Homecoming 2004 triggers memories

Fergus falls 21-7 on a
blustery, chilly night
2003 exhibition still most memorable
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By T. Obert
Roundup Reporter
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Last night was homecoming. We beat Fergus Falls 21-7 on a chilly, blustery evening.
I seem to recall we played Fergus for homecoming our senior year - the slogan "Fergus Otter Fall" sticks in my mind. Looking back, we did not excel that year (Ah well, it's a brutish game, anyway).
Also last night, the 1994 team was honored for being 13-0 before losing to Anoka in the state championship game. The undefeated state championship team from 1974 was duly noted.
In our first two years back in Alex, 2001 and 2002, we followed our team to the "final four" in the Metrodome (after having watched them beat Cretin-Durham Hall in the quarter finals both years - unbelievable). We thought this was something that happened all the time. It isn't, of course, and we can take pride in the accomplishments of our teams because we have the smallest enrollment of any "big" city school.
In what is apparently a homecoming tradition, the Cardinal varsity girls volleyball team comes out in full football regalia (sans helmets) to join the cheerleaders, who are numerous and exceedingly cute, on the sidelines. The first time it happened, we wondered who those Amazons were because, of course, they're all about a head taller than the cheerleaders - come to think of it, they're all about a head taller than our defensive tackles, who are both under 6 feet.
Come to think of it, they are all about a head taller than anyone on our basketball team during our senior year. (He's right, you could look it up. -- Editor)

Naked reverse?
But as exciting as last night's activities were, it didn't quite live up to last year's.
It was a beautiful Friday night in 2003 for Alex's homecoming game against mighty Bemidji. About half-way through the 3rd quarter, Alex scored to go further ahead, 38-0.
As both teams huddled on the sidelines awaiting the next kickoff, a young man raced the entire length of the field, end zone to end zone, wearing not a single stich of clothing.
Needless to say, the event created heightened interest in the proceedings - among other things, this reporter's wife commented on "shrinkage" in the 40+ degree weather.
But it didn't end there. A mid-fourth-quarter touchdown inspired a second fine young Cardinal to traverse the same route in identical attire. At about the 30-yard line, not to be outdone, he paused to turn a big, showy cart wheel. (He, the crowd could now see, was certainly no natural blonde.) Meanwhile, enthused Alex cheerleaders, in resolute keeping of their given responsibilities, bounced along the sidelines, urging him ever onward.
With the Alexandria homecoming touchdown ritual firmly established, the loyal Cardinal fans now breathlessly anticipated additional touchdowns, wondering exactly how future celebrants might raise the bar.
Alas, the next Alexandria Cardinal homecoming touchdown didn't come until last night, and, it is my duty to report, the streak has been broken.