Visting an old friend!

       Well folks, on an unexpected rip to Detroit Lakes a couple weeks back I had an opportunity to visit an old friend, the Mid-State Conference, the old Mid-State Conference. The road we traversed back in the 70’s and boy did we have some great trips. Detroit Lakes was the longest trip of course whether we were stopping at the wayside rest just out of town or visiting with a man who shaped the writing style that I have used for nearly 50 years. Ralph Anderson was his name, and he had a column in the Detroit Lakes Tribune I think was the name, but I always enjoyed the headshots he used with his columns and enjoyed talking with the veteran about our teams and how we covered them. He was also the head statistician for the conference for a long time. We went through every team in the conference that day except for Park Rapids who boasted Andy McCarty, longtime football coach and my nemesis on the radio microphone Ed Delahunt. We sparred many times because he always thought the Panthers would win and I didn’t of course. We passed through Wadena where a guy in a nice suit, Lowell Roisum, always held court. He was a fiery basketball coach and fun to talk to and watch coach. Dan Skogen was the radio there and also covered Staples back in the day. He was a consummate professional in every aspect. As we kept heading east of course we went through Aldrich, home of Ted and Gen’s BBQ, where we stopped many times over the years and where every conference meeting was held for a long time. Great food and conversation over the years. We didn’t miss Staples where hoops coach Lynn Peterson was the boss and coached in that “airplane hangar” they called a gym with theater seating and a stage on the other side. What a tough place to play. Don Davis ruled the wrestling mat back then and he seldom lost in that place. Norm Card was the athletic director back then. Crosby-Ironton was our final stop before getting home and I thought about John Davies and Billy Selisker who were so big back in the 70’s, Davies on the football field and Selisker on the hard court. Both were so good to work with over their careers and although J.D. was a Gobbler first, he wore the maroon and white proudly. Some of you remember Mike Jay who called the games for the Rangers, oh the rivalry games we saw through the years. The Mid-State was a sweet conference with those six teams and as I pulled into Aitkin I thought about Lee Alto, John Fremling, Noel Bailey and Ron Meyer. They did a great job back then and I have so many memories about those days. It wasn’t a real eventful trip to the home of the Lakers but one that got me thinking about some wonderful days traveling in the Mid-State Conference.    

      Thursday brings more action. The Gobbler boys travel to Cherry including the “JH”. The girls “JH” will be at C-I and the Lightning boys, (3-2-1), host Thief River Falls (1-4). Thursday also brings to Aitkin their very first girls wrestling match with teams from Mora and Mille Lacs joining the Gobblers with the first action starting at 5:00. If you are wondering about this year's team, check the wrestling page for a story on the team and their lineup for this season. On Friday its girls hoops hosting Howard Lake-Waverly, (2-1), and the Lightning girls are at Pine City. Don’t forget Saturday, Lightning boys host River Lakes, Dance travels to Detroit lakes, wrestling is at Jackson County Central for a tournament and “JH” girls hoops is at a tourney in Grand Rapids. Whew, that’s a week. New sure to look for all the results nightly right here at woodiessportzone.com!

        Well folks, business is about to pick up. We’re in December now and this week alone there are over 20 events in the area as teams continue or get their high school winter seasons underway. The Aitkin Gobbler basketball teams both start their seasons Tuesday with the C-I Rangers. The girls were at home and now will travel to Barnum Thursday and the boys will open their home season Friday with Pine City under new coach Landon Janzen. The Gobbler wrestlers are home with Hibbing Tuesday, the All Starz will be at Little Falls Thursday, and the boys and girls Lightning hockey teams are well into their season. Take a breath, yes you can catch just about any team at home this week if you so desire and take advantage if you can because these kids deserve your support.
     Former Gobbler Chris Gerber who lost his mother Marcia two years ago held his second bowling tournament recently to raise money for Alzheimer’s research, presenting a check for nearly $10,000 to officials representing money from the event. He had so many donations from around the country. Nice job Chris, Mom is really proud of you!
     The pairings are set for the annual Holiday Basketball Tourney in Aitkin on December 22-23. On the girls side Ashby will meet McGregor at noon and Aitkin will meet Northwoods at 2pm on the first day. Losers and winners will meet on Tuesday at 2 and 4. On the boys side it will be Ashby and Hill City locking up at 4pm with Aitkin meeting Mille Lacs at 7pm with losers and winners meeting Tuesday on the final day. JV teams will also play the same schedule opposite the times the varsity is in action.
     I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving last week and I’d like to end this week with a note to the world. I wish more attention would be given to professional athletes and what they do off the field in a good way. We read about their problems, but we seldom see the good things they do. last week was a good example as almost every NFL team helped hand out groceries prior to the holiday or helped serve meals to those who had nowhere to go for the holiday. They make a lot of money I know but it’s great to see a softer side of professional sports as well. We are all in this world together and to see the compassion from these athletes is refreshing.
    

        Well folks, the conversation started like this, "We had just gotten home from my cousins wedding and wanted to do something for the kids. We hadn't done the zipline for a while and when that happens, I do a quick run to make sure things are working correctly. This time the rubber grips on the handles quickly became a problem and I fell, landing on my neck. I thanked God that it was me and not one of the kids. I spent two weeks in the ICU at North Memorial before I was able to fly to Craig Hospital in Englewood where I am today." That was the day that life changed for Jacob Mehr and now two months later we chatted about life since that day and prospects for the future. Many of you have followed his progress through social media but I felt the need to talk to him in person. I've known him since he came to our house for daycare when he was in his pre-school years, so we have always known what a special person he is. He has had the support of wife Brenda of course and she flew with him to Colorado and has been by his side ever since, helping with his rehab nearly every day. His three children, Lydia, Jonah and Matthias flew out a week or so later and they have juggled their schoolwork and seeing their dad throughout the process. Jake talked about the importance of having family with him, "It's a real blessing to have everyone here, I can't imagine what it would be like to be without them. The kids get to see how things work here and see my improvement firsthand and even get to help a little. They get to see that I'm not the only one that is getting help and we're not the only family going through things like this." He is truly in the best place for this type of injury, "The people at Craig are awesome, the staff is incredible, techs take such great care of me, the therapists, they are all so good at what they do." He also has a great support group at home, and he is very appreciative, "So many prayers, so much generosity, people I don't even know. It's very humbling to know that so many people care and are willing to help out, no matter what it is we might need." Then the tough questions came, what about your injury, "Every spinal injury is different, I'm considered a "quad" at this point. My arms have a long way to go; I have one leg doing better than the other right now and that's why we keep working every day. I've made great progress but such a long way to go. What are my prospects? Walking, that would be awesome, transferring from chair to vehicle, that would be awesome. Therapists tell me it will probably be two years out before we know for sure what I will be able to do. I will be discharged from Craig on December 5, and we will be renting in Denver for about 6 months at least. The kids are enrolled in school here so they will finish out the year here. We're working on an adaptive vehicle so things for me there will get easier. I will be an outpatient for this next segment of rehab." I have met many others at Craig and one of them was released the other day, the same day I was able to walk with the machine the length of the gym floor. He got out and came down to the gym because he wanted to see me walk that floor. That's the kind of friends I have met at Craig. We may have different injuries but we're all in this thing together. That helps me a lot. We cheer each other on because we are all in this exclusive club that nobody wants to be in. Still there is a level of joy in seeing each other succeed." I'll be honest, at that point I had to compose myself because the story of Jake Mehr is so emotional for me and so many other people. He is such a beacon of faith in this world. When speaking of his recovery he told me, "Whatever kind of life God decides he will give us, that's what we will accept. We will have ups and downs, but God will guide us as he always has. He didn't do this to me, I did." Thanksgiving is this week and Jake had plenty to say about that as well, "There is so much to be thankful for, I'm still me, my personality hasn't changed, I'm thankful to be at Craig, thankful for the generosity and prayers, my trust in God, it happened but he uses everything for good for those who love him. We also have so much to grieve as well, our lives will never be the same, the unknown is still ahead but God will see us through everything and as long as we trust in him it will be okay." He ended with these words, "It will be great to see everyone, but it will be a while." I thanked Jake, wished him well and we will check in again after the first of the year. 

       Thanksgiving is here again, and I know I will try to be a little more thankful for the people I know and care about. I also know this, I am thankful to know a guy named Jacob Mehr, who has more courage and faith than most. He is another example of the kind of human being we should all strive to be. Happy Thanksgiving to the entire Mehr family, they have endured a lot since last Thanksgiving. Please enjoy the holiday everyone, be safe and eat hearty!   

       Well folks, if you happened to watch the Class “AA” semifinal football game at State last Friday between Holdingford and Goodhue you may have seen some familiar faces. The Aitkin “Chain Gang” was doing their thing on the field at U.S. Bank Stadium. Jeremy Janzen, Curt McGuire, Darshan Christy and Dan Jones were excited to be able to do what they love on the next level. McGuire was happy to be able to see two of the better teams in the Gobblers class at the Bank, “It was fun, we got in, did our job and got out but it was cool to see teams in our class battling it out.” The “Gang” were selected after being nominated by school officials. Then one of the local game officials gave his okay and it was submitted to the Minnesota State High School League. They gave it their blessing, and it came to be. Janzen added his thoughts, “I thought the experience was a lot of fun and would do it again. We were treated really well by the MSHSL and met some new people. Not to be overshadowed was some great football, but the main reason we were there was for the players.” Christy loved his time at the “Bank”, We had a great time doing the chain, it was just like any other game except it was on the coolest field I have ever seen. The behind-the-scenes experience was also great. We were able to come onto the field through the tunnel that the Vikings enter every game. Overall, a great experience and honored to have been given the opportunity to represent our community.” Dan Jones was the 4th member of the “Gang”, being assigned at the last minute because regular Henry Palm couldn’t be there but that didn’t dull the experience for him one bit, “It was an honor to represent our community at the “Bank”. We have had a lot of laughs over the nomination and selection of the “Chain Gang’. Yes, there was some disappointment, no pep fest, no escort out of town, no cake reception upon our return home but we are holding it together, in hopes of a granite plaque to go next to all those State Tournament successes at AHS. There even was some discussion for shirts that said, “Big Deal”. With all the joking aside, it was a blast. Our 218 “Chain Crew” got adjusted to our new designation as “Chain Crew”. The MSHSL got us set up in our own official “chain crew” locker room as well as a ground level suite. The officials for the game, the coaching staffs and players all carried a high level of sportsmanship and integrity to the field. All in all, it was a great day!
       It was a great experience obviously for the “crew” and Aitkin is proud of the job you did all season and on the big stage. By the way, we’ll work on that plaque for you.
  

       Well folks, this is column number 2,500 for this old guy, something that I started in the waning months of 1977. I told you in that first column that I would expound each week on the latest in the world of sports with a special emphasis on the local sports scene and that is what I have done throughout the years. There is a group of loyal readers who have been here since the start and I thank you for that. I have written about the Gobblers, the Mercs and sometimes the Hornets over the years and have told the story of so many athletes, the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. The heart-warming stories and the tragedies as well. I have written of the lives and the deaths of many of my friends and have given you my take on their successes in life. In a small town you don’t expect a lot of accolades but there have been many special moments that stick with you. The old town team baseball player that came up to me at the wake of one of his teammates that I had written about and his three words brought me to tears. “Thanks for remembering” he said and I broke down. My wife Barb and my good friend Margie Burman remind me many times that if I don’t write about a story, event or player it will be forgotten, and I guess that’s true. There is a lady that I never knew that came up to me at the All-Class Reunion and thanked me for remembering her brother and a classmate of mine in a recent column. There is also the lady that has grieved for many years about the untimely death of her husband and my friend that I remember every year about this time. That’s one reason that I wrote my book, “Well folks” several years ago, I have a lot of memories and as I grow older I need to write them down or I will forget. I have written much about the history of sports in Aitkin and players from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s certainly appreciate what I’ve said about their exploits. I’ve also told the stories of the 80’s and on as well but those athletes are not old enough to worry about being forgotten yet. There are the old-time bowlers whose names only I remember and their stories have been told in this column too. I’ve told you about our “hood” back in the day where I grew up with Zimmy, Pork, Arnie and the rest of the gang. Aitkin was a wonderful place to grow up and although some move away, I have always stayed. Fate set me upon this road many years ago and I have tried to keep my promise to you that I would tell the story of Aitkin and it’s people, athletes and citizens. I have learned a lot over the years, I learned that critics seldom leave their name and if you’re looking for validation, check somewhere else. I learned a couple of other things about myself during the nearly 50 years of writing this column. First, as much as I have done it, I am deathly afraid of being in front of a live audience. I worked 25 years in radio but am still scared of public speaking. Who would have thought that, right? Second is that when you talk about young athletes they are a little shy to show their appreciation but believe me they like to see their name in the paper just as much as their parents do and I love being able to help make that happen. Third is that if you ever forget somebody or miss ID a picture it is never forgotten. As much as we try, it happens and trust me we hurt as much as anybody when that happens. As I think about #2,500 I remember all the changes like starting out writing it by hand. Then an old typewriter was used, a computer that weighed fifty pounds, then finally a laptop that makes it so much easier. Guys like Marv Way, Andy Skaj, Henry Mead, Curt Mead, Evonne Agnello, my old friend Gary North, Dick Norlander, Ann Schwartz, Brielle Bredsten, Kat Robb, Jeanne Schram and Roxie, who retires this week. They have all been a part of this journey. I won’t live long enough for another 2,500 columns but I have sure enjoyed these first nearly 50 years. As I have said several times that there is a quote I always use, “I was born here, I’ll die here, no regrets”. It’s from Field of Dreams and it fits perfectly because Aitkin and its students, athletes and citizens all live on in my Field of Dreams. Thank you for your support and God Bless all of you!

  

        Well folks, I was thinking this past week about a milestone coming up in my writing career and since this is column number 2,499, I thought I would dedicate it to my mother who was my biggest supporter in my early years and although she has been gone since 1983, her influence is felt every day of my life. She was a true sports fan and she loved the Yankees and the Baltimore Colts and their awesome quarterback Johnny Unitas. My dad could care less about sports back then but always got under her skin no matter what sport it was. Mom worked almost her entire life, first as a telephone operator until self-dialing came to be and then she decided cooking was her thing and was it ever. She and my dad made homemade donuts for a couple restaurants in town every morning, so I woke up to that smell every day. Then it was on to cook for Mack's Shack first and then on to a career at Ziskes on the corner. The donut days were over by then, but she made a zillion hamburgers for the customers and me of course. (remember when you got 5 burgers for a dollar, take out only) back in the day. I walked from school for lunch there every day. That job kept us going even after my dad passed away in 1969 and she turned her attention to getting me educated at Brown Institute for broadcasting in Minneapolis. She knew that was my passion, play by play sports and I made a  living at it until the late '90's. She loved hearing her son on the radio and listened every chance she had. She has missed so many things over the years, her grandson Aaron at the top of the list. But she never got to see the Twins win the World Series twice. If she visited for a day now, she wouldn't have a clue what a cell phone was or how it worked. She would look at our tv and wonder how events could be up on that huge screen and what the remote was. She would marvel at the cars these days, "what's an electric car?" She never got to see or read my book and see the great things I said about her. She missed so much and passed away at age 70. The internet, oh she would never figure that one out, so I'd have to teach her how to view my website. The one thing that I will never forget about my mom is that she was so proud of her kids no matter what they did, whether she approved or not. All of us were here when she passed and Warren, my brother, would pass in 1989 and my sister Glenna in 2014. Just Jim and I left now and we have different memories of Mom since Jim left for the "Coast in 1958 and I stuck around. She would be excited about my writing for the Aitkin Independent Age for so many years and I guess I am too. I never thought I'd be looking at 2,500 columns over the years and although it's just a number, I have to think about all the people and events I have written about. So many athletes over the years who always told me that they had really made it when their name showed up in Sports Spectrum. It all started with the confidence and love shown by my mom, Gladys Woodrow. She's been gone for 42 years now but her memory still shines bright and always will. Thanks Mom!      

       Well, folks, think about this, 3,653 days, 87,672 hours, 5,260,320 minutes; that's how much time it has been since October 18, 2015, to today. That day will have a place in my mind for the rest of my life. That is the day I lost one of my beloved friends and one of Aitkin's favorite sons. Steve Sandberg has been gone for 10 years now and like most people it seems like yesterday. Tributes came from all corners of the world when the news came out. Most will remember where they were when they heard the shocking news, I certainly do, sitting right where I am now writing this. Our little town has seldom if ever seen a death that affected Aitkin as this one did. I knew Steve most of his life, from his athletic career at Aitkin to the final day. Within that time frame I competed against him on the softball field and sat with him at the scorer's table as the next generation showed their stuff on the basketball court. His signature box of popcorn and bottle of pop became a staple at the games and by games end we had settled the problems of the day and had a quick synopsis of the contest we had just watched. I have written about Steve every year since that day in October, but I can't put it any better than this story. In September of 2015 I had hernia surgery and finally had felt well enough to get to the next Gobbler home football game. I sat by myself on the steps of the alternative school and as the game ended Steve and his brother Brian walked across the field to visit for a few minutes. I told them about my surgery, and they instantly wanted to know if they should walk home with me to make sure everything was okay. I said thanks but I figured I could get there on my own and we said our goodbyes. That was the last time I saw Steve and although I have told this story before, it exemplifies Steve's life. He cared, he always cared and if you needed something he was there to lend a hand. He was always the best of what people are supposed to be. The following winter season I brought a special sign to the basketball games, made by my friend Glen Watson and because of that sign I was able to tell Steve's story to visiting fans and officials for a whole season. I needed that season at that point and I thought of him during every game, and all the time we spent together at that table and talking about life. Ten years later, 3,650 days and my opinion about Steve Sandberg has never wavered. He was simply one of the finest men I have ever met. I miss him like a brother and always will.    Steve is missed by many other people as well, let's hear from some of those closest to him.

Undersheriff Heidi Lenk-"It was always about family, even when he came in on his days off, he always brought his dog along and talked about his family. When Cassie came along, she was the "gleam" in his eye. This wasn't just a loss for our department; it was a loss for our community. The way they turned out for him, the blue lights and everything. He was an honorable man, and we miss him so much. He's the reason we have the Memorial outside of the Office."

Deputy Greg Payment-"I was a young deputy, but he always treated me like he'd known me for a long time. He never looked down on people, no matter who they were. He treated everybody the same."

Deputy Jon Cline-"Steve was my first contact with the Aitkin County Sherrif's Office. He did all my background stuff. I sure miss that guy."

Life-long friend Mike Holder-"10 years, what happened to the time. I remember going to Washington D.C, for the Law Enforcement Memorial. It was so impressive. I miss him terribly-think about him all the time. So many stories."

Former ACS Scott Turner-"It's hard to believe it's been 10 years since we lost Steve. The feelings and emotions of that day are quick to return when I think of him. A husband, a father, a son, brother, investigator, firefighter...and a great athlete. He was always a strong advocate for crime victims, an ardent supporter of Aitkin youth athletics and someone who's opinion on matters of importance I greatly valued. #203 will forever have a place in the hearts of those who knew him."

Friend and teammate Bill Lundberg-"Each year a group of us go on a baseball trip in September. Last month we were in Seattle and toasted Steve and shared tales of previous trips. We miss him terribly. We revisited our adventures with him in places like Cooperstown, Boston, Atlanta, San Diego and Chicago. His loss is felt on every trip. We remember him athletically as a Gobbler, Dragon and lead-off man for the 40 Club. But mostly we think of him as a great supportive friend and a guy who strove to be a good husband and father."

        These ten years have passed so quickly. This Wednesday I will take a seat for a moment of reflection on those steps at Veterans Field before the game and remember that night 10 years ago nearly to the day. I will remember the friend, husband, father, mentor, athlete, public servant and all that Steve was to Aitkin in his years on this earth. I hope you take a moment this week in your busy lives and think about Steve Sandberg, the kind of person we should all strive to be. He is never, ever forgotten!

       The Aitkin Gobbler class of 1996 lost one of their own recently when Danny Meyer succumbed to Huntington's disease. Danny is the son of former Gobbler basketball coach and teacher Ron Meyer. Ron also lost Michael to the dreaded disease several years ago. Danny was a one-of-a-kind young man. I remember coaching him early in his career and found him to be so respectful and always willing to listen. As he moved on in his athletic career he became quite an athlete. He played football, basketball and baseball and was voted by his classmates as Best Dressed and Biggest Brown-Noser. His senior year in basketball he was voted conference MVP, Sub-Section All-Tournament team and team MVP. His senior teammates on the basketball team included Jeremy Spolarich, Jeremy Rikala and Jason Jacobson to name a few; Joe Hasskamp, Jeff Patnode and Neil Wagner were some of the teammates on the football team. The baseball team included teammates Jeremy Janzen, Nick Franzen and Mychal Fowlds in his group of fellow seniors. But I will always remember the kind young kid who always had a minute to talk and joke around and have fun. The world will miss Danny Meyer and needs more guys like him. He was the among this best the world has to offer.

      Well folks, nine months ago I talked about to you about teammates and how good ones will always have your back and take care of you when needed. I am back this week to tell you about the loss of one of those teammates and how tough that loss can be. Since her surgery in February to remove a cancerous leg our little dog has lived her best life. A new fence gave her the freedom to run the yard without fear of getting into the street and her ability to be off her leash most of the time. She chased squirrels and chipmunks and birds, knowing full well she would never catch one and what to do if she did. It was a great life for the little dog and she loved it. She would lay in the backyard for hours and watch the world go by. She didn't seem to lose a step with three legs and people she met on her walks marveled at her love of life and her ability to move around like the little tripod she was. Less than two weeks ago she was still going for her walks everyday and it appeared nothing was wrong. She had never had a seizure before but all of a sudden she had a number in a 24 hour period and we were at a loss at to what was causing them. A visit to the vet brought no answers but with some medication we hoped it would control them until we found out what was wrong. Our little teammate needed our help but we couldn't help her. Then after a four-day period of being lethargic and needing help to go outside once again we knew we were going to have to make another decision. One week ago we were back at the vet and deciding that with so many things going against her we were not going to get our little dog back. There was no guarantee that that would happen even with treatment and so with tears in our eyes we told the doctor that we needed to let Jaz go. Barb held her and for the first time in four days she let us touch her and pet her and comfort her. As the first shot started to take effect she looked at me and said "It's okay Dad, I'm ready to cross the rainbow bridge and meet Malcolm and Echo and say hi to Tigger and Ella." The vet assistant put her on the table and we said our final goodbyes, I told her thank you and I love you and then it was over. Again for the second time we asked ourselves if we had done the right thing but I knew when she looked at me that final time she was ready to say goodbye to the pain. The healing has begun but every day I have to hold Juno, our cat, and try to tell him that it's okay, his buddy was gone but not forgotten. Other pets know, they really do and Juno misses his friend that he has had for over ten years. It's very difficult for Barb since I am gone many nights in the winter covering sports because Jaz was a constant companion. Tough for me because she was always waiting on the couch for me to get home. I will miss my little girl and all the time we spent on the front porch in the summer waving at cars and enjoying people that stopped to say hello. She will most definitely be our last dog but we will remember them all. I have to give a shout-out to Iron Range Veterinary Clinic for all the help they have given us in the past two weeks. They helped make Jaz's journey a little easier and I think they were as sad as we were on that final trip. I knew this day would come but nothing makes it easier or prepares you for it. Another teammate gone and this one really hurts. I know you have all gone through this so you understand. Jaz, you were the best, right there with Echo but each of you had your own special life. God bless you and know that I will always miss you my little girl!