Serving the UMN community since 1900

The Minnesota Daily

Serving the UMN community since 1900

The Minnesota Daily

Serving the UMN community since 1900

The Minnesota Daily

Theo Franz

Theo Franz, Sports Reporter

Theo is a sports reporter from Menomonee Falls, WI. He started off his journalism career as a reporter and camera operator for his hometown's cable station. Now, he is enrolled at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities aiming for a Bachelor’s in broadcast journalism.

All content by Theo Franz
Nubin, who was playing as a temporary wide receiver, scored in the games first quarter.

Young stars bud in Minnesota football Spring Game

by Theo Franz
Published April 24, 2023
The Gold team, led by Le’Meke Brockington, Tyler Nubin and Zach Evans, beat the Maroon team 36-34 in the Gophers’ annual spring football game.
The hammer throw group is ranked first in the nation and Kostas Zaltos, a 23-year-old international student from Greece, is leading the group.

From Greece to GREAT: Kostas Zaltos follows hammer throwing dream

by Theo Franz
Published April 5, 2023
The track and field star talks about growing up in Greece, how the pandemic changed his perspective on life and his recent achievements in the hammer throw.
Williams Arena as seen on Monday, June 17, 2019.

Dawn Plitzuweit named new UMN women’s basketball head coach

by Theo Franz
Published March 18, 2023
Plitzuweit has been a women’s head coach for 16 years at four other universities, accumulating 15 winning seasons.
Defensive back Howden stood out when he improved six inches in the vertical challenger during Wednesdays Pro Day.

UMN football hosts annual Pro Day, Vikings personnel present

by Theo Franz
Published March 18, 2023
Jordan Howden, Thomas Rush and Matthew Trickett made themselves known after impressive performances in front of a gallery of professional scouts.
Forward Alanna Micheaux shoots the ball at the game against Nebraska on Wednesday, Feb. 15.

Women’s basketball concludes season, mistake-riddled performance

by Theo Franz
Published March 1, 2023
Mara Braun’s scoring explosion in the second half was not enough for Minnesota to overcome Penn State’s full-court press or their myriad of turnovers.
Forward Pharrel Payne blocks Iowa at the game on Sunday, Feb. 12.

Losing streak continues for UMN men’s basketball

by Theo Franz
Published February 24, 2023
Minnesota lost both of their weekday games this week against Illinois and Maryland, pushing their losing streak into the double digits.
Quarterback Tanner Morgan winds up for a pass at Huntington Bank Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019. The Gophers defeated Georgia Southern 35-32.

Tanner Morgan drafted ninth overall to USFL’s Michigan Panthers

by Theo Franz
Published February 22, 2023
The five-year starting quarterback for the Minnesota Gophers will join the Panthers’ roster for the franchise’s second season.
Guard Ta’Lon Cooper shoots the ball during the game against Iowa on Sunday, Feb.
12.

Iowa Hawkeyes strike down UMN men’s basketball 68-56

by Theo Franz
Published February 14, 2023
Aggressive defense got the Gophers into foul trouble early on, and Iowa’s defense created frustration.
Forward Alanna Micheaux shoots during the game against Michigan on Sunday, Jan. 29.

UMN women’s basketball loses 2 consecutive matchups at home

by Theo Franz
Published February 3, 2023
The Gophers were outscored 96-154 across contests with the Michigan Wolverines on Sunday and the Indiana Hoosiers on Wednesday.
Jaden Henley blocks a shot from Indiana during the game on Wednesday, Jan. 25.

Men’s basketball’s offense crumbles in final minutes against Indiana

by Theo Franz
Published January 27, 2023
Jamison Battle’s late-game heroics were not enough to overcome the team’s poor shooting performance.
Guard Mara Braun charges for the basket during the Gophers game against Lehigh, Sunday, Nov. 13.

Boilermakers’ defense steamrolls UMN women’s basketball

by Theo Franz
Published January 23, 2023
Three Gophers scored in the double digits, but it was not enough to overcome Purdue’s staunch defense.
Guard Amaya Battle dribbles the ball down the court during the Gophers game against Lehigh, Nov. 13.

UMN women’s basketball doubles down on victories against Penn State

by Theo Franz
Published January 20, 2023
Carried by Alanna Micheaux’s 30-point double-double, the Gophers beat the Nittany Lions 75-67.
Forward Joshua Ola-Joseph takes a free throw during Minnesotas game against Michigan, Dec. 8. Minnesota lost, 90-75.

Gophers men’s basketball dazed by the Maize

by Theo Franz
Published December 12, 2022
Minnesota loses their fourth game in a row after an underwhelming effort against Michigan.
Guard Katie Borowicz looks to pass the ball in-bounds to her teammates during Minnesotas game against Kentucky, Dec. 7, 2022. The Gophers lost, 80-74.

Gophers women’s basketball keeps it close in Kentucky loss

by Theo Franz
Published December 9, 2022
Gophers forwards Alanna Micheaux and Mallory Heyer put up 17 points each in the 74-80 loss at home.
Banham started her work in media last season broadcasting a contest between Rutgers and the Gophers. Photo courtesy of Gopher Athletics.

Rachel Banham inspires next generation of hoopers with podcast

by Theo Franz
Published December 5, 2022
The former Gopher directs care-free conversations with players, coaches and fans to personalize and grow the game of women’s basketball.
Guard Amaya Battle dribbles the ball down the court during the Gophers game against Lehigh, Nov. 13.

Women’s basketball battles in Cavalier Classic Tournament

by Theo Franz
Published November 30, 2022
The Gophers relied heavily on the efforts of their freshmen in their win against Liberty.
Members of the Gopher football team hold up the axe on Saturday, Nov. 3, 2019, at the football teams indoor practice when the team returned from their win in Madison, Wisconsin.

Gophers hoist the Axe in Madison after beating the Badgers 23-16

by Theo Franz
Published November 26, 2022
Redshirt freshman Athan Kaliakmanis closes the regular season with a 23-16 win over rival Wisconsin Badgers.
Williams Arena as seen on Monday, June 17, 2019.

Gophers women’s basketball struggles in Fargo, recovers at home

by Alex Karwowski and Theo Franz
Published November 22, 2022
Players achieve personal bests while splitting last weekend’s set of games.
Guard Talon Cooper directs his teammates down the court during Minnesotas exhibition game against St. Olaf, Wednesday, Nov. 2.

Gophers basketball bounces back, earns third win

by Theo Franz
Published November 20, 2022
Minnesota wins 68-60 against Central Michigan in their final home game of November, improving to a 3-1 record on the season.
Williams Arena as seen on Monday, June 17, 2019.

Men’s basketball wins, loses big in two home games

by Theo Franz
Published November 16, 2022
The team is 2-1 after beating St. Francis Brooklyn on Friday and losing to DePaul on Monday.
Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis calls a play during the Gophers game against Colorado, Sept. 17.

Gophers football rallies in second half, beats Nebraska 20-13

by Theo Franz
Published November 6, 2022
Redshirt freshman Athan Kaliakmanis revived Minnesota’s offense and led the team to its sixth win of the season.
Minnesota wide receiver Autman-Bell prepares for a drive during the Gophers game against Colorado on Saturday, Sept. 17. Autman-Bell will miss the rest of the 2022 season with a leg injury.

Gophers wide receiver Chris Autman-Bell set to return for a seventh season

by Theo Franz
Published November 4, 2022
The star wide receiver will rejoin Minnesota’s roster in 2023 after tearing his ACL this year.
Running back Mohamed Ibrahim runs the ball toward the end zone during Minnesotas game against Rutgers, Oct. 29. Minnesota won, 31-0.

Minnesota football gives Rutgers scary-good performance

by Theo Franz
Published October 30, 2022
Gophers put an end to their three-game losing streak after shutting down Rutgers offense.
The Gophers played Rutgers on Saturday and won. The remaining schedule includes Nebraska, Northwestern, Iowa and Wisconsin.

Minnesota’s remaining path through the Big Ten

by Theo Franz
Published October 30, 2022
Gophers’ position in the Big Ten and what they need to look out for in the future.
Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis calls a play during the Gophers game against Colorado, Sept. 17.

Gophers football drop third straight after loss to Penn State

by Theo Franz
Published October 23, 2022
All three phases collapse, while redshirt freshman Athan Kaliakmanis makes his first career start.
Minnesota wide receiver Autman-Bell prepares for a drive during the Gophers game against Colorado on Saturday, Sept. 17. Autman-Bell will miss the rest of the 2022 season with a leg injury.

Gophers receivers struggle to recapture production with higher snap share

by Theo Franz
Published October 21, 2022
The receivers are having trouble reclaiming their place on offense after the group lost their star player.
Quarterback Tanner Morgan hands the ball off to running back Mohamed Ibrahim during the Gophers game against Colorado, Saturday, Sept. 17. The Gophers won, 49-7.

Gophers football loses fight against Illinois 26-14

by Theo Franz
Published October 15, 2022
Tanner Morgan leaves the game after an apparent head injury while Minnesota drops to 4-2 this season.
Cornerback Justin Walley looks to make a tackle in the Gophers game against Purdue, Saturday, Oct. 1. The Gophers lost, 20-10.

Gophers defensive backs shine despite loss

by Theo Franz
Published October 9, 2022
The cornerback and safety groups defended against quarterback Aidan O’Connell and wide receiver Charlie Jones, forcing season-low numbers.
Thomas Barber and Coney Durr tackle Purdue on Saturday, Nov. 10 at TCF Bank Stadium. The Gophers beat the Boilermakers 41-10.

Gophers to face Purdue in 103rd annual Homecoming football game

by Theo Franz
Published September 30, 2022
Minnesota will welcome a 2-2 Purdue squad to a pivotal week five Big Ten contest.
Quarterback Tanner Morgan hands the ball off to running back Mohamed Ibrahim during the Gophers game against Colorado, Saturday, Sept. 17. The Gophers won, 49-7.

Gophers football conquers Spartans 34-7

by Theo Franz
Published September 24, 2022
Several Gophers dominated the field together in Saturday's game.
Defensive Coordinator Joseph Rossi oversees a drill at the Athletes Village practice field.

Understanding Joe Rossi, defense’s early season dominance

by Theo Franz
Published September 23, 2022
Defensive Coordinator Rossi’s mindset for coaching has Gophers players playing faster through their first three games.
Minnesota wide receiver Autman-Bell prepares for a drive during the Gophers game against Colorado on Saturday, Sept. 17. Autman-Bell will miss the rest of the 2022 season with a leg injury.

BREAKING: Gophers star wide receiver Autman-Bell out for season

by Theo Franz
Published September 19, 2022
Chris Autman-Bell will miss the rest of the season due to a lower leg injury from Saturday’s game.
The last time the Golden Gophers went without the gold was during last years season-opener against Ohio State.

Fans react negatively to Gophers’ new black, white uniforms

by Theo Franz
Published September 14, 2022
Fans asked inquiries and cracked jokes online after seeing the uniforms during Saturday’s game against Western Illinois.
Former Gophers Center Daniel Oturu shoots the ball at Williams Arena on Wednesday, Feb. 19.

Twin Cities Pro Am embodies Minnesota’s basketball culture

by Theo Franz
Published August 6, 2022
Every year, the summer basketball tournament creates a unique and positive experience for fans and players.
TCF Bank Stadium as seen on Oct. 9, 2019.

3 potential 2022 breakout players for Gophers football

by Theo Franz
Published July 24, 2022
These three athletes are young but ready to make an impact for the Gophers this fall.
Holloway was recruited as part of the teams highly ranked recruiting class.

BREAKING: Women’s basketball freshman Niamya Holloway out for season

by Theo Franz
Published July 13, 2022
Niamya Holloway will miss her first collegiate season due to a season-ending left knee injury.
Many people expected Holloway to become a leader for the Gophers womens basketballs next generation of players.

Incoming freshman Nia Holloway talks women’s basketball, college life, social justice

by Theo Franz
Published July 12, 2022
The Minnesota Daily interviewed Holloway to get her perspective on her first months as a Gopher.
Guard Payton Willis signals to a teammate at Williams Arena on Tuesday, Nov. 5.  The Gophers went on to defeat Cleveland State 85-50.

Former Gophers guard Payton Willis signs with Golden State

by Theo Franz
Published July 1, 2022
Willis will play in the NBA Summer League for the recently crowned champion Golden State Warriors.
Marion Barber played for the Gopher football team from 2001-04.

Fans remember the life of Gophers football legend Marion Barber III

by Theo Franz
Published June 19, 2022
After Barber died earlier this month, football fans across the country remembered his legendary career.

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