Sleepy Eye welcomes home its championsState champion Indians take a bow

By FRITZ BUSCH

Journal Staff Writer

SLEEPY EYE -- Several hundred parents, fans, students, and Sleepy Eye fire fighters turned out for a final reception for the Minnesota Class A State Champion Sleepy Eye Indian baseball team late Friday night.

The team bus was greeted by two fire trucks and hundreds of joyous fans at 11:30 p.m. Friday in the Jubilee Foods parking lot.

Players got off the bus in the parking lot and climbed on fire trucks and rode them west on Main Street across town to the high school where a celebration followed in the gym at 11:55 p.m.

Sleepy Eye Athletic Director Dean Ristau spoke first in the gym.

"What a way to finish out the year and start a new year," said Ristau of the 25-3 Indians that also won the Class A Sportsmanship Award.

"We've had a lot of good baseball seasons over the years, but this team is very close and focused," Ristau said. "I saw kids with good grades and good attitudes. We're all proud of you. You really put Sleepy Eye on the map again. You gave us a positive attitude and positive feeling."

Head coach Bruce Belseth thanked everybody for coming out late at night to greet his team.

"You dream about things like this," Belseth said. "To see the fire trucks and all the people, it's unbelievable."

The night before the Indians' first state tournament game, the team's seven seniors spoke to the team at the hotel.

"What a tremendous group of seniors. I'll never forget the last time we put our hands together and yelled 'team' at the state tournament. It's going to be tough to say goodbye," Belseth said.

Loren "Bear" Havemeier thanked the coaches and fans for all their support and for giving him great memories.

There is no sitting on laurels for Havemeier. Saturday morning, he left for Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter to train for the state high school all-star football game set for 2 p.m. Saturday at Macalaster College in St. Paul.

Havemeier who has played hockey in Canada, the Great 8 tourney and the Chicago Showcase, has signed with the Tri-City Storm semipro hockey team of Kearney, Neb. However, colleges continue to show interest in him, including the University of Minnesota.

Jim Eckstein, picked to play in the Minnesota Lions All-Star Baseball Game, said he didn't know what to say except to thank everyone.

"'Bear' pretty much said everything," said Bryan Weiss. "I'd like to thank the coaches and fans for everything, especially Mr. Deibele for getting on my case."

Steve Geschwind thanked everyone for what he considered "the best time of his life."

"This has been a dream since I ever picked up a baseball glove. Thanks," said Cole Deibele.

Ross Lendt thanked the coaches for all the time and hard work they put in with the team.

Mike Nachreiner said winning the state tournament was "the greatest feeling of my life."

Bryce Belseth thanked the seniors for being the greatest group of guys he ever played with.

Coach Dean Deibele thanked the parents of the players.

"It has truly been a pleasure and an honor to coach these fine young men," said Deibele. "It was great to see the great fan support including many from St. Mary's. I'd like to congratulate Coach Belseth. He truly deserves to be a state champion coach."

Team statistician Emily Lowther thanked the team for all its hard work.

Coach John Hirschboeck said it was great fun to be with the kids and thanked them. He said if St. Mary's had been in the state tournament instead of the Indians, they would have won it too.

Veteran Sleepy Eye umpire and long-time baseball enthusiast Wayne Cook said he didn't remember when a state champion baseball team dominated the way the Indians did, outscoring opponents 26-1 and not allowing an earned run, making great defensive plays and show great team balance.

"It will be tough to match that," Cook said. "There are some records to shoot for now. It was by far the best baseball I've seen at this level."

Another Sleepy Eye baseball player and fan, Dr. Dean Brinkman, was also impressed.

"The seniors led by example and played together like a family. They excelled in the classroom and in the community. As a baseball player, I can really appreciate that," said Brinkman.