After an incredible response from students, parents, teachers, alumni and others in supporting our Central Minnesota high schools...the 98 Tailgates for boys basketball are all set for Thursday & Friday!

Photo by Two Man Productions
Photo by Two Man Productions
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Just like we did 2 months ago during the state football tournament, the 98 Tailgates are back this week for two Central Minnesota basketball games that received the most votes online!
 
So, what is a 98 Tailgate? Voted on by our great community in Central Minnesota, these events are pep rally-style visits by myself along with the fabled 98 Country Hummer H2 SUV. Add today's hottest music for pre-game & halftime, prizes and giveaways (including Minnesota Timberwolves tickets) and you get one h*** of a time at your school's sporting event! Just ask folks from BOLD or Holdingford high schools about the time we spent with them last year :D
 
With the polls being open from last Friday afternoon until 6PM today, a combined 1,856 votes have now determined the 2 game locations we will travel to and celebrate:
 
 
 

Thursday, January 22nd @ 7:30PM

Photos by William Thomas Cain & Win McNamee/Getty Images
Photos by William Thomas Cain & Win McNamee/Getty Images
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Maple Lake Irish & Eden Valley-Watkins Eagles

With 69% of the 836 votes cast online, the 1st ever 98 Tailgate for boys basketball in Central Minnesota goes to this HUGE match-up in Class AA... what I like to call this year's "Battle of Hwy 55" Both teams are at the top of the Central Minnesota Conference with a 13-1 record.
 

Friday, January 23rd @ 7:30PM

Photo by Jeff J Mitchell & Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
Photo by Jeff J Mitchell & Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
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Isle Huskies & Aitkin Gobblers

Yesterday afternoon, this game had less than 25 votes in the tailgate poll. Over 24 hours and about 500 votes later, the people have spoken and our 2nd ever 98 Tailgate for boys basketball in Central Minnesota goes to the southeast corner of Lake Mille Lacs on Friday night! Both teams are in a rebuilding year in the Great River Conference, but almost half the season is left so anything could happen...
 
 
Don't feel left out of the fun...do you know a Central Minnesota high school or community event that deserves a 98 Tailgate? If so, send me an email to: jw@98country.com

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