Tom Jean, class of 1972; wrestling, football:

Tom Jean was a three time state wrestling champion, winning the title in 1970, ‘71 and ‘72. He went undefeated in 1970 and ‘71 and during his senior year he pinned all four opponents in the first period at the state tournament. He is considered one of the greatest Minnesota high school wrestlers of all-time.

Vinny Cerrato, class of 1977; football, hockey, track:

Vinny Cerrato was a three-year letter winner in football, hockey and track. He was an all-conference performer in hockey and currently ranks in the top-10 in ALHS scoring history. He was also an all-conference and all-state performer in football. Cerrato also holds the school record in the 400-meter dash and 800-meter relay.

Cerrato went on to play college football at Iowa State University, where he played quarterback and wide reciever. In 1983 and ‘84, he was a graduate assistant for the Minnesota Golden Gophers football team and recruiting coordinator in 1985.

He then served as recruiting coordinator for Lou Holtz at the University of Notre Dame, winning the 1988 National Championship during that time.

From 1991-1999, Cerrato worked for the San Francisco 49ers, both as Director of College Scouting and Director of Player Personnel. The 49ers won the Super Bowl in 1994.

Cerrato then spent 9 years with the Washington Redskins in two different stints. From 2002-2009, he served as Vice President for Football Operations until his resignation.

Jim Gustafson, football coach:

Jim Gustafson and his wife, Betty, began their teaching and coaching careers in Kenmare, N.D. in 1949. After two years they moved on to Mahnomen where “Gus” added baseball to his coaching duties.

Detroit Lakes called three years later so the Gustafsons moved again.

In the fall of 1956, the family moved again to rebuild a program in Albert Lea.

Gus’s record in football from the fall of 1956 until his first retirement in 1971-72 was a sterling 99-40-3. He won 46 of his last 48 games and had an undefeated string of 27 games in a row.

Gus’s teams won a total of five Big Nine titles in the falls of 1960, ‘67, ‘68, ‘70 and ‘71. They were state champions in 1968, ‘69 and ‘71.

Gus returned for one more season and picked up two more victories to give him 101 for his career in Albert Lea.

Gus has been inducted into the state hall of fame for athletic directors and also for the state hall of fame for football coaches.

Jeri (Domes) Porter, class of 1981; track:

During her sophomore year of high school, Jeri Domes placed second at state in the 4×100-meter relay in a photo finish.

Her junior year, Domes placed first in state at state in the 100-meter, second in the 200-meter and fifth in the 4×100-meter relay.

Her senior year, Domes led the Tigers to a Big Nine team championship but sustained an ankle injury at the regional meet. She placed eighth in the 100-meter at state that year.

After being named an all-state performer in 1980 and 1981, Domes competed in track at Minnesota State University-Mankato during her first three years. She was a three-time All-American and placed fourth in the 100-meter her sophomore and junior years at nationals. She is a member of the MSU-Mankato Athletic Hall of Fame.

Domes is married to Darris Porter and has three children. She currently lives in Rosemount and works in the Shakopee Public School System.

Jay Gustafson, class of 1969; football, basketball, baseball

As a football player, Jay Gustafson had more wins than any ALHS quarterback, and undefeated 22-0. He’s the school’s all-time career passing leader, was named an all-state player in 1968 and led the team to two state championships in 1967 and 1968.

Gustafson was an all-state basketball player in 1969 and all-state baseball the same year, as a first baseman.

Gustafson also had an impressive football career at University of North Dakota. He was named two time North Central all-conference and was the all-time passing leader upon graduation. He is UND’s all-time touchdown leader.

Gustafson was quarterback of 1972 team that won a national championship and was named quarterback to the UND Team of the Century.

-Biographies of Ben Woodside, Leroy Maas, Gary DeRoos, Gregg Shoff and Clayton Westrum will be in the newspaper Sunday, June 27

The Albert Lea High School Hall of Fame banquet and 4-person best shot golf tournament are fast approaching on July 9-10. Plan to attend both events by signing up today. Banquet order forms and golf entry forms are available at Martin’s Cycling and Fitness, Tiger City Sports, HyVee and the Motor Inn. All proceeds go to the high school athletic department to help lower student athlete participation fees.