Legion Post 122 held it's annual Youth Activities Dinner Saturday, March 12, 2016 at the VFW and Legion Veterans Club. The 1965 Class C Baseball Championship team was invited to attend along with the children of the Coach, Norman Mendlik. There were 7 of the team members able to attend. They talked about the team experiences and their journey to win the championship. They were introduced to the attendees after the current baseball team members were introduced. One of the players Paul Mestl brought his championship jacket to wear. All the attendees enjoyed the steaks, and the dance after the meal. The band "Shifting Sands" played into the night and was enjoyed by all. Team members first row, left to right: Dr. James Groene, 2nd base; Gerald Eikmeier, pitcher; Jim Schulte, outfield and Delbert Mendlik, catcher. Top row, left to right: Paul Mestl, 2nd base; Paul W. Pieper, infield and Duane Mendlik. Mestl is proudly wearing his baseball jacket with the large baseball patch, "State Champs 1965". The trophy was repaired to celebrate this reunion. Unable to attend were: Harold Vlach, Joe Emanuel, Glen Kreikemeier, Ray Stangel and Norman Kempf. The Class "B" State Tournament was held at Grant. Jim Schulte said, "It was the coaching knowledge and clever play calling from "Brownie" Norman Mendlik that helped us win." Coach Gene Steffensmeier was at ARmy Reserve two-week cam in Wisconsin. Earlier, this team won the high school Class "B" Championship in Lincoln.
The dinner proceeds are used to fund the various youth activities supported by the Legion. Those activities include: Boys State, scholarships, baseball, flag ceremonies to mention a few.
