Otter dream ends at state

Girls brought community together

By Tom Hintgen (Contact) | The Daily Journal

Published Thursday, March 13, 2008

Otter girls basketball fans said this morning that the state tournament participants, who lost in overtime Wednesday evening in a gallant effort at Target Center in Minneapolis, pulled the community together.

“The girls played with heart and gave it their all last evening,” said former Otter basketball player Dave Johnson this morning at City Bakery & Coffee Shop. “The city really came together in support of the Otter girls. This spirit of girls basketball will carry on in this community for many years to come.”

V.J. Block, also having coffee this morning at City Bakery, said coming together in support of the Otter girls at state has, in her words, “been really good for this community.”

Johnson played guard for renowned Otter coach Duane Baglien in the mid 1950s and later was a basketball referee. He said much of the credit for success of girls basketball — culminating in the 2008 girls team winning the section title and making it to state — should go to the local Back Court Club which works with both girls and boys, starting with third graders.

“This team (2008 Otter girls) have played together since third grade,” he said. “We all had a really fun ride in recent days.”

Saul Stensvaag, senior pastor at First Lutheran Church who attended the state tourney game Wednesday evening, said it was a thrill to gather with so many community members to cheer for a great Otter girls basketball team.

“They played with poise and determination,” Stensvaag said, “only to lose in overtime to a Minnehaha Academy team that refused to go away. This Fergus team obviously enjoys playing together. They worked hard all season long.”

He said memories of the 2008 Otter girls team, and what they accomplished, will last a long time.

“In addition to the team,” Stensvaag said, “our community also can be proud of the best pep band in the state, a wonderful student cheering section, supportive parents and community members, dedicated coaches, teachers and school officials.”

This morning, at Fergus Falls High School, students also sang the praises of the Otter girls.

Eric Anderson, a sophomore who attended the game last evening at Target Center, said it was an exciting time being with so many fans from Fergus Falls attending the Otter girls game in the Twin Cities.

“In was very special for me, and others, when the band played and we sang the school song after the game,” said Anderson, himself an Otter athlete who participates in cross country, hockey and baseball.

Fellow sophomore Jordan Burns said she was on one of nine fans buses that traveled to the Twin Cities.

“It was so exciting, but intense, while watching a great basketball game,” said Burns, who participates in dance. “I’m glad I could take part in this fun time with all of the people from Fergus.”