50 years ago — 1961

The Albert Lea High School football team was defeated by Winona 20-14. Curt Pickavance ran for a touchdown and quarterback John Goodmanson passed to Mike Wittkamper for the second score.

Alden won the Border League title for the fourth time in eight years with a 7-0 record after defeating Freeborn 39-7. Gary Schoenrock scored three touchdowns, Albert Allen two and Howard Jacobs one. Schoenrock gained 267 yards on 14 carries for Alden. Freeborn scored on a pass from Les Honstad to Allan Beach.

25 years ago — 1986

Named to the All-Big Nine Conference boys’ cross country team from Albert Lea were Tom Reitveld and Mark Pettey. Receiving honorable mention were Jeff Burns and Mitch Long.

Named to the All-Big Nine Conference girls’ cross country team from Albert Lea were Sara Hartman, Stephanie Hartman and Stephanie Nystrom. Receiving honorable mention were Kerry Osmnson, Robin Hayes and Jennifer Senske.

The Albert Lea volleyball team raised their Big Nine Conference record to 5-2 with a 3-1 victory over Winona. Julie Coughlin had seven ace hits, Mara Johnsrud had six, and Penny Johnson and Heather Lang had five each.

The Albert Lea football team saw their season record fall to 1-8 after losing to Park Cottage Grove 23-12. Darrin Williamschen and Hamilton Peterson scored for the Tigers.

Ellendale-Geneva defeated NewRichland-Hartland 3-1 in Gopher Conference volleyball. Tina Wangsness had 11 aces and Kim Anderson 9 for E-G.

10 years ago — 2001

The Albert Lea girls’ swimming team defeated Waseca 92-81. Individual first place winners for Albert Lea were Laura Grund (200-yard individual relay and 100-yard freestyle), Brooke Kaasa (200-yard freestyle and 500-yard freestyle), Lonna Vanderploeg (50-yard freestyle), Kassi Gaul (diving), Chelsea Cole (100-yard butterfly), Amy Leach (100-yard backstroke) and Leah Matheson (100-yard breaststroke).

In sub-section volleyball, Glenville-Emmons defeated Alden-Conger by scores of 15-6, 15-7, 13-15 and 15-5. Megan Avery had 15 kills and Alisa Rayman 11.