Tower-Soudan Winter Homecoming

Tower-Soudan High School celebrated Winter Homecoming this week.

So just what does it mean to be a Tower-Soudan Golden Eagle?

As Tower-Soudan students, parents and community members struggle with the upcoming closure of the Tower-Soudan High School, several Tower-Soudan alumni came together to speak to students at this week’s Winter Homecoming, the last homecoming for Tower-Soudan High School students.

“You will all be alumni of the Tower-Soudan High School,” Paul Herring told the students. Herring graduated from Tower-Soudan 45 years ago, and his four children, including current T-S teacher Tim Herring, all are T-S graduates.

Paul reminded the students of the days when the teams played much larger schools.

“We were the giant killers,” he said. “Small schools playing big schools, and sometimes we came out the winner.”

Herring recounted a matchup between Tower and Virginia, when the Virginia coach had stated his team was going to set an all-time school scoring record against the Eagles.

“They did win,” he said, “But by a 35-17 score, nowhere close to a record. We stood our ground for three quarters.” He joked that they had their hands up in the air so long that their armpit hairs got tugged by the opposing players.

Herring said the Eagles have a proud tradition of conference and district championships that won’t be forgotten.

“There are lots of great memories,” he said.

“The Tower-Soudan Golden Eagles will always be in your heart,” said Christina Hujanen, another proud T-S graduate. “The pride and the traditions will remain.”

Assistant boys basketball coach Jim Carlson graduated from T-S 48 years ago.

He told students he could remember standing in this same gym, and watching his basketball coach, standing on the same court line, speak to the basketball players during their homecoming week.

“We were about to play Virginia,” he said. “And what he told us is the same thing I will tell you.”

Carlson spoke about the lessons he had learned as a Golden Eagle. The importance of developing basic skills. The nature of luck. But most importantly, the simple act of giving all your effort to the game.

“The sky is the limit,” he said. “It is up to each individual. But if all five of you on the floor are giving your 100 percent, you are going to win that game.” Carlson talked about how effort could supersede skill levels and luck.

“You can do wonders,” he said.

Carlson singled out senior player Anthony Broten.

“He knows what effort is on the defense side,” Carlson said. “He gives 115%. He’s a role model to follow. Even though he is often six inches shorter than the other players on defense, he gets his shots and rebounds.”

Coach Derek Bjorgo, a younger T-S graduate, noted that he has been growing and learning along with his young team.

“Where ever you choose to go,” he told his players, “continue to learn.”

Herring reminded the students that Tower-Soudan has seen change before, and has prospered.

“In 1963 when the mine closed,” he said, “everyone thought it would be the end of our community. But surprise, we are still here. The closing of the school is also a change. But we are a strong community. We care about one another. Hail to Tower-Soudan.”

Homecoming week also included afterschool activities at Sulu’s and Good Ol’ Days, movies, games, a cake-decorating contest (thanks to cake-baking from Sulu’s) and a semi-formal dance on Friday night.