Sports Memories by Tom Jones

 

50 years ago: 1968

• The Minnesota Vikings defensive front four consisting of Alan Page, Carl Eller, Gary Larsen and Jim Marshall were officially named the “Purple People Eaters” by a Twin Cities television station.

• In its third year of existence, the Lea College wrestling team welcomed new coach Jerry Staton. The squad featured 20 wrestlers, including seven who were returning from the previous year. They were scheduled to open the season with a meet against Buena Vista.

• The Glenville boys’ basketball team was noted as a power in the Southland Conference to start the season. The Trojans featured six returning letter winners, including Tom Belshan, Clark Cipra and Larry Perleberg.

 

25 years ago: 1993

• The Albert Lea A Bantam hockey team was off to a 4-0 start with wins over Austin, Owatonna, Northfield and Mason City.

• Laura Bisek, a 1993 graduate of Albert Lea High School and a freshman at University of Wisconsin-River Falls, led the Falcons with 574 kills and 282 digs in her first year. She was named to the WWIAC All-Conference team following the season.

• The United South Central Rebels volleyball team captured the Class A state championship with a 3-0 win over Fosston. They finished the season 29-1 on the year.

 

10 years ago: 2008

• Nichelle Klatt and Kristine Kelly of the Albert Lea Tigers were named to the Big Nine All-Conference honorable mention volleyball team.

• Senior Jake Vietze and junior Luke Grossman of the Albert Lea Tigers were named to the Big Nine All-Conference football team.

• Cal Clutterback’s first two NHL goals gave the Minnesota Wild a 4-3 victory over the Washington Capitals.

 

This year

• Kaylee Larson of Columbia, Missouri, daughter of 1984 Albert Lea High School graduates Andy and Kristen (Hareid) Larson, is a senior on the Missouri State University swim and dive team. She competes in the 50 free and 100 and 200 breaststroke events for the Cubs. She will graduate in May 2019 with a degree in public relations.