Blast from the past - preseason football previews in 1983

"Brooten is young Prairie contender"

With a total of 10 starters back, among a robust turnout of 39 players, Brooten will take aim at its first Prairie Conference title this fall since 1973.

"We're still basically a young team," notes veteran coach Jerry Lindstrom. "But I'm sure some teams will look at us as a contender." Brooten was 4-5 last year, including 4-3 in the Prairie after winning its first four league games.

All-conference quarterback Mike Marthaler is back for his third season after setting school records last year for pass attempts and completions. (74-176 for 950 yards) Catching a school-record 28 was Jim Remer, a running back moved to split end in the twin-set formation.

Remer, receiver Darrin Hatelstad, and fullback Chad Mithaugen are veterans as juniors.

Most of the line is returning starters: jr Loren Amundson (200 lbs) and seniors Paul Rooney (190), Brian Kollman, and Tony Hofmann.

All eight offensive returnees also started on defense last year. Senior end Dan Freese and junior cornerback Wade Hanson are the other defensive veterans.

"I'd say we're definitely the pick to win it," says Marthaler. "With ten starters back, I'm sure the other coaches are looking at us."

Marthaler, who trimmed himself down last spring for track, reported that he and his teammates made good use of the school's new weightlifting equipment over the summer.
Lindstrom sees Swanville and Eagle Bend as conference favorites.

1983 schedule for the Buccaneers - Belgrade, Kimball, Browerville, Grey Eagle, Clarissa, Swanville, Eagle Bend, Upsala, Verndale. (Final 7 games are Prairie)
1983 schedule for the Redmen - Brooten, Eden Valley-Watkins, Menahga, Sebeka, Parkers Prairie, Royalton, Brandon/Evansville, Elbow Lake-Wendell-Barrett, Osakis/Villard. (Final five games are Prairie Lakes)

In 1982, the Belgrade Redmen made it to the Dome and finished 12-1 with a 16-14 loss to Truman in the Prep Bowl, on a last-minute field goal. They won the Prairie Lakes title their first year in the league.

Pete Wengler as a sophomore in 1982 was the District 20A champion in the 100 and 200 meter dashes.

In 1982, senior Paul Beuning carried the ball an average of 21 rushes per game.

In 1983, they'll play a five game Prairie Lakes Conference schedule. "Contending with the Redmen for the title should be Osakis, Parkers Prairie, and Brandon-Evansville. Osakis paired with Villard for the 1983 season, increasing its enrollment as the PLC's biggest school," stated the West Central Tribune.