The National Sports Center was the brainchild of Gov. Rudy Perpich. State Rep. Joe Quinn carried the legislation and I lobbied the Legislature to get the seed money to start building this amazing facility. Under the management of Paul Erickson, it has become a first-class sports facility. This week, 450 soccer teams from 16 countries and 22 states began playing in the Schwan's USA Cup soccer tournament. The spectacular opening ceremony made us proud to be Americans. Thanks to the vision and fortitude of Perpich, 16,000 young soccer players, along with thousands of spectators, are here enjoying this event. This is also a great economic boost to the area.
RONALD JERICH, LILYDALE
