Club Members,
 
Training Camp:
 
It’s time to reserve your spot for training camp – the big event is coming sooner than you think. This year has the potential of being the most exciting camp in the Brad Childress era. See Percy Harvin in action – is he the next big time play maker in the NFL? Will the entire left side of our offensive line make it to the Pro Bowl? Just how much better will our defense be with a healthy E.J. Henderson? Will Phil Loadholt and John Sullivan take their place in Vike’s history by producing one of the best O-lines in the NFL? And yes – will Brett Favre finally wear the correct uniform; the uniform you must wear to truly be recognized as one of the greats? As you can see – this camp is shaping up to be one of the best camps in recent history and the answers to the above questions start coming in focus while you visit camp.
 
Our training camp visit will be from Monday August 10th through Thursday August 13th. Please make your travel plans so you can attend events on these days. Please contact me and let me know as soon as possible if you are planning on making this year’s trip and what events you’ll be attending.
 
We will be in Mankato attending practice on Monday and Tuesday, August 10th and 11th. We are also staying for the final practice on Wednesday August 12th; to attend any last practice fan appreciation celebration the Vikings may be planning. We will not be making this one of our typical practice days due to the likelihood of only one practice that day – the Vikings have to travel to Indianapolis for Friday’s game.
 
We’ll be staying at the Day’s Inn in Mankato again this year. The cost will be $55.00 + tax a night and you must say you are with the Southern California Viking Club when you make your reservation to receive this price. The Day’s Inn is located at 1285 Range Street, Mankato, MN 56001. Their phone number is 507-387-3332. Please make your own reservations with the Day’s Inn.
 
Our club dinner will be held on Thursday evening at 7:00 pm at Majors Sports Café in Bloomington. We’ll be enjoying a private room for our club and honored guests. The cost for this event is only what you order from the menu; with prices ranging from $10.00 to $25.00. A range of dinner choices will be available from burgers to fish or steak. It’s a great place to bring the wife and kids – there is truly something everyone will enjoy and prices to match everyone’s checkbook. Major’s is located at 8301 Normandale Boulevard, Bloomington, MN 55438. Their phone number is 952-835-8308. The major intersection is the 494 freeway and Normandale Boulevard.
 
For the dinner we have confirmed guests of Stu Voigt, Dave Osborn, Mick Tingelhoff, Rickey Young and Randall McDaniel. Remember Randall is being inducted into the Hall of Fame the Saturday before our dinner – this is a real treat for everyone who attends this dinner. We have more invitations out and we hope the guest list grows. This will be an evening to remember.
 
We are planning a Winter Park Tour for Thursday August 13th as well. The final time hasn’t been locked down at this point.
 
Wm. R. Martin
President
Southern California Viking Club