Golfers play Voigt at Elim Classic
Posted 8/16/02

The second annual Milaca Elim Golf Classic took place on Friday, Aug. 2 at the Milaca Golf Course.

Participants had an opportunity to "beat the pro." Pro football player, that is. Former Minnesota Viking tight end Stu Voigt was on the course challenging the players.

Players donated $5 for the chance to beat Voigtís tee-off shot at hole No. 12. But they had a hard time surpassing him, Voigt was consistently getting the little white ball on the green.

Voigt, who played for the Vikes from 1970-80 under Coach Bud Grant, spends his summers participating in charity golf tournaments on behalf of the Vikings.

An announcer for WCCO radio, Voigt is also a real estate developer, and chairman of the board for First Commercial Bank in Bloomington and Bankvista in Sartell.

Voigt had a chance to talk about past and present coaches and players.

Regarding Grant, who was his coach for 11 seasons, Voigt said, "He was terrific. So was the offensive coordinator, Jerry Burns. Good players and good coaches made for a successful team for a lot of years."

First year Vikings coach Mike Tice is a good friend of Voigtís.

"Heíll do a good job," Voigt said of Tice.

According to Voigt, the team has mediocre players this season and he predicts an 8-8 or 9-7 season this year.

He says the offense is good, but there are question marks on the defense.

Voigt feels Randy Moss is the best athlete in the NFL, and the fastest. But he adds, "With Chris Carter gone, weíre down from two superstars to one. He has to utilize his talent to the max, and so far, they say heís doing it."

Milaca Bremer Bank President Joe Anderson, who was participating in the tournament, asked Voigt, "Do you dare build a team around Randy Moss?"

Voigt responded, "This will be a make it or break it year. Iím not his biggest fan. Iím a fan of his talent though."

Voigt says there is a need to update the Metrodome, or get a new stadium, and heís concerned with the lack of progress regarding that issue.

But, Voigt says Vikings fans are still the greatest.