IOWA CITY, Iowa - - University of Iowa sophomore defensive end A.J. Epenesa has been named one of five finalists for the Polynesian Player of the Year Award. The announcement was made Thursday by the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame. The award is presented annually to the most outstanding college football player of Polynesian ancestry that epitomizes great ability and integrity.
Along with Epenesa, the finalists include defensive back Alohi Gilman (Notre Dame), offensive lineman Dru Samia (Oklahoma), quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (Alabama), and wide receiver John Ursua (Hawai`i).
Epenesa (6-foot-5, 277 pounds), played in all 12 games, recording 20 solo tackles and 15 assists. He shares the Big Ten lead with teammate Anthony Nelson with 9.5 sacks and leads the team with 15.5 tackles for loss. Epenesa leads the team with three forced fumbles and has three pass break-ups.
The native of Glen Carbon, Illinois (Edwardsville High School), earned first-team All-Big Ten honors from league coaches and was second-team by conference media. He was named Big Ten co-Defensive Player of the Week following wins over Iowa State and Illinois.
In Iowa’s 63-0 win at Illinois, Epenesa caused and recovered a fumble, scoring his first career touchdown on a 19-yard return. He also blocked a punt.
The University of Oregon and Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota was selected as the inaugural recipient of the award in 2014, followed by Notre Dame and Baltimore Ravens offensive lineman Ronnie Stanley in 2015, University of Colorado quarterback Sefo Liufau in 2016, and Washington State University defensive end Hercules Mata`afa in 2017.
Iowa (8-4, 5-4) will face Mississippi State in the 2019 Outback Bowl in Tampa, Florida, on Jan. 1 (11 a.m. CT, ESPN2). For ticket and bowl game information, visit hawkeyesports.com/bowlcentral.
Wednesday, December 19, 2018
IOWA FOOTBALL AWARDS ANNOUNCED
IOWA CITY, Iowa -- University of Iowa junior defensive back Amani Hookerand sophomore tight end T.J. Hockenson were named Roy J. Carver Most Valuable Players for the 2018 Hawkeye football team at its annual awards banquet Sunday.
Hockenson, a native of Chariton, Iowa, recently received the John Mackey Award as the top tight end in the nation. He was named the Kwalick-Clark Big Ten Tight End of the Year and received the Ozzie Newsome Award. He was named a Walter Camp second-team All-American. Hockenson leads Iowa in receiving with 46 receptions for 717 yards.
Hooker is a native of Minneapolis, who played both safety and outside linebacker throughout the season. He was named the Tatum-Woodson Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year and earned first-team honors from both league coaches and media.
Four team captains for the 2018 season were announced; junior quarterback Nate Stanley and senior lineman Keegan Render on offense, and senior defensive end Parker Hesse and senior defensive back Jake Gervase on defense.
Stanley is honored as a team captain for the second straight year, while the honor is the first for Render, Hesse, and Gervase. Render (Indianola), Hesse (Waukon), and Gervase (Davenport) are all Iowa natives. All four players have extensive starting streaks in place, including Hesse (36), Render (25), Stanley (25), and Gervase (19).
Stanley had led the Iowa offense to an average of 31.5 points per game. The native of Menomonie, Wisconsin, has completed 58.6 percent of his pass attempts while throwing for 2,638 yards and 23 touchdowns. His 49 touchdown passes over the past two seasons tie as the best two-year total in program history. Stanley ranks fourth in career scoring passes and ninth in career passing yards (5,137).
Gervase, Hesse, and Render also were honored with the Hayden Fry Award, which is presented to team members who show exemplary leadership and dedication throughout the year. All three players earned All-Big Ten recognition this season. Gervase and Hesse are members of an Iowa defense that led the nation in interceptions in 2017 and is tied for the national lead in 2018. Render has played in 51 career games.
Hesse was also the recipient of the Forest Evashevski Scholastic Achievement Award, presented to a senior who has the highest scholastic record, and the Iron Hawk Award. Hesse has earned Big Ten Conference and national academic recognition during his career, earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees during his Hawkeye career.
The Reggie Roby Special Teams Award went to kicker Miguel Recinos as specialist and to wide receivers I,hmir Smith-Marsette and Kyle Groeneweg for their overall special teams play. Recinos, a senior from Mason City, Iowa, led the team in scoring with 89 points. He was successful on all 44 PATs during the season and added 15-of-20 field goals. His 41-yard field goal as time expired lifted the Hawkeyes to a 31-28 win over Nebraska in the final game of the regular season. He ranks 14th in career scoring with 171 points.
Smith-Marsette, a sophomore from Newark, New Jersey, received the Rodgers-Dwight Big Ten Return Specialist of the Year award. He averages 29.3 yards on kickoff returns to rank third in the nation. He earned first-team All-Big Ten honors as a specialist and honorable mention recognition as a wide receiver with 19 receptions for 332 yards and two touchdowns.
Groeneweg is a senior from Inwood, Iowa. He averaged 10.2 yards on 23 punt returns to lead the Big Ten, including a 61-yard touchdown at Illinois. As a receiver he had 47 yards on four receptions, while averaging 27 yards on two kickoff returns.
The Brett Greenwood Award was shared by Gervase, Recinos, senior defensive lineman Sam Brincks, and senior wide receiver Nick Easley. Brincks, a native of Carroll, Iowa, started all 12 games this season and has played in 50 career games. Along with his duties on defense, Brincks had a 10-yard touchdown reception at Penn State from field goal formation.
Easley is a native of Newton, Iowa. He recorded 44 receptions for 390 yards and three scores. Easley led Iowa with 51 receptions for 530 yards and four touchdowns in 2017, bringing his career totals to 95 receptions for 920 yards in his two seasons in the program.
Established in 2011, the Greenwood Award also honors former Hawkeyes who fit the description, one year at a time, for each season Kirk Ferentz has coached the Hawkeyes. Former players who were also recognized include Sam Brownlee (2004-06), Andy Fenstermaker (2005-06), Zach Gabelmann (2003-06), and Devan Moylan (2004-07).
Senior offensive lineman Dalton Ferguson and senior defensive tackle Matt Nelson shared Comeback Player of the Year honors. Ferguson (Solon, Iowa) missed the majority of the 2017 season due to knee surgery, before coming back to play a key role this season. Ferguson started six games at right guard and also saw action at both tackle and center as one of Iowa’s most versatile offensive linemen.
Nelson, a Cedar Rapids, Iowa, native, battled injuries throughout his career. Nelson moved from end to tackle following his sophomore season and started Iowa’s last 19 games at tackle. He was injured in Iowa’s PinstripeBowl win over Boston College and missed the majority of off-season and spring practice. He recorded 27 tackles in 2018 while earning honorable mention All-Big Ten recognition.
Three Hawkeyes earned the Next Man In Award; senior linebacker Jack Hockaday (Forsythe, Illinois), senior fullback Austin Kelly (Hickory Hills, Illinois), and sophomore defensive back Geno Stone (New Castle, Pennsylvania). Stone earned the Next Man In Award for the second straight year. He started the final eight games of the season at safety, recording four interceptions to tie for second in the Big Ten. Stone had the first interception return touchdown of his career at Penn State.
Hockaday was not in the starting line-up in the opening game of the season, but started 10 times at middle linebacker while missing two games because of injury. Hockaday ranks third on the team with 56 tackles.
Kelly stepped in at fullback for the final five games when Brady Ross was sidelined because of injury. Kelly had nine rushing yards and one reception for a four-yard touchdown at Indiana for his only career score, while also contributing on special teams.
Coaches Appreciation Award recipients included senior guard Ross Reynolds and sophomore wide receiver Brandon Smith on offense, Hesse, Hooker and sophomore defensive end A.J. Epenesa on defense, and junior defensive back John Milani and junior linebacker Amani Jones on special teams.
Reynolds (Waukee, Iowa) started all 12 games at left guard. He earned second-team All-Big Ten honors from league coaches and third-team recognition from media. Epenesa is tied for first in the Big Ten with 9.5 sacks. He earned first-team All-Big Ten honors and was twice co-Defensive Player of the Week (Iowa State, Illinois). He had a fumble return touchdown in the win at Illinois.
Milani, from Iowa City, and Jones, a native of Chicago, played key roles on special teams. Milani recorded 10 tackles, while Jones had 22 tackles while also seeing action at middle linebacker.
Team Hustle Awards went to Groeneweg, Hockenson, and sophomore running back Toren Young on offense, Hesse, Matt Nelson, defensive endsAnthony Nelson and Chauncey Golston on defense, and junior defensive back Devonte Young on special teams.
Toren Young (Madison, Wis.) started three games at running back. He is second on the team in rushing attempts (133), rushing yards (630) and rushing touchdowns (5), while also grabbing five receptions for 26 yards and one touchdown.
Anthony Nelson (Waukee, Iowa) started every game at defensive end and has 25 consecutive starts. He shares the sack lead in the Big Ten with Epenesa, leader was also twice named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week (Minnesota, Nebraska). He earned second-team All-Big Ten honors and recovered a fumble for a touchdown in a win over Maryland.
Golston (Detroit) saw action at both end and tackle. He recorded 33 tackles in the first extensive action of his career, with nine tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and two recovered fumbles.
Devonte Young (Waldorf, Maryland), moved from wide receiver to defensive back during the course of the season, and was a key contributor on special teams. He recorded three kickoff returns for 64 yards.
Team Leader Awards were presented to junior quarterback Ryan Schmidtand freshman fullback Monte Potteaum on offense, lineman Austin Schulte and linebacker Colton Dinsdale on defense, and freshman Terry Roberts and freshman linebacker Mike Timm on special teams.,
The Player Appreciation Award was presented to Mary and Brian Lohse of Bondurant. The Lohse Family Foundation has been recognized for its generous gift to support the Kinnick Edge Campaign, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and Child and Adolescent Psychology. The Lohse Family has made a great tradition around Iowa football dating back to the early 1980’s.
Their inspiration for supporting the UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital is due to their personal pediatric medicine experiences and “The Wave” and its special relationship with Iowa football. Brian and Mary have also had the opportunity to impact their local and state-wide communities through their philanthropy.
The Bump Elliott Appreciation Award was presented to Chuck Hartlieb. Hartlieb is a former Hawkeye quarterback (1986-88), and is one of three Hartlieb brothers to pay for the Hawkeyes. As a player he earned first-team All-Big Ten honors as, a junior and senior, and earned conference and national academic honors. He served as a team captain and was a team MVP as a senior.
The 2018 Distinguished Service Award was presented to Gary Dolphin, the “Voice of the Hawkeyes” for Learfield Sports and the Iowa Hawkeye Sports Network. “Gary is not only a nationally respected broadcaster, he is a tireless ambassador for Iowa football here in our state and across the country,” said head coach Kirk Ferentz. “Right after the Nebraska game, our coaches came together and unanimously selected "Dolph" as the recipient of this year’s award. No one bleeds black and gold more than Gary Dolphin and this is our opportunity to say thank you.”
Dolphin has twice been selected Iowa Sportscaster of the Year by the National Sports Media Association and just completed his 22nd season as the radio play-by-play announcer for Iowa football. In addition, he hosts Iowa football weekly radio and television shows and is a longtime emcee of I-Club banquets and events.
Iowa (8-4, 5-4) will face Mississippi State in the 2019 Outback Bowl in Tampa, Florida, on Jan. 1 (11 a.m. (CT), ESPN2). For ticket and bowl game information, visit hawkeyesports.com/bowlcentral.
Hockenson, a native of Chariton, Iowa, recently received the John Mackey Award as the top tight end in the nation. He was named the Kwalick-Clark Big Ten Tight End of the Year and received the Ozzie Newsome Award. He was named a Walter Camp second-team All-American. Hockenson leads Iowa in receiving with 46 receptions for 717 yards.
Hooker is a native of Minneapolis, who played both safety and outside linebacker throughout the season. He was named the Tatum-Woodson Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year and earned first-team honors from both league coaches and media.
Four team captains for the 2018 season were announced; junior quarterback Nate Stanley and senior lineman Keegan Render on offense, and senior defensive end Parker Hesse and senior defensive back Jake Gervase on defense.
Stanley is honored as a team captain for the second straight year, while the honor is the first for Render, Hesse, and Gervase. Render (Indianola), Hesse (Waukon), and Gervase (Davenport) are all Iowa natives. All four players have extensive starting streaks in place, including Hesse (36), Render (25), Stanley (25), and Gervase (19).
Stanley had led the Iowa offense to an average of 31.5 points per game. The native of Menomonie, Wisconsin, has completed 58.6 percent of his pass attempts while throwing for 2,638 yards and 23 touchdowns. His 49 touchdown passes over the past two seasons tie as the best two-year total in program history. Stanley ranks fourth in career scoring passes and ninth in career passing yards (5,137).
Gervase, Hesse, and Render also were honored with the Hayden Fry Award, which is presented to team members who show exemplary leadership and dedication throughout the year. All three players earned All-Big Ten recognition this season. Gervase and Hesse are members of an Iowa defense that led the nation in interceptions in 2017 and is tied for the national lead in 2018. Render has played in 51 career games.
Hesse was also the recipient of the Forest Evashevski Scholastic Achievement Award, presented to a senior who has the highest scholastic record, and the Iron Hawk Award. Hesse has earned Big Ten Conference and national academic recognition during his career, earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees during his Hawkeye career.
The Reggie Roby Special Teams Award went to kicker Miguel Recinos as specialist and to wide receivers I,hmir Smith-Marsette and Kyle Groeneweg for their overall special teams play. Recinos, a senior from Mason City, Iowa, led the team in scoring with 89 points. He was successful on all 44 PATs during the season and added 15-of-20 field goals. His 41-yard field goal as time expired lifted the Hawkeyes to a 31-28 win over Nebraska in the final game of the regular season. He ranks 14th in career scoring with 171 points.
Smith-Marsette, a sophomore from Newark, New Jersey, received the Rodgers-Dwight Big Ten Return Specialist of the Year award. He averages 29.3 yards on kickoff returns to rank third in the nation. He earned first-team All-Big Ten honors as a specialist and honorable mention recognition as a wide receiver with 19 receptions for 332 yards and two touchdowns.
Groeneweg is a senior from Inwood, Iowa. He averaged 10.2 yards on 23 punt returns to lead the Big Ten, including a 61-yard touchdown at Illinois. As a receiver he had 47 yards on four receptions, while averaging 27 yards on two kickoff returns.
The Brett Greenwood Award was shared by Gervase, Recinos, senior defensive lineman Sam Brincks, and senior wide receiver Nick Easley. Brincks, a native of Carroll, Iowa, started all 12 games this season and has played in 50 career games. Along with his duties on defense, Brincks had a 10-yard touchdown reception at Penn State from field goal formation.
Easley is a native of Newton, Iowa. He recorded 44 receptions for 390 yards and three scores. Easley led Iowa with 51 receptions for 530 yards and four touchdowns in 2017, bringing his career totals to 95 receptions for 920 yards in his two seasons in the program.
Established in 2011, the Greenwood Award also honors former Hawkeyes who fit the description, one year at a time, for each season Kirk Ferentz has coached the Hawkeyes. Former players who were also recognized include Sam Brownlee (2004-06), Andy Fenstermaker (2005-06), Zach Gabelmann (2003-06), and Devan Moylan (2004-07).
Senior offensive lineman Dalton Ferguson and senior defensive tackle Matt Nelson shared Comeback Player of the Year honors. Ferguson (Solon, Iowa) missed the majority of the 2017 season due to knee surgery, before coming back to play a key role this season. Ferguson started six games at right guard and also saw action at both tackle and center as one of Iowa’s most versatile offensive linemen.
Nelson, a Cedar Rapids, Iowa, native, battled injuries throughout his career. Nelson moved from end to tackle following his sophomore season and started Iowa’s last 19 games at tackle. He was injured in Iowa’s PinstripeBowl win over Boston College and missed the majority of off-season and spring practice. He recorded 27 tackles in 2018 while earning honorable mention All-Big Ten recognition.
Three Hawkeyes earned the Next Man In Award; senior linebacker Jack Hockaday (Forsythe, Illinois), senior fullback Austin Kelly (Hickory Hills, Illinois), and sophomore defensive back Geno Stone (New Castle, Pennsylvania). Stone earned the Next Man In Award for the second straight year. He started the final eight games of the season at safety, recording four interceptions to tie for second in the Big Ten. Stone had the first interception return touchdown of his career at Penn State.
Hockaday was not in the starting line-up in the opening game of the season, but started 10 times at middle linebacker while missing two games because of injury. Hockaday ranks third on the team with 56 tackles.
Kelly stepped in at fullback for the final five games when Brady Ross was sidelined because of injury. Kelly had nine rushing yards and one reception for a four-yard touchdown at Indiana for his only career score, while also contributing on special teams.
Coaches Appreciation Award recipients included senior guard Ross Reynolds and sophomore wide receiver Brandon Smith on offense, Hesse, Hooker and sophomore defensive end A.J. Epenesa on defense, and junior defensive back John Milani and junior linebacker Amani Jones on special teams.
Reynolds (Waukee, Iowa) started all 12 games at left guard. He earned second-team All-Big Ten honors from league coaches and third-team recognition from media. Epenesa is tied for first in the Big Ten with 9.5 sacks. He earned first-team All-Big Ten honors and was twice co-Defensive Player of the Week (Iowa State, Illinois). He had a fumble return touchdown in the win at Illinois.
Milani, from Iowa City, and Jones, a native of Chicago, played key roles on special teams. Milani recorded 10 tackles, while Jones had 22 tackles while also seeing action at middle linebacker.
Team Hustle Awards went to Groeneweg, Hockenson, and sophomore running back Toren Young on offense, Hesse, Matt Nelson, defensive endsAnthony Nelson and Chauncey Golston on defense, and junior defensive back Devonte Young on special teams.
Toren Young (Madison, Wis.) started three games at running back. He is second on the team in rushing attempts (133), rushing yards (630) and rushing touchdowns (5), while also grabbing five receptions for 26 yards and one touchdown.
Anthony Nelson (Waukee, Iowa) started every game at defensive end and has 25 consecutive starts. He shares the sack lead in the Big Ten with Epenesa, leader was also twice named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week (Minnesota, Nebraska). He earned second-team All-Big Ten honors and recovered a fumble for a touchdown in a win over Maryland.
Golston (Detroit) saw action at both end and tackle. He recorded 33 tackles in the first extensive action of his career, with nine tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and two recovered fumbles.
Devonte Young (Waldorf, Maryland), moved from wide receiver to defensive back during the course of the season, and was a key contributor on special teams. He recorded three kickoff returns for 64 yards.
Team Leader Awards were presented to junior quarterback Ryan Schmidtand freshman fullback Monte Potteaum on offense, lineman Austin Schulte and linebacker Colton Dinsdale on defense, and freshman Terry Roberts and freshman linebacker Mike Timm on special teams.,
The Player Appreciation Award was presented to Mary and Brian Lohse of Bondurant. The Lohse Family Foundation has been recognized for its generous gift to support the Kinnick Edge Campaign, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and Child and Adolescent Psychology. The Lohse Family has made a great tradition around Iowa football dating back to the early 1980’s.
Their inspiration for supporting the UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital is due to their personal pediatric medicine experiences and “The Wave” and its special relationship with Iowa football. Brian and Mary have also had the opportunity to impact their local and state-wide communities through their philanthropy.
The Bump Elliott Appreciation Award was presented to Chuck Hartlieb. Hartlieb is a former Hawkeye quarterback (1986-88), and is one of three Hartlieb brothers to pay for the Hawkeyes. As a player he earned first-team All-Big Ten honors as, a junior and senior, and earned conference and national academic honors. He served as a team captain and was a team MVP as a senior.
The 2018 Distinguished Service Award was presented to Gary Dolphin, the “Voice of the Hawkeyes” for Learfield Sports and the Iowa Hawkeye Sports Network. “Gary is not only a nationally respected broadcaster, he is a tireless ambassador for Iowa football here in our state and across the country,” said head coach Kirk Ferentz. “Right after the Nebraska game, our coaches came together and unanimously selected "Dolph" as the recipient of this year’s award. No one bleeds black and gold more than Gary Dolphin and this is our opportunity to say thank you.”
Dolphin has twice been selected Iowa Sportscaster of the Year by the National Sports Media Association and just completed his 22nd season as the radio play-by-play announcer for Iowa football. In addition, he hosts Iowa football weekly radio and television shows and is a longtime emcee of I-Club banquets and events.
Iowa (8-4, 5-4) will face Mississippi State in the 2019 Outback Bowl in Tampa, Florida, on Jan. 1 (11 a.m. (CT), ESPN2). For ticket and bowl game information, visit hawkeyesports.com/bowlcentral.
3 HAWKEYES EARN AP ALL-AMERICA HONORS
IOWA CITY, Iowa -- University of Iowa tight ends T.J. Hockenson and Noah Fant, along with safety Amani Hooker, have been named to The Associated Press All-America team. The honors were announced Dec. 10. Hockenson and Hooker were named to the second team, while Fant is a third-team selection.
Hockenson (6-foot-5, 250 pounds) is a redshirt sophomore from Chariton, Iowa (Chariton High School). He has previously named a second-team selection on the Walter Camp All-America team. Hockenson received the John Mackey Award as the top tight end in the nation Dec. 5 and was awarded the Ozzie Newsome Award, presented by the Touchdown Club of Columbus, Ohio. Hockenson was named Kwalick-Clark Big Ten Tight End of the Year and earned first-team All-Big Ten honors from Big Ten media and the AP.
Hockenson leads the Hawkeyes with 46 receptions for 717 yards and six receiving touchdowns. He also has one rushing touchdown. Hockenson averages 15.6 yards per catch. His career totals include 70 receptions for 1,037 yards. He is seventh among Iowa tight ends all-time with nine touchdown receptions. Hockenson has surpassed 100 receiving yards twice in 2018, with 125 yards on three receptions versus Wisconsin and four catches for 107 yards at Indiana.
Hooker (6-0, 210) is a junior from Minneapolis (Park Center High School). He was named Tatum-Woodson Defensive Back of the Year in the Big Ten and earned first-team All-Big Ten honors from both coaches and media.
Hooker ranks second on the team with 59 tackles (33 solos, 26 assists). He shares the team lead and ranks second in the Big Ten with four interceptions for 60 yards and leads the team with seven pass break-ups. Hooker recorded 3.5 tackles for loss while also playing outside linebacker during the second half of the season. He has 119 career tackles, six interceptions, and nine pass break-ups.
Fant (6-5, 241), is a junior from Omaha, Nebraska (Omaha South High School). He was named first-team All-Big Ten by league coaches and second-team by conference media and the AP. Fant recorded 39 receptions for 519 yards and led the Hawkeyes with seven touchdown receptions.
Fant’s career totals include 78 receptions for 1,083 yards and 19 touchdowns. He ranks first among Iowa tight ends in career scoring receptions and third among all Big Ten tight ends. Fant has concluded his Iowa career after announcing he will enter the 2019 NFL Draft.
Iowa (8-4, 5-4) will face Mississippi State in the 2019 Outback Bowl in Tampa, Florida, on Jan. 1 (11 a.m. CT, ESPN2). For ticket and bowl game information, visit hawkeyesports.com/bowlcentral.
Hockenson (6-foot-5, 250 pounds) is a redshirt sophomore from Chariton, Iowa (Chariton High School). He has previously named a second-team selection on the Walter Camp All-America team. Hockenson received the John Mackey Award as the top tight end in the nation Dec. 5 and was awarded the Ozzie Newsome Award, presented by the Touchdown Club of Columbus, Ohio. Hockenson was named Kwalick-Clark Big Ten Tight End of the Year and earned first-team All-Big Ten honors from Big Ten media and the AP.
Hockenson leads the Hawkeyes with 46 receptions for 717 yards and six receiving touchdowns. He also has one rushing touchdown. Hockenson averages 15.6 yards per catch. His career totals include 70 receptions for 1,037 yards. He is seventh among Iowa tight ends all-time with nine touchdown receptions. Hockenson has surpassed 100 receiving yards twice in 2018, with 125 yards on three receptions versus Wisconsin and four catches for 107 yards at Indiana.
Hooker (6-0, 210) is a junior from Minneapolis (Park Center High School). He was named Tatum-Woodson Defensive Back of the Year in the Big Ten and earned first-team All-Big Ten honors from both coaches and media.
Hooker ranks second on the team with 59 tackles (33 solos, 26 assists). He shares the team lead and ranks second in the Big Ten with four interceptions for 60 yards and leads the team with seven pass break-ups. Hooker recorded 3.5 tackles for loss while also playing outside linebacker during the second half of the season. He has 119 career tackles, six interceptions, and nine pass break-ups.
Fant (6-5, 241), is a junior from Omaha, Nebraska (Omaha South High School). He was named first-team All-Big Ten by league coaches and second-team by conference media and the AP. Fant recorded 39 receptions for 519 yards and led the Hawkeyes with seven touchdown receptions.
Fant’s career totals include 78 receptions for 1,083 yards and 19 touchdowns. He ranks first among Iowa tight ends in career scoring receptions and third among all Big Ten tight ends. Fant has concluded his Iowa career after announcing he will enter the 2019 NFL Draft.
Iowa (8-4, 5-4) will face Mississippi State in the 2019 Outback Bowl in Tampa, Florida, on Jan. 1 (11 a.m. CT, ESPN2). For ticket and bowl game information, visit hawkeyesports.com/bowlcentral.
HOCKENSON NAMED FWAA ALL-AMERICAN
IOWA CITY, Iowa -- University of Iowa tight end T.J. Hockenson has been named second-team All-America by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA).
Hockenson (6-foot-5, 250 pounds) is a redshirt sophomore from Chariton, Iowa (Chariton High School). He was previously named second-team All-America by the Walter Camp Foundation and The Associated Press. He is Iowa’s Roy Carver Most Valuable Player on offense and earned Academic All-Big Ten honors for a second straight year.
Hockenson received the John Mackey Award as the top tight end in the nation Dec. 5 and was awarded the Ozzie Newsome Award, presented by the Touchdown Club of Columbus, Ohio. Hockenson was named Kwalick-Clark Big Ten Tight End of the Year and earned first-team All-Big Ten honors from Big Ten media and the AP.
Hockenson leads the Hawkeyes with 46 receptions for 717 yards and six receiving touchdowns. He also has one rushing touchdown. Hockenson averages 15.6 yards per catch. His career totals include 70 receptions for 1,037 yards. He is seventh among Iowa tight ends all-time with nine touchdown receptions. Hockenson has surpassed 100 receiving yards twice in 2018, with 125 yards on three receptions versus Wisconsin and four catches for 107 yards at Indiana.
Hockenson (6-foot-5, 250 pounds) is a redshirt sophomore from Chariton, Iowa (Chariton High School). He was previously named second-team All-America by the Walter Camp Foundation and The Associated Press. He is Iowa’s Roy Carver Most Valuable Player on offense and earned Academic All-Big Ten honors for a second straight year.
Hockenson received the John Mackey Award as the top tight end in the nation Dec. 5 and was awarded the Ozzie Newsome Award, presented by the Touchdown Club of Columbus, Ohio. Hockenson was named Kwalick-Clark Big Ten Tight End of the Year and earned first-team All-Big Ten honors from Big Ten media and the AP.
Hockenson leads the Hawkeyes with 46 receptions for 717 yards and six receiving touchdowns. He also has one rushing touchdown. Hockenson averages 15.6 yards per catch. His career totals include 70 receptions for 1,037 yards. He is seventh among Iowa tight ends all-time with nine touchdown receptions. Hockenson has surpassed 100 receiving yards twice in 2018, with 125 yards on three receptions versus Wisconsin and four catches for 107 yards at Indiana.
Friday, November 30, 2018
Noah Fant Departs Iowa Football to Enter NFL Draft
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| Iowa junior tight end Noah Fant announced today via social media that he will forgo his senior season and enter the 2019 NFL draft. Fant also announced that he is leaving the program and will not play in the Hawkeyes yet to be determined bowl game. Photo courtesy of the University of Iowa. |
“We are disappointed Noah will not be finishing the season with his teammates,” said Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz. “He is a tremendous athlete and we wish him the best as he pursues his goal of playing in the NFL.”
Fant met with Ferentz on Wednesday to discuss and share his future plans.
“Thank you, coach Ferentz and coach Doyle for the opportunity and honor to represent the black and gold -- for helping me grow physically and mentally -- more than I thought possible,” said Fant, in a message written to Hawkeye Nation.
The Omaha, Nebraska, native has been a productive player for the Hawkeyes and was a semifinalist for the John Mackey Award. In 2018, he totaled 39 receptions for 519 yards and a team-leading seven touchdown receptions.
Fant has 1,083 career receiving yards and 19 career touchdown catches– the most by an Iowa tight end and third-best among Big Ten tight ends. Fant this week was named first-team All-Big Ten by league coaches.
Iowa (8-4) is bowl eligible for the 17th time in the last 18 seasons. Iowa’s bowl destination and an opponent will be announced Sunday.
PODCAST - Friday, November 30th
The Coaches Corner Podcast is back for another winter sports season. The break between the fall and winter sports season is over, so the podcast will be back on a regular basis this winter. This week I caught up with many of our coaches this winter for the first podcast. I did split it out into two podcasts and likely, that will be the mode this winter. I would rather have two 40-50 minute podcasts instead of one 1 1/2-2 hour podcast.
On today's program are:
Tipton GBB coach Chad Rezac
Wilton BB coach Erik Grunder
North Cedar BB coach Robert Helgerson
Tipton BB coach Matt Fouch
You can find the Coaches Corner Podcast here on the Tipton Conservative Sports Blog, on the TC Sports Facebook page - Tipton Conservative Sports, a link tweeted out on @ConSports (Ryan Stonebraker) or on iTunes.
Thanks for listening! If you have any questions or comments, please contact me at - ConservativeSports@gmail.com or stop up at the paper.
Coaches Corner Podcast - November 30th Link
On today's program are:
Tipton GBB coach Chad Rezac
Wilton BB coach Erik Grunder
North Cedar BB coach Robert Helgerson
Tipton BB coach Matt Fouch
You can find the Coaches Corner Podcast here on the Tipton Conservative Sports Blog, on the TC Sports Facebook page - Tipton Conservative Sports, a link tweeted out on @ConSports (Ryan Stonebraker) or on iTunes.
Thanks for listening! If you have any questions or comments, please contact me at - ConservativeSports@gmail.com or stop up at the paper.
Coaches Corner Podcast - November 30th Link
Scarbrough's Take: Reuben Clarke, Ryan Parris and Football Thanks
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| Ryan Parris and his family with Nick Saban being recognized on Senior Day on the field before the Auburn game. Photo Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports |
By Lyn Scarbrough
Lindy's Sports
It’s unlikely that many people reading this know much about Troy, New York, located a few miles northeast of the state capital, Albany. Founded in 1786, the city had a population of 50,129 in the 2010 census.
Settled on the east bank of the Hudson River, Troy is home to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, the nation’s oldest private engineering and technical university, founded in 1824. Known as RPI, the school’s most notable graduates include Allen B. DuMont, creator of the first commercial television, and Washington Gale Ferris, Jr., who designed and built the first Ferris Wheel.
RPI athletic teams, called the Red Hawks, play in the NCAA Division III Liberty League with members including Hobart College, Ithaca College, the University of Rochester and others. Red Hawk alums include Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia and Miami Dolphins placekicker Andrew Franks.
Reuben Clarke is a member of the RPI football team.
It’s likely that everybody reading this knows about Tuscaloosa, Alabama, located a little over 50 miles southwest of Birmingham. Founded in 1819, the city has a population around 100,000.
Settled on the banks of the Black Warrior River, Tuscaloosa is home to the University of Alabama, a public research institution established in 1820.
University of Alabama athletic teams, called the Crimson Tide, play in the Southeastern Conference with members including Auburn University, Louisiana State University, the University of Tennessee and others.
Ryan Parris is a member of the Alabama football team.
This past week, the week of Thanksgiving, the weekend of rivalries and the start of football playoffs, brought those two football teams into the headlines. It also brought those two players into the headlines … Reuben Clarke and Ryan Parris.
Clarke, a 6-2, 230-pound offensive lineman, was a starter as a high school senior, where he was also captain of the wrestling team. He won the West Haven (Conn.) Rotary Club Scholar Athlete Award in 2017 and entered RPI as a biomedical engineering major. As a D-III institution, there are no athletic scholarships.
On Thanksgiving Eve night, Amtrak Train 68, called the Adirondack, traveling from Montreal to Penn Station in New York City pulled out of Albany. Clarke, one of 287 passengers on the train, was heading home to see his family in West Haven.
Shortly after the train left the station, two cars detached from the rest of the train. There were no Amtrak personnel on the cars, which started picking up speed moving away from the rest of the train.
Clarke, an 18-year old freshman, quickly realized there was an emergency.
“I heard a loud gush of wind from the back. I felt a strong breeze of cold air come, then I started to smell smoke, and when I turned around the back of the car had just detached,” he told Brooke Selby of WNYT-TV. “Everyone was shocked; it was some level of commotion and everyone trying to figure out what was going on.”
Clarke quickly took action, moving to the front of the car and pulling the emergency brake, causing the cars to come to a stop.
“I just calmed myself down, and I was like, we have to stop the train and make sure everyone is fine,” he said. “I’m glad I made the right decision. I don’t think it will stop me from taking trains; I’ve just got to be more vigilant around me.”
Passengers were quick to credit Clarke.
“He (Clarke) saved our lives tonight,” passenger Helen Mark Crane told CNN. “Our car broke off from the rest of the train and was picking up speed. Thankful he was on the train.”
The RPI head coach, Ralph Isernia, wasn’t surprised, calling Clarke “a tremendous character kid.”
Ryan Parris, a 6-0, 231-pound long snapper, is another “tremendous character kid” who chose to play football in Tuscaloosa, also without a scholarship.
He was a three-year starter at center for James Clemens High School in Huntsville, Ala., and realized that he could have a special knack for long-snapping. He worked to improve those skills, five years attending camps run by Chris Rubio, one of the nation’s premier long snapping gurus. A lifelong Alabama fan, he accepted an offer from the Crimson Tide as a preferred walk-on after his high school senior season. He followed the footsteps of his father, Butch, who was also an Alabama walk-on long-snapper under head coach Ray Perkins.
But, during the LSU weekend of his freshman year, Parris realized that he had a problem. There was an irritation in his left eye. An amoeba, probably brought about when he incorrectly washed his contact lens, had infected that eye and had started to grow.
“He was diagnosed with Acanthamoeba Keratitis,” said his grandfather, Bruce Parris. “It meant that he had an amoeba inside the eye that was eating his cornea. We read about people with this condition who were basically bed-ridden from the pain and here he was going through Division I football practice every day.”
By time for his first A-Day Spring Game, Ryan was legally blind in that eye. Still, he persisted, consulting with physicians, using eye drops, having other medical interventions designed to fight the affliction. After about a year of treatment, the amoeba was killed. Unfortunately, the eyesight was not restored.
Ryan still also persisted on the field. Despite not seeing game action during the past three seasons, he stayed on the team, there for every practice, every game.
“His goal was to win the job as long snapper,” said Bruce Parris. “But if he couldn’t do that, he wanted to push the other guys to be the best they could be to make the team better and win the national championship.
“As proud as I am of his hard work for football, I’m even more proud of his involvement with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and that he has been to Costa Rica each year on mission trips.”
Both teams … Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and the University of Alabama … played this past Saturday.
RPI, playing in the first round of the NCAA Division III playoffs, was a significant underdog at undefeated No. 3 Brockport. But, it erased a 13-7 halftime deficit and won by a touchdown, moving to the NCAA quarterfinals for the first time in 15 years.
Not sure if Clarke, who played in five of the team’s 10 regular season games, saw action against Brockport. But, he still has the rest of this postseason and three more seasons with RPI.
On Saturday at noon, the Engineers, now 10-1, play the Johns Hopkins Blue Jays in Baltimore, Md., the winner advancing to the NCAA semi-finals.
Alabama, playing against arch-rival Auburn, was a significant favorite at home. It broke away from a close 17-14 halftime score, won by 31 points and moved on to the SEC Championship Game for the fifth time in seven years.
Parris did not see action against the Tigers, but before the game he was on the field, joining fellow classmates for the annual Senior Day recognition. He still has the rest of this postseason, then more medical treatment, maybe a new type contact lens, maybe a cornea transplant, hoping to improve his vision.
On Saturday afternoon, the Crimson Tide, now 12-0, plays the Georgia Bulldogs in Atlanta, Ga., the winner advancing to the College Football Playoff. Ryan Parris will graduate 14 days later with a degree in Criminal Justice.
Two football programs, competing on different ends of the college football spectrum, both hoping to play for the national championship.
Two football players, neither playing in the spotlight, both doing the right thing for the right reasons, examples of leadership and dedication, character and courage.
Too often sports headlines are about rules violations and suspensions, violence and arrests, fights and failures.
Especially at this time of the year, we should be thankful for the good things, for doing things the right way, for setting a positive example.
Thankful for young men like Reuben Clarke and Ryan Parris.
Lindy's Sports columnist Lyn Scarbrough is a contributor and friend to this blog. He lives deep in SEC country and offers his take on the College Football landscape from time to time during the college football season.
Thursday, November 29, 2018
Six Knights Named All-District
By Ryan Stonebraker
Sports Editor
STANWOOD — Six Noth Cedar football players were named to the Class 1A District 4, All-District team recently. The Knights went 1-8 this past fall in nine football games and were 0-5 in District 4. Bellevue won the district title, going 5-0. West Branch was second with a record of 4-1. Both teams made the playoffs.
Senior Logan Thimmes and junior Tyler Thurston were first-team All-District selections. Juniors Brody Hawtrey and Ethan Sahr were second-team selections. Seniors Tyler Alexander and Jon Scheer were honorable mention selections. North Cedar junior Caden Wendt was one of four district players awarded the Golden Award. The Golden Award is given to a player who would likely have been a first team all-district selection but missed time due to a significant injury.
Thimmes was the seventh leading rusher in District 4 with 602 yards, 8 touchdowns and a 4.8-yard per carry average. He was the fifth leading tackler in district play with 86. Thimmes also caught 14 passes for 155 yards and a touchdown.
Thurston was the fourth leading tackler in district play and first on North Cedar with 85. He had 12 tackles for loss and three sacks. Thurston was a member of the Knights offensive line that helped the offense rush for 1,545 yards. Thurston handled the kick-off duty this season. He had 35 kick-offs for 1,287 yards with a touchback. He also punted five times for 89 yards with a long one of 38 yards.
Sahr was one of six district 4 quarterbacks to throw for over 1,000 yards this season. Sahr was sixth in the district in passing yards with 1,124 on 88 completions. He threw for 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Defensively, he had three interceptions for 19 return yards and was fifth on the team in tackles with 24.
Hawtrey nearly rushed for 1,000 yards this season and was fourth in the district in rushing this season with 886 yards. He rushed for three touchdowns and had a 4.6-yard per carry average. He caught 17 passes for 185 yards with a 10.9-yard average to have 1,071 yards of total offense this season. Defensively, Hawtrey was fourth on the Knights in tackling 37. He was North Cedar’s top punter, with 21 punts for 613 yards and a 29.2-yard average. He was the team’s main placekicker and made 12-of-19 extra points and had one made field goal of 29 yards. He also was the top returner for North Cedar, with 402 yards on 20 kick-off returns with a 20.1-yard average and a touchdown.
Alexander was the Knights top receiver, leading the Knights in receptions with 18 and receiving yards with 268. He had two touchdown receptions. Defensively, he had 12 tackles. Scheer was third on the Knights team in tackles with 48. He had one tackle for loss. He also caught three passes for 22 yards.
Final DISTRICT 4 Standings
District Overall
Win Loss Win Loss
Bellevue 5 0 9 0
West Branch 4 1 8 1
Cascade, 3 2 5 4
Dyersville-Beckman 2 3 4 5
Northeast 1 4 1 8
North Cedar 0 5 1 8
2018 Class 1A District 4 All-District
Individual Awards:
Most Valuable Offensive Skill Player — Hunter Clasen (Bellevue)
Most Valuable Offensive Lineman — Jaden Hierseman (West Branch)
Most Valuable Defensive Lineman — Junior Tennant (Bellevue)
Most Valuable Defensive Skill Player — Riley Konrardy (Bellevue)/Tanner Lukavsky (West Branch)
Most Valuable Placekicker — Beau Cornwell (West Branch)
Most Valuable Punter — Haris Hoffman (Cascade)
Most Valuable Returner — Brettt Schiele (West Branch)
Most Valuable Utility Player — Trey Daugherty (Bellevue)
Coach Of The Year — Chet Knake (Bellevue)
1st Team All-District
Bellevue: Hunter Clasen Sr., Trey Daugherty Sr., Junior Tennant Sr., Riley Konrardy Sr., Lucas Tennant Sr., Trevor Hager Sr., Brandon Kafer Sr.; West Branch: Beau Cornwell Sr., Brett Schiele Sr., Tanner Lukavsky Jr., Jeff Bowie Soph., John Hatfield Sr., Jaden Hierseman Sr.; Cascade: Alex Aitchison Jr., Brett Bower Sr., Haris Hoffman Sr., Logan Otting Sr., Zach Ries Sr.; Dyersville-Beckman: Owen Grover Sr., Shawn Deutmeyer Sr., Dan Kluesner Sr., Evan Wulfekuhle Jr. Northeast: Nate Lange Sr., Dakota Stevenson Sr.; North Cedar: Logan Thimmes Sr., Tyler Thurston Jr.
2nd Team All-District
Bellevue: Ben Parker Jr., Isaac Carter Jr., Peyton Grover Sr.; West Branch: Drake Bloem Sr., Wyatt Goodale Jr., Javier Zamudio Sr.; Cascade: Garron Barber Sr., Jackson Knepper Sr., Reid Rausch Sr.; Dyersville-Beckman: Seamus O’Connor Sr., Will Brehm Jr., Sean Kluesner Jr.; Northeast: Ty Cain Sr., Atzin DonDiego Jr., Braeden Hoyer Sr.; North Cedar: Brody Hawtrey Jr., Ethan Sahr Jr.
Honorable Mention:
Bellevue - Harrison Haynes Sr., Dillon Rentz Sr.; West Branch - Cameron Howsare Jr., Trey Eagle Jr., Dalyn Pedersen Jr.; Cascade - Tom Knepper Sr., Parker Wright Sr.; Dyersville-Beckman - Jackson Feldman Sr., Tom Jaeger Jr.; Northeast - Brock Junge Sr., Jaren Rathje Sr.; North Cedar - Tyler Alexander Sr., Jon Scheer Sr.
Golden Award (Player who would be likely first team selection, who missed significant time due to injury): Jack Robertson (West Branch) Jr., Thomas Gould (West Branch) Fr., Colby Homes (Cascade) Jr., Caden Wendt (North Cedar) Jr.
Seven Beavers Are First Team All-District
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| Wilton seniors running back Collin McCrabb (14) and quarterback Jerome Mays were two of seven Wilton players honored on the first team Class 1A district 5 All-District team recently. Photo by Ryan Stonebraker. |
By Ryan Stonebraker
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| Wilton senior linebacker and receiver Brock Hartley. |
WILTON — Seven Wilton Beaver football players were named to the Class 1A District 5 All-District team recently. They were half of the 14 All-District picks for Wilton on the Class 1A District 5 All-District team, released last week.
Earning first team honors were Jerome Mays, Cory Anderson, Jared Townsend, Clayton Cooling, Brian Stillman, Brock Hartley and Collin McCrabb. Earning second team honors were Caleb Lilly, Chantz Stevens, Ronen Santiago, Charles Martin and Garrett Bohnsack. Two Beavers also earned honorable mention honors in Ashton Stoelk and Coy Baker.
Mays was named the district’s first team quarterback after leading the district in passing yards with 1,271 yards on 106 completions with 16 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. He also rushed for 660 yards and 11 touchdowns, good for the seventh best total in the district. Anderson was the leading receiver in the district with 47 receptions for 692 yards and 8 touchdowns, all district 5 best totals. Defensively, Anderson had 71 tackles and intercepted three passes. Linemen Jared Townsend and Brayton Wade anchored an offensive line that helped Wilton to 3,496 yards of total offense with 1,964 yards rushing and 1,532 yards passing. Defensively, Townsend was third on Wilton’s team with 58 tackles 6 sacks and 11 tackles for loss. Wade had 44 tackles, a sack and seven tackles for loss.
Cooling and Stillman were first team selections on the defensive line position. Cooling had 49 tackles and 6 sacks and Stillman had 40 tackles and 5 sacks. Linebacker Brock Hartley was a first team linebacker selection after getting 74 tackles, a sack and six tackles for loss. Wilton’s Collin McCrabb also was a first team defensive selection at utility. McCrabb had 49 tackles and a sack. McCrabb rushed for a team high 815 yards with 7 touchdowns. He caught 17 passes for 125 yards.
Second team selections were Calib Lilly, Chantz Stevens, Ronen Santiago, Charles Martin, and Garrett Bohnsack. Lily had 22 tackles and 2 sacks and was on the offensive line. Santiago caught eight passes for 72 yards and had two touchdowns. He also had 16 tackles. Stevens rushed for 37 yards and a touchdown and caught 12 passes for 119 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also had 27 tackles. Bohnsack caught 12 passes for 170 yards and two touchdowns. He also had 26 tackles. Martin had 49 tackles and was on the Beavers offensive line. The Beavers had two honorable mention selections they were Ashton Stoelk and Coy Baker.
Wilton won the district title with a perfect 5-0 record. Mediapolis was second in the district. Both teams made the Class 1A playoffs.
Final Class 1A District 5 standings:
D-5 Ovr. PF PA
Wilton 5-0 8-1 298 73
Mediapolis 4-1 8-1 342 148
Wapello 3-2 5-4 207 210
Sigourney-Keota 2-3 5-4 267 217
Van Buren 1-4 1-8 56 337
Columbus Junction 0-5 0-9 113 385
2018 Class 1A District 5 All-District Team
1st Team Offense
Quarterback: Jerome Mays (Wilton)
Running Back: Ricky Pforts (Wapello), Zach Osborne (Mediapolis)
Wide Receiver: Bryant Lanz (Wapello), Cory Anderson (Wilton), Owen Timmerman (Mediapolis)
Offensive Lineman: Brennan Breuer (Mediapolis), Max Drebenstadt (Mediapolis), Matt Conrad (Sigourney-Keota), Jared Townsend (Wilton), Brayton Wade (Wilton)
Utility: J.D. Stout (Sigourney-Keota)
Defensive Line: Kye Borrison (Mediapolis), Clayton Cooling (Wilton), Brian Stillman (Wilton), Chance Colby (Columbus Junction)
Linebacker: Trent Hendricks (Sigourney-Keota), Brock Hartley (Wilton), Jose Cerzo (Columbus Junction), Klay Foster (Mediapolis)
Defensive Back: Daniel Meeker (Wapello), Tony Davison (Van Buren), Cauy Massner (Mediapolis)
Utility: Collin McCrabb (Wilton)
Placekicker: Nate Hine (Mediapolis)
Punter: Tayton Bartholomew (Van Buren)
Returner: Josh DarbyShire (Mediapolis)
2nd Team
Wilton - Calib Lilly, Chantz Stevens, Ronen Santiago, Charles Martin, Garrett Bohnsack; Mediapolis - Ben Wolgemuth, Briar Johnson, Wyatt Wilkerson, Keegan Akers; Wapello - Caden Thomas, James Wykert, Brenton Ross; Sigourney-Keota - Kolton Strand, Sam Sieren, Kyle Weber; Van Buren - Cole Troutman; Columbus Junction - Will Schwab, Jorge Miranda.
Honorable Mention
Wilton - Ashton Stoelk, Coy Baker; Mediapolis - Caden Benz, Blake Osborne; Wapello - Mitchell Moore, Tyler Cooley; Sigourney-Keota - Zeke Webb, Brady Duwa; Van Buren - J.T. Metcalf, Gavin Powell; Columbus Junction - Tucker Bright, Bryan Miranda.
2018 Wilton Winter Sports Schedules Released
The 2018-19 Wilton winter sports schedules have been released. Here they are for boys and girls basketball as well as wrestling.
Wilton Boys Basketball Schedule
All Games 7:30 unless noted
November 2018
11/27 At Camanche
11/30 At Iowa City Regina
December 2018
12/3 Louisa-Muscatine
12/4 At Durant
12/7 At Monticello
12/11 At West Branch
12/14 North Cedar
12/18 Mid-Prairie
12/20 At Columbus Junction
12/21 At Anamosa
January 2019
1/4 Tipton
1/5 Northeast - 1:30
1/8 At West Liberty
1/15 Iowa City Regina
1/18 Bellevue
1/22 Durant
1/25 West Branch
1/26 At Cascade - 7:00
1/29 At Mid-Prairie
February 2019
2/1 At Tipton
2/5 West Liberty
Wilton Girls Basketball Schedule
All Games 6:00 unless noted
November 2018
11/20 West Liberty - 7:30
11/27 At Camanche
11/30 At Iowa City Regina
December 2018
12/3 Louisa-Muscatine
12/4 At Durant
12/7 At Monticello
12/11 At West Branch
12/14 North Cedar
12/18 Mid-Prairie
12/20 At Columbus Junction
12/21 At Anamosa
January 2019
1/4 Tipton
1/5 Northeast - 12:00
1/8 At West Liberty - 6:30
1/15 Iowa City Regina
1/18 Bellevue
1/22 Durant
1/25 West Branch
1/26 At Cascade - 5:00
1/29 At Mid-Prairie
February 2019
2/1 At Tipton
2018 River Valley Conference - All-Conference Volleyball List
River Valley All-Conference Volleyball Teams 2018
Elite Team:
Sommer Daniel (Tipton) Jr., Jaedynn Evans (Regina) Sr., Blake Ehler (Tipton) Sr., Aubrey Putman (Wilton) Sr., Amanda Smith (Tipton) Sr., Madi Parson (Camanche) Sr., Jordan Kuper (Monticello) Jr., Macy Akers (West Liberty) Sr., Rachel Trumm (Cascade) Sr., Kamryn Meyer (Durant) Sr., Macy Daufeldt (West Liberty) Fr., Abbey Fryauf (West Branch) Sr.
North Divisional Team
Hanna Nissen (Camanche) Sr,. Sydney Dennis (North Cedar) So., Giana Michels (Bellevue) Sr., Jaelynn Kraus (Monticello) Sr., Corinne Gadient (Anamosa) Sr., Tarah Wehde (Camanche) Jr., Maci Sloane (Camanche) So., Camaryn Carstensen (Camanche) Sr., Molly McElmeel (Cascade) Jr,. Aliyah Weber (Cascade) Jr., Lindsey Banowetz (Bellevue) Jr., Brooke Denniston (Cascade) So.
Coach of the Year: Caitlin McVay - Anamosa
South Divisional Team
Jamie Kofron (Tipton) Sr., Kamryn Chapman (Tipton) Jr., Kortney Drake (Wilton) Sr., Martha Pace (West Liberty) So., Mallory Warner (Durant) Sr., Aubrin Dittmer (Durant) Sr., Ella Caffery (Wilton) Fr., Morgan Petersen (West Liberty) Jr., Riley Vaughan (West Branch) Sr., Kaiya Luneckas (West Branch) Jr., Courtney Jarrett (West Branch) Sr., Ruby Kappeler (Durant) Sr.
Coach of the Year:Amy Calonder (Tipton)
Honorable Mention:
Laken Hermiston (Tipton), Hannah Happ (Durant), Emily Lange (Wilton), Lexi Klinkkammer (West Branch), Hallie Mueller (West Liberty), Ellie Van Landschoot (Regina), Makensie Rich (Mid-Prairie), Tory McDonald (Monticello), Nicole Sander (North Cedar), Morgan Hines (Northeast), Sarah Osaro (Camanche), Brin Daugherty (Bellevue), Robyn Takes (Cascade), Maggie McQuillen (Anamosa).
2018 River Valley Conference Volleyball Leaders
By Ryan Stonebraker
Sports Editor
The 2018 high school volleyball season is over. Here is a look at the final statistical totals for both divisions of the River Valley Conference. There are Division stats as well as overall stats for the year.
River Valley Conference South Stat Leaders:
RVC Match Totals Only:
Kills — Sommer Daniel (Tipton) 204, Aubrey Putman (Wilton) 199, Jaedynn Evans (Iowa City Regina) 186, Abbey Fryauf (West Branch) 172, Macy Daufeldt (West Liberty) 116, Blake Ehler (Tipton) 108, Kamryn Meyer (Durant) 105, Aubrin Dittmer (Durant) 104.
Serving — Riley Vaughan (West Branch) 183-192 14 aces, Amanda Smith (Tipton) 179-194 20 aces, Jamie Kofron 168-187 24 aces, Sommer Daniel (Tipton) 155-167 24 aces, Alexa Garvin (Wilton) 155-168 11 aces, Eleney Owens (Wilton) 148-151 12 aces, Morgan Peterson (West Liberty) 144-153 15 aces, Blake Ehler (Tipton) 143-166 8 aces, Laken Hermiston (Tipton) 136-143 2 aces, Macy Akers (West Liberty) 135-142 9 aces, Lexi Klinkhammer (West Branch) 134-152 16 aces, Aubrin Dittmer (Durant) 133-148 19 aces, Ella Caffrey (Wilton) 132-149 13 aces, Kelsey Drake 126-137 10 aces, Aubrey Putman (Wilton) 122-138 13 aces, Paige Werthmann (Durant) 118-139 15 aces.
Assists — Riley Vaughan (West Branch) 343, Ella Caffrey (Wilton) 341, Morgan Peterson (West Liberty) 305, Ruby Kappeler (Durant) 293, Amanda Smith (Tipton) 226, Sommer Daniel (Tipton) 199.
Digs — Jaedynn Evans (IC Regina) 230, Macy Akers (West Liberty) 220, Courtney Jarrett (West Branch) 190, Blake Ehler (Tipton) 158, Karlee Kamberling (Tipton) 145, Nola Murhammer (Iowa City Regina) 140, Amanda Smith (Tipton) 137, Hannah Happ (Durant) 134, Aubrey Putman (Wilton) 134.
Blocks — Mallory Warner (Durant) 56, Annie Taylor (Durant) 44, Kaiya Luneckas (West Branch) 44, Paige Werthmann (Durant) 33, Kamryn Meyer (Durant) 31, Aubrin Dittmer (Durant) 25, Aubrey Putman (Wilton) 24, Kamryn Chapman (Tipton) 23.
River Valley Conference North Stat Leaders:
RVC Match Totals Only:
Kills — Madi Parson (Camanche) 190, Jordan Kuper (Monticello) 156, Rachel Trumm (Cascade) 103, Lindsey Banowetz (Bellevue) 99, Tarah Wehde (Camanche) 92, Erica Jones (North Cedar) 79, Maggie McQuillen (Anamosa) 78, Nicole Sander (North Cedar) 77.
Serving — Tarah Wehde (Camanche) 164-177 17 aces, Madi Parson (Camanche) 153-155 23 aces, Camaryn Carstensen (Camanche) 141-153 14 aces, Erica Jones (North Cedar) 134-148 13 aces, Jess Hoffman (Cascade) 130-138 5 aces, Aliyah Weber (Cascade) 130-139 9 aces, Sarah Osaro (Camanche) 129-139 9 aces, Mallory Steiner (Monticello) 129-139 9 aces, Sydney Dennis (North Cedar) 127-134 17 aces.
Assists — Hanna Nissen (Camanche) 368, Brin Daugherty (Bellevue) 262, Kayla Sander (North Cedar) 161, Jess Hoffman (Cascade) 157, Markeya Moats (Anamosa) 147, Kylie Chapman (Anamosa) 136, Mallory Steiner (Monticello) 119, Tori McDonald (Monticello) 118, Sydney Dennis (North Cedar) 113.
Digs — Katie Thompson (North Cedar) 160, Sydney Dennis (North Cedar) 153, Robyn Takes (Cascade) 148, Jess Hoffman (Cascade) 121, Giana Michels (Bellevue) 107, Molly McElmeel (Cascade) 103, Aliyah Weber (Cascade) 103, Nicole Sander (North Cedar) 103.
Blocks — Emma Boelyn (North Cedar) 42, Jordan Kuper (Monticello) 28, Corrine Gadient (Anamosa) 27, Rachel Trumm (Cascade) 26, Maci Sloane (Camanche) 22.
Overall RVC South Statistics Only:
Kills — Sommer Daniel (Tipton) 476, Aubrey Putman (Wilton) 457, Jaedynn Evans (Iowa City Regina) 396, Abbey Fryauf (West Branch) 396, Macy Daufeldt (West Liberty) 332, Blake Ehler (Tipton) 263, Kamryn Meyer (Durant) 259, Aubrin Dittmer (Durant) 249.
Serving — Amanda Smith (Tipton) 470-505 67 aces, Jamie Kofron (Tipton) 417-446 38 aces, Riley Vaughan (West Branch) 411-431 35 aces, Sommer Daniel (Tipton) 407-440 54 aces, Eleney Owens (Wilton) 371-378 28 aces, Laken Hermiston (Tipton) 357-378 15 aces, Morgan Peterson (West Liberty) 343-373 37 aces, Alexa Garvin (Wilton) 339-365 31 aces, Blake Ehler (Tipton) 338-389 30 aces, Macy Akers (West Liberty) 337-354 27 aces, Lexi Klinkhammer (West Branch) 326-368 47 aces, Aubrin Dittmer (Durant) 326-368 47.
Assists — Morgan Peterson (West Liberty) 805, Ella Caffrey (Wilton) 804, Riley Vaughan (West Branch) 796, Ruby Kappeler (Durant) 656, Amanda Smith (Tipton) 575, Sommer Daniel (Tipton) 500, Kennedy Wallace (IC Regina) 495.
Digs — Macy Akers (West Liberty) 599, Jaedynn Evans (IC Regina) 479, Courtney Jarrett (West Branch) 406, Karlee Kamberling (Tipton) 400, Blake Ehler (Tipton) 363, Amanda Smith (Tipton) 341, Sommer Daniel (Tipton) 339, Hannah Happ (Durant) 314.
Blocks — Mallory Warner (Durant) 127, Kaiya Luneckas (West Branch) 117, Annie Taylor (Durant) 107, Paige Werthmann (Durant) 79, Kamryn Chapman (Tipton) 66, Kamryn Meyer (Durant) 60, Jamie Kofron (Tipton) 50, Aubrey Putman (Wilton) 43.
Overall RVC North Statistics Only:
Kills — Madi Parson (Camanche) 442, Jordan Kuper (Monticello) 345, Rachel Trumm (Cascade) 254, Lindsey Banowetz (Bellevue) 241, Tarah Wehde (Camanche) 200, Corinne Gadient (Anamosa) 191, Erica Jones (North Cedar) 178, Aubrie Hager (Bellevue) 164, Nicole Sander (North Cedar) 162, Sydney Dennis (North Cedar) 152.
Serving — Tarah Wehde (Camanche) 380-413 52 aces, Sarah Osaro (Camanche) 334-356 32 aces, Madi Parson (Camanche) 327-342 48 aces, Camaryn Carstensen (Camanche) 322-355 30 aces, Mallory Steiner (Monticello) 309-329 17 aces, Aliyah Weber (Cascade) 304-355 34 aces, Erica Jones (North Cedar) 295-322 40 aces.
Assists — Hanna Nissen (Camanche) 818, Brin Daugherty (Bellevue) 597, Kayla Sander (North Cedar) 511, Markeya Moats (Anamosa) 378, Molly McElmeel (Cascade) 321, Jess Hoffman (Cascade) 320.
Digs — Katie Thompson (North Cedar) 400, Sydney Dennis (North Cedar) 382, Robyn Takes (Cascade) 308, Grace Lubben (Anamosa) 269, Camaryn Carstensen (Camanche) 258, Jess Hoffman (Cascade) 258, Nicole Sander (North Cedar) 249.
Blocks — Emma Boelyn (North Cedar) 106, Corrine Gadient (Anamosa) 67, Jordan Kuper (Monticello) 62, Rachel Trumm (Cascade) 57, Nicole Sander (North Cedar) 56.
River Valley Conference South Stat Leaders:
RVC Match Totals Only:
Kills — Sommer Daniel (Tipton) 204, Aubrey Putman (Wilton) 199, Jaedynn Evans (Iowa City Regina) 186, Abbey Fryauf (West Branch) 172, Macy Daufeldt (West Liberty) 116, Blake Ehler (Tipton) 108, Kamryn Meyer (Durant) 105, Aubrin Dittmer (Durant) 104.
Serving — Riley Vaughan (West Branch) 183-192 14 aces, Amanda Smith (Tipton) 179-194 20 aces, Jamie Kofron 168-187 24 aces, Sommer Daniel (Tipton) 155-167 24 aces, Alexa Garvin (Wilton) 155-168 11 aces, Eleney Owens (Wilton) 148-151 12 aces, Morgan Peterson (West Liberty) 144-153 15 aces, Blake Ehler (Tipton) 143-166 8 aces, Laken Hermiston (Tipton) 136-143 2 aces, Macy Akers (West Liberty) 135-142 9 aces, Lexi Klinkhammer (West Branch) 134-152 16 aces, Aubrin Dittmer (Durant) 133-148 19 aces, Ella Caffrey (Wilton) 132-149 13 aces, Kelsey Drake 126-137 10 aces, Aubrey Putman (Wilton) 122-138 13 aces, Paige Werthmann (Durant) 118-139 15 aces.
Assists — Riley Vaughan (West Branch) 343, Ella Caffrey (Wilton) 341, Morgan Peterson (West Liberty) 305, Ruby Kappeler (Durant) 293, Amanda Smith (Tipton) 226, Sommer Daniel (Tipton) 199.
Digs — Jaedynn Evans (IC Regina) 230, Macy Akers (West Liberty) 220, Courtney Jarrett (West Branch) 190, Blake Ehler (Tipton) 158, Karlee Kamberling (Tipton) 145, Nola Murhammer (Iowa City Regina) 140, Amanda Smith (Tipton) 137, Hannah Happ (Durant) 134, Aubrey Putman (Wilton) 134.
Blocks — Mallory Warner (Durant) 56, Annie Taylor (Durant) 44, Kaiya Luneckas (West Branch) 44, Paige Werthmann (Durant) 33, Kamryn Meyer (Durant) 31, Aubrin Dittmer (Durant) 25, Aubrey Putman (Wilton) 24, Kamryn Chapman (Tipton) 23.
River Valley Conference North Stat Leaders:
RVC Match Totals Only:
Kills — Madi Parson (Camanche) 190, Jordan Kuper (Monticello) 156, Rachel Trumm (Cascade) 103, Lindsey Banowetz (Bellevue) 99, Tarah Wehde (Camanche) 92, Erica Jones (North Cedar) 79, Maggie McQuillen (Anamosa) 78, Nicole Sander (North Cedar) 77.
Serving — Tarah Wehde (Camanche) 164-177 17 aces, Madi Parson (Camanche) 153-155 23 aces, Camaryn Carstensen (Camanche) 141-153 14 aces, Erica Jones (North Cedar) 134-148 13 aces, Jess Hoffman (Cascade) 130-138 5 aces, Aliyah Weber (Cascade) 130-139 9 aces, Sarah Osaro (Camanche) 129-139 9 aces, Mallory Steiner (Monticello) 129-139 9 aces, Sydney Dennis (North Cedar) 127-134 17 aces.
Assists — Hanna Nissen (Camanche) 368, Brin Daugherty (Bellevue) 262, Kayla Sander (North Cedar) 161, Jess Hoffman (Cascade) 157, Markeya Moats (Anamosa) 147, Kylie Chapman (Anamosa) 136, Mallory Steiner (Monticello) 119, Tori McDonald (Monticello) 118, Sydney Dennis (North Cedar) 113.
Digs — Katie Thompson (North Cedar) 160, Sydney Dennis (North Cedar) 153, Robyn Takes (Cascade) 148, Jess Hoffman (Cascade) 121, Giana Michels (Bellevue) 107, Molly McElmeel (Cascade) 103, Aliyah Weber (Cascade) 103, Nicole Sander (North Cedar) 103.
Blocks — Emma Boelyn (North Cedar) 42, Jordan Kuper (Monticello) 28, Corrine Gadient (Anamosa) 27, Rachel Trumm (Cascade) 26, Maci Sloane (Camanche) 22.
Overall RVC South Statistics Only:
Kills — Sommer Daniel (Tipton) 476, Aubrey Putman (Wilton) 457, Jaedynn Evans (Iowa City Regina) 396, Abbey Fryauf (West Branch) 396, Macy Daufeldt (West Liberty) 332, Blake Ehler (Tipton) 263, Kamryn Meyer (Durant) 259, Aubrin Dittmer (Durant) 249.
Serving — Amanda Smith (Tipton) 470-505 67 aces, Jamie Kofron (Tipton) 417-446 38 aces, Riley Vaughan (West Branch) 411-431 35 aces, Sommer Daniel (Tipton) 407-440 54 aces, Eleney Owens (Wilton) 371-378 28 aces, Laken Hermiston (Tipton) 357-378 15 aces, Morgan Peterson (West Liberty) 343-373 37 aces, Alexa Garvin (Wilton) 339-365 31 aces, Blake Ehler (Tipton) 338-389 30 aces, Macy Akers (West Liberty) 337-354 27 aces, Lexi Klinkhammer (West Branch) 326-368 47 aces, Aubrin Dittmer (Durant) 326-368 47.
Assists — Morgan Peterson (West Liberty) 805, Ella Caffrey (Wilton) 804, Riley Vaughan (West Branch) 796, Ruby Kappeler (Durant) 656, Amanda Smith (Tipton) 575, Sommer Daniel (Tipton) 500, Kennedy Wallace (IC Regina) 495.
Digs — Macy Akers (West Liberty) 599, Jaedynn Evans (IC Regina) 479, Courtney Jarrett (West Branch) 406, Karlee Kamberling (Tipton) 400, Blake Ehler (Tipton) 363, Amanda Smith (Tipton) 341, Sommer Daniel (Tipton) 339, Hannah Happ (Durant) 314.
Blocks — Mallory Warner (Durant) 127, Kaiya Luneckas (West Branch) 117, Annie Taylor (Durant) 107, Paige Werthmann (Durant) 79, Kamryn Chapman (Tipton) 66, Kamryn Meyer (Durant) 60, Jamie Kofron (Tipton) 50, Aubrey Putman (Wilton) 43.
Overall RVC North Statistics Only:
Kills — Madi Parson (Camanche) 442, Jordan Kuper (Monticello) 345, Rachel Trumm (Cascade) 254, Lindsey Banowetz (Bellevue) 241, Tarah Wehde (Camanche) 200, Corinne Gadient (Anamosa) 191, Erica Jones (North Cedar) 178, Aubrie Hager (Bellevue) 164, Nicole Sander (North Cedar) 162, Sydney Dennis (North Cedar) 152.
Serving — Tarah Wehde (Camanche) 380-413 52 aces, Sarah Osaro (Camanche) 334-356 32 aces, Madi Parson (Camanche) 327-342 48 aces, Camaryn Carstensen (Camanche) 322-355 30 aces, Mallory Steiner (Monticello) 309-329 17 aces, Aliyah Weber (Cascade) 304-355 34 aces, Erica Jones (North Cedar) 295-322 40 aces.
Assists — Hanna Nissen (Camanche) 818, Brin Daugherty (Bellevue) 597, Kayla Sander (North Cedar) 511, Markeya Moats (Anamosa) 378, Molly McElmeel (Cascade) 321, Jess Hoffman (Cascade) 320.
Digs — Katie Thompson (North Cedar) 400, Sydney Dennis (North Cedar) 382, Robyn Takes (Cascade) 308, Grace Lubben (Anamosa) 269, Camaryn Carstensen (Camanche) 258, Jess Hoffman (Cascade) 258, Nicole Sander (North Cedar) 249.
Blocks — Emma Boelyn (North Cedar) 106, Corrine Gadient (Anamosa) 67, Jordan Kuper (Monticello) 62, Rachel Trumm (Cascade) 57, Nicole Sander (North Cedar) 56.
Wednesday, November 28, 2018
HOOKER, SMITH-MARSETTE HIGHLIGHT BIG TEN HONORS
IOWA CITY, Iowa -- University of Iowa junior defensive back Amani Hooker has been named the Tatum-Woodson Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year and sophomore wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette has been named the Rodgers-Dwight Return Specialist of the Year. The honorees and defensive all-conference teams were announced by the Big Ten Tuesday. Offensive award winners will be announced Wednesday.
“Amani and Ihmir both made strides in their development as football players and leaders throughout the course of the season,” said head coach Kirk Ferentz. “Both A.J. and Geno also improved as younger players and played a bigger and bigger role as the season went on. For our seniors, the recognition is a result of their play on the field, and the leadership they have provided throughout their careers. It’s gratifying to see others recognize those contributions.”
Hooker is the fourth Hawkeye to earn the defensive back award, and the third in the past four seasons. Micah Hyde (2012), Desmond King (2015), and Josh Jackson (2017) previously earned the defensive back honor.
Hooker was named first-team All-Big Ten by coaches and media, while Smith-Marsette was named first team by media and second team by coaches.
Sophomore defensive end A.J. Epenesa joins Hooker in earning first-team All-Big Ten honors, being named first team by media and second team by coaches. Junior defensive end Anthony Nelson was named second team by conference media and third team by coaches.
Senior defensive tackle Matt Nelson, senior safety Jake Gervase, and senior kicker Miguel Recinos earned honorable mention recognition from coaches and media. Senior defensive end Parker Hesse and sophomore safety Geno Stone earned honorable mention from media. Hesse is Iowa’s Sportsmanship Award recipient.
Hooker is a native of Minneapolis. He is second on the team with 59 tackles, leads the team with seven pass break-ups and is tied for the team lead with four interceptions. He also recorded 3.5 tackles for loss. As a team, Iowa is tied for the national lead with 18 interceptions after the Hawkeyes led the nation a year ago with 21.
Smith-Marsette is the first Hawkeye to be named Return Specialist of the Year. The award bears the name of Iowa’s 1997 consensus All-American Tim Dwight. Smith-Marsette, a native of Newark, New Jersey, ranks second in the nation in kickoff returns with a 29.3 average on 19 returns.
Epenesa and Nelson share the team lead with 9.5 sacks, the most by a Hawkeye player since 2011. Epenesa, a native of Glen Carbon, Illinois, has recorded 35 tackles and scored a touchdown at Illinois on a fumble return. Nelson is from Waukee, Iowa, and has 41 tackles. He scored a touchdown on a fumble recovery against Maryland. Epenesa (Iowa State and Illinois) and Nelson (Minnesota and Nebraska) were two-time defensive Player of the Week honorees.
Hesse has been a mainstay for the Iowa defense over the past four seasons. A native of Waukon, Iowa, he has started 35 consecutive games and 46 career games. He has 52 tackles and ranks third on the team in tackles for loss (9-48) and sacks (4-27).
Recinos, a native of Mason City, Iowa, leads Iowa in scoring with 89 points. He has made 15-of-20 field goals, including a string of 11 straight from games three through 10. He ranks 14th in career scoring with 171 points, including 27-of-36 field goals, and is perfect on 90 career PATs. He has made 11-of-12 field goals from outside 40 yards.
Gervase is a native of Davenport, Iowa, who began his career as a walk-on. He leads Iowa with 83 tackles, including a team-best 45 solo stops. He has three interceptions for 22 yards and three pass break-ups.
Matt Nelson started Iowa’s last 19 games at tackle after moving from end earlier in his career. The Cedar Rapids, Iowa, native recorded 27 tackles and is tied for second on the team with six pass break-ups.
Stone started the final eight games of the season in the secondary and made an immediate impact. The native of New Castle, Pennsylvania, had a pick-six against Penn State and has recorded 37 tackles. Stone and Hooker are tied for second in the Big Ten with four interceptions each.
Iowa (8-4) is bowl eligible for the 17th time in the last 18 seasons. Iowa’s bowl destination and opponent will be announced Sunday.
Fant, Hockenson Highlight All-Big Ten Offense
IOWA CITY, Iowa -- University of Iowa sophomore tight end T.J. Hockenson has been named the Kwalick-Clark Tight End of the Year in the Big Ten Conference. Junior tight end Noah Fant shares first-team All-Big Ten honors as well, as Fant was named to the first unit by league coaches and Hockenson is the first-team selection by conference media. The offensive honorees were determined by a vote of league coaches and media and announced by the Big Ten on Wednesday.
“The tight end position has been a real strength for our team this year,” said Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz. “To see both T.J. and Noah recognized is a credit to their performances throughout the season. “Overall, we had a number of players gain well-deserved recognition over the past two days. To have three players named as the best at their position in a strong football conference speaks to their hard work, sacrifice, and determination.”
Hockenson leads the Hawkeyes with 46 receptions for 717 yards. The Chariton, Iowa, native has six touchdown receptions and one rushing touchdown. He is one of three finalists for the John Mackey Award as the top tight end in the nation.
Fant is a native of Omaha, Nebraska, who was a semifinalist for the Mackey Award. He totaled 39 receptions for 519 yards in 2018 while leading the team with seven touchdown receptions.
Fant and Hockenson both have more than 1,000 career receiving yards, with Fant totaling 1,083 yards and Hockenson 1,037. The tandem combined for 90 receptions, 1,107 yards, and 13 touchdowns in 2018. Fant has 19 career touchdown receptions, most by an Iowa tight end and third best all-time among Big Ten tight ends. Hockenson has nine career scoring catches.
In addition to Fant and Hockenson, sophomore wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette and four members of the offensive line earned recognition. Smith-Marsette, who was named the Rodgers-Dwight Return Specialist of the Year, earned honorable mention recognition from the media for his play at wide receiver to go with first-team honors as a return specialist. Smith-Marsette recorded 19 receptions for 332 yards and two touchdowns. His 17.5 average per catch ranks first among Iowa’s primary receivers.
Sophomore left tackle Alaric Jackson, a native of Detroit, was named second-team All-Big Ten by coaches and media. Jackson started all 12 games and has started 23 games over the past two seasons. Senior Ross Reynolds, a native of Waukee, Iowa, who started all 12 games at left guard, was named second-team by league coaches and third team by media.
Senior Keegan Render earned third-team honors by media and honorable mention from coaches. Render started all 12 games at center in 2018. He has played in 51 career games and has 32 starts. He has played both guard and center and has seen action in every game over the past four seasons. Render is a native of Indianola, Iowa.
Sophomore Tristan Wirfs earned honorable mention honors from coaches and media. The Mount Vernon, Iowa, native started 11 games at right tackle and has 19 career starts in his two seasons.
“It’s rewarding to see seniors such as Keegan and Ross recognized for their play,” said Ferentz. “For Alaric and Tristan, the recognition can hopefully signal continued improvement and growth.”
Following are Iowa’s Big Ten Conference award recipients:
Kwalick-Clark Tight End of the Year: T.J. Hockenson
Rodgers-Dwight Return Specialist of the Year: Ihmir Smith-Marsette
Tatum-Woodson Defensive Back of the Year: Amani Hooker
Sportsmanship Award: Parker Hesse
Player Coaches Media
DE A.J. Epenesa Second First
TE Noah Fant First Second
DB Jake Gervase HM HM
DE Parker Hesse - - - HM
TE T.J. Hockenson Second First
DB Amani Hooker First First
OL Alaric Jackson Second Second
DE Anthony Nelson Third Second
DL Matt Nelson HM HM
K Miguel Recinos HM HM
OL Keegan Render HM Third
OL Ross Reynolds Second Third
KR Ihmir Smith-Marsette Second First
WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette - - - HM
DB Geno Stone - - - HM
OL Tristan Wirfs HM HM
Iowa (8-4) is bowl eligible for the 17th time in the last 18 seasons. Iowa’s bowl destination and opponent will be announced Sunday.
Comets smother Knights in season opener for both teams
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North Cedar’s Sam Koth (4) brings the ball up the court under the pressure of Bellevue guard Kailey Miller (10), left. The Knights fell 62-17 to the Comets in their first game of the season last Tuesday at home. The Knights are on the road twice this week, at Northeast Tuesday night and at Monticello Friday. Photo by Ryan Stonebraker.
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By Ryan Stonebraker
Sports Editor
CLARENCE — The Bellevue Comets traveled to North Cedar for the RVC opener for both teams last Tuesday. There, the Comets came away with a 62-17 win over the North Cedar Knights.
Bellevue led 45 to 10 at halftime and held the Knights to two quarters with only two points.
Bellevue was led in scoring by Giana Michels with 13 points and Lindsey Banowetz with 11. North Cedar was led in scoring by Kayla Syring with 6 and Nicole Sander with 5.
North Cedar is on the road twice this week. Tuesday at Northeast and Friday at Monticello.
BELLEVUE (62): Kailey Miller (g) 2-4 0-0 4, Alyssa Ruebel (g) 2-2 1-1 5, Lindsey Banowetz (g) 5-14 0-2 11, Teresa Paulsen (f) 1-2 3-4 5, Giana Michels (f) 6-12 0-0 13, Julia Penniston 1-2 0-0 2, Mariah Hueneke 0-0 0-0 0, Maddie Scmidt 4-5 0-0 11, Audrey Wedeking 1-5 0-0 3, Brianna Laughlin 2-2 0-1 4, Anna Dunne 1-2 0-0 2, Sally Paulsen 1-6 0-0 2. Totals: 26-56 4-8 62.
NORTH CEDAR (17): Sam Koth 1 0-0 2, Fiona Raney 1 0-1 2, Paige Rouse 0 0-0 0, Jenna Syring 0 1-2 1, Nicole Sander 1 2-4 5, Kayla Syring 2 2-5 6, Sarah Hansen 0 0-0 0, Hailey Fall 0 1-2 1. Totals: 5 6-13 17.
Golden Hawks break game open in second half
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| Durant's Kylie Kay faces defensive pressure from a Mid-Prairie defender during the second half of the Wildcats season opener with the Golden Hawks last week. Photo by Ryan Stonebraker. |
By Ryan Stonebraker
Sports Editor
DURANT — The Durant Wildcats fell 69-49 in their season opener last Tuesday against Mid-Prairie. The Wildcats are back in action this week with two road games, at West Branch Tuesday and at West Liberty Friday.
Both teams scored 13 first-quarter points as the score was knotted at 13 after the opening quarter. Mid-Prairie narrowly outscored Durant in the second quarter, 15-14 to take a one-point, 28-27 lead at halftime.
Mid-Prairie took control of the game in the third quarter. There, the Golden Hawks poured in 22 points in the quarter using a 22-7 run in the quarter to take a 50-34 lead to the final quarter.
The Golden Hawks outscored Durant 19 to 15 in the fourth quarter. In the half, the Golden Hawks outscored Durant 41 to 22.
Mid-Prairie was led by Myah Lugar with 23 points and 8 rebounds. Lugar, a sophomore, averaged 3.3 points last year as a freshman on a 12-10 Golden Hawk squad. Maddie Nonnenmann added 16 points and 4 steals for Mid-Prairie. The Golden Hawks shot 50-percent from the 3-point line (8-for-16) in the game.
Durant was led by Kylie Kay with 13 points and Kamryn Meyer with 11 points and 7 rebounds. Kay had 3 rebounds, 2 assists and a team-high 4 steals in the game. Annie Taylor scored 8 points, Ruby Kappeler 7, Hannah Happ 4 to round out the starting five players.
Durant made one three-point attempt out of six tries in the game.
The Wildcats hit the road for two games this week, at West Branch Tuesday and at West Liberty Friday night.
Mid-Prairie 69, Durant 49
Tuesday, November 20
At Durant
MP 13 15 22 19 69
D 13 14 7 15 49
M-P (69): Kessa Jones (g) 1-2 0-0 2, Caitlyn Riggan (g) 3-7 0-0 8, Shae Becker (f) 2-3 3-4 7, Myah Lugar (g) 6-14 8-10 23, Maddie Nonnenmann (f) 6-11 2-2 16, Ella Cadena 3-5 2-2 9, Kendra Schaefer 0-0 0-0 0, Jaselyn Robertson 0-0 0-0 0, Colby Rourke 1-5 2-3 4. Totals: 22-47 17-21 69.
DURANT (49): Hannah Happ (g) 1-2 2-2 4, Ruby Kappeler (g) 3-7 0-0 7, Kamryn Meyer (f) 3-12 5-9 11, Annie Taylor (f) 4-10 0-3 8, Kylie Kay (g) 5-10 3-4 13, Jordyn Ostrand 1-2 0-0 2, Kira Schult 1-7 0-0 2, Gabrielle Olsen 1-2 0-1 2, Heidi Wolf 0-1 0-0 0. Totals: 19-53 10-19 49.
3-Pt. FG: MP 8-16 (Lugar 3-8, Riggan 2-4, Nonnemann 2-2, Cadena 2-2, Becker 0-3, Rourke 0-2), Durant 1-6 (Kappeler 1-4, Schult 0-1, Wolf 0-1). Rebounds: MP 33 (Lugar 8, Jones 4), Durant 28 (Meyer 7, Taylor 7, Kay 3, Schult 3, Ostrand 3, Kappeler 2, Olsen 2, Wolf 1). Assists: MP 9 (Riggan 4), Durant 8 (Happ 2, Kay 2, Kappeler 1, Meyer 1, Schult 1, Wolf 1). Steals: MP 11 (Nonnemann 4, Riggan 3), Durant 9 (Kay 4, Happ 2, Schult 2, Kappeler 1). Blocked Shots: MP 6 (Nonnemann 2), Durant 6 (Meyer 4, Kay 2). Total Fouls: MP 19, Durant 17. Fouled Out: MP none. Durant none.
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