Jon Finger and Gary Rock have been friends since high school, when they played on the Northfield High School boys’ basketball team in the 1950s. Today, they’re neighbors at Northfield Retirement Community by Vivie—and they’re still following the Raiders.
This season gave them, and many others in the community, something to rally around. Northfield advanced to the Minnesota State Tournament for the first time in 94 years, drawing attention across the state. At Northfield Retirement Community, residents followed the team closely and shared in the excitement.
“The team’s journey allowed us all—residents, team members, families, and community members—to get excited about the game of basketball and our town,” said Milosha Malecha, supervisor of life enrichment. “It brought together different generations who all enjoy basketball and conversations on how the sport and town has changed over the years.”
A visit that brought generations together
As Jon and Gary’s story began to circulate, a Facebook post highlighted their history with the Raiders and their continued support. The post caught the attention of Matt Christensen, head coach of Northfield’s boys’ basketball team, who reached out to meet them.
Soon afterward, he joined Jon and Gary for coffee, along with their wives, where the group spent time sharing stories and memories from their years connected to Northfield basketball.
“It was incredibly special and humbling to meet both Jon, Gary, and their families,” Christensen said. “I truly appreciated hearing their stories and the experiences they had as Raider athletes from a different era.”
Stories from then and now
Gary brought his senior-year high school yearbook. His wife, Donna—his high school sweetheart and a former cheerleader—shared photos and stories from that time, including a cheerleading photo from 1953. She joked that the wool skirts “never showed our ankles,” which prompted smiles and more stories.
Coach Christensen brought along a vintage Raiders basketball uniform from the 1960s, along with a team photo, Raiders T-shirts, and a basketball used during the season. He also shared the game ball from the team’s win in Mankato, and the fourth-place State Tournament trophy.
The conversation moved easily between past and present. Jon remembered traveling to practice by bus and paying fifteen cents for the ride, while Gary sometimes drove an old family truck. They talked about practices at the Armory and games at Carleton College, before the school had its own gym.
Remembering a special day
For Jon, the visit brought back memories. “It gave me a chance to reminisce,” he said, adding with a laugh that he wondered how many of his buddies saw the post on Facebook. He didn’t hesitate to remember one thing clearly about his former teammate either: Gary was the fastest.
Gary said he had fun learning about the coach and hearing more about today’s team.
“Jon and Gary liked all the talk and attention they were getting from everyone,” Milosha said.
A lasting sense of pride
Jon and Gary have stayed close over the years, along with their wives. They’ve traveled together and built a friendship that goes well beyond their time on the court.
“Loyal Raider alums like Jon and Gary help drive home the importance of community, school pride, and togetherness that high school sports can provide,” Christensen said. “We are so glad to make them proud.”
At Northfield Retirement Community by Vivie, moments like this bring people together around shared experiences and stories. For Jon and Gary, it’s one more chapter in their long history with the game—and with each other.
Vivie
Vivie is a care provider offering integrated services, including home health care, care management, senior living, rehabilitation, hospice, and more. With over 2,300 team members, Vivie serves more than 13,000 individuals annually across Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. Rooted in faith and dedicated to transforming the way people live, age, and thrive, Vivie prioritizes compassionate care, excellence, and innovation.
