Iowa Sports Connection - Volume 13 Issue 11

WRESTLING

iowa’s best page 16-17

JOHN MEEKS

Des Moines Roosevelt

IIAC/NAIA

wrestling

post-season outlook page 23-25

BASKETBALL high school

mid season review page 10

Dav. Assumption

CORY CLARK

South East Polk

TOPHER CARTON

CONTENTS

Prose from the Pub Iowa High School Wresting Warriors Descend on Wells Fargo for a Page in the History Books!

Volume 13 Issue 11

4 Pee Wee Profiles Team of the Month: High Altitude Wrestling Club Chad Tunink’s High Altitude Wrestling Club removes the focus of winning and puts in place an emphasis on developing skilled, technical wrestlers.

Discover how his training program works.

8 Prep Connection Ed Winger Classic Review Urbandale High School’s Ed Winger Classic did not disappoint.

Nationally ranked teams and wrestlers collided in what could be considered one of the best previews for the State Wrestling Tournament in February.

23 Collegiate Corner Iowa Conference and NAIA Wrestling Reports We’ve looked at the top teams and individual wrestlers from the Iowa Conference and Iowa NAIA teams. Here’s our preview of what to expect when the wrestling post-season rolls around.

27 Minor but Major Rare Depth Helps Energy Keep Winning Depth is not something you’ll hear a lot about when talking about the NBA D-League but the Iowa Energy certainly have it. That’s what’s kept them on top of their division.

STAFF MIKE RICKORD • President/Publisher mrickord@iowasportsconnection.com

JOHN STREETS • Business Consultant jstreets@iowasportsconnection.com

TONY ATZENI • Radio Account Manager JOE STASI • Sr. Sales Executive tatzeni@iowasportsconnection.com

jstasi@iowasportsconnection.com

TIM WEIDEMAN • Editor

DELBERT CHRISTENSEN • Marketing

isceditor@iowasportsconnection.com

Cedar Rapids/Sioux City

ADAM OESTREICH • Graphic Artist

LISA PRINGLE • Sales Representative

art@iowasportsconnection.com

lpringle@iowasportsconnection.com

EDUARDO ZAMARRIPA • Staff Writer

MIKE RICKORD JR • Marketing

Contributing Writers: Kristopher Mattoon, Larry Happel, Howie Thompson, John Martenson, Zach James, Meghan Mueller, Julie Grundberg Contributing photographers: Charlie McCardle, Impact Imagery Cover: John Meeks stands above fellow fourth title seekers, Cory Clark and Topher Carton, as the only wrestler still undefeated. (Photos by Impact Imagery, Des Moines Register, and The Quad City Times)

2928 Ingersoll Ave. • Des Moines, IA 50312 PH: (515) 283-1933 • FAX: (515) 283-1646 isc@iowasportsconnection.com www.iowasportsconnection.com

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.

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The front cover of this No one turned down 14th anniversary edition my bride and boys of the Iowa Sports in fact I was such an Connection features Iowa opportunist I even sold high school wrestlers out my four year old for the first time in our daughter Mikayla as history. John Meeks from the athletes were all Des Moines Roosevelt, mesmerized by her Cory Clark from South smile and innocence, East Polk, and Topher little did they know it Mike Rickord ISC Publisher was a lure to grab Carton of Davenport Assumption represent more photo ops for the army of young the second issue of the wrestlers that travel to the heart “Local Sports Concoction” as many of the state capital to do battle on in the publishing world labeled our the 8 mats of Wells Fargo Arena baby and now the states premier in pursuit of their own page in the sports magazine with multiple rich tradition of Iowa high school platforms! state wrestling and etch their I have been blessed by God name into the incredible annals of with a family that stuck by me America’s number one attended and and incredible partners and staff supported high school tournament. through the years. John Streets Saturday nights championships and Tony Atzenti have been my have been sold out for decades and pillars as we have continued to are the feeder system to incredible push the limits of small business success at the collegiate level in our sanity in our quest to be Iowa’s great wrestling state. Iowa. Iowa leader in covering Iowa high school State, UNI, Wartburg, Grandview sports and the youth programs and any collegiate program in this that feed each community “From state have been blessed with the the Missouri to the Mississippi”. incredible depth that Iowa high The Iowa Sports Connection has school wrestling has developed in evolved into a statewide magazine every class and community. and the states foremost publication This is the start of the final thanks to Casey’s General Stores weeks of the 2012 Iowa high school and this growth has spurred the winter sports season and the launch of the state’s only high school culmination of wrestling, boys and based radio and television network girls basketball, boys swimming, along with incredible websites and bowling, and hockey. The Iowa digital magazines. I cannot name Sports Connection will have all of all of the advertisers that have the coverage on our numerous provided incredible support from platforms and look forward to the beginning that have helped us tracking the collegiate men’s and sustain our growth of covering women’s basketball as they pursue Iowans “From the Pee Wees to the post season play and the wrestling Preps to the Pros” with a positive squads seasons wind down this perspective but each and every month. client has been superb. The Hy-Vee As I type this column on Feb 1st High School Headquarters is known I celebrate the 14th anniversary of in every pocket of the state as is the launching of our first publication the Grinnell Mutual Re-Insurance “The Local Sports Connection” a Scoreboard Show, and Casey’s 16 page 2 color tab paper that by General Stores where this magazine today’s standards would not be has been available for over a used to line the bottom of a bird decade. cage. However, on that Saturday In closing, the bulk of the morning February 8th in the bowels appreciation for our awards, of Veterans Auditorium I proudly success, and growth goes out to shoved the first issue into anyone’s the readers, listeners, and viewers hands that came to meet Kurt along with the athletes, coaches, Warner, Dan Gable, Chuck Long, and officials, educators, fans and families the 69 Drake Basketball Final Four in all 99 Iowa counties. squad. It was a proud day for my Thank you from the bottom of my family on my son Ben’s 8th birthday heart! God Bless you! And God Bless now 22 with nightmares of being America! forced into child labor alongside my wife and son Michael stopping the autograph seekers long enough to shove the first sports only free publication (Rag) into their hands .

Volume 13 Issue 11

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Pre-2011 MidAmerican Logo

Pee-Wee Profiles

Updated MidAmerican Logo Presented By:

Team of the Month: High Altitude Wrestling Club Tim Weideman Editor

Chad Tunink has a goal for all wrestlers who train with him throughHigh Altitude Wrestling Club. He wants all wrestlers he trains to reach their full potential in their wrestling careers.

High Altitude Wrestling Club isn’t really a club, necessarily, but more of a training program.

Though he’s from Grimes, Iowa, Tunink trains wrestlers and hosts camps at various places in Iowa.

Tunink employs a philosophy of drilling, drilling, drilling and more drilling. Why so much drilling?

On his High Altitude Wrestling Club’s website, www.highaltitudewrestling.com, Tunink explains that wrestlers at the collegiate level — a level many wrestlers hope to reach — are all skilled and technically sound athletes. Strength, conditioning and toughness are what separate collegiate wrestlers from each other but none of them lack sharp skills and wrestling know-how.

Tunink says he wants to “help (the kids) reach whatever they want to reach.”

Tunink will also help any kid reach a new level of wrestling. High Altitude Wrestling Club doesn’t turn anyone away, since it’s a training program focused on improving wrestlers’ skills.

Kids training with Tunink range anywhere from wrestlers looking to improve to high school wrestlers vying for state titles.

“I just want to help the kids be the best they

can be,” says Tunink. “When the kids come in, you know, whatever their goal is, we’ll help them reach it.”

Tunink focuses on improving skills and techniques over winning but his forumla has been successful. High Altitude wrestlers performed very well at the AAU Nationals in Omaha Jan. 14. Five wrestlers were crowned national champions and 15 received all-American honors.

Tunink’s wrestlers have demonstrated how successful High Altitude wrestlers can be if they put the work in.

Many wrestlers also have a chance to train with some of their toughest opponents during High Altitude programs and camps. It’s not uncommon for the high school wrestlers training with Tunink to face each other when competing for their respective schools. Tunink says he likes it that way because wrestlers can help each other improve.

Tunink says he does not try to change any wrestler’s style but will simply help them improve their skills. “We’re not changing their style,” says Tunink. “The athletes are allowed to wrestle their

style.”

Aside from the training program, Tunink provides kids with the chance to work on their wrestling technique at camps. He holds anywhere from 15 to 20 camps a year at various locations.

Tunink encourages anybody interested to show up for a practice or go to a camp. High Altitude Wrestling Club helps wrestlers of all skill levels develop into more technically sound athletes.

For more information on High Altitude Wrestling Club, including training program and camp information, visit www. highaltitudewrestling.com.

Want to nominate an Team of the Month to be feature in the ISC Magazine? The Team of the Month is recognized for its positive accomplishments. If you would like to nominate an team for our MidAmerican Engery Team of the Month, please contact us at isceditor@iowasportsconnection.com or call 515-283-1933.

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Volume 13 Issue 11

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Presented By:

Pee Wee Pics

Photos Courtesy: Iowa Sports Connection

Ames All-American Sports Complex Tournament Ankeny Blaze (Red) and WC Valley (Yellow)

Pella Bullets (Green) and WC Valley (Yellow)

Carlisle Wildcats (Black) and Tarheels (Blue)

Do you have action photos of your athletes?

Pella Bullets (Green) and West Marshall (Purple)

DC-G Mustangs

DC-G Mustangs

Carlisle Wildcats Ankeny Blaze (Red) and WC Valley (Yellow)

Pella Bullets (Green) and West Marshall (Purple)

Tarheels

Email them to isceditor@iowasportsconnection.com to have them published on our Pee-Wee Pictures page.

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Volume 13 Issue 11

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Pee-Wee Profiles

Presented By:

Upcoming Youth Wrestling Tournaments Tim Weideman Editor

The best way to develop a championship caliber wrestler like the young men on the cover of this magazine is to get them started early. Here is a brief schedule of upcoming youth wrestling tournaments as posted by The Predicament.

7-8 Contacts: Pat Phillips Ph: 563-927-3515 ext. 339 Email: patphillips@w-delaware.k12.ia.us West Delaware High School (Manchester)

For more youth wrestling tournaments and wrestling news covering all ages, go to www.thepredicament.com.

46th Annual John Vanderheiden Trophy Championships Divisions: Mini PeeWees 6&U, Pee Wee 7/8, Bantam 9/10, Junior 11/12, Senior 13/14 Contacts: Jim Bruck 712-755-3753 C 712-579-2448 or 712-755-3101 Email: jimbruck@harlannet.com Harlan High School (Harlan)

Friday, Feb. 10, 2012 Sibley-Ocheyedan Wrestling Club Tournament Divisions: Grades K-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8 Contacts: Doyle Naig Ph 712-754-0954 email dnaig@ thegenerals.org Ben Strandberg Ph 712-299-1743 email bstrandberg@thegenerals.org Sibley-Ocheyedan High School (Sibley) Mini Rocket Wrestling Tournament Divisions: Pre-K, Pee-Wee 1-2, Bantam 3-4, Novice 5-6, Junior 7-8 Contacts: Wendy Stetter Ph: 641-660-6298 Email: minirocketwrestling@gmail.com Eddyville-Blakesburg High School (Eddyville) Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012 Burlington Irondog Classic Divisions: PeeWee 6-U, Bantam 8-U, Novice 10-U, Jr 12-U, Sr 14-U Contacts: Beth Hartman Phone 319-208-9517 Email: ehartman50@yahoo.com Burlington High School (Burlington) Monticello Pete Kennedy Classic Tournament Divisions: PeeWee PreK-K, Bantam 1-2, Novice 3-4, Jr 5-6, Sr 7-8 Contacts: Ryan Luensman Ph 319-480-0426 email rluensman@midland.k12.ia.us Dave Sunlin Ph 319-929-6388 email sunlindave@gmail.com Monticello High School (Monticello) Little Hawk Wrestling Tournament Divisions: Jr Cadet JK-K, Cadet 1-2, PeeWee 3-4, Jr. 5-6, Sr.

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Little-Charger Wrestling Tournament Divisions: Pre-K-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8 Contacts: John Harberts Ph 641-774-8266 0r 641-2031983 Email: dharberts@mckinleyinc.net Chariton High School (Chariton) Shenandoah Elks Wrestling Tournament Divisions: PreK-K, 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8 Contacts: Jennifer Stepens Ph: 712-379-3693 Email: stephensj@shenandoah.k12.ia.us or Jon Skillern Ph; 712-465904 Email: skillernj@shenandoah.k12.ia.us Shenandoah High School (Shenandoah) 9th Annual Westside Duals Divisions: Weights: 50,55,60,65,70,75,80,85,90,95,10 0,108,115, 125, 135, 150,HWT (225 Max), Entry due Jan, 15,2012 Contacts: Mike Thomas Ph: 515-225-6939 Valley High School (West Des Moines) Wendell Williams Youth Wrestling Tournament Divisions: PreK-K, 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8 Contacts: Joe Bottorf Ph: 515-231-3590 Nevada High School (Nevada) West Branch Youth Wrestling Tournament Divisions: PeeWee K-2, Bantam 3-4, Junior 5-6, Senior 7-8 Contacts: Brian Donovan Ph 319-325-4621 West Branch High School (West Branch)

Bull Pup Wrestling Tournament Divisions: Pre-K-K, 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8 Contacts: Collin Stubbs Ph:608-306-0323 Email: Collin. stubbs@hotmail.com McGregor Middle School (McGregor) Underwood’s Little Eagles Wrestling Beginners Tournament Divisions: Mini PeeWee PreK-K, PeeWee 1-2, Bantam 3-4, Jr 5-6 Contacts: Tim: email: twallar32@gmail.com Underwood High School (Underwood) Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012 Holstein Kiwanis Club Youth Wrestling Tournament Divisions: Super PeeWee 6&U, PeeWee 7&8, Novice 9&10, Junior 11&12, Senior 13-15 Contacts: Bob Schiernbeck 712-368-4419 or 712-210-5379 Galva-Holstein High School (Holstein) Sunday, Feb. 19, 2012 Wendell Williams Youth Wrestling Tournament Divisions: PreK-K, 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8 Contacts: Joe Bottorf Ph: 515-231-3590 Nevada High School (Nevada) Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012 Harris-Lake Park Youth Wrestling League Junior Tournament Divisions: PeeWee Pre K-K, Bantams 1-2, Novice 3-4, Junior 5-6, Senior 7-8 Contact: Brian Gilmore Ph: 712-330-2780 or BJ Ferguson Ph: 712-320-6388 Harris-Lake Park High School (Lake Park) 2nd Annual Harris-Lake Park High School and Oldtimer’s Wrestling Tournament Divisions: High School 9-10, 11-12 Old timers Collegiate and No-Collegiate: Jr. Div. 28-U, Sr Div. 29-over Contacts: Chad Niemeier Ph: 712-832-3056 Harris-Lake Park High School (Lake Park, IA)

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Ma . t S e l

Prep Connection Top Teams, Wrestlers Compete at 2012 Ed Winger Classic Tim Weideman Editor

Urbandale High School’s North and South gyms were rocking Jan. 21 as some of Iowa’s top teams came to town ready to rumble in the 2012 Ed Winger Classic.

Other than the State Wrestling Tournament in Des Moines in February, the Ed Winger Classic is at the very top of high school wrestling tournaments in which fans get a shot at seeing not only the best wrestlers in the state, but also in the country.

The tournament featured five teams ranked in Iowa

by The Predicament: No. 1 Bettendorf, No. 2 Southeast Polk, No. 3 Iowa City West, No. 7 Urbandale — all in Class 3A — and Class 2A No. 1, Denver-Tripoli.

Several teams also appear on Intermat Wrestling’s national high school rankings. Bettendorf is ranked No. 10, Southeast Polk is No. 14 and Iowa City West is No. 21, respectively.

Needless to say, many of the wrestlers (64, to be exact) in attendance that day are ranked in the state but 12 are also ranked on the national level by Intermat Wrestling: #20 Phillip Laux, Senior, Iowa City West #7 Dylan Peters, Senior, Denver-Tripoli #3 Cory Clark, Senior, Southeast Polk #18 Jack Hathaway, Senior, Iowa City West #9 Brandon Sorensen, Junior, Denver-Tripoli #15 Dakota Bauer, Senior, Iowa City West #1 John Meeks, Senior, Des Moines Roosevelt #6 Gabriel Moreno, Senior, Urbandale #16 Justin Koethe, Senior, Iowa City West #6 Alex Meyer, Senior, Southeast Polk #3 Willie Miklus, Senior, Southeast Polk #19 Nate Shaw, Senior, Bettendorf It’s almost a given with such a talented field of

wrestlers that a few surprises would occur throughout the day. But one that nobody expected happened at the 126-pound class where Jack Hathaway of Iowa City West defeated No. 1 and previously undefeated Cory Clark of Southeast Polk, 2-1, in the championship bout. Hathaway, who’s ranked No. 3 at 126-pounds, was able to get the match-winning takedown in the final seconds.

Clark’s record was 163-1 after the match. He will aim for his fourth state title this year. Hathaway recieved the event’s Outstanding Wrestler award for his upset victory.

Going into the tournament, Clark was joined by Des Moines Roosevelt’s John Meeks, another undefeated wrestler hoping to add his name to the history books as a four-time state champ. Meeks was able to take care of business, topping Denver-Tripoli’s Brandon Sorenson, 5-3, in the 138-pound class championship match.

Though Southeast Polk took a big hit individually, overall the team did very well, topping No. 1 Bettendorf in the final team standings by a mere 5.5 points. Thirdranked Iowa City West finished a more distant third place and Denver-Tripoli finished the highest of the smaller schools in fourth place.

Many storylines emerged after the Ed Winger Classic, but one to watch will definitely be how these wrestlers fare at the tournament in “The Well” — when everything will be put on the line.

2012 Ed Winger Classic Results Team Results 1.

Southeast Polk – 207 2.

Bettendorf – 201.5 3.

Iowa City West – 193.5

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Denver-Tripoli – 113 Urbandale – 100.5 Dowling Catholic – 99 Cedar Falls – 88.5 Burlington – 73.5 North Scott – 72.5 Indianola – 74 Fort Madison – 63 Des Moines Roosevelt – 63 Dallas Center-Grimes – 49 Ballard (Huxley) – 46 ADM-Adel – 40 Davenport West – 40 Johnston – 39 Centerville – 33 Ames – 27 Council Bluffs Thomas Jefferson – 16

Individual Results 106 1.

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Tanner Rohweder, Dowling Catholic Jacob Schwarm, Bettendorf Bryce Meye, Fort Madison Dan Kelly, Cedar Falls Trevor Murano, Dallas Center-Grimes Henry Pohlmeyer, Johnston

113 1.

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Fredy Stroker, Bettendorf Phillip Laux, Iowa City West Tanner Cowan, Centerville Jonah Eide, Dowling Catholic Jake Kristensen, Des Moines Roosevelt Joe McGinnis, Indianola

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Drive Tek. The Drive in Driver Education. or visit us at:

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Volume 13 Issue 11

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Prep Connection 120 1.

2.

3.

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Dylan Peter, Denver-Tripoli Colby Knight, Urbandale Drake Swarm, Bettendorf Ernest Willis, Iowa City West Christian Dunn, Fort Madison John Gloffredi, Indianola

126 1.

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Jack Hathaway, Iowa City West Cory Clark, Southeast Polk Jacob Howard, Indianola Nathan Twito, Ames Dillon Hansen, Ballard (Huxley) Brad Irwin, Centerville

132 1.

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Dakota Bauer, Iowa City West Logan Ryan, Bettendorf Johnny Jaeger, Dowling Catholic Damone Manning, Burlington Clayton Hocker, Fort Madison Dylan Buchheit, Southeast Polk

138 1.

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John Meeks, Des Moines Roosevelt Brandon Sorensen, Denver-Tripoli Connor Ryan, Bettendorf Dakota Gray, Fort Madison Nate Harms, Urbandale Kegan Wakefield, Iowa City West

145 1.

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Gabriel Moreno, Urbandale Bubba Hernandez, Bettendorf Gunnar Wolfensperger, Denver-Tripoli

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4.

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Grady Gambrall, Iowa City West Austin Boyd, Burlington Bret McKinney, North Scott

152 1.

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Keegan Muma, ADM-Adel Dylan Blackford, Southeast Polk Drake Chase, Bettendorf Dalton White, Burlington Keenan Feldpausch, North Scott Cory Chapin, Denver-Tripoli

160 1.

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Justin Koethe, Iowa City West Shawn Randolph, Des Moines Roosevelt Tim Milkus, Southeast Polk Sam Johnson, Urbandale Nick Haggedorn, Cedar Falls Caleb Cousino, Davenport West

195 1.

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Bud Smith, Southeast Polk Mickey Pelfrey, Iowa City West Nick Jepsen, Urbandale Cegan Long, North Scott Zach Rahnavardi, Cedar Falls Justin Klinkel, Ames

170 1.

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Alex Meyer, Southeast Polk Colbey Vance, Bettendorf Aaron McMurphy, Dallas Center-Grimes Matt Collins, Dowling Catholic Justin Kreiter, North Scott Mike Watkins, Iowa City West

220 1.

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Willie Miklus, Southeast Polk Nate Shaw, Bettendorf Joe Scanlan, Johnston Kyle Beale, Davenport West Tyler Lewis, Des Moines Roosevelt Dalton Barnabo, Dowling Catholic

182 1.

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Garrett Smith, Denver-Tripoli Matt Seabold, Burlington Bryan Levsen, Bettendorf Alex Macki, Ballard (Huxley) Casey Marnin, Southeast Polk Colin Kreiter, North Scott

285 1.

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Don Dawson, Indianola Bryce Fisher, Southeast Polk Nick Terpstra, Cedar Falls Taylor Anderson, Burlington Shaquille Wells, Urbandale Jake Scanlan, Johnston

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Prep Connection High School Boys Basketball Post-Season Picture Tony Atzeni Radio Accounts Manager

Team records as of Jan. 10

Mount Pleasant is a bit of a surprise after the When it comes to the boy’s and loss of many outstanding seniors last season but beginning in Class 4A, Iowa City West Jordan Ashton has put the team back into the conhas earned the top ranking this seatender role. Webster City is another that has posted son with wins over defending chamsome solid wins, which include Iowa Falls-Alden and pion Linn-Mar (Marion), Cedar Rapids St. Edmond (Fort Dodge). Bishop Heelan (Sioux City) Jefferson and Cedar Falls. Ankeny is looked to be hurting heading into the season with key another team that deserves a ton of losses from last season’s title team. However, behind respect with a key win over West Des Shane Graves, the team has stepped back into its Moines Valley. Linn-Mar has maybe the familiar status as contenders again as they search best pure point guard in the country in for an unprecedented fourth straight title.

Marcus Paige and has made the new Not sure you can say there are many surprises faces around him better. The Lions but rather the 3A field looks just like football to be a are a dangerous team, as usual. wide-open affair once the post season gets underUnder the radar, maybe for the lack Jeremy Morgan, Iowa way with those mentioned above the leaders at the of tradition, is Dubuque Senior and its City West (Photo by midway point of the season. balanced attack led by Josh Weeber.

In Class 2A, the one thing that stands out is how Dubuque Senior handed Cedar Rapids Impact Imagery) deep this class is. With that said, it will be difficult Jefferson its first loss and has wins to just make it to Des Moines and the state tournament. over Cedar Falls and Cedar Rapids Kennedy.

West Fork, one of six remaining unbeaten in the class, Sioux City East has two losses but both are to teams is back to defend their 2011 title behind Payton Plagge. outside the state of Iowa, South Sioux City (NE) and HopWest Marshall (State Center) has another good class that kins (MN). East has key wins against Bishop Heelan (Sioux will contend and Roland-Story with a key win over PCMCity) and LeMars but both are in Class 3A. Monroe are two others with perfect starts.

Some of the surprise teams this season have been Des Denver is known more for wrestling and football but Moines Roosevelt led by Sam Norman and Cedar Rapids along with Monticello and Ogden is also unbeaten so far Jefferson led by Taylor Olson. this season. Ogden made a big statement with a hardKlinton carlson, waverly-shell rock, iowa high school fought victory against Des Moines Christian. basketball There are a number of others that are worthy of In Class 3A, Waverly-Shell Rock has taken the tough recognition, including Mount Vernon with their only loss loss in the state title game last season and has used the to Williamsburg (3A). The Mustangs have tough wins motivation to its benefit with wins against three Class 4A over Western Dubuque (Epworth) (3A), Cascade, North teams so far this season, including Waterloo West. The Cedar (Stanwood), Beckman (Dyersville) and Solon. PCMGo-Hawks are led by Klinton Carlson and Connor Coleman.

Monroe may have two losses but its beginning to get to full MOC-Floyd Valley is the only other unbeaten in the class strength again and if the team stays healthy — and leader and, led by Daniel Jansen, sports wins against Boyden-Hull Scott Bruxvoort keeps it up — it will be a very tough out. and Sioux Center.

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A few others to watch are, as always, St. Edmond (Fort Dodge) led by Nick Clark, along with Pekin led

by Trey Sathoff and Des Moines Christian led by Michael Carney.

In Class 1A, five teams are unbeaten at this point of the season including St. Mary (Storm Lake) led by Luke Lenhart and Kennedy Drey and Danville led by twins Michael and Steven Soukup, who again finished Scott Bruxvoort, PCM1-2 last season. Northeast Monroe (Photo by Impact Imagery) Hamilton (Blairsburg), Harris-Lake Park and Keota are the other unbeaten.

Like 2A, there are a number of teams you can list in this deep class. Mount Ayr has one loss to a very good Nodaway Valley (Greenfield) who suffered its only loss to Clarinda (2A) in the season opener. Gehlen Catholic (LeMars) is another that has not lost since its opener, while Kingsley-Pierson lost a one-point decision to St. Mary and another to Gehlen Catholic.

Boyden-Hull should be in most conversations with its only loss coming to the 3A power MOC-Floyd Valley. Lone Tree has only lost to Pekin (2A) and, led by Bryan Forbes, will be tough.

Others to watch are Murray with its only loss to oncebeaten Mount Ayr and Fremont-Mills (Tabor) which lost only to Glenwood (3A). Iowa Mennonite (Kalona) has three losses but it has also played a good schedule and should not be overlooked. Also watch for Pleasantville and North Iowa (Buffalo Center).

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Prep Connection High School Girls Basketball Post-Season Picture Tony Atzeni Radio Accounts Manager

Team records as of Jan. 10

When it comes to the young ladies and beginning in Class 4A, Iowa City West has been solid and return after a runner-up finish last season. West is led by Ally Disterhoft and Mckenzie Piper and are one of only two unbeaten remaining in the class. Southeast Polk is the other headliner and, led by its 1-2 punch of Caitlin Ingle and Whitney VanWyk, the two teams look to be on a collision course this season.

Ankeny, Ames and Mason City will all be tough coming out of the CIML. Ankeny lost to Ames and is led by Maddie Manning. Ames is finally healthy this season and has lost only to Mason City and is led by Shaya Kellogg and Cheyenne Pritchard. Mason City has a balanced group led

by Jadda Buckley and has lost only to Waukee.

Defending state champions Des Moines East started slow with a tough schedule and injury issues with losses to Mason City, Waukee and Southeast Polk but if they get to full strength, the Scarlets could be a danger in the second half of the season. Waukee has proven on any given night that they can also be a problem.

If Iowa City West is going to be challenged it will come from the likes of Iowa City High, Cedar Rapids Xavier, Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids Prairie and Waterloo West. But all will have to find another level to make that happen. Lewis Central (Council Bluffs) could be sneaky because they play a 3A schedule so are usually overlooked.

In Class 3A, six teams are unbeaten: Benton (Van Horne), Bishop Heelan (Sioux City), Bondurant-Farrar, Glenwood, MOC-Floyd Valley and South Tama. Defending state champion Davenport Assumption has only one loss to Cedar Rapids Xavier (4A). South Tama looks to Madison Baier for leadership and has a key victory against WaverlyShell Rock but strength of schedule is still in question.

Bondurant-Farrar has made the jump from 2A to 3A look easy so far with wins over pretty good teams in Dallas Center-Grimes and Ballard (Huxley). The Lady Jays are led

by Bobbie Burrows and Jackie Yount. Alexis there are eleven others that are unbeaten Conaway is the leader for MOC-Floyd Valley at the midway point of the season which who has posted an impressive win over shows how tough the class should be on the Sergeant Bluff-Luton. state tournament run. On that list is Bellevue, Madison Weekly is the leader for Benton Gilbert, Iowa City Regina, Maquoketa Valley Community and, other than a close battle (Dehli), Mediapolis, Missouri Valley, Nodaway with Williamsburg, has not been challenged.

Valley (Greenfield), Sioux Central (Sioux Glenwood has wins over Lewis Central, Rapids), St. Edmond (Fort Dodge), SumnerKuemper Catholic and Harlan and are the Fredericksburg and Western Christian (Hull). team to beat out of western Iowa and are led Once beaten on this tough list to include

by Morgan Lucy. is North Linn (Troy Mills) who suffered its Bishop Heelan may be even better than only loss to Maquoketa Valley. IKM-Manning most had originally thought prior to the lost a tight battle with Odebolt-Arthur/Battle season and has proven that with wins over Creek-Ida Grove and gave the Falcons the Madison Weekly, Benton best game at state last season. Panorama Estherville-Lincoln Central and Sergeant Comm. (Photo by Charlie (Panora) lost only to Gilbert and Van Buren Bluff-Luton. The Crusaders are led by McCardle) Natalie Vondrak and Mac Augustine.

(Keosauqua) lost to Fairfield (3A). Cascade, Williamsburg has suffered two losses, Grundy Center, Monticello and Kuemper both by two points and is another team to watch led by Catholic (Carroll) are just a few more of a long list to keep Paige Greiner and Mackenzie Bigbee. Washington has in mind. losses to Williamsburg and Ottumwa but with a healthy In Class 1A, four teams remain unbeaten led by North Sydney Greiner will be tough. Sergeant Bluff-Luton also has Mahaska (New Sharon) and its balanced group led by Kate potential led by Betsy Thomas.

Ray and Tara Smith. Bedford has a talented young group Never look at the record of a Dubuque Wahlert team led by senior Caila Raymond. Ar-We-Va (Westside) finished as the three losses are to 4A powers in Cedar Falls, Cedar in the runner-up spot at state last season and returned Rapids Washington and Linn-Mar (Marion). Tess Leytem Paige Danner and Dani Kock. West Sioux (Hawarden) is and Claire Till lead the way for the Golden Eagles. A few the final team without a loss led by Jade Lynn Vlotho. sleepers are Denison Schleswig and New Hampton.

There are plenty of others that will also contend in 1A In Class 2A, many are thinking a rematch of the title led by state tournament participants last season Lynnvillegame last year between O-A/BC-IG and Estherville-Lincoln Sully and Newell-Fonda. Exira/Elk Horn-Kimballton lost only Central. Jessie Pauley and Morgan VanDerSloot lead the to a good Coon Rapids-Bayard team, while Adair-Casey way for Falcons while the Midgets are led by Allie Sievert lost only to Exira/EH-K. Central Lyon (Rock Rapids) lost to and Alyssa Johnson.

3A power MOC-Floyd Valley and perennial power North West Hancock (Britt) was a semifinalist last season Butler (Greene) has not lost since their season opener to in 1A but returns the core of that team led by Anna and Aplington-Parkersburg. North Tama (Traer) led by Kailey Sarah Mallen. Along with O-A/BC-IG and West Hancock, Kladivo should not be overlooked as well.

NUTRITION

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Volume 13 Issue 11

11

Prep Connection

Prep Pics

2012 Ed Winger Invitational at Urbandale Photos Courtesy: Iowa Sports Connection

Email photos to isceditor@iowasportsconnection.com to have them published on our Prep Pictures page.

12

Volume 13 Issue 11

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Prep Connection

Champions Acr oss Iowa

Wrestling

utch Name: Andrew Fo d School: Underwoo Class: 1A utch Junior Andrew Fo hind is a driving force be tling es wr d oo rw de the Un No. ed nk ra y ntl team. Curre

by The ds un po 0 12 at 1 h is Predicament, Foutc title “state looking to add the lades. champ� to his acco nd at 103 co se d Foutch place r. yea t las ds un po

Wrestling

ps Name: Tarin Phillilley School: WDM Va Class: 3A s is getting Senior Tarin Phillip final his the most out of Phillips, . on as se ol ho high sc pounds 5 19 at ranked No. 4 nt, has me ica ed Pr e Th by s on the shown huge stride -0 as of mat. Phillips is 26 Jan. 21.

Wrestling

lau Name: Drake Fans d School: Underwoo Class: 1A lau Senior Drake Fans ood is another Underw nning for ru the in r tle es wr Fanslau an individual title.

No. is currently ranked The by ds un po 0 1 at 16 lau Predicament. Fans t year at finished fourth las . ds 152 poun

Basketball

Strait Name: Cour tney pids Kennedy Ra r da Ce ol: ho Sc 4A Class: y Strait A senior, Cour tne scoring leads Class 4A in points 1 .

21 h wit e averag o posted als e per game. Sh game, gle sin a in s int po 37 rth in fou for od go which is 4A this season.

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Volume 13 Issue 11

13

Iowa Sports Connection

Collegiate

Iowa Sports Connection

A quick look at some of the state’s best performances from the Missouri to the Mississippi

1

Mackenzie Bigbee (Williamsburg, Senior): This season, Mackenzie Bigbee has set new school records in career rebounds (625), career offensive rebounds (184), defensive rebounds in a game (14) and blocked shots in a game (10). She’s also recorded the

2

school’s first ever triple-double with 14 points, 13 rebounds and 10

2 3

blocks.

KJ Veldman (Spirit Lake, Junior): Veldman reached 1,000

3

career points Jan. 13 in a victory over Spencer.

Waterloo Warriors: The Warriors of the Midwest High School Hockey League are currently on a 23-game winning streak, one game away from breaking the 1985-86 Omaha Lancers’

4 5 6

6

24-game record.

Jay Knuth (Johnston, Sophomore): Knuth was perfect from the free throw line Jan. 24 against Ottumwa going 16-of-16.

5

4

1

Mark Tiby (Urbandale Girls Basketball Coach): Tiby reached the career milestone of 400 wins Jan. 24 with a victory over Fort Dodge.

Dennis Geraghty (Western Dubuque Boys Basketball Coach): Geraghty recorded his 400th career win Jan. 21 against Dubuque Hempstead.

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Student Athlete

of the Month

Angie McCardle

High School: Independence Class: 2012 GPA: 3.93 Sport: Softball, Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer and Football Academic Achievements/Honors:

- Academic all-conference my junior year for volleyball, basketball, and soccer - Academic all-conference my senior year for volleyball and football so far - National honor society member and student council member - 4.0 and 3.5 honor roll all through middle school and high school

Athletic Achievements and Honors: Soccer: Freshman year - 1st team All-Conference, Honorable Mention All-State, Sophomore year - 2nd Team All-Conference and Junior year - Honorable Mention AllConference Softball: Varsity player since 8th grade with 6 Home Runs tallied in last 2 seasons Basketball: Undefeated season freshman year going 15 - 0 leading rebounder for 20102011 Junior season.

Football: First female varsity football player in the history of Independence High School finishing the season with 13 points as a kicker.

Varsity Letters: Softball - 5, Volleyball - 2, Basketball - 2, Soccer - 3, Football - 1.

What’s your favorite sport to play? Why? Each sport is so different in skills and mentality that I’ve never had a favorite. I love every aspect of every sport, but it would be a three way tie between basketball, softball, and soccer. I love the adrenaline of taking the ball from an offender in soccer and advancing it farther from their point of scoring. I love the power you feel when you jump up for a rebound in basketball and just rip the ball away from the other team. Most of all, I love the mind game of softball.

Do you have any fun pre-game “rituals” that prepare you for an event?

I put in my head phones, blare my iPod, and rock out! I can’t physically stop moving! I always listen to “Heart of A Champion”.

What’s your favorite sports memory?

Beating North Scott in 2011 to make it to state for the first girls state soccer appearance in Independence school history.

Plans after High School:

Attend either Iowa State or Mount Mercy University and major in psychology and possibly play softball and/or soccer.

What is your dream job?

An athletic trainer for the Green Bay Packers or a criminal profiler for the FBI or CIA.

Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau www.iowagtsb.org

Many young Iowans dream of competing for Iowa’s top college programs.

Here’s a look at three wrestlers who’ve made a successful transition.

165 lb. - Andrew Sorensen, Sr. Iowa State (Woden-Crystal Lake-Titonka)

Sorenson capped off his high school career by winning the 2007 152-pound Iowa high school state title and finished with a 155-10 prep record. He registered two prior placings at state, fourth in 2006 at 135 pounds and seventh in 2004 at 112 pounds. He was coached by former Cyclone Murray Anderson.

Sorenson’s collegiate career has had some very bright spots. He qualified for the 2010 NCAA Championships after a third place finish at the Big 12 Championships. An injury ended his year prematurely last season.

125 lb. - Matt McDonough, Jr. Iowa (Linn-Mar, Marion)

McDonough’s prep career record was 151-15. He was a threetime state and conference champion. He set a school record for most takedowns in a season and tied the school record for most pins in a season. His 151 career wins ranks second in school history.

McDonough wasted no time making an impact for the Hawkeyes. After redshirting in 2008-09, he won the NCAA Championship and Big Ten Freshman of the Year. He finished second at the NCAAs last season.

157 lb. - Derek St. John, So. Iowa (Iowa City West)

St. John concluded his prep career with a record of 182-9, including a 50-0 campaign his junior year. He was a two-time state champion and four-time conference champion. St. John was a four-time first team all-district and all-conference selection. He helped West to two state and four conference titles

St. John has battled injury this year at Iowa but finished fourth in the NCAAs after finishing second at the Big Ten tournament in last season.

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WEDNESDAYS 6:00pm to 7:00pm

Two have fallen in the regular season but one remains undefeated.

Can Meeks, Clark and Carton add their names to the list of fourtime state champions?

Des Moines Roosevelt’s John Meeks, Southeast Polk’s Cory Clark and Davenport Assumption’s Topher Carton have a few things in common: They’re all seniors and they’ve all won three Iowa high school state wrestling championships.

One detail separates Meeks from Clark and Carton. He’s still undefeated.

In a span of two days, Clark and Carton could no longer hold that status above their heads. Carton lost to Bettendorf’s Logan Ryan on Jan. 19 and Clark lost to Iowa City West’s Jack Hathaway in the championship match at the Ed Winger Classic in Urbandale.

While all three wrestlers will make one last charge for their fourth and final state titles, only Meeks can hope to claim “undefeated four-time champ. “ He would join Dan Gable, Jeff Kerber, Dan Knight, Jeff McGinness and Eric Juergens as wrestlers who finished their Iowa prep careers unbeaten.

Iowa has crowned two four-time state champs a couple times before (Mack Reiter and CJ Ettelson in 2003, and Dan LeClere and Jay Borschel in 2005) but never three. Add Meeks’ undefeated record and this has the potential to be one of the greatest years in Iowa high school wrestling history.

Feb 3rd Feb 4th Feb 11th Feb 12th Feb 15th Feb 16th-18th Feb 19th Mar 3rd-4th Mar 3rd-4th Mar 4th Mar 14th-17th

Iowa State at Northern Iowa High School Sectionals High School Districts National Duals Regionals High School State Dual Tournament High School State Championships National Duals Championships Big Ten Championships Big Twelve Championships NCAA West Regional NCAA Championships

FRIDAYS

7:00pm to 11:00pm

Cedar Falls, Iowa Iowa Iowa Ames, Iowa Des Moines, Iowa Des Moines, Iowa TBD West Lafayette, Ind. Columbia, Mo. Cedar Falls, Iowa St. Louis, Mo.

SATURDAYS 8:00am to 10:00am

Collegiate Corner Coaches with Urbandale Ties Team Up at AIB College of Business Rodney J. Brown AIB Communications Specialist

As AIB College of Business launched the recent aggressive expansion of its sports program, it got more than a little help from Urbandale. Three men hired to coach AIB Eagles teams have long ties with Urbandale J-Hawk high school teams.

AIB head women’s basketball coach Jerry Kindhart formerly coached girls basketball at Urbandale High School, transitioning the team from six-player to five-player in the 1980s.

AIB assistant men’s basketball coach and assistant men’s and women’s golf coach Dennis Peppmeier was a student teacher under Kindhart at Olmsted Elementary School. Peppmeier later taught physical education at Urbandale for 33 years and coached in middle and high school.

AIB head men’s and women’s soccer coach Brandon Ermels was an avid soccer player while growing up in Urbandale – and Peppmeier was his P.E. teacher.

Now the three men are coaching AIB teams as members of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and associate members of the Midwest Collegiate Conference.

AIB’s women’s basketball teams were a powerhouse in the Amateur Athletic Union from 1929 until 1952, when they disbanded after losing their high school competition due to a change in the Iowa high school rules limiting the number

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Volume 13 Issue 11

of games high school teams could play.

After more than a 50-year hiatus, AIB again fielded a women’s team in 2007. Kindhart, a graduate of Simpson College and a member of the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union and Iowa High School Athletic Association Halls of Fame, has coached the team since 2009.

Ermels was named the first-ever head men’s soccer coach at AIB in July 2011. His teams will begin competing in the fall FROM LEFT: AIB soccer coach Brandon Ermels; women’s of 2012. Ermels previously basketball coach Jerry Kindhart and assistant men’s golf/ coached at Iowa Central assistant men’s basketball coach Dennis Peppmeier. and Waldorf colleges, with the Des Moines Menace Super-20 League team and at Waukee High the Fall 2011 season. Now he joins Head Coach School. He is a graduate of William Penn UniverTony Giannetto in coaching AIB’s first-ever men’s sity, where he was a four-year letter winner in basketball team. soccer, and of the University of Phoenix.

“Head Coach Tony Giannetto and I want this Peppmeier has lived in Urbandale 41 years, program to be done the right way.” Peppmeier coaching basketball, track, baseball and volleysays. “We want student-athletes that will work as ball. He has served as head boys’ golf coach at hard in the classroom as they do on the court.”

Urbandale High School for many years, including

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Collegiate Corner Season of Highs and Lows for the Cyclones Eduardo Zamarripa ISC Contributor After a disappointing 2010 season, the goals were perfectly clear for Iowa State football: beat Iowa and earn a bowl bid. On those two accounts, the Cyclones delivered in thrilling fashion. But despite meeting the expectations of the Iowa State faithful, the path to a bowl eligible season was a bumpy one.

If there was a constant in the Cyclones’ rollercoaster season, it was to expect the unexpected.

The Cyclones got off to a rocky start, barely edging FCS Northern Iowa, 20-19. But the legend of quarterback Steele Jantz began. Despite throwing three interceptions, Jantz led the Cyclones in the decisive game-winning drive.

Jantz’s legend began growing the following week when they took on Iowa. This time it wasn’t just late-game heroics, it was an all-around historic performance in the Iowa-Iowa State rivalry. Jantz finished the game with 279 passing yards and four touchdowns, leading a 64-yard game-tying touchdown drive to send the game into overtime. The Cyclones prevailed 44-41 in an epic triple overtime victory.

Iowa State notched their third straight victory on the road against Connecticut. After another rough start, Jantz led another game-winning drive to edge the Huskies 24-20.

And then the rough part of the Cyclones’ schedule kicked in.

The Cyclones lost four consecutive games, the first one, an absolute stinker at home against Texas. Playing in front of a packed house and still undefeated, the Cyclones stumbled into a 34-0 halftime deficit. The Cyclones lost 37-14.

From there on out, the Cyclones were blown out by a far superior Baylor squad, 49-26, and then were embarrassed by Missouri on the road, 52-17. Against Texas A&M, the Cyclones fell short again, 33-17.

This time, Jantz was replaced in the first quarter by freshman quarterback Jared Barnett.

The Jantz phenomenon was now over and the

Cylones were now 3-4. Just when it looked like the Cyclones were ready to turn the corner and handle the big boys of the Big 12 conference, reality came crashing down on them.

But Iowa State needed only three more wins to become bowl eligible. The Cyclones took on Texas Tech on the road and figured to be heavy underdogs. After all, the Red Raiders had just beaten Oklahoma. But the Cyclones handed the prolific Texas Tech offense a stifling 41-7 smack-down. And suddenly, the bowl hopes were alive and kicking.

After taking down lowly Kansas at home, Iowa State running back Jeff Woody crosses the goal line to seal an 13-10, that meant the Cyclones had to beat overtime victory against Oklahoma State. The Cyclones through a wrench only one of their remaining three ranked in OSU’s BCS plans with the upset. (Photo by Iowa State Athletics) opponents: Oklahoma State, Oklahoma or Kansas State.

Cyclone history.

On a chilly, November night, Oklahoma State came But once again, as the Cyclones reached another to Ames undefeated and ranked second in the AP poll. pinnacle, another fall ensued.

The Cyclones were about to take on one of the most Iowa State closed out the season with road losses prolific offenses in college football. to Oklahoma and Kansas State and drew Rutgers in Down 24-7 in the third quarter, it didn’t seem the Pinstripe Bowl. like the Cyclones had enough firepower to make a Despite the efforts of Jantz, who came in for comeback. But a couple of Oklahoma State turnovers Barnett in the second quarter, there was no more sparked the Cyclones and soon enough, Barnett found magic left in the tank for the Cyclones. Iowa State fell wide receiver Albert Gary to tie the game up at 24 and 27-13 and finished the season with a 6-7 record. force overtime.

The Cyclones had two separate three-game winning After both teams traded touchdowns in the first streak on the season. They also had a four-game losing overtime, the Cyclones picked-off Brandon Weeden streak and a three-game losing streak to close the at the start of the second overtime. And then, with season. Yes, it was a rollercoaster-of-a-season for the three consecutive carries, running back Jeff Woody Cyclones. But in the end, there were a lot of highlights found the end zone and vaulted the Cyclones into bowl to remember. eligibility and delivered the biggest upset of the season.

The early season magic of Jantz, their thrilling The Cyclones had done it. They had beaten victory over Iowa and their historic win over Oklahoma Oklahoma State 37-31. “Sweet Caroline” blared State. There’s a lot of work to be done for next season, through the stadium as the fans rushed the field. The but for now, Cyclone fans should feel confident that this Cyclones had delivered perhaps the biggest victory in team is capable of making the leap next year.

The best a man can get.

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Volume 13 Issue 11

19

Collegiate Corner A Look Back: Norm Parker’s Career at Iowa Steve Roe University of Iowa Athletics Communications Director

Prior to the team’s Insight Bowl game Dec. 30 against Oklahoma, University of Iowa Defensive Coordinator Norm Parker announced his plans to retire following the game in Tempe, Ariz.

In a prepared statement, Parker said the following: “I would like to announce that the 2011 Insight Bowl will be my last game as a football coach at Iowa. I would like to personally thank Gary Barta, Kirk Ferentz, the coaches, and players at Iowa, along with the fantastic fans. It has been a great time, one that myself and my entire family greatly appreciate. I would also like to thank the office staff, the equipment people, and a special thanks to the medical staff, as I used them enough. The entire Hawkeye community has been great.

My wife Linda, and all the members of our family, were very pleased to be members of the Hawkeye family. We truly enjoyed our time here.

After 48 years of doing something I love, it is time to enjoy some time with the grandkids. Go Hawks!”

“Norm’s contributions to our team the past 13 years are deeply appreciated, as he has had a tremendous impact on our program,” said Iowa Head Football Coach Kirk Ferentz. “As I have said publicly on many occasions, Norm is a superb defensive coach and has served as a

strong role model and mentor for all of our players and our entire staff.”

Parker is completing his 13th year as Iowa’s defensive coordinator. Following the 2011 season, Parker was named Assistant Coach of the Year by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA). He will be honored at the AFCA national convention, January 8-11, in San Antonio, Tex. He was a finalist for the Frank Broyles Assistant Coach of the Year Award in 2004 and 2005.

Under Parker’s direction, Iowa has ranked among the top 10 nationally in rushing defense five times. Iowa has been in the top 10 in scoring defense three of the past four seasons.

In 2010, Iowa was fifth nationally in total defense (332.1), sixth in rushing defense (101.5) and seventh in scoring defense (17.0).

Under Parker’s direction, the Iowa defense is regarded as one of the most physical, hardhitting units in the Big Ten and the nation. The Hawkeyes have been bowl eligible in each of the last 11 seasons and have been ranked in the final top 10 of both major polls four times in the past 10 seasons.

Iowa has won 85 games over the past 10 seasons, including 50 Big Ten games. The Hawkeyes earned a share of the Big Ten title in both 2002 and 2004 and tied for second in

2009.

Parker began coaching on the collegiate level at Eastern Michigan in 1968 after beginning his coaching career in the high school ranks for three seasons. He also coached at Wake Forest, Minnesota, Illinois, East Carolina, Michigan State and Vanderbilt before becoming Iowa’s defensive coordinator under Ferentz.

NORM PARKER’S COACHING CAREER Iowa

DC, 2008-present

Iowa

DC, LB, 1999-2007

Vanderbilt

DC, LB, 1996-97 LB, 1995-96

Michigan State

DC, OLB, 1990-94 OLB, 1983-89

East Carolina

DC, 1980-82

Illinois

OLB, 1977-79

Minnesota

DL, 1972-76

Wake Forest

TE, WR, 1969-71

Eastern Michigan

OL, 1968

St. John’s (MI) HS

HC, 1965-67

Genny Frazier

Drew Hilgenberg

Al Eckhoff

Adam Woodle

Garret Wirtz

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Collegiate Corner Central Grad Van Vark Tabbed for BCS Title Game Larry Happel Central College Sports Information Director

For just a moment on the evening of Jan. 9, Brad Van Vark ’78 will allow himself to think about the fact that he’s stepped onto the green, plastic grass field of the Louisiana Superdome for the BCS national college football title game.

He’ll temporarily succumb to the intoxicating atmosphere that accompanies having a spot perched on big-time college football’s grandest stage as a back judge, part of an all-star Big 12 Conference officiating crew selected to work the Jan. 8 championship game in New Orleans. His eyes will scan the hyperventilating crowd of 80,000 and he’ll think about being a former back-up Central College quarterback from Pella, Iowa, about to spend the next 3.5 hours being seen by more television viewers than Oprah.

“I’ll take a look around and think about how blessed I’ve been,” Van Vark said. “And then get down to it.”

To a dwindling handful of fans with a sane perspective, the breathlessly hyped LSU-Alabama matchup is just a game. Yet to Van Vark, it’s even less than that. He can’t afford to think of it in broader terms than the small sliver of field that is his responsibility to monitor.

“You are so focused on what you’re trying to do and what you’re trying to watch,” he said. “After every play, I need to be able to tell myself what happened to the guys I was watching.

Sometimes after the game someone will tell me about a great play and I don’t have a clue. You’re so focused on your area that you miss that fan’s perspective.”

But while he doesn’t see the same game America sees on the TV screen, he’s well aware of the big picture.

“We did the Iowa State-Oklahoma State game this year (a monumental ISU upset overtime victory at Ames, Nov. 18),” he said. “You’re really focused on your job but you can feel what’s going on around you. It’s pretty cool.”

It’s the 12th straight year that Van Vark has been involved in a postseason game. He’s worked three Big 12 title games and nine bowl games. And this will be his second national championship, having served as a side judge in Ohio State’s overtime upset of Miami (Fla.) in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl.

“The first time was kind of a blur,” he confesses about the 2003 game. “I’m way better equipped this time.”

Van Vark said he’s become more prepared to handle stressful situations.

“You kind of feel the excitement around you,” he said. “You’ve got to try to stay under control. When everything comes apart at the seams, you need to be the one that remains calm.”

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Like many fans, Van Vark or Alabama’s Nick Saban, Van is spending much of the Vark will already be safely tucked postseason watching bowl away in the officials’ locker games, but making mental room beneath the Louisiana notes rather than eating pizza.

Superdome. He’ll have a DVD of He’s trying to stay sharp after the game in his hands before he not working a game since late leaves the stadium, with grades November. from his supervisors soon to “You’re better when you follow. But he won’t need an work every week,” he said. “You expert’s evaluation or a cheering get in the flow. It hurts to have crowd for him to know how he a month off. You try to watch feels. film and we’ve got our weekly “In any kind of business, you rules tests from the Big 12 know when things have really office. I’ll watch a lot of games clicked,” he said. through the holidays. It’s a That’s among the things that little different than baseball or continues fueling his desire to basketball, where you work lots wear a striped shirt.

Former Central College back-up quarterback Brad Van of games. There just aren’t as “It’s an opportunity to go out Vark signals touchdown in a Big 12 game. many games in football and the there and perform at the highest only way to supplement that is to (Photo courtesy of Central College) level,” he said. “If I do a good job, watch video of other games. You when we’re finished, it’s pretty can get better by doing that.” satisfying.”

He also draws on his experience at Central as a player and And when he’s not as sure, the DVD is especially helpful. a coach.

Van Vark can accept being wrong, but wondering about a play “Playing the game helps you have an understanding of what can be draining. the players are trying to accomplish,” Van Vark said. “It helps “If you think, ‘Wow, I wasn’t in position on that play,’ or ‘I want you determine advantage/disadvantage. Coaching gives you to see that one again,’ we can instantly get feedback,” he said. an appreciation of that as well.”

“It helps you put things behind you and move forward. Some And that means more than just knowing the rules. stuff stays with you a long time if you don’t get to see the play “It’s like a police officer with guidelines,” he said. “If you don’t again.” apply logic along with the rulebook, you’re not going to be any Which is why Van Vark doesn’t fear instant replay. good. The same thing applies when you’re officiating. If you only “I like it because, A, it helps us get things right, which is all look at the rulebook and not advantage/disadvantage, you’re we’re trying to do and B, it supports, for the most part, the not going to help young men decide the game.” fact that we do a pretty good job,” he said. “The thing I don’t like That’s knowledge that would have been useful to Van Vark is that it disrupts the flow of the game.” on the playing field more than 30 years ago.

Getting it right is what matters because Van Vark’s bottom “With all the things I know now, I wish I could go back and line is helping kids have a rewarding experience playing the play,” Van Vark laughs. “I’m way smarter than I was then.” game. That’s something that drew Van Vark into officiating— But while Van Vark no longer tries to score touchdowns, he and keeps him there. can still quietly experience the euphoria of reaching the end “I can sincerely tell you that if I got fired tomorrow, the next zone, albeit anonymously. day I’d go back to officiating high school games if they’d have By the time the BCS trophy is hoisted skyward by one of me,” he said. “I still enjoy it.” the game’s high-profile head coaches, either LSU’s Les Miles

Volume 13 Issue 11

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Collegiate Corner Upper Iowa Claims 3rd Place at National Duals Howie Thompson Upper Iowa Athletics Communications Director

The #2 Peacocks ended their run at the NWCA/Cliff Keen National Duals in Springfield, Ill. today with a third place finish, their best-ever finish at the National Duals. Upper Iowa lost their semifinal match to #3 St. Cloud State in the semifinals, 22-13, but rebounded with a nine-point victory, 24-15, over #4 Nebraska-Kearney in the third place match. St. Cloud State defeated #1 Newberry in the finals to win the team title.

The Peacocks jumped out to a 6-0 lead over the Huskies of SCSU after wins by Kyle Pedretti (3-2) and Trevor Franklin (4-1), but St. Cloud State tied the dual with wins by decision at 141 and 149 pounds. Winston Robbins gave UIU a 10-6 lead with a win by major decision, 13-2, and Blake Sorensen extended the lead to 13-6 with a win by decision, 2-0. The Peacocks would not put another win on the board as the Huskies claimed a win by fall at 174, wins by decision at 184 and 197 pounds and a major decision at heavyweight to rally for the 22-13 victory.

In the third place match, UIU took on the Lopers of Nebraska-Kearney. Upper Iowa posted six wins in the dual on the way to a 24-15 win and their third place. Chris Paulus got the ball rolling with an 8-6

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win at 125 pounds and Franklin backed it up with a 7-2 decision at 133. The Lopers claimed a win by fall and three straight wins by decision to take a 15-6 lead. Upper Iowa dug deep and fired back as Wade Gobin picked up a win by fall (1:17) and Mitch Schultz earned a 5-1 decision to tie the match at 15-15. Carl Broghammer put Upper Iowa on top, 18-15, with a 5-1 decision in overtime and Luke Stika picked up a win by forfeit at heavyweight to push the final score to 24-15.

Upper Iowa (4-1) will now enter the Northern Sun Conference season with a pair of road duals this weekend. The Peacocks will travel to Northern State on Saturday at 4 p.m. and U-Mary on Sunday at 2 p.m.

Match #3 Semifinal: St. Cloud State defeated Upper Iowa 22-13 125 - Kyle Pedretti (Upper Iowa) over Eric Forde (St. Cloud State) Dec 3-2 133 - Trevor Franklin (Upper Iowa) over Zach Stewart (St. Cloud State) Dec 4-1 141 - Jay Hildreth (St. Cloud State) over Blake Hilmer (Upper Iowa) Dec 9-3 149 - Josh Howk (St. Cloud State) over Jordan Rinken (Upper Iowa) Dec 5-3 157 - Winston Robbins (Upper Iowa) over Matt Leibforth (St. Cloud State) Maj 13-2 165 - Blake Sorensen (Upper Iowa) over Dan Dick (St. Cloud State) Dec 2-0 174 - Tad Merritt (St. Cloud State) over Wade Gobin (Upper Iowa) Pin 4:35

184 - Derek Skala (St. Cloud State) over Mitch Schultz (Upper Iowa) Dec 10-4 197 - Lucas Munkelwitz (St. Cloud State) over Carl Broghammer (Upper Iowa) Dec 6-2 285 - Jake Kahnke (St. Cloud State) over Luke Stika (Upper Iowa) Maj 11-0 Match #4 3rd Place Match: Upper Iowa defeated Nebraska-Kearney 24-15 125 - Chris Paulus (Upper Iowa) over Jordan White (Nebraska-Kearney) Dec 8-6 133 - Trevor Franklin (Upper Iowa) over Stephen Weimer (Nebraska-Kearney) Dec 7-2 141 - Dalton Jensen (Nebraska-Kearney) over Blake Hilmer (Upper Iowa) Pin 4:45 149 - Raufeon Stots (Nebraska-Kearney) over Jordan Rinken (Upper Iowa) Dec 9-4 157 - T.J. Hepburn (Nebraska-Kearney) over Winston Robbins (Upper Iowa) Dec 5-2 165 - Joey Wilson (Nebraska-Kearney) over Blake Sorensen (Upper Iowa) Dec 8-5 174 - Wade Gobin (Upper Iowa) over Mark Fiala (Nebraska-Kearney) Pin 1:17 184 - Mitch Schultz (Upper Iowa) over Brock Smith (Nebraska-Kearney) Dec 5-1 197 - Carl Broghammer (Upper Iowa) over Matt Lenagh (Nebraska-Kearney) OT 5-1 285 - Luke Stika (Upper Iowa) over Unknown (Unattached) Forf

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Collegiate Corner IIAC Wrestling: Can Wartburg Be Stopped?

Tim Weideman Editor

Wartburg, Wartburg, Wartburg.

Sorry if you’re tired of hearing it but the Wartburg Knights deserve the respect.

As winners of the last 19 (that’s nearly two decades) Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championships and three-straight (five of the last seven) NCAA Championships, the Knights have built a strong program in the heart of wrestling country.

Wartburg is currently the top-ranked team in the country and came away its second consecutive NWCA National Duals Championship. The team’s only loss this season came at the hands of Division I opponent Wisconsin — and the Knights almost won. The final score was a mere 17-16 in favor of the Badgers. Wisconsin won on criteria.

“I really think we’ve gotten better every week since then,” says Wartburg head coach Jim Miller.

That’s the scary part. How tough to beat are the Knights now?

Wartburg is probably no longer near the top of many Division I school’s lists of early season dual meets to schedule. Unfortunately, somebody has to face the Knights.

The rest of the Iowa Conference teams are no slouches, but can they topple Wartburg?

Coe College is ranked fifth in the NCAA Division III Coaches’ Poll, followed by Cornell College in sixth. Luther is ranked No. 11 and Dubuque is No. 16.

The IIAC certainly has no shortage of talented wrestling squads. Nine of Wartburg’s ten wrestlers are ranked. Senior Byron Tate at 197 pounds leads the Knights as the lone top-ranked wrestler on the team but five others are ranked within the top five in the National Wrestling Coaches’ Association’s rankings.

Coe is led by 165-pounder Chris LeClere, a senior, who is ranked No. 1. The Kohawks have three other individuals ranked in the top five.

Coe has seven ranked wrestlers.

Cornell is represented in the rankings by four wrestlers, led by No. 2 at 157-pounds, Nic Loughlin. Joe Hambleton is ranked No. 2.

Luther and Dubuque are teams on the individual end at least for the Norse’s Daniel Mendoza (No. 5 at 125 pounds) and the Spartans’ Sam Johnson (No. 7 at 197 pounds).

It may not seem likely that Wartburg will fall this year but who knows. An inspired wrestling team such as Coe or a dark horse such as Cornell could be challengers as the Knights seek their 20th straight conference championship.

If Wartburg does it again, Iowa may have to truly recognize the other college wrestling dynasty in the state. This one may not go as far back in history, but it’s building the foundation for what can only deserve to be recognized alongside any other top programs.

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From top: Byron Tate, Wartburg (197); Chris LeClere, Coe (141); Clockwise: Nicholas Loughlin, Cornell (157); Sam Johnson, Dubuque (197); Daniel Mendoza, Luther (125) Photo courtesy of athletics deptartments.

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Collegiate Corner Grand View Wrestling Leads the Way for Iowa Teams in NAIA

Tim Weideman Editor

individuals set It’s only been four years high expectations and the wrestling program for themselves, at Grand View University is then the team’s thriving. The Vikings claimed expectations can the top spot in the NAIA also be higher.

Coaches’ Poll Jan. 11 and “That’s pretty have held on since with a much it, right perfect season thus far. there,” Mitchell Before reaching the said. “We want top, the then- No. 2 Vikings to win everything claimed their stake in the at the end of the battle for the top ranking year.” by beating No. 3 Southern More than a Oregon and previous No. 1 few wrestlers Great Falls (Mont.) to win on Grand View’s the Cliff Keen National Duals Brian Block, Morningside (Photo by Gene squad will be right Jan. 8. It was the first time Knudsen) in the mix for a Grand View had ever won the Eric Thompson, Grand View (Photo championship, National Duals.

Mitchell said the road to success has been fun

by Doug Wells/Grand View) including Eric Thompson Grand View head coach but not necessarily easy. at heavyweight (ranked Nick Mitchell has said his “It’s been a lot of hard work getting it going No. 1), Travis Evans at 133 pounds (No. 2), Nick team was happy about the feat but he says it’s but I’ve gotten really good support from our Coffman at 141 pounds (No. 5), T.J. Moen at time to move on. administration,” Mitchell said. “I’ve got a full-time 149 pounds (No. 5), Brad Lower at 165 pounds “That was a few weeks ago so we’ve kind assistant and good part-time assistants too so (No. 2), Ty Knowler at 174 pounds (No. 3) and of moved past it,” Mitchell said. “Now we’re those guys have been a big part of making sure Derek Nightster at 197 pounds (No. 4). Grand focused on the end of the year.” that we’ve been real successful.”

View has four other ranked wrestlers. The The goal for Grand View now is to bring Vikings are loaded and ready to fight for a title. home a national title. The NAIA Championships Further to the west, another wrestling Not too many programs can set such lofty will take place on Grand View’s home turf in program, this one with a little more tradition, goals after only four years but Mitchell has Des Moines March 1-3. has a few individuals preparing for a successful helped lead the Vikings to the top of the list in Individual wrestlers on the team have the run during the NAIA Championships.

NAIA wrestling. same goal, said Mitchell. Mitchell said if the While the Mustangs of Morningside College

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Collegiate Corner have had to deal with quite a few injuries, they’re son. He’s currently ranked No. 11 in the country. certainly not going to give up on individual Other wrestlers to keep an eye on from the achievements.

Mustangs are Jared Wildeboer at 165 pounds Morningside (ranked No. 12) head coach and Andrew Tim Jager said Anthofer, another it’s probably 184-pounder for been the worst the Mustangs season on the (11). injury end he’s ever had in his The strong time with the Iowa wrestling program. traditions don’t “We’ve got a stop there. Northcouple guys out, western, William a couple varPenn and Waldorf sity guys,” Jager are also having said. “Dual-wise strong seasons. we’re not as Northwestern strong as we features the No. 1 Joe Sievert, Morningside (Photo by Gene Knudsen) were last year. wrestler in NAIA at We’re down a 197 pounds in Nic little bit but we’ve got some individuals doing real Leither and the No. 9 wrestler at 141 pounds in well so we’re getting real excited for the tournaMatthew Dowell. The Red Raiders are No. 16 in ments.” the country.

Morningside has two wrestlers that have a William Penn’s Eric Burgey is the No. 1 wresshot to do something special this season in Joe tler at 149 pounds and Kyle Soderblom, ranked Sievert, who’s ranked No. 1 at 174 pounds, and No. 10, has had a solid year at 184 pounds. The Brian Block, the returning champion top-ranked Statesmen are No. 17 in the country. wrestler in the country at 184 pounds.

Waldorf is also having a good year.

Joe Sievert’s brother, John, is also having a 165-pounder Rashad Moss, who is ranked No. 7 strong year at heavyweight for the Mustangs in the country, leads the Warriors. and could shake things up during the post-sea-

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Eric Burgey, William Penn (Photo courtesy of William Penn Athletics)

Nic Leither, Northwestern (Photo courtesy of Northwestern Athletics)

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Collegiate Corner Arsenault Hands Grinnell Men’s Basketball Reigns to Son John Martenson ISC Contributor

Grinnell College’s 103-89 triumph of Carroll University December 10th meant a slight changing of the guard for the Pioneers. Longtime head coach David Arsenault, Sr will on sabbatical during second semester, handing over the reigns to son Dave Arsenault, Jr, who will be the interim head coach. The two were co-head coaches during the 2011 portion of the season.

Don’t expect much to change from the Pioneers’ run and gun offense simply called “the system”. According to Arsenault, Jr, the elder Arsenault will still be on the bench during the 2012 portion of the season.

“I’m really excited,” says Dave Arsenault, Jr. “Dad has given me the power to make all the decisions for our team, even though it’s not technically in my title. That way the guys knew how the decisions were being made, so he has given me that flexibility. Of course he offers his opinion, but in the end, he lets me have the final say.

“You couldn’t get him out of the gym if you tried. Even though he’s on sabbatical, I guess he’ll be a volunteer assistant.”

The elder Arsenault will be writing a second book on how 14 other schools, from high school up to NCAA I schools, have adopted Grinnell’s run-andgun offense “the system” and the affect it’s had on their program.

Arsenault last went on sabbatical in 1996 writing his first book on “the system”.

David Arsenault (left) will hand over head coaching duties to his son, David Arsenault Jr., while Arsenault Sr. is on sabbatical. Arsenault Jr. says he’s prepared to take over and run “the system.”

Grinnell opened the season with Griffin Lentsch’s 89 point outburst at Principia, the best ever single game scoring effort in NCAA III. What’s the next record to be set by the Pioneers?

that’s never been done in basketball before. I thoroughly enjoy being entertained on the sideline. I’m of the mindset that records are made to be broken. If I had to make a wager, I would bet that we’ll be breaking another one sooner rather than later.”

“I don’t know. That’s part of the fun. Every time we come to the gym, every time we have a game, there’s a chance for us to do something

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Minor But Major Rare Depth Feeds Energy’s Success Zach James DSM Sports Freaks

There are no signs of a power outage happening at Wells Fargo Arena when it comes to the Iowa Energy.

The Energy, Iowa’s minor league NBA team, has one of the deepest rosters in the entire Developmental League, which is why the Energy boasts the second-best record in the entire league behind the Austin Toros with a record of 16-6.

With a deep bench, the Energy front office has not been afraid to make some transactions, either.

Most recently on January 21, Iowa waived forward Thomas Baudinet and picked up San Diego State University star Billy White.

Head Coach Kevin White says White just needs to get comfortable, alike all the newcomers who come into Wells Fargo for the first time.

“We just want him to get into the flow and get back into shape,” Young said.

Young believes that having a rotating roster is a good thing and also a commodity in the D-League.

“You can never get too comfortable with just one roster,” Young said. “Guys are moving around all the time and that’s how the D-League is run. It’s rare to see the same roster keep hold throughout a season.”

One of the players who came to the Energy inseason is guard Nick Covington. Covington came to the Energy on Dec. 9 and admitted that playing with new guys is tough, but still a fun challenge.

“Sometimes it does take a while for things to mesh together, but at the end of the day, I still have to be professional about it, and go out and play,” Covington said.

As of press date, Covington has appeared in 13 games for Iowa this season while averaging

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8.5 PPG while appearing on average 22 minutes a night.

At the beginning of the season, Moses Ehambe was in the starting lineup watching the banner as it was revealed. Now, he sits on the bench as a role player and as a cheerleader. In a roundabout kind of way, the path that most D-League players are taking this season is the same one he ventured on last year.

Ehambe was picked up last year from the Austin Toros then came to the Energy after playing just 10 games in the Texas capital.

For this year, he believes a deep bench can send Iowa a long way.

“We have our starting five, but we also have those three to four guys who can come in when needed, and that’s always something good to have,” Ehambe said.

Ehambe has seen his playing time dwindle, but he is averaging just under 15 PPG through 29 minutes a game, respectively.

The two rosters look very different between Opening Night and right now.

The November 25 starting lineup looked like this: Brandon Ewing (who is still sidelined with a broken left middle finger), Ehambe, Andrew Drevo, Jarrid Famous (who was eventually released by Fort Wayne), and Nick Murphy.

The starting lineup for the Energy on Jan. 21 is as follows: Curtis Stinson, Mike Efevberha, Andrew Drevo, Hamady N’Diaye and Michael Tveidt.

The league can see an average of seven transactions on any given day. Keep your pencils handy, folks, because many more moves are sure to be on the horizon.

Moses Ehambe began the season in the starting lineup for the Iowa Energy.

Now, he’s a scoring threat off the bench.

Ehambe is just one of the many players who can score off the bench for Iowa.

The Energy’s depth has been part of why the team has found success this season.

(Photo courtesy of Iowa Energy)

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Minor But Major USHL Mid-Season Report: Can Anyone Challenge Green Bay for Title?

Eduardo Zamarripa ISC Contributor

Thirty games into the season, the contenders to capture the Clark Cup are coming alive in the United Stated Hockey League.

No one has looked better than the Green Bay Gamblers.

Green Bay continues to roll along, leading the league in nearly every relevant category.

Green Bay tops the USHL in points (49), wins (24), goals scored (133), fewest goals allowed (68), and goal differential (+65). Not only have the Gamblers dominated at home with a 9-3-1 record, but they have actually been even better on the road (15-2-0).

The Gamblers are trying to rekindle their terrific 2009-2010 campaign when the squad won the Anderson Cup (the cup awarded to the team with the most points in the regular season) and the Clark Cup (the cup awarded to the team who wins the league playoffs).

Green Bay has to be considered far and away the team to beat come playoff time in the USHL. However, that doesn’t mean the Gamblers will have an easy path to the title.

Three of Green Bay’s five losses have come against Iowa-based teams. While Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and Sioux City have struggled to leave the muddled-middle of the standings, Waterloo and Dubuque have stood out in their respective conferences.

Dubuque is third in the Eastern Conference with 38 points (18-9-2), while Waterloo sits at third place in the Western Conference with 32 points (14-9-4). Only the Gamblers have allowed fewer goals than Dubuque (73). Dubuque also has the third-best goal differential in the USHL with a healthy plus-17 advantage.

All-season long, it has been defense that has kept the Fighting Saints as one of the best teams in the league. Goalie Matt Morris tops the league in goal against average (2.04) and is second in save percentage (.917). Zemgus Girgensons leads the team with 27 points, but that’s only good enough to tie for 16th in the USHL. Solid defense and goalkeeping play are what the Fighting Saints will rely on to make a run at two consecutive Clark Cup victories.

Don’t forget the Fighting Saints lifted the Clark Cup just last season.

As for Waterloo, it has been the play of goalie Jay Williams keeping the team afloat the wide-open Western Conference. Williams is tied for fifth in the USHL with a 2.54 GAA These two squads are the best chances for an Iowa team to lift the Clark Cup again this season.

Meanwhile, last year’s Anderson Cup winners, the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders have struggled to breakthrough in the stacked

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Eastern Conference. The RoughRiders are fifth in their conference with 31 points (12-11-7), but they are seven points away from Youngstown and Dubuque, and 18 points away from the Gamblers.

The Des Moines Buccaneers (25 points, 1113-1) and the Sioux City Musketeers (24 points, 12-18-0) are still alive despite their slow starts.

Thanks in large part to the fact that no one has run away with the Western Conference.

Omaha and Lincoln top the Western Conference with 38 points each and while their advantage isn’t as overwhelming as Green Bay’s, they are the clear-cut best teams out in the West and may have what it takes to make a push come post-season play. Lincoln boasts the league’s top goal scorer (20) and scoring leader (44 points) in Kevin Roy. While Omaha owns the league’s top assist man (25) in Jimmy Murray and their goalie, Jon Gillies, is third in the USHL in GAA (2.26) and has the highest save percentage in the league (.928).

And out in the Eastern Conference, the Indiana Ice are quietly having a terrific season.

Indiana (42 points, 19-7-4) has the firepower to make a run at the title. Up forward, their sensational duo of Daniil Tarasov and Sean Kuraly continues to terrorize defenses. No two players in the league have combined for more goals tan Tarasov and Kuraly, who both have scored 18 goals so far this year. And only Murray from Omaha boasts more assists (25) tan Tarasov (22).

While Green Bay is the favorite to take the Anderson Cup, they will have to get through several challenges if they plan on repeating its success from the 2009-2010 season. Out in the Western Conference, Omaha and Lincoln are two dangerous teams. And in the Eastern Conference, no one can count out Indiana and the defending champs Dubuque.

The fight for the Anderson Cup will be thrilling to watch.

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Health & Fitness The Benefits of ASTYM for Athletic Injuries Meghan Mueller PT, DPT Accelerated Rehab

As more and more athletes participate in longer seasons, more competitions, and increased physical demands of their sports, the rate of athletic injury has also increased. One effective program utilized by physical therapists for the treatment of chronic injuries is ASTYM (A’-stim). The ASTYM system is used to help stimulate the body’s healing response in soft tissue areas (tendons, muscles, etc) which have become dysfunctional due to injury.

ASTYM treatments are effective in treating scar tissue and fibrosis issues as well as many tendon disorders. The Physical Therapist uses instruments applied to your injured area to identify and locate injured soft tissue. The ASTYM instruments are then used to help break up the injured tissue and stimulate the healing process, including the realignment of appropriate tissue. This effective therapy, typically provided twice weekly for three to four weeks, also incorporates a customized program of stretching and exercises, which helps to align all of the new tissue in response to the physical challenges placed on them.

As an athlete, ASTYM treatments are extremely beneficial due to the need to continue to participate in activity, be it practices, training, or sport participation.

ASTYM has been shown to aid those who have unresolved musculoskeletal injuries that have not improved with traditional treatments and for those who are struggling with chronic pain and decreased functional ability.

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The ASTYM system optimizes the patients’ ability to regain function and return to a normal, active lifestyle. The system offers many benefits:

- Patellar tendinopathy - Hamstring strains - IT band syndrome - Hip pain/trochanteric bursitis - SI/low back pain - Most chronic tendinopathies

• Resolves tough, chronic Clinical outcomes from across the conditions, even where other country indicate that 88% of all treatments have failed patients treated with the ASTYM • Rapidly resolves pain and system achieve improved function increases functional ability (in just and decreased pain; even if the 4- 5 weeks) condition is chronic and previous • Delivers long-term results treatments has been unsuccessful.

• Encourages patients to stay Meghan Mueller PT, DPT Contact your local Accelerated active in their work, sport or certified ASTYM provider to learn more about activity the ASTYM treatment, including the research • Evidence-based process that is supported and rationale behind the system and clinical by extensive research outcomes for specific diagnoses.

Diagnoses that respond well to the ASTYM treatment and are supported by outcomes studies: - Post-surgical scarring - Post-traumatic scarring - Lateral epicondylosis - Medial epicondylosis - Carpal tunnel syndrome - DeQuervain’s tenosynovitis - Rotator cuff tendinopathy - Plantar fasciopathy - Chronic ankle sprains - Achilles tendinopathy - Shin splints - Anterior knee pain

References Please refer to the ASTYM website (www.astym. com) for a full reference list of peer-reviewed publications related to the ASTYM® system.

About Accelerated Rehabilitation Centers Accelerated Rehabilitation Centers embrace a PATIENT FIRST philosophy which focuses on patient outcomes, commitment to manual therapy and upholding our reputation in the community as a leader in providing treatments that include a comprehensive manual and functional exercise component. Part of this commitment includes providing advanced training to our clinicians.

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Health & Fitness Ankle Injuries Jullie Grundberg, DPM Des Moines Orthopaedic Surgeons

Grade I involves stretching of Ankle sprains are a a ligament without tearing or common injury encountered instability. Grade II is a partial in a podiatry practice. Sports tear with mild to moderate are often the cause of ankle instability. Grade III is injuries, yet occupational ankle complete rupture with marked sprains are also common. instability.

Approximately 7-10% of all Anyone with an ankle emergency room visits each sprain who is evaluated by year is the result of ankle a physician deserves to injuries. Eighty-five percent of have ankle and possible foot ankle injuries are sprains. radiological examination. This Inversion ankle sprains is an absolute if the patient is occur when the leg is unable to weight-bear and/or perpendicular to the ground swelling and ecchymosis are and the foot is forced toward present. There are six areas the midline of the body. The that a fracture may occur with lateral (outside) ankle consists an inversion ankle injury: 1) of three ligaments working distal fibula 2) distal tibia 3) together to prevent inversion Julie Grundberg, DPM, DMOS ankle mortise/syndesmosis strain. The most commonly 4) base of the fifth metatarsal injured ligament is the ATFL 5) anterior beak of the calcaneus and 6) talar (anterior talofibular ligament). It originates at dome. the tip of the fibula and courses to the dorsal Most grade I sprains are successfully treated (top) midfoot. The CFL (calcaneofibular ligament) conservatively with RICE (rest, ice, compression is injured when a higher degree of inversion and elevation). Grade II may need immobilization stress is applied to the ankle. The ATFL is with a cam walker. Grade III usually requires usually injured with the CFL and part of the ankle a non-weight bearing below the knee cast and joint capsule. The PTFL (posterior talofibular rarely patients require surgical reconstruction of ligament) is the strongest ligament and is rarely the lateral ankle ligaments. injured.

Neglecting treatment of an ankle sprain The most common grading system for can lead to chronic low grade complaints of ligamentous injuries is the three-grade system.

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pain, reoccurring injuries, more time out of competition/activities, more expensive testing such as a MRI, and the development of ankle instability also know as a “chronic sprainer”.

This syndrome causes the ankle to continually give way. This can occur if the ligaments do not heal properly and the peroneal tendons weaken, causing a proprioceptive defect. A proprioceptive defect occurs when damage to the nerves within the ligaments causes an unstable feeling ankle, leading to decreased ankle control and further sprains. Commonly, physical therapy rehabilitation includes strengthening and ankle proprioceptive training.

In my experience ankle sprains can be benign injury with a grade I sprain and early return to work and recovery. Often grade II and III are UNDER treated and this does lead to more morbidity, time off competition/activities, chronic complaints, pain and symptoms.

Aggressive treatment for a “simple” sprain can shorten recovery time and result in a pain free patient.

Dr. Julie Grundberg is a Podiatrist at Des Moines Orthopaedic Surgeons, P.C. Dr. Grundberg specializes in Foot and Ankle care and surgery, including sports injuries. She is available to see patients at DMOS East, offering satellite services at DMOS – West one day per week. To reach Dr. Grundberg or to schedule an appointment, please call (515) 299-6366.

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