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Drake Relays RecapPAGE EIGHT
Drake Relays Recap
Principal Charity ClassicPAGE NINETEEN
Principal Charity Classic
Where Are They Now?Iowa Prep Track & Field
PAGE TWENTY-THREEWhere Are They Now?Iowa Prep Track & Field
Visit us on the web @ www.iowasportsconnection.com Volume 14 Issue 2 3
The sixth Principal Charity Classic at Glen Oaks Country Club is right around the corner. The PGA Champions Tour comes to West Des Moines, Iowa, June 1-5 and that marks the 11th year the tour has come to central Iowa. The 2011 winner of the Principal Charity Classic, Bob Gilder, has already announced that he’ll be in attendance. Many of the tour’s top money winners will be in attendance, so competition should be spectacular. A few new faces who didn’t compete last season, including Bernhard Langer, add to an extremely talented field that promises to entertain. Kenny Perry, who is featured on the cover of this issue of The Iowa Sports Connection magazine, is another new addition this season. Perry is fourth in the Champions Tour standings as of publication and he could be one to watch as a talented golfer who could be in the running for the title. Perry has already claimed a title this season at the 2012 ACE Group Classic and finished second Encompass Insurance Pro-Am of Tampa Bay. If you plan on heading out to this year’s event to watch the action, make sure to seek pick up a copy of the magazine. Beside accessing it online, you can grab your copy at any Casey’s General Store or Scheels Sporting Goods location in the state of Iowa. Also, be sure to check iowasportsconnection.com for all you Principal Charity Classic updates and the leading high school sports coverage in all of Iowa, including the always-exciting Iowa High School Track and Field State Championship Meet at Drake Stadium in Des Moines. You can even listen to Iowa Sports Connection on our flagship station here in Central Iowa, 1350 KRNT, or on any of our many statewide affiliates every night of the week from 5-7 p.m. Our featured shows, On the Tee on Wednesdays and Friday Night Live, still run in their normal time
CONTENTS
4 Pee Wee Profiles
8 Prep Connection
23 Collegiate Corner
29 Minor But Major
1063 14th Place • Des Moines, IA 50314PH: (515) 283-1933 • FAX: (515) 283-1646
Volume 14 Issue 2
The Iowa Sports Connection is published once per month with copies available by subscription. The magazine can also be found at all Casey’s General Stores across the state in addition to a few select locations in Iowa. All stories and pictures produced by ISC staff © 2012 Iowa Sports Connection. All rights reserved. Stories, pictures and other content produced by contributors © 2012 their respective owners, with limited reprint rights reserved by the Iowa Sports Connection. The Iowa Sports Connection logo is trademark ™ Iowa Sports Connection.
Contributing Writers: Rodney J. Brown, Susan Thompson, University of Iowa Athletic Communications, Iowa State Athletics Communications, Zach James, Matthew DeWall
Contributing photographers: Charlie McCardle, Sam Taylor, Impact Imagery; University of Iowa Athletic Communications, Iowa State Athletics Communications
Cover: Kenny Perry swings away at a PGA Champions Tour event. (Photo courtesy of Principal Charity Classic)
The Principal Charity Classic at Glen Oaks is Central Iowa’s Premier Golfing Event!
slots from 5-7 p.m. The Iowa Sports Connection Show, the best Saturday morning show in the state, is on from 8-10 a.m. to kick off your weekend. We’re elevating our coverage level to bring you even more
of the great stories of positive participation in all Iowa sports. I have been blessed by God with a family that stuck by me and incredible partners and staff through the years. John Streets and Tony Atzenti have been my pillars as we have continued to push the limits of small business sanity in our quest to be Iowa’s leader in covering Iowa high school sports and the youth programs that feed each community “From the Missouri to the Mississippi”. The Iowa Sports Connection has evolved into a statewide magazine and the states foremost publication thanks to Casey’s General Stores and this growth has spurred the launch of the state’s only high school based radio and television network along with incredible websites and digital magazines. I cannot name all of the advertisers that have provided incredible support from the beginning that have helped us sustain our growth of covering Iowans “From the Pee Wees to the Preps to the Pros” with a positive perspective but each and every client has been superb. The Hy-Vee High School Headquarters is known in every pocket of the state as is the Grinnell Mutual Re-Insurance Scoreboard Show, and Casey’s General Stores where this magazine has been available for over a decade. Thank you so much for picking up this magazine.
God Bless You and God Bless America,
T.O.M. Upward Sports at Valley Church Upward Sports is an organziation dedicated to teaching children that winning isn’t always about the scores. Valley Church in Des Moines is one site of their organzation.
Outstanding Performances and Record-Breakers Highlight Drake RelaysThe most recent Drake Relays shows that Iowa’s athleticism is a force to be reckoned with.
Mike Rickord ISC Publisher
Where Are They Now? Three Former Iowa Preps Find Success at Next LevelShelby Houlihan, Alex Gochenour and Katie Flood are gracing the collegiate stage with their athletic talents. Discover their successes at the next level.
’Stomers Searching for a Team IdentityThrough the ups and downs of this season, the Barnstormers are struggling to grasp their game plan and a consistency to accompany it.
STAFFMIKE RICKORD • President/[email protected]
TONY ATZENI • Radio Account [email protected]
TIM WEIDEMAN • [email protected]
ADAM OESTREICH • Art [email protected]
ASHTON WEIS • Staff Writer
KELLY HENDRICKS • Web Editor
JOHN STREETS • Business [email protected]
LISA PRINGLE • Sales [email protected]
CARLY PETERS • Sales [email protected]
DELBERT CHRISTENSEN • MarketingCedar Rapids/Sioux City
MIKE RICKORD JR • Marketing
Prosefrom the Pub
Pre-2011 MidAmerican Logo Updated MidAmerican Logo
4 Volume 14 Issue 2 Visit us on the web @ www.iowasportsconnection.com
Want to nominate a Most Valuable Parent? The Most Valuable Parent is recognized for its positive involvement in youth sports. If you would like to nominate a parent for our MidAmerican Engery M.V.P., please contact us at [email protected] or call 515-283-1933.
Pee-WeeProfiles
It’s not all about the score; Upward Sports gives kids and opportunity to discover all the ways they can win when they play sports. Upward Sports is an organization that provides athletic avenues for kindergartners through sixth graders nation wide. They are the largest Christian sports league for children in the world. In the Des Moines area, Upward Sports partners with several different churches, including, Walnut Creek Community Church, The Downtown Church, Valley Evangelical Free Church and Westchester Evangelical Free Church. They also offer a couple of opportunities for children in nearby Marshalltown and Ames. Matthew Waring, the sports outreach director at Valley Church, said that they use the Upward Sports model because it provides guidelines,
T.O.M. Upward Sports at Valley Church
Presented By:
Ashton Weis Staff Writer
practices and everything else the volunteers need. Because the program is driven strictly by volunteers, other than Waring, they might be unfamiliar with how to coach or referee. The program’s goal is twofold. They want the kids to learn the fundamentals of the sport, but they also strive to build character values. During the weekly practice of the ten-week schedule, there is a “7 to 10 minute huddle and they’ll have a topic like courage, joy, team responsibility and there’s a Bible verse that goes along with it,” Waring said about how they strive to teach values and skills. The kids and their coaches take the huddle time to discuss the topic and then they get back to their playing. The weekly games also have a focus on these
values. The halftime break usually features a speaker that discusses the same topic as in practice that week. This ensures that the parents understand what their children are being taught. Valley Church welcomes members from the community to participate in their leagues. Warring said that usually one-third of the kids are from within the church, but anywhere from 68 to 72 percent are from the
community. Upward Sports’ leagues evaluate the children and place them on teams at their appropriate skill level, to enable equal chances of success for both sides. The organization also provides all the children with equal playing time as much as possible. Other than offering league-play, Upward Sports also offers various camps throughout the year that children can attend to further their athletic abilities and learn about a sport. Over 2,000 churches and cities have implemented an Upward Sports model since its conception in the mid ’90s. The Valley Evangelical Free Church in West Des Moines has already started advertising for their basketball and cheerleading programs that begin in January, but before basketball season is football season.
Pre-2011 MidAmerican Logo Updated MidAmerican Logo
Volume 14 Issue 2 5Visit us on the web @ www.iowasportsconnection.com
Do you have action photos of your athletes?Email them to [email protected] to have them published on our Pee-Wee Pictures page.
Independence Youth Soccer League Photos Courtesy: Charlie McCardle
Presented By:
6 Volume 14 Issue 2
Pee-WeeProfiles
Visit us on the web @ www.iowasportsconnection.com
Linking the Future at First Tee of Greater Des MoinesFirst Tee of Greater Des Moines Des Moines, IA
The Stats The First Tee of Greater Des Moines (a non-profit project of The Golf Foundation of Iowa) is located at Grand View Golf Course. The First Tee has come a long way since its establishment by the World Golf Founda-tion in 1997. What started as an initiative to create affordable access for those not previously exposed to the game has become a preeminent positive youth development organization. The facility is managed by the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreations Department who also provides all the maintenance related to the course improve-ment associated with The First Tee program. The prop-erty is a municipal 18-hole course located in a middle income neighborhood. It is one of the oldest courses in the country celebrated its centennial in 2002. The course has a unique layout with tree-lined fairways and gently rolling hills. Grand View’s fully irrigated fairways and healthy greens accommodate even the most particular golfer. Services and facilities at Grand View include a full line of golf equipment, snack bar, and banquet facilities. The course is also adjacent to the popular Grand View Park. PGA Design Services, made available through The First Tee, has finalized a new design to add a driv-ing range and practice facility, and then re-route the course so that it will remain an 18-hole layout. The plan has been approved by the Des Moines Citizen Golf Advisory Committee, The First Tee of
Greater Des Moines Committee and the Des Moines City Council.
The First Tee Nine Core Values The First Tee has established Nine Core Values that represent some of the many inherently positive values connected with the game of golf. These Nine Core Values have been incorporated into The First Tee Experience and have been used to name golf holes at several of The First Tee facilities. 1. Honesty Golf is unique from other sports in that players regularly call penalties on themselves and report their own score. 2. Integrity Golf is a game of etiquette and composure. Players are responsible for their actions and personal conduct on the golf course even at times when others may not be looking. 3. Sportsmanship Players must know and abide by the rules of golf and be able to conduct themselves in a kind and respectful manner towards others even in a competi-tive game. 4. Respect In golf it is important to show respect for oneself, playing partners, fellow competitors, the golf course, and for the honor and traditions of the game. 5. Confidence Confidence plays a key role in the level of play that one achieves. Players can increase confidence in their abilities by being positive and focusing on something
The mission of The First Tee of Greater Des Moines is to impact the lives of young people around the City of Des Moines by providing learning facilities and educational programs that promote character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf.
they are doing well regardless of the outcome. 6. Responsibility Players are responsible for their actions on the golf course. It is up to them to keep score, repair divots, rake bunkers, repair ball marks on the green, and keep up with the pace of play. 7. Perseverance To succeed in golf, players must continue through bad breaks and their own mistakes, while learning from past experiences. 8. Courtesy A round of golf should begin and end with a handshake between fellow competitors. Players also should be still and quiet while others are preparing and performing a shot. 9. Judgment Using good judgment is very important in golf. It comes into play when deciding on strategy, club selec-tion, when to play safe and when to take a chance, the type of shot players consider executing, as well as mak-ing healthy choices on and off the golf course.
8 Volume 14 Issue 2 Visit us on the web @ www.iowasportsconnection.com
PrepConnection
The 103rd Annual Drake Relays saw exceptional performances at every level of competition but James Harrington of Cedar Falls and Erin Hawkins of Des Moines Roosevelt stole the high school show. After setting a new record in the 100-meter dash with his time of 10.61 and anchoring the Cedar Falls’ 4x100-meter relay team to a victory in a Drake Relays record-setting time of 42.17, the senior Harrington was named the Robert Kramme Award winner for the boys’ outstanding performer of year. Harrington became only the third three-time Drake Relays high school boys’ 100-meter dash champion in the history of the event. The 4x100 victory was also the second consecutive for Cedar Falls. After breaking the record in the 100-meter dash, Harrington expressed to the media how proud he was to have made a mark in Drake Relays history. “It feels great,” Harrington said. “It was a lot of hard work contributed to this record from teammates pushing me in practice to coach getting me ready to peak at the right time. I am just happy to come out here and run. It was decent weather, better than we thought it would be.” Harrington was excited to announce that he’ll be returning to the Drake Relays next year, this time as a member of the Alabama Crimson Tide track and field team. “I saw my coach from Alabama right before I
Outstanding Performances and Record-Breakers Highlight Drake RelaysTim Weideman Editor
ran the race and we are coming back next year, so I will be back next year,” Harrington said. “I love this track. It is a great environment and a great place to run and I am just grateful.” Harrington has won plenty of Drake Relays flags, many of them as a member of a relay team. “It definitely never gets old,” Harrington said. “Every flag is very valuable to me. All those flags weren’t just me, they were other great runners in the relays and I owe a lot to them too.” Des Moines Roosevelt senior Erin Hawkins helped the Roughriders to four of their seven Drake Relays titles, setting the mark for most wins by any high school in a given year at the Drake Relays. Hawkins was named the Gerry Cooley Award winner as the girls’ outstanding performer. Hawkins won an individual title in the
girls’ 100-meter dash with a time of 12.67. She anchored Roosevelt’s Drake Relays record-breaking 4x100 and 4x200 teams, which set records of 47.55 and 1:41.66, respectively. Hawkins wasn’t quite sure what helps her and her teammates find such high amounts of success at the Drake Relays and the Blue Oval at Drake Stadium. “It’s pretty. It’s blue. I don’t know, I just think it is the stadium and all the supporters in the stands that is very helpful,” Hawkins said.
James Harrington of Cedar Falls outruns Cedar Rapids Washington’s Will Griffin and Bettendorf’s Tyler Younkin during the 100-meter dash. Harrington won and set a new Drake Relays record. (Sam Taylor/Impact Imagery)
Visit us on the web @ www.iowasportsconnection.com Volume 14 Issue 2 9
PrepConnection
“I love running with these girls and we have such a great support system and it’s just fun. It just seems to all come together here.” Hawkins became the third Roughrider to win the Outstanding Performer award. Drake head track and field coach Natasha Kaiser Brown and hurdler Kim Carson also claimed the honor while at Des Moines Roosevelt. Roosevelt senior Destani Welch, junior Agnes Sayeh and sophomore Jalynn Roberts-Lewis helped fuel the Roughriders to the victory in the 4x100, while Sayeh, Roberts-Lewis and sophomore McKenna Schnack built up plenty of momentum to secure the title for their team in the 4x200 and sprint medley relays. Bringing home individual titles for Des Moines Roosevelt were Welch, who won the girls 100-meter hurdles; Roberts-Lewis in the long jump; and junior Alexa Hunt, who won the girls shot put. Record-Breakers and Newcomers Shine at Drake Relays Aside from the records broken by the Cedar Falls boys and Des Moines Roosevelt girls, two more records fell in 2012. On Friday, Neil Flattery, a senior out of St. Edmond of Fort Dodge, captured the boys’ 800-meter run in 1:55.18, which bet the previous best time of 1:55.82 set by Glenwood’s Kyle Wheeler last year. Flattery said it felt good to grab a Relays title
in his last chance as a senior. “It felt awesome,” Flattery said. “Winning the Drake Relays was something that I’ve always wanted to do. It was one of my goals for the year and to finally do it, in front of all these fans at Drake Stadium is just unbelievable.” Flattery added that his time felt faster than it actually was, though it was still a record-breaking pace, because of the wind and the cold he had to fight. The Waukee girls’ shuttle hurdle relay team also broke a Relays record while capturing a title in the event with their mark of 63.29. That mark bests the previous record of 63.65 set by Urbandale last year. The team was made up of junior Emma Dees, senior, Alyssa Cunningham, sophomore Mallory Smith and the anchor, senior Maddie Rouw. Also making her mark on the 103rd running of the event was freshman Rebekah Topham of Griswold. Topham took home Relays title flags in the girls’ 3,000-meter run with a time of 9:58.39 and the 1,500-meter run with a time of 4:40.30. She also finished second to West Des Moines Valley junior Lydia Saggau
in the 800-meter run and finished fifthh in the 400-meter hurdles. After the 3,000, Topham said she was surprised she broke the 10 minutes. “That’s the first time I’ve run under 10 minutes, which is exciting,” Topham said. “I was coming down the home straightaway, keeping an eye on the clock and hoping to break 10 minutes.” Student-athletes seem to step up their games for the Drake Relays and young stars emerge every year, proving the Relays is the top high school track event in Iowa.
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Des Moines Roosevelt’s (from left) Erin Hawkins, Agnes Sayeh and Jalynn Roberts-Lewis compete in the 100-meter dash. Hawkins won the event. (Sam Taylor/Impact Imagery)
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Ben Larson (Sr., New Hampton): Larson just underwent MCL
and ACL surgeries, but is the leader in both the shot put and discus
on his team.
Darius Pearson (Sr., Sioux City West): Darius Pearson
came home with four medals from the recent Drake Relays. He
placed first in the long-jump (22 feet, 11.5 inches) and second in the
boys 100-meter dash (:10.88). His other two medal finishes were on
relay teams.
Austin Gochenaur ( Sr., Ankeny): Austin Gochneaur,
leads the boys’ soccer team with 10 goals this season. The boys are
ranked No. 1 after beginning the season 8-0.
Haley Manning (Jr., Woodward-Granger): Manning was
champion of the 400-meter dash in 2011, but was unable to compete
in the Drake Relays because of a computer mistake.
Megan Furnish (Sr., Cedar Rapids Jefferson): Megan
Furnish used her consistency on the golf course to claim first place at
the Mississippi Valley Conference Super Meet.
Rebakah Topham (Fr., Griswold): Rebakah Topham, took
first place in the girls 1,500 (4:40.30) and the 3,000 (9:58.39) at
the Drake Relays, becoming the 30th Iowan to win at two events in a
single year.
A quick look at some of the state’s best performances from the Missouri to the Mississippi
Collegiate
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2
3
1
54
6
2
3
4
5
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PrepConnection
2012 DRAKE RELAYS
Email photos to [email protected] to have them published on our Prep Pictures page.
Photos Courtesy: Impact Imagery
1-Three of the four girls who set the record setting 4x100 meter relay team, finished First: Erin Hawkins in12.67, Third: Agnes Sayeh in 13.06 and Fourth: Jalynn Roberts-Lewis in 13.12 in the 100 meter dash finals 2-Bishop Heelan prepares to run in the 4x400 meter relay 3-Tyler Donels from Southeast Polk wins the 110 meter hurdles in 14.41 4-The handoff during the Sprint Medley on Friday afternoon 5-James Harrington out of Cedar Falls set a new Drake Relays Record in the 100m dash in a time of 10.61 6-Dowling Catholic girls make the handoff during the 4x200 meter relay 7-The gun goes off for the 100 meter dash finals, won by Erin Hawkins of Des Moines Roosevelt 8-Waukee takes the lead during the 4x800 meter relay on Saturday Morning 9-The High Jump Finals took place on Friday afternoon of the Drake Relays, won with a jump of 6ft and 7inches high 10 -Runners turn the corner for the final leg of the 4x200 meter relay
Champions Across Iowa
Senior Erin Hawkins helped Des
Moines Roosevelt win four of its
seven 2012 Drake Relays titles,
which set a record for a team at
the Relays, and earned her a Drake
Relays Outstanding Performer
award. Hawkins anchored record-
setting relays in the 4x100 and
4x200. She anchored the Riders
in their title-winning sprint medley
and won the 100-meter dash.
(Photo by Sam Taylor/Impact
Imagery)
Track and Field
Name: Erin Hawkins
School: DSM Roosevelt
Class: 4AFor the second straight year,
senior James Harrington was the
male Drake Relays Outstanding
Performer. Harrington set a
new Drake Relays record in the
100-meter dash and anchored
the Relays record-breaking 4x100.
Harrington was the first boy to win
the Outstanding Performer award
since Tim Dwight in 1993-94. (Photo
by Sam Taylor/Impact Imagery)
Name: James Harrington
School: Cedar Falls
Class: 4ASenior Tyler Donels took the
Drake Relays 110-meter
hurdles title in a time of 14.41
seconds. He also finished
ninth in the high jump.
(Photo by Sam Taylor/Impact
Imagery)
Name: Tyler Donels
School: Southeast Polk
Class: 4AUrbandale junior Shaquille
Wells won the Drake Relays
boys shot put championship.
Wells claimed the event with
his heave of 55 feet and 5.5
inches. (Photo by Sam Taylor/
Impact Imagery)
Name: Shaquille Wells
School: Urbandale
Class: 4A
Get your breakfast of Champions at your local
PrepConnection
12 Volume 14 Issue 2 Visit us on the web @ www.iowasportsconnection.com
Track and Field Track and Field Track and Field
Iowa’s Top High School Baseball Prospect Competes with the BestTim Weideman Editor
Alec Rash was on his way to Marshalltown, Iowa, to pitch for a scout for the New York Yankees. The following night he had an in-home visit scheduled with a representative from the Arizona Diamondbacks. As the top high school baseball prospect in Iowa, the senior, right-handed ace for ADM of Adel is used to busy weekly schedules by now. He normally works out or pitches for scouts at least once every week. Basically, whenever Rash is throwing, somebody representing or with ties to a major league ball club is watching. No pressure. Rash just goes out to the mound and does his thing, throwing a 94 mph fastball and a wicked slider. That’s the kind of talent that got scouts talking about Rash, who not too long ago had been flying under the scouts’ radars. “When I first started getting calls from (scouts) I felt the pressure, but now I just realize that I need t enjoy it and still go out and compete and show them that I can play at that level,” says Rash. Rash works out with and competes against other top prospects who are also trying to reach the next level. Being from Iowa, he knows he’s a big fish in a small pond. But he uses the opportunities he’s given at workouts and showcases to put his abilities on display. Rash even spent last spring playing high school baseball in Alabama to hone his skills in a much more competitive environment. “Usually at those things there are guys who
are supposed to be pretty good prospects and I just show the scouts everything — I can take it to (the other players), I can strike them out, I can make outs with them.” Rash also tries to show scouts that he’s improved month-to-month, which is another thing they’re always on the lookout for. Improving often means adding new skills. At one point, Rash decided to develop a changeup. It only took him four weekends of work before he was showing it off to scouts. Rash says he’s got a good mix of natural ability and a healthy work ethic that helps him develop his skills. Rash is committed to play baseball next season at the University of Missouri, but he’s also keeping his professional options open. Rash has the potential to be an early round draft pick,
which could persuade him to take that route. If he does head to Mizzou, Rash will enjoy the benefits of playing close enough to home that his family can come watch him play and, with Mizzou heading to the SEC, he’ll compete against some of the top baseball traditions in the country. A few of those SEC schools recruited Rash but he says he’d rather beat those teams as an opposing pitcher. When Rash committed to Mizzou it was still in the Big 12, but now he could end up pitching against SEC schools on a regular basis. Whichever route Rash takes, he’s got the skills and the potential to succeed. Rash says he remembers being in Kellen Sweeney’s shadow when Rash was a sophomore in high school. Sweeney, from Cedar
Rapids, Iowa, was drafted in the second round by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2010. Sweeney’s now playing for the Lansing Lugnuts, Toronto’s Class A affiliate. “It’s just really exciting to know that I have that kind of potential and future,” says Rash.
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PrepConnection
NUTRITION
WELLNESS
HEALTH
Alec Rash, Senior, ADM-Adel (Photo courtesy of Perfect Game USA)
14 Volume 14 Issue 2 Visit us on the web @ www.iowasportsconnection.com
Total Points Leaders (Goals and Assists Combined)Class 3A1-Katie Moore, Jr., Bettendorf - 282-Miranda Holle, So., Bettendorf - 243-Emily Clemens, So., Muscatine - 203-Taryn Petersen, Sr., Muscatine - 20
Class 2A1-Michaela Moore, Sr., Glenwood - 372-Caitlin Foley, So., Sioux City East - 333-Allie Fillman, Jr., Nodaway Valley/Adair-Casey/West Central Valley – 324-Elle Lacher, Sr., Nodaway Valley/Adair-Casey/West Central Valley - 31
Class 1A1-Kate Letkewicz, So., Columbus Catholic (Waterloo) - 412-Alison McKinnie, Jr., Solon - 403-Ashlee Sinnott, Jr., Columbus Catholic (Waterloo) - 374-Lindsay McManus, So., Columbus Catholic (Waterloo) - 36
Total Points Leaders (Goals and Assists Combined)Class 3A1-Juan Espinal, Sr., Muscatine – 372-Preston Kamara, Fr., Muscatine - 323-Jesse Rodriguez, Sr., Sioux City North - 274-Jose Contreras, Sr., Des Moines East - 244-Fernando Pacheco, Jr., Iowa City High - 24
Class 2A1-Hunter Zempel, Sr., Hudson – 522-Zubeen Azari, Sr., Spirit Lake/Okoboji - 292-Jonah Waldron, Sr., A-D-M (Adel) – 294-Cameron Wright, So., Hudson - 28
Class 1A1-Adam Noethe, Jr., Beckman (Dyersville) - 392-Aaron Schmitz, Jr., Iowa City Regina - 283-Angello ParMaw, Sr., Columbus Catholic (Waterloo) - 263-Ben Jasper, Sr., Columbus Catholic (Waterloo) - 26
Girls Soccer
Boys Soccer
GoalsClass 3A1-Tayrn Peterssen, Sr., Muscatine - 182-Katherine Woodruff, So., Ames - 153-Katie Moore, Jr., Bettendorf - 144-Miranda Holle, So., Bettendorf - 134-Amber Nieland, Jr., Ankeny - 13
Class 2A1-Michaela Moore, Sr., Glenwood - 322-Allie Fillman, Jr., Nodaway Valley/Adair-Casey/West Central Valley - 232-Sam Link, Jr., Western Dubuque (Epworth) - 234-Elle Lacher, Sr., Nodaway Valley/Adair-Casey/West Central Valley – 204-Brooke Jensen, Jr., Lewis Central (Council Bluffs) – 20
Class 1A1-Alison McKinnie, Jr., Solon - 372-Allison Cox, Jr., St. Albert (Council Bluffs) - 303-Zoe Dutchik, Sr., Iowa City Regina - 274-Kaylee Grote, So., Tri-Center (Neola) - 26
GoalsClass 3A1-Juan Espinal, Sr., Muscatine - 242-Preston Kamara, Fr., Muscatine - 233-Jesse Rodriguez, Sr., Sioux City North - 204-Luke Heindl, Jr., Cedar Falls - 194-Ceasar Botello, Sr., Ottumwa - 19
Class 2A1-Hunter Zempel, Sr., Hudson – 392-Zubeen Azari, Sr., Spirit Lake - 242-Jonah Waldron, Sr., A-D-M (Adel) – 244-Colton Fey, Jr., Maquoketa - 20
Class 1A1-Aaron Schmitz, Jr., Iowa City Regina - 212-Kyle Grover, So., Beckman (Dyersville) - 202-Angello ParMaw, Sr., Columbus Catholic (Waterloo) - 204-Adam Noethe, Jr., Beckman (Dyersville) - 18
AssistsClass 3A1-Katie Moore, Jr., Bettendorf - 142-Hannah Cook, Jr., Des Moines East - 112-Miranda Holle, So., Bettendorf - 114-Katie Dierks, Jr., Cedar Rapids Jefferson - 9
Class 2A1-Caitlin Foley, So., Sioux City East - 152-Ashley Williamson, Sr., Spencer - 132-Lauren Hoffman, Jr., A-D-M/Van Meter - 134-Gabi Meirick, Jr., Pella - 124-Brandi Johnson, Jr., Lewis Central (Council Bluffs) - 124-Makenzie Evans, Sr., Glenwood - 12
Class 1A1-Kate Letkewicz, So., Columbus Catholic (Waterloo) - 242-Anna Seydel, So., Solon - 173-Faye Assmann, Jr., St. Albert (C. Bluffs) - 164-Lindsay McManus, So., Columbus Catholic (Waterloo) - 144-Daniel Moore, Jr., Davenport Assumption - 14
AssistsClass 3A1-Marcus Varnum, Sr., Ankeny - 162-Konnor Tranories, Sr., West Des Moines Valley - 153-Chandler Conlon, Sr., Waukee - 144-Juan Espinal, Sr., Muscatine - 13
Class 2A1-Sam Koenig, Sr., Dubuque Wahlert - 152-Pauly Apostolopoulos, So., Pella - 132-Hunter Zempel, Sr., Hudson - 132-Alex Martinez, So., South Tama - 132-Pauly Apostolopoulos, So., Pella - 13
Class 1A1-Adam Noethe, Jr., Beckman (Dyersville) - 212-Ben Jasper, Sr., Columbus Catholic (Waterloo) - 112-Alex Cruz, So., Columbus (Columbus Junction) - 112-Abe Wolfe, Sr., West Central Valley (Stuart) - 11
PrepConnection
Soccer is in full swing across the state. These are the top players from each class as of May 13.
Scoring Leaders - Iowa High School SoccerCompiled by Tony Atzeni Iowa Sports Connection
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The best a man can get.
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Referee Duo Fosters Student-Athlete DevelopmentAshton Weis Staff Writer
There are so many pieces of sports that the spectators and athletes forget about. Referees are one such piece. They come to countless games, travel countless hours, watch countless games, and complete countless hours of outside work. At least Terry McMillen and Marlowe Van Ginkel do all of those things and many more. Collectively, they have refereed for basketball, football, and baseball. During the basketball season, they average three or four nights a week on the road. This refereeing duo has been working together on the court for the past 17 years. “We both share that same goal or idea that the game is for the kids and we want it to be played fairly. We enjoy the communication and we’re good friends,” McMillen said. “It’s been a good fit for the two of us.”And they wouldn’t trade it for the world. “I very much enjoy that part of the game and the relationships with coaches and players,” said McMillen, McMillen has been refereeing in Iowa since 1982, but he has always had a hand in sports. And that’s why he’s still around. He referees to stay close to the game he loves and to give all the players a fair shot at winning. Sometimes refrees have to make tough calls, but it’s all part of the job. “You know that you’re not going to please
both in the classroom and on the field.” Van Ginkel refs for the love of the game and for the student athletes. “I definitely want to make sure that the players, both boys and girls, know that we’re in for them and not for ourselves. This is their game, their learning experience, part of their educational process. So therefore, we try to make it fun, we try to make it enjoyable. We try to make it a good experience for them,” Van Ginkel said. The dream team has created a four-step philosophy. Step one is learning and understanding the game. Van Ginkel and McMillen are constantly studying and rereading the rulebooks. Their second step is developing trust, not only with their partner officials, but also in themselves. In conjunction with trust, communication is key to having a successful crew. And
the final step is knowing the rules of the game. Van Ginkel and McMillen have honed their philosophy and will continue to do so.
all of the people all the time, certainly,” McMillan said. “If the call goes against one team, obviously that player or that team’s coach or the fan base from that team, they’re not always going to agree with you; but as long as you do it in a respectful manner and are consistent throughout, you’re going to make it through those situations, hopefully without too much controversy.” McMillen knows he can’t ref forever, but he feels blessed with the players and coaches that he’s worked with, and of course, his partner. Van Ginkel has been registered as a ref for the last 36 years. And he said that he still enjoys seeing “high school student-athletes succeed and be successful, develop their skills,
Referees Terry McMillen and Marlowe Van Ginkel have refereed basketball, football
and baseball for 17 years. (Photo courtesy Marlowe Van Ginkel)
WEDNESDAYS5:00pm to 7:00pm
MONDAYSTUESDAYS
THURSDAYS5:00pm to 7:00pm
Two Thousand and Twelve Principal Charity Classic
FRIDAYS5:00pm to 7:00pm
SATURDAYS8:00am to 10:00am
Two Thousand and Twelve Principal Charity Classic
of the MonthStudent Athlete
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Connor Smock High School: Lisbon High SchoolClass: 2012GPA: 3.55Sport: Cross Country and Track
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS/HONORS:Member of National Honor Society, Honor Roll 6th-12th grades, Hills Bank Elite Scholar, Eagle Scout
ATHLETIC ACHIEVEMENTS AND HONORS: Cross Country: All-Conference, All-District and Conference Champion 4 years, All-State and Elite All-State 3 years, State Meet Runner-up 2 years, Team Captain 2 yearsTrack: Team Captain 2 years, All-State in the 800m Run, 1600m Run and 3200m Run, 9x individual event qualifier at Drake Relays*2012 State Champion in the 3200m
WHAT WAS THE BEST MOVIE YOU SAW IN THE LAST YEAR? Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 (and yes I wore a costume)
DO YOU HAVE ANY FUN PRE-GAME “RITUALS” THAT PREPARE YOU FOR AN EVENT? I listen to music and walk around the track or the course in cross country with teammates
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SPORT TO PLAY? WHY? I like to run Track because you can push yourself to do you personal best and at the same time be part of a team with team goals
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SPORTS MEMORY? When my teammate Cody Beemer and I finished first and second in the mile at the state track meet my freshman year
WHO INSPIRES YOU? WHY? My parents because they have always supported me in everything that I do, including taking me to track meets all over in the summers when I was younger
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR AFTER HIGH SCHOOL? Attending Bradley University to Major in Health Science and run Cross Country and Track
WHAT IS YOUR DREAM JOB? Being a Physical Therapist and working with a college or professional sports team helping athletes recover from injuries
Fred Funk Funk has studied golf from every vantage point; he has been both a coach and a player. He began his professional career in 1981, after a year at the University of Maryland. His career is riddled with wins and losses, but to him being a professional golfer has enabled him to help others. Funk will be returning to the Principal Charity Classic this year, after finishing with a score of 218 in 2011. He was also the 23rd highest donor of the tournament. He will also be playing against Bernhard Langer. Funk was a runner-up to Langer at The ACE Group Classic in Naples in 2011.
Bob Gilder Defending tournament champion, Bob Gilder, will be returning to West Des Moines this summer to protect his title. He finished the tournament with a score of 199, when he overtook Mark Brooks in the last four holes. This was his second win at the Principal Charity Classic. He turned pro in 1973, but briefly also raced cars professionally from 1985-1992. Other than claiming the Principal Charity Classic title, Gilder holds several other PGA titles, including the Phoenix Open and the Canadian Open. He had three top ten finishes in 2011 on the Champions Tour, of which he entered 21 tournaments.
Nick Price Nick Price was the second highest donor at last year’s Principal Charity Classic and will be playing again this year. He finished out the tournament with a score of 205. He is also a former champion of the Principal Charity Classic in 2010, with only a four-stroke victory. His win came after falling short the prior two years at Glen Oaks. Price is a native of Zimbabwe and turned pro in 1977. He had also won six times on the PGA tour in 1994 and was named MVP that same year.
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OnThe Tee
As the competitors hit the course, here are a few you should keep an eye on throughout the Principal Charity Classic.
Principal Charity Classic Players to WatchAshton Weis Staff Writer; Photos courtesy of PGA Tour Images
Bernhard Langer This German native had quite the 2011 season. After having thumb surgery, he was able to beat out Fred Funk for first place at The ACE Group Classic and set a tournament record, at 20 strokes under par. Bernhard Langer has only been able to enter 14 tournaments this season because of his surgery, but has placed in the money at each one and has had three top then finishes. Langer did not play in the last Principal Charity Classic, but will make a showing at this year’s tournament in West Des Moines.
Dan Forsman Dan Forsman completed last year’s tournament with a score of 216, which is a total of three over par for all three rounds of the tournament combined. His 2011 stint on the Champions Tour started well, with one top ten finish, but due to left hip pain, he fell to 45th on the final earnings chart. Forsman has been a pro since 1982 and is a native of Wisconsin, but grew up in San Francisco Bay area. He attended Arizona State University. He is an involved family member and took six weeks off in 1995 to coach his son’s little league team.
Brad Bryant Bryant finished the last Principal Charity Classic with a score of 203 and tied for sixth place, after four birdies on the last five holes. He returns this year to Glen Oaks in West Des Moines. He has finished in the top 30 money-winners on the Champions Tour for the seventh season in a row as of 2011. Brad Bryant has had four top ten finishes out of the 22 tournaments he entered on the Champions Tour in 2011. Bryant turned pro in 1976 and his younger brother, Bart, followed in his footsteps and is also a Tour member.
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Top Prize Increases to $25,000 for 2012 Brokers International, Ltd. Iowa Open Susan Thompson ISC Contributor
The 2011 Brokers International, Ltd. Iowa Open was deemed a huge success by players, organizers and spectators. Now the focus is on plans for the 2012 tournament, which will be played Aug. 17-19 at Lake Panorama National for the third year in a row. Tim Ailes of Lewis Center, Ohio, won the 2011 tournament with a score that was 15 strokes under par. Roger McCarty, then the CEO of Brokers International, Ltd., presented Ailes a check for $10,000, an increase of $2,500 over the 2010 first place prize. During the presentation, McCarty announced the top prize for 2012 would be $25,000. That’s in addition to the $25,000 annual contribution the Panora insurance marketing company pledged in a contract with the Iowa Section PGA that brings the tournament to Lake Panorama National at least through 2014. Sadly, McCarty died Nov. 15, 2011. An avid golfer, McCarty’s personal, enthusiastic support of the tournament will be missed. Brokers International, Ltd. officials have pledged to continue to support the tournament at least through its current contract, saying that’s what Roger would have wanted. Troy Christensen, executive director of the Iowa PGA Section, said he expects the 2012
tournament to be another great event. “Last year was a huge success in that we filled the tournament, plus had a long waiting list of golfers wanting in,” he said. “We are looking forward to that same type of enthusiasm in 2012, and are confident the new guaranteed first-place prize of $25,000 will get some attention.” Additional payouts are yet to be determined, but are expected to be at least as generous as 2011. Last year, the total purse for professionals competing in both the open and senior divisions totaled more than $60,000. Prize money is dependant on entry fees as well as sponsor funding.
For the second year, the tournament will be open to a limited number of out-of-state players. The first 104 slots will be reserved for Iowa residents or those with Iowa ties. Another 40 slots will be available to out-of-state professionals. Once those 40 slots are taken, a waiting list will be created. If the slots reserved for Iowans aren’t filled by August 7, players on the wait list will be allowed to register. Before the 2011 tournament was over, local organizers already were turning their attention to the 2012 event. What could be done to attract more top-notch golfers, both professionals and amateurs? What could the volunteers do to improve the experience, both for players and spectators?
“It is always a joy administering events where the community comes together to volunteer like they do in Panora,” said Christensen. “Lake Panorama National is a magical place and the volunteers make this tournament so special.”
More than 100 volunteers wearing new royal blue shirts, plus caps and visors sporting the Brokers International, Ltd. Iowa Open logo, will assist players and spectators throughout the tournament. John Dinnebier, LPN general manager and director of golf, said the increase in prize money
On The Tee
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in 2011 led to the tournament having a full field for the first time since 1998. He expects the guarantee of a $25,000 first place price will entice players to get signed up earlier than ever to make sure they get into the 2012 tournament. “We’re looking forward to hosting the Brokers International, Ltd. Iowa Open at Lake Panorama National for the third year in a row,” Dinnebier said. “This tournament gets better each year, and we enjoy the chance to showcase our great golf course and resort facilities with this annual event.” Many of the special touches from previous years will return in 2012. Housing for players and their families will be offered in private homes in the Lake Panorama and Panora area, at no cost. Players will be introduced each morning on the first tee box, and on the final day, as they arrive on the 18th green. Signs listing all the Iowa Open champions since the tournament began in 1927 will be posted along the cart path leading to the first tee. Merchandise with a Brokers International, Ltd. Iowa Open logo will be available in the LPN pro shop throughout the summer and during the tournament. LeRoy Oxley of Panora is in his third year as tournament director. Oxley said one new feature of the 2011 tournament will return this year. “We will have a dinner just for the players Friday night in the LPN conference center banquet room,” he said. “The players enjoyed that last year, since
it gave them a chance to all get together in one location.” Oxley said another new feature of 2011 also will return. “We will again have walking scorers for all groups who qualify for the final round on Sunday,” he said. “We also hope to expand the opportunities for spectators to keep track of player scores by having leaderboards available at several locations on the golf course the final day.” Admission to the tournament is free. Oxley said he hopes more spectators will attend this year’s event. “This tournament brings Iowa’s top professional and amateur golfers together,” he said. “And with 40 slots open to professionals from outside of Iowa, it’s clear there will be plenty of exciting golf to watch during the three-day event.” A pro-am tournament will be held Aug. 16. Organizers expect to have the maximum of 34 teams for the 2012 tournament. For information about the pro-am, contact Larry and Mary Hills, 641-755-4016, [email protected]. More information for players, including registration materials, is available on the Iowa PGA Section website – www.iowapga.com. Players can register online. Registration information also can be accessed through the Brokers International, Ltd. Iowa Open website – www.iowaopen.com. This site includes forms to download for private housing,
pro-am tournament registration, sponsorship opportunities and volunteer scheduling. Lake Panorama National Golf Resort and Conference Center is open to the public. It is owned by the Lake Panorama Association, which represents more than 1,750 property owners on the largest private lake in Iowa. Brokers International, Ltd. educates and trains insurance professionals about new products. It specializes in promoting fixed annuity, life insurance and other products through online workshops to more than 40,000 insurance professionals nationwide.
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When the NCAA Women’s Basketball Division I regional tournament wrapped up at Wells Fargo Arena in March, the Baylor University Bears moved on to the Final Four in Denver, the national title and a perfect season. But they and the other tournament teams left behind profound impressions on the audience, the city – and nine students from AIB College of Business. Audience buzz focused on Baylor’s Brittney Griner, who dunked in two different games in the arena, scoring half the dunk shots ever made by any woman in the tournament’s history. And all eyes were on legendary coach Pat Summitt, as fans witnessed the final games before she retired amdist struggles with early onset dementia from Alzheimer’s disease. The tournament also represented a $2million boost for the local economy, as estimated by the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau. The successful women’s tournament puts Des Moines a step closer in its bid to host a NCAA men’s tournament in the future. But for nine students from AIB’s Sports and Event Management Association (SEMA), the tournament provided an invaluable volunteer opportunity and life experience.
“This was a terrific chance to be right in the thick of a large-scale sports tournament,” said Amy Tagliareni of Ankeny, AIB sports information director and SEMA sponsor. “At AIB, we help our students prepare for this kind of thing as much as possible in the classroom, but we know the students
need to get out and get some experience in the real world,” she said. “This opportunity was huge,” said Stephanie Nauss of Britt, an associate degree student in Sports and Event
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AIB students work behind the scenes at NCAA tournamentRodney J. Brown AIB Communications Specialist
Management. “We gained experience and got our names out there for any future NCAA events that could be held here in Des Moines. It really reassured me that this is what I want to do in the future.” Associate degree student Nick Winterberg of Des Moines was grateful for the connections he made, including head coaches Summitt and Kim Mulkey. He also chatted with Griner and got a quick photo to mark the occasion. “Being able to meet several people from not only the NCAA, but also the University of Tennessee and Baylor University, and to get my name out there to those highly connected professionals was something that not many people get to do before they enter the sports management profession,” he said. “It was a great experience for me,” said Greg Davis of Newton, who is working on a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at AIB. “My job was to ask questions, record the quotes and then type them up to be distributed to other media. One of the quotes I obtained was used as the ‘quote of the day’ in the Des Moines Register,” Davis said. Tagliareni found herself in both the Baylor and Tennessee locker rooms following Saturday’s victories for both teams. She also was in the Tennessee locker room following Sunday’s loss to Baylor. Her job was to monitor the media as they conducted interviews with the players, ensuring that the strict rules and timelines set forth by the NCAA were followed. “Being there with Baylor and Tennessee after the games was an emotional experience,” said Tagliareni. “Seeing their professionalism in celebration as well as defeat says a lot about the caliber of young women playing collegiate basketball today.” The more experience she gains in sports management settings, the more experience she can bring to the classroom for students, Tagliareni said. “Seeing these students get to work at such a major sporting event was amazing; they are going to have an opportunity to list this on their resumes and that will help open doors after graduation.”
SEMA is intended to develop members into successful sports and event management professionals through field experience, volunteering and networking. It also gives members opportunities to develop leadership, teamwork and organizing skills through fundraising and community service projects. AIB offers a Sports and Event Management curriculum that lays a foundation in sales, marketing and customer service and builds upon that with industry-specific knowledge. “An AIB Sports and Event Management degree will prepare students through classroom and real world experiences,” said Carlos Acebey of Urbandale, AIB’s director of marketing and an adjunct instructor of sports and event management courses at AIB. “Degree candidates will develop the requisite knowledge and skills related to professional and amateur sport, event management and programming, intercollegiate athletics, facilities, hotels, resorts, travel and tourism. The dynamic industry of sports and event management is highly competitive, Aceby said. “But it provides individuals with a rewarding career; one that will resonate with our graduates as they embark on their professional lives,” he said.
Stephanie Nauss
Nick Winterberg with All-American Brittney Griner
Houlihan’s best memory is one of running the 1500-meter at the Drake Relays her senior year, when trying to beat Katie Flood’s record. “As I was running, everybody in the stands starting cheering me on. That was pretty cool,” she said. Houlihan doesn’t worry about her records getting beat though, she thinks it will be great to have more fast girls come out of Iowa. Shelby Houlihan, a 2011 Sioux City East High School Graduate, is now making a splash as first-year runner for the Arizona State Sun Devils. Her cross-country season ended with a top eight finish at the PAC 12 meet. Although she didn’t reach her goal of finishing top 40 at Nation-als, she was one of the fastest freshmen and finished 93. Houlihan says the level of competition in college is more ag-gressive than her high school meets. She will be competing in this outdoor track season in the 800, 1500 and occasionally the 4x4 relay. This summer, Houlihan is training harder than ever to take a stab at qualifying for the Olympic trials, but to do so she will need to lop at least four seconds off her 1500 running time.
(Photo Courtesy Jeremy Hawkes/ASU Media Relations)
Alex Gochenour is still adjusting to collegiate running. During her indoor season she focused on the heptathlon and will continue to do so in the outdoor season. Her indoor season didn’t go as well as she wanted, but she was ultimately “happy with how it ended up,” she said. The 2011 Logan-Magnolia graduate said that the memory that encompasses high school track for her is winning her first Drake title. “[That’s] burned in my mind as my track memory,” Gochenour said. Although she would love to have competed in this year’s Drake Relays, she and her coach decided that she would take a stab at the Penn Relays so that she can work out the kinks in her event and hopefully can come back to Iowa next year and make a better showing. Gochenour is working to create a career out of running, but is trying not to get ahead of herself. And though she is enjoying Louisiana State University and all of the opportunities she is being offered there, such as training with her idol Lolo Jones, she misses her hometown. “I miss Iowa and I miss all the cheering fans at Drake,” Gochen-our said.
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Where Are They Now? Three Former Iowa Preps Find Success at Next LevelAshton Weis Staff Writer
After bursting into the stage of collegiate running, Flood, a 2010 graduate of Dowling Catholic High School, is working harder than ever to improve her running. She said that her season has been a string of good points, but laced with a couple of low points that she has learned a lot from. “I’ve learned to be a lot more confident when I compete,” she said. Flood earned the honor of being the PAC-10 Newcomer of the year and contributed to a 16th place finish with the Washington Huskies in her first NCAA Championship meet. Although she competed in several different events in high school, Flood is focusing her efforts on the 1500 meter this season. Flood’s most memorable Drake Relays moment comes from her freshman year, when she won the 3000. ”It just made me love it that much more,” she said. Her second best memory was that of the first place finish of her 4x8 relay her senior year. Although not part of the line-up this season, Flood has discussed the possibility of making a reappearance at the Iowan event. Flood would like to turn running into to a career, but only if she still loves it, she said.
(Photo Courtesy Bryan Wayne/LSU Sports Information)
(Photo Courtesy Steve Rodriguez)
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Spring practice for the Iowa Hawkeyes will have a different feel in 2012. In addition to the usual task of replacing a number of starters and key players from the previous season, the Hawkeye coaching staff features a number of changes, including new coordinators in Phil Parker (defense) and Greg Davis (offense). Coach Kirk Ferentz is heading into his 14th season as Iowa’s head coach and will work with new coordinators on each side of the ball for the first time since his initial season at Iowa. Former defensive coordinator Norm Parker retired following the 2011 season, while Ken O’Keefe, Iowa’s offensive coordinator for 13 seasons, joined the staff of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins. Ferentz is a three-time Big Ten Coach of the Year honoree. The Hawkeyes were 80-45 (.640) in the first 10 years of this century (2000-09). That’s the most Iowa wins, ever, in a decade. Since a 2-18 start to the Ferentz era, the Hawkeyes have gone 94-48 (.662). Ferentz is 96-66 in 13 seasons with the Hawkeyes. Iowa is now 14-11-1, all-time, in bowl games. Ferentz’ six bowl victories tie for third most ever among Big Ten coaches. Parker, a member of the Iowa staff for the past 13 seasons, takes over as defensive coordi¬nator after coaching the secondary for 13 seasons. Davis joined the Iowa staff in February and brings over 30 years of college coaching experience to the Iowa program. Davis most recently was the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Texas and has also coached at North Carolina, Tulane, Arkansas, Georgia and Texas A&M. He will also coach the Hawkeye quarterbacks.
In addition to the coordinator positions, other changes have taken place on the Iowa staff. Darrell Wilson, who previously coached Iowa linebackers, will coach the defensive backs, while continuing to work with special teams. Reese Morgan has moved from the offensive to the defensive line. Former Hawkeye LeVar Woods will step in and coach linebackers after serving as an administrative assistant for four seasons. In addition to Davis, the offensive staff will include Brian Ferentz as offensive line coach. Ferentz is a former Hawkeye offensive lineman who has spent the last four seasons with the NFL’s New England Patriots, most recently serving as tight ends coach in 2011. Lester Erb and Erik Campbell will continue to coach the running backs and wide receivers, respectively. The Hawkeyes completed the 2011 season with a 7-6 overall record, playing in their 10th bowl games in the last 11 seasons. Iowa has been bowl
eligible for 11 consecutive seasons and has placed in the Big Ten’s first division 10 of the past 11 seasons. Iowa has compiled a 6-4 bowl record under Ferentz, posting the most bowl wins and highest bowl winning percentage in the Big Ten Conference since 2001. Iowa has competed in six January bowl games, including two BCS games. Iowa’s record a year ago included a 4-4 Big Ten mark as the league competed in two divisions for the first time. A win over Sugar Bowl champion Michigan and wins over bowl-participants Northwestern and Pittsburgh highlighted the home season. A triple-overtime loss at Iowa State and a one-point setback at Minnesota kept Iowa from another nine-win season.
Three Hawkeyes earned first team all-Big Ten recognition a year ago, including senior WR Marvin McNutt, Jr., who earned the Richter-Howard Award as the league’s top receiver. Senior DB Shaun Prater and junior offensive tackle Riley Reiff were also first team selections.
Never Too Early: Iowa Hawkeyes Football Spring OutlookUniversity of Iowa Athletic Communications
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Ferentz and his staff will work towards replacing 12 starters from a year ago. The Hawk¬eyes return six starters on offense and five on defense, along with PK Mike Meyer and long snapper Casey Kreiter. Punter Eric Guthrie is one of the 12 departed starters. The returning offensive starters include senior James Ferentz at center, a starter the last two seasons, and senior quarterback James Vandenberg, who passed for over 3,000 yards in 2011 while starting all 13 games. Ferentz was honorable mention all-Big Ten in 2011. The five returning starters on defense are led by junior linebackers James Morris and Chris¬tian Kirksey. The two tied for the team lead in tackles last season with 110, with Kirksey playing in all 13 games and Morris missing one contest due to injury. Senior cornerback Micah Hyde returns as the leader of the secondary after sharing the team lead in intercep¬tions (three) and break-ups (eight) last season. Hyde earned second team all-Big Ten recognition and Morris was honorable mention a year ago. Iowa’s depth chart heading into spring practice includes 17 seniors, 14 juniors, 15 sopho¬mores and 10 redshirt freshmen. Off the field, Hawkeye players continued to be recognized for their efforts in the classroom. Fourteen Hawkeyes earned academic all-Big Ten recognition, while LB Tyler Nielsen, DL Steve Bigach and QB James Vandenberg were named to the Capital One/CoSIDA Academic All-District Six team. In the NCAA’s most recent release on academic success, Iowa football ranked eighth
nationally with a Graduation Success Rate (GSR) of 83 percent. Iowa was one of nine bowl participants to score 80 percent or better on the NCAA’s “real-time” measurement of academic success. Under Kirk Ferentz, 19 Iowa players have been named academic all-America 35 times. The Hawkeye offense will start with Vandenberg. He completed 237-of-404 attempts last season for 3,022 yards and 25 touchdowns, with seven interceptions. Ferentz will enter his third season as starting center and anchor to the offensive line. WR Keenan Davis started 12 games last season and was second on the team with 50 receptions for 713 yards and four scores. Junior TE C.J. Fiedorowicz came on during the second half of the season. He started the final five games and had 16 catches for 167 yards and three touchdowns. Hyde, Morris and Kirksey will anchor an Iowa defense that will have plenty of new faces up front. DL Dominic Alvis started eight games a year ago before missing the final four due to injury. Steve Bigach started five games as both he and Alvis saw action at both end and tackle.
Hyde will team with safety Tanner Miller as veterans of the secondary. The pair each had three interceptions a year ago as Hyde started all 13 games (he has 26 consecutive starts) and Miller started the final 11 contests. Miller and Hyde ranked fourth and sixth, respectively, in tackles last season.
James Morris (Courtesy of Univ. of Iowa Photo Services)
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the Cyclones drew more than 50,000 fans at every home game. A school record average of
53,647 fans attended Iowa State’s six home games. Cyclone fans savored Iowa State’s appearance in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl, played in New York’s Yankee Stadium. The fans gave Rhoads his due. Iowa State was an underdog in 11 of its 12 BCS games last season, but defied the critics to earn a bowl berth against one of the toughest schedules in the country. While Rhoads is content to let the Iowa State community enjoy the success of last season, he has told his team it is time to leave it behind. There is no question that as Iowa State’s players look ahead to the 2012 season, they do so
Iowa State fans will never forget the 2011 football season. How could they? Last season ended with the school’s second bowl appearance in three years. It included a thrilling 44-41 triple overtime win over instate rival Iowa that was memorable. But under head coach Paul Rhoads, the Cyclones trumped those achievements by earning the biggest victory in school history, a 37-31 Friday night (Nov. 18), double overtime victory over No. 2 Oklahoma State on national television. Something special is happening in Ames. Everybody knows it. For the fi rst time in school history,
Never Too Early: Iowa State Cyclones Spring Football OutlookIowa State Athletics Communications
after making a statement about the Cyclones’ place in the Big 12 Conference. “Starting our fourth season, we are poised to compete against every team in this league,” Rhoads said. “We have had historic victories in our first three years. We beat the No. 2 team in the country (Oklahoma State), we beat Texas for the first time ever (2010) and won at Nebraskafor the fi rst time in 32 years (2009). We’ve gone to two bowls.” Rhoads said Iowa State players and fans get it. There sure weren’t any doubters among the throng of more than 52,000 fans who stood on the Jack Trice Stadium natural turf celebrating the monumental win over Oklahoma State. “We want to go into a season where there is no question that every time we tee it up we have an opportunity to win the football game,” Rhoads said. “I think our fan base recognizes that and I know every member in our locker room certainly understands.” The 2012 Cyclone roster includes the best linebacker duo in the country. A.J. Klein was voted the Big 12 codefensive player of the year. Jake Knott also earned firstteam all-Big 12 honors. The pair will anchor the Cyclone defense after combining for 231 tackles last season. On offense, quarterbacks Steele Jantz and Jared Barnett led the Cyclones to big wins last season. Several key performers also return under new offensive coordinator Courtney Jake Knott (Courtesy of Iowa State Athletics)
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CollegiateCorner
Messingham. There are questions about replacing an All-American in the offensive line and major contributors in the secondary. Ultimately, Iowa State seems to be in the right place at the right time. Spring practice begins March 20 and it is time to focus on the future. The 2012 Iowa State offense will be under the direction of Courtney Messingham, an original member of Rhoads’ Cyclone coaching
staff. The former Northern Iowa quarterback is coaching the Cyclone signal-callers in addition to his coordinator duties. He made major improvements as tight ends and then receivers coach. It is obvious that head coach Paul Rhoads has confi dence in Messingham. “The objective as we go into spring ball 2012
will be developing this offense with a new coordinator in place, a new quarterbacks coach and a new wide receivers coach,”Rhoads said. “There’s going to be tweaks that are going to take place, as Courtney implements his philosophy as well as his personality into the offense. The same goes for coach (Todd) Sturdy as he takes over directing our receivers. “The overall philosophy and scheme of the program of the offense will stay the same, such as no huddle, varied pace and getting the ball
in to the hands of our playmakers in as much space as we can,” Rhoads added. “Courtney’sleadership will be a primary factor of this springpractice.”
Two of the best: Knott and Klein on Lott Impact Award watch list
Iowa State linebackers Jake Knott and A.J. Klein have been named to the 2012 Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List. The award is presented annually to the college football Defensive IMPACT Player of the Year. IMPACT is an acronym for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community, and Tenacity. An individual’s character and off-the-field excellence are considered along with their play on the field. A total of 42 of the most accomplished student-athletes have been nominated. The only other schools with two players on the list are Wisconsin, Texas, LSU and Florida State. Iowa State returns the best linebacker duo in the nation in Klein, the 2011 Big 12 Conference co-Defensive Player of the Year and Knott, a 2011 first-team All-Big 12 honoree. Klein was second in the Big 12 with 116 tackles last season and was at his best against the best, posting 14 tackles in Iowa State’s win over No. 2 Oklahoma State. Knott was third in the league with 115 stops.
Jeff Woody of Iowa State (Photo Courtesy of Iowa State Athletics)
CollegiateCorner
Coming off a tough regular season and a coaching change, the Northwestern Red Raiders’ women’s basketball team made their mark again. They won their third straight NAIA Division II National Championship against College of the Ozarks Mo., 75-62, on March 14. However, this year was more of a challenge than the previous two years. Last year, the Red Raiders were on top for most of the season and were the Great Plains Athletic Conference Champions (GPAC) going into the NAIA Division II National Tournament. This year was different. Starting the season as the No. 1 in the coaches’ poll, the Red Raiders fell out of the top 25 altogether. This didn’t bring their hopes for another championship down. They went on to finish third in the GPAC and received an at-large berth to the national tournament. For the Red Raiders, seed didn’t matter, all that mattered was that they had another chance. “I didn’t feel like there was a lot of pressure compared to the other years when we were expected to win,” said Kendra De Jong, the junior forward from Hospers, Iowa. She described her team’s season this year as a Cinderella story. “We had some ups and downs during the season. We lost some games we should’ve won but we just really grew. We were more relaxed and confident in each other,” said De Jong, who went on to become a First Team All-American pick. Last year, the Red Raiders went to the
The Red Raiders Reign AgainKelly Hendricks Web Editor
tournament ranked second with a 35-1 record. This year, they were ranked eighth and had a different mindset. “We kind of took the focusing off winning; it was more on just having fun with each other,” said Kami Kuhlmann, the Red Raiders’ senior guard from Charter Oak, Iowa who was named Most Valuable Player of the tournament and garnered a Second Team All American honor. The Red Raiders went on to beat Briar Cliff in the semi-finals and would be headed to the NAIA championship game again. “When that buzzer sounded I looked at my teammates and they were so excited and I was like, ‘yeah were doing this again, and with a bunch of girls I really love,’” Kuhlmann said. The Ozarks had received an automatic berth
ranking third as the Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference Champions. This year, the Red Raiders would be the underdogs. And, they’d be vying for the championship under a different head coach. Chris Yaw, who had been the assistant coach the previous seven seasons, took over as the head coach. Earl Woudstra, the previous head coach, retired after the 2010-2011 season. The Red Raiders didn’t lose their stride with the coaching adjustment. “It helped that he played a large part the couple years before, it kept getting easier as the year went on. He did a really good job of seeing things, getting our feedback and fixing things,” Kuhlmann said. Yaw seemed to pick up right where Woudstra left off. He was awarded the Phyllis Holmes Coach of the Year award. Yaw was humbled and surprised with this honor. “To be honest, it’s a blessing and a lot of it is the rewards of the place our basketball program has been put in by all the people that have come before me,” he said. After the performances his team put on in the national tournament, the honor was well-deserved. And so was the championship win. “I just knew we were the best given team on a given night. When we play together and are playing defense, we’re the best team on the floor,” De Jong said.
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Senior guard Kami Kuhlmann (Charter Oak-Ute High School) and junior forward Kendra De Jong (Unity Christian High
School) were essential to the Red Raiders’ success this past season. De Jong was named a first team all-American by the
NAIA coaches. Kuhlman was named honorable mention.
Visit us on the web @ www.iowasportsconnection.com Volume 14 Issue 2 29
’Stomers Searching for a Team IdentityZach James ISC Contributor
A team usually has an identity as a season unfolds. The Iowa Barnstormers are starting to piece together who they are as a team, despite not playing consistent football. “We could be sitting at a better record than we could be at right now,” said Head Coach Mike Hohensee following a dramatic 56-54 win over the Arizona Rattlers on April 14. “We’re figuring some things out right now, but there are a couple games we have blown, no question.” The Barnstormers, who are currently 3-4, had a good start to the season. They started things off by defeating the Spokane Shock, who is always a perennial threat, 69-63 on March 12 on the road. Since then, the Barnstormers have been up-and-down throughout the spring. Following two straight losses at home to Utah and Chicago, Iowa went on the road to win another pivotal road matchup against the Pittsburgh Power. However the roller coaster season is making it tough to peg what this team’s identity. Their most recent loss has fans scratching their heads. San Jose stormed into Wells Fargo Arena with little trouble on April 28, going on a 42-0 run from the second quarter to the end making the final score 76-33. The SaberCats defensive line was the main
factor in the game, forcing Barnstormers quarterback J.J. Raterink to be sacked six times with an interception. Raterink is 161-for-249 with 38 touchdowns. When things go well for the Barnstormers, it’s the connection between Raterink and Barnstormers’ lead wide receiver, Jesse Schmidt, a former stand out at Buena Vista University. “I think that’s one of the nicest things,” Raterink said. “Although it may seem like we’re ball hogs, Jesse is one of the most even keel guys I’ve ever played with.” Raterink talks of Schmidt as being one of the most humble teammates he’s ever had. “He didn’t complain last week (at Pittsburgh) of not getting any catches. He was just happy to get the win, and that’s the type of guy he is. I’m blessed to be a teammate of his,” Raternik said. Schmidt had a close call concerning a family
member during a home game. During the severe weather outbreak that affected many Iowans on April 14, Mother Nature decided to give the game an improvised break prior to halftime. As one of the severe storm cells interrupted the Emergency Alert System in the arena, the lights went out and fans were encouraged to evacuate. The wide receiver was worried for his pregnant sister. “I ripped off my shoulder pads, went up into the stands, and told her ‘No, you’re not going anywhere in this weather,’ and on top of that, my daughter and mom were in my apartment, so I was very worried,” Schmidt said. “Family definitely came first in that situation.” Schmidt caught six passes on that crazy evening, and has 22 touchdown receptions and a rushing touchdown on the season. He also leads the team in total points with 140. All members of the Schmidt crew were safe as well as 7,921 fans in the stands that night who braved the elements.It’s been that type of season for the Barnstormers. Their three wins, nonetheless, give the team a sense of hope as the spring transitions into summer. “We have to press forward one day at a time,” Raterink said. “We’re learning about the game each day and also who we are. The main goal is to keep getting better.”
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Health& Fitness
Anterior knee pain or pain around the knee cap is a common problem that most athletes will experience at some time or another. There are many causes for pain in this area, but the two most common are patellar tendonitis and patello-femoral pain syndrome. Patellar tendonitis is also known as “jumper’s knee.” The patellar tendon is the tendon connecting the patella to the tibia or shin bone. The most common area affected by tendonitis is the insertion of this tendon into the patella, and the symptoms are commonly well localized to this area. The tendon becomes inflamed, and this area can be exquisitely tender, and even swollen. Most often this condition occurs with activities requiring jumping and landing, hence the previously mentioned nickname. Treatment of this condition
Matthew DeWall, MD Des Moines Orthopaedic Surgeons, P.C.
Patellar Tendonitis, a Real Pain in the Knee
can include a period of rest and stretching, combined with measures to decrease the inflammation such as a course of anti-inflammatory medications and ice. A patellar tendon strap or Chopat strap worn below the patella can provide some support and help to alleviate symptoms as well. Patello-femoral pain syndrome occurs when there is significant inflammation and irritation between the knee cap and its articulation with the femur or thigh bone. When you bend and straighten your knee, the knee cap runs up and down in a groove on the end of the femur. Normally the undersurface of the knee cap is covered with
smooth articular cartilage, and it stays well centered in this groove, which is called the trochlea. Patello-femoral pain can be caused by many activites, but some are known to put high levels of stress on this area can be particularly bothersome. These activities include lunges, deep squats, and stairs,
especially going down stairs. The problem can be exacerbated if there is any softening or roughening of the cartilage, known medically as chondromalacia. Furthermore, if the patella does not track centrally within the trochlear grove, the symptoms can worsen. Treatment of patellofemoral pain centers around reducing inflammation, with the use of ice and anti-inflammatory medications. In severe situations injections of steroids into the joint may be beneficial as well, especially in the older population. Once the inflammation is reduced, the key to preventing recurrence is to build strength within the quadriceps muscle, which is the major support for the patella. Often, once strength is relatively increased within the quadriceps, patients can then tolerate many of the activities that previously caused pain.
Dr. DeWall specializes in all aspects of knee surgery, including sports medicine, joint replacement and arthroscopic surgery. To reach Dr. DeWall or to schedule an appointment please call 515-224-5223.
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