Itasca County Sports History

1964

May 11, 1964: “Rapids Takes Fourth Place”

An improving Grand Rapids track squad placed fourth in the Beaver relay at Bemidji Saturday behind Hibbing, Aurora-Hoyt Lakes, and Superior Central.

Hurdler Mike Nielsen took first in the highs with a 15.5 performance, his best of the season, and ran second in the lows at 20.5.

Coach Mike Nielsen’s mile relay team of Weller, Nielsen, Schmidt, and Toivonen was second, and the medley relay team of Weller, Meissner, Varani, and Schields was fourth.

Sprinter Gary Meissner was fourth in the 100, Arnold Schmidt was second in the mile, and Richard Gould was fourth in the pole vault. Ron Kirsch was fifth in the low hurdles. Next event for the Indians will be the Iron Range conference meet at Hibbing Thursday. Junior high track candidates will compete in the district junior high meet at Chisholm Friday.

1974

May 6, 1974: “Name hockey sales chief”

Mr. and Mrs. LeRoy Grussendorf have received word that their son-in-law Gordon p. MacDowell has been named Sales Manager for the Northland Hockey division of Larson Industries, Inc.

In his new position, MacDowell will be responsible for national sales of Northland Hockey sticks and equipment. MacDowell has 15 years active experience in sales, the last ten years of which have included executive sales administration. He received his bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Minnesota in 10=966.

Larsons manufacture a full line of professional and amateur hockey sticks at it’s facilities in Richford, Vt. and in LeCenter, Minn.

Mrs. MacDowell is the former Carol Jean Grussendorf. The MacDowells and their three children live in Bloomington.

1994

May 8, 1994: “Rapids tops Denfeld 9-6”

The Grand Rapids Indians defeated Duluth Denfeld 9-6 in high school softball action at home Wednesday. The win gives the Indians a 5-8 record for the season.

Shelly Sjostrand was the winning pitcher on the mound for Grand Rapids. She pitched the distance allowing seven hits, while walking three and striking out one.

Carla Kuusisto and Jenny MacKay both had two hits for the Indians. MacKay drove in two runs while Christina Burggraf had one hit and drove in two runs.

“It was the most complete game we have played all season,” said coach Lee Alto. “We turned one double play and nearly turned another. I think Amanda Longtin played her best defensive game of the year at shortstop for us.”

Amy Greiner had two hits with a triple and Amy Ornell had a two-run home run for Duluth Denfeld.