The Minneapolis Star Tribune revealed the list of fourteen nominees for the fan vote for the 2017 Minnesota Sportsperson of the Year. The Star Tribune will name their own award winner on Christmas Day, but for the first time have added a fan vote to give a second honor. The list of fourteen nominees will be cut and the top vote-getters will complete in a second vote for the honor the week between Christmas and New Years Day.
Five of the fourteen nominees have significant ties to the University of Minnesota. They include:
Gabriele Grunewald
Grunewald is a professional distance runner, graduate of the University of Minnesota and cancer fighter.