Tigers Could Contend For RVC South

Members of the 2017-18 Tipton boy’s basketball team are, front row l-r: Cole Syring, Grady Glick, Eli Lindsey, Joey Butler, Caleb Jedlicka, Alex Reynolds, Landon Hill and Riley Keil.  Second row: Kayden Rezac, Nile Schuett, Preston Hodgden, Tyler Hennings, Craig Shafer, Jack Boldt, Kael Jauron and Colby Kleppe.  Third row: Caleb Shumaker, Jacob Tischuk, Andrew Stewart, Hunter Tenley, Logan Hoffman, Frank Bierman, Blake Wilkins, Andrew Comstock, Luke Becker and Payten Elijah.  Back row: Trent Pelzer, Jared Hightower, Keith Penningroth, Elliot Cummins, Quentin Mesick, Connor Hermiston, Bryce Deerberg and Blaise Thumma.  Not Pictured: Austin Mente.  Contributed Photo.

By Ryan Stonebraker
Sports Editor, Tipton Conservative
TIPTON — The Tipton Tiger boy’s basketball team has their sights set on a River Valley Conference South title and rightfully so.  The Tigers return three starters and a host of reserves from a 13-win season a year ago.  The Tigers got a boost last postseason beating an 18-3 West Burlington Notre Dame team in Burlington before falling to RVC champs West Branch in the district final.

Returning starters this season are senior Logan Hoffman, junior Andrew Stewart and sophomore Frank Bierman.  Hoffman was an Elite All-RVC selection last year.  He has received preseason Des Moines Register basketball honors as well.  Hoffman led Tipton in scoring last year with a 22.8-point average.  He also led Tipton in rebounding with 189.  He shot 81-percent from the free throw line and made 13 three pointers.

Stewart was a All-RVC South Division selection as a sophomore.  Stewart shot 33-percent from the three-point line with 48 made three pointers.  He averaged 15.3 points game and had 22 steals, 19 assists and 62 rebounds.

Bierman made quite an impact as a freshman last season.  Bierman finished second on the team in rebounding with 114 to go with 28 steals and a 3.3-point scoring average.

Key reserves back for the Tigers are senior Bryce Deerberg and juniors Jacob Tischuk (4.7 ppg, 28 steals, 49 rebounds) and Luke Becker (2.4 ppg, 12 made 3’s).

Others out this season that were on the varsity roster last year are  Connor Hermiston, Jared Hightower, Blake Wilkins, Hunter Tenley, Quinten Mesick and Blaise Thumma and sophomore Trent Pelzer.  Senior Keith Penningroth and sophomore Colby Kleppe are also out this season.

Tipton has an interesting schedule, opening the 2017-18 schedule on the road for their first four basketball games.  Tipton opens the season at Mid-Prairie on Tuesday, November 28.  That’s followed by road games at Camanche, West Branch and North Tama.  The Tigers first home game will be Friday, December 8 against Durant.  The Tigers will play ten games before Christmas break.  The Tigers play North Cedar for the first of two games with the Knights on Tuesday, December 12 at Clarence.

Members of the 2017-18 North Cedar boy’s basketball team are, front row l-r: Tyler Alexander, Ethan Sahr, Brady Lehrman, Mason Minar, Owen Meyer, Greg Hansen, Keon McCullough.  Back row: head coach Scott Jackson, Jon Scheer, Alex Woodward, Caden Wendt, assistant coach Robert Helgersen, assistant coach Dan Kedley, Cameron King, Logan Thimmes, Kael Unruh and assistant coach Les Koering.  Photo by Ryan Stonebraker.

Knights Hope To Move Up In RVC North Standings

CLARENCE — Last year was an uncommon season at North Cedar.  The Knights finished below .500 and was one-win shy of giving the RVC North five of their six team members with at least ten victories.

North Cedar returns two starters from last year’s team in sophomore guard Ethan Sahr and senior swingman Mason Minar.  Both are athletic and both will look to lead the team.  Sahr averaged 3.9 points as a freshman.  He was third on last year’s team in made three pointers.

Minar returns after earning honorable mention all-conference honors last season.  Minar is the top returning scorer for the Knights with a 10.0 point average.  He had 44 assists and 43 steals to go with 63 rebounds.

Opportunity waits for North Cedar to fill the other three starting spots.  Candidates will come from a pool of returning players.  Returning seniors are Seb Curley (0.5 ppg), Greg Hansen (0.9 ppg), Brady Lehrman (0.8 ppg) and Owen Meyer (2.2 ppg).  

Also returning are Tyler Alexander and Keon McCullough (1.0 ppg).  Alex Woodward is also on the Knights roster.

North Cedar kicks off the season at home against Cascade on November 28.  It is the first of seven pre-Christmas games.  The Knights play four RVC North foes, three on the road.  North Cedar has to big rivalry games at home before Christmas when Tipton comes to town December 12 and Calamus-Wheatland comes in less than a week later on December 18.

Members of the 2017-18 Durant boy’s basketball team are, front row l-r: Cale Frett, Carter Voelkers, Joe Lilienthal, Ty Chenault and Dawson Frett.  Back row: Marcus Engstler, Cole Miedema, Curtis Lilienthal, Mason Compton, Bryce Lafrenz, Easton Botkins, Thomas Rhoades and manager Jada Rock.  Not pictured: Will Lossi.  Photo by Ryan Stonebraker.

Wildcats Return Many, Look To Move Up In RVC

DURANT — There is a lot of excitement in Durant this winter for boy’s basketball.  Though the Wildcats are coming off of a 9-win season, Durant returns three starters, two part-time starters and a host of bench players.  The Wildcats could have their most athletic team in a while and have size as well.

The Wildcats return three starters from last year’s team in junior guard Easton Botkins, junior forward Bryce Lafrenz and sophomore center Joe Lilienthal.  Botkins made 25 three pointers and shot 85-percent from the free throw line.  He averaged 5.6 points, had 38 assists and 31 steals.  Lafrenz averaged 5.1 points to go with 16 made three pointers, 80 rebounds and 41 assists.  Lilienthal averaged 5.3 points a team and had 80 rebounds, 11 blocked shots.

Other key players who started from time to time are junior Mason Compton and senior Curtis Lilienthal.  Compton averaged 7.0 points, had 72 rebounds, 36 assists and 32 steals.  Lilienthal averaged 0.8 points, had 34 rebounds and 16 steals.

The Wildcat bench will be filled with a variety of players with a variety of returning experience.  Ty Chenault returns after moving away last year out of state.  Chenault averaged XX points as a sophomore on the varsity team.

Also back are senior forwards Dawson and Cale Frett and fellow seniors Cole Miedema (1.1 ppg) and Carter Voelkers.  Junior WIll Lossi is also back.  On the roster as well are senior Thomas Rhoades and sophomore Marcus Engstler.

Members of the 2017-18 Wilton boy’s basketball team are, front row l-r: Jacob Shepherd, Garrett Bohnsack, AJ Bosten and Nathaniel Fagner.  Middle row: Charles Martin, Ronen Santiago, Jared Townsend, Isaac Hunter and Chase Montagna.  Back row: Cole Rabedeaux, Corey Anderson, Drake Hayes, Brock Hartley, Chase Miller and Ashton Stoelk.  Photo by Ryan Stonebraker.

5 seniors, 10 juniors Makeup Wilton Roster

WILTON — The Wilton Beavers hope that experience will go a long way.  The Beavers have 15 juniors and seniors on the varsity roster this year with five seniors and ten juniors.  The Beavers look to improve this year, coming off of a two-win season last year.  Veteran coach Mark Patterson returns to guide the Beavers this season.

Wilton returns one starter from last year in senior Jacob Shepherd.  Shepherd averaged 0.8 points a game and had 26 rebounds, 17 assists and 12 steals.

Other returning players are five juniors in Garrett Bohnsack (0.5 ppg), Chase Miller (0.8 ppg), Isaac Hunter (0.4 ppg), Ashton Stoelk (0.8 ppg) and Jared Townsend.  Townsend is the top returning scorer with a 3.8-point scoring average.  He had 42 rebounds 22 assists and 14 steals.

Others out this season are seniors Jake Said, Cole Rabedeaux (1.5 ppg), Drake Hayes, Chase Montagna and Nathaniel Fagner, juniors A.J. Bosten, Corey Anderson, Brock Hartley and Ronen Santiago.

Wilton will play nine games before Christmas.  Of those, five are at home and a sixth is five miles to the East in Durant.  Wilton will begin the new season on Tuesday, November 28 at West Branch.  Wilton hosts Columbus Junction two days later and Cascade the following day on Friday, December 1.  Other home games before Christmas are a three game stretch with Iowa City Regina, Camanche and Tipton.

Potential is high with Tigers

Members of the 2017-18 Tipton girl’s basketball team are, front row l-r:  Zoe Comstock, Samantha DeMoss, Zoe Rezac, Tiffany Schott and Allison Ryan.  Second row: Emily Hermsen, Laken Hermiston, Jamie Kofron, Laressa Stout and Amanda Smith.  Third row: Nova Gordon, Kamryn Chapman, Bailey Schmidt, Madison Conrad and Manager Jaci Samuels.  Fourth row: Kaylea Claussen, Elizabeth Bierman, Hailey Stewart, Alex Hoffman, Keelie Claussen, Liz Bierman, Halle McCollough and Kiera Scott.  Not pictured: Veronica Liu, Manager.  Photo by Ryan Stonebraker.

By Ryan Stonebraker

Sports Editor, Tipton Conservative

TIPTON — Potential surrounds the Tipton girl’s basketball team this year after a 7-16 season last year.  Many of the current Tigers have played significant minutes each of the past two years and the some players made state runs last year in track and this past fall in volleyball.  That success has basketball in its sight as the Tigers look to reach the 10-win mark for the first time since the 2010-11 season and a winning record for just the fourth time in ten years.

Four starters return for the Tigers led by All-RVC South Division guard Emily Hermsen.  Hermsen led Tipton in scoring with a 12.2-point average, assists with 61, steals with 35 and made three pointers with 44.  Returning starters joining Hermsen are guard senior Zoe Rezac (2.6 ppg) who was the team’s third leading rebounder and junior Amanda Smith (7.5 ppg) who was second in rebounding.  The other returning starter is Junior forward Jamie Kofron.  Kofron returns to anchor the inside game and was the Tigers second leading scorer at 8.4 points a game and top rebounder.  She also shot the second most free throws on the team last year.  

Depth will be a strength this season with five players returning to the four starters with varsity experience.  A fifth starter will come from that depth.  Back will be seniors Samantha DeMoss (3.7 ppg, 21 assists), Tiffany Schott (0.4 ppg) and Allie Ryan (3.9 ppg, 3.4 rebounds a game) and sophomores Kamryn Chapman (1.3 ppg) and Laken Hermiston 0.2 ppg).

The Tigers as a team will have to cut down on turnovers to move up in the RVC standings. As a team they had 365 in 23 games or nearly 16 a game last year.  If they can, the 7-team RVC South is wide open after preseason class 2A #2 ranked Iowa City Regina.  Tipton has not finished higher than fifth in the RVC South in the short 4-years prior to this year.

Members of the 2017-18 North Cedar girl’s basketball team are, front row l-r: Darby Hawtrey, Katie Thompson, Tessa Fields, Kayla Sander and Kayla Syring.  Back row: Nicole Sander, Lexi Crist, head coach Glenn Hay, assistant coach Alex Curley, assistant coach Victor Curley, Leah Crock and Grace Proesch. Photo by Ryan Stonebraker.

Knights Have Five Seniors, six returners back

CLARENCE — North Cedar won nine games last season under coach Glenn Hay.  This season, the Knights return five seniors and six total returners from that team.

North Cedar will be led by four seniors who all started last season.  They are guards Tessa Fields and Lexi Crist and forwards Darby Hawtrey and Leah Crock.  Crock led the Knights in scoring last season with a 9.7-point average and was second in rebounding with a 6.8 per game average and led North Cedar in blocked shots with 34.  Lexi Crist was second in scoring last season with an 8.7-point average.  She had 32 assists and 22 steals. And shot 79-percent from the free throw line.  Darby Hawtrey averaged 7.0 points and a team high 7.8 rebounds a game.  Tessa Fields averaged 6.6 points a game and had a team high 86 assists and 63 steals.

Key reserve last year Grace Proesch returns.  Proesch averaged 3.3 points a game, 42 rebounds, 37 steals and 21 assists.  

Also on the varsity roster are juniors Katie Thompson and Kayla Sander and sophomore Kayla Syring.

North Cedar plays eight games before Christmas break.  The Knights will play four of their five RVC North opponents before Christmas, all on the road.  The Knights will play the first of two games with rival Tipton on Tuesday, December 12.

Members of the 2017-18 Wilton girl’s basketball team are, front row l-r: Lexi Maurer, Linsey Ford, Becca Ball, Taylor Garvin and Kali Milder.  Back row: Taylor Goldermann, Kortney Drake, Emily Lange, Aubrey Putman and Makayla Brock.  Contributed Photo.

Beavers Look To Move Up In RVC South

WILTON —  The Wilton Beavers are looking for bigger things this season.  Wilton won 13 games last year and return seven players and three starters from that team.  Another reason for higher expectations is a record breaking season on the volleyball court this fall.  Many of the returners played on the Beaver volleyball team that set a new record with 34 wins.

Wilton returns three starters from last year’s team who happen to be their top three returning scorers.  Juniors Emily Lange, Kortney Drake and Aubrey Putman return.  Drake and Lange are two time all-conference players including both being named last year to the All-RVC South team.

Drake and Lange each averaged 12.1 points a game while Putman averaged 8.3 points a game.  The trio also were the Beavers top-3 rebounders, assist leaders and steal leaders.  Putman led in rebounds with 141.  Drake led in assists and steals with 77 and 61.  Lange was second in each category.

Two key seniors return after coming off the bench last year in Kali Milder and Lexi Maurer.  Milder shot 73-percent from the free throw line and Maurer averaged 2.8 points a game and had 60 rebounds.  Other returners are senior Taylor Goldermann (0.6 ppg) and junior Linsey Ford (1.0 ppg).

One concern for Wilton this season will be free throw and perimeter shooting.  Wilton shot 61-percent from the free throw line last year.  The Beavers made only 26 three-pointers last season.

Members of the 2017-18 Durant girl’s basketball team are, front row l-r: (seated) Hannah Happ, Kylie Kay, Claire Paulsen, Emily Seligman, Ruby Kappeler and Kaitlyn Wiese.  Back row: Amanda Wiese, Annie Taylor, Aubrin Dittmer, Kamryn Meyer, Brittany Kahl and Lauren Ralfs.  Photo by Ryan Stonebraker.

Opportunity For Wildcats This Season

DURANT — The 2016-17 Durant Wildcats saw their record slip a little last season with four wins, but eight more games were decided by less than 10 points.  The Wildcats hope that they are on the other end of close games this year.  Veteran coach Doug Frett returns to guide the Wildcats this season.

Opportunity is available for Wildcat players after the graduation of four starters including RVC Elite team member Aubrey Werthmann who now plays at Simpson College.  The lone starter back is senior Amanda Wiese.  Wiese averaged 2.6 points a game and was the second leading rebounder last year with a 4.9 per game average.

The Wildcats will have five seniors on the roster this year in Wiese, Kaitlyn Wiese, Lauren Ralfs (2.4 ppg), Brittany Kahl and Emily Seligman (0.4 ppg).  Also back are juniors Hannah Happ (3.8 ppg, 27 steals) and Annie Taylor (0.8 ppg, 35 rebounds).

Also out this year and looking for varsity playing time are juniors Claire Paulsen, Ruby Kappeler, Kamryn Meyer and Aubrin Dittmer and sophomore Kylie Kay.   

The Wildcats have nearly half of their games this year before Christmas.  The Wildcats will have home games with Mount Pleasant and West Branch to start the season.  Durant also hosts North Cedar, Bellevue Marquette, Bellevue, Mid-Prairie and Wilton before Christmas.  Of the 11 games Durant is on the road in three games, at Tipton, Mid-Prairie and Iowa City Regina.

WADLEY NAMED B1G CO-OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

IOWA CITY — University of Iowa senior running back Akrum Wadley was named Big Ten Conference Co-Offensive Player of the Week for his play in Iowa’s 56-14 win at Nebraska. Wadley was also named the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week by College Sports Madness.

Wadley (5-foot-11, 195-pounds), a native of Newark, New Jersey, rushed 19 times for a season-high 159 yards at Nebraska, scoring three touchdowns on runs of 20, one, and 29 yards.  He also had one reception for eight yards to total 167 all-purpose yards.  Wadley surpassed 100 rushing yards in a game for the 14th time in his career.

Earlier this season Wadley was named to the Paul Hornung Award Honor Roll following Iowa’s 44-41 overtime win at Iowa State. The Big Ten recognition is the third of Wadley’s career.  He was the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week following Iowa’s 40-10 win at Northwestern in 2015, and he was named league Freshman of the Week following a 48-7 win over Northwestern in 2014.

Wadley leads the Iowa rushing attack with 1,021 yards and nine touchdowns.  He also has 26 receptions for 329 yards and three touchdowns.  Wadley is just the fourth player in school history to surpass 1,000 rushing yards in consecutive seasons.  Wadley rushed for 1,081 yards in 2016.

Wadley is one of 15 players in Iowa history with over 2,000 career rushing yards (514-2,784) and ranks fourth on the career rushing chart.  Wadley has 3,621 all-purpose yards, which ranks ninth in program history.  His 27 career rushing touchdowns rank fourth all-time at Iowa and his 34 total touchdowns rank third.  Wadley has 204 career points, ranking 10th in scoring.

Wadley is the fourth Hawkeye to earn the Big Ten’s weekly honor this season.  Senior linebacker Josey Jewell was recognized for his play against Wyoming and Penn State.  Junior defensive back Josh Jackson earned defensive honors for his play against Ohio State and Wisconsin.  Sophomore quarterback Nate Stanley earned the offensive honor for his play in Iowa’s overtime win at Iowa State.

Gustafson Earns 3rd Straight Conference Honor

IOWA CITY — University of Iowa junior Megan Gustafson has been named to the Big Ten Women’s Basketball Player of the Week Honor Roll, the conference office announced Monday. It is the ninth weekly honor of Gustafson’s career and her third in as many weeks.

Gustafson averaged 20.3 points, 12.7 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, and shot 67.4 percent from the field to lead Iowa to three wins in four days at the Puerto Rico Classic in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, last week. Gustafson netted 18 points on 8-of-11 shooting from the field and pulled down 10 boards in 19 minutes in Iowa’s win over Morgan State on Nov. 22.

On Nov. 23, Gustafson scored a game-high 23 points and recorded 14 rebounds (11 defensive) to lead Iowa past Charlotte. Two days later, Gustafson netted 20 points and pulled down 14 rebounds (9 offensive) in Iowa’s win over Elon.

Gustafson’s registered a double-double in all three contests, bringing her season total to seven and her career total to 34. The Port Wing, Wisconsin, native is one of two players nationally to register seven double-doubles this season. She also ranks second nationally in field goals made (64), third in rebounds (94) and rebounds per game (13.4), sixth in total points (149), and eighth in field goal percentage (68.1).

Michael Kemerer Named B1G Wrestler of the Week

IOWA CITY — University of Iowa sophomore Michael Kemerer has been named Big Ten Conference Wrestler of the Week, the league office announced Tuesday.

Kemerer, ranked No. 3 in the country at 157 pounds, won by an 18-5 major decision against Rider’s seventh-ranked B.J. Clagon on Nov. 24.

He is 4-0 this season with one major decision, one technical fall, and two pins. Dating back to last season when Kemerer placed third at the NCAA Championships, he has won eight straight matches. Three of his last six wins have been against top-seven opponents.

The Big Ten Conference weekly honor is the first of Kemerer’s career and the first for Iowa this season.

The seventh-ranked Hawkeyes return to the mat Friday hosting No. 15 Illinois at 7 p.m. (CT)at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. 

JACKSON EARNS JACK TATUM AWARD

IOWA CITY — University of Iowa junior defensive back Josh Jackson has been named the recipient of the 2017 Jack Tatum Award as the best defensive back in the nation.  The award was announced Tuesday by the Touchdown Club of Columbus, and is named for the late Ohio State and NFL legend Jack Tatum.

Jackson (6-foot-1, 192-pounds), a native of Corinth, Texas (Lake Dallas), is tied as the national leader with seven interceptions.  He leads the nation with 25 passes defended and is tied for second in interception return touchdowns (two), and pass break-ups (18).  He ranks third in interception return yards (163).  Jackson’s seven interceptions rank fourth best for a single season at Iowa, just one from tying Iowa’s single-season record (Desmond King, 2015; Lou King, 1981; Nile Kinnick, 1939).

Jackson tied Iowa’s school record with two interception returns for touchdowns (B.J. Lowery, 2013) at Wisconsin, covering 43 and 52 yards.  The previous week, Jackson tied Iowa’s school record with three interceptions in Iowa’s 55-24 win over No. 3 Ohio State.  Jackson also had a forced fumble at Wisconsin, and a blocked field goal in a win over North Texas.  He has started all 12 games this season and recorded 47 tackles.

Jackson is one of three finalists for the Jim Thorpe Award, which is also awarded to the top defensive back in the nation.  He was named the Walter Camp, Bednarik Award, and College Sports Madness national defensive Player of the Week for his play against Ohio State.  He was named Big Ten Conference defensive Player of the Week in consecutive weeks following games against Ohio State and Wisconsin.

Jackson is the second Hawkeye in the past three seasons to earn the Jack Tatum Award.  Former Hawkeye Desmond King earned the award in 2015, when he also received the Thorpe Award.

Jewell, Jackson Earn 3 Big Ten Individual Honors

IOWA CITY — University of Iowa football players Josey Jewell and Josh Jackson were named recipients of three Big Ten Individual Awards, the Big Ten conference announced Thursday.

Jewell earned the Nagurski-Woodson Defensive Player of the Year and the Butkus-Fitzgerald Linebacker of the Year. Jackson was named the Tatum-Woodson Defensive Back of the Year.

It is Iowa’s first individual Big Ten honor since 2015 when head coach Kirk Ferentz and Desmond King won the Hayes-Schembechler Coach of the Year and Tatum-Woodson Defensive Back of the Year, respectively.

Jewell, a native of Decorah, Iowa, was named first team All-Big Ten this season. He leads the Big Ten and ranks third nationally in tackles (125 total, 11.4 per game). He is one of five finalists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, is a finalist for the Senior CLASS Award, and a finalist for the Lott IMPACT Trophy. He was named the recipient of the Jack Lambert Award on Monday.

Jewell is the third Hawkeye in program history to have three seasons with at least 115 tackles (Larry Station 83, 84, 85; Abdul Hodge 03, 04, 05). Jewell has led the team in tackles in each of the last three seasons (126 in 2015, 124 in 2016). Jewell has 426 career tackles, fifth all-time in program history.

Jackson, a native of Corinth, Texas, is tied as the national leader with seven interceptions, and also earned all-conference recognition. He leads the nation with 25 passes defended and is tied for second in interception return touchdowns (two), and pass break-ups (18). He ranks third in interception return yards (163). Jackson's seven interceptions rank fourth best for a single season at Iowa, just one from tying Iowa's single-season record (Desmond King, 2015; Lou King, 1981; Nile Kinnick, 1939). Jackson was named the Jack Tatum Award winner on Tuesday and is one of three finalists for the Jim Thorpe Award.

Jackson tied Iowa's school record with two interception returns for touchdowns (B.J. Lowery, 2013) at Wisconsin, covering 43 and 52 yards. The previous week, Jackson tied Iowa's school record with three interceptions in Iowa's 55-24 win over No. 3 Ohio State. Jackson also had a forced fumble at Wisconsin, and a blocked field goal in a win over North Texas. He has started all 12 games this season and recorded 47 tackles.

Jewell becomes the first Hawkeye to win the Nagurski-Woodson Award since defensive end Leroy Smith in 1991 and first ever to win the Butkus-Fitzgerald Award. Jackson is the third Hawkeye to win the Tatum-Woodson aAward in its seven year history, joining Micah Hyde (2012) and Desmond King (2015).

IGHSAU STATE SWIMMING AND DIVING MEET TO REMAIN IN MARSHALLTOWN THROUGH 2022

Tipton freshman Zoe Stonebraker and the Tigers had another strong season, going 5-1 in dual meets this past fall.  Photo by Darren Miller.

By Ryan Stonebraker

Sports Editor, Tipton Conservative

  DES MOINES — The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union announced that the Marshalltown YMCA-YWCA will remain the host site for the Iowa Girls State Swimming and Diving Meet through the 2022.

  “We are pleased that the Girls’ State Swimming and Diving Meet is remaining at the Marshalltown YMCA-YWCA,” said IGHSAU Executive Director Jean Berger.  “The hard-working YMCA-YWCA staff and volunteers, along with additional support from Marshalltown High School and the Marshalltown community, have made the State Swimming and Diving Meet an outstanding championship event. We look forward to partnering with Marshalltown for five more years.” 

  The Marshalltown YMCA-YWCA has been the home of the Girls High School State Swimming and Diving Meet since 2004. In that 14-year span, every swimming and diving state meet record has been set in the Marshalltown YMCA-YWCA pool. Prior to the move to Marshalltown in 2004, the State Swimming and Diving Meet was held at Fort Dodge High School from 1974 to 2003. 

  “We are pleased to continue our long-standing and successful partnership with the Iowa Girls’ High School Athletic Union in hosting the Girls’ State Swimming and Diving Meet,” stated Marshalltown YMCA-YWCA CEO Carol Hibbs. “Thanks to strong community support and the efforts of many local volunteers, state competitors and their fans will continue to enjoy an exciting championship atmosphere at the Marshalltown YMCA-YWCA.” 

TENTATIVE STATE SWIMMING AND DIVING MEET DATES – 2018-2022

2018 – November 2-3

2019 – November 8-9

2020 – November 6-7

2021 – November 5-6

2022 – November 4-5

Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks Schedules

  TIPTON — WQAD out of Moline will once again show select Chicago Bulls NBA and Chicago Blackhawk NHL games this winter.  I am late in posting this, I apologize, but we have fans of both teams in the area.  Last winter, I posted this and there was so much positive feedback.  I even learned more about hockey. 

Iowa Baseball Schedules Holiday Camps

  IOWA CITY — The University of Iowa baseball program released its 2017 holiday camp schedule.  The Hawkeyes will host a variety of camps from Dec. 26-Dec. 28.

Among the camps are:

One-Day Team Tournament Camp - 10U Age Group - Dec. 26

One-Day Team Tournament Camp - 11U Age Group - Dec. 27

One-Day Team Tournament Camp - 12U Age Group - Dec. 28

  Team camps will include offensive stations in four full-length batting tunnels, a throwing program, defensive stations with FungoMan and Hack Attack Machines, and two games.

  The team camps, which will be led by Iowa coaches and student-athletes, will be held at the HTRC on the east side of the University of Iowa campus from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The venue is the same facility the Iowa baseball and softball programs utilize for indoor practices.

 Cost is $325 per team and is open to the first four teams to complete registration and payment.

  Holiday Instructional Camp - 1st-4th Grade - Dec. 27/Dec. 28

  This is an excellent opportunity to introduce skills under the personal attention of the Hawkeye baseball staff. The camp will include all aspects of the game: base-running, hitting, fielding, pitching, and catching.

Holiday Instructional Camp - 5th-8th Grade - Dec. 27/Dec. 28

  This camp is designed for the player that wants to improve on his current level of play. Day one is specifically for pitchers and catchers, while day two will involve instruction exclusively on offense and defense. Sign up for either session or register for both and receive a discount.

   The instructional camps will be held at the Iowa Football Indoor Practice Facility from 1-4 p.m.  Cost is $85 for one day or $129 for both days. 

Three Beavers named MVP’s in district 4

  WILTON — A trio of junior Wilton football players were among the eight district 4 MVP’s named recently when the all-district honors were released last week.  Juniors Jerome Mays, Cory Anderson and Jared Townsend were named the MVP quarterback, wide receiver and placekicker for district 4 this year.

  Mays was one of the best quarterbacks in 1A this season leading the district in total yards (rushing and passing) with 2,614 - 1,140 rushing and 1,474 passing.  He had 32 total touchdowns also to lead the district.  On defense, he had 44 tackles and two interceptions.

  Receiver Cory Anderson led the district in receptions with 55 and yards receiving with 671.  He averaged 12.2-yards a catch and had four touchdowns.  Defensively, he also stood out leading the district in interceptions with 8, returning one for a touchdown.  Anderson also had two fumble recoveries and was third on the team in tackles with 53.

  Townsend handled kickoffs, field goals and punting duty.  He averaged 37.0 yards a punt and 46.8 yards an average on kick-offs.  Townsend made two field goals with a long of 38 yards and made 20 PAT’s.  Townsend also a standout on both lines, was the second leading Beaver tackler with 84 and two sacks.

   Other district MVP’s at their respective positions were Regina seniors Isaac Vollstedt running back and offensive lineman Steve Sehl, Sigourney-Keota punter Cole Brenneman and defensive back Luke Greiner, Columbus Junction linebacker Nicolas Hernandez and Wapello defensive lineman Laith Smith.

  Four Beavers were named to the second team all-district list.  They were senior Tyler Hartman and juniors Brock Hartley, Brian Stillman and Chantz Stevens.  Hartman was the Beavers anchor in the linebacking corps and led the team in tackles with 119 and 10 tackles for loss.  He also had a sack and fumble recovery.

  Hartley was the second leading Wilton receiver with 29 receptions for 448 yards and a team high five touchdown catches.  Defensively, he was the fourth leading tackler with 62.  He also had two interceptions.

  Stillman had 47 tackles, two sacks and five tackles for loss.  He also had two receptions for 36 yards and a touchdown.  Stevens filled in for Brisker when he was hurt and was the team’s second leading rusher, totalling 286 yards with a 4.3-yard average and four touchdowns.  He also caught eight passes for 60 yards and a touchdown.  Defensively, he intercepted four passes for 125 return yards and three touchdowns to go with 36 tackles.

  Second team selections for Wilton were offensive linemen Brayton Wade and Austin Pleggenkuhle and defensive lineman Clayton Cooling.  Wade and Pleggenkuhle helped the Beavers gain 3,392 yards from scrimmage this year including 1,889 rushing yards and 1,503 yards passing.  The Wilton offense had 19 rushing touchdowns and 13 passing touchdowns this season.  Wade also had 62 tackles and Pleggenkuhle had 12.  Cooling had 33 tackles, 3 sacks and five tackles for loss.  

Wilton had three players named to the honorable mention list in seniors Trey Brisker and Jacob Shepherd and junior Ronen Santiago.  Brisker was hurt in the season opener and played in only four games after that.  In less than five games, Brisker rushed for 117 yards and a touchdown, had 16 tackles and caught five passes for 27 yards.  Santiago caught four passes for 42 yards and Shepherd caught 13 passes for 122 yards and a touchdown.  Santiago and Brisker each had interceptions too.

Class 1A District 4 Most Valuable Players

Quarterback: Jerome Mays (Wilton) jr.

Running Back: Isaac Vollstedt (Iowa City Regina) sr.

Wide Receiver: Cory Anderson (Wilton) jr.

Offensive Lineman: Steve Sehl (Iowa City Regina) sr.

Defensive Lineman: Laith Smith (Wapello) sr.

Linebacker: Nicolas Hernandez (Columbus Junction) sr.

Defensive Back: Luke Greiner (Sigourney-Keota) sr.

Kicker: Jared Townsend (Wilton) jr.

Punter: Cole Brenneman (Sigourney-Keota) sr.

Coach: Coach Shoultz (Louisa-Muscatine)

1st Team All-District

Iowa City Regina: Michael Conlon sr. QB, Cole White sr. DL, Jake Phillips sr. WR, Patrick Clark jr. WR.

Wilton: Tyler Hartman sr. LB, Brock Hartley jr. TE, Brian Stillman jr. DL, Chantz Stevens jr. DB.

Sigourney-Keota: Carson Crawford jr. RB, Alex Heisdorffer sr. OL, Zach Boender sr. DL.

Wapello: Logan Belzer sr. QB, Gage White sr. OL, Sam Short sr. WR.

Louisa-Muscatine: Chase Kruse so. QB, Cody Calvelage jr. WR.

Columbus Junction: Abel Mena sr. QB, Tommy Pretz sr. WR.

Highland: Trey Lasek jr. QB, Cory Stewart.

2nd Team All-District

Iowa City Regina: Jacob Clark jr. OL, Nick Milder jr. LB, Kieler Brown jr. WR, Luke Stein jr. OL.

Wilton: Brayton Wade jr. OL, Clayton Cooling jr. DL, Austin Pleggenkuhle OL.

Sigourney-Keota: Kolton Strand jr., Jack Eakins sr. WR, Dakota Slaughter sr. DL

Wapello: Ricky Pforts so., Bryant Lanz jr.

Louisa-Muscatine: Gabe Hays, Sam Kessel.

Columbus Junction: Andrew King, Chance Colby.

Highland: Jordan Sosa, Brady Hahn.

Honorable Mention

Iowa City Regina: Alec Wick jr., Ryan Schott sr., Jaden Kies sr..

Wilton: Jacob Shepherd sr., Ronen Santiago jr., Trey Brisker sr.

Sigourney-Keota: J.D. Stout so., Dawson Baumert so., Ben Shimanski sr.

Wapello: Jackson Weyrick sr., Brenton Ross jr., Caden Thomas fr.

Louisa-Muscatine: Max McCulley so., Brock Jeambey so., Karson Cantrell jr.

Columbus Junction: Bryan Solis sr., Cody Fox sr., Jaime Villegas so.

Highland: Brody Burton jr, Mason McFarland so., Kane Castillo sr.

Three Tigers Named First Team All-District

  TIPTON — Three Tipton football players were named to the class 1A District 3 first team last week when the district released its postseason honors.  Seniors Ben Emrich, Keith Penningroth and Will Avey were the players.

  Emrich was the Tigers quarterback this season and passed for 720 yards on 35 completions with six touchdowns.  He rushed for 90 yards and six touchdowns.  On defense, Emrich led Tipton in tackles with 88 to go with two sacks and a fumble recovery.  Avey was a force on the Tigers offensive and defensive line this season.  He had 37 tackles and 3 sacks.  Penningroth started the season at center, but ended as the Tigers fullback.  He rushed for 302 yards and a touchdown.  He had a rush per carry average of 4.4 yards.  Penningroth was second on the team in tackles with 74 to go with one quarterback sack.

  Two Tigers were named to the second team all-district team.  They were senior Quinten Mesick and junior Dylan Mente.  Mesick led Tipton in rushing with 618 yards, 6 touchdowns and a 6.0-yard per carry average.  Mente anchored the offensive line and on defense, he had 49 tackles, four sacks and eight tackles for loss.

  Three Tigers were named to the all-district honorable mention team.  They were senior Andrew Roling, sophomore Frank Bierman and freshman Nile Schuett.

  Durant punter Bryce Lafrenz was named the district’s MVP punter.  Durant had three first team all-district selections led by Lafrenz.  He averaged 35.0 yards on 23 punts.  He was also a first team all-district selection.  He passed for 1,361 yards on 89 completions with 14 touchdown passes.  He rushed for 151 yards and five touchdowns.  Defensively, he had 34 tackles and three interceptions.

Mason Compton was the top Wildcat receiver with 33 receptions for 514 yards and six touchdowns.  Defensively, he had 36 tackles and two interceptions.  Dawson Frett was the second leading Wildcat tackler with 87 to go with three sacks.

  Two Wildcats earned second team all-district honors.  Leading rusher Tristan Hughes rushed for 636 yards, 8 touchdowns and had a 4.3-yard average.  Cale Frett also was a second team selection rushing for 162 yards and a touchdown.  Defensively, Frett had 68 tackles.

Three Wildcats earned honorable mention selections in seniors Curtis Lilienthal and Cole Miedema and junior Zac Badtram.

  North Cedar had five all-district performers.  Shane Weber was a first team all-district selection.  He led North Cedar in rushing with 573 yards 5 touchdowns and a 4.4-yard ave.  Mason Minar was second team all-district selection.  He led North Cedar in receiving with 21 receptions for 324 yards and three touchdowns.  Defensively, he had 55 tackles.  Logam Thimmes, Caden Wendt and Alex Woodward were honorable mention selections.

2017 Class 1A District 3 All-District

2017 Golden Award:

Wyatt Goodale - West Branch sophomore - DB; Eric Ihde - Clayton Ridge senior - RB; Josef VonHandorf - Clayton Ridge junior - RB.

District 3 Most Valuable Performers:

Quarterback - Cade Daugherty - Bellevue - senior

Running Back - Hunter Clasen - Bellevue - junior

Wide Receiver - Ben Thompson - West Branch - senior

Offensive Lineman - Jacob Barnhart - West Branch - senior

Defensive Lineman - Brian Sadler - Jesup - senior

Linebacker - Riley Konrardy - Bellevue - junior

Defensive Back - Jacob Graves - West Branch - senior

Punter - Bryce Lafrenz - Durant - junior

Placekicker - Beau Cornwell - West Branch - junior

Utility - Tyson Tucker - Maquoketa Valley - senior

Coach of the year - Butch Pedersen - West Branch

First Team All-District

West Branch - Ben Thompson sr., Jacob Barnhart sr., Jacob Graves sr., Beau Cornwell sr., John Hatfield jr.

Bellevue - Cade Daugherty sr., Hunter Clasen jr., Trey Daugherty jr., Riley Konrardy jr.

Maquoketa Valley - Tyson Tucker sr., Norman Wilson jr., Brock Hillers sr.

Durant - Bryce Lafrenz jr., Mason Compton jr., Dawson Frett sr.

Tipton - Ben Emrich sr., Keith Penningroth sr., Will Avey sr.

Clayton Ridge - Braydn Harbaugh sr., Kole Brandel sr.

North Cedar - Shane Weber sr.

Jesup - Brian Sadler sr.

Second Team All-District

West Branch - Billy Friis sr., Tanner Lukavsky jr., Andrew Black sr.

Bellevue - Zach Bullock sr., Trevor Hager jr., Nathan Carter sr.

Maquoketa Valley - Michael Feldman soph., Garrett Hogan sr.

Durant - Cale Frett sr., Tristan Hughes jr.

Tipton - Quinten Mesick sr., Dylan Mente jr.

Clayton Ridge - Erik Sarazua jr., Brandon Wahls sr.

North Cedar - Mason Minar sr.

Jesup - Cole Van Brocklin - sr.

Honorable Mention

West Branch - Brett Schiele jr., Jeff Bowie fr., Jaden Hierseman jr.

Bellevue - Junior Tennant jr., Conrad Ernst soph.

Maquoketa Valley - Mitch Smith sr., Robert Hildebrand sr., Heath Gibbs sr., Cole Kruse sr., Andy O’Connell sr.

Durant - Curtis Lilienthal sr., Zac Badtram jr., Cole Miedema sr..

Tipton - Andrew Roling sr., Frank Bierman soph., Nile Schuett fr.

Clayton Ridge - Hunter Friederick sr., Mitchell Breitbach sr.

North Cedar - Logan Thimmes jr., Caden Wendt soph., Alex Woodward jr.

Jesup - Brendan Seibert jr., Dylan Brown jr., Cole Oberbroeckling soph.