Up North: Generations reunite to celebrate Hibbing Bluejacket tennis

Decades of success on the court brought generations of Hibbing tennis players back together over the weekend.

Former Bluejackets gathered at the Hibbing Memorial Building for a reunion celebrating at least six decades of the program. Alumni reconnected, shared memories and reflected on a program that produced numerous section championships and state tournament appearances.

“We had great leadership. We had a great program and we had a lot of support,” said Bluejacket alum Sandy Swanger. “Families came out, and we had a great summer and school program.”

That foundation helped establish Hibbing as one of Minnesota’s most successful high school tennis programs.

“When we got on those tennis courts, it was nothing but business,” explained Milt Verant, who graduated in 1962 and came back to join the staff less than a decade later. “No fooling around. We worked hard and hit lots of balls all the time.”

Much of the program’s accomplishments came under the leadership of Verant, who was head coach from 1979 to 1999, and Gary Conda, who took over after serving as a longtime assistant.

“We ended up with a lot of good athletes playing tennis,” stated Conda. “Most people wouldn’t believe that because it’s all about hockey and basketball, but I would say we ended up with the best athletes playing tennis.”

Even with the team’s storied history, it was the time spent together that dominated the conversation.

“When we traveled, we always traveled in Suburbans,” shared Verant. “We’d have those overnight trips, and it would be so much fun. We would laugh and laugh. When we were off the court, it was nothing but fun.”

For many of those in attendance, the friendships formed through Hibbing tennis have lasted a lifetime.

“I hit with them when they were 10 or 11 years old,” remarked Conda. “I know a lot about them. I grew up with their families, so there’s a ton of history.”

As the Bluejacket alumni base continues to grow, the shared bonds only strengthen.

“I think they all wanted to come back here and see each other, their teammates,” said Conda. “It’s special. I’m honestly thinking we should do this again.”

The weekend was capped off with three hours of matches pitting alumni against current players at the Lincoln Tennis Courts in Hibbing.

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