Sports Memories

By Chuck Anderson | Albert Lea Tribune

Published Saturday, September 6, 2008

50 years ago - 1958

- Members of the Mankato State College football team included Ron Jahnke and Bob Stencel (1957 graduates of the undefeated Alden High School football team ) and Norm Emerson, a 1957 graduate of Alden. Roger Nelson, 1956 graduate of Albert Lea High School and Jerry Pfiffer of Wells High School were also members of the team.

- Duane Woodward, of Ellendale, shot a hole in one on the 185 yard second hole at Green Lea Golf Course.

- Grace Lutheran won their second straight Church League playoff title 13-7 over Presbyterian. Harlan Nelson and John Thorson homered for Grace.

- In their season opening football game the Albert Lea Tigers defeated Mankato 12-0. Roger Villarreal led the Tigers, gaining 94 yards on 16 carries.

25 years ago - 1983

- The Albert Lea High School girls’ swimming team defeated Faribault 103-69. Placing first for Albert Lea were Tiffany Bergo in the 50 yard freestyle and the 200 yard individual medlay, Kirstie Spiering in the 50 yard freestyle and the 100 yard freestyle, Stacie Furness in the 100 yard butterfly, Audra Cox in the 200 yard freestyle, Kim Schoon in the 100 yard breaststroke and Julie Gutknect in diving.

- The Albert Lea Tiger football team opened their season with a 14-0 victory over Faribault. Scoring for the Tigers were Steve Brownlow and Bob Ball.

- Mike Gormley gained 177 yards and Al Aukes 93 yards to lead Kiester-Walters to a 44-6 win over East Chain in nine man football.

- The Freeborn High School football team defeated Winnebago 26-12. David Schultz scored two touchdowns, Brian Tukua and Ty Stenzel one each for Freeborn. The Freeborn defense was led by Barrie Peterson with 10 tackles.

10 years ago - 1998

- The ALHS girls’ soccer team defeated Mankato 3-1. Brooke Plantage scored two goals and Erin Kohl one for the Tigers.

- The Alden-Conger football team opened their season with a 36-28 win over Granada-Huntley-East Chain. Quarterback Chad Mattson completed 16 of 29 passes for 249 yards and Sam Guanella gained 68 yards in 10 carries for A-C.

- ALHS defeated Rochester Century 3-2 in boys’ soccer. Grant Neitzell, Max Beers and Paul Olsen scored for the Tigers.

- Ryan Mathis gained 205 yards and Joe Heeren 96 for Glenville-Emmons in their 50-22 football victory over St. Clair.