Robinsdale Armstrong High School - Gyre Yearbook (Minneapolis, MN)

Page 129 text:

Row two: Coach Melanie Smith, Laurie Edwards, Mary Steiner, Emily Ahlquist, Danielle Roskop, Amy Bonnema, Lori Tate, Maria Kottke, Chris Hartman, Coach Steve Getchell, Coach Rob Wynne. Row one: Jill Sonnichsen, Kerby Norman, Kelly Norman, Shayne Ernzer, Kari Alstad, Tracy Richards. Far left: Spiking with a fierce animal-like aggres- sion, Kelly Norman gets a kill. Left: Shayne Ernzer hits the ball with the force of death . . . ACE! G I R L S V o L L E Y B A L L S e t S P 1 k e S t a t e t 125

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Above And Beyond The 1988 Armstrong Girls Volley- ball team had an exciting season in their awesome journey to the Min- nesota State Runner Up Championship. Led by Senior captains Emily Ahlquist and Mary Steiner, the season began on August 22nd. It was a senior dominated squad with varying degrees of volleyball experience. Head coach Steve Getchell believed he saw championship potential back in the early practices. The coach carefully selected seniors Kari Alstad and back up senior Shayne Ernzer as setters, which was an essential process. All State and All American hitter Emily Ahlquist and middle hitters Mary Steiner and Lori Tate combined with Kel- ly Norman to lead the offense for the Fal- cons. Seniors Kerby Norman and Danielle Roskop proved to be the key players for the defense. This team provided intense matches during regular season play, particularly against Hopkins and Rosemount. The Fal- cons also finished high in three top rated tournaments, battling Osseo for third place in the Moorhead match. Coach Get- chell remarked that experience united players to a common commitment. He cites a game victory over Columbia Heights in the Apple Valley tournament as inspirational. As expected, the Region 6AA title was between Hopkins and Armstrong. In a marathon two and a half hour, five game match, our Falcons continued to keep up with their winning streak, stealing the 6AA crown (15-13, 1-15, 14-16, 15-13, 15- 10) and a trip to the Met Center. At State, the Falcons defeated Hibbing (15-10, 15-7, 15-6) in their first State match, advancing to the semi-finals. Pity- ing before 6000 spectators, the Falcons showed pride and determination in a five game, two hour match victory over Chaska, earning the right to play Moor- head in the Minnesota State Volleyball Title. In spite of a valiant Falcon effort, the Moorhead depth prevailed. The team revived silver medals and a grand trophy for the school showcase. A pepfest in their honor saw proud students and fans paying tribute to their team as the trophy was presented to principal Judith Maethner. The experience for team members was highlighted at the year end banquet. Most players called it the Best Year Ever. Amid tears and sad farewells, the girls treasured the memories of a lifetime. Strong offensive moves and defensive posture means a successful scramble at the net. Fan support sent the Falcons soaring. 124

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Junior Varsity-front row: Kathy Carroll, Kay Kacheroski, Insook Pack, Danaya Lamker, Row two: Jenny Jones, Tracy Richards, Jill Sonnichsen, Ericka Mollner, Kelli Sibet, Coach Melanie Smith Below Left: The team gives encourage- ment. Below Right: Give me five Danielle! Lower Left: Players and dancers, WOW! 126