Basketball History

By Harold and Betty Becker

The great support of their basketball teams is no doubt a tradition of the Wyndmere community. There has been a team as long as they have had a school.

Mr. Roy Johnson -relates that the 1916 basketball team was coached by Martin Anderson. Irwin Sargeant, Eddie Anderson (no relation to the coach), Maurice Hoy, Billy Hanson and Roy Johnson were members of the team. Their first game was with an experienced Milnor team and the score was 84-4 in favor of Milnor. Many of the trips to games were made by train and bobsled.

In a letter to the 1971 Basketball Class "B" champs, Mr. Lee M. Enochson tells of his being a member of the 1916-17 team. "I believe 1916-17 was the beginning of basketball at Wyndmere and I was a member of that squad. I recall that each one of us bought our own jerseys, shorts, shoes and other needs. We played in a space of the old Earl School building, then unfinished. The walls were rough tile block and only the sub-floor had been laid. It was unheated. We played the towns of Enderlin, Hankinson, Milnor and Lidgerwood. Going to all by train except Lidgerwood, to get there we went by bobsled. We more or less coached ourselves; however, Mr. J.G. Matney, then the Superintendent, accompanied us to keep us in order." Mr., Enochson viewed the championship game on a Williston TV channel. What a change in lifestyle from the time he played basketball in Wyndmere. He has since passed away.

George Vaughan (also known as Shorty), played for 1917­21. He recalls the superintendents at that time were Elmer Skeie and Bridgeston. Their schedule became more widespread as they played Lidgerwood, Enderlin, Milnor, Hankinson, Wahpeton, Breckenridge and one game with the State School of Science. They collected a respectable amount from their loyal fans when they played home games, although they could only stand around the floor of the playing area upstairs in the new addition of Earl School. He remembers that their team embarrassed the Wahpeton team with an 8-7 win. They(Wahpeton) promised revenge and did so with an 85-5 trouncing upstairs in the Wahpeton Armory on a floor made very slippery by their revenging opponents. ^-About this same time we have this account of the girls team from Louise Jones Skovholt in her own words. Girls basketball was played in 1918, as I was a member of that team. We didn't have a gymnasium so we practiced and played upstairs in the Woodmen Hall. It wasn't regulation size, low ceilings, and a short court. I cannot name the team for that year but in 1920-22, Lula Hillier, Olive Erlandson, Kristine Hanson, Irene Ottis, Louise Jones, Sophia Syverson, Lucille Thorstad and Francis Stevenson were on the team. As I recall we played Hankinson, Fairmount and Enderlin. We made the trip on the Soo Line train and stayed overnight. We went to Hankinson and Fairmount in the evening and returned very early the next morning. In 1921 we played an afternoon game at the State School of Science on what we thought was a huge floor. Irene Ottis and I were guards, Olive Erlandson played center. We three usually played the whole game and I was given the honor of shooting all the free throws. Otto Halderson was our coach, he also directed all music."

 

1923-1924. Coach Otto Halderson, Arnold Dahlman, George Carver, Earl Moyer, Herb Forde, Byron Webb, Ernest Trimmer. The first team to play in the new gym.

In 1923 the new gymnasium and the high school were built. The fans never lost their enthusiasm and would pay as much as fifty cents to see their favorite team get badly defeated by the bigger and more experienced teams. There also were independent teams who provided entertainment for the fans and players. The present gym was dedicated in 1962, with the old one being used until it was condemned and torn down in 1984. The Earl School was razed at the same time.

1928. Standing: Coach Miss Barman, Norma Thompson, Helen Standy, Ruth Blackmun. Seated: Christabel Anderson Thelma Stuckey, Bernice Bohn.

1927-28 Basketball. Standing: Coach Brakke, Leroy Anderson, Tom Johnson, Kenneth Olson. Seated: William Kuchera, Lavern Ottis and Kenneth Bidgood.

"The Dirty Thirties" brought many changes to the community. The "Warriors", the school colors of maroon and gold, the first annual, organized Pep Clubs and trophies all became part of the school system and remain so today.

1931 Boys Basketball Team. Back Row: Coach Schyttner, Edwin Selland, Lamount Lee. Center Row: Gilbert Johnson, Byrd Bidgood, Tom Riley. Front Row: Ed. Dahlman, Duane Mellem.

In 1934 , Mr. Alton Strand coached a very fine team composed of the following: Donald Scramstad, Robert Simonson, Alvin Dotzenrod, Orville Peterson, Ralph Kadechka, Jack Olson, Joe Kuchera, Laverne Olson and Cleburn Braaten. They brought home the first trophy by placing second in the district tournament. The next years many of the same players remained on the team and under the fine coaching of Mr. Strand and Mr. Hank Kuchera they were able to place in the district and went on to the regional in Mayville in 1936. With seven returning lettermen, the hopes were high for the 1937 team; however, illness struck at tournament time and they had to settle for an 18-2 record.

1931 Girls Team. Back Row: Erma Springer, Rachel Blackmun, Myrtle O'Loughin, Olga Bautz, coach. Middle Row: I,averne Lee, Alta Stuckey, Alice Holden. Front Row: Eva and Helen Trimmer. 

1937 Basketball: (I to r) Back Row: Gerald Gullickson, Leonard Cink, Eugene Snyder, Coach H.E. Kuchera, Norman Selland, Lynn Gilbertson, James Klosterman. Middle Row: Cyril Novotny, Leroy Olsgaard, Perry Haugen, Wilbur Gullickson, Allen Kruchek. Front Row: Eugene Little, Orville Peterson, Joe Kuchera, Alvin Dotzenrod, Leonard Stai.

1937 Girls Basketball Team

Back Row: Doris Snyder, Coach Geraldine Erdahl, Irene Novotny. Middle Row: Evelyn Hout, Lorraine Stai, Mary Peterson, Rose Schmit. Front Row: Lorraine Olson, Evelyn (K.O.) Kadechka, Avis Halverson, Marvyl Kirkhus.

The girl's team for 1937 was coached by Geraldine Erdahl with Evelyn (K.O.) Kadechka as captain. They played the same neighborhood towns as the boys in a preliminary game. They had to hurry with their showers so the boys could get dressed for their game. There seemed to be various rules throughout the years. Some remember playing three court rules with the court divided into three parts and being allowed to dribble only once. However, most remember that they were limited to half-court play, three girls playing forward and three playing guard. They were allowed to dribble only twice, then they had to pass the ball and couldn't go beyond the center line. It was a very different game from what is played today. There was much controversy about basketball being a safe sport for girls to play, so in the early 40's it was no longer offered to girls on a competitive basis. It was used in the phy-ed program, however.

During the years of World War 11, both teachers and coaches were scarce and there was a big turnover at W.H.S. 

Some of the coaches were: M.H. Solberg, Elmer Rukke, Ralph Olsgaard, Joe Kuchera, W. Rorvig, William Ordway and Clint Lonbakken. Some of the high scorers and captains in the forties were: LeRoy Olsgaard, Wilbur Gullickson, Harold Jones, Robert Simdorn, John Bailey, Rudy Dotzenrod, Harold Wittkopp, Donald Puetz, Mel Hendricks, William Klosterman, Arnold Braaten, Malcolm McLeod, Darrel Freese, Robert Blazek, Treadwell Haugen, James Stone and many more. The Wild Rice Conference was formed in 1944-45. A sub-district tournament was held in Wyndmere for many years to determine who could go to the district tournament in Lidgerwood. This decade saw more of the Barney-Antelope students coming to Wyndmere for their junior and senior years. Barney closed their two-year high school program in the late 40's and their students were bussed to Wyndmere. In 1950, Antelope built a new gymnasium and became a four-year high school.

1959 Basketball Team

Back Row: Jerry Bommersbach, Donald Dahl, Marc Jensen, AI Breuer, Ron Dotzenrod. Middle Row: Coach Amundson, Sherwin Duncan, Alvin Brandt, Danny Hanson, Jerome Halmrast, Gerald Quam, student manager. Front Row: Richard Raphael, Winston Matthews, Dennis Heitkamp, Dennis Ford, Colin During those early years the teams and fans were transported to games by cars and the creamery trucks. All the Barney and Antelope children entered the Wyndmere schools after the redistricting in 1959, thereby increasing the enrollment and making a big improvement in the athletic program.

The 1950's coaches were: Clint Lonbakken, Bill Brown, Paul Maltrud and Ted Amundson. With players like Treadwell Haugen, Donald Dahl, Verne Eberly, Dennis Freese, Dennis Ford, Roger Lonbakken, Bob Thiel, Roger Mathiesen, James Hammond, A1 Breuer and Dennis Heitkamp, there were many dedicated athletes. A very exceptional player, Alvin Breuer, Jr., held the Wild Rice scoring record for many years. He attended N.D.S.U. and played basketball for the Bison for four years. He has coached football and basketball at the junior high level for nineteen years and still plays Old-pro basketball in Bismarck.

The district tournament continued to be held in ? Lidgerwood until the New W.H.S. gym was built.  Wyndmere hosted the district until 1969, then it was moved . to the State School of Science in Wahpeton.

With the new gym and increased enrollment, the 1960's were exceptional years for the "Warriors". They began by placing third in the district in 1960 with a 17-4 record. Lawrence Hoffman was the coach from 1960-62, Bruce Anderson from 63-65, Tom Pfaffle from 66-67 and Lynn Peterson from 68-69. some of the captains and high scorers were: Al Breuer, Jim Lekang, LeRoy Fickert, John Mellem, Verne and Jerry Greenquist, Jeff Anderson, Brian Griffin, Greg Boyer, Vance Cink, Tim Vosberg, Dave and Bill Reese, Ron Hobza and Larry and Doug Muehlberg. In 1966, the "Warriors" were second in the conference with a IS-8 record. The 1967 team under the able assistance of Coach Pfaffle, was the district champion with the record of 20-5. This team scored 117 points in a game with Milnor. Wyndmere won the Wild Rice Conference for the first time in 1968.  Lynn Peterson was the coach and their record was 16-7. In 1969 they placed fourth in the district. In 1970, Doug Groth took over the team. Their record was 15-7 and they placed second in the district tournament by upsetting Lidgerwood 43-42. Paul Muehlberg shot 100% from the free throw line, putting through 16 free throws in a row to win the game. They were later defeated by Hankinson in the championship game. There were many freshman and junior high games scheduled because of the added interest and gym space.

1968 First Conference Champs

L to r: Jeff Anderson, Gordon Vosberg, Vance Cink, Joe Busch, Larry Muehlberg, Mick Kjar, Stu Boyer, Chuck Haberman, Joel Dotzenrod, Doug Muehlberg, Dave Mindeman, Mark Huseth, Coach Lynn Peterson.

1967-68 Girls

Back Row: Karen Vosberg, Doris Haberman, Patty Dotzenrod, Mary Veit, Mrs. Horner, Marcy Karas, Peggy Hager, Mary Henkenius, Sondra Anderson. Front Row: Sharon Hager, Nancy Rudolph, Lynn Dierks, Judy Muehlberg, Judy Griffin, Mary Krogness. Not Pictured: Nrtcy Anderson.

Although the game was played in phy-ed at half-court, it wasn't until 1967-68 that the girls taped numbers on their track suits and played three schools (Havana, Milnor and St. Francis, Hankinson) in competition. They had a 3-1 record. The Wild Rice Conference for girls was started and they went to full-court play in the early 1970's.  girls coaches for these years were: Mrs. Horner, Mrs. Sailer, Mrs. Benz, Miss Laura Martin, Jan Vangness, L. Schroeder, Doug Groth, Tom Tamlyn, Ron Thompson and Karen Moreland David. Some of the girls who played at that time were: Nancy Anderson (who went on to play college ball and later coached at the high school level), Sharon Hager, Connie Boyer, Mary Frances Veit, Mary Link (played at Valley City College), Patrice Veit, Shirley Boyer, Diane Hager, Joyce David, Carol Nagel (played at N.D.S.U.), Veronica Johnson, Donna Blazek, Ida Goerger, Penny Hoffman, Bernie Braun and many more fine girl athletes who provided many thrills for the fans.

The boys, however, provided the thrill of a lifetime when they defeated New England St. Mary's (70-69 in overtime) and became "The North Dakota State B Champs" in 1971. Under the excellent coaching of Doug Groth, they defeated Ashley 76-68 in the first game and Mohall 58-55 in the second. The State Tournament was held in Grand Forks at the U.N.D. Fieldhouse. The games were attended by many Wyndmere area fans. The games were also televised. The Wyndmere team had the support of the entire community. The record for 1971 was 27-0 and "Wyndmere parents and fans were disturbed by Wyndmere's unranking in the polls despite an unbeaten string. Chided by fans from other towns, a Wyndmere parent remarked that Wyndmere was six miles west of Barney-when asked about the location of the community. That set things straight-but _quick." a quote from the Richland County Farmer Globe;

The team was composed of eight seniors: Dave Reese, Dale Sellner, Paul Muehlberg and Brian Veit, all starters, and reserves John Wolf, Gary Jordheim, Rick Becker and Lowell Anderson. The juniors were: Ron Becker, a starter, and Brian Muehlberg, Kyle Bailey and Paul Haberman. The fine workouts the reserves provided in practice kept the

1971 North Dakota State "B" Champs

starting five playing to their highest potential. They were a well-disciplined team that played together in the grades. They returned for a 10-year reunion benefit game in 1981. They played to a packed house and their opponents were returning Alumni. Many of these young men continue to play college and independent ball.

1971 Girls Basketball

Back Row: Julie Puetz, Teresa Krause, Angie Dinger, Mary Link, Mary Krogness, Janet Hoffman, Jackie Karas. Middle Row: Mrs. Benz, Mary Haberman, Estelle Kjos, Jean Langseth, Carol Nagel, KristieJohnson. Bottom Row: Susan Selzer, Gail Brosowske, Diane Hager, Shirley Boyer, Patrice Veit, Patty Schmit, and Patty Dotzenrod.

Coach Doug Groth. Head Coach Boys-9 years-Record 156­63. Head Coach Girls-3 years-Record 12-37. 3 Wildrice Conference Championships: 1971-72-73. 4 District 1 Championships: 1971-72-74-77. 2 Holiday Tournament Championships: 1971-72. 1 Regional Championship: 1971. 1 State Class "B" Championship: 1971. 1971 Class "B" Coach of the Year for the state of North Dakota.

In 1971, Douglas Groth won the honor of "North Dakota Coach of the Year" at the age of 26. Both players and fans respected his talents as a coach and his ability to get the best performance possible from the boys and girls in basketball.

The winning streak continued into the 1972 season. The record for that year was 22-2. They lost only to Hankinson in regular season play after winning 37 games in a row, and then lost to Oakes in the regional tournament semi-final game. They were first in the conference, first in the district and third in the regional.

Ron Becker, a senior in 1972, was named to the "All-American Top 100" and "All American Cum Laude" for his efforts in basketball. Some of Ron's other accomplishments are listed in this clipping from the Daily News. Ron played college basketball for U.N.D. for four years and still plays independent ball.

Ron Becker,

1972 All-American.

 FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 1972 THE DAILY NEWS

It was a deserving honor for 6-8 senior Ron Becker of Wyndmere to be named on a 10-man honor all-state team this week. Becker who closed out a record-breaking career at Wyndmere high school climaxed an outstanding four-years by leading his team to a State Class B title in 1971 and third place in the Region I Class B tournament this year. Becker, perhaps one of the finest players to come out of this area, compiled a four-year scoring record of 1477 points in 83 games. He also hauled down 1100 rebounds in his four-year tenure. The light-haired, soft-spoken Becker fired at a 49 per cent pace from the field- many at close range but also many with two or three defenders hanging on him.

In those 83 games he recorded 589 field goals and 289 free throws. He averaged 17.8 points per game during his four years of participation for coach Doug Groth. Though 1971 was his finest year for rebound­ing, this past season was his best effort for jutting the ball through the hoop. Becker called "Moose" by the Wyndmere cheering section meshed 601 points this year-526 in 1970-71, 270 in 1969-70 and 80 in 1968­69. During his years his team rolled up a 72-23 record, with 21 of those losses in the first two years. His rebounding totaled 264 in his sophomore year, 386 ac­a junior and 336 this year. Becker's scoring accomplishments were 80 points as a freshman, 270 his sophomore year, 526 as a junior and 601 his senior year.

Becker's point totals broke all-time scoring records at Wyndmere. His 50 point single game effort also set a new individual record at Wyndmere.

Senior Brian Muehlberg erased a five-year-old assists record by recording 127 this past season.

There were many exceptional teams to follow in the 1970's. The 1973 "Warrior" basketball team was again the Wild Rice Co-Champions. They finished with a record of 19­4 and received a third place trophy at the district. Wayne Meslow, Terry Rudolph and Mark Boyer were the award winners for that year. The 1974 team won the district tournament and placed fourth in regional play. Their record was 17-4. The Warriors record was 15-9 in 1975 and they placed second in district play, being defeated by Fairmount 53-38. They went on to play in the regional at Valley City and were defeated by Enderlin.

The Warriors continued to win honors throughout the 1970's with many individual trophies awarded. Some of those deserving recipients were: Scott Link, Chuck Hendricks (who scored one thousand career points and played for N.D.S.U.), Wayne Meslow, Doug Erbes, Marty Boyer, Brian Meslow, Randy Iwen, Howard Bailey, Steve Becker, Wes Bailey, Steve Johnson, Paul Veit, Jesse Heitkamp, Todd Heitkamp, Allan Jordheim, Stan Cushing, Jim Huseth, Mitch Strege and Bob Haberman.

Karen Moreland David has coached the girl's team during the late seventies and early eighties. Their schedule was changed to coincide with the boy's football schedule; therefore helping to eliminate the demand for gym space. They have a preliminary game usually by the "B" squad. The seventh and eighth graders also have their own schedule of games. An All-conference team is selected each year at the end of the season. Some of the girls who have won this award are: Kim Braaten, Rachel Wickoren, Marsha Link, Marge Griffin, Carol Braaten, Beth Braaten and Barb Gelinski.

1984 Basketball

Back Row: Ramona Grant, Kim Spelhaug, Beth Braaten, Janelle Lillestol and Cindy Johnson. Front Row: Janet Veit, Barb Gelenski, Mary Braun, Leann Hegseth, and Rachel Klosterman.

 The 1984-85 girl's team, who just finished their season, has the best overall record for the "Warriorettes". They tied for second in the conference and won third in the district tournament held at the State School of Science. They were defeated in a semi-final game by a fine Lidgerwood team that is headed for the Girl's State "B" Tournament for the third year in a row. The Warriorettes also won the 1984 Bobcat Invitational Tournament held in Gwinner. The future looks bright for girl's basketball in Wyndmere.

The coaches so far in the 1980's have been Tom Tamlyn and Ron Thompson. The Warrior standouts for the 80's have been: Roger Haberman, Dean Gutzmer, Dan Heitkamp, Mike Frisch, Rich Metcalf, Allan Heitkamp, Errol Schoenfish, Andy Braaten, Tom Breuer, Richard Breden, Edmund Goerger and Brian Becker. There are many awards given at this time including an All-conference team, most valuable player, most improved, hustle award, top rebounder, best field goal percentage, hardest worker and best free throw percentage awards.

A history of basketball or any sport in a community would not be complete without recognizing the contribution made by others than the coach and his team. There is little credit given to so many who help make up the atmosphere at the games-the pep band, cheerleaders, pom pon girls who spend hours practicing their routines, the assistant coach who puts in many long hours, parents who wait with meals or eat early on game nights and also provide transportation so their boy or girl gets to practice or to the game, not to mention the injuries they sometimes suffer through with their son or daughter, the student managers and their many responsibilities, the referees, scorekeepers, bus drivers, and janitors all help make the game possible and enjoyable. And what would a game be without popcorn? The community has been very fortunate to have had dedicated superintendents and principals who see that games go on as scheduled and are properly supervised. The fans are as much a part of the game as the players. May they continue to support and enjoy the game.

We would like to thank the many people who helped us with this history of basketball. We have tried to present the facts as best we could. We realize that we may have missed someone in mentioning names. There have been many excellent players and teams throughout the years who don't receive the credit they deserve and if we missed mentioning them it was not intentional.

The Warriors and their fans are looking for a good year at the beginning of this 1984-85 season with Coach Dave Hodgson and his boy's team. "GOOD LUCK WARRIORS".