturday's game at Fresno State, but the sophomore is playing for much more than just the Gophers this year.
Bateman's uncle Anthony Bateman died unexpectedly of a heart attack at a basketball tournament Aug. 3 at age 52. "Coach Bate" was an assistant coach for the basketball and football teams at his alma mater, Tift County High School in Georgia, first starting coaching nearly 30 years ago.
Just like many others, Rashod Bateman learned from his uncle. But their relationship went much deeper.
"He was like a father figure for me," Bateman said. "Growing up, I had [a father], but it wasn't what every kid dreams of. My dad was like here and there or whatever. So he kind of stepped in and took the role. … Gave me rides home when I needed to, sheltered me, clothed me when I needed to. So he was always there for me."
http://www.startribune.com/rashod-b...oring-a-father-figure-from-georgia/559613122/
Go Gophers!!
Rashod Bateman took off, sprinting down the field past his defender. Somewhere behind him, Tanner Morgan released the ball. It soared just a tad out of reach, but the Gophers receiver lunged, his left hand outstretched.
The ball landed right in his palm — almost like some magnetic force drew it there — and Bateman crossed into the end zone.
His one-handed score and four other first-half catches helped Minnesota survive South Dakota State's upset bid last week. Bateman has emerged as a critical piece of the offense, heading into Saturday's game at Fresno State, but the sophomore is playing for much more than just the Gophers this year.
Bateman's uncle Anthony Bateman died unexpectedly of a heart attack at a basketball tournament Aug. 3 at age 52. "Coach Bate" was an assistant coach for the basketball and football teams at his alma mater, Tift County High School in Georgia, first starting coaching nearly 30 years ago.
Just like many others, Rashod Bateman learned from his uncle. But their relationship went much deeper.
"He was like a father figure for me," Bateman said. "Growing up, I had [a father], but it wasn't what every kid dreams of. My dad was like here and there or whatever. So he kind of stepped in and took the role. … Gave me rides home when I needed to, sheltered me, clothed me when I needed to. So he was always there for me."
http://www.startribune.com/rashod-b...oring-a-father-figure-from-georgia/559613122/
Go Gophers!!