PAGE EIGHT
Drake Relays Recap
PAGE NINETEEN
Principal Charity Classic
PAGE TWENTY-THREE
Where Are They Now? Iowa Prep Track & Field
CONTENTS
The Principal Charity Classic at Glen Oaks is Central Iowa’s Premier Golfing Event!
Volume 14 Issue 2
4 Pee Wee Profiles T.O.M. Upward Sports at Valley Church Upward Sports is an organziation dedicated to teaching children that winning isn’t always about the scores. Valley Church in Des Moines is one site of their organzation.
8 Prep Connection Outstanding Performances and Record-Breakers Highlight Drake Relays The most recent Drake Relays shows that Iowa’s athleticism is a force to be reckoned with.
23 Collegiate Corner Where Are They Now? Three Former Iowa Preps Find Success at Next Level Shelby Houlihan, Alex Gochenour and Katie Flood are gracing the collegiate stage with their athletic talents. Discover their successes at the next level.
29 Minor But Major ’Stomers Searching for a Team Identity Through the ups and downs of this season, the Barnstormers are struggling to grasp their game plan and a consistency to accompany it.
STAFF MIKE RICKORD • President/Publisher mrickord@iowasportsconnection.com
JOHN STREETS • Business Consultant jstreets@iowasportsconnection.com
TONY ATZENI • Radio Account Manager LISA PRINGLE • Sales Representative tatzeni@iowasportsconnection.com
lpringle@iowasportsconnection.com
TIM WEIDEMAN • Editor
CARLY PETERS • Sales Representative
isceditor@iowasportsconnection.com
ADAM OESTREICH • Art Director art@iowasportsconnection.com
ASHTON WEIS • Staff Writer
Prose from the Pub
cpeters@iowasportsconnection.com
DELBERT CHRISTENSEN • Marketing Cedar Rapids/Sioux City
MIKE RICKORD JR • Marketing
KELLY HENDRICKS • Web Editor Contributing Writers: Rodney J. Brown, Susan Thompson, University of Iowa Athletic Communications, Iowa State Athletics Communications, Zach James, Matthew DeWall Contributing photographers: Charlie McCardle, Sam Taylor, Impact Imagery; University of Iowa Athletic Communications, Iowa State Athletics Communications Cover: Kenny Perry swings away at a PGA Champions Tour event. (Photo courtesy of Principal Charity Classic)
1063 14th Place • Des Moines, IA 50314 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 sixth Principal slots from 5-7 p.m. Charity Classic at Glen The Iowa Sports Oaks Country Club is Connection Show, right around the corner. the best Saturday The PGA Champions morning show in the Tour comes to West state, is on from Des Moines, Iowa, June 8-10 a.m. to kick 1-5 and that marks the off your weekend. 11th year the tour has We’re elevating our Mike Rickord ISC Publisher come to central Iowa. coverage level to The 2011 winner of bring you even more the Principal Charity Classic, Bob of the great stories of positive Gilder, has already announced that participation in all Iowa sports. he’ll be in attendance. Many of the I have been blessed by God tour’s top money winners will be in with a family that stuck by me attendance, so competition should and incredible partners and staff be spectacular. A few new faces through the years. John Streets who didn’t compete last season, and Tony Atzenti have been my including Bernhard Langer, add pillars as we have continued to to an extremely talented field that push the limits of small business promises to entertain. sanity in our quest to be Iowa’s Kenny Perry, who is featured on leader in covering Iowa high school the cover of this issue of The Iowa sports and the youth programs Sports Connection magazine, is that feed each community “From another new addition this season. the Missouri to the Mississippi”. Perry is fourth in the Champions The Iowa Sports Connection Tour standings as of publication has evolved into a statewide and he could be one to watch as magazine and the states a talented golfer who could be in foremost publication thanks to the running for the title. Perry has Casey’s General Stores and this already claimed a title this season growth has spurred the launch of at the 2012 ACE Group Classic the state’s only high school based and finished second Encompass radio and television network along Insurance Pro-Am of Tampa Bay. with incredible websites and If you plan on heading out to digital magazines. I cannot name this year’s event to watch the all of the advertisers that have action, make sure to seek pick up provided incredible support from a copy of the magazine. Beside the beginning that have helped us accessing it online, you can grab sustain our growth of covering your copy at any Casey’s General Iowans “From the Pee Wees to Store or Scheels Sporting Goods the Preps to the Pros” with a location in the state of Iowa. positive perspective but each and Also, be sure to check every client has been superb. The iowasportsconnection.com for Hy-Vee High School Headquarters all you Principal Charity Classic is known in every pocket of the updates and the leading high state as is the Grinnell Mutual Reschool sports coverage in all of Insurance Scoreboard Show, and Iowa, including the always-exciting Casey’s General Stores where this Iowa High School Track and Field magazine has been available for State Championship Meet at over a decade. Drake Stadium in Des Moines. Thank you so much for picking You can even listen to Iowa up this magazine. Sports Connection on our flagship station here in Central Iowa, God Bless You and God Bless America, 1350 KRNT, or on any of our many statewide affiliates every night of the week from 5-7 p.m. Our featured shows, On the Tee on Wednesdays and Friday Night Live, still run in their normal time Volume 14 Issue 2
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Pre-2011 MidAmerican Logo
Pee-Wee Profiles
Updated MidAmerican Logo Presented By:
T.O.M. Upward Sports at Valley Church Ashton Weis Staff Writer
It’s not all about the score; Upward Sports gives kids and opportunity to discover all the ways they can win when they play sports. Upward Sports is an organization that provides athletic avenues for kindergartners through sixth graders nation wide. They are the largest Christian sports league for children in the world. In the Des Moines area, Upward Sports partners with several different churches, including, Walnut Creek Community Church, The Downtown Church, Valley Evangelical Free Church and Westchester Evangelical Free Church. They also offer a couple of opportunities for children in nearby Marshalltown and Ames. Matthew Waring, the sports outreach director at Valley Church, said that they use the Upward Sports model because it provides guidelines,
practices and everything else the volunteers need. Because the program is driven strictly by volunteers, other than Waring, they might be unfamiliar with how to coach or referee. The program’s goal is twofold. They want the kids to learn the fundamentals of the sport, but they also strive to build character values. During the weekly practice of the ten-week schedule, there is a “7 to 10 minute huddle and they’ll have a topic like courage, joy, team responsibility and there’s a Bible verse that goes along with it,” Waring said about how they strive to teach values and skills. The kids and their coaches take the huddle time to discuss the topic and then they get back to their playing. The weekly games also have a focus on these values. The halftime break usually features a speaker that discusses the same topic as in practice that week. This ensures that the parents understand what their children are being taught. Valley Church welcomes members from the community to participate in their leagues. Warring said that usually one-third of the kids are from within the church, but anywhere from 68 to 72 percent are from the
community. Upward Sports’ leagues evaluate the children and place them on teams at their appropriate skill level, to enable equal chances of success for both sides. The organization also provides all the children with equal playing time as much as possible. Other than offering league-play, Upward Sports also offers various camps throughout the year that children can attend to further their athletic abilities and learn about a sport. Over 2,000 churches and cities have implemented an Upward Sports model since its conception in the mid ’90s. The Valley Evangelical Free Church in West Des Moines has already started advertising for their basketball and cheerleading programs that begin in January, but before basketball season is football season.
Want to nominate a Most Valuable Parent? The Most Valuable Parent is recognized for its positive involvement in youth sports. If you would like to nominate a parent for our MidAmerican Engery M.V.P., please contact us at isceditor@iowasportsconnection.com or call 515-283-1933.
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Volume 14 Issue 2
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Presented By:
Independence Youth Soccer League
Photos Courtesy: Charlie McCardle
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Volume 14 Issue 2
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Pee-Wee Profiles Linking the Future at First Tee of Greater Des Moines First Tee of Greater Des Moines Des Moines, IA
The mission of The First Tee of Greater Des Moines is to impact the lives of young people around the City of Des Moines by providing learning facilities and educational programs that promote character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf. The Stats The First Tee of Greater Des Moines (a non-profit project of The Golf Foundation of Iowa) is located at Grand View Golf Course. The First Tee has come a long way since its establishment by the World Golf Foundation in 1997. What started as an initiative to create affordable access for those not previously exposed to the game has become a preeminent positive youth development organization. The facility is managed by the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreations Department who also provides all the maintenance related to the course improvement associated with The First Tee program. The property is a municipal 18-hole course located in a middle income neighborhood. It is one of the oldest courses in the country celebrated its centennial in 2002. The course has a unique layout with tree-lined fairways and gently rolling hills. Grand View’s fully irrigated fairways and healthy greens accommodate even the most particular golfer. Services and facilities at Grand View include a full line of golf equipment, snack bar, and banquet facilities. The course is also adjacent to the popular Grand View Park. PGA Design Services, made available through The First Tee, has finalized a new design to add a driving range and practice facility, and then re-route the course so that it will remain an 18-hole layout. The plan has been approved by the Des Moines Citizen Golf Advisory Committee, The First Tee of
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Greater Des Moines Committee and the Des Moines City Council. The First Tee Nine Core Values The First Tee has established Nine Core Values that represent some of the many inherently positive values connected with the game of golf. These Nine Core Values have been incorporated into The First Tee Experience and have been used to name golf holes at several of The First Tee facilities. 1. Honesty Golf is unique from other sports in that players regularly call penalties on themselves and report their own score. 2. Integrity Golf is a game of etiquette and composure. Players are responsible for their actions and personal conduct on the golf course even at times when others may not be looking. 3. Sportsmanship Players must know and abide by the rules of golf and be able to conduct themselves in a kind and respectful manner towards others even in a competitive game. 4. Respect In golf it is important to show respect for oneself, playing partners, fellow competitors, the golf course, and for the honor and traditions of the game. 5. Confidence Confidence plays a key role in the level of play that one achieves. Players can increase confidence in their abilities by being positive and focusing on something
they are doing well regardless of the outcome. 6. Responsibility Players are responsible for their actions on the golf course. It is up to them to keep score, repair divots, rake bunkers, repair ball marks on the green, and keep up with the pace of play. 7. Perseverance To succeed in golf, players must continue through bad breaks and their own mistakes, while learning from past experiences. 8. Courtesy A round of golf should begin and end with a handshake between fellow competitors. Players also should be still and quiet while others are preparing and performing a shot. 9. Judgment Using good judgment is very important in golf. It comes into play when deciding on strategy, club selection, when to play safe and when to take a chance, the type of shot players consider executing, as well as making healthy choices on and off the golf course.
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Prep Connection Outstanding Performances and Record-Breakers Highlight Drake Relays Tim Weideman Editor
The 103rd Annual Drake Relays saw exceptional performances at every level of competition but James Harrington of Cedar Falls and Erin Hawkins of Des Moines Roosevelt stole the high school show. After setting a new record in the 100-meter dash with his time of 10.61 and anchoring the Cedar Falls’ 4x100-meter relay team to a victory in a Drake Relays record-setting time of 42.17, the senior Harrington was named the Robert Kramme Award winner for the boys’ outstanding performer of year. Harrington became only the third three-time Drake Relays high school boys’ 100-meter dash champion in the history of the event. The 4x100 victory was also the second consecutive for Cedar Falls. After breaking the record in the 100-meter dash, Harrington expressed to the media how proud he was to have made a mark in Drake Relays history. “It feels great,” Harrington said. “It was a lot of hard work contributed to this record from teammates pushing me in practice to coach getting me ready to peak at the right time. I am just happy to come out here and run. It was decent weather, better than we thought it would be.” Harrington was excited to announce that he’ll be returning to the Drake Relays next year, this time as a member of the Alabama Crimson Tide track and field team. “I saw my coach from Alabama right before I
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ran the race and we are coming back next year, so I will be back next year,” Harrington said. “I love this track. It is a great environment and a great place to run and I am just grateful.” Harrington has won plenty of Drake Relays flags, many of them as a member of a relay team. “It definitely James Harrington of Cedar Falls outruns Cedar Rapids Washington’s Will never gets old,” Griffin and Bettendorf’s Tyler Younkin during the 100-meter dash. Harrington Harrington said. won and set a new Drake Relays record. (Sam Taylor/Impact Imagery) “Every flag is very valuable to me. All girls’ 100-meter dash with a time of 12.67. She those flags weren’t just me, they were other anchored Roosevelt’s Drake Relays recordgreat runners in the relays and I owe a lot to breaking 4x100 and 4x200 teams, which set them too.” records of 47.55 and 1:41.66, respectively. Des Moines Roosevelt senior Erin Hawkins Hawkins wasn’t quite sure what helps her helped the Roughriders to four of their seven and her teammates find such high amounts of Drake Relays titles, setting the mark for most success at the Drake Relays and the Blue Oval at wins by any high school in a given year at the Drake Stadium. Drake Relays. Hawkins was named the Gerry “It’s pretty. It’s blue. I don’t know, I just think Cooley Award winner as the girls’ outstanding it is the stadium and all the supporters in the performer. Hawkins won an individual title in the stands that is very helpful,” Hawkins said.
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Prep Connection
“I love running with these girls and we have such a great support system and it’s just fun. It just seems to all come together here.” Hawkins became the third Roughrider to win the Outstanding Performer award. Drake head track and field coach Natasha Kaiser Brown and hurdler Kim Carson also claimed the honor while at Des Moines Roosevelt. Roosevelt senior Destani Welch, junior Agnes Sayeh and sophomore Jalynn Roberts-Lewis helped fuel the Roughriders to the victory in the 4x100, while Sayeh, Roberts-Lewis and sophomore McKenna Schnack built up plenty of momentum to secure the title for their team in the 4x200 and sprint medley relays. Bringing home individual titles for Des Moines Roosevelt were Welch, who won the girls 100-meter hurdles; Roberts-Lewis in the long jump; and junior Alexa Hunt, who won the girls shot put. Record-Breakers and Newcomers Shine at Drake Relays Aside from the records broken by the Cedar Falls boys and Des Moines Roosevelt girls, two more records fell in 2012. On Friday, Neil Flattery, a senior out of St. Edmond of Fort Dodge, captured the boys’ 800-meter run in 1:55.18, which bet the previous best time of 1:55.82 set by Glenwood’s Kyle Wheeler last year. Flattery said it felt good to grab a Relays title
in his last chance as a senior. “It felt awesome,” Flattery said. “Winning the Drake Relays was something that I’ve always wanted to do. It was one of my goals for the year and to finally do it, in front of all these fans at Drake Stadium is just unbelievable.” Flattery added that his time felt faster than it actually was, though it was still a recordbreaking pace, because of the wind and the cold he had to Des Moines Roosevelt’s (from left) Erin Hawkins, Agnes Sayeh fight. and Jalynn Roberts-Lewis compete in the 100-meter dash. The Waukee girls’ shuttle Hawkins won the event. (Sam Taylor/Impact Imagery) hurdle relay team also broke a Relays record while capturing in the 800-meter run and finished fifthh in the a title in the event with their 400-meter hurdles. mark of 63.29. That mark bests the previous After the 3,000, Topham said she was record of 63.65 set by Urbandale last year. The surprised she broke the 10 minutes. team was made up of junior Emma Dees, senior, “That’s the first time I’ve run under 10 Alyssa Cunningham, sophomore Mallory Smith minutes, which is exciting,” Topham said. “I was and the anchor, senior Maddie Rouw. coming down the home straightaway, keeping Also making her mark on the 103rd running an eye on the clock and hoping to break 10 of the event was freshman Rebekah Topham minutes.” of Griswold. Topham took home Relays title Student-athletes seem to step up their flags in the girls’ 3,000-meter run with a time of 9:58.39 and the 1,500-meter run with a games for the Drake Relays and young stars time of 4:40.30. She also finished second to emerge every year, proving the Relays is the top West Des Moines Valley junior Lydia Saggau high school track event in Iowa.
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Volume 14 Issue 2
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Prep Connection Collegiate
A quick look at some of the state’s best performances from the Missouri to the Mississippi
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Ben Larson (Sr., New Hampton): Larson just underwent MCL and ACL surgeries, but is the leader in both the shot put and discus on his team.
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Darius Pearson (Sr., Sioux City West): Darius Pearson placed first in the long-jump (22 feet, 11.5 inches) and second in the boys 100-meter dash (:10.88). His other two medal finishes were on
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came home with four medals from the recent Drake Relays. He
relay teams.
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Austin Gochenaur ( Sr., Ankeny): Austin Gochneaur,
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leads the boys’ soccer team with 10 goals this season. The boys are ranked No. 1 after beginning the season 8-0.
Haley Manning (Jr., Woodward-Granger): Manning was champion of the 400-meter dash in 2011, but was unable to compete in the Drake Relays because of a computer mistake.
Megan Furnish (Sr., Cedar Rapids Jefferson): Megan Furnish used her consistency on the golf course to claim first place at
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the Mississippi Valley Conference Super Meet.
Rebakah Topham (Fr., Griswold): Rebakah Topham, took first place in the girls 1,500 (4:40.30) and the 3,000 (9:58.39) at the Drake Relays, becoming the 30th Iowan to win at two events in a single year.
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Prep Connection
2012 DRAKE RELAYS
Photos Courtesy: Impact Imagery
1-Three of the four girls who set the record setting 4x100 meter relay team, finished First: Erin Hawkins in12.67, Third: Agnes Sayeh in 13.06 and Fourth: Jalynn Roberts-Lewis in 13.12 in the 100 meter dash finals 2-Bishop Heelan prepares to run in the 4x400 meter relay 3-Tyler Donels from Southeast Polk wins the 110 meter hurdles in 14.41 4-The handoff during the Sprint Medley on Friday afternoon 5-James Harrington out of Cedar Falls set a new Drake Relays Record in the 100m dash in a time of 10.61 6-Dowling Catholic girls make the handoff during the 4x200 meter relay 7-The gun goes off for the 100 meter dash finals, won by Erin Hawkins of Des Moines Roosevelt 8-Waukee takes the lead during the 4x800 meter relay on Saturday Morning 9-The High Jump Finals took place on Friday afternoon of the Drake Relays, won with a jump of 6ft and 7inches high 10-Runners turn the corner for the final leg of the 4x200 meter relay
Email photos to isceditor@iowasportsconnection.com to have them published on our Prep Pictures page. Visit us on the web @ www.iowasportsconnection.com
Volume 14 Issue 2
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Prep Connection
Champions Across Iowa
ld Track and Fie ld ie F d n a k c ld Tra Track and Fie
rrington Name: James Halls Fa r da School: Ce Class: 4A
ins Name: Erin Hawk evelt School: DSM Roos Class: 4A helped Des Senior Erin Hawkins win four of its Moines Roosevelt Relays titles, seven 2012 Drake for a team at which set a record ned her a Drake ear d an s, lay Re the g Performer Relays Outstandin chored recordan ins wk Ha . award 4x100 and the in ays rel setting the Riders red cho an e 4x200. Sh int medley spr ing inn in their title-w dash. r ete 0-m 10 and won the lor/Impact (Photo by Sam Tay Imagery)
aight year, For the second str gton was the senior James Harrin s Outstanding male Drake Relay gton set a Performer. Harrin record in the new Drake Relays d anchored 100-meter dash an -breaking 4x100. ord rec s lay Re the first boy to win Harrington was the rmer award rfo Pe g din an tst the Ou 93-94. (Photo 19 in t igh Dw since Tim Imagery) t pac /Im lor by Sam Tay
ls Name: Tyler Done Polk t School: Southeas Class: 4A
ld Track and Fie
ells Name: Shaquille W ale nd ba Ur School: Class: 4A
aquille Urbandale junior Sh ls took the e Relays ak Dr Senior Tyler Done Wells won the eter pionship. am Drake Relays 110-m ch t pu ot sh ys e of 14.41 bo ent with ev the hurdles title in a tim ed im Wells cla finished o als He s. and 5.5 nd t co fee se his heave of 55 p. m Taylor/ Sa by ninth in the high jum oto (Ph s. ylor/Impact inche y) (Photo by Sam Ta er Impact Imag Imagery)
Get your breakfast of Champions at your local
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Volume 14 Issue 2
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Prep Connection Iowa’s Top High School Baseball Prospect Competes with the Best Tim Weideman Editor
Alec Rash was on his way to Marshalltown, Iowa, to pitch for a scout for the New York Yankees. The following night he had an in-home visit scheduled with a representative from the Arizona Diamondbacks. As the top high school baseball prospect in Iowa, the senior, right-handed ace for ADM of Adel is used to busy weekly schedules by now. He normally works out or pitches for scouts at least once every week. Basically, whenever Rash is throwing, somebody representing or with ties to a major league ball club is watching. No pressure. Rash just goes out to the mound and does his thing, throwing a 94 mph fastball and a wicked slider. That’s the kind of talent that got scouts talking about Rash, who not too long ago had been flying under the scouts’ radars. “When I first started getting calls from (scouts) I felt the pressure, but now I just realize that I need t enjoy it and still go out and compete and show them that I can play at that level,” says Rash. Rash works out with and competes against other top prospects who are also trying to reach the next level. Being from Iowa, he knows he’s a big fish in a small pond. But he uses the opportunities he’s given at workouts and showcases to put his abilities on display. Rash even spent last spring playing high school baseball in Alabama to hone his skills in a much more competitive environment. “Usually at those things there are guys who
are supposed to which could persuade him to be pretty good take that route. prospects and I just If he does head to Mizzou, show the scouts Rash will enjoy the benefits everything — I can of playing close enough to take it to (the other home that his family can players), I can strike come watch him play and, with them out, I can make Mizzou heading to the SEC, he’ll outs with them.” compete against some of the Rash also tries top baseball traditions in the to show scouts that country. he’s improved monthA few of those SEC schools to-month, which is recruited Rash but he says he’d another thing they’re rather beat those teams as an always on the lookout opposing pitcher. When Rash for. committed to Mizzou it was still Improving often in the Big 12, but now he could means adding new end up pitching against SEC skills. At one point, schools on a regular basis. Rash decided to Whichever route Rash develop a changeup. takes, he’s got the skills and It only took him the potential to succeed. Rash Alec Rash, Senior, ADM-Adel four weekends of says he remembers being in (Photo courtesy of Perfect Game USA) work before he was Kellen Sweeney’s shadow when showing it off to Rash was a sophomore in high scouts. Rash says school. Sweeney, from Cedar he’s got a good mix of natural ability and a healthy Rapids, Iowa, was drafted in the second round by work ethic that helps him develop his skills. the Toronto Blue Jays in 2010. Sweeney’s now Rash is committed to play baseball next playing for the Lansing Lugnuts, Toronto’s Class season at the University of Missouri, but he’s A affiliate. also keeping his professional options open. Rash “It’s just really exciting to know that I have that has the potential to be an early round draft pick, kind of potential and future,” says Rash.
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Volume 14 Issue 2
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Prep Connection Scoring Leaders - Iowa High School Soccer Compiled by Tony Atzeni Iowa Sports Connection
Soccer is in full swing across the state. These are the top players from each class as of May 13.
Girls Soccer Total Points Leaders (Goals and Assists Combined) Class 3A 1-Katie Moore, Jr., Bettendorf - 28 2-Miranda Holle, So., Bettendorf - 24 3-Emily Clemens, So., Muscatine - 20 3-Taryn Petersen, Sr., Muscatine - 20
Goals Class 3A 1-Tayrn Peterssen, Sr., Muscatine - 18 2-Katherine Woodruff, So., Ames - 15 3-Katie Moore, Jr., Bettendorf - 14 4-Miranda Holle, So., Bettendorf - 13 4-Amber Nieland, Jr., Ankeny - 13
Class 2A 1-Michaela Moore, Sr., Glenwood - 37 2-Caitlin Foley, So., Sioux City East - 33 3-Allie Fillman, Jr., Nodaway Valley/Adair-Casey/ West Central Valley – 32 4-Elle Lacher, Sr., Nodaway Valley/Adair-Casey/ West Central Valley - 31
Class 2A 1-Michaela Moore, Sr., Glenwood - 32 2-Allie Fillman, Jr., Nodaway Valley/Adair-Casey/ West Central Valley - 23 2-Sam Link, Jr., Western Dubuque (Epworth) 23 4-Elle Lacher, Sr., Nodaway Valley/Adair-Casey/ West Central Valley – 20 4-Brooke Jensen, Jr., Lewis Central (Council Bluffs) – 20
Class 1A 1-Kate Letkewicz, So., Columbus Catholic (Waterloo) - 41 2-Alison McKinnie, Jr., Solon - 40 3-Ashlee Sinnott, Jr., Columbus Catholic (Waterloo) - 37 4-Lindsay McManus, So., Columbus Catholic (Waterloo) - 36
Assists Class 3A 1-Katie Moore, Jr., Bettendorf - 14 2-Hannah Cook, Jr., Des Moines East - 11 2-Miranda Holle, So., Bettendorf - 11 4-Katie Dierks, Jr., Cedar Rapids Jefferson - 9 Class 2A 1-Caitlin Foley, So., Sioux City East - 15 2-Ashley Williamson, Sr., Spencer - 13 2-Lauren Hoffman, Jr., A-D-M/Van Meter - 13 4-Gabi Meirick, Jr., Pella - 12 4-Brandi Johnson, Jr., Lewis Central (Council Bluffs) - 12 4-Makenzie Evans, Sr., Glenwood - 12
Class 1A 1-Alison McKinnie, Jr., Solon - 37 2-Allison Cox, Jr., St. Albert (Council Bluffs) - 30 3-Zoe Dutchik, Sr., Iowa City Regina - 27 4-Kaylee Grote, So., Tri-Center (Neola) - 26
Class 1A 1-Kate Letkewicz, So., Columbus Catholic (Waterloo) - 24 2-Anna Seydel, So., Solon - 17 3-Faye Assmann, Jr., St. Albert (C. Bluffs) - 16 4-Lindsay McManus, So., Columbus Catholic (Waterloo) - 14 4-Daniel Moore, Jr., Davenport Assumption - 14
Goals Class 3A 1-Juan Espinal, Sr., Muscatine - 24 2-Preston Kamara, Fr., Muscatine - 23 3-Jesse Rodriguez, Sr., Sioux City North - 20 4-Luke Heindl, Jr., Cedar Falls - 19 4-Ceasar Botello, Sr., Ottumwa - 19
Assists Class 3A 1-Marcus Varnum, Sr., Ankeny - 16 2-Konnor Tranories, Sr., West Des Moines Valley - 15 3-Chandler Conlon, Sr., Waukee - 14 4-Juan Espinal, Sr., Muscatine - 13
Class 2A 1-Hunter Zempel, Sr., Hudson – 39 2-Zubeen Azari, Sr., Spirit Lake - 24 2-Jonah Waldron, Sr., A-D-M (Adel) – 24 4-Colton Fey, Jr., Maquoketa - 20
Class 2A 1-Sam Koenig, Sr., Dubuque Wahlert - 15 2-Pauly Apostolopoulos, So., Pella - 13 2-Hunter Zempel, Sr., Hudson - 13 2-Alex Martinez, So., South Tama - 13 2-Pauly Apostolopoulos, So., Pella - 13
Boys Soccer Total Points Leaders (Goals and Assists Combined) Class 3A 1-Juan Espinal, Sr., Muscatine – 37 2-Preston Kamara, Fr., Muscatine - 32 3-Jesse Rodriguez, Sr., Sioux City North - 27 4-Jose Contreras, Sr., Des Moines East - 24 4-Fernando Pacheco, Jr., Iowa City High - 24 Class 2A 1-Hunter Zempel, Sr., Hudson – 52 2-Zubeen Azari, Sr., Spirit Lake/Okoboji - 29 2-Jonah Waldron, Sr., A-D-M (Adel) – 29 4-Cameron Wright, So., Hudson - 28 Class 1A 1-Adam Noethe, Jr., Beckman (Dyersville) - 39 2-Aaron Schmitz, Jr., Iowa City Regina - 28 3-Angello ParMaw, Sr., Columbus Catholic (Waterloo) - 26 3-Ben Jasper, Sr., Columbus Catholic (Waterloo) - 26
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Class 1A 1-Aaron Schmitz, Jr., Iowa City Regina - 21 2-Kyle Grover, So., Beckman (Dyersville) - 20 2-Angello ParMaw, Sr., Columbus Catholic (Waterloo) - 20 4-Adam Noethe, Jr., Beckman (Dyersville) - 18
Class 1A 1-Adam Noethe, Jr., Beckman (Dyersville) - 21 2-Ben Jasper, Sr., Columbus Catholic (Waterloo) - 11 2-Alex Cruz, So., Columbus (Columbus Junction) - 11 2-Abe Wolfe, Sr., West Central Valley (Stuart) 11 Visit us on the web @ www.iowasportsconnection.com
Prep Connection Referee Duo Fosters Student-Athlete Development Ashton Weis Staff Writer
There are so many pieces of sports that the spectators and athletes forget about. Referees are one such piece. They come to countless games, travel countless hours, watch countless games, and complete countless hours of outside work. At least Terry McMillen and Marlowe Van Ginkel do all of those things and many more. Collectively, they have refereed for basketball, football, and baseball. During the basketball season, they average three or four nights a week on the road. This refereeing duo has been working together on the court for the past 17 years. “We both share that same goal or idea that the game is for the kids and we want it to be played fairly. We enjoy the communication and we’re good friends,” McMillen said. “It’s been a good fit for the two of us.” And they wouldn’t trade it for the world. “I very much enjoy that part of the game and the relationships with coaches and players,” said McMillen, McMillen has been refereeing in Iowa since 1982, but he has always had a hand in sports. And that’s why he’s still around. He referees to stay close to the game he loves and to give all the players a fair shot at winning. Sometimes refrees have to make tough calls, but it’s all part of the job. “You know that you’re not going to please
all of the people all both in the classroom and on the time, certainly,” the field.” McMillan said. “If the Van Ginkel refs for the love of call goes against one the game and for the student team, obviously that athletes. player or that team’s “I definitely want to make coach or the fan sure that the players, both base from that team, boys and girls, know that they’re not always we’re in for them and not for going to agree with ourselves. This is their game, you; but as long as you their learning experience, part do it in a respectful of their educational process. So manner and are therefore, we try to make it fun, consistent throughout, we try to make it enjoyable. We you’re going to make try to make it a good experience it through those for them,” Van Ginkel said. situations, hopefully The dream team has created without too much a four-step philosophy. Step one controversy.” is learning and understanding McMillen knows he the game. Van Ginkel and can’t ref forever, but he McMillen are constantly feels blessed with the studying and rereading the players and coaches rulebooks. Their second step is Referees Terry McMillen and Marlowe Van that he’s worked with, developing trust, not only with Ginkel have refereed basketball, football and of course, his their partner officials, but also in and baseball for 17 years. (Photo courtesy partner. themselves. In conjunction with Marlowe Van Ginkel) Van Ginkel has trust, communication is key to been registered as a having a successful crew. And ref for the last 36 years. And he said that he the final step is knowing the rules of the game. still enjoys seeing “high school student-athletes Van Ginkel and McMillen have honed their succeed and be successful, develop their skills, philosophy and will continue to do so.
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Volume 14 Issue 2
15
Two Thousand and Twelve
MONDAYS TUESDAYS THURSDAYS 5:00pm to 7:00pm
WEDNESDAYS 5:00pm to 7:00pm
e Principal Charity Classic
FRIDAYS
5:00pm to 7:00pm
SATURDAYS 8:00am to 10:00am
Student Athlete
of the Month
High School: Lisbon High School Class: 2012 GPA: 3.55 Sport: Cross Country and Track
Connor Smock
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS/HONORS:
Member of National Honor Society, Honor Roll 6th-12th grades, Hills Bank Elite Scholar, Eagle Scout
ATHLETIC ACHIEVEMENTS AND HONORS:
Cross Country: All-Conference, All-District and Conference Champion 4 years, All-State and Elite All-State 3 years, State Meet Runner-up 2 years, Team Captain 2 years Track: Team Captain 2 years, All-State in the 800m Run, 1600m Run and 3200m Run, 9x individual event qualifier at Drake Relays *2012 State Champion in the 3200m
WHAT WAS THE BEST MOVIE YOU SAW IN THE LAST YEAR?
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 (and yes I wore a costume)
DO YOU HAVE ANY FUN PRE-GAME “RITUALS” THAT PREPARE YOU FOR AN EVENT?
I listen to music and walk around the track or the course in cross country with teammates
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SPORT TO PLAY? WHY?
I like to run Track because you can push yourself to do you personal best and at the same time be part of a team with team goals
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SPORTS MEMORY?
When my teammate Cody Beemer and I finished first and second in the mile at the state track meet my freshman year
WHO INSPIRES YOU? WHY?
My parents because they have always supported me in everything that I do, including taking me to track meets all over in the summers when I was younger
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR AFTER HIGH SCHOOL? Attending Bradley University to Major in Health Science and run Cross Country and Track
WHAT IS YOUR DREAM JOB?
Being a Physical Therapist and working with a college or professional sports team helping athletes recover from injuries
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On The Tee Corner
Principal Charity Classic Players to Watch Ashton Weis Staff Writer; Photos courtesy of PGA Tour Images
As the competitors hit the course, here are a few you should keep an eye on throughout the Principal Charity Classic. Fred Funk
Bob Gilder
Nick Price
Funk has studied golf from every vantage point; he has been both a coach and a player. He began his professional career in 1981, after a year at the University of Maryland. His career is riddled with wins and losses, but to him being a professional golfer has enabled him to help others. Funk will be returning to the Principal Charity Classic this year, after finishing with a score of 218 in 2011. He was also the 23rd highest donor of the tournament. He will also be playing against Bernhard Langer. Funk was a runner-up to Langer at The ACE Group Classic in Naples in 2011.
Defending tournament champion, Bob Gilder, will be returning to West Des Moines this summer to protect his title. He finished the tournament with a score of 199, when he overtook Mark Brooks in the last four holes. This was his second win at the Principal Charity Classic. He turned pro in 1973, but briefly also raced cars professionally from 1985-1992. Other than claiming the Principal Charity Classic title, Gilder holds several other PGA titles, including the Phoenix Open and the Canadian Open. He had three top ten finishes in 2011 on the Champions Tour, of which he entered 21 tournaments.
Nick Price was the second highest donor at last year’s Principal Charity Classic and will be playing again this year. He finished out the tournament with a score of 205. He is also a former champion of the Principal Charity Classic in 2010, with only a four-stroke victory. His win came after falling short the prior two years at Glen Oaks. Price is a native of Zimbabwe and turned pro in 1977. He had also won six times on the PGA tour in 1994 and was named MVP that same year.
Dan Forsman
Brad Bryant
Bernhard Langer
Dan Forsman completed last year’s tournament with a score of 216, which is a total of three over par for all three rounds of the tournament combined. His 2011 stint on the Champions Tour started well, with one top ten finish, but due to left hip pain, he fell to 45th on the final earnings chart. Forsman has been a pro since 1982 and is a native of Wisconsin, but grew up in San Francisco Bay area. He attended Arizona State University. He is an involved family member and took six weeks off in 1995 to coach his son’s little league team.
Bryant finished the last Principal Charity Classic with a score of 203 and tied for sixth place, after four birdies on the last five holes. He returns this year to Glen Oaks in West Des Moines. He has finished in the top 30 money-winners on the Champions Tour for the seventh season in a row as of 2011. Brad Bryant has had four top ten finishes out of the 22 tournaments he entered on the Champions Tour in 2011. Bryant turned pro in 1976 and his younger brother, Bart, followed in his footsteps and is also a Tour member.
This German native had quite the 2011 season. After having thumb surgery, he was able to beat out Fred Funk for first place at The ACE Group Classic and set a tournament record, at 20 strokes under par. Bernhard Langer has only been able to enter 14 tournaments this season because of his surgery, but has placed in the money at each one and has had three top then finishes. Langer did not play in the last Principal Charity Classic, but will make a showing at this year’s tournament in West Des Moines.
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Volume 14 Issue 2
19
On The Tee Top Prize Increases to $25,000 for 2012 Brokers International, Ltd. Iowa Open Susan Thompson ISC Contributor
The 2011 Brokers International, Ltd. Iowa Open was deemed a huge success by players, organizers and spectators. Now the focus is on plans for the 2012 tournament, which will be played Aug. 17-19 at Lake Panorama National for the third year in a row. Tim Ailes of Lewis Center, Ohio, won the 2011 tournament with a score that was 15 strokes under par. Roger McCarty, then the CEO of Brokers International, Ltd., presented Ailes a check for $10,000, an increase of $2,500 over the 2010 first place prize. During the presentation, McCarty announced the top prize for 2012 would be $25,000. That’s in addition to the $25,000 annual contribution the Panora insurance marketing company pledged in a contract with the Iowa Section PGA that brings the tournament to Lake Panorama National at least through 2014. Sadly, McCarty died Nov. 15, 2011. An avid golfer, McCarty’s personal, enthusiastic support of the tournament will be missed. Brokers International, Ltd. officials have pledged to continue to support the tournament at least through its current contract, saying that’s what Roger would have wanted. Troy Christensen, executive director of the Iowa PGA Section, said he expects the 2012
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Volume 14 Issue 2
tournament to be another great event. “Last year was a huge success in that we filled the tournament, plus had a long waiting list of golfers wanting in,” he said. “We are looking forward to that same type of enthusiasm in 2012, and are confident the new guaranteed first-place prize of $25,000 will get some attention.” Additional payouts are yet to be determined, but are expected to be at least as generous as 2011. Last year, the total purse for professionals competing in both the open and senior divisions totaled more than $60,000. Prize money is dependant on entry fees as well as sponsor funding.
For the second year, the tournament will be open to a limited number of out-of-state players. The first 104 slots will be reserved for Iowa residents or those with Iowa ties. Another 40 slots will be available to out-ofstate professionals. Once those 40 slots are taken, a waiting list will be created. If the slots reserved for Iowans aren’t filled by August 7, players on the wait list will be allowed to register. Before the 2011 tournament was over, local organizers already were turning their attention to the 2012 event. What could be done to attract more top-notch golfers, both professionals and amateurs? What could the volunteers do to improve the experience, both for players and spectators? “It is always a joy administering events where the community comes together to volunteer like they do in Panora,” said Christensen. “Lake Panorama National is a magical place and the volunteers make this tournament so special.” More than 100 volunteers wearing new royal blue shirts, plus caps and visors sporting the Brokers International, Ltd. Iowa Open logo, will assist players and spectators throughout the tournament. John Dinnebier, LPN general manager and director of golf, said the increase in prize money
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On The Tee Corner in 2011 led to the tournament having a full field for the first time since 1998. He expects the guarantee of a $25,000 first place price will entice players to get signed up earlier than ever to make sure they get into the 2012 tournament. “We’re looking forward to hosting the Brokers International, Ltd. Iowa Open at Lake Panorama National for the third year in a row,” Dinnebier said. “This tournament gets better each year, and we enjoy the chance to showcase our great golf course and resort facilities with this annual event.” Many of the special touches from previous years will return in 2012. Housing for players and their families will be offered in private homes in the Lake Panorama and Panora area, at no cost. Players will be introduced each morning on the first tee box, and on the final day, as they arrive on the 18th green. Signs listing all the Iowa Open champions since the tournament began in 1927 will be posted along the cart path leading to the first tee. Merchandise with a Brokers International, Ltd. Iowa Open logo will be available in the LPN pro shop throughout the summer and during the tournament. LeRoy Oxley of Panora is in his third year as tournament director. Oxley said one new feature of the 2011 tournament will return this year. “We will have a dinner just for the players Friday night in the LPN conference center banquet room,” he said. “The players enjoyed that last year, since
it gave them a chance to all get together in one pro-am tournament registration, sponsorship location.” opportunities and volunteer scheduling. Oxley said another new feature of 2011 also Lake Panorama National Golf Resort and will return. “We will again have walking scorers Conference Center is open to the public. It is for all groups who qualify for the final round on owned by the Lake Panorama Association, which Sunday,” he said. “We also hope to expand the represents more than 1,750 property owners on opportunities for spectators to keep track of the largest private lake in Iowa. player scores by having leaderboards available at Brokers International, Ltd. educates and several locations on the golf course the final day.” trains insurance professionals about new Admission to the tournament is free. Oxley products. It specializes in promoting fixed annuity, said he hopes more spectators will attend this life insurance and other products through online year’s event. “This tournament brings Iowa’s top workshops to more than 40,000 insurance professional and amateur golfers together,” he professionals nationwide. said. “And with 40 slots open to professionals from outside of Iowa, it’s clear there will be plenty of exciting golf to watch during the three-day event.” A pro-am tournament will be held Aug. 16. Organizers expect to have the maximum of 34 teams for the 2012 tournament. For information about the pro-am, contact Larry and Mary Hills, 641-755-4016, larmar@netins.net. More information for players, including registration materials, is available on the Iowa PGA Section website – www. iowapga.com. Players can register online. Registration information also can be accessed through the Brokers Lake Panorama National’s #18 green was surrounded by corporate International, Ltd. Iowa Open website – sponsor tents and spectators for the final round of the 2011 www.iowaopen.com. This site includes Brokers International, Ltd. Iowa Open. (Photo by Susan Thompson) forms to download for private housing,
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Volume 14 Issue 2
21
Collegiate Corner AIB students work behind the scenes at NCAA tournament Rodney J. Brown AIB Communications Specialist
When the NCAA Women’s Basketball Division I regional tournament wrapped up at Wells Fargo Arena in March, the Baylor University Bears moved on to the Final Four in Denver, the national title and a perfect season. But they and the other tournament teams left behind profound impressions on the audience, the city – and nine students from AIB College of Business. Audience buzz focused on Baylor’s Brittney Griner, who dunked in two different games in the arena, scoring half the dunk shots ever made by any woman in the tournament’s history. And all eyes were on legendary coach Pat Summitt, as fans witnessed the final games before she retired amdist struggles with early onset dementia from Alzheimer’s disease. The tournament also represented a $2million boost for the local economy, as estimated by the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau. The successful women’s tournament puts Des Moines a step closer in its bid to host a NCAA men’s tournament in the future. But for nine students from AIB’s Sports and Event Management Association (SEMA), the tournament provided an invaluable volunteer opportunity and life experience. “This was a terrific chance to be right in the thick of a large-scale sports tournament,” said Amy Tagliareni of Ankeny, AIB sports information director and SEMA sponsor. “At AIB, we help our students prepare for this kind of thing as much as possible Stephanie Nauss in the classroom, but we know the students need to get out and get some experience in the real world,” she said. “This opportunity was huge,” said Stephanie Nauss of Britt, an associate degree student in Sports and Event
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Volume 14 Issue 2
Management. “We gained experience and got our names out there for any future NCAA events that could be held here in Des Moines. It really reassured me that this is what I want to do in the future.” Associate degree student Nick Winterberg of Des Moines was grateful for the connections he made, including head coaches Summitt and Kim Mulkey. He also chatted with Griner and got a quick photo to mark the occasion. “Being able to meet several people from not only the NCAA, but also the University of Tennessee and Baylor University, and to get my name out there to those highly connected professionals was something that not many people get to do before they enter the sports management profession,” he said. “It was a great experience for me,” said Greg Davis of Newton, who is working on a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at AIB. “My job was to ask questions, record the quotes and then type them up to be distributed to other media. One of the quotes I obtained was used as the ‘quote of the day’ in the Des Moines Register,” Davis said. Tagliareni found herself in both the Baylor and Tennessee locker rooms following Saturday’s victories for both teams. She also was in the Tennessee locker room following Sunday’s loss to Baylor. Her job was to monitor the media as they conducted interviews with the players, ensuring that the strict rules and timelines set forth by the NCAA were followed. “Being there with Baylor and Tennessee after the games was an emotional experience,” said Tagliareni. “Seeing their professionalism in celebration as well as defeat says a lot about the caliber of young women playing collegiate basketball today.” The more experience she gains in sports management settings, the more experience she can bring to the classroom for students, Tagliareni said. “Seeing these students get to work at such a major sporting event was amazing; they are going to have an opportunity to list this on their resumes and that will help open doors after graduation.”
Nick Winterberg with All-American Brittney Griner
SEMA is intended to develop members into successful sports and event management professionals through field experience, volunteering and networking. It also gives members opportunities to develop leadership, teamwork and organizing skills through fundraising and community service projects. AIB offers a Sports and Event Management curriculum that lays a foundation in sales, marketing and customer service and builds upon that with industry-specific knowledge. “An AIB Sports and Event Management degree will prepare students through classroom and real world experiences,” said Carlos Acebey of Urbandale, AIB’s director of marketing and an adjunct instructor of sports and event management courses at AIB. “Degree candidates will develop the requisite knowledge and skills related to professional and amateur sport, event management and programming, intercollegiate athletics, facilities, hotels, resorts, travel and tourism. The dynamic industry of sports and event management is highly competitive, Aceby said. “But it provides individuals with a rewarding career; one that will resonate with our graduates as they embark on their professional lives,” he said.
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Collegiate Corner Where Are They Now? Three Former Iowa Preps Find Success at Next Level Ashton Weis Staff Writer
Houlihan’s best memory is one of running the 1500-meter at the Drake Relays her senior year, when trying to beat Katie Flood’s record. “As I was running, everybody in the stands starting cheering me on. That was pretty cool,” she said. Houlihan doesn’t worry about her records getting beat though, she thinks it will be great to have more fast girls come out of Iowa. Shelby Houlihan, a 2011 Sioux City East High School Graduate, is now making a splash as first-year runner for the Arizona State Sun Devils. Her cross-country season (Photo Courtesy Jeremy Hawkes/ASU Media Relations) ended with a top eight finish at the PAC 12 meet. Although she didn’t reach her goal of finishing top 40 at Nationals, she was one of the fastest freshmen and finished 93. Houlihan says the level of competition in college is more aggressive than her high school meets. She will be competing in this outdoor track season in the 800, 1500 and occasionally the 4x4 relay. This summer, Houlihan is training harder than ever to take a stab at qualifying for the Olympic trials, but to do so she will need to lop at least four seconds off her 1500 running time.
(Photo Courtesy Steve Rodriguez)
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Alex Gochenour is still adjusting to collegiate running. During her indoor season she focused on the heptathlon and will continue to do so in the outdoor season. Her indoor season didn’t go as well as she wanted, but she was ultimately “happy with how it ended up,” she said. The 2011 Logan-Magnolia graduate said that the memory that encompasses high school track for her is winning her first Drake title. “[That’s] burned in my mind as my track memory,” Gochenour said. Although she would love to have (Photo Courtesy Bryan Wayne/LSU Sports Information) competed in this year’s Drake Relays, she and her coach decided that she would take a stab at the Penn Relays so that she can work out the kinks in her event and hopefully can come back to Iowa next year and make a better showing. Gochenour is working to create a career out of running, but is trying not to get ahead of herself. And though she is enjoying Louisiana State University and all of the opportunities she is being offered there, such as training with her idol Lolo Jones, she misses her hometown. “I miss Iowa and I miss all the cheering fans at Drake,” Gochenour said.
After bursting into the stage of collegiate running, Flood, a 2010 graduate of Dowling Catholic High School, is working harder than ever to improve her running. She said that her season has been a string of good points, but laced with a couple of low points that she has learned a lot from. “I’ve learned to be a lot more confident when I compete,” she said. Flood earned the honor of being the PAC-10 Newcomer of the year and contributed to a 16th place finish with the Washington Huskies in her first NCAA Championship meet. Although she competed in several different events in high school, Flood is focusing her efforts on the 1500 meter this season. Flood’s most memorable Drake Relays moment comes from her freshman year, when she won the 3000. ”It just made me love it that much more,” she said. Her second best memory was that of the first place finish of her 4x8 relay her senior year. Although not part of the line-up this season, Flood has discussed the possibility of making a reappearance at the Iowan event. Flood would like to turn running into to a career, but only if she still loves it, she said.
Volume 14 Issue 2
23
Collegiate Corner Never Too Early: Iowa Hawkeyes Football Spring Outlook University of Iowa Athletic Communications
Spring practice for the Iowa Hawkeyes will have a different feel in 2012. In addition to the usual task of replacing a number of starters and key players from the previous season, the Hawkeye coaching staff features a number of changes, including new coordinators in Phil Parker (defense) and Greg Davis (offense). Coach Kirk Ferentz is heading into his 14th season as Iowa’s head coach and will work with new coordinators on each side of the ball for the first time since his initial season at Iowa. Former defensive coordinator Norm Parker retired following the 2011 season, while Ken O’Keefe, Iowa’s offensive coordinator for 13 seasons, joined the staff of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins. Ferentz is a three-time Big Ten Coach of the Year honoree. The Hawkeyes were 80-45 (.640) in the first 10 years of this century (2000-09). That’s the most Iowa wins, ever, in a decade. Since a 2-18 start to the Ferentz era, the Hawkeyes have gone 94-48 (.662). Ferentz is 96-66 in 13 seasons with the Hawkeyes. Iowa is now 14-11-1, all-time, in bowl games. Ferentz’ six bowl victories tie for third most ever among Big Ten coaches. Parker, a member of the Iowa staff for the past 13 seasons, takes over as defensive coordi¬nator after coaching the secondary for 13 seasons. Davis joined the Iowa staff in February and brings over 30 years of college coaching experience to the Iowa program. Davis most recently was the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Texas and has also coached at North Carolina, Tulane, Arkansas, Georgia and Texas A&M. He will also coach the Hawkeye quarterbacks.
In addition to the eligible for 11 consecutive coordinator positions, seasons and has placed in other changes have the Big Ten’s first division taken place on the Iowa 10 of the past 11 seasons. staff. Darrell Wilson, who Iowa has compiled a 6-4 previously coached Iowa bowl record under Ferentz, linebackers, will coach posting the most bowl wins the defensive backs, while and highest bowl winning continuing to work with percentage in the Big Ten special teams. Reese Conference since 2001. Iowa Morgan has moved has competed in six January from the offensive to the bowl games, including two defensive line. Former BCS games. Hawkeye LeVar Woods Iowa’s record a year will step in and coach ago included a 4-4 Big linebackers after serving Ten mark as the league as an administrative competed in two divisions assistant for four seasons. for the first time. A win In addition to Davis, the over Sugar Bowl champion offensive staff will include Michigan and wins over bowlBrian Ferentz as offensive participants Northwestern line coach. Ferentz is a and Pittsburgh highlighted former Hawkeye offensive the home season. A triplelineman who has spent the overtime loss at Iowa State James Vandenberg last four seasons with the and a one-point setback at NFL’s New England Patriots, (Courtesy of Univ. of Iowa Photo Services) Minnesota kept Iowa from most recently serving as another nine-win season. tight ends coach in 2011. Lester Erb and Erik Three Hawkeyes earned first team all-Big Campbell will continue to coach the running backs Ten recognition a year ago, including senior WR and wide receivers, respectively. Marvin McNutt, Jr., who earned the RichterThe Hawkeyes completed the 2011 season Howard Award as the league’s top receiver. Senior with a 7-6 overall record, playing in their 10th bowl DB Shaun Prater and junior offensive tackle Riley games in the last 11 seasons. Iowa has been bowl Reiff were also first team selections.
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Volume 14 Issue 2
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Collegiate Corner Ferentz and his staff will work towards replacing 12 starters from a year ago. The Hawk¬eyes return six starters on offense and five on defense, along with PK Mike Meyer and long snapper Casey Kreiter. Punter Eric Guthrie is one of the 12 departed starters. The returning offensive starters include senior James Ferentz at center, a starter the last two seasons, and senior quarterback James Vandenberg, who passed for over 3,000 yards in 2011 while starting all 13 games. Ferentz was honorable mention all-Big Ten in 2011. The five returning starters on defense are led by junior linebackers James Morris and Chris¬tian Kirksey. The two tied for the team lead in tackles last season with 110, with Kirksey playing in all 13 games and Morris missing one contest due to injury. Senior cornerback Micah Hyde returns as the leader of the secondary after sharing the team lead in intercep¬tions (three) and break-ups (eight) last season. Hyde earned second team all-Big Ten recognition and Morris was honorable mention a year ago. Iowa’s depth chart heading into spring practice includes 17 seniors, 14 juniors, 15 sopho¬mores and 10 redshirt freshmen. Off the field, Hawkeye players continued to be recognized for their efforts in the classroom. Fourteen Hawkeyes earned academic all-Big Ten recognition, while LB Tyler Nielsen, DL Steve Bigach and QB James Vandenberg were named to the Capital One/CoSIDA Academic All-District Six team. In the NCAA’s most recent release on academic success, Iowa football ranked eighth
nationally with a Graduation Success Rate (GSR) of 83 percent. Iowa was one of nine bowl participants to score 80 percent or better on the NCAA’s “real-time” measurement of academic success. Under Kirk Ferentz, 19 Iowa players have been named academic allAmerica 35 times. The Hawkeye offense will start with Vandenberg. He completed 237-of-404 attempts last season for 3,022 yards and 25 touchdowns, with seven interceptions. Ferentz will enter his third season as starting center and anchor to the offensive line. WR Keenan Davis started 12 games last season and was second on the team with 50 receptions for 713 yards and four scores. Junior TE C.J. Fiedorowicz came on during the second half of the season. He started the final five games and James Morris (Courtesy of Univ. of Iowa Photo Services) had 16 catches for 167 yards Hyde will team with safety Tanner Miller as and three touchdowns. veterans of the secondary. The pair each had Hyde, Morris and Kirksey will anchor an Iowa three interceptions a year ago as Hyde started defense that will have plenty of new faces up front. all 13 games (he has 26 consecutive starts) and DL Dominic Alvis started eight games a year ago Miller started the final 11 contests. Miller and before missing the final four due to injury. Steve Hyde ranked fourth and sixth, respectively, in Bigach started five games as both he and Alvis tackles last season. saw action at both end and tackle.
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Volume 14 Issue 2
25
Collegiate Corner Never Too Early: Iowa State Cyclones Spring Football Outlook Iowa State Athletics Communications
the Cyclones drew more than 50,000 fans at Iowa State fans will never forget the 2011 every home game. A school record average of football season. How could they? Last season 53,647 fans attended ended with the Iowa State’s six home school’s second games. Cyclone fans bowl appearance savored Iowa State’s in three years. appearance in the New It included a Era Pinstripe Bowl, thrilling 44-41 played in New York’s triple overtime Yankee Stadium. win over instate The fans gave rival Iowa that was Rhoads his due. Iowa memorable. But State was an underdog under head coach in 11 of its 12 BCS Paul Rhoads, the games last season, Cyclones trumped but defied the critics those achievements to earn a bowl berth by earning the against one of the biggest victory toughest schedules in in school history, the country. a 37-31 Friday While Rhoads is night (Nov. 18), content to let the Iowa double overtime State community enjoy victory over No. 2 the success of last Oklahoma State on season, he has told national television. his team it is time to Something leave it behind. There special is happening is no question that as in Ames. Everybody Iowa State’s players knows it. For look ahead to the 2012 the fi rst time in Jake Knott (Courtesy of Iowa State Athletics) season, they do so school history,
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after making a statement about the Cyclones’ place in the Big 12 Conference. “Starting our fourth season, we are poised to compete against every team in this league,” Rhoads said. “We have had historic victories in our first three years. We beat the No. 2 team in the country (Oklahoma State), we beat Texas for the first time ever (2010) and won at Nebraska for the fi rst time in 32 years (2009). We’ve gone to two bowls.” Rhoads said Iowa State players and fans get it. There sure weren’t any doubters among the throng of more than 52,000 fans who stood on the Jack Trice Stadium natural turf celebrating the monumental win over Oklahoma State. “We want to go into a season where there is no question that every time we tee it up we have an opportunity to win the football game,” Rhoads said. “I think our fan base recognizes that and I know every member in our locker room certainly understands.” The 2012 Cyclone roster includes the best linebacker duo in the country. A.J. Klein was voted the Big 12 codefensive player of the year. Jake Knott also earned firstteam all-Big 12 honors. The pair will anchor the Cyclone defense after combining for 231 tackles last season. On offense, quarterbacks Steele Jantz and Jared Barnett led the Cyclones to big wins last season. Several key performers also return under new offensive coordinator Courtney
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Collegiate Corner staff. The former Northern Iowa quarterback is coaching the Cyclone signal-callers in addition to his coordinator duties. He made major improvements as tight ends and then receivers coach. It is obvious that head coach Paul Rhoads has confi dence in Messingham. “The objective Jeff Woody of Iowa State (Photo Courtesy of Iowa State Athletics) as we go into spring ball 2012 will be developing this offense with a new Messingham. coordinator in place, a new quarterbacks coach There are questions about replacing an and a new wide receivers coach,” All-American in the offensive line and major Rhoads said. “There’s going to be tweaks that contributors in the secondary. are going to take place, as Courtney implements Ultimately, Iowa State seems to be in the his philosophy as well as his personality into the right place at the right time. Spring practice offense. The same goes for coach (Todd) Sturdy begins March 20 and it is time to focus on the as he takes over directing our receivers. future. “The overall philosophy and scheme of the The 2012 Iowa State offense will be under program of the offense will stay the same, such the direction of Courtney Messingham, an as no huddle, varied pace and getting the ball original member of Rhoads’ Cyclone coaching
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in to the hands of our playmakers in as much space as we can,” Rhoads added. “Courtney’s leadership will be a primary factor of this spring practice.”
Two of the best: Knott and Klein on Lott Impact Award watch list Iowa State linebackers Jake Knott and A.J. Klein have been named to the 2012 Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List. The award is presented annually to the college football Defensive IMPACT Player of the Year. IMPACT is an acronym for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community, and Tenacity. An individual’s character and offthe-field excellence are considered along with their play on the field. A total of 42 of the most accomplished student-athletes have been nominated. The only other schools with two players on the list are Wisconsin, Texas, LSU and Florida State. Iowa State returns the best linebacker duo in the nation in Klein, the 2011 Big 12 Conference co-Defensive Player of the Year and Knott, a 2011 first-team All-Big 12 honoree. Klein was second in the Big 12 with 116 tackles last season and was at his best against the best, posting 14 tackles in Iowa State’s win over No. 2 Oklahoma State. Knott was third in the league with 115 stops.
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Collegiate Corner The Red Raiders Reign Again Kelly Hendricks Web Editor
Coming off a tough regular season and a coaching change, the Northwestern Red Raiders’ women’s basketball team made their mark again. They won their third straight NAIA Division II National Championship against College of the Ozarks Mo., 75-62, on March 14. However, this year was more of a challenge than the previous two years. Last year, the Red Raiders were on top for most of the season and were the Great Plains Athletic Conference Champions (GPAC) going into the NAIA Division II National Tournament. This year was different. Starting the season as the No. 1 in the coaches’ poll, the Red Raiders fell out of the top 25 altogether. This didn’t bring their hopes for another championship down. They went on to finish third in the GPAC and received an at-large berth to the national tournament. For the Red Raiders, seed didn’t matter, all that mattered was that they had another chance. “I didn’t feel like there was a lot of pressure compared to the other years when we were expected to win,” said Kendra De Jong, the junior forward from Hospers, Iowa. She described her team’s season this year as a Cinderella story. “We had some ups and downs during the season. We lost some games we should’ve won but we just really grew. We were more relaxed and confident in each other,” said De Jong, who went on to become a First Team All-American pick. Last year, the Red Raiders went to the
Senior guard Kami Kuhlmann (Charter Oak-Ute High School) and junior forward Kendra De Jong (Unity Christian High School) were essential to the Red Raiders’ success this past season. De Jong was named a first team all-American by the NAIA coaches. Kuhlman was named honorable mention.
tournament ranked second with a 35-1 record. This year, they were ranked eighth and had a different mindset. “We kind of took the focusing off winning; it was more on just having fun with each other,” said Kami Kuhlmann, the Red Raiders’ senior guard from Charter Oak, Iowa who was named Most Valuable Player of the tournament and garnered a Second Team All American honor. The Red Raiders went on to beat Briar Cliff in the semi-finals and would be headed to the NAIA championship game again. “When that buzzer sounded I looked at my teammates and they were so excited and I was like, ‘yeah were doing this again, and with a bunch of girls I really love,’” Kuhlmann said. The Ozarks had received an automatic berth
ranking third as the Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference Champions. This year, the Red Raiders would be the underdogs. And, they’d be vying for the championship under a different head coach. Chris Yaw, who had been the assistant coach the previous seven seasons, took over as the head coach. Earl Woudstra, the previous head coach, retired after the 2010-2011 season. The Red Raiders didn’t lose their stride with the coaching adjustment. “It helped that he played a large part the couple years before, it kept getting easier as the year went on. He did a really good job of seeing things, getting our feedback and fixing things,” Kuhlmann said. Yaw seemed to pick up right where Woudstra left off. He was awarded the Phyllis Holmes Coach of the Year award. Yaw was humbled and surprised with this honor. “To be honest, it’s a blessing and a lot of it is the rewards of the place our basketball program has been put in by all the people that have come before me,” he said. After the performances his team put on in the national tournament, the honor was well-deserved. And so was the championship win. “I just knew we were the best given team on a given night. When we play together and are playing defense, we’re the best team on the floor,” De Jong said.
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Minor But Major ’Stomers Searching for a Team Identity Zach James ISC Contributor
A team usually has an identity as a season unfolds. The Iowa Barnstormers are starting to piece together who they are as a team, despite not playing consistent football. “We could be sitting at a better record than we could be at right now,” said Head Coach Mike Hohensee following a dramatic 56-54 win over the Arizona Rattlers on April 14. “We’re figuring some things out right now, but there are a couple games we have blown, no question.” The Barnstormers, who are currently 3-4, had a good start to the season. They started things off by defeating the Spokane Shock, who is always a perennial threat, 69-63 on March 12 on the road. Since then, the Barnstormers have been upand-down throughout the spring. Following two straight losses at home to Utah and Chicago, Iowa went on the road to win another pivotal road matchup against the Pittsburgh Power. However the roller coaster season is making it tough to peg what this team’s identity. Their most recent loss has fans scratching their heads. San Jose stormed into Wells Fargo Arena with little trouble on April 28, going on a 42-0 run from the second quarter to the end making the final score 76-33. The SaberCats defensive line was the main
factor in the game, forcing Barnstormers quarterback J.J. Raterink to be sacked six times with an interception. Raterink is 161-for-249 with 38 touchdowns. When things go well for the Barnstormers, it’s the connection between Raterink and Barnstormers’ lead wide receiver, Jesse Schmidt, a former stand out at Buena Vista University. “I think that’s one of the nicest things,” Raterink said. “Although it may seem like we’re ball hogs, Jesse is one of the most even keel guys I’ve ever played with.” Raterink talks of Schmidt as being one of the most humble teammates he’s ever had. “He didn’t complain last week (at Pittsburgh) of not getting any catches. He was just happy to get the win, and that’s the type of guy he is. I’m blessed to be a teammate of his,” Raternik said. Schmidt had a close call concerning a family
member during a home game. During the severe weather outbreak that affected many Iowans on April 14, Mother Nature decided to give the game an improvised break prior to halftime. As one of the severe storm cells interrupted the Emergency Alert System in the arena, the lights went out and fans were encouraged to evacuate. The wide receiver was worried for his pregnant sister. “I ripped off my shoulder pads, went up into the stands, and told her ‘No, you’re not going anywhere in this weather,’ and on top of that, my daughter and mom were in my apartment, so I was very worried,” Schmidt said. “Family definitely came first in that situation.” Schmidt caught six passes on that crazy evening, and has 22 touchdown receptions and a rushing touchdown on the season. He also leads the team in total points with 140. All members of the Schmidt crew were safe as well as 7,921 fans in the stands that night who braved the elements. It’s been that type of season for the Barnstormers. Their three wins, nonetheless, give the team a sense of hope as the spring transitions into summer. “We have to press forward one day at a time,” Raterink said. “We’re learning about the game each day and also who we are. The main goal is to keep getting better.”
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Health & Fitness Patellar Tendonitis, a Real Pain in the Knee Matthew DeWall, MD Des Moines Orthopaedic Surgeons, P.C.
Anterior knee pain can include a period of rest or pain around the and stretching, combined knee cap is a common with measures to decrease problem that most the inflammation such as a athletes will experience course of anti-inflammatory at some time or medications and ice. A patellar another. There are tendon strap or Chopat strap many causes for pain worn below the patella can in this area, but the provide some support and help two most common are to alleviate symptoms as well. patellar tendonitis and Patello-femoral pain patello-femoral pain syndrome occurs when there syndrome. is significant inflammation and Patellar tendonitis irritation between the knee cap is also known as and its articulation with the “jumper’s knee.� The femur or thigh bone. When patellar tendon is the you bend and straighten your tendon connecting the knee, the knee cap runs up patella to the tibia or and down in a groove on the shin bone. The most end of the femur. Normally Matthew DeWall, MD common area affected the undersurface of the by tendonitis is the knee cap is covered with insertion of this tendon into the patella, and smooth articular cartilage, and it stays well the symptoms are commonly well localized centered in this groove, which is called the to this area. The tendon becomes inflamed, trochlea. and this area can be exquisitely tender, and Patello-femoral pain can be caused by even swollen. Most often this condition many activites, but some are known to put occurs with activities requiring jumping and high levels of stress on this area can be landing, hence the previously mentioned particularly bothersome. These activities nickname. Treatment of this condition include lunges, deep squats, and stairs,
especially going down stairs. The problem can be exacerbated if there is any softening or roughening of the cartilage, known medically as chondromalacia. Furthermore, if the patella does not track centrally within the trochlear grove, the symptoms can worsen. Treatment of patellofemoral pain centers around reducing inflammation, with the use of ice and anti-inflammatory medications. In severe situations injections of steroids into the joint may be beneficial as well, especially in the older population. Once the inflammation is reduced, the key to preventing recurrence is to build strength within the quadriceps muscle, which is the major support for the patella. Often, once strength is relatively increased within the quadriceps, patients can then tolerate many of the activities that previously caused pain.
Dr. DeWall specializes in all aspects of knee surgery, including sports medicine, joint replacement and arthroscopic surgery. To reach Dr. DeWall or to schedule an appointment please call 515-224-5223.
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