CLOQUET, Minn. - Nearly 50 years ago, Cloquet was on top of the basketball world, as they qualified for three state tournaments in 1958, 1962 and 1963. Over time, members from those historic teams have gone their separate ways - but this Saturday marks a special day when they will all get back together.
Saturday, July 11, is the day for coaches, players and cheerleaders from all three legendary squads to celebrate, remember and look back on all the wonderful memories at the first-ever Cloquet High School Basketball State Tournament Reunion.
The reunion is scheduled to begin around 10 a.m. at the Cloquet Country Club, where members of the teams will get the opportunity to socialize and enjoy the annual Cloquet Invitational Golf Tournament. At 6:30 p.m., the reunion will move to the Lumberjack Lounge for dinner and more fun.
"I'm very excited," said Andy Coathup, a member of the '58 state tournament club. "Our last reunion was in '68 and I mean how many more years are we going to be able to do this? It's just really meaningful to get back with everyone and have a good time."
The reunion was organized by Dave Meisner - a member of the '62 and '63 squads, as well an all-state selection both seasons.
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Commemorative T-shirts, DVDs and books highlighting the teams will be available for sale at the reunion, while family, friends, relatives and schoolmates are encouraged to attend the event to have fun celebrating with these star-filled Lumberjack teams.
More than half of the members of all three state tournament teams are expected to attend.
"We've never done this before," said Coathup. "But we all know each other very well and hope it all goes smoothly. It should be just be a really good, fun and exciting time for everyone.
