Fledgling UMM put on a show in 1962

From the Morris Sun Tribune:

Minnesota came through BIG at the World's Fair in Seattle, Washington. Touring residents of the North Star state were joined by throngs of former residents from the Pacific Northwest to help Governor Elmer L. Andersen and entourage make Minnesota Day, June 12, the largest honor day in the history of Century 21's Plaza of the States. In the heart of the fairgrounds, 500 official visitors from Minnesota serenaded and presented greetings and gifts from the Land of 10,000 Lakes while an uncounted throng of cheering listeners overflowed the area. No other state honor day in the life of the Seattle Fair has drawn such a throng or presented so much visiting talent.

From mid-morning until 1 p.m., Minnesota's governor and his official and unofficial followers showed Washington Governor Albert D. Rosellini that "everything's big in Minnesota." 

Eyeing the American League standings, Gov. Andersen urged the crowd to come to Minnesota for a late-summer celebration, the  World Series.

 

Joy, anxiety

The fledgling U of M-Morris had completed two years of operation when the summer of 1962 arrived. The Cold War seemed rather hot. The Cuban Missile Crisis hovered in a most concerning way, shall we say an existential way. You've probably heard the old joke that ends with the line "kiss your ass goodbye." The line ended a little rundown on what body position to assume in the event of a nuclear strike. 

My family's home was built in 1962 during that window of time when "fallout shelters" were commonly planned. And yes we have such a thing. Mom and I gave the guidance manual for that to the local museum. 

An episode of TV's "Happy Days" showed the whole group practicing a Civil Defense routine in the event the worst happened. But the group gave up as they realized that if the worst happened, "life wouldn't be worth living anymore." 

Many Minnesotans had a little extra zest for life in 1962. That's the baseball fans! Many people didn't choose to pay attention to that - that's fine - but there were many people quite excited about the Twins in just their second year. The Twins chased the dynastic Yankees, gave the Bombers a run for their money. Here in Minnesota? Where big league ball did not exist until 1961? Why yes! 

The Twins finished in second place, five games behind the Mickey Mantle crew. But alas, only the pennant winners advanced to the post-season, actually hard to believe. 

Now that I have digressed into baseball, let me get back on track to state that UMM had an exciting and high-profile presence at the Seattle World's Fair, a.k.a. Century 21 Exposition. 

 

Ralph E. Williams, UMM men's chorus director

 

It is my understanding that the UMM music people of today choose to be totally focused on the present and don't wish to plumb history all that much. And I totally understand that! Totally reasonable. UMM has a lot on its plate at present with the pressures to show a rebounding enrollment. Last year certainly revealed cause for concern, existential even, as we got the most unflattering article in the Star Tribune and then the mid-year change in chancellors. A reasonable person might suggest the sky was falling. 

Even with stable enrollment there's a revenue issue because of the free tuition policy for Native Americans. I have been seeking for a long time to find out if the UMM policy re. the Natives is based on a real true "treaty." The answers I get seem less than certain. 

I consider this important because if a true "treaty" is involved, the UMM policy would have to be considered "insulated." There would still be a revenue issue. Finances are always at the forefront for the state legislature. 

 

Optimistic word 

My main UMM contact person phoned me about a week ago to indicate the upcoming enrollment numbers are positive, encouraging. Well that's great of course. And this would be getting accomplished in spite of higher education everywhere coming up against the "demographic cliff." 

Michael Lackey

Michael Lackey has discussed this with me several times. He said everyone who works in higher education is well aware of this challenge. 

My, so different from my young adult days when my boomer generation flooded college campuses. "Embarrassment of riches." We were the offspring of the great WWII generation. Our parents fought the "good war" of WWII - not to be understood literally, I would explain - while we got the Vietnam war about which nothing positive could be said. 

Well, our UMM men's chorus not only performed for the festive Minnesota Day in Seattle, we opened the program! How about that? The recruiting value of this trip was in being visible and making an impression on the many other Minnesota musicians taking part in the day. UMM would be impressed on all! 

JFK was supposed to be present for the Fair's closing ceremony. He canceled with the explanation of illness. The truth is that he had to attend to the Cuban Missile Crisis. I was seven years old at the time. My father Ralph E. Williams directed the men's chorus. He sent me a postcard that was addressed directly to me and he signed it "Poppa." 

Dad and Clyde Johnson were early pillars with UMM music. I guess Dad and Clyde did not see eye to eye on certain things and I don't wish to know any details about that. Clyde was always nice to me. I got to know his son Joe fairly well. Trumpet guy. 

 

Blazing the trail 

Dad was the only UMM music faculty in the school's first year. What an incredible adventure for a guy with my dad's background, to "run the show" for a new four-year college for a full academic year. I know it was yeoman's work and according to family legend, it went beyond what was technically in his contract. Don't tell the union! He established the orchestra.

I saw this movie at Morris Theater

The UMM men's chorus and Elvis Presley were "cool" in 1962. Elvis starred in the movie "It Happened at the World's Fair," set in Seattle. The fair had the spirit of futurism. 

UMM made higher education exciting here in western Minnesota. But Dad always had the common touch. I remember being seated in the waiting area of the clinic now known as Lake Region in Morris. This was in Dad's later years when the expected health complications arose. In the waiting area was an old guy who was once a non-faculty employee of UMM. He went out of his way to tell me that Dad was always very friendly to the regular working people on campus, did not put on any aloof "airs" like some other faculty did. I appreciated the comment and the recollection, and it did not surprise me. 

Ah 1962, the year that Gene Chandler gave us the song "Duke of Earl." It was the time of "Camelot" in America. We did not have to kiss our asses goodbye!

 

 

 

 

MN Governor Elmer L. Andersen wears white suit coat in newspaper clipping below. He loved hanging with our UMM men's chorus! He stands next to Washington Governor Albert D. Rossellini. Chorus director (my dad) Ralph E.Williams is at very left. With a magnifying glass I can read the caption on the clipping well enough to report names of the chorus members in photo. Bear with me, I have some eyesight issues related to age. Here we go: Bob Gandrud, Gary Sethney, Marvin Dyrstad, Steffen Sanvik, Clayton Moravetz, David Retzlaff, Howard Johnson, Lanny Erickson, Neal Mortenson, Jim Carlson and Richard Rau. Yes it's THE Jim Carlson, architect of the Jazz Festival which was down the road.

 

- Brian  Williams - morris mn minnesota - musicstuff54@gmail.com

UMM music debuted with flourish in 1960

This photo from the Sun Tribune shows my father Ralph E. Williams directing the first-ever UMM music concert, November of 1960. The concert was for the Stevens County 4-H youth and parents. What a community-focused event.

 

Richard Nixon was on the ballot. This was 1960, not 1968. Minnesota was in its last year of not having major league baseball, if you can imagine that. In Morris the times were abuzz, exciting. We were early in year one of the U of M-Morris. The push for getting the U here was not easy but it certainly bore fruit. We branded ourselves as this small public liberal arts college. Ahem, out on the prairie even. And we were bursting our buttons over it. 

My father Ralph E. Williams had a lot to do with getting this venture launched. You'll see a reminder of that by the entrance to the HFA recital hall. There is a display. 

How invested was my father in establishing UMM music? You might say100 percent because he was the only UMM music faculty in year one. What a dream come true for a guy with his background, to completely guide a new music department right at the inception. And the very first UMM music concert was in November of 1960. The election must have been held right around then. The newspaper article announcing this seminal event came out on Nov. 4.

Nixon was running against JFK. Nixon lost, fell into obscurity for a considerable time and then he rose from the ashes in '68. He might be remembered as a hero today if he had worked to get our servicemen out of Vietnam post haste. We all know how that turned out. The war dragged on as the protests grew so intense, by 1970 graduations were having to be canceled out East because of the threat of protest violence. I personally was present for a couple of Vietnam "moratoriums" at Edson Auditorium on campus. I soaked in the sense of unrest of the times. 

I was a member of the UMM band for a few months. Oh, I was only junior high age. The UMM band needed some help in the French horn section. 

Getting back to 1960, the grand occasion of the music program's debut had the historic musicians wearing navy blue uniforms. It's my understanding these were hand-me-downs from the Twin Cities campus. The group must have looked really grand. The uniforms were trimmed with maroon and gold! 

And where did this significant event take place? It was at the old armory which was located where the public library is today. Fewer people all the time will remember the grand old edifice of the armory. It was consumed by flames in the mid-1960s. A purely accidental fire? Hmmm. Whatever, we got the new armory which is still an impressive building out by Eagles Park. 

And we got the new library which I think opened in 1970. And I remember the old stalwart librarian Margaret Grove working there. She was a stalwart at the previous Carnegie library which would eventually become the museum. Mom used to walk me to the Carnegie library. You had better not whisper too loudly there! Shhh! Standards were softened when it came to that. I remember talking with Wally Behm at the new library when Wally's voice could rather resonate! 

I played elementary basketball at the old Morris armory. I played under Marvin Laabs. Dances were held at the place. It had a downstairs auditorium. I wonder how that place could have been renovated to still be in use today. 

 My father in 1962

Dad directed the first-ever music event for the Stevens County 4-H people and kids. The kids and their parents numbered about a thousand total. Dad's band numbered almost 50 pieces. The Sun Tribune article stated "this includes selected instrumentalists from the Morris High School band." 

What a community-wide spectacle. It was perfect for bringing everyone together to wave the banner for our new, hard-won institution of UMM. 

"A band of this size was not anticipated for the first year," the article continued. Well, way to go, Dad. Dad was a 1939 graduate of the U-Twin Cities. And he got his Master's Degree there too. He went on to be a prolific composer. He wrote the "UMM Hymn" for the institution's opening. IMHO that composition could be performed a little more often today. I liked how Ken Hodgson had his group perform it. 

 

Up Keillor's alley 

The UMM concert choir performed the Hymn for when Garrison Keillor was here, and I'm certain that the song was right up Keillor's alley: campus sentiment so well-established. The first two lines grab you and direct your attention to this community: "We salute our Minnesota, Morris our campus dear." 

The original head of the campus wanted Dad to write UMM-themed songs that emphasized "Morris." As the years passed, the priorities changed to where the institution just wanted to emphasize that we were part of the U, not that we we were located in Morris. So we adopted the "Minnesota rouser" song. Well, quite the old turnip IMHO. 

Dad wrote the original UMM "fight song" which I feel possibly had a flaw in the second line of lyrics. So I have suggested an alternative for the opening: 

Fight, fight, fight for Morris U 

Spike, spike, spike an ace or two 

 

My father could not have written this because intercollegiate volleyball did not exist in 1960. "Basketball" was simply basketball with no gender specified. Such a different world. 

And, such a different world with no Minnesota Twins yet! Can you imagine such a reality? And hey, aren't the "Lynx" doing great now? 

My father thought UMM got too laser-focused on the "liberal arts" thing. We'll see how UMM's mission facilitates its continued survival. I like the current head guy, Mike Rodriguez. 

Alas, the music department has lost "symphonic winds." That might be a concerning sign for UMM's future. The choir program does not resemble Hodgsons's program. I do feel the music faculty are doing all they can. 

The HFA is an albatross for the place. Oh, the days of architectural "fads." Fads were all over the place at that time. Practicality has made its triumphant return, is taken for granted now. 

 

Fund has resilience 

The family fund named for Ralph and Martha Williams continues to support UMM music. And it will have a purpose for the U even if the worst happens and UMM's operations are suspended. I have been assured of that. Dad was in the U marching band when it traveled to Ann Arbor, Michigan, for a big appearance. He thought that was very special. He left us in 2013. And then Mom followed him to heaven in 2018. They were in their 90s when leaving this existence. Me? I'm 71.

The original UMM concert band, 1960-61. A flair for artistry and entertaining. It performed at Edson Auditorium.

 

Addendum: Is it inappropriate for me to suggest a change to something that Dad wrote? Well I look at it this way: the original UMM "fight song" is dead. It is not even revived for archival/sentimental purposes. Given that, constructive suggestions cannot do any harm. It might be the only hope for hearing it again. An instrumental-only rendition of the song would sound terrific, I swear. 

 

Another thought on the old "fight song": Do you suppose the word "fight" contradicted the spirit of the "make love, not war" times of the 1960s?

 

- Brian Williams - morris mn minnesota - musicstuff54@gmail.com 

What really is the "business district?"

Sometimes it's "historic business district." Is this a tip-off for seeing old buildings?

 

Is there any need for the signs directing us to the "business district" of a particular town? Such a standard feature. But any utility, really? Can't we all sense what way to go, to get to "downtown." And what does "downtown" really mean anymore? 

Our economic geography of Morris first got disrupted with the opening of "Gibson's," the first iteration of the place that is now known as "Homestead." 

Looks like the City of Morris does not have a high opinion of its own "business district." Maybe I should write "so-called business district." The city did not want to keep its liquor store "downtown." I'm sure that when the now-vacated place first opened, there was a celebratory event. 

Today the city has responded to the lure of the highway development on north edge of town. That's where we find the service roads. In my mind, the highway development is not part of the "business district." Yes, I consider it separate. 

If I were to use Morris Transit - as well I might starting in the not-too-distant future - to "go downtown," well I would have to make the considerable walk from there to Thrifty White Pharmacy. Yes, Thrifty White used to be right "downtown." Many of you still remember I'm sure. It was a nice diversified "store." I got my spiral notebooks there. 

Neither of our two pharmacies is downtown. Senior citizens focus on such places. But if you use the transit system, you might have to arrange for a specific drop-off at these places. I'm still in good enough physical shape that I can walk no-sweat. (Or not very much sweat.) But it's all downhill for me from now on - I am age 71. So much for getting dropped off "downtown" within the "business district" and having "pharmacy" on your list of things to do. 

The Morris MN main sreet

The reason why cities provide the service of "business district" direction signs is to help people out with their standard important personal business to do. You went "downtown." Now, the service road businesses appear to be rather different. The city abandons downtown because it senses that it is no longer the prime location for its liquor store. First of all, I'm not enthused about people having such attractive access to a place that sells liquor. 

 

The Coborn's legend 

The legend will never die of Coborn's leaving town because of not getting a liquor license. Legend has it that Coborn's wanted to build a whole new store. Coborn's as it was, was such a beehive type of place. Between Coborn's and McDonald's, a real hub for "people" activity in town. And I would say it was all on the fringe, at least, of the "business district." Not that far to walk from the core. 

The present-day pharmacies are not so convenient. Of course we have the steak restaurant out there, a place I've never been in. Well, my eyeballs would bug out at the prices, and frankly I am not a poverty-stricken person at all. But principle is principle. Same reason I won't even consider attending a Twins or Vikings game. 

I felt puzzled at the city's impulse to leave the old liquor store location. I considered this location as part of what I would describe as the "entertainment district" of Morris. You sensed this on Friday and Saturday evenings if you looked for parking there. Was abuzz. Maybe less so now with the liquor store leaving? 

 

Stone's Throw defunct 

Every little departure leaves a void, much like with the old Stone's Throw closing. I enjoyed going to Stone's Throw about every other week, usually on Friday night. I bit my lip and paid the hefty price. They probably should have made their rear entrance into the front entrance. You have Don's, Pizza Ranch and Old No. 1 doing well in this entertainment district. Don's is unique as a place to go for "rich" meals. That's not a rip because "rich" means you are guaranteed to leave the place feeling full. That's a nice quality to have these days. The atmosphere is most certainly "middle class." 

Pizza Ranch is a blessing to have as a buffet place. Most certainly you leave the place feeling filled up. 

So it is not time to panic yet for restaurant-goers even with inflation in effect as we speak. Can only be exacerbated by Iran war. Ah, "no new Mideast wars" - that's what we were promised. Israel prodded us into the new one - Netanyahu. 

If I criticize Israel, certain people will describe me as "anti-Semitic." Preposterous of course. I don't think Israel should even be allowed to exist as a "Jewish state." I am anything but "anti-Semitic." Since when are we passing judgment on the Jewish people? 

Well, inflation may be about to accelerate and it's because of our Mideast involvement, so I'm just saying: "get ready." The hospitality establishments of which I speak will be having to hike their already-concerning prices. Until people really have to start cutting back? People will make adjustments if they have to. 

I remember Shorty's Cafe and the Del Monico from the Morris restaurant past. Hot beef sandwich in the afternoon at Shorty's (right next to Morris Theater). Pinball machine there too! Oh, to consider the prices from 50 years ago! 

"Grandstay" is along the service road

 

Looking ahead

How much more development can we expect along the highway on north end of town? "Grandstay" and Heartland Motors are well-established there. Will the development continue all the way down to where Iowa Avenue intersects? You're getting out by Superior. I live just to the north of there. There is a service road on each side of the highway. "Fastenal" is on Iowa Avenue on the south side, but the service road does not make it all the way. The "Bobcat" business gets your attention on the south side. 

Note the Jehovah's Witnesses church. Jehovah's Witnesses had the right idea to locate there. The mainstream Protestant churches of Morris should take note, follow the lead of the oddball Jehovah Witnesses. Well, it is a fringe church but they sure have the right idea with a totally contemporary building on outskirts of town with a nice parking lot. Some say this is the "Wal-Mart principle." It's one that the mainstream Protestant churches of our town should follow. First of all they need to consolidate or let's say continue consolidation. 

First Lutheran and Federated have already partnered. These two should somehow get joined with Faith Lutheran and then a nice new fully contemporary building could be put up on outskirts of town with nice parking lot. "The Wal-Mart principle." My friends would laugh and say there would be all kinds of obstacles to this. Church life is hard enough to keep going. But then there's the well-known line from the movie "Moneyball" (Brad Pitt): "Adapt or die." 

The City of Morris seeks to adapt by abandoning downtown Morris (IMHO), by abandoning what I consider to be the "entertainment district." 

There must be a siren song of sorts from the service road development where we now see Dollar General. You know, in order to shop at Dollar General you have to scout through the place first, see what all they have and where it's located. A very big place. 

I take back what I have said about Willie's having a grocery store "monopoly." I could do nearly all my grocery shopping between the dollar stores and convenience stores. I don't snack on fruit anymore because it gives me gas! 

What do you think of these days if you hear the term "downtown Morris?" Or, "business district?" What does the latter term really mean? Do we need signs on the outskirts directing us to the "business district?" To me they seem as useless as the signs directing us to the various churches. Has anyone ever relied on them? Churches today are such an extension of the Republican Party, seems rather controversial. I'm waiting for the worm to turn on that. 

How will the liquor store do in its new location? Well. . . It's sad that we need a liquor store, n'est-ce pas?

 

- Brian Williams - morris mn minnesota - musicstuff54@gmail.com 

Don't take for granted current cultural norms

"Boxer" from "Animal Farm"

It isn't even June yet. And we have had oppressive heat to deal with. I don't care, I frankly can't get enough of it. Oppressive heat was like a distant dream or fantasy through our interminable spring of 2026 - just no redeeming quality to the weather. Wouldn't you have preferred a repeat of January or February? 

In December we are guaranteed to have our spirits lifted by Christmas, or, "the holidays" as you might prefer calling it. I like the term Christmas and not because I'm some sort of religious crusader. "Christmas" just reflects our common sense from when I was young. At a public elementary school we'd put on a "Christmas program" and we knew there'd be some non-Christians among us, and we just wanted them to join in anyway. Just learn the songs and feel basic joy. 

Then our culture went through a phase where, due to guilt maybe, we had to bend over backward to recognize other faiths. I suppose it was well-intentioned. We don't want to practice exclusion. But were we really intending to exclude anyone in the more innocent earlier time? 

Yes, innocent. I think we felt there was a consensus behind recognizing the Christ birth story. Innocent, because first and foremost, we saw it all as so benevolent. We didn't want to hurt anyone. 

Life had to get more complicated. I covered a Morris elementary school program with music recognizing different faith traditions. 

I have read that the Jewish "Hanukkah" is actually a minor holiday for those people. Because it coincides with Christmas, we elevate it so as to feel good about our inclusiveness. But does this really accomplish so much? 

 

Fragmenting

In the arguments against "DEI," I have read the following question: since when does recognizing our differences help us get along better? The succinct answer might be, "it does not." So I wonder about the "drift" by UMM in Morris to such extreme consciousness of our differences, to where we have the "multi-ethnic building." And UMM obviously was out front with a rallying cry for gay rights when all that got going, to the point where I'm certain it hurt the institution's best interests. 

We just had a graduating class of 155. SDSU of Brookings SD had 1600. Ahem. And now what's up for UMM? We had the dramatic shakeup in UMM administration mid-year. And a new administrator who I admire but who also says "I serve at the pleasure of the (University) president." So it's clear: there is no resistance to what central U administration wants. But it may not be that simple. 

I'm reminded of the book title by Art Buchwald: "Getting High in Government Circles." Poke around to see where the truth really is, where the accountability really lies. It might surprise you. Are the "Regents" more of a ceremonial front than anything? They are not the closest to the purse strings - the state legislature is. And if we see continued movement in our society toward the "conservative" side of politics, what does this portend for our liberal arts campus, a campus that "Natives" attend for free? I won't begrudge anyone a free lunch. 

I put "conservative" in quotes because the meaning is not so clear-cut now. It used to mean "fiscal conservatism" which meant minimal government involvement in our lives, minimal spending. But that's a hard philosophy to sell the people because people like perks or favors from government, n'est-ce pas? Medicare is a lot more than a perk. 

A recent headline on the Drudge Report: "Federal spending higher than under Biden." 

Dr. Jill Biden

Have you heard anyone suggest that Dr. Jill Biden declare for president? I will suggest as much. She would be sure to appoint all the right people to top positions, who reflect the proper philosophy and see that the people's interests are met. She strikes me as an intelligent and level-headed person. 

Let the "conservatives" howl about this. They would howl about anyone who comes forward as the Democratic nominee, so what difference does it make? 

We are about to deal with inflation again due to our misadventures overseas. Financial hardship is going to shake up a lot of people. Money issues can affect your philosophy real fast. Will society start to ignore all the "conservative commentators?" Like Mark Levin? Will the tone of AM talk radio in the middle of the night change? We are seeing these guys castigate and make fun of losers in Republican primary votes, guys who arguably have been very "conservative" but who didn't get Trump's endorsement. 

So it's all about elevating Trump higher toward dictator status? And by the time most of us start waking up, will it be too late? Like when the character "Boxer" (the horse) in "Animal Farm" finally woke up, smelled the coffee? He was too old to kick his way out of the trailer where he was confined, on his way to the "glue factory." 

All I can do is try to warn people. Otherwise, "Mongo just pawn in game of life."

- Brian Williams - morris mn minnesota - musicstuff54@gmail.com

MACA striving to conquer southern Minnesota!

Business as usual for the MACA softball team, a 22-3 record as we get set for the most serious phase of post-season. If only such a record would be a more-or-less guarantee of making state! We have learned it is far from it. I write here once again that when we come up against the southern Minnesota teams, it's a whole new ballgame as it were. 

Does the "sub-section" even exist? Man, I almost missed seeing the upcoming post-season game notes on "Minnesota Scores" this morning. You have to scroll down quite a ways from the regular season to find the new info. Scroll down through some pictures in fact. Fortunately I did a thorough check. And so I see the 3AA action is already underway. 

I actually do not see "sub-section" specified anywhere. I know there has been a sub-section level over the recent past. If I remember correctly it is a very short phase, like two games both played here in Motown. Looks like this year there's maybe just one. Wait a minute, a bye for the Tigers? 

The Tigers played their one game and it was Tuesday at home. And so the Tigers dispatched Litchfield in a manner that reflected the one-sided nature of the regular season. Yawn, the Tigers took care of business shutout-style at our softball place. I hope the Litch fans were advised to bring their own chairs for viewing. If you don't, be prepared to stand. 

Maybe we need a new softball facility in Morris. The Tigers downed the Dragons 9-0. "Another day at the office." 

 

Next foe: Pipestone 

So now what beckons? Well holy cow, it's a game against one of those southern Minnesota nemesis teams. And that would be Pipestone Area. Past is not necessarily precedent. It would not have to be. So who really knows what the outcome will be on Saturday, May 23. And once again, MACA fans are being asked to make the long trip to Marshall for sectionals, just like in other sports. I'm sure this cuts down on the number of fans who elect to watch in-person. 

Sorry to say I have never gone to Marshall for high school games. And I've been around. MACA got stuck in this situation back when the post-season got organized into the sub-section and section. This replaced district and region. Looks like it could be permanent. 

Well I'll stay here in Morris. But I do enjoy writing about the Tigers when I can. I was quoting Mary Holmberg as far back as 1979 when the program started. I'll take Wells Park over the softball complex anytime. 

The Tigers played Litchfield on May 16 in a home tournament. We were fortunate to win that contest as the score was 9-8. So we scored the same number of runs against the Dragons on Tuesday, but this time we got a shutout pitching performance. Also on May 16, we defeated Alexandria and Grand Rapids.

 

Coach Mary Holmberg has been "the rock" with the Tiger softball program! She got it all going. The image you see at left is from the KMES-KKOK site. Holmberg has reached the incredible 700-win plateau as a coach. Compare her to the Energizer Bunny maybe?

 

Tigers 9, Litchfield 0

Well, another showcase for MACA pitcher Haley Kill as the Tigers turned back the Dragons. On this day Kill tossed a 3-hitter against the green-themed crew. She set down ten batters on strikes. And at bat, this Tiger had three hits. She crossed home plate twice and drove in two runs. 

We took our first steps toward victory with a three-run first inning. The Tigers played errorless ball. The line score: nine runs, eight hits and the zero errors. Pretty sharp play. 

Addie Cihak is my neighbor so I'll acknowledge at the start that she drove in two tuns. Keep it up Addie! 

I need to be able to keep my discipline and type "Harmony Coverdale" and not "Cloverdale." Harmony Coverdale had a hit and a run scored. Aina Rose went two-for-three plus she was HBP. She scored two runs. 

Samantha Konz got on via HBP. Ryla Koehler had a run scored and an RBI. Mia Lu Asche socked a triple. She drew a walk, scored a run and drove in one. Kill was three-for-four, scored two runs and drove in two. Nora Boyle doubled, scored a run and drove in one. Brenna Jergenson walked and scored a run. Lots of highlights across the board for the orange and black.

 

Coming up: Tigers vs. Pipestone Area on Saturday at Marshall, 11:30 a.m.

(Marshall is too cotton pickin' far away, IMHO.) 

A feline lover too! Coach Holmberg w/ "Coco," from Facebook. I'm jealous of Mary because I am not even allowed on Facebook. I have violated "community standards" probably because of my criticism of Israel.

- Brian Willliams - morris mn minnesota - musicstuff54@gmail.com

Three Tigers combine to pitch shutout vs. 'Waska

Thank goodness the baseball Tigers were not scheduled to play yesterday (Tuesday). A day when the blowing dirt or smoke filled the air as wind was relentless. I've never seen anything like it. So the Tigers were spared having to try to breathe amidst such conditions on the diamond. Looks to me like some games were actually played out and around. 

Most recently the Tigers won in a dominant way over Minnewaska Area at 'Waska. We blanked the Lakers 10-0. It was our 12th win against five losses. Just two games left in the regular season against Melrose and BOLD. The regular season wraps up on Friday. 

Our big inning against 'Waska was the seventh: six runs. Prior to that we had two runs each in the first and fifth. Our fielding was pretty clean: one error. 'Waska meanwhile committed five errors. Not a lot of hits in this game: four by MACA, one by 'Waska. Three Tigers shared the pitching work: Riley Asmus, Ozzy Jerome and Parker Nohl. Jerome got the win. The losing pitcher was Sawyer Erickson. 

At bat, Brayden Carlson doubled and drove in two runs. Travis Buss drove in a run. Hunter Westerman walked and reached on HBP. He stole a base and scored a run. Jack Kehoe walked and he too got hit-by-pitch. He scored a run and drove in a run. 

Ozzy Jerome walked, scored a run and drove in two runs. Alex Asmus had a hit, walked, stole a base, drove in two runs and scored two. Riley Asmus stole a base and scored two runs. Riley Saito made his home on the basepaths as he went two-for-two, walked and was HBP. He stole a base and scored three runs.

 

Blown away, yes

Weren't you stunned this morning (Wednesday) to notice there wasn't a trace of wind? The earliest settlers out here were shocked at how strong and persistent the wind could be. The earliest ones took the "Wadsworth Trail" which I have been fascinated to research. Named for a Civil War general. The fort eventually got a name change from "Wadsworth" to "Sisseton." Not sure why that was done. Wadsworth was heroic in his service to the Union cause. 

The wind here on the prairie was striking in its severity. We were assaulted by the wind on Tuesday. And I have to ask: Was loose dirt in the air, or smoke from Canadian wildfires? Both? And at times the limited visibility was just like in a winter blizzard. The wind backed off overnight. So I took my bike downtown just now to have my biscuits and gravy (the Wednesday special) at DeToy's Restaurant. 

Detoy's was overflowing on Sunday for their Mother's Day buffet. Literally not a place open when I entered. I thought I arrived early enough that it wouldn't be a problem. Wrong-O. But it was problem solved as a server who I knew opened up a spot at the end of the counter. I availed myself of the offerings. Dessert too! 

I think there are only three days of the whole year that DeToy's offers the buffet. It used to be every Sunday. I guess food waste is a problem with buffets. Considering the ever-rising cost of food, a buffet is helpful for really loading up your stomach so you can "coast" for two or three days. 

DeToy's can feel heartened by its popularity on Sunday. But I'm also reminded of a comment made to me by my No. 1 contact at our UMN-Morris. Erin said "I think Morris could use another restaurant." 

I rely on restaurants because it's not practical for me as a single person to do much if any food prep at home. My refrigerator/freezer has been disconnected ever since Mom passed on. 

The people at Caribou Coffee tell me they have a new "bacon breakfast sandwich" now. Will have to try soon. I tried the "breakfast bowl" and found it not to be a good value. Isn't it harder to find good food value these days? We read more and more about "shrinkflation" and "skimpflation." The food industry constantly modifies its food to try to maximize its profit. 

Some people write that the food we purchase these days is "poisoning us." Not far-fetched. Synthetic bacon instead of real bacon etc. It is concerning. But I have faith in my biscuits and gravy at DeToy's on Wednesday morning! Maybe DeToy's does not have as much competition as they should. But the food there is reliable, helps keep my mind sharp!

 

You should all be shocked and scared by the new inflation report! 

 

- Brian Williams - morris mn innesota - musicstuff54@gmail.com 

Powerful Border West to play in Morris May 14

The end of the regular season will have a very good test for the MACA softball Tigers. They could use it. Not only will that game be challenging, it will be a treat for area fans as it's an area rivalry. Non-conference, yes, but a rivalry. Who will get the upper hand? Actually it looks like Border West has the caliber to challenge the Tigers. 

Many of you might wonder, what is "Border West?" You can be forgiven. I used to think of Herman but Herman has its hands joined in this venture. So it's a "cooperative" of teams. It can get a little complicated. But for now let's just get ready for the May 14 big game that will have state-ranked teams taking to the field in Morris. 

Game-time is 5 p.m. at the "softball complex" in Morris. My daily walking route goes past the place. One of the reasons I have been so critical of this facility is that I get to see it so often. Yesterday (Thursday) was an example. The Tigers played. I'm guessing it was Senior Day. 

 

Shortcoming 

But of course I always notice the woeful and almost nonexistent accommodations for fans at the softball facility. I'm sure the ground gets muddy often. The Pomme de Terre River is close by. Rivers are at the lowest elevation in an area. 

The old UMM softball field which seemed perfect in my mind is gone. The old field had the distinctive concrete player seating areas. "Cougars" painted on the side. Gone. I have to believe that the new field in that place has the batters facing the sun too much, too often. The old field was designed precisely. The fences were low enough that adults of average height could watch unimpeded from all over. I know because I took in some Cougar action there. 

The old facilities are a memory. Now we have the "complex" where fans have to bring their own chairs. Meanwhile we have the baseball "Chizek Field" that has generous grandstand seating. Looks like the male gender still has some advantages. Why did our school board not look ahead better? It spends a lot of our money. 

 

Alliteration in name 

"Border West" has the neat nickname "Buccaneers." The softball team is a Class A power. MACA of course is AA. The Tigers thumped Class A BOLD on Tuesday 14-4. The Tigers win often by scores like that. Very impressive but will we have the firepower to climb into state? Ahem, to get past those always-tough teams from southern Minnesota? The 64-dollar question. 

The High School League informs us that Border West is a cooperative that draws students from three schools near the South Dakota border: Wheaton, Herman-Norcross and Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley. 

Border West softball sports the super won-lost of 12-1. The Bucs are 8-1 in section, 7-0 in conference and 4-0 at the home diamond. They are coming off a 22-0 win over Ashby. I'm impressed that Ashby still has a stand-alone team. The Arrows! Ah, the old days of the "Herman Panthers." I remember well. 

It was the Herman boys basketball team that defeated Morris in a tournament game that turned out to be a watershed for the beleaguered Morris school district and its sports program once. That game was at the UMM P.E. Center. You might say it was a culmination. People lost their inhibitions after that. No longer were we so willing to buy the tired argument that "school is about academics, not sports." I have always argued "let the kids have fun." 

In the long run I probably won. In the short term I suffered. But I never compromised my soul for expedience. Not much anyway. Some of our community leaders were spineless. 

 

Anticipation 

So again, mark your calendar for the May 14 game of Border West versus MACA at Motown, 5 p.m. And of course bring your own chairs to the game. Maybe sit out by the outfield fence. How come I can point out so many deficiencies when no one else wants to talk about it? My cross to bear? And how about the parking out there? Yesterday same as always: long rows of cars parked along the shoulders of Prairie Lane. We used to see the name "Cesar Chavez" close to there. No more. That's what "allegations" can do. 

 

Buccaneers 16, Benson 1 

Let's take a look at the recent Border West blow-out of Benson. The wind blew hard as the Bucs handled the Braves 16-1. Border West had an impressive rally in the fourth inning - eight runs - and had ten hits total in the romp at Benson. Only four innings were needed. The Bucs emerged from this game ranked No. 10 in Class A. 

Border West "Buccaneers"

Border West played errorless ball. Sadie Wright occupied the leadoff spot in the order. She surely gave spark with three-for-three hitting numbers. Two of her hits were doubles. She drew a walk and scored two runs. Makaya Hennessy had a hit, drew a walk, scored two runs and drove in one. Hannah Gary went two-for-three, walked, scored two runs and drove in one. 

Jordan Wright crossed home plate three times. She drove in two runs. She walked twice, stole two bases and had a hit. 

Avery Kellen had a hit, scored two rims, drove in two and stole two bases. Bristol Paulson stole a base and scored two runs. Kylee Gail walked and scored two runs. Makayla Bertram went one-for-two with a walk and an RBI. Ellen Anderson walked, stole a base and drove in a run. 

Parker Stotesbery went one-for-three with a run scored. Occasionally I spot a last name that is familiar from when I wrote for the Morris newspaper. Brings warm feelings. 

Border West scored four runs each in the first two innings. 

Let's not forget pitching here! Border West has the creds in that department too. Jadyn Kellen worked throughout and she struck out five batters while allowing two hits. 

Benson has been given the green light to keep using its "Braves" nickname. I'm not sure that is a wise course. University of North Dakota has moved on.

Border West's Sadie Wright threw a no-hitter in the 11-0 win over Lac qui Parle Valley on April 10. Sadie struck out eight. She is the Neon Needles Subway Player of the Game.
 

   

- Brian Williams -morris mn minnesota - musicstuff54@gmail.com