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PROFILE: Andy BerkvamToday the profile spotlight falls on girls basketball coach Andy Berkvam of Lakeville North. Berkvam won back to back state AAAA titles in 2001 and 2002 when Lakeville was a single school and has taken the Panthers to the state tournament six times. LN should be in the hunt to return this season to the big show.
photo: Berkvam coaching in the Lakeville North Summer League Championship game in early July. photo by kja
Birthday: 7-31-62
Schooling: Mankato State '86; St. Mary's (Masters) '93
Mentor coaches: Al Berkvam, Jed Dommeyer, Darwin Deim, Dan McCarrel.
BB jobs: Eden prairie (1986-87) 9th grade boys, MSU grad assistant (1987-88), Lakeville 9th grade boys/varsity assistant 1988-90, Lakeville/Lakeville North Head Girls 1990-present.
Movie: Hoosiers
Favorite Gym: Northfield HS
Meal before game: I eat after games.
All time starting five:
Liz Podominick '03,
Tasha Martin '01,
Nicki Sebold '94,
Kaiya Sygulla '09,
Cassie Rochel '10.
Opponent starting five:
Lindsay Deitz, Elk River
Jamie Broback, Eastview
Courtney Boylan, Chaska
Leslie Knight, Hopkins
Jenna Smith, Bloomington Kennedy
favorite opponent: Eastview
Trend that needs fixing: get the best teams to the state tournament, the current system is flawed (regional)
Most memorable game: Elk River 2001 and Blaine 2002 state championship games.
Most painful loss: every sectional final game we have lost.
Favorite athlete in another sport: Fran Tarkenton & Kirby Puckett
favorite coach: Bob Downs (he has done more for GBB in Minnesota than people realize)
Biggest change in BB: Athleticism in the girls
Favorite value in others: Competing at everything you do, the will to win!
Thanks coach Berkvam.
The next Profile will run on Wednesday.
Next up: tomorrow unless news breaks.