50 years ago: 1964

• The Albert Lea women’s softball team played three games at the Minnesota state tournament and won one game. Albert Lea was defeated by Mankato 11-3 in its first game. In the second game, Diane Knudson, Mert Gray and Kathy Marpe each hit three-run homers to lead Albert Lea to a 13-4 victory. Gussie Cram pitched the win. Mound eliminated Albert Lea 13-4 in its third game.

• In the first game of the National Division Church League playoffs St.Theodores defeated Conger 5-4. Bob Weber was the winning pitcher, and Virg Ryan had two hits for St. Theodores. St. Theodores won its second straight game over Conger to win the best-of-three series in two straight games. Lefty Sullivan led St. Theodores with a home run and a triple.

 

25 years ago: 1989

• Ray Weitzel pitched a three-hitter for First Lutheran in its 14-2 win against Hayward in the first game of the National Division Church League playoffs. First Lutheran won the National Division title with an 11-5 win over Hayward.

• In the Albert Lea Slowpitch League, Albert Lea Federal defeated the Albert Lea Tribune 18-9. Bill Danielson hit two home runs, and Clair Friday and Pee Wee Swanson each had three hits for Federal.

• The Geneva boys’ softball U19 team won its first four games, lost its fifth game, won its sixth game and was eliminated with a loss in its seventh game. Team members included Troy Janka, Mark Simser, Shawn Hearn, Tom Richards, Steven Glynn, Ross Johnson, Troy Johnson, Chad Peterson, Jeremy Reese and David Demi.

 

10 years ago: 2004

• University of Minnesota graduate Carl Eller was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Eller played defensive end in the National Football League for 15 years. He had 130 sacks for the Minnesota Vikings.

• Rick Schultz won the A League title, and Craig Hoium was runner-up in the 2003-2004 Albert Lea Family Y Racquetball League. The B League champion was Paul Evenson with Virgil Stoskph as the runner-up. Jay Link was first in the C League, and Sue Farland was runner-up.