By Chuck Anderson

50 years ago — 1961

The Albert Lea Rangers, of the Southern Minnesota Hockey League, opened their hockey season with an 8-1 exhibition victory against Farmington. Gary Lee scored three goals, Ray Sorenson and Butch Westrum two each for the Rangers.

Larry Pence set a school record for Ellendale High School when he scored 34 points in their 75-60 victory over Morristown. Danny Wagner added 17 points for Ellendale.

The Albert Lea High School and St. Paul Harding basketball game was canceled due to a bus accident near Union Lake by the Harding bus.

25 years ago — 1986

The Wells-Easton basketball team improved to 4-0 for the season after defeating Austin Pacelli 60-51. Scott Heggen scored 24 points and Buzz Viesselman 15 for W-E.

Alden-Conger evened their season basketball record at 2-2 with a 63-39 win over Delavan. Leading scorers for A-C were David Zeller with 24 points and Tom Schewe with 12.

Balanced scoring by the Albert Lea girls’ basketball team led to a 49-30 win over Faribault. Julie Coughlin scored 12 points and Kara Johnsrud and Jana Hellie 10 each for Albert Lea.

The ALHS hockey team defeated New Ulm 5-0 and raised their season record to 6-0-1. Goalie Brad Tullberg recorded his second straight shutout for the Tigers. Scoring goals for the Tigers were Dan Lee with two and Steve Nelson, Tom Manz and Craig Willmert with one each.

10 years ago — 2001

Alden-Conger ninth grader Megan Jensen finished sixth of 197 runners from all over the United States in the 2001 National Junior Olympic Cross Country Meet in Lincoln, Neb.

The Albert Lea boys’ swimming team defeated Northfield 98-80 to win their third staight dual meet. Placing first for the Tigers were the 200-yard medlay relay of Ethan Berg, Ben Schreiber, Josh Elwood and Tyan Lowe, the 400 freestyle relay of Ben Lindeman, Justin Elwood, Mitch Johnson and Berg.

Danielle Jacobs scored 15 points and Aubree Page 10 for the Albert Lea girls’ basketball team in their 48-44 victory over Blooming Prairie.