Historical clue formulations

• Tried really hard — 2023-01-31
• Tried — 2017-06-04
• Gave it the old college try — 2016-12-31
• Put in effort — 2015-04-25
• Fought — 2013-09-20
• Took pains — 2011-04-09
• Endeavored — 2009-03-08
• Made an effort — 2007-10-20
• Fought — 2006-09-23
• Tried hard — 2004-10-08
• Endeavored — 2004-10-04
• Endeavored — 2004-08-22
• Took pains — 2003-01-02
• Contended — 2002-01-20
• Worked hard — 2000-11-11
• Fought — 2000-10-06
• Endeavored — 1997-10-07
• Tried hard — 1996-03-24
• Tried hard — 1994-03-10