Thanks to Austin alumnus Chris Harder and his collection of State Tournament programs dating back about half a century, we’ve updated our Packer History page with some interesting information, including the fact that Austin has won more Big 9 titles than any other school.
We’re missing data from 2001-2005, so if you can help fill in the gaps, we would appreciate your help. Check it out!
Meanwhile, lest anyone feel anything other than relief at the Packers’ dodging a bullet on Saturday night against Winona, it’s helpful to remember that the last three Packer state tournament teams had at least one close call on the way to the tournament:
- 2012 – Who can forget Tom Aase’s last-second dunk to beat New Prague 43-41?
- 1982 – The Packers had a four-overtime win against John Marshall on the way to a 5th place finish at State.
- 1981 – The Packers won the Region 1AA title game 47-45 over Burnsville, before defeating defending champion Minneapolis North in the opening round at State and losing in the championship game.
The point? Winning streaks are nice, but they don’t matter right now. Neither does the last game. All that counts is the next one.
Almost every good team that ends up making a tournament run needs to win a close game along the way to stay alive.
The Packers did just that on Saturday.
On Friday night they can claim a return trip to Williams Arena. Plan to go to the game and invite your friends!
Packer Fast Break Club 
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