Sports Memories

By Chuck Anderson | Albert Lea Tribune

Published Saturday, August 9, 2008

50 years ago - 1958

The Albert Lea Packers moved into a tie for first place in the Southern Minnesota League after defeating Fairmont 11-2. Hitting home runs for the Packers were Bill Ankoviak (2), Paul Ehrhard and winning pitcher Myron Hoffman.

25 years ago - 1983

The Minnesota Vikings defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 28-10 in the first ever National Football League game in Europe held at Wembley, England. Cornerback Rufus Best returned a punt for a 76-yard touchdown for the Vikings.

Albert Lea won the team title at the state VFW golf tournament held at Green Lea. Team members were Ray Nelson, Bruce Emerson, Don Sievert, Earl Krieger, Barry Oliva and Gordy Anderson.

The Minnesota Twins defeated the California Angels 4-2. The Twins completed a triple play on a line drive to Gary Gaetti, a force out at second base and at first base. Gaetti and Tom Brunansky homered for the Twins.

10 years ago - 1998

The Conger 4-H club won the Young Mixed Division of the 1998 Freeborn County 4-H softball tournament. Team members included: Melissa Ausen, Stephanie Ausen, Josh Bangert, Lance Brune, Alex Drescher, David Enser, Kristen Martinson, Ross Miller, Larissa Brune, Ben Drescher, Jake Peterson, BrieAnn Pestorious, Paul Scrabeck, Melissa Wessling, Jessica Wichmann, Colin Wittmer and May Wittmer.

The Albert Lea Elks eighth grade boys baseball team won the Pacesetter Open Championship with a perfect 4-0 mark. Team members included: Brent Crofton, Dustin Lynch, Brody Nordland, Chad Billat, Marcus Thorstad, Brett Haase, Tyler Young, Jordan Skophammer, Thomas Munden and Michael Kamrath.

Brent Miller of Albert Lea defeated fellow Albert Lean Chris Baas in a sudden death playoff at the 1998 Northwood Invitational Golf Tournement.