NORTHFIELD — For a variety of reasons, the Albert Lea High School boys’ track and field team took only 19 athletes to its season opener at St.

Friday, April 2, 1999

NORTHFIELD — For a variety of reasons, the Albert Lea High School boys’ track and field team took only 19 athletes to its season opener at St. Olaf College in Northfield on Saturday.

It seemed like more than that.

Coach Howie Melom was impressed with the Tigers’ performance as they took second in a three-team indoor meet. Eagan won with 59 points, the Tigers had 37 and Pine Island totaled 21.

&uot;Eagan runs 75 to 80 people,&uot; said Melom. &uot;We have between 40 and 45 kids out, but we took only 19 up there that day. I think the 19 we took up there did quite a good job.&uot;

The Tigers took first in two individual events, with Nick Cunningham winning the high jump and Derek Thorson placing first in the 2-mile.

Matt Swenson, Phil Swenson, Joel Busch and Andy Hertges won the 2-mile relay.

The Tigers went 2-3-4 in the 1-mile with Phil Swenson, Ray Besco and Thorson. Ross Page was second in the shot put. Jason Abrego, Sam Guanella, Max Beers and Busch were second in the four-lap relay.

Other Albert Lea places: Cunningham, third, 55 hurdles; Abrego, fourth, 55 dash; Beau Zuehl, third, 440; Hertges, fourth, 880; Guanella, fourth, long jump.

The Tigers’ outdoor season begins Tuesday with time trials at Hammer field.