This team was made up of some of my best friends – Kevin Jones, Mike Martin, Karl Sherve, Mike Chappius – guys who I had known my whole life and a new one who I was a little interested in, Leo Bennett.

The rest of the team was made up of seniors Richard Robles, Lance Monath, Rick Ratkey and juniors John Shepherd, Steve Dow, Kenny Loflin and Chad Vial.

It was a bit demoralizing because our guys were seeded lower than Quincy and had to make the trip over on a Friday night. Led by 22 points from Kevin Jones, the Grizzlies were victorious 67-58 and went on to beat Anderson in the next round 62-56.

From the March 22nd, 1988 issue of the Lassen County Times. It didn’t say who the photographer was in the article, but to whoever took these for the paper, thank you!

The first state playoff game was one for the history books. The Grizzlies took on Center High School out of Sacramento. Their center, Rich Manning, had been heavily recruited and later played college ball at Syracuse.

The LCC gym was packed and the game was intense from the very start. The lead went back and forth and was tied at the end of regulation. Somehow, again details and memory are not as sharp as they once were, Lassen came out on top 73-70.

Kevin Jones says he nailed three threes in a row to tie it before OT, while Mike Martin remembers Kevin being in foul trouble and sitting. Either way, it was a win and the Grizzlies advanced to the second round.

On a Friday, we loaded the Suburbans and Coach Murin’s motorhome and drove to Terra Linda high school in San Rafael. Nobody really remembers what happened there, except that we lost. But what followed was a great team dinner and a trip to Great America where Coach Murin and his wife MaryAnn were so kind and welcoming and made us feel like family.

Looking back Kevin Jones remembers, “[We were a] really close group of great guys. Had to go on the road through the section because we were under ranked.” They were the first team to win a state play off game, followed thirty years later by another special team (that my son Jacob was on) in 2018.

Mike Martin recalls, “I remember an average team as it relates to basketball ability, but an above average group of guys as it relates to teamwork, work ethic, grit, and the willingness to do whatever it took for each other.” It brought our school and community together and the team was supported by many different people and places.

The didn’t get rings, or even a t-shirt to commemorate their place in LHS history. Kevin says, “I think someone brought it up, but it wasn’t something we all hung on.” The friendships they came away with were much more than that. This team was special.

Mike says, “I still use that team as an example of what can be done when you come together as a team and do whatever it takes for each other.”

Thirty-five years later these men have carried on the success that started on the basketball court into their communities. They are husbands, fathers, educators, business owners, and volunteers. There’s a principal, former police chief, school superintendent, and a lawyer in that group. And many coaches.

Rich, Kevin, Leo, Mike C., John, and Mike M. have all coached at the high school and even college level, sharing their basketball IQ with many players over the years. And this cheerleader couldn’t be more proud of her childhood friends and the one who became her husband.

Remember when news was ‘newsy’? When you read about weddings, family events and engagement announcements in the newspaper? If you have something that might be newsworthy, please submit it to shelleybennett24@gmail.com and I’ll do my best to include it here in “The Good Stuff.”

He’s very strong and his potential adopter should be ready to address this. With the recent snow and cold weather, it has been more difficult to assess and determine whether shelter pups are dog-friendly, so staff is still in the process of evaluating Hooch. What IS clear is how much Hooch likes to play with stuffed toys, especially ones that squeak. He’s a playful fellow who would benefit from an active home where he can be given healthy outlets for his energy.

Prior to adoption, Hooch will be neutered, vaccinated and heartworm tested. If interested in meeting Hooch or other adoptable animals at the shelter, please contact staff at 530.257.9200.

Featured animals at the Lassen County Animal Shelter are available for adoption on a first-come-first-serve basis. According to California law, all adoptable dogs and cats must be spayed and neutered before leaving our facility. If interested in adopting an animal, please contact the shelter directly.

Current shelter hours during the COVID-19 pandemic are Monday through Friday, 9:00a.m. to 3:00p.m. Closed Saturday and Sunday. You can contact the shelter at 257-9200.

Lassen County Old-Timers Gwen and Robert Baker in

the 2019 Fair Parade, driven by Fred Wemple and Jim Wolcott

Deadline for Submitting Old Timers and

Grand Marshal Nominations One Month Away

The Lassen County Fair has opened nominations for two big annual honors, the Old Timer of the Year award and the Fair Parade Grand Marshal. Both awards will be celebrated at this year’s fair, which runs from July 19th through the 23rd.

The Old Timer of the Year

The Old Timer of the Year award is judged on kindness and service to our community. The nominee has to be at least 60 years old and have lived in Lassen County for at least 10 years.

This award honors a senior who has demonstrated outstanding volunteerism, leadership, helping, teaching, mentoring, or advocating for others in Lassen County.

The award is based on dedication, overarching commitment, and demonstrated impact on those served. The nominee must be willing and able to attend the Lassen County Fair Parade on July 22nd.

Parade Grand Marshal

The Grand Marshal award is a century old tradition based on accomplishments and contributions to the community. The nominee will be selected on the basis of their contributions to the quality of life in Lassen County through civic or social services; humanitarianism; personal achievements in the areas of arts, sports, etc.; or based on the distinction that they have brought to Lassen County resulting from achievements elsewhere.

The nominee should be a current or long term past resident of Lassen County. The nominee must be willing to act as Grand Marshal and be willing and able to attend the Lassen County Fair Parade on July 22nd.

Nomination forms can be found online at lassencountyfair.org or by visiting the Lassen County Fair office. The nomination forms must be submitted by April 10th and include a brief history and accomplishments of the nominee along with the contact information of the person who submitted the nomination form.

The winner will be decided at the April 11th Lassen County Fair Advisory meeting.

Construction at the Lassen Junior College campus in 1947 – Eastman Studio photo

College Housing Plans Announced

March 7, 1946

Work on the new junior college housing project may be started sometime in April, Supt. G. A. Collyer states. He has received word that the surplus housing units allotted to Susanville have been assigned, although he is not sure from which army base or project they will come.

A federal engineer is expected here soon to inspect the available sites and okay those meeting government requirements. The county has indicted the school district can use its equipment for preparing the site.

Foundation work can then start, and when that is done the 20 new units will be brought here.