May 29, 1974. The 1974 edition of the Collins Baseball Clippers is expected to be a strong one with the fortunes of a still-new softball program somewhat unknown. Coach Bill Brooks can put returning regulars at eight positions on the field. The Girls softball program also returns many of last years' players, which was the first season for the girls and they finished 0-4.
May 30, 1974. The Collins Girls were unable to score off the tough Mingo pitching through 3 innings as they were unable to get a base hit. Cindy Dunshee of Collins gave up 4 hits, walked 7, and struck out 3.
Collins boys won their opening baseball game 20-9 over Mingo in the Ta-Ma-Ja Conference. Collins scored in every inning. Denny Long hit a grand slam home run in the 4th inning and added 3 others for 7 RBIs. Long pitched the first 4 innings; Jerold Fitzgerald 2 innings, and Ken Caulkins the 7th inning.
Collins Girls broke loose in the 3rd inning to post its first victory ever in girls softball at LeGrand. The Clipperettes came up with a huge 19 run 3rd inning to take the victory by a 27-13 margin. Cindy Dunshee and Chris Dunshee combined on an 8-hitter and 5 strikeouts. Collins had 28 base hits in scoring their 27 runs.
May 31, 1974. Collins Boys had only 2 hits in losing to LDF (LeGrand) 2-0 in Ta-Ma-Ja Conference game. Ken Caulkins allowed only 6 hits, 6 strikeouts, and walked 4.
June 5, 1974. Collins Alumni Banquet was held on May 25 with approximately 255 attending. Hosts for the banquet was the 1948 class and their spouses: Mr. and Mrs. Gene Atwood, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Mullihan, Mr. and Mrs. Earl Evans, Mr. and Mrs. Lyman Rule, Mr. and Mrs. Marlin Long, Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Stratton. Gene Atwood was master of ceremonies. The 50-year class was honored with Mrs. Anna Wesenauer being spokesperson for the 6 members present. Bill Hand introduced the 25-year class with 9 of the 17 members present. The 40-year class had 10 members attending. Lyle Jay was the spokesperson. Eldest members present were: Mrs. Edith Stevens who graduated in 1902 and Miss Alice Burney who graduated in 1905. The fartherest traveler was Muriel Debust Borchard from Washington State. Special recognition was given Mrs. Agnes Fitzgerald, Story County Mother of the Year who had 9 children graduate from Collins high school, 6 college graduates, and 2 attending college and one to start college. Appropriate music for the different classes was furnished by Greg Miller on piano and girls quartette composed of Becky Oswalt, Julie Lehman, Cathy Schmitt and Sandy Fish. At the close of the meeting all stood and sang "America The Beautiful." Visiting and dancing to "The Blue Max" followed.
Following the Collins Alumni Banquet, the 50-year class of 1924 met at the home of class member Mrs. Anna Wesenauer. Seven of the original 17 members of the class with their spouses attended.
June 6, 1974. Collins Baseball scored 7 runs in the 3rd inning and went on to 12-2 victory over Garwin in Conference game. Ken Caulkins pitched: 5 hits, 6 strikeouts, and 4 walks. Denny Long hit 2 doubles that drove in 4 runs. Caulkins also had 2 hits, driving in 3 runs.
June 8, 1974. Collins Baseball 3-run rally in the 5th inning paced an 8-3 victory over Maxwell. Twelve Collins batters struck out, but 9 hits including extra bases helped the victory margin. Steve Lillard hit a 2-run homer in the 6th inning. Ken Caulkins struck out 8 and walked 5.