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In the days before "Pointer Nation" became the descriptive term for Mineral Point athletics and activities 1974 became the year of the "Pointer Tri-Fecta."
That was the year the wrestling team, the basketball team and the baseball team all made appearances in their respective state tournaments.
With the 2018 Pointers making the WIAA state baseball tournament for the first time in the world of Wisconsin springs and four divisions the changes from that 1974 appearance are many.
1-As stated the tournament is now played in the spring. After this year there will be no more summer baseball sponsored by the WIAA.
2-There are four divisions based on size of school and the Pointers compete in Division 3. In 1974 the tournament pitted all schools against each other.
3-Now, the state tournament is played on a professional baseball field. Neuroscience Field in Appleton, home of the Class A Timber Rattlers, is the venue. The Timber Rattlers are affiliated with the parent club Milwaukee Brewers. In 1974 the tournament was played at West Bend High School.
4-Uniforms. The 1974 team wore Columbia Blue doubleknits with the jerseys being pullovers. The 2018 team was decked out in button-ups dominated by baseball white.
5-The Tibbits factor. Rick Tibbits was a junior outfielder on the 1974 team and helped them to both the state tournament and the Southern Eight championship. He earned most improved honors that year and was designated as a captain for 1975.
Jordan Tibbits, Rick's son, coached the 2018 Pointers to the state tournament.
The 1974 team beat heavily favored Hartland-Arrowhead and Whitnall to win the sectional and advanced to the state tournament where they got to the second round before being eliminated. They opened with an 11-2 win over Melrose-Mindoro then had their stay ended 8-5 by New Holstein.
They came back later to finish up some business, beating Darlington in 15 innings and Lancaster to win the league crown.
This year's team finished second in the SWAL behind Fennimore. They met Saint Mary's Catholic in the state semi-finals and lost 4-0.
The 1974 team held a reunion as such the night before the 2018 Pointers headed to Appleton. The event was held at Tony's Tap which is owned and operated by a member of the team, Tony Pittz.
While there were years and changes between the two state tournament trips for the Pointers, one thing remained the same. They were playing baseball and representing their community proudly.
Members of the 1974 Pointers were Scott Oellerich, Tony Pittz, Greg Noble, Mark Terrill, Mike Dolphin, Rich Mitchell, Rick Tibbits, Tom Poad, Blaine Buckingham, Daryl Smith, Jeff Reynolds, Jim Bennett, Jeff Koehler, Ron Carey, assistant coach Ron Murphy, head coach Ted Evans.