Homerun at Target field for 6th Annual Breakfast with the Champions

May 22nd, 2019 marked the 6th year Target Field hosted Positive Coaching Alliance - Minnesota's Breakfast with the Champions. Nearly 250 coaches, business leaders, supporters, and youth sports allies attended. The program, hosted by Fox 9 anchor Kelcey Carlson, included a keynote address by legendary hockey hall of famer, broadcaster, and entrepreneur, Lou Nanne.

Minnesota sports broadcasting icon Mark Rosen facilitated a lively panel discussion that included: Nanne, Super Bowl Champ - Matt Birk, former Minnesota Twin and American League MVP - Justin Morneau, Timberwolves/Lynx CEO - Ethan Casson and Jr. NBA 2018 National Coach of the Year - Carrie Berran.

“What a wonderful event to show case Positive Coaching Alliance – Minnesota,” stated PCA - Minnesota Executive Director Troy Pearson. “It was exciting to see so many partnering with us as we strive set the standard for positive sports culture in Minnesota. The awareness and funds received will extend our emphasis on creating a positive experience for players, families and communities.”

The event was live streamed on FOX Sports North and reached 3,100 individual views on Twitter, and nearly 9,000 views on Facebook. The live streams of the event can be viewed below.

TWITTER STREAM

STREAMING NOW: @PCA_Minnesota's "Breakfast with the Champions" presented by @TRIAortho.

This morning's breakfast features Justin Morneau, Lou Nanne, Mark Rosen, Ethan Casson and Matt Birk. Tune in now! https://t.co/m2yzqGFc28
— FOX Sports North (@fsnorth) May 22, 2019

FACEBOOK STREAM

For many in attendance, the highlight of the breakfast was the panel. Key takeaways from the panelists included:

Ethan Casson: “I applied every aspect of what I learned in 20-plus years of playing basketball to my next goal.”; “The locker room dynamic is very similar to a board room dynamic.”

Matt Birk: “When done right, kids can really thrive through sports.”; “Talent is overrated. Work ethic and coachability matter more in youth.”; “Enjoy the process.”

Justin Morneau: “You learn a lot more from your failures than from your successes.”; “I should have tried to enjoy it a little bit more. I always assumed I’d play forever. Be ‘in it’. Take in the moments more.”; “It’s only a failure if you fail to learn from it. Correct things they’re doing wrong and back it up with positive feedback.”

Carrie Berran: “Teach them the things they need to know – skills; then teach them why-strategy. Bounce back and celebrate mistakes; even in the mistakes, you can find the positives.”

Lou Nanne: “Sacrifice for the team. The toughest people to handle are your best people. Not everyone can be the most talented, but everyone can be a hard worker.”

Lou Nanne: “Sacrifice for the team. The toughest people to handle are your best people. Not everyone can be the most talented but everyone can be a hard worker.”

Thank you to our table sponsors and event sponsors for helping make the event a success!