Luther Says Farewell to Their Gym

Your support keeps truth alive in Decorah—donate to local news today! DECORAH — Luther College packed the gymnasium, Saturday, February 22, to celebrate the final regular season games for both the Men's and Women's Basketball Teams, but they also said thank you and farewell to the gym itself, a space that for decades hosted wrestling meets, homecoming dances, high school admissions fairs, Messiah Concerts (led by the venerated Weston Noble), graduation ceremonies, thousands of gym classes, rock concerts, and of course too many basketball games to count. The current gym features moveable bleachers that, when tucked away, open up into three full-size basketball courts. The floor itself—made of special spring-like material underneath—has most likely saved many knees over the years but is starting to wear down. The gym will be converted this March into a full basketball arena, which will allow for seating to encompass the entire space—on all sides—which will allow for a more dynamic atmosphere for both players and spectators. For the final regular season games, Luther invited community members along with former players to celebrate the space. In addition to the two games, fans and alums heard halftime speeches and were treated to food and beverages. The Luther Women's team got the day started with a game against the Dutch of Central College. Luther had already secured a number four seed in the American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) tournament but competed on Saturday afternoon as if still vying for a tournament spot. Led by the quick-footed backcourt duo of Haylie Strum and Kate Hosking, who combined for 34 points, the Norse held a close two-point lead after three quarters but dropped 21 points in the fourth while holding Central to only 6 points, thus securing a 65-48 win. From the get-go, Strum, always the pace-setter, took the opening jump ball directly to the hoop for a quick bucket. A few possessions later, the 5-6 guard blocked a shot in dramatic fashion, injecting the Norse with a shot of adrenaline. But in the second quarter, Central went on a shooting spree led by Abby Johnson, who had 13 for the game. Central went up six points, leading 29-23. With two minutes left in the quarter, the Norse rattled off eight unanswered to take a two-point lead. Central finally got a bucket of their own to tie the game. Strum finished the half with yet another huge block at the buzzer, this one on the baseline in front of the bleachers where legendary Luther coaches and faculty sat watching in the second row. Among the crowd were former Luther Women's head basketball coach Jane Hildebrand and celebrated faculty member and 1960 Luther alum Betty Hoff. Ms. Hoff served on the faculty from 1961-2004. The teams went into halftime tied at 31. At halftime, Coach Jane Hildebrand took the podium, which was situated at the free throw line of the home basket, and spoke about her time as the Luther head coach from 1985-2011. Hildebrand, a 1974 graduate of Luther, was assistant coach from 1982-84 before securing the reins for an incredible 27 seasons, where she led the Norse women to several National Tournament playoff spots. After recapping her favorite memories, Hildebrand talked about the special people and relationships she's made along the way, and those people and relationships are what have stayed with her all these years. One of those relationships was with Christina Gaard, a Decorah native and 2007 Luther College graduate, who took the podium after Coach Hildebrand. Gaard echoed much of what Hildebrand said. The big games were amazing, Gaard explained, but it all came down to the people—the friendships and community—that really made the experience as a Norse basketball player. Mike Bockenstedt and Jen (Usgaard) Bockenstedt, Luther College class of 1996, echoed these sentiments. Mike, who ranks second in career scoring, rebounds, and blocked shots, said in reference to his time as a student-athlete, "I think about all the teammates and friends I made... going to practice… bus rides to games…" Mike notes that it was "…a great environment to develop those relationships." Similarly, his wife, Jen, loved to connect with the people, the community members, including her grandmother and her friends who used to attend the games. But also, Jen says, after a big win, "Sharing that excitement with the fans and teammates." And on Saturday, the Luther Women's basketball team was able to share a big win over Central with the fans as well. After a close third quarter, Luther exploded for 21 in the fourth, thus securing the game. Senior forward Kailey Jones recorded her forty-seventh career double-double after tallying 14 boards and 13 points. Strum finished with 20 points, leading all scorers, along with five steals. Hosking finished with 14 points and two blocks, while first-year Natalie Beaver chipped in with nine points and four blocks. After shaking hands with Central, the Luther women walked out to the middle of the court and led the fans in the L-U chant, with cheers and clapping that followed. The Luther Men's team also hosted the Dutch of Central College. The Norse started the first half with a flurry of made three-point shots, led by the hot hand of senior Will Bockenstedt, the son of Mike and Jen. Bockenstedt hit a total of six treys on the day and finished with 20 points. The Norse's defensive game plan worked effectively, especially in the first half. They slipped into a hybrid zone whose emphasis was to limit the number of touches for Central's center Joshua VanGorp, who leads the A-R-C in both points and rebounding, a cool 22 and 11, respectively. The zone defense held VanGorp to just nine points and eight boards, but Central's center got help from Grant Uecker, who came off the bench and went 5-7 from downtown, scoring 17 points. While Luther led 38-31 going into halftime, Central was able to break Luther's zone by going 10-18 from downtown in the second half. Central secured a 78-69 win. Joining Bockenstedt in double-digit scoring were Aidan Bailey with 13 and Jeremy Andera with 11. Javier Rowell came off the bench to hit a few midrange jump shots, but his hesitation dribble and drive against a Central defender, which resulted in a layup, was the biggest crowd pleaser of the game, bringing the student section to their feet. At halftime of the men's game, Luther's longtime Sports Information Director (SID), Dave "Blanch" Blanchard, took the podium and spoke directly to the crowd, pointing out Hall of Fame basketball players and record holders who sat in the stands, recognizing the players who'd come back to honor the space where they'd made so many great memories. One such player was Kari Tufte, a 1996 graduate who still holds the top spot in career points. Blanch, taking a casual approach on the mic, said, "There's Kari Tufte. Record holder. Did you ever miss a basket?" Tufte, from the stands, kind of shrugged and smiled. The answer to Blanch's question: not many. In addition to being career leader in points, Tufte also holds the record for career shooting percentage with a mind-blowing 65% from the field, with almost 1,200 shot attempts. After Blanch spoke, Tyler Weidemeier, a 2013 graduate of Luther, spoke about his time on the court, defending the post, which earned him a record book top spot that would make Shaq jealous, with nearly 250 blocks over four years. Weidemeier, like the others who spoke before him, referenced great games and moments, but it wasn't "so much about the physical space, but about the people." Indeed, for those who witnessed the end of an era, it was not a somber occasion but a celebration—a tribute to the moments and memories, the friendships and community fostered by the space itself. These long-lasting, meaningful relationships will endure well beyond the gym's renovation. Still, if you want to watch one more game in Luther's Fieldhouse, the Luther Women will host the University of Dubuque in the opening round of the A-R-C tournament. The game is Tuesday, February 25, at 7:00 p.m. More info about Saturday's games, including individual and team statistics, can be found here. More info about Luther's Fieldhouse renovations can be found here. Join the community of savvy subscribers (for free)! Get the latest updates, tips, and insider information by subscribing to the free newsletter today.