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

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It was this trophy that was presented with so much pride to Mr. Olson by the co-captains of the Hornets, Roland Swartz and Gerald Gerard, at the impromptu assembly held Sunday night. The standing ovations, cheers, salutes, and beaming faces of the crowd were a testa- ment to the kind of ball this team played and the kind of boys who were the team. Their co-captains were Roland Swartz and Jet Gerard, who together were greatly responsible for good morale among the guys. Roland was renowned for his cool on the floor and for his unique ability to swipe the ball and score before his startled opponent discovered his loss. This 6 ft. 0 in. guard was honored in being chosen for the all U. P. 1st team by U. P. sportswriters. A sophomore, Deane Kent, was usually on the receiving end of those long passes and was responsible for many baskets during the season. Only 5 ft. 11 in. tall, he was named to the all-state team by the Associated Press. Two juniors who did tremendous tournament jobs were Robert Fredrikson and Gerald Hofbauer. These boys were primarily guards, but could score with the best if they saw a need for it. Gerry came in during the first district game to replace Robert St. George who suffered a shoulder separation in that game. Although Bob was unable to participate in the remaining games of his last season, everyone felt that this dynamic senior contrib- uted substantially to every victory. He was nominated for the Funke award by Copper Country conference players, the Ellis award by the Athletic Department, was voted to the all conference 1st team by the Copper Country coaches, and to the all-tournament 1st team in regional play by selected sportswriters. The remaining half of the duo, Jet Gerard, was known for his full court baseball passes, effortless baskets, and quick rebounds. Standing 6 ft. 5 in., he was the tallest man on the team and was named to the all-state 1st team by the associated press, the all U. P. 1st team by the sportswriters, the all conference 1st team by select sportswriters, and tied for most valuable regional tour- nament player with Bob Gale. Three sophomores rounded out the Hornet team. Bob Derocher, Jim Meteer, and Ray Hansen ( Eino )all distinguished themselves during their early membership on the team and promise to be starring players in sea- sons to come. Well, those are the boys Coach Popp and Assistant Coach Komula had to work with. These men gave a lot of their time and energy to training the Hornet team. The Hornets were provided with very strong reserve forces in the persons of Michael Connor and Harland Fisher. Although this was Harland's first year at L'Anse High School, he and Mike, both seniors, showed that when extra men were needed, they could ably fill the bill. 4

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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

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It would be impossible to name the fans who supported their team. Those who took carloads of enthusiastic students 500 miles and endured the vigor of young voices for days, the kids who chartered a bus, Bemie who did all the worrying and kept the Bell ready for her returning victors are just some of the outstanding examples. But there are more. Civic and church organizations, individ- uals and businesses, all contributed toward the success of the great team . The Envoy feels that surely all must have had a part of the victory and all must be saluted as a part of what the 1966 Hornets were. Without good coaching, a team is nothing. The fact that the L'Anse Hornets were everything bears testi- mony to the talent, determination, understanding and guidance of these two men. There are two vital parts to every good team, that sometimes go unrecognized. These essentials are loyal cheerleaders and fans. The champion Hornets were privileged to be represented by a group of girls who were hailed as the best in the state and that's what we're all sure they were. Headed by captain Susan Rock, a senior, they were: Linnea Nurmela, Lorraine Nevala, Carol Brownlee, Shirly Risku, Debbie Coppler. DISTRICT- -REG IONAL- - STATE CLASS C TROPHIES WON BY L'ANSE HIGH SCHOOL 1966 5