Staff
Sam Ekstrom
Sam Ekstrom is an executive producer and host at Locked On Sports Minnesota. He's previously covered the Vikings for 105 The Ticket, Zone Coverage, Purple Insider, and the Associated Press. He grew up in Vermillion, S.D. rooting for the USD Coyotes (not SDSU) and graduated from Dordt (not "dork") University in Sioux Center, Iowa.
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Final Four: Tony Bennett Looks to Finish What His Father Started
By Sam Ekstrom - Apr 8, 2019
“The Road Ends Here.” That’s what Virginia head coach Tony Bennett was reminded when he was handed a commemorative paddle upon arrival in Minneapolis with the mantra […]
Final Four: Auburn Experiences Thrill of (Apparent) Victory, Agony of Defeat in Controversial Finish
By Sam Ekstrom - Apr 6, 2019
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Saturday evening’s frantic finish between the Auburn Tigers and Virginia Cavaliers brought to mind a classic would-you-rather for fans and athletes. Would you rather […]
Final Four: Two Wins From a Title, Grad Transfers Took Winding Road to Reach Texas Tech
By Sam Ekstrom - Apr 6, 2019
Three years ago, Texas Tech senior Matt Mooney was playing basketball in a football stadium, waiting for his chance while he sat out a season after transferring […]
Vikings
Vikings CB Holton Hill Suspended Four Games By NFL
By Sam Ekstrom - Apr 5, 2019
After a terrific rookie season, Minnesota Vikings corner Holton Hill was suspended four games Friday for violating the league’s performance-enhancing substance policy, per a release from the […]
Vikings
Vikings Sign G Dakota Dozier, Two From AAF
By Sam Ekstrom - Apr 5, 2019
The Minnesota Vikings made their second addition of the week to their offensive guard depth, signing former New York Jets guard Dakota Dozier to a one-year deal […]
Final Four: Contrast in Styles Makes Virginia-Auburn Saturday’s Most Compelling Game
By Sam Ekstrom - Apr 5, 2019
Unstoppable force. Immovable object. Something’s got to give. All the cliches. The narrative is decisively clear heading Saturday’s Final Four opener at U.S. Bank Stadium. Bruce Pearl’s […]
Final Four: How Chris Beard and His Assistant Bonded Over “Sex and the City”
By Sam Ekstrom - Apr 4, 2019
Sometimes the best anecdotes leak out when coaches and players get peppered with questions from different reporters than they are accustomed. Texas Tech coach Chris Beard was […]
Which Final Four Team Has a Realistic Blueprint For the Gophers?
By Sam Ekstrom - Apr 2, 2019
For the second time in as many years, the nation will watch one of its greatest sporting events take place at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis with […]
Isaiah Washington to Transfer From Gophers After Two Seasons
By Sam Ekstrom - Apr 1, 2019
Once heralded as one of Richard Pitino’s top recruits, sophomore guard Isaiah Washington confirmed on Twitter a report that he would be departing the University of Minnesota. […]
Zone Coverage NFL Draft Guide 2019
By Sam Ekstrom - Apr 1, 2019
Welcome to the Zone Coverage NFL Draft Guide for 2019. Get all of your 2019 NFL Draft needs here. 2019 NFL Draft: 100+ Player Profiles We’ve got […]
What Does the Future Hold for Gophers Basketball?
By Sam Ekstrom - Mar 26, 2019
As the Minnesota Golden Gophers’ 2018-19 season came to an end with a disappointing loss to Michigan State in the NCAA Tournament’s Round of 32, Richard Pitino’s […]
VIDEO: Gophers Seniors Emotional as Careers End in Loss to Michigan State
By Sam Ekstrom - Mar 23, 2019
Though it didn’t last long enough to constitute a Cinderella run, the Minnesota Golden Gophers’ NCAA Tournament journey ended Saturday night in a 70-50 loss to the […]