CONTENTS
Iowa Colleges! Home of Small Stages for Big Performers with Big Hearts!
Volume 12 Issue 7
4 Pee Wee Profiles Qwest M.V.P.: Jon Litzkow Jon Litzkow is in the business of bursting through barriers. After taking on track as a freshman last year, the Waterloo West sophomore is now competing in cross country--from a wheelchair.
8 Prep Connection 2010 Iowa High School Football Playoff Picture Tony Atzeni takes an in-depth look at which teams he believes should be watched from Class 4A to 8-Man come playoff time, and which one’s will make it to the UNI-Dome in 2010.
16-19 Collegiate Corner Iowa’s D-III & NAIA Schools Loaded with Talent, Playoff Potential Forget about the Hawkeyes, Cyclones and Panthers for a moment. Iowa is blessed to have some of the top teams in the country in D-III and NAIA football.
24 Health and Fitness Achieve Your Fitness Goals, Discover Your Kosama Body With Kosama’s 10-week program, you’ll not only transform your body, but you’ll shape it into what you want it to become--your Kosama Body. It’s a challenge, for sure, but it works.
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Contributing Writers: Bob Protexter, Larry Happel, Wade Steinlage, University of Northern Iowa Sports Information Department, Brian Werger, Lynn Lindaman, Matthew DeWall, Iowa Golf Association, Jason Klein Contributing Photographers: UNI Adapted Sports Camp, WDM Youth Football League, Roy Tucker and Pep Rally Photo Cover: Nate Snead (Central), Reese Thompson (Wartburg), Brad Norwood (Morningside)
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myself into this weekly This front cover of three family affair just as we did Iowa small college football in high school and it is far standouts provides a nice more enjoyable than any glimpse at the depth of of the 100-plus D-I college talent that has migrated games I have attended in from Iowa high school my lifetime. The emotional programs from all classes equity is certainly the to advance their football deciding factor on this level careers across the state of enjoyment as I watch my and build national powers son strap on the maroon with homegrown talent. and white for the Brad Norwood, is from Mike Rickord ISC Publisher Mustangs. Prairie City Monroe and However, I now know starts at wide receiver why everyone that sits in the stands for the Morningside Mustangs in Sioux of these smaller stages enjoys this City, a perennial power this decade level of play so passionately. The in NAIA football. The Mustangs have players display the same intensity become a national power on the backs that is present at Kinnick, Jack Trice, of young men from across Iowa and and the UNI-Dome. The reality is that the Midwest that hail from 8-player size and speed is the barometer for schools to 4A. The Mustangs, like playing at the next level but if the size the other teams on the front cover, of the heart was the qualifier, without Wartburg and Central College, may a shadow of a doubt, many of these not play on national television or in young men would be donning Hawkeye, front of tens of thousands of adoring, Cyclone, and Panther uniforms. rabid fans but the passion, pride, heart I encourage you to visit one of and motivation are just as intense Iowa’s smaller stages yet this season along with a caliber of football is and you will realize the pleasure that exceptional, but you’ll miss it unless you I have experienced and recognize witness it for yourself. many players that we covered on Reese Thompson, a standout for Friday Night Live over the years. The the Wartburg Knights played under tailgating is fun and relaxed, the prices the lights on Friday nights for Benton are superb, and the family-friendly Community, while Central College flexibility makes the game so enjoyable. was blessed to get their signal caller Everything comes together to create Nate Snead from 4-A power the lifetime memories. Heck, you can still South East Polk Rams. The intensity listen, to Dolph, John, and Gary as they displayed by these young men is call your favorite teams’ game, save remarkable considering that they some cash and have a blast! play in front of smaller crowds and In closing, I thank you again for the media attention across Iowa is picking up a copy of Iowa’s only dominated with Iowa, Iowa State, and statewide magazine covering Iowan’s UNI coverage and a few inches per “From the Pee Wees to the Preps week directed at the 20-plus colleges to the Pros” and “From the Missouri that strap on the pads inside this state to the Mississippi!” Our team is every Saturday with teams from D-II, immersed in Iowa high school football D-III, NAIA and Community Colleges as the regular season winds down loaded with former Iowa high school as 4A golf just did and volleyball standouts. and cross country will follow in the However, I understand the periphery next few weeks. I encourage you to sports fans’ lack of interest under the watch our TV shows and listen to all circumstances and lack of awareness of our radio broadcasts on the Iowa due to the popularity of the Hawks, Sports Connection Radio Network. Clones, and Panthers. In fact, I was The website, “iowasportsconnecion. one of those fans prior to my son com,” has a list of our radio and TV deciding to play for Morningside shows along with times, and while you College after a 3A state championship are there, stick around the site for at Bishop Heelan. I was certain that the most in-depth Iowa high school he would jump on one of the D-II offers coverage—both boys and girls and all that were available but he chose NAIA classes. Have a Championship Month! national power Morningside in his God Bless You and God Bless America! hometown and I have to be candid I was a bit disappointed after all of the success at Heelan. Man, was I off base! The level of passion I was certain could never be duplicated for our high school alma mater Heelan, even though I attended Morningside myself. This is Ben’s second year and I have had my eyes opened to the purity and beauty of small college football. I have immersed Volume 12 Issue 7
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Pee-Wee Profiles
Presented By:
Qwest M.V.P: Jon Litzkow, Waterloo West High School Tim Weideman Editor Cross country in a wheelchair Jon Litzkow, Waterloo West gear. “They’re real shocked,” Litzkow may seem like a near-impossible said. “They’re kind of puzzled.” task to some, but not to Jon But reactions are different at the Litzkow, who has made it a goal finish line. Litzkow said coaches and to overcome obstacles and show athletes from other schools and even people that wheelchair-bound bystanders congratulate and give athletes can push limits just like encouragement after races. other competitors. The road for Litzkow has not been The Waterloo West High easy, to say the least. Litzkow used his School sophomore, who was everyday chair to compete in his first left paralyzed from the waist down after a childhood ever meet Sept. 9 at Noelridge Park in Cedar Rapids. accident, might be familiar to track fans across He finished in about 45 minutes. the state. During the 2010 State Track and Field For his second meet, Litzkow used his track chair Championships, Litzkow was one of two athletes who and borrowed a different chair for his first 5k. Now, competed in boys wheelchair events. John is competing in a hand-propelled bike that is Now, Litzkow is branching out into cross country, a better-suited for the hills and rough terrain of cross sport nobody has competed in from a wheelchair in country courses. Iowa and only two have attempted it in the country. Typically, bike’s such as John’s cost $4,500 to But he is not one to back down from a challenge. In $4,800. But JVA Mobility, a local medical supplier fact, he’s in the business of breaking barriers. found one for $2,200. “At first, we didn’t know how we Litzkow said he heard his track teammates talking were going to get the chair and pay for everything,” about going out for cross country to help them get in Litzkow said. shape for track season this spring. Waterloo West But the Waterloo West Boosters and many others head cross country coach Matt MacKenzie said he were ready to help out, said Deb Robeson, the cross asked Jon what he thought about trying cross country. country parent representative for the boosters. “We mentioned, ‘Hey, what do you think about cross Robeson began working with Jon and several others country?’ and he was all for it,” MacKenzie said. to find him a suitable bike and heard from Vince Litzkow said he thought it could help him with track Wolrab of JVA Mobility about the bike he had found. just like his teammates and that he “might as well go JVA paid for the bike so Jon could compete right away out and try it.” and allowed the money to be paid back later. Litzkow said he was “a little nervous” to try the sport, After a $1,100 matching donation from the booster but he “put that aside.” club and many generous offers from members of the When Litzkow joins other runners on the course, community who wanted to help out, Robeson said the they aren’t really sure whether he’s competing or if bike, plus future costs for maintenance, is almost fully he’s there to help gather his teammates’ warm-up paid for. “So many people believed in this,” Robeson
said. “We started getting donations like that. He’s such a selfless person that it makes it easier for people to want to contribute.” Showing others “what they can become,” has always been a goal, said Litzkow. “I like doing it,” Litzkow said. “I feel like I’m giving back.” Litzkow returned Oct. 7 to Noelridge Park with his new chair and nearly cut his time in half. But as Litzkow continues to grow stronger and improve his times, the cross country season is winding down and, as of this article, Litzkow will be unable to compete in districts. David Anderson, IHSAA assistant executive director, said that there was not enough communication between the two sides. Anderson also said that the IHSAA is not familiar with the equipment Litzkow is using. Anderson said the IHSAA needs to consider many things before making a decision about creating an adapted level for cross country, as is done for track, including acceptable equipment, distance and safety. “We’re all for Jon,” Anderson said. “We think this is a courageous effort. We just don’t feel that we’re prepared to offer that level of competition without the approval of our board.” Litzkow was under the impression he would be able to compete this year, but is now hoping he can next year at districts. “That’d mean everything,” Litzkow said. “That’s my ultimate goal, just like the other guys, to be able to qualify and compete for state.” If Litzkow’s motivation and determination have any say in the matter, this will all be just another barrier he bursts through.
In each magazine we feature a parent, player or person as our Qwest M.V.P. The individual is recognized for their efforts during their respective sport and not solely on their wins and losses. If you would like to nominate an individual for our Qwest M.V.P., please contact us at isceditor@iowasportsconnection.com.
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Qwest Team of the Month: Roosevelt Navy Ethan Clevenger Student Writer
This month’s team of the month is a local Des Moines youth football team, the Roosevelt Navy, part of the Youth Sports Foundation Capital League and one of six teams in the Des Moines Metro conference. This was the first year for the league, and head coach Sean O’Brien and assistant coach Rush Nigut were very excited about the progress the team made in the league’s first season. O’Brien, who also coaches his youngest son’s flag football team, said that the team’s ultimate goal was to have fun. Beyond that, he said he’s proud of his team’s competitiveness and progress this season, something seconded by Nigut, who added that though the team is inexperienced, and certainly not the biggest or fastest team in the league (the majority of the players are fifth graders in a fifth/sixth grade league), they’ve certainly come along well, not just as athletes, but as peers. The team was 3-2 with one game left in the seaon when this article was written. O’Brien stressed that he’s really seen the team come together, which is something he hopes to see carry into school as most of them move on to junior high. He hopes that they will benefit from the friendships made as the adjust to the new setting. Both coaches talked about the team’s challenges, with fewer and smaller players than the rest of the league, but Nigut says they have a
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passion for the sport. He is very excited about one of his players, Domique Wright-Walton, a player O’Brien called a “spark plug.” Nigut says he’s one of the smallest kids on the team, but he’s a great tackler with lots of speed. A young cornerback, Chris, who comes in at around 80 pounds, was talked about in one of Nigut’s blog posts as he went into a tackling drill with another player who weighs in around 130: “Before the classic confrontation, I asked our cornerback whether he The Roosevelt Navy get some coaching and encouragewanted someone else to jump in since ment during a game. we have a weight limit of 110 pounds to It can be very frustrating, O’Brien said, when carry the ball in games. He responded with an you have “freshmen who don’t know how to put emphatic ‘no’ and then proceeded to absolutely pads on.” level our giant with a perfect form tackle.” Both said it’s been a great first year, with sixty Nigut called the moment “priceless.” kids from the Roosevelt area alone participating. But what both coaches stressed more than Talk is that the six-team league has the potential their individual team was the entire league. to double in participants next year. O’Brien said The league was started by Craig Fritzjunker, it’s been a great experience, as he looks forward a Des Moines parent, after recognizing a need to coaching a lot of these kids next year and for improved youth football programs in the Des watching them grow from there. Moines area. The long-term goal for the league You can learn more on Nigut’s blog at www. is to hone the younger kids and create an early rushforsports.com where he writes about interest in football, so as the kids grow up playing coaching strategies, sports news, and the latest football, the metro area high school teams games the team has played. There is also a link will improve, giving them a chance against the to the blog on the Iowa Sports Connection page suburban schools. at www.iowasportsconnection.com.
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2010 Iowa High School Football Playoff Picture Tony Atzeni Radio Accounts Manager
The 2010 Iowa high school football regular season is winding down and all the teams with the playoffs in their futures are preparing for a successful run. We know that a new champion will be crowned in Class 2A as Solon, who won the past three titles in the class is now in Class 3A and Southern Cal (Lake City), winners of the past two Class A titles is now consolidated with Rockwell City-Lytton, is now known as James Harrington, South Central Calhoun and is playing in Class 2A this season. Iowa City High (4A), Harlan (3A), St. Albert (Council Bluffs) (1A) and Armstrong-Ringsted (8-Player) will all be back in the playoffs and are all legitimate contenders once again for the state championship in their respective classes. It has been an interesting season with the new looks of the districts from Class 3A to 8-Player and for some, new opponents have appeared throughout the schedule. As the playoffs near, let’s take a look at some of the teams in each class to watch based on their regular season success. In Class 4A, Iowa City High has reloaded after winning the title last season and will be one of the handful of teams in the eastern half of 4A that look for that ticket to the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls. In town there are the Tigers of Cedar Falls who many think may be the best of a very good group in the Mississippi Valley Conference. Linn-Mar (Marion)
may be the least spoken of, but all they do is win. Bettendorf has proven to be the best in the Mississippi Athletic Conference but their overall schedule does not compare to those in the MVC this season. Add Cedar Rapids Washington, North Scott (Eldridge) and Davenport Assumption to the contenders list. The western half of Class 4A has two teams that stand out above the rest in Dowling Catholic and Council Bluffs Abe Lincoln. Fort Cedar Falls Dodge has proven they belong in the UNI-Dome conversation to this point of the season, but after that it is tough to separate who stands out. Ames, Southeast Polk and Sioux City East are next on this list. If Ankeny gets healthy they could pose problems. Weighing the season so far, I look for Dowling Catholic and Council Bluffs Abe Lincoln and Cedar Falls and Iowa City High to make the trip to the UNIDome and the semifinal field. In Class 3A, Harlan won the title in 2009 and will be on the favorites list again this season. Pella reached the title game last year and once again is having a great season and may be a bit under the radar—if there is such a thing for a top 10-rated team. Many familiar names are on the list again this season with Clear Lake, Marion, Decorah and Bishop Heelan (Sioux City) on top of their respective districts again. Then there is Carlisle, which has stepped up into the elite group class, and the new
member of 3A in Solon which has already proven it is going to be a factor as well. Union (LaPorte city), Williamsburg and Mount Pleasant are teams you need to be very aware of and if you want a few teams capable of making a surprise run, look for West Delaware (Manchester), Waverly-Shell Rock, Maquoketa, Grinnell, Fairfield and Norwalk. If I had to pick the four teams to reach the UNI-Dome in 3A today I would go with Clear Lake, Harlan, Marion and Solon but I say all that with many reservations. Continued on page 23.
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Student Athlete of the Month
Quenton James Quick Facts: Position: Wide Receiver Other Sports: Basketball and Track Favorite Food: Chinese Food Favorite Movie: Friday
Favorite Music: Rap/Hip Hop
Favorite Athlete: Randy Moss
Role Model: Jerry Rice
Athletic Honors: - Class 4A all-time receiving yards record holder - 2nd Team All-State - 3rd Team All-State - 1st Team All-Conference Community Involvement: Participating in Elementary School’s Readers Together program, as well as helping out with Student Council fundraisers such as car washes.
How the Community Views Quenton: The community would say that I am a very talented football player and a very hard worker. Plans after High School: I want to play football at a Division 1 school and Major in Civil Engineering or Business.
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Waukee Takes Class 4A Boys State Golf Championship Tony Atzeni ISC Radio Account Manager The first of the fall state championships in Iowa high school sports is in the books as Waukee was crowned the Class 4A Iowa High School State Boys Golf Championship, which was held at The Harvester Golf Club in Rhodes, Iowa in nearly perfect conditions. The Warriors led by seven strokes after the opening round with a team total 303 and duplicated that mark on Saturday for a 606 team total, 13 strokes ahead of runnerup Cedar Rapids Kennedy. Defending state champs Dowling Catholic finished in third 14 strokes back. The medalist honors went to senior Collin Foster of Waukee with rounds of 74 and a scorching 70 on championship Satruday for a two-round total of 144. Foster finished five strokes ahead of Dane Worley of Cedar Rapids Kennedy who held a one stroke lead after the opening round with a 72, but shot a 77 Saturday for a 149 two-day total. Brady Campbell of Waukee finished third with rounds of 73 and 77. Blake Huser of Southeast Polk was third best on Saturday with a 72 and finished tied for fourth with Cody Bell of Cedar Rapids Kennedy with a two-day total of 151. Jeff Swegle, a frshman from West Des Moines Valley, shook off a tough opening round with a 71 on Saturday and finished tied for 7th. Mike Woofter (158), Grant Campbell (159) and Austin Howe (164) joined Foster and Campbell for the
Warriors’ state championship run. Listed below are the team and toptwenty individual results reported by the Iowa High School Athletic Association 2010 Class 4A Iowa High School Boys State Golf Championship The Harvester Golf Club Rhodes, Iowa Team Standings 1-Waukee – 303-303 --- 609 2-Cedar Rapids Kennedy – 310-309 --- 619 3-Dowling Catholic – 313-307 --- 620 4-Western Dubuque (Epworth) – 325-315 --- 640 4-Johnston – 325-315 --- 640 6-Southeast Polk – 322-319 --- 641 7-West Des Moines Valley – 321-321 --- 642 8-Cedar Falls – 323-327 --- 650 9-Pleasant Valley – 337-317 --- 654 10-Ames – 337-322 --- 659 11-Iowa City High – 337-333- 670 12-North Scott (Eldridge) – 342-329 - 671 Individual Leaders Top 25 1-Collin Foster, Sr., Waukee – 74-70 (144) 2-Dane Worley, Sr., Cedar Rapids Kennedy – 72-77 (149)
3-Brady Campbell, Sr., Waukee – 73-77 (150) 4-Cody Bell, Jr., Cedar Rapids Kennedy - 74-77 (151) 4-Blake Huser, Sr., Southeast Polk - 79-72 (151) 6-Drew Hansen, Sr., Dowling Catholic – 76-76 (152) 7-Jordan Azbell, Sr., Western Dubuque (Epworth) – 75-78 (153) 7-Jeff Swegle, Fr., West Des Moines Valley - 82-71 (153) 9-Collin Bisenius, Sr., Johnston – 77-77 (154) 9-Jon Calhoun, So., Dowling Catholic – 79-75 (154) 11-Jacob Bermal, Jr., Cedar Falls – 77-78 (155) 12-Andrew Huseman, Fr., Ankeny – 77-79 (156) 12-Brigham Stewart, Jr., Cedar Rapids Kennedy – 8076 (156) 12-Ian Tucker, Sr., Cedar Rapids Prairie - 81-75 (156) 15-Matt Lageman, Sr., Southeast Polk – 75-83 (158) 15-Jack Gradeville, Fr., Dowling Catholic – 79-79 (158) 15-Conner Peck, Jr., Ankeny -79-79 (158) 15-Jimmy Siebert, Sr., Johnston – 78-80 (158) 15-Matt Leiffert, Sr., Southeast Polk – 79-79 (158) 15-Mike Woofter, So., Waukee – 79-79 (158) 21-Ricky DeBartlo, Jr., Dowling Catholic – 79-80 (159) 21-Sam BeBartlo, Fr., Dowling Catholic - 82-77 (159) 21-Logan Bahl, Jr., Western Dubuque (Epworth) - 8079 (159) 21-Broc Everett, So., West Des Moines Valley – 7782 (159) 21-Grant Campbell, So., Waukee – 77-82 (159)
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Champions Across Iowa
Football
n Name: Zach Crai lk wa or N : ol Scho Class: 3A Norwalk has been iet somewhat of a qu on as se is th r de conten of in Class 3A. Much cause the success is be back, of senior running Week of As . ain Zach Cr yard 17 1,0 d ha ain Cr 7, eight d an es rri on 166 ca . ns ow hd uc to
Football
he Name: Austin Blyt g ur sb am illi W : School 3A Class: one of Blythe, a senior, is the in s Iowa’s top prep year, he xt Ne . 11 20 of Class Iowa e th will be playing for y as da tur Sa on es Hawkey an. For an offensive linem rs, the No. 6 Red Raide fense, de on ys pla e th Bly rded 29 too, and has reco . les tack
Football
r Name: Jace Engstle field ay -H er rn Ga ol: Scho Class: 1A y be Garner-Hayfield ma t an just 4-3, but its go talent in excellent offensive r, who tle junior Jace Engs f2-o 17 ed let has comp s for pt em att ss pa 6 27 state 2,173 (most in the and 26 s rd ya ) ss cla y of an eek W of as , touchdowns e siv fen de a o als ’s 7. He and les ck ta threat with 30 s. ion pt ce er two int
Football
hwenk Name: Michael Sc ayard School: Coon Rapids-B Class: 8-Player hwenk Senior Michael Sc prolific may be the most at in the quar terback thre en for Ev w. no ht rig te sta pass 64 1 2, 8-player, his ns ow hd uc to 41 s, yard ions), pt ce er (only three int six d an s rd ya sh ru 395 ound gr e th on touchdowns d lpe he He e. siv es is impr 10 . No to sneak his team could after Week 7 and stseason. surprise in the po
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Iowa Players Go National to USA Baseball’s National Team Identification Series Bob Protexter Total Baseball Development In 2009 a new vehicle for evaluating baseball talent was created to supplement the selection processes already in place, and USA Baseball titled this program the National Team Identification Series (NTIS). This wide-spread direction of USA Baseball enables players to try-out nationwide through regional workouts and showcases located in individual states inside of specific regions created by USA Baseball. This essentially localizes national tryouts. The regionally selected players then travel to Cary, North Carolina on Regional teams in September to show their wares for USA Baseball staff and Team USA evaluators and talent scouts. Iowa is no different. Iowa is part of the Great Lakes Region for USA Baseball, and for the first time in 2010 showcases were conducted in Iowa for the Great Lakes Region NTIS. In August of this year there were nine scheduled showcases across the state in Des Moines, Iowa City, Sioux City, and Sloan. Over 70 players signed up and participated in the age groups of 17U, 15U, and 13U. These players put their skills to the test as they battled the summer heat as well in day long workouts, scrimmages, and simulated games. The selected Iowa players, 12 in total, then traveled to Cary, North Carolina on September 9, 10, 11, and 12 as part of the Great Lakes Region team to compete against other regional teams from all over the country as they chased coveted spots on the 2011 Team USA National Team Trials in the age groups of 18U, 16U, and 14U. These Iowa showcases were conducted by Bob Protexter of Sioux City, Owner & Operator of Total Baseball Development. Protexter was assisted by Lynn Cripps, Assistant Coach at Marshalltown Community College; Jesse Searls, Assistant Coach at Iowa City West; Uby Martinez, Assistant Coach at Iowa City Regina; and Andy Osborne, Head Coach at Bishop Heelan Catholic in Sioux City. Also assisting were college players Tanner McLaughlin (Ankeny) of Marshalltown Community College and Brad Payne (Alta) of Northwestern College in Orange City. Former Major League Baseball player Don Wengert of Des Moines, a native of Sioux City, was a special guest at a Des Moines workout. Bill Krejci of Creston added greatly to the summer showcases as he ran several of the workouts. Krejci is the Athletics Director at Southwestern Community College in Creston, and formerly the head coach there for 22 years until 1996. Since
the NTIS experience: PRICELESS!!!” that time Krejci has been representAnthony Ruden said: “Going ing his country with USA Baseball as a down there and just having the Team USA manager and hitting coach, chance to make a team that and is quoted as saying “I have never represents our country means turned down an opportunity to work everything to me. Even though I for USA Baseball and represent our didn’t make the national team, it country on the ball diamond”. Krejci’s was an amazing experience that travels have taken him to every corner will definitely help me down the of the globe winning World Championroad.” ships and coaching the likes of Joe More information and news Mauer, J.J. Hardy, and most recently 13U Iowa PLAYERS; Connor Prescott, Johnny Dobbs about USA Baseball can be found the young phenom Bryce Harper. Jr., Blake Weidman, Connor Enochs, and Gavin Crowon their website at: www.usabasePlayers were recommended by ell with Bob Protexter in the back row. ball.com and you can check out Protexter and his staff to the six state more information about the Iowa Great Lakes Region staff that covered showcases and workouts at Total Baseball Development’s the states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wiswebsite: www.totalbaseballdevelopment.com consin. In addition to the 12 Iowa players making the grade, a Bob Protexter resides in Sioux City, Iowa, and is the son of 13th player from the Iowa workouts was also accepted in as a the late Don Protexter, former long time head baseball coach late entry as he traveled across the Missouri river from South of 28 years (1955 to 1983) and Athletic Director at MorningSioux City, Nebraska for a tryout. side College, and the late Marvella Protexter, an avid baseball After comparing notes from the other five states the playfan and supporter at Morningside College and in the Sioux ers participating in the Iowa showcases that made that cut City community for over 50 years. Protexter is the Owner and and traveled to Cary, North Carolina are listed below. Operator of Total Baseball Development and can be reached at 13U Gavin Crowell; Waukee High School (2016) Johnny 712.276.2360 and at protexter.tbd@gmail.com Dobbs Jr.; Cedar Rapids Kennedy High School (2016) Connor Enochs; Des Moines East High School (2015) Connor Prescott; Sergeant Bluff-Luton High School (2016) Blake Weidman; Washington High School (2015) 15U Eli Dunne; Grinnell High School (2014) Brady Mayo; Sioux City North High School (2014) Anthony Ruden; Dubuque - Wahlert Catholic High School (2013) Dom Thompson-Williams; Sioux City East High School (2013) 17U Joe Goodman; Gilbert High School (2011) Austin Groth; South Sioux City (Nebraska) High School (2012) Bryce Rose; Keokuk High School (2012) Nick Suckow; Waukee High School (2011) The experience was a once in a lifetime opportunity to play with and against some of the best young baseball players in Terry Ayers (Manager Great Lakes 15U), Conner Adamski the nation. (17U - Illinois), 17U Iowa PLAYERS; Bryce Rose, Joe Goodman, Lori Klemme, mother of Connor Prescott listed the experiNick Suckow, Austin Groth, 15U Iowa PLAYERS; Brady Mayo, ence in Cary at USA Baseball’s NTIS as “PHENOMENAL!”, and Dom Thompson-Williams, Eli Dunne, Anthony Ruden; and Bob son Connor who himself finished a school paper by writing “... Protexter.
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Volume 12 Issue 7
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A quick look at some of the State’s best performances from the Missouri to the Mississippi
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Weston McPhee (Des Moines North, Senior): Despite the Polar Bears’ ice-cold 0-8 record, McPhee has completed 115 of 224 pass attempts for 1,632 yards, which is good for second in Class 4A. Wes Burnside (Union (Laporte City), Junior): Through Week 7, the No. 7 in Class 3A Knights’ workhorse leads the state with 1,598 yards and leads Class 3A with 23 TDs. Allison Orvis and Hannah Maher (Decorah. Junior & Senior): Orvis and Maher own the top two times in the 200-yd individual medley as of Oct. 13. Orvis’ time is 2:10.7 and Mahers’ 2:11.38, respectively. Mount Vernon: The Mustang volleyball squad, currently No. 1 in Class 3A, is one of two remaining undefeated teams (32-0) as of Oct. 12. Waverly-Shell Rock (3A, 39-0) is the other. Jacob Esdohr (Coon Rapids-Bayard, Senior): Esdohr leads the entire state in total receiving ards with 1,076 as of Week 7. 20 of his 61 catches have been TDs. Leisa McClintock (Bishop Heelan, Senior): Heelan’s setter leads the way in Class 3A with 867 total assists. She also leads 3A with 75 serving aces. Teammate Megan McCarth (Soph.) is second with 73. Carroll: It’s a close battle for top time in the girls’ 200-yard Freestyle Relay, but Carroll came close to Mason City’s time of 1:42.18 with its 1:42.60 posted in Johnston Oct. 9. That’s good for third in the state. They could be a dark horse to watch during the state meet.
3 5 7
6 1
2 4
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Volume 12 Issue 6 Volume 12 Issue 6 13
15
Central
1. Nate Snead (JR, QB Southeast Polk) 2. Mike Furlong (JR, WR Davenport Assumption) 3. Ross Doehermann (SO, RB Williamsburg)
Coe
1. Brad Boyle (SO, QB North Mahaska)
Wartburg
1. Reese Thompson (SO, RB Benton Community) 2. John Mallen (SR, DB West Hancock) 3. Jason Roskam (SR, WR Sioux Center)
Morningside
1. 2. 3. 4.
Bradley Norwood (SR, WR Prairie City-Monroe) C.J. Gradoville (SR, K St. Albert/Council Bluffs) Marshall Tuttle (SR, LB Sioux City East) John Kirwain (JR, DL Sioux City East)
Northwestern
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Caleb Van Otterloo (SR, DB Le Mars) Austin Rozeboom (SR, LB Sioux Center) John Adam (SR, OL Bishop Heelan) Jon Gerber (SR, S West Lyon) Nathan Nieuwendorp (SO, OL Unity Christian)
William Penn
1. Steven Dawley (JR, OL North Mahaska) 2. Dalton Phelps (FR, RB Tipton)
ON 16
Volume 12 Issue 4
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Collegiate Corner
Iowa Sports Connection
Iowa’s D-III and NAIA Schools Loaded with Talent, Postseason Potential Tim Weideman Editor, Larry Happel Central SID, Wade Steinlage William Penn SID Forget about the Hawkeyes, Cyclones and Panthers for a moment. As college football enters the month of November, games not only get chillier, but dreams of post-season berths start to becoming reality for some and next season’s goals for others. Unfortunately, it is not well-known across the state that several colleges are aiming to show the nation that plenty of high-level teams call Iowa home. Those schools also feature many native Iowans on their respective teams, proof that the heart of the country is prepared to represent itself as the heart of football country. From the western half of Iowa to the eastern portion, teams from all sides of Iowa are making splashes in their divisions, namely Division III and the NAIA. Here’s a breakdown of which teams to keep an eye on as post-season action nears. NCAA Division III Coe College Kohawks Though the game doesn’t get as much attention as the Iowa/Iowa State rivalry, the Central and Coe showdown has become one of Iowa’s must-watch games in the last few years. This year, Coe, coming in ranked No. 9 in the country, upset then-No. 7 Central, 37-28. It was the first time in the matchup’s history that both teams were ranked. Coe was trailing the Dutch 28-20 at halftime, but scored 17 unanswered points in the second half to claim victory. Junior quarterback Brad Boyle (North Mahaska H.S.) led the way for the Kohawks against Central, completing 18-of-31 pass attempts for 243 yards and two touchdowns. Boyle also rushed for 93 yards on 19 carries for three touchdowns. That kind of performance has been fairly typical
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for Boyle this season. In total, the New Sharon, Iowa native has completed 62.3 percent of his passes for 1,354 yards and 10 touchdowns. On the ground, Boyle has rushed the ball 57 times for 252 yards and 10 touchdowns. No doubt Boyle is part of the high-powered offense that has led Coe to a current ranking (as of press time) of No. 6 in D3football.com’s top 25 poll. Also contributing has been bruiser running back sophomore Brendan Leiran (Waukon). Leiran has rushed for 542 yards, averaging 5.4 yards per carry, and has reached pay dirt five times. Coe will look to keep the offense in overdrive as the season progresses and playoffs near. Central College Dutch a Team of Many Talents In an era when fourth-graders are feeling pressured to specialize in a single athletics activity, the two-sport athlete is alive and well at Central College. Several standouts on Central’s nationally ranked football squad wear a different kind of uniform at other times of year. Junior wide receiver Mike Furlong, who earned all-Iowa Conference honors in 2009 as a kick returner, was the Central baseball team’s leading hitter last spring, with a .401 average while playing shortstop. The player Furlong edged out in the team batting race? Team home run leader Jarred Lackey, a right fielder and the starting S-back on the Dutch football squad. Meanwhile senior all-conference punter Kurtis Brondyke and junior defensive back Ethan Miller are AllAmerican decathletes for Central’s Iowa Conference champion men’s track and field squad. The two shared conference MVP honors. And junior running back Kyle Wood is an All-American sprinter. Two other Dutch players, sophomore linebacker
Keith Rush and junior defensive end Holden Blythe, earned starting spots last year on the Central wrestling squad. Not that playing championship-level college athletics in two sports is a simple thing. Furlong, who spent part of his summer playing for the Green Bay Bullfrogs in the Northwoods wood-bat league, said it requires extra effort. “Playing two sports is a challenge and takes a lot of time management,” he said. “But I love both sports so that makes it pretty easy to do.” Much of the strength and conditioning training translates well from football to another sport, but there are differences. “I do try to spend equal amounts of time training for both sports but I think I end up spending more time on baseball because all the extra time you have to put in getting extra swings and ground balls,” Furlong said. Central coaches not only tolerate players competing in another sport, they encourage it. “The way we look at it, it’s a great way to get a really good athlete in two good programs,” baseball coach Adam Stevens said. “There aren’t many schools that allow kids to do that, but we think it’s a good thing. “We want great competitors and guys who know how to win. In Central’s football program, Mike Furlong and Jarred Lackey are competing in one of the best programs around on a daily basis. When they join the baseball team in the spring, they bring some of that competitiveness with them. And hopefully our guys give something to other programs as well.”
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Collegiate Corner
Iowa Sports Connection
Wartburg College Knights Wartburg is quietly building a strong reputation this year as a team to be reckoned with. Turns out, the pollsters have been listening. The Knights cracked the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Division III Coaches’ Poll on Oct. 11, debuting 24th. Wartburg is leading in teams receiving votes in D3football.com’s poll. At the time this article was written, the Knights were 5-0 and 3-0 in IIAC action. Coach Rick Willis’ recorded his 100th victory Oct. 9 against Buena Vista University. A tangle with Coe College was next on the schedule at press time for Wartburg, and how that contest turns out will show just how much of a fight Wartburg can give some of the nation’s best. It’s plain to anybody keeping an eye on Wartburg that the Knights don’t give up yards very easily. Opponents are averaging only 82 rushing yards per game and 2.3 yards per carry. Teams haven’t found much success against Wartburg through the air, either, only averaging 144.2 yards per game. The Knights have also picked off opposing quarterbacks 12 times already and have only allowed four touchdowns— one on the ground, three through the air. Wartburg’s top three tacklers have over 30 tackles each and all are Iowa natives. Senior linebacker Blake Suckow (North Fayette H.S.) has 40.5 total tackles, senior defensive back Andrew Creary (Knoxville) has 37 tackles and junior defensive back Garrett McGrane (Wapsie Valley H.S.) has tallied 31 tackles. NAIA Morningside College Mustangs No other team in Iowa has made as big of a statement in its respective division as Morningside College has done in the NAIA. After finishing 2009 10-2 and ranked No. 5 in the nation, according to the NAIA Football Coaches’ Top 25 Poll, the Mustangs have continued what has become a tradition of
excellence in Sioux City by going 6-0 so far in 2010. The Mustangs have many offensive threats, as shown by their 41 points per game. One of those weapons is senior wide receiver, Bradley Norwood (Prairie City-Monroe). Norwood is one of quarterback Chris Stutzriem’s favorite targets, hauling in a team-leading 26 catches for 438 yards, also a team high. He has caught five touchdown passes, which leads all receivers and is third on the team in total scores, behind Stutzriem (11) and running back Mike McNulty (6). Another Iowa native, senior place kicker C.J. Gradoville (Council Bluffs St. Albert), has contributed a great deal to the team. He is responsible for 64 points scored—a team high—and is automatic from a mid-range distance, and Morningside’s offense is more than capable of setting him up well within his range. Gradoville is 5-for-5 in the 20 to 29-yard range. His long for the season is 47 yards, which he hit against Doane and Northwestern. Gradoville’s boot against Northwestern helped secure a victory, 20-17. A game against top-ranked and GPAC foe University of Sioux Falls on Oct. 16 likely showed what Morningside’s chances are in the coming post-season, as the conference will only get one automatic bid for the NAIA playoffs. William Penn University Statesmen The William Penn football team is in the process of putting together one of the best campaigns in program history. The Statesmen, who are ranked #16 in the NAIA, have opened the year undefeated through four games for the first time since 1975, when the team finished the regular season 10-0 and made its lone postseason appearance. Penn is dominating opponents to the tune of a 185-80 scoring advantage, including holding
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two teams to three points or less. The program recorded its first shutout since 2003 in a 44-0 win over Trinity International in Week Four. The Statesmen are doing almost all of their offensive damage on the ground, leading the NAIA in yards and yards per game. Seven different players are already over the century mark in rushing and two players have scored at least six touchdown in just four contests. The Penn defense has proven to be amazing against the rush as well, holding the #3 ranking in the NAIA in rushing yards per game. Northwestern College Red Raiders Northwestern, ranked No. 17 in the country according to the NAIA, may not have the most impressive record at 3-2, but that’s only at surface level. The Red Raiders’ two losses have come at the hands of No. 1 University of Sioux Falls and No. 4 Morningside. If the game against the Mustangs showed the nation anything, it was that Iowa has more than one team capable of vying for the spotlight. Northwestern has a talented running game led by running backs senior Taylor Malm and sophomore Brandon Smith. Malm has rushed for 529 yards on 77 touches and Smith 505 yards on 74 touches, respectively. Malm has scored 10 times and Smith has tallied 5 touchdowns. Sophomore quarterback Jayme Rozeboom (West Lyon H.S.) balances out the rushing duo nicely for the Red Raiders. He has completed 57.3 percent of his passes for 556 yards and two touchdowns. Unfortunately, having Sioux falls and Morningside so highly ranked and having lost to both teams doesn’t bode well for the Red Raiders’ playoff hopes. But that doesn’t mean Northwestern is not a team to watch for the rest of the season.
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Collegiate Corner
Iowa Sports Connection
University of Northern Iowa Grad Josh Mahoney Receives Another Prestigious Award University of Northern Iowa Josh Mahoney, a former linebacker on the University of Northern Iowa football team, won a Tony Patino Fellowship on Sept. 24, 2010. The fellowship is awarded to outstanding first-year law school students at the University of Chicago (and two other law schools) who are committed to community service. His award is $9,000 per year, renewable for all three years of law school. The Tony Patiño Fellowship is a merit award created to support law students who have demonstrated leadership ability, and whose outstanding academic and personal histories show good moral character, ethical conduct, good citizenship, motivation and initiative. Mahoney was awarded the prestigious NCAA Walter Byers Postgraduate Scholarship last spring. Mahoney is the first-ever Panther student-athlete to receive the Byers award, which is worth a total of $48,000. The Walter Byers award is named after the former NCAA executive director. Applicants of the award must have a minimum 3.5 GPA, demonstrate evidence of superior character and leadership and show that participation in intercollegiate athletics has been a positive influence on their personal and intellectual development. The award is open to all athletes in all sports in all divisions of play with one female and one male studentathlete being annually presented with the scholarship in recognition of outstanding academic achievement and potential for success in postgraduate study. The Byers Scholarship award is one of the highest honors the NCAA bestows on a student-athlete. At the time he won the Byers award, Mahoney said, “Throughout my time at UNI, I was extremely fortunate to work with outstanding coaches, professors and teammates. I am grateful for all their support and friendship throughout the years, and I am also firmly indebted to my parents and family - people who have had a significant effect on my life and continue to inspire me each day.” “The entire University is proud of Josh, and his accomplishments both on and off the field throughout
his career,” UNI Director of Athletics Troy Dannen said. “His receipt of the Walter Byers Award marks the most significant achievement of any UNI student-athlete in the history of our institution - and this recognition is welldeserved. He symbolizes the best of collegiate athletics, and certainly stands as a great role model for future UNI student-athletes as they strive to achieve at the standard Josh has established.” Mahoney posted a perfect 4.0 grade point average while majoring in both economics and English. Mahoney was a two-time Division I Academic All-America® honoree for the Panthers. Mahoney was a Presidential Scholar and Dean’s List student at UNI. In December 2009, Mahoney attended the National Football Foundation Awards Banquet in New York City in honor of being chosen as one of 15 finalists for the William V. Campbell Trophy, commonly referred to as the Academic Heisman. Mahoney played in 50 career games for the Panthers and tallied 247 tackles. Mahoney led the team in tackles as a junior and a senior. He secured four interceptions and nine tackles-for-loss. He was a two-time first-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference honoree and a three-time Academic All-MVFC performer. Off the field, Mahoney gives back as well. When tornadoes and floods devastated local Iowa communities in summer 2008, Mahoney joined other UNI studentathletes in spear-heading community involvement to help clean up debris and begin the rebuilding process. He was a four-year member of UNI’s Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC). After earning his law degree, Mahoney’s long-term goal is to work for an organization that strives for social justice on either a national or international level. He hails from Sioux Falls, S.D., where he attended O’Gorman High School; he is the son of John and Joan Mahoney.
Josh Mahoney, UNI Career Highlights: • 247 Tackles - Led the team as junior and senior • Four interceptions and nine tackles-forloss • Two-time First Team All-Missouri Valley Footbal Conference selection • Three-time Academic All-MVFC selection • 4.0 GPA
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Collegiate Corner
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Minor But Major
Iowa Sports Connection
United States Hockey Leage Iowa Team Previews Brian Werger USHL The United States Hockey League’s regular season is in full swing and hockey fans across Iowa are geared up and ready to go. Here’s a quick preview of all the Iowa squads, including newcomers, the Dubuque Fighting Saints. EASTERN CONFERENCE Cedar Rapids RoughRiders The RoughRiders had their 10th straight winning season in 2009-10 after compiling 38 victories. The team has qualified for the playoffs every season during the decade under Head Coach Mark Carlson who is third among active USHL coaches with 364 wins. There are plenty of big shoes to fill with the departure of the team’s top four scorers to the collegiate ranks, including All-USHL defenseman Bryce Aneloski, but several players return to the mix for the RoughRiders. Forward Cason Hohmann was third on the team with 27 assists during his rookie campaign and had a busy summer leading the U.S. Under-18 Select Team in scoring as they captured silver at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament. Michael Parks returns fresh off being selected in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft by the Philadelphia Flyers. Defensemen Thomas Fallen and Nolan Zajac also return to patrol the blueline while goaltender Cody Campbell is back after posting a 10-4-1 record and a 1.90 GAA in 17 appearances with the team in 2009-10. Waterloo Black Hawks A total of five 20-plus goal scorers have advanced to the collegiate ranks, but the team plans to continue the winning tradition of four consecutive seasons of 30-plus wins and playoff appearances. P.K. O’Handley, entering his ninth season behind the Waterloo bench, is the active wins leader among USHL coaches and only one of five in League history to reach 400 victories.
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Defenseman Zach Palmquist is a leader on the blueline and a major contributor on offense posting 36 points (9g, 27a) in 53 games in 2009-10. Goaltender C.J. Motte is steady presence in goal after earning 21 victories a season ago. The Black Hawks will count on returning forwards Jamie Hill and Tyler Zepeda as well as veteran defensemen Andrew Panzarella and Blake Thompson. Incoming forward Alex Guptill, a thirdround pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft by the Dallas Stars, will bolster the forward lines for the young team. WESTERN CONFERENCE Des Moines Buccaneers A familiar face is back in Des Moines as Regg Simon returns from collegiate hockey to an organization that he has helped capture two Clark Cup championships – one as a coach during the 2005-06 season and one as a player in 1994-95. Just five players return from the 2009-10 version of the Bucs. The two most experienced of the bunch are defenseman Austin Coldwell had a successful first USHL season posting 36 points (12g, 24a) in 58 games while Mitch Cain also played 58 games and put up 21 points for the club.Young forwards Cal Decowski and Luke Sandler joined the team in the second half of the season as did defenseman Blake Doerring. New defenseman Peter Stoykewych was selected this summer by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the NHL Entry Draft. 16-year-old Ray Pigozzi joins the forward lines after being chosen in the second round of the USHL Futures Draft in May. Dubuque Fighting Saints This season marks a return to Dubuque, an iconic USHL city, but the region will see a whole new brand of USHL hockey since last having a team over 10 years ago. Leading the expansion team is Jim Montgomery, the all-time leading scorer at the University of Maine
and former NHL player, who comes from spending the past four years coaching collegiately at RPI. The Saints have some experience with a host of forwards who spent 2009-10 in the USHL – Jordan DiGiando, Andrew Sinelli, Scott Wamsganz, Shane Sooth, and T.J. Schlueter – as well as defenseman Colton Saucerman. Another veteran presence is forward Vinny Saponari who played the last two seasons at Boston University. Forward Riley Barber was the first overall pick in the 2010 USHL Futures Draft. Nick Luukko, a 2010 NHL Draft pick of the Philadelphia Flyers, will patrol the blueline for the Saints and 16-year-old Latvia native Zemgus Girgensons joins the forward lines. Sioux City Musketeers Despite missing last season’s playoffs by a single point, the Musketeers were one of the hottest teams down the stretch in 2009-10 and will carry that momentum over to their second season under head coach Luke Strand. Forwards Ryan Carpenter and Matt Paape are returning players who were double digit goal scorers last year and Tommy Olczyk will be a leader up front after being one of only two Musketeers to play all 60 games. Max Gaede begins a full season with the team after playing 10 games in 2009-10 and being a third-round selection in this past summer’s NHL Entry Draft. Only recently turning 16, forward Richard Zehnal returns to the mix along with Jose Delgadillo who is the only returning defenseman from last season. Goaltender Matt Skoff returns to the crease after appearing in a League high 50 games in 2009-10. Incoming forward Caleb Herbert joins the Musketeers following a summer in which was selected by Washington in the 2010 NHL Draft.
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Prep Connection
Iowa Sports Connection
2010 Iowa High School Football Playoff Picture Continued from page 8
In Class 2A, a new champ will totally believe in and that is that “defense be crowned and the leader so far win championships,” and there is no doubt to me has been Iowa City Regina, North Cedar can play on the defensive side which in non-district play beat the of the football. Emmetsburg is back and defending champs, Solon. South that is bad for all in the class with its history Central Calhoun may be new in the playoffs. Then there is Aplingtonin name but the players on the Parkersburg which also has a strong football roster are not new to excelling on history. Starmont (Arlington) is making a big the football field and is right there statement. The Stars are really not talked along with North Fayette (West about in a state-wide sense but probably Union). Sigourney-Keota has also should be. Austin Blair, South Central proven how good it is in a pretty The list continues with Hartley-MelvinCalhoun deep and balanced District 6. Sanborn, West Lyon (Inwood), WoodwardAfter that you can add a number Granger, Gladbrook-Reinbeck, Turkey Valley of teams to the contenders list with Sheldon, Sioux (Jackson Junction), Logan-Magnolia, Treynor all Center and Western Christian (Hull) in District 1 tough outs week in and week out and the list grows all head scratchers, along with Columbus Catholic with Mount Ayr, Panorama (Panora), Des Moines (Waterloo), Kuemper Catholic (Carroll), RolandChristian all in a tight race in a balanced District Story, West Marshall (State Center), Bondurant7 along with Saint Ansgar and Wapsie Valley Farrar and Pella Christian. Sleepers on the list (Fairbank) who are all also a capable group. are New Hampton, Iowa Falls-Alden, Davis County In the end, this may be the toughest of the (Bloomfield), Albia and Beckman (Dyersville). six classes to figure out but if I must choose It really should be interesting watching this class from this highly contested group, I would go with unfold based on some of the playoff pairings, but Emmetsburg, St. Albert (Council Bluffs), West today my choices for a UNI-Dome trip are South Brach and North Cedar (Stanwood). Calhoun, North Fayette (West Union), Iowa City In Class A, where a new champion will be Regina and Sigourney/Keota. crowned, I really like Madrid with its huge offensive In Class 1A, St. Albert (Council Bluffs) has made line and impressive non-district schedule. That a strong impression and has the looks of a state places a big target on Madrid’s back and shooting champion once again. West Brach always puts for that target will be last season’s runner-up a playoff-contending talented team on the field Newman Catholic (Mason City) with a bad taste and in the district with the Bears is North Cedar left in its mouth after the overtime loss in the (Stanwood) which plays to an old saying that I championship game last year. Rockford is in the
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same district and is a tough defensive group, but for many, not the familiar name we look for. North Tama (Traer) seems to always be a part of the championship picture and should be again this season. WACO (Wayland) has played well this season and Gehlen Catholic (LeMars) has played a pretty tough schedule and because of that it’s a playoff ready team. Postville, Lisbon, B-G-M (Brooklyn) and Bedford hope to have something to say about the road to the UNI-dome. My choices to make the trip to Cedar Falls are Gehlen Catholic (LeMars), Newman Catholic (Mason City), Madrid and B-G-M (Brooklyn) In Class 8-Player all eyes are once again on Armstrong-Ringsted as it has made the title game the past three seasons, winning the championship in 2009. Lenox is a very familiar name when it comes to playoff success and the Tigers will once again be a threat, along with Northeast Hamilton (Blairsburg). Preston has now put together backto-back solid seasons and hopes to take the next step, while Moravia and Fremont-Mills (Tabor) are two of the best stories this high school football season and would like nothing better than to have a title opportunity. Graettinger-Terril, Remsen-Union, Coon RapidsBayard and Glidden-Ralston are a few others that will contend from under the radar with Adair-Casey and East Green (Grand Junction) right behind. My choices to reach the UNI-Dome in 8-Player are Armstrong-Ringsted, Preston, Lenox and Moravia.
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Health
Iowa Sports Connection
& Fitness
Achieve Your Fitness Goals, Discover Your Kosama Body Tim Weideman Editor
No matter the body, no matter the goal, the trainers at Kosama believe everyone can achieve their ideal body, or their “Kosama body.” Kosama’s “Complete Body Transformation” is a 10-week program “designed to increase lean muscle mass and transform the body from the core out,” according to Kosama’s website, kosama.com. It is designed to work for everyone, from athletes to everyday people wanting to transform their bodies and live healthier lifestyles. “All age groups, all body types, all fitness levels, you name it, and every single one of them gets challenged.” Kosama co-founder Matt Braet said of who has taken advantage of the program. Make no mistake about it, the “Complete Body Transformation” program is indeed a challenge, but that’s what delivers the amazing results in just 10 weeks. Those who sign up for the program attend classes six days a week for the duration of the program. Each class is one hour long and focuses on six different workouts: yoga, kettle bells, kickboxing, plyometrics, upper body strength and lower body strength—all serving a different function for shaping each person’s complete Kosama body. Braet said that many people are taking advantage of the workout, from the Waukee High School boys’ basketball team, to those looking to lose excess weight, to people in their upper sixties. On one end of the spectrum, there are people who have been told by their doctor that they need to lose weight immediately and, on the other end, some people in the program have already been working out for many years. In short, Kosama is designed for everybody. “Everyone’s question is how can the 340-pound person do the exact same thing a high school basketball player from Waukee’s doing,” Braet said. “It’s just that you modify everything. You know, everybody can go at their pace and our instructors are taught that based on whatever someone’s fitness goals or current fitness levels are, you adapt to that person.” “So everybody in the class will have the same exercise, be
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Volume 12 Issue 7
doing the same workout, but they’re taught how to do it at their pace, to their level,” Braet said. “Eventually as they start getting in shape, getting rid of the stiffness, the soreness, whatever it is, then they can start going a little bit harder, you know, lose a little bit more weight, whatever it may be.” In addition to the workout program, Kosama also offers nutrition advice through an online meal planning software. Kosama’s website says, “We do not force you to radically change your eating habits, our online program simply points out ways to make your meals better for you.” Members of Kosama’s program enter their diet into the software and it points out opportunities to find healthy substitutes and helps them identify foods in their diets they should try to avoid, such as foods containing too much cholesterol or saturated fat. Another feature Kosama can offer is the motivation it creates in people to achieve their goals because the workouts are held in a class setting. “When you feeding off the energy of everybody else in the class with all the instructors, you just get that extra couple (reps) in,” Braet said. “But not only that, most people, say when you go to the gym to work out, yeah you can work out hard, but there’s a lot of drinking fountain breaks, you’re talking to people and you get your hour workout in, but do you do what you would do in an hour workout with us? Absolutely not.” Besides seeing their desired results, people who sign up for a 10-week session also have a chance to win the Kosama Body Challenge. For every session throughout the year, each Kosama location picks one winner who has experienced the best transformation. The winners’ before and after pictures are then posted on Kosama.com and put to a vote to decide an overall winner, who receives $5,ooo. Plus, starting Jan. 3, any person who signs up for a session at some point during 2011 and remains a member until the end of the year will be eligible for the Kosama Ultimate Body Challenge. The yearlong challenge will run through mid-December and the overall winner will receive $20,000. The focus and drive Kosama instill in people of all types is a huge factor that gives the program an advantage over many
conventional workout routines and traditional gyms. If you would like to learn more about how you can achieve your Kosama body, visit www.kosama.com. Kosama has locations in Clive, Ankeny, West Des Moines, Downtown Des Moines, Johnston, Omaha, Ames, Altoona/Pleasant Hill, Iowa City, Cedar Falls, Phoenix, Arizona; and locations coming soon to Sioux Fall, Quad Cities, Chicago, St. Paul, Minn. and Omaha.
Kosama 10-Week Session Before and Afters
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Health & Fitness
Iowa Sports Connection
Improve Your ‘D’ Lynn Lindaman MD, FAAOS, FACS, FAPP, FACSM Lindaman Orthopaedics
Sorry to mislead you. This isn’t about “Defense” but Vitamin D. Almost everyone who has been through any health education class knows the importance of Vitamin D. You probably learned that Vitamin D (actually it’s a hormone, not a vitamin) is vital for the development of strong bones and can be obtained through a diet rich in milk and other dairy products, dark green vegetables, certain fish products and exposure to sunlight. However, as with most things in health and science, we’re now finding out that things are much more complicated than we initially thought. In the last 5 years as we have studied Vitamin D and the overall health, and particularly the musculoskeletal health of both children and adults, we’ve found that Vitamin D works on more than the absorption of Calcium from our diet and building strong bones. When we’ve looked at blood levels of Vitamin
D in apparently healthy children on what appears to be healthy diets, we’ve found a surprising number of patients with low levels of Vitamin D in their system. We’ve speculated several reasons for this. One is that children and adolescents are spending more time inside playing, than they are outside playing. When they are outside they are under heavy layers of sunscreens. Their diet may not be as enriched in Vitamin D as we think it is. And lastly our assessment of how much Vitamin D someone should be consuming in their diet may have been exceedingly low. In the Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine world we are seeing fractures occurring with seemingly incidental trauma. Many of these patients have low levels of Vitamin D. There also has been some early research suggesting that many of these adolescent “growing pains” these patients experience are actually due to weak bones due to deficient levels of Vitamin D. Within the last year the “Recommended Daily” intake of Vitamin D for adults was 400 International Units (IUs). That is now the starting dosage for newborns! Many physicians are now recommending doses of 1,000 to 2,000IU’s for children in Middle School or High School. I’ve seen adults on dosages exceeding 10,000IU’s a day! A quart of milk contains 400IU’s. So it can be seen that with the current recommended intake of Vitamin D, there is no way it can be achieved merely through a “good diet”. Since my
Dermatologist friends won’t let me recommend that everyone go out and get a good, dark tan; I am left having to recommend Vitamin D supplementation, beyond what is found in a good diet or multivitamins. For us “older athletes”, that is, parents and coaches, who aren’t involved in contact sports or high demand activities, Vitamin D is still vitally important. It might possibly be more important to us than to the younger athlete. As we get older it is harder for us to maintain good bone health and strength even with adequate levels of Vitamin D. More importantly the more Vitamin D is being studied, the more important is seems to be in organ systems other than bone. Studies have shown very positive effects on the prevention of Breast Cancer and Colon Cancer as well as Cardiovascular disease. So I guess that the title of this article wasn’t misleading. Increasing your Vitamin D intake does seem to be a good “Defense” against not only the trauma of growth and school sports, but also against some of the ravages of old age.
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Volume 12 Issue 7
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Health
Iowa Sports Connection
& Fitness
Hip Pain in Athletes Matthew DeWall , MD - Des Moines Orthopaedic Surgeons, PC
Although less common than other areas such as the knee and shoulder, hip pain can be a significant problem for athletes. The first important thing to determine in the treatment of hip pain is where the discomfort is coming from. There are many potential causes of pain around the “hip”. Pain in this Matthew DeWall, MD area may indeed come from the hip joint, but more commonly in the young athlete, it is from another cause such as a musculotendinous problem. Important information in determining cause can come from the location, pattern and severity of the pain. The hip joint is located near the groin, much more central in position than most people think. Pain coming from within the groin region can certainly be from the hip joint. Sudden onset of significant pain in this area should prompt evaluation, especially in the young athlete. In children and adolescents, a problem with the growth plate can occur. This usually presents with sudden onset of pain which makes it difficult to bear weight or walk on the affected leg. Other potential causes of pain originating in or around the hip joint include less common, overuse injuries
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such as stress fractures or an injury to the tissue lining the rim of the hip socket, called the labrum. Significant injury can also occur to muscles around the hip. Posteriorly, the hamstring muscles originate from the pelvis. Injury to these muscles can cause significant pain and weakness in this area. Injury to hip flexor muscles can also occur, causing pain in the front or anterior side of the hip. Occasionally in the young athlete, one of the hip flexors may tear away with a small piece of bone. This most commonly occurs with kicking activities, and is called an avulsion fracture. Although quite painful, it will heal with simple treatments. A hip pointer is a contusion to the iliac crest, or pelvic bone, just above the hip joint. Typically occurring with contact sports, the injury can result in significant bleeding into the surrounding muscles. Often this will cause feeling s of pain and weakness that may take several weeks to resolve. Again, with simple treatments of rest, ice and stretching, the symptoms will gradually improve. Bursitis is another cause of hip pain, resulting in pain located laterally over the bony prominence of the femur or thigh bone. A bursa is a layer of tissue occurring in many areas of the body, and
when inflamed, can cause significant discomfort. This may rarely occur due to trauma, but more often is a type of improper use or over use type injury. Treatments to reduce inflammation such as ice, medication, and occasionally injections can often alleviate the pain. Finally, due to the many muscles which are found around the hip region, hip pain can often be related to muscle or tendon causes. Much as lower back pain, over use or muscle strains can occur around the hip region. Inflammation of tendons, or tendonitis may also be a problem. These are likely the most common causes of pain around the hip region, and with a period of rest and anti-inflammatories will often resolve on their own. Overall less common than other injuries, “hip” pain can still be a problem. Most often it not related to the hip joint directly, and with a few serious exceptions, will usually improve with simple treatments. To reach Dr. DeWall or to schedule an appointment please call 515-224-5223. Dr. DeWall specializes in all aspects of knee and hip surgery, including joint replacement, sports injuries and arthroscopic surgery.
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On the Tee
Iowa Sports Connection
Iowa Golf Association Announces Player of the Year Awards Iowa Golf Association
Mike McCoy wins Unprecedented 10th IGA Player of the Year Award In his speech upon accepting his fifth Iowa Amateur trophy, Mike McCoy joked that he was “pleased to give Nate a little competition for Player of the Year”. The “Nate” he was referring to was his son Nate McCoy, who was leading the race at that time. After his record smashing performance at the Iowa Amateur Mike went on to capture his tenth Player of the Year award by outdistancing U. S. Amateur quarterfinalist Jed Dirksen of Hampton and his son Nate, who ultimately finished third. McCoy, of West Des Moines, shattered the Iowa Amateur record set one year earlier by Ben Herrera with a 20-under-par score of 196 for the 54-hole event at Bent Tree Golf Club in Council Bluffs. He eclipsed Herrera’s 14-under-par score shot at Sunnyside Country Club in Waterloo in 2009. Mike continued his par smashing play a week later, shooting 11-under-par (66-67-133) to capture medalist honors at the Iowa qualifying for the U. S. Amateur. He added victories at the Briarwood Amateur and the nationally prestigious Crump Cup at Pine Valley GC near Philadelphia (his fourth Crump title). McCoy also played in the U. S. Mid-Amateur with an exemption he received by advancing to the round of 16 in 2009. He earned the fifth seed in stroke play qualifying, becoming one of only five players to advance to match play in both the U. S.
Amateur and the U. S. MidAmateur in 2010. Mike’s “luck of the draw” put him up against the hottest amateur in the country, David Chung, in the first round of the U. S. Amateur and Tim Mickelson (Phil’s brother) in the first round of the Mid-Amateur, and unfortunately he was not able to advance in either event. At this point in Mike McCoy’s legendary career perhaps the most noteworthy aspect is his longevity. His five Iowa Amateur victories span an 18-year period from 1992 to 2010 and his ten Player of the Year awards have spanned a remarkable 27-year stretch from 1983 to 2010. “I guess it just goes to show you this is the greatest game in the world,” McCoy said after completing his Iowa Amateur victory in late July. “You can play it forever, and if you work at it and stay competitive and sharp, you can still compete. That’s the beautiful part of the game”. Given the way Mike is still working at it there is no telling how many more championships and awards he will win! Complete results and details of the Player of the Year race and Mike McCoy’s remarkable career record, can be found online at www.iowagolf.org. Boone’s Jim Curell captures IGA Senior Player of the Year title
In every year since 2005 Jim Curell has finished 7th or higher in the IGA Senior Player of the Year race. He finally made it to the top in 2010 with his consistent play, and capped off his year by qualifying for the U. S Senior Amateur Championship. In a very close competition Curell edged out 2008 and 2009 Senior Player of the Year Bill Manske of Algona. Iowa Senior Amateur Champion Rob Christensen finished third. Curell was near the top of virtually every event he played in and gathered four runner-up finishes including the IGA Four-Ball (with partner Dan Naughton), the Iowa Senior Match-Play, the Herman Sani and Iowa Senior Amateur Championship. He was low Senior Amateur in the Iowa Open and medalist for the Iowa qualifying of the U. S. Senior Amateur Championship. Steven Ihm of Peosta captures IGA Junior Player of the Year award In another very close race Seven Ihm of Peosta edged Altoona’s Blake Huser for the Junior Player of the Year title. Ihm, who finished second in 2009 rose to the top on the strength of some impressive performances in national competitions as well as in important Iowa events. Ihm won the Iowa PGA Junior Section Championship and finished second to Huser in the Iowa Junior Amateur Championship. He stepped up to the national stage with runner-up finishes in two events – the PGA Junior Series at Fox Run GC in Missouri and the AJGA Nebraska Junior.
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On the Tee
Iowa Sports Connection
Iowa Competes at 2010 USGA Men’s State Team Championship Jason Klein Iowa Golf Association
The USGA Men’s State Team Championship was held September 21st – 23rd at Mayacama Golf Club in Santa Rosa, Calif. This bi-annual competition includes a three-man team from every state, as well as Washington DC and Puerto Rico. Each team plays three 18-hole rounds, with the low two scores each day counting toward the team’s total score. The 2010 Iowa team was comprised of Jon Brown from Urbandale and West Des Moines residents Mike McCoy and J.D. Anderson. These men qualified to represent the Iowa as a result of being the top three finishers on a special version of Iowa Golf Association’s Player of the Year list, which accrues points in the time since the last USGA Men’s State Team Championship. Mayacama Golf Club is in an extremely scenic location an hour north of the Bay Area. The course was designed by Jack Nicklaus and built on the estate of the late Peanuts comic artist Charles Schulz. Iowa has never finished inside the top 10 at this national event, and the 2010 team was ready to make a statement. On day one of the Championship, Iowa carded a 149, led by a one-over par 72 from Mike McCoy. Anderson had 77 and Brown came in with 78. The 149 put Iowa in the middle of the pack with a lot of ground to make up. Again on the second day, Iowa found it difficult
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From left to right: Jon Brown, Mike McCoy and J.D. Anderson represented Iowa at the 2010 USGA Men’s State Team Championship at Mayacama Golf Club in Santa Rosa, Calif.
to get the ball rolling. At the end of the day, Jon Brown shot 74 to lead Team Iowa. McCoy and Anderson both had 79, for a total of 153. Iowa was tied for 33rd, and the bad news did not end there. McCoy had a badly twisted ankle and was forced to withdraw from the competition. The shorthanded Iowa team managed 149 in the third round. A 72 from Brown tied McCoy’s first round score for the lowest of
the week for Iowa. Anderson shot 77. Iowa finished in 34th position overall, 29 strokes behind the champions from Kansas. The finish was not quite what Team Iowa had hoped for, however the 9th USGA State Team Championship was still a great experience for the three players.
Volume 12 Issue 7
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On The Tee
Iowa Sports Connection
Iowan Makes Historic Run at U.S. Amatuer Championship Jason Klein Iowa Golf Association
The 110th U.S. Amateur true Iowa amateur golf legend, Mike Championship was held August McCoy of West Des Moines. Mc23-29 at Chambers Bay in Coy, 47, has won five Iowa Amateur University Place, Wash. The U.S. Championships, including the 2010 Amateur is the oldest golf tourevent, played earlier this summer at nament in the United States. Bent Tree Golf Club in Council Bluffs. Competitors must go through He has won IGA Amateur of the a grueling sectional qualifying Year a record nine times. McCoy which consists of 36 holes of plays a strenuous national schedule stroke play, all played on one day of tournaments each year and has in which the competitors must competed in over 25 USGA Chamwalk. Sectional qualifying for pionships. this year’s event was held at 99 Iowa’s second qualifier burst onto sites across the country, and the Iowa amateur scene in as a in all 6,485 golfers attempted fourteen year-old in 2003 by making to qualify for the 2010 US the cut at the Iowa Amateur ChamAmateur. pionship and at the IGA Match Play Jed Dirksen (Hampton, Iowa) Iowa’s sectional qualifying Championship, the IGA’s two major was interesting to say the events. Since then Hampton native least. Conducted by the Iowa Golf Association, Jed Dirksen has honed his game by playing on two the qualifier was held at The Briarwood Club of different Division I golf teams, at Arizona State Ankeny on Monday, August 9. The night before University and at the University Central Florida. the event torrential rains soaked the Des Moines This fall Dirksen is enrolled at the University of metro area causing widespread flooding. One of Iowa and will be eligible to compete on their golf the victims was the back nine at The Briarwood team this upcoming spring. By finishing one shot Club, rendering those nine holes unplayable. 50 behind McCoy at Briarwood, Dirksen had punched golfers were scheduled to play 36 holes and only his ticket to Chambers Bay. nine holes were available for play. That night, as Just outside of Seattle, Chambers Bay was darkness set in, not all was decided. Competitors designed by famed golf course architect Robert were forced to return on Tuesday the 10th to Trent Jones, Jr. and opened in 2007. Chambers settle the qualifier. Bay played 7,742 yards. By stretching 99 yards When all was complete, Iowa would have two longer than Torrey Pines did at the 2008 US representatives at Chambers Bay. The first Open, Chambers Bay is now the longest course in qualifier and the medalist at Briarwood was a USGA Championship history.
The Championship started with the 312 qualifiers playing 36 holes of stroke play. The field was then cut to the low 64 for match play. Both Iowa players advanced to match play with Dirksen and McCoy receiving the 42nd and 49th seeds respectively. Dirksen was able to win his first match against Michael Morrison of Atlanta. McCoy played a close opening round match but lost to eventual finalist and Stanford golfer David Chung. In the second round Dirksen was matched against University of Georgia senior Hudson Swafford. Dirksen was down early but caught fire on the back nine at Chambers Bay and downed the 10th seeded Swafford to advance into the round of 16. In the round of 16, Dirksen avenged fellow Iowan McCoy’s loss to a Stanford University golfer by dispatching another member of the Stanford team, Joseph Bramlett. The 7-seed Bramlett and Dirksen went back and forth for most of the day, and the match was decided in Dirksen’s favor after an extra hole. The quarterfinals were set and Dirksen, 21, was the oldest competitor left in the field. Dirksen faced off against UCLA freshman Patrick Cantlay. The Iowan played another match that ended after extra holes, this time in a losing effort. While he did not win, Jed Dirksen had made Iowa history. He was the fourth Iowan to reach the quarterfinals in the U.S. Amateur and the first since Steve Spray in 1963. With his play, Dirksen has earned a spot in the 2011 U.S. Amateur to be played near Milwaukee at Erin Hills Golf Course.
Upper Iowa UnIversIty has a lot to brag aboUt “ I transferred to UIU because it has a more personal environment than many other schools and I can be more one-onone with professors and my advisor. The two-at-a-time class schedule gives me a healthy balance of class, athletics, and other extracurriculars.”
stUdent FocUsed – graduating students with less debt than any other private institution in Iowa excellent FacIlItIes – completing $75 million in Phase I construction of classrooms, residence halls, and a student center globally avaIlable – offering degrees through 16 U.S. educational centers and 3 international locations onlIne excellence – nationally ranked among top online degree-granting universities by Online Education Database and repeatedly rated for “best buy” programs by GetEducated.com
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