For the first time since 1985, the Express will compete for a state title. The team will take its 34-5 record into the tournament Friday, Aug. 15 at 7:30 p.m. in Northfield. The Express will face the number two seed of Region 1C, St. Francis. “It’s really exciting,” right-fielder Aaron Knaus said. “We’ve really come together, we knew we could do it.” The last time Kimball made it to state, the tourney was held in Red Wing and Cannon Falls. Kimball won its first game against Hill City, 4-3, but lost in round two to team Elko, 7-5. This will be Kimball’s eighth state tournament overall. Other years they made the tourney were 1968, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1981, 1984 and 1985. Kimball has never advanced past the second round of the tournament. When Kimball first went to state, the tournament didn’t feature a class system. Back then, Class B and C were mixed and formed Class AA, and Twin City teams formed Class A. The Express faces St. Francis in the first round. St. Francis is making its sixth state tournament appearance. “We have no idea what St. Francis is like, but they don’t know what we are like either,” Knaus said. “We’ve got a good solid team and we just need to play that way.” The tournament is single elimination the first two rounds and follows double elimination format starting with round three. The ‘Elite Eight’ battle for the state championship. Last year’s Class C state champion, Granite Falls, is back to defend its title and the 2001 state champion, the Watkins Clippers, are looking for a second title. The Clippers finished third in 2002. The tournament runs Aug. 14 through Labor Day. Don’t miss the bus Kimball Express fans are invited to the game this Friday night when the Express face St. Francis in Northfield. Transportation will be provided by Voigt’s Motorcoach. Cost is $22 for adults and $18 for children 16 and younger. For more information call (320) 398-3890. “The fan support has been great so far,” Knaus said. Kristen J. Kubisiak contributed to this article.
