There should be a “Good People Day.” A day set aside to just think of those people in our lives that are good people. Maybe a day would be too short to think of all the people we would like to say “good for you” to, but we could try. 

Right now on the top of my list would be the NRHEG Girls’ Basketball team. They’re great. 

Ñot only are they good basketball players, they are genuinely good human beings. Their attitudes and personality goes well beyond saying. They didn’t just win respect for their work ethic, but also for how they conducted themselves and what they earned. 

A medal or a trophy can stand as a proud symbol of ones' accomplishments. Yet, the trophy they present as a person will long be remembered as the real trophy they have won. That's not to say that having a coach who cares about "his girls" doesn't make it better. Awesome is a big word. Attitude is even more so. I am so proud of our girls, their coach and their parents.

I've been working on a family book that features stories my uncle Paul Hanson used to write. He was one of my “good people” too. He had a philosophy of life which he extended to his children and children’s children. 

One thing he insisted on was that the kids all take bookkeeping as a subject in school. He said whatever you do in life you will always need to keep good books/records. Though the kids resisted, they all came back to tell him it was one of the most important things they learned. 

His bookkeeping went beyond keeping good personal and business records. He also recorded events and thoughts that came to mind in his life. By no means was he obsessive, just methodical. His thoughts and writings are cherished family memories.

Sharing his life stories was such a pleasure. They are some of the good guys like Ed Shannon, from the Albert Lea Tribune, and others who help us remember what good times, even some bad times were. It may seem like a meaningless thing now, but I am so very sorry for the things I didn't record now and so glad for the things I did. How many times have we thought — “I should ask Mom or Dad, Grandma or Grandpa, or uncle about something. But wait, they aren't here to help.

Actually, how well do you know you? You might find it interesting to know some things about yourself you didn't realize. You are an interesting person. Your life may not be what you thought it would be. 

My mother always says, “For all the things I haven't done or all the words I haven’t said, how important is it?” If it is really important, what are you waiting for? Isn't it time you really got to know you? It is time to do the things you really want to do with no regrets.

 Would you find it interesting to meet your neighbor? How about meeting someone close to you? Sometimes we don't realize who we really are.

Just for the fun of it, fill in the blanks with the first things which come to mind.

Pretend that you are filling in the NRHEG Star Eagle “Meet Your Neighbor” form. My favorite hobby is _____. My dream vacation would be to ____. The best thing about small town living is ____. The last good book I read was ___. My favorite TV show is ___. My favorite food is ___. My favorite activity growing up was ____. My biggest pet peeve is ____. The best advise I have ever received was___. Something about me that would surprise people is ___.

Then think about other things that may come to mind such as.... My first pet was ___. My chores growing up were ___. My favorite toy was ___. My biggest surprise was ___. I remember my grandmother as being ___. My favorite things about school were ___. I earned my first dollar by doing ____. My first car was a ___. It cost ___. My favorite song growing up was ___. My favorite song now is ___. The musical group that first comes to mind is ___. My first crush was on ___. My first date was with ___. My first kiss was with ___, and when ___. I met my mate when ___. My best wedding memory is ___. I remember my parents as being ___. My siblings as being ___. The person who made the biggest impression on me was ___. The first president I really remember is ___. My first home away from home was ___. Something I wished for as a kid and never got (and is no longer available) was ___. The trouble maker of the family was usually ___. Our families claim to fame was ___. Awards I won ___. My proudest moment ___. My most embarrassing moment ____. I regret _____. I am glad I did ___. My favorite movie was ___. My favorite book is ___. My best friend growing up was___. My best friend now is ___. If I could make a wish come true it would be ____. I am happiest when ___. Something that got me in hot water and I never forgot was ___. A secret I kept was ___. Something only I know about me ____. Longest trip I ever took was ____. My favorite food is ___. And the list can go on. Recognize yourself? 

I hope that you now know more about who you really are!

Some of our Star Eagle readers have commented that they like to read about events such as family and school reunions, birthdays and anniversaries or birth and wedding announcements. In order to read about these important things, we need our faithful readers to pass along the information to us, If you have news, please contact me.

Also, if our NRHEG Star Eagle readers would like to share birthdays and anniversaries of your family and friends, or you know of some that should be deleted, or names have changed, please contact me via e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; by postal mail, P. O. Box 192, Geneva, MN 56035-0192, or telephone, 507-256-4405.

Birthdays and anniversaries:

• Thursday, March 29th: Taran Waalkens, Heather Lyn Shearman, her 7th; Dylan Lee Ingvaldson, his 6th; Becky Johnson, Amanda Bergerson, Judy Strenge, Dorene Richards, Bruce Jensen, Linda Seykora.

• Friday, March 30th: Leah Brittan Morstad, Grechen Jensen Ray, Darrell Hanson, Kim Roberts Sletten, Aiden Michael Berg, his 6th; Matthew Cornelius, Fern Robertson Sommers.

• Saturday, March 31st: Jinny Nielsen, Hannah Haroldson, Melissa Collins, Carlson LaShawn Ray, his 5th; Jill Anderson, David Hemingway, Ross Johnson, Shane Johnson, Doug Hunt, Joanne Neuhart, Mollee & Joseph Tscholl, their 4th.

• Sunday, April 1st, April Fools Day! Madison Hanson.

• Monday, April 2nd: Harold Wayne, Leanna Burns, Deb Nelson, Luke Miller, Joyce Tufte Sorenson, Sonja Larson, Teresa Jensen, Kaleb

Smith, Dwight Schewe, Greg Nelson, Matthew Halla, Genevieve Wayne, Bill & Pat Draayer, David & Shelly Mangskau, Brian & Lois Nelson.

• Tuesday, April 3rd: Solvieg Sorenson, Linda Goodnature, Mikayla Moon, Joanne Christensen, Randy Kronberg, Patty Slater, Jase Dean Knudson, Kevin Born.

• Wednesday, April 4th: Daryl Paulsen, Jena Richards Thompson, Erik Smith, Rachael Nicole Roades, Erin Elaine Peterson, Nathan Spande, Theresa Kasper, Danny Larson, Don Larson, Ann Michelle Larson, Diane & Dave Broskoff.

Surprise somebody. Call someone. Send a card and make their day. Little things mean a lot.

Each day, I try to take an early morning walk around the neighborhood and eventually down by the channel. Walking in the early morning makes me feel invigorated and ready to take on the day. 

The other day as I went for my early morning walk, (we had just gotten a nice rain the evening before) the birds were chirping and the air was fresh. Everything felt alive. And as I looked out across the lake, I watched the ducks and geese busily doing their thing.

It reminded me of the years our family had spent camping at Spider Lake. It was a peaceful and calming feeling as I remembered some of the great times that our family had enjoyed at that lake. For a few moments, I began to wonder what it would be like to camp at the old resort once again for a night or two.

Our cabin is about 40 minutes away from Spider, so I can easily go there whenever I want. Yet, the thought of spending money for a campsite seemed silly when I tried to rationalize it. I’m not sure why I longed to try camping there again, but I’d guess that it had a lot to do with the enjoyment I felt when arising before sunrise.

Nothing beats walking down to the dock and then slowly motoring away to one of my favorite fishing haunts on that lake. The excitement that I get from fishing early in the morning seems to energize my whole day. 

Early morning is usually walleye time and as the morning progresseds, my thoughts turn to northern and musky fishing. Over the years, the family has always favored trolling and we have usually seemed to have pretty good luck when doing just that. I am looking forward to fishing Spider again this year and revisiting some of my favorite fishing spots.

When my grandson Trevor got old enough to hold a fishing rod, he was already casting. In his early years, his love of casting meant a lot of lure fetching and tree branch bending for his grandpa. But, I survived and he eventually became very good at it. 

He did learn one thing over the years, “got a snag?” Get it out yourself because grandpa will break your rod if he tries to do it! 

Trevor’s love of casting has rubbed off on me and now I like to spend a fair amount of time doing just that. Casting for muskies is one of my favorite things to do when visiting Spider. I will devote a fair amount of time to doing just that again this year.

In all reality, I actually think the  fleeting moment I experienced during my walk was an attempt to recapture those days of the past. That’s not necessarily a bad thing and who knows? Maybe I’ll try tenting on one of those National Forest campsites that they have on Spider. I might even get a little frivolous and rent a campsite for a night or two just to see what it would be like to go down memory lane.

Nothing can replace the memories of time spent with my family while the kids were young and eager to learn about the outdoors. Sharing knowledge of the outdoors can be a very rewarding experience and the memories that I have of those days are priceless. I have been lucky enough to have grandsons to share fishing and outdoors experiences with so that we can keep on making those good memories.

On another note, my grandson Trevor has been hunting snow geese during the spring light goose season which runs from March 1st to April 30th. I am amazed at his knowledge of waterfowl and ability to hunt. He and his friend Josh bagged nine snow geese last Saturday, of which there were at least four different species. 

Trevor knows every type and  plans on getting one or two of them mounted. His dad said that they had fixed some for supper the other night. The meat was tender and tasted far better than a regular goose. 

On Saturday’s hunt, he and Josh crawled along a fenceline to get close to a flock of geese. There were numerous holes where coyotes had been digging and about 20 yards ahead stood a coyote just staring at him without any fear.

Trevor’s brother, Taylor, got into the act the following day and has managed to get a few of those geese. Apparently, he didn’t know if he got more satisfaction out of bagging a couple of birds or of just watching them. I guess that flock of snow geese is huge and the sight of that many birds is pretty impressive. 

I hope that they will be able to enjoy the sport of hunting for years to come. Grant, my youngest grandson, was kind of bummed out because he isn’t quite old enough to participate yet. But when he is, you can bet he’ll be there. These future sportsmen know the rules and follow them to the tee, which is important in preserving our outdoors heritage.

Sportsmen’s groups like Ducks Unlimited, Minnesota Waterfowl, Minnesota Deer Hunters, Pheasants Forever, Turkey Federation, etc. are working to preserve our habitat and acquire more of it to make sure that there is wildlife for future generations to enjoy. Do your part to support these worthwhile organizations and encourage our youth to participate in an outdoors sport whether it be hunting or fishing.

Until next time, enjoy the outdoors and start making those memories that will last a lifetime.

Please remember to keep our troops in your thoughts and prayers because they are the reason we are able to enjoy all the freedoms that we have today.

It’s a dark and rainy day. It looks just as dreary as the Minnesota sports scene until recently. The Twins finished with the second worst record in the major leagues after being favored to win the Central Division by many analysts, including Sports Illustrated. They not only finished last, they looked terrible doing it. Hometown favorite, well-paid Joe Mauer didn’t play up to expectations and didn’t look like it bothered him much. Justin Morneau was hurt badly and it didn’t appear he would reach his previous ability and might not be able to play a full season again. The starting pitching staff was on and off the disabled list. Very seldom do you see a team sink so far so fast.

The Timberwolves were letting coach Kurt Rambis twist slowly in the wind and basketball chief David Kahn was impressing no one. They appeared to be a lackluster team with little hope for the future.

Jerry Kill’s football Gophers were not playing well, losing to North Dakota State by two touchdowns. It didn’t look good for the new coach.

Tubby Smith’s basketball Gophers got off to a good start only to have reality catch up with them, not make the NCAA Tournament and sneak into the NIT, a tournament for not-so-good teams and underachievers.

The Minnesota Vikings were only one year away from almost going to the Super Bowl and decided to stick with the veterans and compete for the title. That was a mistake. They wound up last in the NFC North, never really threatened and along the way were outclassed by the Green Bay Packers.

But as a sportswriter once said, "The tide rolls in and the tide rolls out" and things change, including sports teams.

The Twins have had a good spring. Mauer appears to be his old self and may be ready to take on a leadership role. Morneau is doing as well as can be expected. Francisco Liriano has had some encouraging moments. Both Joe Benson and Brain Dozier may be ready for the bigs and if they are, what a boost for the Twins. If the team gets off to a fast start, watch out!

Our Gopher football team finished strong and if we can give Coach Kill some time, they may again contend in the Big Ten. You would think they might, given the new stadium and support the coach has garnered.

Tubby Smith’s basketball team has turned around and is playing good ball in the NIT. That’s not to be confused with winning NCAA games, but still it is better than losing against other tournament teams. There are other encouraging reasons that the Gophers can hang onto for next year. It looks like Tubby has found a point guard in Andre Hollins. Joe Coleman is making his jumpers and Elliot Eliason is giving the Gophers a Big Ten center. Then too, the reserves are playing well.

The Timberwolves were known as a soft, selfish, no-defense team. Under the direction of new coach Rick Edelman, they have overcome their problems and are playing good ball. At the beginning of the season the team needed a point guard, center and shooting guard. They gained two out of three with Ricky Rubio and Nikola Pekovic, who provided a passing point guard, defense and a true NBA center’s presence in the middle. In addition, Kevin Love has matured into one of the top 10 players in the league. Just wait ‘til next year when the team has Rubio back and another year under their belt.

All in all, the Minnesota sports future looks brighter.

We managed to grab more above normal temperatures as well as a little rain as the scurs predicted this past week. Will we see a repeat performance? Starting Wednesday, mostly clear with highs of 60 – 65 and lows of 35 – 40. Thursday, more clear skies during the day but clouding up by evening with a good chance of rain. Highs 60 – 65 and lows near 45. Partly cloudy on Friday with a slight chance of showers. High near 60 and lows of 45 – 50. Partly cloudy and warmer with an increased chance of a shower or thunderstorm on Saturday. Highs of 65 – 70 and lows around 50. April Fool’s Day, partly cloudy with a slight chance of a shower. Highs near 65 and lows around 45. Partly cloudy on Monday with highs of 60 and lows near freezing. Clear and cooler on Tuesday. Highs around 50 and lows around 35. The normal high for April 1st is 49 and the normal low is 29. Due to the time change, we will see the sun rise once again at 7 a.m. on the 29th, the same as it did back on the 24th of February. The scurs remain puzzled by how moist the soils are. One would think with the recent extra hour of daylight, they would dry out faster.

Some of the zeal for early fieldwork last week was suddenly tempered by rainfall on consecutive days, cooler temperatures and cloudy skies. Soils dried slowly and tacky surface conditions didn’t improve much. Underneath soils remain in good spring working condition. Alfalfa really took off with the rain and is making some nervous that a dramatic temperature drop could spell its demise. This could be but in the foreseeable future none of that appears imminent. The unanimous opinion of those who have done some field work seems to be that soils are working up marvelously. The huge hunks of soil leftover from last fall seem to have disintegrated where there has been an initial tillage pass.

In the garden at the ranch, the radishes planted on March 18th were up already on the 23rd so they could be rowed from the patio window. The peas haven’t peeked their heads out just yet and that’s probably OK. They’re probably a touch more sensitive than the radishes to a frost anyway although in either instance, there is plenty of time to replant them even though crop insurance won’t pay for it. The green rhubarb is a foot tall and the red which is a little slower is about six inches in height. The lawn is getting about that tall too in places so that means Mr. Cheviot needs to get the mower ready for action once again. Sometimes it would be easier to just run about another 200 feet of electric fence and let the sheep do their thing.

More phenology at the ranch includes a little toad outside the lambing barn hopping around the night of the 21st. 

The first tree swallows were seen around noon on the 23rd. Highly doubtful there is any correlation between their appearance and radish emergence however. There have been large groups of juncos around the feeders, likely making their way through to their summer abodes to the north. The trees also continue far ahead of schedule with small trees such as the nannyberries leafed out already. There haven’t been any blooms as of yet but with forecast temperatures continuing to run above normal it’s only a matter of time.

Received a call from one of my little fat buddies regarding the location of a nursery establishment. I was having a difficult time describing the exact how to get there as the landmark selection was somewhat limited. Anywhere a guy would go anyway. However, when I triangulated the site in relation to the local Dairy Queen the light suddenly came on. There was no question after that. Programming GPS units with that information should be considered essential. 

Ruby has remained busy helping move ewes and lambs to the loafing barn. She is so proud of herself and rightfully so. The ewes respect her and she’s always in position to keep them under control. There has been more company too visiting the new lamb crop so she’s in doggie heaven. The last of the lambs hit the ground last Saturday, we think. There is still one big fat ewe that has nothing of an udder yet so wouldn’t count our chicks, er, lambs before they hatch. We thought we were done on Friday and then we saw the same goofball ewe I had slipped on the ice with a month ago suddenly bag up, almost within 24 hours. She was almost as cooperative about lambing too; deciding that a good place was behind the brush pile down in the pasture. I had other ideas thinking that perhaps closer to the barn would be a tad more convenient when attempting to coax her into a pen so we could monitor the situation. I chased her back up into the yard with the others and thought she’d stay there where there was a nice dry area to lie down. Wrong. A half hour later I looked and she was nowhere to be found. Common sense told me she’d go right back to the brush pile and that’s exactly where she went. I tried convincing her again she’d be better off up in the yard. This time she’d had enough persuasion, and tore off for the far end of the pasture! I finally got her headed the right direction and back up into the barnyard. 

She then decided going behind the big barn was a safe bet only this time I stayed outside to keep an eye on her from a distance. She’d peek her head around the corner of the barn to see if I was still there then disappear again. After about a half hour of this baloney, I tired of the game and went back in the house, convinced she’d probably go back to her original plan. Besides, I was hungry. Within minutes Mrs. Cheviot arrived home so she went out to check on the ewe I had named Fruit Loop because of all her antics. About 20 minutes passed so I put on my outdoor clothes again as Mrs. Cheviot came in the garage and announced. “All done.” “All done what?” I asked. “The ewe lambed, followed me back to the barn, she’s in the pen, lamb is muddy but fine,” Mrs. Cheviot replied. Geesh, the ewe is half crazy, I wind up putting in a couple hours of roadwork chasing her around and Mrs. Cheviot comes home and just falls into it. Go figure. It has been a relatively easy lambing season though and we should be counting our blessings rather than wishing for bad luck and knocking on wood. Few bottle lambs, no pulling lambs and a very healthy group overall. Things could’ve been much, much worse.

See you next week…real good then.

By JIM LUTGENS

Editor/Publisher

NRHEG 2011-12 winter sports award winners were announced during the annual awards ceremony last Tuesday in the NRHEG High School gymnasium in New Richland.

They were, by sport:

Boys’ Basketball

• Panther Award — Carter Tollefson

• Most Improved Player — Tyler Sorenson

• Practice Player Award — Spencer Hanna

• Defensive Player of the Year — Lucas Meyer

• All-conference — Matt Carlson; honorable mention — Sorenson, Sam Lundberg

Girls’ Basketball

• MVP — Carlie Wagner

• Most Improved Player — Hannah Lundberg

Constance E. “Connie” Hall, age 87 of Waseca, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 24, 2012 at the Lake Shore Inn of Waseca.

Memorial services will be held on Monday, April 2nd at 2 p.m. at Christ The King Lutheran Church in Waseca with Reverend Cary Larson, officiating. Interment will be in Waseca’s Woodville Cemetery.

The Hall Family will greet friends on Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. at McRaith Funeral Home & Crematory in Waseca, and will continue on Monday afternoon for one hour prior to services, at church. Memorials are preferred to Christ The King Lutheran Church in Waseca, or donor’s choice.  

Constance Eileen was born on August 25, 1924 in rural New Richland to George and Eleanor (Johnson) Berg.  She graduated from New Richland High School in 1942.  She went on to complete her studies at the Minneapolis Business College.  Connie began her career with the Minneapolis Teachers Retirement Association.  She then moved to California to live with her aunt, and worked for the Pacific Water & Oil Company.  She returned home and on June 10, 1948 she was united in marriage to Stanley “Jack” Hall on June 10, 1948 at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Richland.  Connie and Jack raised their family and resided in Waseca.  They lived on Lake Tetonka in Waterville for several years before returning to Waseca.  Over the years she was employed with E.F. Johnson Co, the Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce, and First National Bank Insurance.  For many years she owned and operated The Corner Cupboard.  Most recently she had worked with her daughter at the Dress Barn at the Medford Mall.  Connie was a very active volunteer in the Waseca Community.  She enjoyed singing, and was a charter member of the Waseca Chorale.  Connie was also very active in the Waseca Schools, having been a pen pal and mentor to elementary students over the years.  She loved playing bridge with her friends, and antiquing.  So many will remember her wonderful articles in the Waseca County News and Shopper, “Connie’s Corner”.  Connie was a member of Christ The King Lutheran Church in Waseca and had been involved in bible study, circle, and her church choir throughout her life.  Most of all Connie will be remembered as a wonderful, loving mother and grandmother, and was thrilled to have become a “great grandma” recently.  

She is survived by her children, Judy (Patrick) O’Grady of Waseca, Danny Hall of Waseca, and Deb (David) Miller of Faribault; by her grandchildren, John O’Grady, Jackie Hall and Jamie Hall, Eric (Jess Miller, Ali (Todd) Piepho and their son Tyler, Cori Miller and Scott Miller; by her daughter-in-law Tena Hall of Minnetonka; by nieces and nephews, cousins, other relatives, and many friends. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; by her husband Jack on September 23, 1992.

For on-line condolences go to www.mcraithfuneralhome.com.

Walter F. Weiss passed away at the Good Samaritan Care Center in Albert Lea from renal failure on March 21, 2012.

Walter was born in North Minneapolis December 11, 1927.

Walter lived in Minneapolis for the first 60 years of his life. He bravely served his country during the Korean Conflict, serving two duties and earning the Purple Heart.

Walter retired to Morin Homes 18 years ago. Walter was active in his community as a member of RSVP, Albert Lea Senior Center, ARC, and the Ellendale Color Guard.  Walter volunteered many years at the Veteran's Hospital in Minneapolis and at the Good Samaritan Center in Albert Lea.  Walter honored other service men by participating as a Color Guard member at cemetery services and parades.

Walter was a huge Vikings fan and loved to talk sports with everyone. In his later years he traveled throughout the U.S., with Branson as a favorite spot. He enjoyed playing Yahtzee and cards with friends, attending ARC dances, and happy hour at George's.

Walter is survive by his sister-in-law, a niece and nephews and their families.

Walter's circle of friends include so many that will miss him dearly, including his adopted family at Morin Homes and the staff at Good Samaritan.  Walter claimed Geneva as his home town. The ladies at the Commerce Bank and the staff at George's were counted as family.  Walter genuinely loved life and those he called friends.

Walter will be interred at Fort Snelling with full military honors.

Wagner shines as NRHEG girls take third at state

HERE COME THE PANTHERS — Carlie Wagner (3) leads the fast break against Braham. Trailing for NRHEG were Hannah Lundberg (21), Katie Cole (14) and Anna Schlaak. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)

By JIM LUTGENS

Editor/Publisher

An undefeated regular season. A trip to the state tournament. Two wins and two individual awards at state. Oh, and two state records.

Last November, they were merely dreams for the New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva girls’ basketball team.

Last week, they came to fruition.

In a four-day odyssey that began Wednesday at Target Center in Minneapolis and ended in dramatic fashion Saturday at Concordia University in St. Paul, the Panthers experienced elation, deflation and a record-setting final frenzy while finishing third in the state in Class AA.

The Panthers, rated No. 2 in the state in the final Associated Press Class AA poll, finished with the best record in school history, 32-1. The only blemish came Friday night at Target Center in a semifinal loss to Sauk Centre, which went on to fall 46-40 to No. 1 ranked Providence Academy in the championship game.

Panthers third in state tourney

WELCOME HOME, HEROES — The NRHEG girls’ basketball team poses for a photo during the welcome home ceremony at NRHEG High School Saturday evening. The Panthers finished third in the state tournament and finished with a record of 32-1. Front from left: Maddie Wagner, Marnie Wagner. Back: Jade Schultz, Hannah Lundberg, Abby Crabtree, Raelin Schue, Tori Raimann, Anna Schlaak, Danielle Krueger, Katie Cole, Paige Overgaard and Carlie Wagner. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER — NRHEG cheerleaders enthusiastically congratulate Carlie Wagner after the Panthers’ 75-45 victory over defending Class AA state champion Braham in the quarterfinals of the state girls’ basketball tournament at Target Center in Minneapolis. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)

By JIM LUTGENS

Editor/Publisher

The 2011-12 New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva girls’ basketball team accomplished a feat few teams experience.

They won their final game.

It happened to be the third-place game of the state touurment, where they handled Pequot Lakes 73-59 Saturday afternoon at Concordia College in St. Paul.

Behind a record-setting performance by sophomore Carlie Wagner, the Panthers played as they have most of the season, trailing only once at 2-0 and leading the rest of the way.

Wagner, who along with NRHEG senior Anna Schlaak was named to the all-tournament team — said it was wonderful for the Panthers to finish on a positive note.

“We really wanted to come back strong after last night,” said Wagner. “We knew we could mope about the loss or come back. We really wanted to end the season with a win.”

NRHEG fans — arguably the largest group backing their team at state — were a big factor, according to Wagner.

“It’s incredible,” she said. “The fans were amazing.”

To make it even more special for the Panthers, their former coach and athletic director, Mindy Sparby, presented their medals and trophy.

The Panthers were greeted like conquering heroes upon their return to New Richland Saturday evening, with a police escort leading area fire trucks with players riding atop. The caravan cruised main street before arriving at NRHEG High School, where they were greeted by jubilant fans.

Hundreds of faithful follow girls’ basketball team to state

GOOD TIMES — Amy Thompson and Brandon LeBlanc dance during game one of the state tournament at Target Center in Minneapolis last week. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)

By JODY WYNNEMER

Staff writer

You could have rolled a bowling ball down Broadway Avenue in New Richland either last Wednesday or Friday evening and probably not struck a soul.

At the same time, if you had ventured to Target Center in downtown Minneapolis, you would have found the reason for the deserted streets of the burg. It was girls’ state basketball time, and the NRHEG Lady Panthers were in the thick of it. A quick glance would show the Panther faithful clearly outnumbered the opposing spectators, as many of them were disguised as empty seats.

On Wednesday evening alone, there were 11 buses of students and adults rolling down the interstate, their voices ready to cheer on the home team. It didn’t matter if you were from Ellendale, Geneva, Hartland or New Richland, this was a chance to see the kids possibly make history, and not many wanted to miss it.

On the bus ride up, everyone was in agreement that it was the way to go. It was even better than flying because a light lunch of ham sandwiches and cookies was served by “flight attendants” Rick Schultz, Doug Christopherson, Terry Hansen and Randy “Moosie” Anderson. Besides, all that fun and they didn’t charge you for an extra bag.