Sports Memories by Chuck Anderson

50 years ago: 1967

•The following players were on the 1967 Albert Lea Slowpitch League champion Elbow Room team; Jack Werner, Doug Jensen, Tom Guiney, Terry Jensen, Bob Indrelie, Dick Cashman, John Willmert, Rog Olson, Ron Godtland, Dick Werner and Orlo Willmert.

•In the first round playoff game in the Albert Lea Church Softball League National Division Emmons Lutheran defeated Conger 14-3. Emmons was led by Larry Rasmussen’s three-run home run and Bob Berg’s three hits. Emmons Lutheran shut out Hartland Lutheran 3-0 in the first game of the division playoff. Dave Christenson threw an eight hitter and had eight strikeouts for the winners. Al Batt had both hits for Hartland. Emmons also shut out Hartland in the National Division title game. Winning pitcher Christenson, Gary Madson and Paul Yost all tripled for the winners. Ken Sibilrud pitched for Hartland.

25 years ago: 1992

•The Albert Lea High School girls’ tennis team lost their opening match against Fairmont 5-2. Fay Oliver won her # 3 singles match 6-0 and 6-2. The # 2 doubles team of Jenny Frame and Lisa Rocklin were winners for the Tigers by scores of 6-4 and 6-2.

•The Minnesota Vikings raised their preseason record to 4-0 with a shut out of the Washington Redskins 30-0. Vikings quarterback Rich Gannon completed 14 of 21 passes for 124 yards and threw three touchdown passes.

10 years ago: 2007

•In their season opener the Alden-Conger High School volleyball team defeated Mankato Loyola 3-1 by scores of 21-25, 25-19, 25-12 and 25-22. Megan Miller had 19 assists and Justine Johnson had nine kills for the Knights.

•The ALHS girls soccer team raised their season record to 2-0 after defeating Waseca 6-0. Abbey Arends scored three goals. Conner Peterson, Ariel Christensen and Madi Passingham  had one goal each.

•The Northwood-Kensett football team defeated Laurens-Marathon 22-16. Scoring touchdowns for the Vikings were Michael Bachtle, Jake Weisert and Michael Steiff.

•In their first volleyball game of the year, Glenville-Emmons defeated Houston 3-0 by scores of 25-22, 25-19 and 25-21. Karissa Olson had six kills for the Wolverines.