alexandriacardinals

A good [blog] is never nearly good enough but a lousy [blog] is a joy forever. – Garrison Keillor (paraphrased)

[They call it puppy love. An interesting sensation as one approaches 64. But I was nervous the morning of the big game. This team is so much fun, I want them to enjoy playing right through the state tournament.]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3chFhCP5mQ

Yet another gorgeous day in Vacationland USA as we ventured out for the girls’ basketball section semi-finals at Halenbeck Hall on the campus of St. Cloud State University. As usual, when we got in sight of the arena, we took the wrong turn and ended up going across the river – because that is what we do. But we eventually made it there in time to see the 2nd half of the first semi-final between Fergus Falls (No. 1 seed) and Detroit Lakes (No. 4).

Our Cards (No. 2) were taking on the Sartell Sabres (No. 3). Sartell started the season 14-0, and I believe at one time were rated as high as No. 3 in the state. They feature a 6’5” center, Abigail Whitney, and two guards, Haley Guetter and Morgan Haider, who are listed on most recruiting lists. As you will note at the start of the video, our boys basketball team, fresh off their previous night’s big win over Rocori, were there under the basket (next to the band) providing fan support. Super Fans Roger, Dusty, Martin Haar, and Ruth (Helie) and Bud Anderson were also in attendance.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkGexGRw3_k

[The supervisor approaches Halenbeck.]

[Fergus v. DL game, the Laker fans call the Otters “River Rats”.]

[Alex band and boys basketball players, under the basket.]

Sam lost the opening tip to the Sabres big center – I believe the ref balked on his toss! The first half was difficult to watch – both teams obviously were very nervous. The Cards couldn’t put the ball in the basket, and the Sabres had trouble with the Cards’ defense (but who doesn’t). The difference was, when the Sabres did get open looks, they made them. The first half ended with Sartell leading 23 – 18. It seemed we were lucky to be that close.

The 2nd half began as the 1st ended – the Sabres got a couple of looks, including a three, so Kohler (the players all call her “Kohler”) called a time out shortly into that half. THEN THE AVALANCHE HIT. I don’t believe the Sabres even got the license plate number of the bus that ran over them. When the Cards go into hyperactive super drive, they are a joy to watch. We went from 5 points down to about 10 points ahead in a matter of a few minutes. Steals, breakouts, even a 3-pointer by Alli (our only one of the game) blew the game open. Then we just spent the rest of the game maintaining that lead – the outcome after that never really seemed to be in doubt, except for . . .

We were 6 for 19 from the free throw line again. Watching, it didn’t even seem to be that “good’. We shoot with good form – they just aren’t going in. And I’m not sure if our field goal percentage was any better. But despite all that, we still beat a very good team by 10 points – 53 – 43 (Fergus beat DL by almost the identical score, 53 – 42) – because we play defense, and run, and rebound, and run, and eventually the other team cracks. The Cards had 20 steals in the game – and I believe it was reported we scored 28 points off of turnovers.

Kohler shortened her bench for this game – Whitney Gesell and Amanda Christianson provided spot relief for the starters. I don’t recall if Sam ever came out of the game – she had to stay in to mark their Whitney. Sam is quicker than their center and is able to go around and even shoot over her – she had 16 points to lead the Cards. But Whitney is so big you can’t stop her underneath as she had 16 points and 18 rebounds for the Sabres. Alli had another great game with 14 points and 15 rebounds (making it 35 in the last two games against the Sabres), Lauren also had 14 and was her usual pest self on defense, Cara was player-of –the-game with assists and I believe 6 steals, and Joie was all over the court reeking havoc. Guetter had 17 points for them – if she has a clean look at the basket, she makes it – excellent shooter.

So, now we play Fergus for the section championship @ St. John’s next Friday, the 11th, @ 6:00. Before that, however, the boys basketball team opens section play Tuesday night @ 7:00 @ Maple Grove, and the following day the boys hockey team opens play in the state tournament @ 11:00 v. Hermantown. This will probably require a Twin Cities overnight for blog staff. Here are the brackets for both (note our hockey record is not quite as impressive as the other teams – we’ve got them right where we want them!):

http://www.mshsl.org/mshsl/showXMLbrackets.asp?tournid=2599&bracket=5639

http://www.mshsl.org/mshsl/showbrackets.asp?tournid=503

Because it was an afternoon game, we decided that since we could make it back home during daylight, we would enjoy our evening repast at D. Michael B’s. A toast to the team from there (such is not condoned for team members). We were delighted to discover my hero, Warren Gibson, was there. He and Rose look great and we had a nice visit. They both noted they don’t ever recall a winter like this one. Warren said he had no particular health reason for giving up his golf membership – it was just time. He is, of course, famous for his response to his doctor last summer when told he had the back of an old man – he replied, “I AM an old man!” I’m sure we can get him out to our golf leagues a few times this summer. And we should have a big birthday party for him there on July 9 when he turns 90! We can make it a double and get Martin out there too!

[The Gibsons last summer.]

I’m not busy… a woman with three children under the age of 10 wouldn’t think my schedule looked so busy. ~ Garrison Keillor

The Cardinals boys basketball team ended the regular season with a 49 – 37 home victory over the Rocori Spartans last night. On January 20, the Spartans whipped the Cards 56 – 38 at their place. Is there something in the water here lately?

[These Little Peanuts sang the National Anthem – they were terrific!]

But the Cards were coming in on a 3-game winning streak. Apparently, the fans were expecting a closer game than the first time – this reporter had to park on the street, finding all the lots full upon arrival. Rocori came in with a 17 – 8 record v. the Cards at 12 – 11. The task looked daunting. Early in the game, the teams seemed well-matched – of similar size and athletic ability. Neither team could throw the ball in the ocean, however. There was lots of leaping and running but little scoring. Both teams displayed defensive prowess that discouraged the easy bucket – and the first half ended with the Cards holding a 19 – 10 lead. Yup, Rocori, a 17-win team, was held to 10 points.

[Dylan at the line; Eric (No. 1) and Dan (No. 41) on the lane.]

The 2nd half started, and the Cards started making some baskets. But so did the Spartans – to the extent that they pulled within 3 points at, as I recall, 28 – 25. But here the Cards showed their mettle (which is legal if you’re over 18) – back-to-back 3-pointers by senior guards Parker Giroux and Dan Gorghuber (I think they were our first of the game) opened the lead back up to 9 again. And that’s where it remained for pretty much the rest of the game.

The Cards did a great job of doing the things necessary to win ballgames. Although our fast-paced approach to offense, i.e., get the ball and run, can lead to sloppiness at times, we really took care of the ball last night. I believe we only had three turnovers in the second half. And the noticeable advantage we did have on the Spartans was getting up and down the floor – we must have had a considerable advantage in fastbreak points. We rebounded well and played great defense. And at the end of the game, we made our free throws – an area where we sometimes have difficulty – Parker and Dan finished off the game by making 9 out of 10.

[Parker finishing off the game.]

A shout out here to Gorghuber and Eric Carlsen, a 6’ 2” senior guard, for their defense. Dan, at 6’3”, was matched against the Spartans 6’5” center who was physical and a scorer, while Eric was matched against the Spartans very athletic 6’ 2” point guard. It was fun to watch Eric play classic ‘D’ – I don’t recall him leaving his feet once on pump fakes. Dan was named player of the game for his defense on the big guy while throwing in 10 points himself.

On offense, Parker is like watching a waterbug out there. He finishes break-outs and can drive through an entire team for lay-ups. He uses his speed and quickness to pretty much go wherever he wants to go. He led the Cards with 20 points. And 6’4” center Dylan Galligan is the team’s Sam Trumm equivalent – I can think of no finer praise. He is quick and he can run. If we get the ball to him in the post, he can drive by his defender a’ la Sam; and I’m always amazed that when we have a breakout, he is always right there for any put backs. He gets fouled a lot, and had trouble from the line in the first half – but he was solid from the line in the 2nd and finished with 15 points.

[We bid adieu to the Jefferson High School gym for another season.]

So, now we begin tournament play as the section’s 5th-seed at 4th-seeded Maple Grove on Tuesday. Maple Grove? When did they get in our section? The entire bracket is yet to be published as far as I can tell – we’ll “publish” it, and the boys hockey state tournament bracket (expected today), as soon as they come out.

The supervisor and I are off to St. Cloud (again?) this afternoon for the girls basketball section semi-finals.  Don’t these kids realize gas is now over $3.50 a gallon?  We finish with some recent Echo photos:

[Sam]

[Lauren]

[Cara and Alli]

To understand America, it is merely necessary to understand Minnesota. ~ Sinclair Lewis

In a section that turned out to be a real bracket-buster, the 5th-seeded Alexandria Cardinal boys hockey team defeated the 3rd-seeded Willmar Cardinals, 2 –1, at the MAC in St. Cloud to win the Section 6A championship. Following the path established by the distaff side, the Cards parlayed an almost identical regular season record as the girls’ team, 9-15-1, into a state championship berth. The team has been a bit undermanned all season, has overcome some injuries, has made some position and line changes, and appear to have settled on sophomore Ben Allen as the goalie. Good on them.

[KXRA broadcast team in place.]

The Super Fans had many competing interests last night – the Rileys were down at the “U” following the exploits of their grandson, Aaron, who was in the state tournament after winning the section diving championship; the Justices are following “Roadblock” as she leads the Gusties into tournament action – they beat Concordia, 5 – 2, last night and will now play for the MIAC championship. But we connected with Al Grundei, who has recently displayed his chops, and is now a full-fledged Super Fan.

[From the Gustie website, last night “Roadblock” displayed the form we believe will earn her All-American honors.]

We met Al at Anton’s for the pre-game meal – because that is what Super Fans do. It was our first trip to the MAC this year, and, truth be known, we go down there mainly for the popovers at Anton’s. And because Super Fans are mostly interested in the menu items, the supervisor had a lovely crusted stuffed salmon w/mashed sweet potatoes, and a Gnarly Head chardonnay; Al had broiled shrimp w/mashed sweet potatoes, and, wanting to keep his wits about him, an Arnie Palmer; and this reporter had blackened swordfish w/mashed sweet potatoes (notice a trend?) and a Big Ass Cabernet (now how could you not order something named “Big Ass”?).

Then it was on the MAC – we got lost on the way, of course, but that’s becoming par for the course these days. The place was packed, and we were intially directed to the far side of the rink as Alex fans. We stayed there for the 1st period, but moved to the other side for the final 2 periods – we were on the student side, which was fine, but decided to go join the older folk. You will note the change of seating from the videos and photos.

[We seem to be one of the few schools to feature hockey cheerleaders.]

[The student section.]

[Scarby explaining the intracacies of the blue line trap.]

The game featured two evenly matched teams – they split during the regular season, each team winning at home. And good for the refs for letting them play – there was a lot of serious hitting, but only three penalties were called in the entire game. At the end of the 1st period, Al was quite dismayed that 17 minutes could go by so fast – continuous action that ended in a 0 – 0 tie. About halfway through the 2nd period, our Cards scored on a beautiful set-up by junior forward, Jordan Domine – with the puck deep on Willmar’s left side, he waited for just the right moment to rifle a pass to the far side of the net where an open Nick Swanson, senior forward, one-timed it into the open net. Shortly thereafter, our Cards took their only penalty of the game – to Willmar’s credit, they took advantage and just 17 seconds into the penalty rifled a shot from the blue line, through a maze of players, and caught the corner of the net. Just tip your hat to them.

The 3rd period began with a 1 – 1 tie, and it seemed obvious to all that whoever scored next was likely to win. Our Cards did it! Another nice set-up by Domine to the far side where junior forward Jacob Hennessy rifled it home. As Willmar pressed the action trying to tie, they got a couple of late penalties – though Alex had several good chances to ice the game then, we couldn’t score. So it was a 2 – 1 game down to the wire, and we had to hold on when Willmar pulled their goalie. All three periods were evenly and well-played – I thought our Cards had a slight advantage in each and finished with a 30-25 shots-on-goal advantage. The deserving team won. A couple of videos – from the game start, and then, of course, the finish – there’s nothing quite like a hockey celebration:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOE7fupBJ8g

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RabQofnNCAQ

[The student side.]

[We won!]

It was non-tournament type weather last night. The temperature was in the high 20’s, the roads were dry and clear – though winter wear was showing on I-94. As we approached Avon, I think I lost a couple of fillings. A major snow “event” projected for the middle of next week, however.

Super Fan Julie Shaughnessy checked in from Arizona:

Thank you so much for keeping us on top of all our teams. We felt so bad about the girls’ seeded with that up-north powerhouse, but they still should be honored to get to state – WOW.

We were with a bunch of Alex folk down here last night, and one of the boys’ grandmothers was in the group. Needless to say, she is over the top about our hockey boys going to state. The boy and his family are due down here Saturday for a weeklong visit–looks like that won’t be happening. The coach (Scott Woods-grade 5-Voyager) called me this morning to see if we would be back so I could sub for him—how much are those plane tickets? So the whole nation (at least FL and AZ and MN) are all abuzz about our Alex sports teams. ~ Julie

The boys basketball team, currently on a 3-game winning streak, closes their regular season hosting Rocori tonight. Rocori handled them easily at their place – a good final test for the Cards. The supervisor, physically and emotionally drained, has asked for the night off from fandom in preparation for the girls semi-finals in St. Cloud tomorrow.

[Addendum:  I was hoping to have tournament brackets by now.  In their absence . . . The supervisor has been packing for three days now.  We are taking a “post-season” vacation – minimum 11 days from now.  She has these clear plastic tubs of clothing items under beds all over the house.  She takes them out, piles their innards on top of the bed, and stares at them for a long while . . . I can actually almost see the little wheels spinning: “Brunch, on the 13th day!”  Men will never understand this.  Five minutes before the car backs out of the garage, I’ll throw some things in a suitcase and away we’ll go.

I was told at the ‘Y’ this morning that I must be a real sports fan.  Actually, I’m not.  I am, however, a Cardinal fan.  There is a difference.  I have long since stopped following any professional sport – except for the Twins.  Pro “sports” are nothing more than thousands of hours of advertising interspersed by an occasional play.  The same is true of big-time college athletics.  Plus, the level of play is disheartening.  I can’t watch Gopher men’s basketball, for example.  There is a total absence of movement or any kind of offensive concept.  Then I look at our Cardinal girls’ basketball team – they come down the court, recognize the defense, go to their positions . . . and constantly move!  It’s such a pleasure to watch – there is a plan in mind.

Finally, from an old family friend:

[Thank you, thank you.  I felt like I was there.  Thanks for the popover tip.  Pretty soon we will have to wear helmets when traveling on I-94 so that we do not have a closed head injury.]

To understand America, it is merely necessary to understand Minnesota. ~ Sinclair Lewis

[Art by Terrence Fogarty, 2011 Girls State Hockey Tournament program.]

As our favorite sports season comes to a close, it’s time to bid adieu to winter. The supervisor and I will soon be snowboarding our way to the MAC in St. Cloud for the boys hockey section finals between the Cardinals – Alex v. Willmar. On Saturday, we’ll be heading in the same direction for the girls basketball section semi-finals at St. Cloud State between Alex and Sartell.  As usual, tonight we will enjoy our pre-game nosh at Anton’s because of the following great specials:

[And here we are!]

It thus seems appropriate that the StarTribune published the following Ode to Winter yesterday. I, of course, had to respond immediately though the paper did not see fit to publish my amicus brief.

http://www.startribune.com/opinion/commentary/117204998.html

“Hooray for Ted Kolderie (“Winter?  We’ve got it – in the best sense of the word”), Tribune, March 2)!

We lived in Washington, D.C., for over 30 years, and then retired back to Minnesota.  Most people couldn’t understand why we didn’t retire to the Sun Belt, almost a national mandate.  We have been back for almost 10 years now, and we stay for the winters.  Because, so far, we like them.

We have a 40-yard long driveway.  We hand shovel it.  My wife, though a native Hoosier, “enjoys” shoveling.  On days we have to shovel, it’s just a day we don’t have to go to the gym.  It generally takes an hour and a half to two hours shovel the entire length.  The day after a snowfall, the weather is generally pleasant, and we can even work up a sweat out there. We have only had to be plowed out twice in our 10 winters here – both times last year when we got a couple of the wet and heavies.  But like Mr. Kolderie noted, most of the time our snows are dry and light.  And though we have had a lot of snow this winter, I don’t believe we’ve had a single event of more than 8”, which have been manageable by shovel.

Many of our fellow retirees here are “snowbirds” – we consider ourselves “slushbirds.”  We try to get away for the last two weeks in March and the first week in April when our change of seasons is like the entire winter east and south of here – raw, wet, 30-ish degree weather with dirty, melting snow.  Zero degrees with sunshine and no wind is much more appetizing than cold rain.  Our kids live in Indiana and during the winter they send photos of themselves chipping out from ice storms.  We’ll take our snow.”

[Hiking on Lake Darling to Arrowwood for lunch.]

[Hiking Carlos State Park.]

[The supervisor’s first winter on Lake Darling.]

[A winter visit.]

[Sun dog with the sunrise.]

[Downtown St. Paul at state tournament time.]

Of course, a favorite rite of winter is hockey.  This year’s Girls State Hockey Tournament program featured the two young ladies who essentially brought the sport to the public’s attention – Krissy Wendell and Natalie Darwitz:

[This latter is inserted for the sake of the Super Fans, who have often noted you can’t tell the players without a scorecard.]

One last thing – this morning at the ‘Y’ I met a basketball mom.  I knew to ask if she was such because she was wearing a pink “Hoops v. Cancer” t-shirt.  She has a daughter on the 9th-grade team.  I later thought, if all goes well, her daughter’s class would be the last to graduate from Jefferson High School.  If the bond referendum passes in September, we will have a new high school for the 2014-15 school year.  I hope I’m still around to see it.

[A rendering of the proposed Cardinal gymnasium with the new school!  (OK, just kidding!)]