Cyclones’ 1979 fall softball team to be honored Friday

 HARLAN (Sept. 27) -- Members of the 1979 Harlan Community fall softball team - the last of its kind at HCHS - will be honored prior to Friday’s Homecoming game at Merrill Field, along with former coaches Russ Gallinger and Sue Fowler. Forty years ago, the 1979 Cyclonettes had an undefeated regular season. After upsetting four-time defending state champion Ankeny in the semifinals, HCHS lost to Charles City in extra innings 1-0 in the state championship game. Members of that 1979 team included seven seniors in Laura Grote, Marcia Jacobsen, Diane Kloewer, Tracy Leinen, Dianna Springman, Jane Thielen and Brenda Zimmerman. Underclassmen were Marcie Allen, Diane Christensen, Kim Cooper, Brenda Ernst, Linda Hoogensen, Lisa Leinen and Katy Thielen.