Three from St. Michael-Albertville Ink Letters

Zach Anderson and Joe Williams, two standouts from the St. Michael-Albertville football program last fall, made it official Wednesday morning in the quiet confines of the conference room.

Surrounded by coaches, family and friends, Williams signed his letter of intent to Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall. Anderson, his longtime teammate on both the football field, will play for the University of Minnesota-Crookston.

"It's no accident. These guys are really two kids who worked hard on the football field, in the wieght room and have done really well in the classroom," said Knights assistant coach Keith Cornell. "It's really fun for us, as coaches, to have the opportunity to go watch these guys on Saturday."

Williams was a stellar defensive back for Essler, who was also a defensive back in college. The senior had key interceptions in the Monticello and Becker games to preserve Knights victories.

Anderson, meanwhile, was a solid defensive end, getting four sacks on the season. He played tight end/h-back through his junior year, something he may get the chance to do at Crookston, he said.

In the classroom, Williams said he will major in business management. Anderson, meanwhile, will enroll in Crookston's wildlife management school.

"We're really excited for these guys and their future," said principal Bob Driver.

On the girls' side, Christine Thorn has made it official, will also attend the University of Minnesota-Crookston on a basketball scholarship.

The senior guard was also name, recently, to the Minnesota State Girls' Basketball All-Star Game, as one of 10 players from Class 4A. She will lace up at Macalister College on April 20 and 21 in those exhibition games.

“What goes unseen is Christine is a team player and one of the hardest workers I have ever coached," said head coach Kent Hamre.