By Chuck Anderson

50 years ago — 1961

The Albert Lea football team improved its Big Nine Conference record to 2-1 with a 21-7 victory over Mankato. Quarterback John Goodmanson threw touchdown passes to Dave Boyum and Dave Wilcox, and Curt Pickavance ran for the third touchdown.

Quarterback Glen Jenson scored on a 55-yard punt return and threw a 34-yard touchdown pass to Doug Cipra for Glenville in their 13-12 win over Ventura.

Albert Lea High School graduate Steve Claybourn was the starting center for the North Dakota freshman football team, and Rich Oliphant was the starting quarterback on the State College of Iowa freshman team. Tom Tonheim and Ted Larson, ALHS graduates, and Gabby Pierce, of Freeborn High School were on the Waldorf College football team.

Gary Schoenrock scored three touchdowns for Alden in their 27-7 win over Kiester in a Border League football game.

25 years ago — 1986

Glenville defeated Blooming Prairie 7-15, 15-12, 15-10 and 15-9 in a Gopher Conference volleyball game. Brigett Matter and Jean Allison each had five ace hits for Glenville.

The Alden-Conger volleyball team raised its Border League record to 7-0 with a 15-0, 15-1 and 15-9 win over Lyle. Ann Bleckeberg was 14-for-14 serving and JoAnn Tomschin was 13-for-14.

The Wells-Easton football team defeated Blue Earth 13-7 for their first win after 16 straight losses. Scoring touchdowns for W-E were Al Warmka and Steve Bushlack.

Pitcher Bert Blyleven of the Minnesota Twins set a major league season record when he gave up his 47th home run.

10 years ago — 2001

The Albert Lea volleyball team defeated Northfield by scores of 15-3, 15-5 and 15-3. Aubree Page had four kills, and Amie Hartman and Whitney Sorensen had two kills each for Albert Lea.

Brooke Plantage and Amy Ravenhorst scored goals for the Albert Lea girls’ soccer team in their 2-0 victory over Rochester John Marshall.

Sophomore Jeremy Jacobson scored both goals in Albert Lea boys’ soccer’s 2-0 win over Mankato East.

The Glenville-Emmons volleyball team defeated Lanesboro by scores of 15-6, 15-2, 9-15 and 15-5. Megan Avery had 18 kills and Alisa Rayman 13 for the Wolverines.