L'Anse High School - Envoy Yearbook (L'Anse, MI)

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DEDICATION: CLASS “C” STATE CHAMPS The 1967 edition of the Envoy is proudly dedicated to Coach Bill Sugar Popp and the 1966 State Champion L'Anse Hornet Basketball Team. Never in the history of the school has an athletic team captured the hearts of so many people. To the loyal student body and the 12,000 fans in Jenison Fieldhouse, the Hornets displayed the qualities of which cham- pions are made--ability, sportsmanship, and a commitment to their school and community that will long live in the memories of those who watched them perform. Although by graduation time in June, most of the championship team will have completed their high school careers, we will never forget Roland Swartz, Bob St. George, Mike Connor, Harlan Fisher, Gerry Gerard, Bob Fredrikson, Jerry Hofbauer, Dean Kent, Jim Meteer, Bob Derocher, and Ray Hansen. To you, Coach Popp and the 1966 Class C State Champions, this yearbook is dedicated in the hope that your future will be filled with happy memories and pleasant dreams of championship. 2

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1967 ENVOY THE STUDENT BODY OF L’ANSE HIGH SCHOOL PRESENTS

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THE ROAD TO VICTORY On Sunday, March 21, 1966, a tired but triumphant team, followed by a five mile caravan of jubilant fans, rode through the poster-strewn, streamer-bedecked streets of L'Anse to the crowded high school gym where a capacity crowd awaited them. As the members of the team and Coach Sugar Popp entered the gym, a deafening cheer rose as excited fans gave the victors a standing ovation for a job well done and saluted the Class C State Bas- ketball Champions of Michigan--the Hornets. It was on this night that the district semi-finals got underway in the Iron River Armory. A capacity crowd of cheering spectators watched as opposing Stambaugh was soundly beaten in a 78-46 game that set the prece- dent for Hornet ball. Later that week, on Friday, March 4, again in the Iron River Armory, ajid still maintaining their fast pace, the Hornets went on to win the district title from a surprised Crystal Falls in a 78-58 game. The fieldhouse of Northern Michigan University was the side of the regional play-offs, a second stone in the path to glory for our L'Anse team. It was here that old Hornet rivals, the Houghton Gremlins and later the Bishop Barage Royals of Marquette fell before the on- slaught of a purple wave. We cheered until our voices were whispers, marvelled at the durability of our pounding hearts, and immediately prepared to follow our team downstate. Transportation was at a premium because many teenage fans could not obtain cars, but quick thinking students found ways to beg, buy, or borrow a ride to Rogers City where the following Wednesday found a well-backed Hornet team facing the Gladiators of Traverse City St. Francis in the state quarter-finals. After this 83-61 victory, the players and fans traveled to the State capital for the semi-final game. It was at this time that the Hornets saw the hardest competition of tourney play. An all- out effort throughout the game and thrilling minutes of overtime were required for our boys to defeat the mighty Scottsville Spartans 70-64. That night, in their rooms at the Jack Tar Hotel, the players and fans discussed the final game which would be played the next day. Enthusiastic fans were sure we would win and some celebrated victory a day early. Their confidence was not betrayed the next day when the team went forth to face the Flyers of Flint Holy Redeemer. Michigan State University's Jenison Field- Coach Popp house was filled with a near capacity crowd, and though U.P. Coach the Flyers played a good game, it was an easy victory of the Year for the Hornets as they gracefully accepted the trophy. However, state championships are not won in a single game, no matter how proficient the victorious team might be. Five hundred miles and seven games stood between the Hornets and acquisition of the coveted crown as the first game of tournament play loomed be- fore them on March first. A day earlier, in Michigan State University's Jenison Fieldhouse, in an exhibition of skill and teamwork, the team had easily secured the Championship by outplay- ing Flint Holy Redeemer 89-70. 3