St James High School - Saintonian Yearbook (St James, MN)

Page 26 text:

Right: This was the shot heard (and seen) around the state. Jeff Nessler's last second ef- fort from near the ten second line will have people talking for years to come. The ball did go in, and the Saints won by two points. What a way to end a state championship game!!! Melrose people said The James Gang killed us with one shot! Bottom 3 pictures: Using the same format through the whole season the Jimmies used the fast break for quick baskets, outstanding defense that blocked or did not allow shots to be taken, and exceptional passing and shooting. They compiled a record of twenty-nine wins without a loss, more than any other high school team in history. Several times during the year games were decided by well disciplined and determined effort, es- pecially when the competition was bigger and taller.

Page 25 text:

B SQUAD BASKETBALL: Kneeling; Mgr. R. Schroeder, Coach Johnson. Standing: M. Robbins, S. Frederickson, G.Bussie, D. Granheim, M.Veglahn, K. Huettl, B. Windschill, S.Shellum, M. Range, B. Olson, R.Grundman, B. Ewert. The victorious wrestlers came home with THE trophy amid elated and happy fans. But all was not yet over, for it was now the shooting branch of the James Gang that took over. The fever pitch created by the wrestlers was now carried over to basket- ball, which was having its own success. Coach Veglahn's crew was also undefeated, and ranked NUMBER ONE in the state. Was there a possibility of an unprecidented second trip to Williams Arena in the offing? IN BASKETBALL TOO We Won the Whole Thing Eager anticipation gripped the school and town once more, building to a pitch hard to describe as Nessler and com- pany continued winning through District and Regional play. Then, there it was!! The Saints were in the State meet once more. Still ranked number one, proof was neces- sary for many skeptics. But prove it they did by the fast break, a very tight defense, and hot outside shooting by Jim Chalin. And who will ever forget that last second shot by Jeff to win the Class A Championship??? Again the James Gang left Williams Arena with all the loot-the Class A Trophy and the Over-all trophy as well. Once more the gym was filled with throngs of dazed, but deleriously happy fans, not yet completely recovered from the wrestling success. To coaches and team members — congratulations for the most spectacular season in history.

Page 27 text:

Top: Mike, Mark, Jim, and Jeff bring the loot to the gym while Mr. Christianson gets the details of the trip home from Mr. Strommen and coach Veglahn. Mike, Jim, and Jeff made the all-tournament team. Above: The trophies on display in a store window attracted much attention as seen in the reflection from the window. Townspeople entered into the celebration by making many signs prominently dis- played along the route to the school expressing many ideas of oeing number one in both wrestling and basketball. Bottom Left: Happiness is winning the WHOLE THING as most aptly expressed by Stephanie Glenn. 23