For many high school basketball players in South Dakota, the Corn Palace in Mitchell represents a pinnacle of sporting achievement. However, for one individual reflecting on his youth, the dream of stepping onto that iconic court remains elusive. Growing up in the 1950s, this former player recalls the excitement and allure the Corn Palace held for young athletes.
High School Memories and Missed Opportunities
The player, who competed for the Chamberlain Cubs, faced the Mitchell Kernels during the section tournament in 1962. Although the game took place at Parkston, a local gym, the Corn Palace loomed large in the minds of many. “Those were the places kids dreamed of playing, whether in a tournament or a routine game,” he reflected. Yet, he never had the chance to experience the thrill of playing on its famed floor.
In that tournament, the Cubs fought hard but ultimately fell short against the Kernels. “We tried. We played as hard as we knew how,” he recalled, adding that he felt physically outmatched by the Kernels’ center. His coach, Elton Byre, encouraged him to stand his ground, leaving a lasting impression as a mentor.
Fond Memories of the Corn Palace
Despite not playing at the Corn Palace, he visited numerous times throughout his childhood. One notable memory dates back to first or second grade when his father took the family to see Harry James and his Orchestra. “We must have gone to one or two other shows,” he said, reminiscing about the vibrant atmosphere filled with rides, attractions, and food vendors. The building’s exterior, adorned with colorful corn sculptures, left a significant impression on a young boy from a farming background.
As a junior high student in 1958, he witnessed the excitement of a basketball game at the Corn Palace when the Cubs faced Forestburg for a chance to qualify for the State B tournament. Although Chamberlain was the favored team, a talented sharp-shooter named Lamoine Torgerson dashed their hopes that night.
Years later, as a parent, he experienced a different perspective when his younger son played center for the Pierre Governors. During his son’s senior year, the team earned a place in the Corn Palace after an upset win over Aberdeen in the opening round. The nostalgic father and his wife, Nancy, drove to the game, picking up his mother along the way.
Though she was not a basketball enthusiast, she was fiercely protective of her grandson. As the game progressed, she became visibly upset with the physical nature of the match. “Look at that. Those Mitchell kids are pushing Andy all the time,” she exclaimed, her indignation palpable. Despite attempts to explain the game’s competitive nature, she remained unconvinced of the fairness of the situation. Unfortunately, the Governors lost that match, but their journey to the Corn Palace remained a cherished memory.
Ultimately, the Corn Palace serves as a symbol of dreams and aspirations for many South Dakota athletes. While this player never walked off its court, his reflections reveal the deep connections forged through sports and the lasting impact of shared experiences. For countless players and fans, the Corn Palace will always represent a stage where dreams could have been realized.
