*This article was found in the archives of The Minnesota Daily*
Headline: Hankinson decides on hockey
Publish Date: 10/13/1994
Matthew Cross
Staff Reporter
For a first-year Division I athlete, Casey Hankinson is in an
enviable position -- whether to play baseball or hockey.
Early last month, Hankinson chose hockey. Though Gophers hockey coach
Doug Woog is the immediate benefactor, baseball coach John Anderson
also hopes his team will profit from Hankinson's talents.
"If he wants to continue to play baseball, the door is always open,"
Anderson said. "I'm happy to have him play if he can find the time in
his busy schedule. I'm sure he would be a valuable part of our team
down the line if he decides to play."
Woog and Anderson have encouraged the Edina High School graduate to
play both sports. They said they would be happy for him regardless of
which he chose.
Originally, Woog was going to redshirt Hankinson, the younger brother
of former Gophers hockey standouts Ben and Pete Hankinson.
With that scenario, Hankinson could play the entire baseball season.
But after hockey practice started two weeks ago, it became apparent
Hankinson would play hockey this season.
Woog said he leans toward playing Hankinson but hasn't yet decided
which players he will redshirt.
Hankinson said his decision was based on the games themselves.
He said hockey is more exciting and intense, and he likes the idea of
playing before sellout crowds at Mariucci Arena.
Hankinson said the coaches and his parents had nothing to do with his
decision. The fact his brothers played for the Gophers did factor
into his decision somewhat.
"I went to every game (when Ben and Pete played), and I got to hang
out with their friends," Hankinson said. "They seemed to have a lot
of fun, so coming to the U was something I always wanted to do."
Hankinson also found the camaraderie aspect of hockey more alluring.
He said it isn't as strong in baseball.
Whether or not Hankinson joins the baseball team for the home stretch
won't dictate the team's success, Anderson said.
"The question is how fast he can come along and adjust to baseball,"
Anderson said.
Hankinson was a shortstop at Edina, but Anderson doesn't think he'll
be able to play in the middle infield with limited practice time.
More realistic positions would include first, third or outfield.
However, Hankinson currently leans toward not playing baseball at
all.
"We'll see what happens," Hankinson said, adding that playing both
would be too much of a time commitment.
The two seasons intersect between February and April, which means
Hankinson wouldn't have an off season to recover from the rigors of
each sport.
Though unsure of his role on the hockey team, Hankinson said,
"Hopefully, I'll get a chance to play. It's a lot of fun, and I think
it will be a lot of fun three or four years from now too."
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