Though the A-C Knights football team lost Friday, the stands were filled with happy and appreciative fans because just watching a game is a better experience than two years ago.

Saturday, September 22, 2001

Though the A-C Knights football team lost Friday, the stands were filled with happy and appreciative fans because just watching a game is a better experience than two years ago.

The district unveiled a new scoreboard this week – the last of several improvements to the field that include new lights, a reconditioned field and fresh paint to the bleachers, crow’s nest and flag pole.

Superintendent Rita Usselman said the district didn’t know they needed a new scoreboard until two weeks ago, when the old one suddenly quit working during the last home game Sept. 7.

&uot;We were upset because it has been one problem after another with that field,&uot; she said. &uot;We knew it was going to be a difficult expense for us.&uot;

But before Usselman had a chance to search the budget for an extra $7,000, one of Alden’s oldest businesses stepped forward with a donation. Hemmingsen Transfer, which has provided busing for the district for many years, decided to contribute the entire amount.

&uot;It just seemed like the right thing to do,&uot; said co-owner Dave Hemmingsen. &uot;We’ve always had a good relationship with the schools.&uot;

Scott Hemmingsen, Dave’s cousin and partner, said the old scoreboard was more than 20 years old and didn’t have many features. The new board is much larger, sits higher and keeps track of down, yards to go and quarter as well as time and score.

&uot;It’s definitely an upgrade,&uot; Scott said. &uot;Both of us have kids in the district, and we both played football here. It was our turn to give back to our community.&uot;

Along with paying for the scoreboard, Scott organized a group of more than 30 volunteers to install the sign, saving the district another $3,000. Usselman said community contributions of time and money have probably saved the district more than $75,000 in just over a year. She shared her thoughts with the fans while recognizing Hemmingsen Transfer and the scoreboard volunteers before Friday’s game.

&uot;During a difficult time for our country, it’s good to focus on what makes our country great. One part is small towns that do absolutely everything they can to raise wonderful kids,&uot; she said.

After her remarks, Usselman presented Hemmingsen Transfer with lifetime passes for Alden-Conger football games.

&uot;It was so generous to help us like that with an unexpected expense. With school funding the way it is, we have to same money whenever and however we can,&uot; she said.

The Knights lost to Leroy-Ostrander 55-6.