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.
“This is great,” said Dave Arnfelt. “I’m really glad I came.” Arnfelt is a 1974 graduate of New Richland-Hartland and currently a chiropractor in Waseca.
As the bus entered the big city and wove through the streets, children had their faces pressed to the large windows, gawking at the tall buildings of the metropolis. For some, it may have been their first visit. For others who had made the journey many times, it was old hat.
The bus arrived at the Target Center in plenty of time prior to the start of the 6 p.m. game. Many people went to do a little sightseeing, shopping, or perhaps get a bite to eat or a cold refreshment. At the front door, they were met by other NRHEG fans who chose to make the journey by car.
When the Panthers entered the arena for pre-game warmups, the fans stood as one in salute to the then undefeated athletes. After a few minutes and player introductions, it was game on. The girls were facing the defending champion Braham Bombers and the leading scorer in the state, Rebekah Dalhman. To sum up the game, a certain number 3 in a Panther jersey scored 43 points, and NRHEG won by 30.
It was a joyous ride home for the Panther fans, and the journey seemed to go by quickly, as the lights of New Richland appeared on the horizon. Many vowed to return for Friday night’s game.
Friday evening was more of the same. There was friendly banter on the ride to Minneapolis and big hopes of a state championship. To top things off, there were more ham sandwiches and cookies. Dave Broskoff, owner of Broskoff Structures in Geneva, said it best.
“This really brings our communities together,” said Broskoff.
The outcome of Friday’s game was not quite the same as the previous Wednesday. The Panthers went down in defeat to Sauk Centre and were slated to play for third place Saturday at noon at Concordia College. The bus ride home was quiet and felt like it was endless.
The Panthers erased the gloom with a 73-59 victory in the third-place game as Wagner set two state records.
The Panthers finished 32-1, best in school history.