By Chuck Anderson

50 years ago – 1961

Albert Lea High School junior Jeff Brooke defeated Sandy Rondestvedt, of Robbinsdale, 4-1 to win the Minnesota state wrestling tournament heavyweight title.

The Austin Packers defeated the Albert Lea Tigers 53-48 in the first round of the District 2 basketball tournament. The Tigers were led by Gary Jacobsen and Paul Wilke with 12 points each.

The following were named to the Border League All-Conference basketball team: Glen Meyer, Darryl Meyer and Lowell Meyer from Kiester; Marvin Skogen, Bob Skogerboe and Milo Olson from Frost; Gabby Pierce from Freeborn; Mark Newman from Alden; Bob Berg from Emmons; Les Burkhow from Bricelyn; Jack Brandt from Delavan.

25 years ago – 1986

Ellendale-Geneva repeated as District 2A basketball champion with a 62-43 victory over Freeborn. Troy Janka scored 13 points for E-G, and Chris McKean and Chris Clausen had 14 points each for Freeborn.

In the opening round of the Class 1AA basketball tournament the Albert Lea Tigers lost to Rochester Mayo 43-40. Mike Petersen scored 16 points for the Tigers.

Awards presented at the annual Albert Lea hockey banquet included the following: All-Big Nine Conference: Dan Savelkoul, Mike Nelson, Mike Kruse and Steve Stoltz; Most Valuable Player: Dan Savelkoul; Most Improved Player: Scott Thompson.

10 years ago – 2001

Tony Schlaak of New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva won the 160-pound Class A title at the Minnesota state wrestling tournament. He finished the season undefeated with a record of 34-0. Wyatt Reyerson, a Glenville-Emmons senior wrestling with Albert Lea, placed third at 160 pounds in Class AAA.

In the quarterfinal round of the sub-section 2A basketball tournament, Mountain Lake-Butterfield-Odin defeated Alden-Conger 66-59. The Knights were led by Derek Thorson with 27 points and Aaron Evenson with 23.

Michelle and Jere Van Riper won the Holiday Lanes Sweetheart Bowling Tournament. Dawn and Don Omvig placed second and Cheryl and Todd Enderson finished in third place.