Golden Goldys tonight -- with my predictions

The Golden Goldys will be held tonight at TCF Bank Stadium. It's a U of M awards program modeled after ESPN's ESPYs. I've gone to several of them. It's a fun night.

Men's gymnastics coach Mike Burns always walks across the stage on his hands. He's a pretty spry guy. The AD talks -- at least Joel Maturi did.

Athletic accomplishments are reviewed. There is usually some video. Food is good. Athletes, especially the women, dresss up. And a good time is had by all.

Here are the candidates ... and I'll guess at the winner -- guess along with me please:

Female Athlete of the Year

Rachel Banham, Basketball
Katherine Harms, Volleyball
Amanda Kessel, Hockey
Maggie Keefer, Diving
Taylor Uhl, Soccer

My guess: Kessel. Led her team to unbeaten season.

Harun Abda, Track
Tony Nelson, Wrestling
TJ Oakes, Baseball
Nate Schmidt, Hockey
Derek Toomey, Swimming

My guess: Nelson. Won second NCAA title at heavyweight. Doesn't have to worry about what he eats tonight. That's good.

Female Rookie of the Year

Hannah Brandt, Hockey
Lindsay Mable, Gymnastics
Daly Santana, Volleyball
Lauren Votava, Swimming
Tyler Walker, Softball

My guess: Mable. Best gymnast on team going to NCAAs for first time in a decade.

Michael Handel, Baseball
Philip Nelson, Football
Manny Pollard, Diving
Leandro Toledo, Tennis
Adam Wilcox, Hockey

My guess: Wilcox. Set a program record for best goals-against average. Filled a big hole for U in nets.

Female Breakthrough Athlete of the Year

Laura Docherty, Cross Country/Track
Katherine Harms, Volleyball
Kiera Janzen, Swimming
Doron Muravnik, Tennis
Micaella Riche, Basketball

My guess: Harms. She was amazing in her senior year. Led team in kills time and time again.

Andre Hollins, Basketball
Donnell Kirkwood, Football
Ellis Mannon, Gymnastics
Scott Schiller, Wrestling
John Simons, Cross Country/Track

My guess: Stumped here. This is a tough call. Will go with Hollins. Still remember his game against Memphis when he couldn't miss a shot.

Best Female Team

Gymnastics
Hockey
Swimming and Diving
Volleyball

My guess: Gotta be hockey

Basketball
Hockey
Tennis
Wrestling

My guess: A sweep for hockey. Gophers tied for WCHA regula-season title. Won't say what happened after that.

Best Women's Team Coach

Meg Stephenson, Gymnastics
Brad Frost, Hockey
Kelly Kremer, Swimming & Diving

My guess: Hockey.

Don Lucia, Hockey
Steve Plasencia, Track & Field/Cross Country
J Robinson/Brandon Eggum, Wrestling

My guess: Robinson ... battled through serious knee problems to lead team. Courageous guy.

If I don't get at least 80 percent of these right -- 8 of 10 -- I will leave town.