Tim Walz appearance prompts protests and silent treatment at high school football game: 'getting desperate' | 11 Oct 2024 | Minnesota governor Tim Walz waltzed onto the bleachers at Mankato West High School on Friday night to watch a team he once coached as an assistant play a big rivalry game. Walz's appearance also coincided with protests at the high school, as Pro-Palestine supporters were seen standing outside the venue. Walz's presence at the game prompted controversy among locals. The chair of the Blue Earth County GOP Yvonne Simon told the Minneapolis Star Tribune that Walz's appearance at the game was due to desperation. "They're getting desperate to get the word out," Simon said.