Winter Sports 2022

Ross prepares to write final chapter of championship career

By CHRIS JOHNSON cjohnson@messengernews.net

Heading to a wrestling tournament with his oldest son well over a decade ago, Andre Ross and the rest of his family were ready for another long weekend on the mat.

Drevon, the oldest, was beginning his young career, while the middle Ross son, Damarion, was contemplating joining him.

Dreshaun was still too young to compete. Andre’s wife, Fort Dodge Senior High graduate Amy (Echevarria) Ross, and oldest daughter Alaysha were along for an adventure that would soon become a regular family occurrence.

Alexis Ross, who was four years old at the time, was by her dad’s side that weekend, soaking in everything, watching Drevon score a takedown on a double leg and having his hand raised.

After the tournament, Damarion still wasn’t quite sure if he wanted to wrestle yet. Little Alexis, though, spoke up. She was ready.

Andre was hesitant at first. Not quite sure if he wanted his daughter on a wrestling mat, competing against boys.

“I told her you really don’t need to,’’

Boys Basketball...................... 2 Girls Basketball ...................... 4 Boys Wrestling 10 Bowling 14 Girls Wrestling 15 Boys Swimming ................... 16

ST. EDMOND GAELS

Boys Basketball 6 Girls Basketball ...................... 8 Wrestling ............................. 12

AREA SCHOOLS

Algona 34

Bishop Garrigan ................... 36

Clarion-Goldfield/Dows ....... 40 Eagle Grove ......................... 38 East Sac County ................... 49

Greene County 47 Humboldt 28 Manson NW Webster 24 Newell-Fonda 46 Paton-Churdan .................... 46 Pocahontas Area .................. 30 South Central Calhoun......... 32 Southeast Valley .................. 26 Webster City 42 West Bend-Mallard .............. 37

AREA PHOTOS

Algona 34, 35

Bishop Garrigan 36

Clarion-Goldfield/Dows 40, 44

Eagle Grove ................... 38, 44 Humboldt ....................... 28, 50 Manson NW Webster .... 24, 25 Pocahontas Area ............ 30, 31 South Central Calhoun 32, 48 Southeast Valley 26 Webster City 42

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

FORT DODGE’S ALEXIS ROSS hugs her father, Andre Ross, and FDSH girls wrestling coach Jon Koenig after winning a state championship last January. The Dodger senior will now attempt to earn back-to-back titles in the inaugural season of sanctioned girls wrestling in the state of Iowa.

FORT DODGE DODGERS

FORT DODGE BOYS BASKETBALL

HEAD COACH

Dodgers work to find their rhythm

By ERIC PRATT

The first year of Willie Williams’ Fort Dodge boys basketball head coaching tenure was a learning experience.

Not just for the Dodger players, but for Williams himself.

“I’m feeling more comfortable in my role now,” said Williams, a former FDSH athlete who graduated in 2011. “With both the big things and the little things. I have great assistants and a solid (support system). You have to just go through it (in real time), learning from both the good and the bad.

“There are a lot of time-

management issues you work through and work out. Studying film. Preparing for games, practices and everything in between. But it’s also about mentally adjusting — knowing when to focus on something, and when you need to move on or let go.”

That balancing act will continue to make Fort Dodge a work in progress under Williams heading into the 202223 campaign. Leading scorer Javion Jondle returns, but the Dodgers are replacing the rest of their rotation and a large group of eight seniors from a ballclub that posted a 3-19 record.

“Things are going well so far,” Williams said. “We have a lot of unknowns, but the energy is

high and the chemistry is coming along. We have to keep focusing on being a better rebounding and defensive (program) — those are areas where we need to be more consistent night in and night out.

“Our guys have been willing to learn and support each other.”

BACKCOURT

The 6-foot-3 Jondle is back as a three-year regular after averaging 11.4 points and 6.3 rebounds last winter. The Iowa Central Community College football recruit is a versatile player who could end up at any of the five positions on the court.

“Javion has been around and knows what’s needed at the varsity level,” Williams said.

“That’s important. We need him to be a leader for us and really set the tone.

“He wants to leave the program better than when he started.”

Junior Ty Adams has worked his way into the conversation at the shooting guard slot thanks to a big growth spurt.

“Ty has matured a lot and gotten bigger since (2021-22),” Williams said. “We’re going to need him to shoot well and play off the ball. Make open shots and tough shots. He can be a scorer. It’s all about confidence and consistency.”

Damarion Calahan is another junior newcomer among the varsity ranks. He’ll be a wing.

“Par is a tough kid who runs

ROSTER Seniors

Javion Jondle .................. 6-3, G/F Kyron Wilson ..................... 6-1, F Davis Friedrichs ................ 5-9, G Ti’Juan Isom 5-8, G Karson Ludwig 6-3, F Talen Warland 6-3, F Creighton Peed 6-4, F Liam Daisy 6-4, F Juniors

Ty Adams .......................... 6-1, G Damarion Calahan ............ 6-3, G Ryan Daniel 6-4, F Sophomores

Carter Woodruff 5-8, G Cade Westerhoff 6-1, F Drake Warland 5-10, G

SCHEDULE

Dec. 1 — Boone; 2 — at Ames; 6 — DM Lincoln; 9 — Waterloo East; 13 — at DM Hoover; 15 — at Humboldt; 16 — at Marshalltown; 19 — at Spencer.

Jan. 5 — at Sioux City East; 6 — at Mason City; 10 — DM East; 12 — DM North; 17 — at DM Roosevelt; 20 — Ames; 27 — at Waterloo East; 30 — Urbandale; 31 — at DM North.

Feb. 3 — Marshalltown; 7 — Mason City; 10 — Sioux City West; 14 — Des Moines North.

the floor well and can be a scorer,” Williams said. “Like everyone else, it’s all just a matter of adjusting to the speed of the game at this level

what it’s going to take night in and night out.”

and

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

FORT DODGE BOYS BASKETBALL team members are, front row (left to right): Nate Opande, Davis Friedrichs, Damarion Calahan, Tayven Altman, Ryan Daniel, Carter Woodruff and Tytrell Mosley. Middle: Javion Jondle, Ty Adams, Brayden Reimers, Jay Brown, Royce Pederson, Drake Warland and Jackson McQuillen. Back: Kauner Jensen, Hayden Zuspann, Hunter Horn, Kyron Wilson, Taevon Feeley and Nick Daniel. Not pictured: Ti’Juan Isom, Creighton Peed, Karson Ludwig, Cade Westerhoff and Talen Warland.

Willie Williams 2nd year

Waterloo East (Waterloo, IA) Location: Fort Dodge High School

12/13 6:15p @ Hoover (Des Moines, IA) Location: Hoover High School 12/15 6:15p @ Humboldt (Humboldt, IA) Location: Humboldt High School

12/16 7:45p @ Marshalltown (Marshalltown, IA) Location: Marshalltown High School

12/19 6:00p @ Spencer (Spencer, IA) Location: Spencer High School

1/5 7:00p @ Sioux City East (Sioux City, IA) Location: Sioux City East High School

1/6 7:45p @ Mason City (Mason City, IA) Location: Mason City High School

1/10 7:45p Des Moines East (Des Moines, IA) Location: Fort Dodge High School

1/12 7:45p Des Moines North (Des Moines, IA) Location: Fort Dodge High School

1/12 7:45p Hoover (Des Moines, IA) Location: Fort Dodge High School

1/17 7:45p @ Roosevelt (Des Moines, IA) Location: Roosevelt High School

1/20 6:15p Ames (Ames, IA) Location: Fort Dodge High School

1/27 6:15p @ Waterloo East (Waterloo, IA) Location: Waterloo East High School

1/30 6:15p Urbandale (Urbandale, IA) Location: Fort Dodge High School

1/31 7:45p @ Des Moines North (Des Moines, IA) Location: Des Moines North HS

2/3 6:15p Marshalltown (Marshalltown, IA) Location: Fort Dodge High School

2/7 6:15p Mason City (Mason City, IA) Location: Fort Dodge High School

2/14 7:45p Des Moines North (Des Moines, IA) Location: Fort Dodge High School

11/29 7:45p @ Des Moines East (Des Moines, IA) Location: Des Moines East High School

12/1 6:15p Boone (Boone, IA) Location: Fort Dodge High School

12/2 6:15p @ Ames (Ames, IA)

Location: Ames High School

12/6 6:15p Lincoln (Des Moines, IA) Location: Fort Dodge High School

12/9 6:15p Waterloo East (Waterloo, IA) Location: Fort Dodge High School

12/13 6:15p @ Hoover (Des Moines, IA) Location: Hoover High School

12/15 6:15p @ Humboldt (Humboldt, IA) Location: Humboldt High School

12/16 6:15p @ Marshalltown (Marshalltown, IA) Location: Marshalltown High School

12/19 6:00p @ Spencer (Spencer, IA) Location: Spencer High School

1/5 5:30p @ Sioux City East (Sioux City, IA) Location: Sioux City East High School

1/6 6:15p @ Mason City (Mason City, IA) Location: Mason City High School

1/10 6:15p Des Moines East (Des Moines, IA) Location: Fort Dodge High School

1/12 6:00p Hoover (Des Moines, IA) Location: Fort Dodge High School

1/12 6:15p Des Moines North (Des Moines, IA) Location: Fort Dodge High School

1/17 6:15p @ Roosevelt (Des Moines, IA) Location: Roosevelt High School

1/27 6:15p @ Waterloo East (Waterloo, IA) Location: Waterloo East High School

1/30 6:15p Urbandale (Urbandale, IA) Location: Fort Dodge High School

1/31 6:15p @ Des Moines North (Des Moines, IA) Location: Des Moines North HS

2/3 6:15p Marshalltown (Marshalltown, IA) Location: Fort Dodge High School

2/7 6:15p Mason City (Mason City, IA) Location: Fort Dodge High School

11/22 3:00p vs Des Moines Roosevelt Family Bowling Center

11/29 3:00p vs Des Moines Lincoln Bowlerama Lanes

12/5 3:00p vs Triangular Game Day Lanes

12/9 2:00p Family Bowling Center

12/12 3:00p vs Des Moines East Bowlerama Lanes

12/20 3:00p vs Waterloo East Family Bowling Center

1/5 3:00p vs Mason City Family Bowling Center

1/9 3:00p vs Marshalltown Family Bowling Center

1/17 3:00p vs Des Moines North Gameday Lanes

1/28 9:00a vs Independance Team Baker's Tourney Cadillac XBC

1/31 10:00a vs Lincoln Bakers Challenge Bowlerama Lanes

1/31 10:00a vs Lincoln Bakers Challenge Bowlerama Lanes

2/8 10:00a vs IAC Bowling Meet Family Bowling Center

Dodgers optimistic, ready to run

By ERIC PRATT sports@messengernews.net

The Fort Dodge girls have been a backcourt-dominated basketball program for the better part of the last two decades.

The 2022-23 Dodgers expect to flip the script on that narrative.

Head coach Scott Messerly’s squad is bigger, stronger and possibly better this season, as Fort Dodge will attempt to solidify a winning campaign for the first time in nine years during the months to come. The cornerstones of the returning lineup — 5-foot, 11-inch Lainey Maehl and 6-1 Paytene Hiveley — will now be flanked by the arrival of highly-touted freshman LJ Maehl, a versatile 6-foot talent who will see time with the ball, away from it on the wing and even in the post, depending on the circumstances.

“It’s kind of different, being able to utilize and gameplan around this much size,” said Messerly, who is in his fifth season at the helm. “Not just because all three are big, but they’re versatile.

“It’s a great opportunity for us. We’re not a complete team yet by means, but having this kind of rebounding and interior ability gives us some distinct advantages.”

BACKCOURT

Heavy graduation losses have left a relatively blank slate in the Dodgers’ guard slots. All four of the team’s senior regulars last winter — Tory Bennett, Aleaha Pommer, Jalen Adams and Haley Wills — were regulars

here.

Junior Mackenzie McIlrath was one of the main reserves for FDSH a year ago. McIlrath has been an off guard for most of her career, but she is making the transition to running the offense in the early stages of camp.

“Kenzie’s always been more of a scorer,” Messerly said. “She’s a hard worker and a good leader. There will be some growing pains, but the bottom

ROSTER Seniors

Morgan Bodholdt 5-7, G/F

Paytene Hiveley 6-1, C Lainey Maehl .................5-11, F/C Kyrstin Waychoff................. 5-9, F

Juniors

Mackenzie McIlrath .......... 5-10, G Araya Fellers ...................... 5-3, G

Sienna Attig 5-8, F Sophomores

Ashlyn Wills 5-5, G Brooklyn Pommer 5-7, F Meah McCaleb 5-6, G/F Freshmen

LJ Maehl 6-0, G/F Dakota Pommer 5-8, G/F

SCHEDULE

Dec. 1 — Boone; 2 — at Ames; 6 — DM Lincoln; 9 — Waterloo East; 13 — at DM Hoover; 15 — at Humboldt; 16 — at Marshalltown; 19 — at Spencer.

Jan. 5 — at Sioux City East; 6 — at Mason City; 10 — DM East; 12 — DM North; 17 — at DM Roosevelt; 20 — Ames; 27 — at Waterloo East; 30 — Urbandale; 31 — at DM North.

Feb. 3 — Marshalltown; 7 — Mason City.

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

FORT DODGE GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM MEMBERS are, front row (left to right): Dakota Pommer, Ashlyn Wills, Morgan Bodholdt, Araya Fellers, Meah McCaleb and Brooklyn Pommer. Back: Gabi De Araujo, Kenzie McIlrath, Kyrstin Waychoff, Paytene Hiveley, Lainey Maehl and LJ Maehl. Not pictured: Sienna Attig.

Scott Messerly 5th year

Fort Dodge Dodgers Cheerleaders

2022 FDSH Varsity Basketball Cheer

Back Row Left to right: Makinley Nore, Vanessa Marin, JaeCiera Brown, April Naeve, Kira Pearson, Taytum Davidson, and Lillie Nekvinda. Middle Row Left to Right: Tessa Lyon, Dannika Hanson, Gabby Castro, Ava Sortedahl, Daniela Castillo, Dawson Wolfe. Front Row Left to Right: Keirrah Brown, Brooklyn Barlow, Ayva Foote, Kearsyn Hauswirth, Addison Weiss, and Briley Frank

Not Pictured: Kaylee Fraser, Riley Rossow, Ayda Reiter, and Skylar Derrig

ST. EDMOND BOYS BASKETBALL

HEAD COACH Adolph Kochendorfer

30th year

ROSTER Seniors

Jackson Palmer

Aaron Lursen

Young group hits the court for Gaels

By DANA BECKER dbecker@messengernews.net

Now in his 30th year at St. Edmond, Adolph Kochendorfer will see plenty of new faces when he looks out at the court or down the bench this winter.

The Gael boys return just four players with varsity experience to the roster after going 8-14 a year ago.

“We’ve got a good core group to start with,” Kochendorfer said. “I feel like they are going to really play well together and are a pretty unselfish team, which is always good.

“As a whole, though, we have a lot of young kids that are going to get a shot at playing time.

We’re going to need to develop depth so that we don’t have to play our starters as much as we have in the past and we’re going to count on a lot from everybody.”

Senior Jackson Palmer and junior Sam Mericle are back having played in all 22 games last year, while 12th-grader Aaron Lursen saw action in six.

Junior JT Laufersweiler played in 13 games and is coming off an all-district season on the football field, while Mericle and Lursen were members of the state-qualifying cross country team.

“They just have more confidence about them,” Kochendorfer said. “Jackson had a really good baseball

season over the summer and has played a lot of basketball. Sam and Aaron really shined in cross country, and JT had a tremendous football season.

“You can tell they are ready and anxious to go.”

St. Edmond opened the 202122 season winning three of its first four before dropping four of its next five. They closed out the year losing nine of 11 including a 41-38 decision to West Hancock in the postseason opener.

While finishing six games under .500, the Gaels were 7-1 outside of the North Central Conference, which features all teams from either Class 3A or 2A, as St. Edmond plays in 1A. Of those 13 defeats, seven came by 10 points or less.

“We just kind of got tired late in games,” Kochendorfer said. “That is one of the biggest differences in playing teams that much bigger than you in terms of number of kids.

“We were in many of those 13 games that we lost, we just couldn’t finish. Hopefully, being a year older we can get some of those ones.”

Johnny Dickerson, a senior, is on the roster along with junior Thomas Cosgrove. Sophomores Elias Kolacia, Andrew Clavey, Dorian Groff and Ryan Zu are joined by ninth-graders Jakob Koopman, Anthony Valles, Jackson McElroy, Jamison Baker and Grant Galles.

Koopman, who would have been in the rotation, suffered a

................ 6-0, G

................... 6-1, G

Johnny Dickerson 6-2, G

Juniors

Sam Mericle 6-1, F

JT Laufersweiler ................ 6-1, G

Thomas Cosgrove 5-11, G

Sophomores

Elias Kolacia 6-2, G Andrew Clavey ................. 6-1, G Dorian Groff..................... 5-9, G

Ryan Zu 5-10, G

Freshmen

Jakob Koopman 6-0, F Anthony Valles............... 5-10, G Jackson McElroy 5-10, G Jamison Baker 5-10, G Grant Galles 5-10, F

SCHEDULE

Dec. 2 — at Clarion-Goldfield/ Dows; 6 — at Southeast Valley; 8 — South Hamilton; 9 — at Humboldt; 13 — Webster City; 16 at Clear Lake; 20 — Iowa FallsAlden.

Jan. 6 — at Algona; 9 — at Eagle Grove; 12 — at Manson Northwest Webster; 13 — at HamptonDumont/CAL; 17 — ClarionGoldfield/Dows; 20 — Humboldt; 24 — at Webster City; 26 — West Bend-Mallard; 27 — Clear Lake; 31 — at Iowa Falls-Alden.

Feb. 2 — at Pocahontas Area; 3 Algona; 7 — Hampton-Dumont/ CAL.

season-ending injury

in football and will be out.

“He definitely would have been getting a lot of minutes,” Kochendorfer said. “It kind of forced us to change things around that we had planned, but it does open up playing time for

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

ST. EDMOND BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM MEMBERS are, front row (left to right): Grant Galles, Dorian Groff, Anthony Valles, Jamison Baker, Jackson Palmer, Thomas Cosgrove and Ryan Zu. Back: head coach Adolph Kochendorfer, Jack McElroy, Jacob Moore, Jonny Dickerson, Sam Mericle, Elias Kolacia, JT Laufersweiler, Aaron Lursen, manager Landon Saathoff and assistant coach Pat O’Rourke. Not pictured: Jakob Koopman.

7:45 PM Humboldt High School

12/13/22 vs Webster City 7:45 PM St. Edmond Catholic K-12 School St. Edmond Catholic K-12 School

12/16/22 @ Clear Lake 7:45 PM Clear Lake High School Clear Lake High School

12/20/22 vs Iowa Falls-Alden 7:45 PM

1/6/23 @ Algona 7:45 PM

St. Edmond Catholic K-12 School HS Gym

Algona High School Algona High School

1/9/23 @ Eagle Grove 7:45 PM Eagle Grove Elementary School

1/12/23 @ Manson-NW Webster 7:45 PM

Manson Northwest Webster High School

1/13/23 @ Hampton-Dumont-CAL 7:45 PM Hampton-Dumont High School Hampton-Dumont High School Gym

1/17/23 vs Clarion-Goldfield-Dows 7:45 PM

1/20/23 vs Humboldt 7:45 PM

St. Edmond Catholic K-12 School HS Gym

St. Edmond Catholic K-12 School HS Gym

1/24/23 @ Webster City 7:45 PM Webster City High School

1/26/23 vs West Bend-Mallard 7:45 PM

1/27/23 vs Clear Lake 7:45 PM

St. Edmond Catholic K-12 School HS Gym

St. Edmond Catholic K-12 School HS Gym

1/31/23 @ Iowa Falls-Alden 7:45 PM Iowa Falls-Alden High School Iowa Falls-Alden HS Gym

2/2/23 @ Pocahontas Area 7:30 PM Pocahontas Area High School Gym

2/3/23 vs Algona 7:45 PM Youth Night St. Edmond Catholic K-12 School HS Gym 2/7/23 vs Hampton-Dumont-CAL 7:45 PM Senior Night St. Edmond Catholic K-12 School HS Gym

12/2/22

@ Clarion-Goldfield-Dows 6:15 PM

Clarion-Goldfield-Dows High School

12/6/22 @ Southeast Valley 6:00 PM Southeast Valley High School 12/8/22 vs South Hamilton 6:15 PM St. Edmond Catholic K-12 School HS Gym 12/9/22 @ Humboldt 6:15 PM Humboldt High School

12/13/22 vs Webster City 6:15 PM St. Edmond Catholic K-12 School HS Gym 12/16/22 @ Clear Lake 6:15 PM Clear Lake High School Clear Lake High School 12/20/22 vs Iowa Falls-Alden 6:15 PM St. Edmond Catholic K-12 School HS Gym 1/6/23 @ Algona 6:15 PM Algona High School Algona High School 1/9/23 @Eagle Grove 6:15 PM Eagle Grove Elementary School

1/12/23 @ Manson-NW Webster 6:15 PM Manson Northwest Webster High School 1/13/23 @ Hampton-Dumont-CAL 6:15 PM Hampton-Dumont High School Hampton-Dumont High School Gym 1/17/23 vs Clarin-Goldfield-Dows 6:15 PM St. Edmond Catholic K-12 School HS Gym 1/20/23 vs Humboldt 6:15 PM St. Edmond Catholic K-12 School HS Gym 1/24/23 @ Webster City 6:15 PM Webster City High School 1/26/23 vs West Bend-Mallard 6:15 PM St. Edmond Catholic K-12 School HS Gym 1/27/23 vs Clear Lake 6:15 PM St. Edmond Catholic K-12 School HS Gym 1/31/23 @ Iowa Falls-Alden 6:15 PM Iowa Falls-Alden High School Iowa Falls-Alden HS Gym 2/2/23 @ Pocahontas Area 6:00 PM Pocahontas Area High School Gym 2/3/23 vs Algona 6:15 PM Youth Night St. Edmond Catholic K-12 School HS Gym 2/7/23 vs Hampton-Dumont-CAL 6:15 PM Senior Night St. Edmond Catholic K-12 School HS Gym

Gaels working toward success

By DANA BECKER sports@messengernews.net

As he begins his third season leading the St. Edmond girls, CJ Tracy can see the improvements.

While they might not be as noticeable to those on the outside, Tracy has watched closely through preseason and the early stages of the year as his 15-player roster works towards a successful 2022-23 campaign.

The Gaels have won just four games total the past two years, but with eight upperclassmen and 10 players back with varsity experience, Tracy is feeling good about the current status of his program.

“Our numbers are down a little bit this year, but the ones who are out come to practice with a great attitude and are working hard,” Tracy said. “We have some competitors that are going to fight hard from start to finish and that’s one thing I really like about these girls.

“We have tremendous leaders, especially from our seniors. We’ve got some young kids that are hungry for success and we have a group that makes it fun to coach.”

Klara Baker, Katie Flaherty and Anna Kolacia are returning seniors for the Gaels, with Silvia

Heldorfer, Kaili Henning, Abby Lawler, Michaela Leiting and Maya Neverman comprising the junior class.

Sophomores Payton Bradley, Lauren Gibb, Josie Harvey and Braelynn Rees are joined by ninth-graders Anna Lursen,

Maggie Flaherty, Ava Andrew and Ava Underberg.

Many of those names have been key figures in successful seasons on the softball diamond, the volleyball court and the cross country course in recent months.

“We are going to mix

everything up,” Tracy said. “We have a group that likes to play man-to-man, that likes to play zone. We have a group that can get up and down the court and

HEAD COACH CJ Tracy 3rd year

ROSTER

Seniors

Klara Baker 5-4, G

Katie Flaherty 5-9, F Anna Kolacia 5-6, G

Juniors

Silvia Heldorfer ............... 5-8, G Kaili Henning 5-4, G Abby Lawler..................... 5-9, F Michaela Leiting 5-5, G Maya Neverman 5-8, F

Sophomores

Payton Bradley 5-5, G Lauren Gibb................... 5-10, F

Josie Harvey 5-7, G/F Braelynn Rees ................ 5-6, G

Freshmen

Anna Lursen 5-5, G Maggie Flaherty 5-7, F Ava Andrew 5-7, F Ava Underberg .............. 5-10, F

SCHEDULE

Dec. 2 — at Clarion-Goldfield; 6 — at SE Valley; 8 — South Hamilton; 9 — at Humboldt; 13 Webster City; 16 — at Clear Lake; 20 — Iowa Falls-Alden.

Jan. 6 — at Algona; 9 — at Eagle Grove; 12 — at Manson NW; 13 — at Hampton-Dumont/ CAL; 17 — Clarion-Goldfield/ Dows; 20 — Humboldt; 24 — at Webster City; 26 — West BendMallard; 27 — Clear Lake; 31 — at Iowa Falls-Alden.

Feb. 2 — at Pocahontas Area; 3 — Algona; 7 — HamptonDumont/CAL.

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

ST. EDMOND GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM MEMBERS are, front row (left to right): Braelynn Rees, Michaela Leiting, Kaili Henning, Silvia Heldorfer, Payton Bradley, Anna Lursen and Josie Harvey. Back: Ava Andrew, Ava Underberg, Maya Neverman, Anna Kolacia, Katie Flaherty, Klara Baker, Lauren Gibb and Maggie Flaherty.

FORT DODGE BOYS WRESTLING

Dodgers hope history repeats

By CHRIS JOHNSON cjohnson@messengernews.net

Bobby Thompson has a familiar feeling about this year’s Fort Dodge wrestling team.

It takes him back to 2015, when the Dodgers started their string of six straight Top-3 state finishes.

“This team is a lot like that one,” said Thompson, who enters his 18th season as the program’s head head coach. “We had to lean on a group of underclassmen to lead.

“We were ranked eighth in the state and weren’t expected to do a lot. And then we got third.”

From that season through 2020, the Dodgers had three bronze efforts as a squad, two state runner-up showings and the championship in 2018.

The group in 2015 was headlined by underclassmen, led by freshman state champion Brody Teske and junior goldmedalist Sam Cook. Sophomore Triston Lara was also a finalist.

“All seven qualifiers (in 2015) medaled,’’ Thompson said. “It was fun to be a part of that, and we didn’t lose many matches. Erik Birnbaum was our only senior, mixed with three juniors, a sophomore and two freshmen.

“This group has only three seniors in the lineup and a lot of talented younger guys.”

Last year, the Dodgers extended their streak to eight straight seasons of five medalists or more.

“This is a great group. I don’t want to put a lot on them so early, but we could potentially exceed expectations,’’ Thompson said. “We only have a few kids that don’t have experience, and really good kids that are putting in a lot of hard work.”

HEAD COACH

Bobby Thompson

18th year

ROSTER Seniors

Max Bishop, Collin Munter, Keaton Nichols, Davion Lockman.

Juniors

Dru Ayala, Kane Butrick, Landon Rogers, Bo Cowell, Damarion Ross, Karsen Smith, Cal Hartman, Zeke Pineda, Raily Samayoa, Angel Sandoval.

Sophomores

Koy Davidson, John Phann, Mason Liska, Layden Conrad, Hunter Richardson, Aiden Behrends.

Freshmen

MEMBERS are, front row (left to right): Tate Anderson, Hunter Kasperbauer, Sam Davidson, Dru Ayala, Kane Butrick, Riley Brown and Landon Rogers.

FORT DODGE

Middle: Angel Sandoval, John Phan, Aiden Behrends, Caiden Fraher, Jesse Egli, Hunter Richardson, Bo Cowell, Railey Samayoa and Domanick Norris. Back: Cal Hartman, Luke Fierke, Davion Lockman, Dreshaun Ross, Damarion Ross, Keaton Nichols, Collin Munter and Karsen Smith. Not pictured: Zeke Pineda, Layden Conrad, Carlos Elias and Mason Liska.

Headlining this year’s rotation is returning silver medalists Dru Ayala, a junior, and sophomore Koy Davidson.

Senior Max Bishop was fourth in February of 2022, and junior Damarion Ross made his second state trip, earning his first medal with a seventh-place showing.

Senior Keaton Nichols was a state qualifier. The graduated Ben Egli was the fifth wrestler on the podium, earning bronze.

“We are asking the returning qualifiers (as well as junior Cal Hartman) to step in as underclassmen and be leaders,” Thompson said. “We are going to need those guys to lead this program.”

Joining the Dodger will be the final Ross sibling. Dreshaun Ross enters his first high school season with a slew of youth AAU

titles and national exposure.

Ross’ older siblings — Drevon (three-time medalist), Damarion and sister Alexis (state champion) — have been a big part of the FDSH program through the years.

LOWER WEIGHTS

Freshman Sam Davidson, the younger brother of Koy, will toe the varsity waters at 106 pounds.

“Sam is solid...he’s been around the wrestling ranks,’’ Thompson said. “He will be a great addition as an underclassman.”

Also in the mix at 106 is freshman Hunter Kasperbauer.

Ayala will jump up to 113 pounds a year after finishing as the Class 3A 106-pound state runner-up.

The two-time medalist has compiled a record of 73-9 and is already hungry to return to the championship round.

“Dru has a great attitude and is eager to get back going,’’ Thompson said. “He lost in the finals and lost at Fargo, but should have won both.

“He’s come to practice in the right mindset and has been a leader in the room.”

Freshman Tate Anderson will also be at 113 pounds.

Bishop is looking to close his career as a four-time state qualifier. Bishop, who climbed all the way to fourth a year ago after placing eighth as a sophomore, is looking for more in his final march.

“Max proved last year that he could go with anybody,’’ Thompson said. “He was right

Sam Davidson, Hunter Kasperbauer, Tate Anderson, Landon Rogers, Riley Brown, Caiden Fraher, Jesse Egli, Dreshaun Ross, Luke Fierke, Domanick Norris.

SCHEDULE

Dec. 1 — at Southeast Polk; 2-3 — at Donnybrook in Coralville; 8 — Des Moines East/Urbandale; 9-10 at Council Bluffs; 15 — at Des Moines Lincoln/DM Roosevelt; 17 Don Miller Invitational; 22 — Des Moines Hoover/DM North.

Jan. 5 — Ankeny Centennial/ Waterloo East; 7 — at Mendenhall (Ames); 12 — at Ames; 14 — Cedar Rapids Jefferson; 19 — at Urbandale; 24 — Mason City; 28 — Conference at Des Moines.

there and he gained a lot of confidence.”

Junior Landon Rogers is also at 120 pounds.

Junior Kane Butrick, who won 19 matches as a sophomore, is at 126 pounds.

“Kane has had to fight through a lot of adversity and sickness,’’

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

WRESTLING TEAM

Energy filling Gael wrestling room

By DANA BECKER dbecker@messengernews.net

Eugene Carlson has a lot of excitement in his voice when asked about the upcoming 2022-23 season for his St. Edmond wrestling team.

While the overall numbers are still nowhere near where Carlson would like, he sees the right kind of energy in the room each day from all 12 of his wrestlers.

The roster features four seniors, a junior, four sophomores and three freshmen. And for the most part, they are both spread out enough and close enough to fill nearly a complete lineup, while also providing great practice sessions with one another.

“It’s been going very well,” said Carlson, who begins his fifth season as head coach with several more spent as an assistant within the program. “Our team comradery is as good as it has ever been. Everybody is really all about making each other better and making the program better.

“It’s a great group and I’m excited to see what they can do on the mats this year and beyond.”

Carlson is hoping that some fresh faces will help light the spark that ignites the program.

However, he knows that it is going to take more than just that — and isn’t something that can happen overnight.

“I think with smaller schools like St. Edmond, and smaller wrestling programs, we have to have sports feed off of each other,” he said. “We talked about this with all the coaches and to be honest, what we really need at

St. Edmond is a strength separate program. Having people doing this and other people doing that, it doesn’t always work, because everybody isn’t on the same page.

“We need, as a school and an athletic community, to come together and get on one path as one unit. That will develop the fall sports into being more

competitive and move right into the winter sports to the spring to and summer.

“I think if we can start there, we will see numbers in all sports go back up. And when you have numbers within a program, you have a more competitive

See SE MAT, Page 21

HEAD COACH Eugene Carlson

5th year

ROSTER Seniors

Ronnie Orres 126

Carter Rial 132

Emiliano Guillen ........................ 145

Yoon Sang Kim ......................... 160 Junior Zach Rossmanith 170 Sophomores

Sam Myer 138 Quintin Jaeschke 182 Adam Walker 195 Kade Schlegel 220 Freshmen Thomas Knobbe .................. 113 Kinnick Henning .................. 120 Max Webster 285

SCHEDULE

Dec. 1 — Algona, Webster City; 3 — at Doug Wood Invitational; 8 — at Clarion-Goldfield/Dows, Humboldt; 10 — at Emmetsburg Invitationa; 13 — at WoodwardGranger, North Polk; 17 — at TigerKnight Invitational.

Jan. 5 — Iowa Falls-Alden; 7 — host St. Edmond Duals; 12 — at Clear Lake, Hampton-Dumont/ CAL; 14 — at AGWSR Tournament; 21 — at North Central Conference Tournament in Hampton; 28 — at South Central Calhoun Duals.

Feb. 11 — Class 1A districts.

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

ST. EDMOND WRESTLING TEAM MEMBERS are, front row (left to right): Thomas Knobbe, Kinnick Henning, Ronnie Orres, Emiliano Guillen and Sam Myer. Back: Yoon Sang Kim, Quintin Jaeschke, Carter Rial, Max Webster, Adam Walker, Zach Rossmanith and Lilly Russell (manager).

DODGE BOWLING

D odgers look to carry on the tradition

By CHRIS JOHNSON cjohnson@messengernews.net

With a core group of varsity players back for both the Fort Dodge boys and girls bowling teams, head coach Nick Vinson is hoping the Dodgers can carry on a tradition the program strengthens almost annually.

The FDSH girls will look to continue their streak of four straight team state appearances, while the boys are attempting to return after a one-year hiatus.

On the boys side, Fort Dodge will lean on senior veterans Carson Werning, Riley Travis and Nathan Beekman. Sophomore Trenton Beck saw some varsity action a year ago as well.

“This is Carson’s fourth year at the varsity level,’’ Vinson said. “Carson just goes out there and takes care of business. He has four years of experience and has a year of state under his belt. With the format of the meets and the state tournament, we are going to lean on him.

“Riley and Nathan will be ready, along with some newcomers.”

Werning finished 12th at the state meet in 2021. Jace Ulrich, a state qualifier last year, is now playing baseball at Iowa Central.

Vinson will look toward seniors Zach Reeck, Landon Meyer and juniors Dylan Crawford and Evan Hage to help fill the lineup, as well as a few fresh faces.

Last year the Dodger boys finished 8-1 in duals. Beekman returns with the highest series average at 387. Travis carried a 375 series average and Werning was at 364.

HEAD COACH

Nick Vinson

5th year

BOYS ROSTER

Seniors — Nathan Beekman, Tyler Finley, Shiloh Halbur, Jacob Marxen, Landon Meyer, James Orres, Zach Reeck, Riley Travis, Carson Werning, JR Stubbs.

Juniors — Dylan Crawford, Evan Hage, Derrick Read.

Sophomores — Tate Balkenende, Trenton Beck, Jabek Dunbar, Trice Jakeman, Josh Jass, Carlos Pineda, Noah Winninger.

Freshmen — Tempest Armstrong, Slade Babb, Zaydin Brinkman, Leland Sassman, Blake Seeman, Josh Shields, Trey Thomas, Kody Van Valkenbun, Brandon Ward.

GIRLS ROSTER

Seniors — Katherine Berry, AJ Feathers, Hailey Folsom, Aryssa Lumsden.

Juniors — Sol Birkey, Gabby Flores, Gabby Santana-Bass, Baylee Wilson, Carlie Wood.

Sophomores — Samantha Anderson, Paige Lewis, Michaela Napier, Danika Russell.

Freshmen — Kaitlyn Folsom, Calli Graves, Amyra Lumsden.

SCHEDULE

Nov. 22 — Des Moines Roosevelt; 29 — at Des Moines Lincoln.

Dec. 5 — at Des Moines North (Urbandale); 9 — Emmetsburg, Gilbert, OABCIG; 12 — at Des Moines East; 20 — Waterloo East.

Jan. 5 — Mason City; 9 — Marshalltown; 17 — at Des Moines North; 27 — at Waterloo tournament; 31 — at Des Moines tournament.

Feb. 8 — IAC North Bowling tournament.

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

FORT DODGE BOYS VARSITY BOWLING TEAM MEMBERS are, front row (left to right): Riley Travis, Trenton Beck, JR Stubbs and Dylan Crawford. Back: Nathan Beekman, Carson Werning, Zach Reeck and Evan Hage. Not picutred: Leland Sassman.

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

FORT DODGE GIRLS VARSITY BOWLING TEAM MEMBERS are, front row (left to right): AJ Feathers, Aryssa Lumsden and Callie Graves. Back: Carlie Wood, Amyra Lumsden, Hailey Folsom, Gabby Flores and Baylee Wilson.

D odger girls ready to take their turn

By CHRIS JOHNSON cjohnson@messengernews.net

Jon Koenig knows this is just the beginning.

The numbers have been going up. The interest is growing and the participation is growing by the day.

Girls wrestling in the state of Iowa is the hot-bed sport and with the approval from the IGHSAU, the numbers are continuing to rise.

Wrestling in Fort Dodge has a strong history, and in the first season for the Dodger girls, their own story has begun.

When the season first got under way, Koenig didn’t know what to expect.

“It was really a big shocker the first night,’’ said Koenig, who was a state finalist in high school. “A lot of excitement. So those first two weeks, we pushed as much as we could.

“We started with teaching the fundamentals and working on that, then going from there.”

As the 2022-23 season progresses, Koening is simply looking for improvement each time out.

“After every practice, we talk about just getting better as you go,’’ Koenig said. “The girls have set some really high goals.

“I’m excited to see them chase it.”

The Dodgers won’t enter the season with all new faces, as senior Alexis Ross — a defending state individual champion — spearheads the group. Ross, who started her prep career with a bronze and silver medal, added gold to her repertoire in the final IWCOA state championship.

Ross is one of the top poundfor-pound competitors in the

are, front row (left to right): Mariaha Benedict, Gracie Harvey, Emalie Perez, Isabelle Feldhaus, Andee Barwin, Jade Flatgard and Macy Brown. Back: Alejandra Manzanilla, Lucy Porter, Kate Feltz, Alexis Ross, Delaney O’Connor, Hailey Vogel and Maddie Pulis. Not pictured: Adriana Manzanilla and Addison Weiss (managers).

state, having compiled a 55-3 career record for the Dodgers.

On her way to the state championship a year ago, she hurt her knee in the semifinals and had to find a brace to finish out. She fought through the pain and claimed the school’s firstever girls state championship.

“Alexis is definitely pushing and fighting with all she’s got,’’ Koenig said. “This is her last go-round; she’s taking her ability and going down that tunnel that gets narrower and narrower, until she gets on top of the podium.

“She’s been in the finals and knows what that feels like. She’s driven and focused.”

Ross has also been a big help in bringing the newer girls along.

“She’s been great over the past couple of weeks,’’ Koenig

said. “She has been teaching technique and bouncing back and forth, helping the other girls out. She’s been like an assistant coach for me.

“Once the boys started, she was able to wrestle with them and get the training she needs.”

Fort Dodge will have wrestlers from Webster City and St. Edmond.

Heading into the first season, there are 12 athletes on the roster, including multi-sport competitors. State softball champions Lucy Porter and Macy Brown are on the mat.

“Lucy and Macy have been great,” Koenig said. “They know the routines of lifting and being part of a team. Knowing the way that Andi (Adams, FDSH softball coach) practices, they have a lot of grit, which is what you want

when you are trying a new sport.”

Fort Dodge state swimming qualifier Hailey Vogel, along with fellow swimmers Maddie Pulis (Webster City), Gracie Harvey and St. Edmond’s Delaney O’Connor, are also giving the sport a go.

Alejandra Manzanilla, Jade Flatgard, Izzy Feldhaus, Kate Feltz and Emailie Perez will be in action as well. Webster City students are Pulis, Feltz, Feldhaus and Perez.

“We have a handful of girls from the swim team like Gracie, Delaney, Hailey and Maddie,’’ Koenig said. “Andee Barwin (of St. Edmond) wrestled at state last year. Now she has the team aspect as well and can go out and get better.

“Mariaha Benedict is a freshman, but I had her in

HEAD COACH

Jon Koenig 1st year

ROSTER

Alexis Ross sr.

Andee Barwin jr. Maddie Pulis jr. Macy Brown jr. Emalie Perez ............................ so. Hailey Vogel ............................. so. Delaney O’Connor................... so. Jade Flatgard so. Izzy Feldhaus so. Lucy Porter so. Kate Feltz fr.

Alejandra Manzanilla fr. Gracie Harvey fr. Mariaha Benedict fr.

SCHEDULE

Dec. 1-2 — at Iowa City (Donnybrook); 6 — at Waverly-Shell Rock; 9 — Des Moines schools; 17 Fort Dodge Invitational.

Jan. 5 — Waterloo East; 7 — at Ames; 14 — at Waukee Northwest; 19 — at Des Moines East (conference meet); 24 — Mason City; 28 — districts.

middle school and she is super excited.”

The newest change to the season will be a regional qualifying round. There will be four regions around the state to qualify for the state meet.

Eight wrestlers from each region will advance to state in Coralville.

“There are a lot of ‘ifs’ this season,’’ Koenig said. “There is a plan, but we will have to see how everything works out. It’s a brand new sport, so the main thing is to get as many matches as we can and prepare for the postseason.”

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

FORT DODGE GIRLS WRESTLING TEAM MEMBERS

DODGE BOYS SWIMMING

D odgers focus on finding balance, depth

By ERIC PRATT sports@messengernews.net

The Fort Dodge boys swim program knows it has an exceptional talent on its hands in sophomore Dylan Alt.

Dodger head coach Ashley Beaumont would love to see Alt’s teammates follow his lead — maybe not necessarily in terms of accomplishments, but by shadowing his work ethic and commitment level to the sport.

“Dylan really sets the tone, and I do think it’s starting to have a positive impact on the others,” said Beaumont, who is in her fifth season at the helm on the boys’ side. “I don’t expect (the rest of the squad) to achieve at his level, but he’s an example of what can happen if you put in the time and the miles.”

Alt joined the program last winter as a freshman student from Algona High School. Beaumont acknowledged it wasn’t the easiest transition at first.

“Given both his age and skill set, it kind of naturally made him an outsider,” Beaumont said. “He had to make the 50-minute trip down (to Fort Dodge from Algona), and it was almost like we were running two different practices.

“I think he’s more comfortable around the team now, and they feel the same way about him. I see him joking around more and developing friendships (with the other Dodgers). They’ve looked up to him and respected him from day one, but I think the (personal) bond is forming more and he’s leading more by example than ever before. We love having him here.”

Four seniors are back to

provide leadership for Fort Dodge this winter: St. Edmond student Kevin O’Connor, along with Alexander Hansen, Michael Miller and Logan Eddington. The Dodgers aren’t where Beaumont would like them to be — in terms of both quantity or quality top to bottom — but the veteran coach isn’t discouraged by the early-season development.

“It’s a great group once you get them all together,” Beaumont said. “Would I like to see more of a (collective) offseason (effort)? Of course. But they encourage each other and are fun to be around. It’s a good mix of guys we’ve had and some newcomers.”

Alt, Evan Cooper, Carter Jorgensen and Brady Major are the sophomores. A freshman crop of six swimmers is also vying for varsity time in the pool.

Alt was a state qualifier in both the 200 and 500 freestyle a year ago. Despite being seeded 21st and 22nd, respectively, and looking like a long shot to advance out of the preliminary round — the Top-16 moved on to the finals — Alt dropped his times and nearly made the cut, placing 19th in the 200 and 17th in the 500.

“It gave Dylan an idea of where he was and where he needed to be,” Beaumont said. “He’s grown up a lot and has

high expectations for himself. He’s gone to clinics around the country, and he just got back from the USA Triathlon camp in Arizona. He’s always training, but not just in the pool. He’s becoming a more wellrounded athlete from running to biking to swimming. I think it’s great, because sometimes, you can drive yourself crazy just staring at the black line (in the pool).”

O’Connor is now a four-year varsity regular. He placed 10th in the 200 individual medley at districts last winter, and joined with Alt and Cooper as part of the sixth-place 200 freestyle relay quartet.

“Our seniors are all doing a

HEAD COACH

Ashley Beaumont 5th year

ROSTER

Logan Eddington sr.

Alexander Hansen..................... sr. Michael Miller sr. Kevin O’Connor sr. Dylan Alt .................................. so. Evan Cooper so. Carter Jorgensen so. Brady Major ............................. so. Samuel Brockbank fr. Owen Gruver fr. Logan Moenck ........................... fr. Evan Potter ................................ fr. Aiden Seagren fr. Dane Wooldridge fr.

SCHEDULE

Dec. 1 — Des Moines Lincoln; 3 — at Boone Invitational; 8 — Des Moines Roosevelt; 15 — at Marshalltown.

Jan. 5 — at Mason City; 12 — Ames; 14 — FDSH Rusty Garst Invitational; 21 — Iowa Alliance Conference meet in the Dodger Pool.

terrific job,” Beaumont said. “I’m excited about the young kids and their potential, too. I look at someone like (Manson Northwest Webster ninthgrader) Dane (Wooldridge, the younger brother of Dodger girls state competitor Reagan Wooldridge). Dane really wants to push himself, and he’s struggling a little right now. But that’s a good thing. You want to care enough to have to fight through that (early-season) adversity.”

Beaumont will again be assisted by Ethan Martin this winter.

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

FORT DODGE BOYS SWIM RETURNING TEAM MEMBERS are, front row (left to right): Kevin O’Connor, Brady Major, Evan Cooper and Alexander Hansen. Back: Dylan Alt, Michael Miller, Carter Jorgensen and Logan Eddington.

FORT DODGE BOYS BASKETBALL

ST. EDMOND BOYS BASKETBALL

SE BOYS

Sophomores Carter Woodruff (point guard) and Cade Westerhoff (off guard) were the freshman squad’s leading scorers last winter.

“There’s a learning curve with both of them, but they have a lot of potential,” Williams said. “For (underclassmen), it’s all in finding out if they can handle the pressure and the physical and mental grind of varsity ball once the season gets rolling.”

Seniors Ti’Juan Isom and Davis Friedrichs are also expected to push for time, as well as Drake Warland, a sophomore.

FRONTCOURT

Wilson is somewhat undersized at 6-foot-1, but Williams likes his hustle and willingness to do the dirty work.

“Kyron’s a quiet leader. Kids follow him,” Williams said. “He’s going to take a big leap. He’ll defend and he’ll rebound. We always need guys like that who want to embrace their roles and do the little things.”

Junior Ryan Daniel has grown to 6-2 and will be another go-to player for rebounding and defense, according to Williams.

“Ryan isn’t as worried about scoring, but that’s OK,” Williams said. “You can’t win games with five guys on the court who all want to shoot and worry about points. Ryan is the kind of kid that our program needs more of if our (identity) moving forward is going to be getting the job done on the defensive end and by

being relentless.”

Creighton Peed, a 6-4 move-in, and Talen Warland, a 6-3 senior, are options as well.

SCHEDULE AND COACHES

The Dodgers transition into the Iowa Alliance Conference this season, joining defending Class 4A state champion Ames (23-3 a year ago), Marshalltown (11-12), Mason City (6-17), and Waterloo East (6-15) in the Northern Division.

The IAC South consists of Des Moines Hoover (16-9), Des Moines Lincoln (11-10), Des Moines Roosevelt (7-14), Ottumwa (7-16), Des Moines East (3-19) and Des Moines North (2-21).

Fort Dodge has traded out traditional Central Iowa Metro League rivals for games against Clear Lake, Boone, Humboldt, Spencer, Sioux City East and Sioux City West. Only Urbandale remains as a CIML holdover.

“(The schedule) is a good mix with a lot of challenging matchups,” Williams said. “Ames obviously had an incredible year (last winter), Marshalltown and Mason City are always tough, and Waterloo East will be, too.

“It won’t get much easier just because we’re out of the CIML. But I keep telling guys, whatever you put into practice, you’ll get out of the season. If you work hard, listen, play well together and build chemistry, we’ll move in a positive direction. I’ve seen good things so far, but we have to keep taking steps forward every day. There’s a lot that’s still up in the air.”

Williams will be joined on the bench by Charles Clayton, Tyler Winter, Bryan Fredrichs, Damien Miller and Jordan Jackson. Miller will coach the junior varsity; Winter and Jackson are the freshman coaches.

some others.

“We’re excited to get Jakob back next year and out on the floor. He is going to be a key piece to our future.”

Palmer, now in his third year as a starter, averaged 9.6 points with 3.2 rebounds, three assists and a steal per game last season. He shot over 40 percent from the field, 70 percent at the free throw line and 31 percent from the 3-point stripe.

Mericle averaged 5.5 points, four rebounds, 1.5 assists and shot almost 50 percent from the floor, while Laufersweiler accounted for eight points, 10 rebounds and five assists, and Lursen three points with three rebounds.

“More confidence,” Kochendorfer said. “You just see a lot more confidence in all four of those guys. Jackson is familiar with all of this and knows what we expect out of him and his teammates, JT has gotten a lot stronger and more physical, Sam is really turning into a tremendous athlete and Aaron grew over the year while also becoming more self-confident.

“We’ve just got to keep them doing what they do so that the younger kids see that. When you have leaders like those four out front in sprints and drills, I think it’s easier for the other kids to buy into everything.”

Dickerson has an award-winning season of football and opted to join the Gaels over the winter. Kochendorfer said that decision “was a pleasant surprise.”

“He’s just a really good athlete and you can never have too many of those,” he said. “We’ve had kids like Johnny over the years come out who might not be as sound at basketball, but get by because of how athletic they are. He’s really learning a lot quickly and is going to give us a nice presence down low.”

Clavey, Kolacia and McElroy are three others that “have just played a lot of basketball already.”

“They are young and still learning, but they know the game,” Kochendorfer said. “You don’t have to tell them several times the little things.

“That whole group of freshmen really had a lot of success at the lower grade levels. They’ve been playing together for a long time and are basketball smart. I think we’ll definitely be using them quite a bit.”

Kochendorfer is also looking to make a quick

start out of the season before the Christmas break. The Gaels play three of their first four outside of the NCC before the extended holiday, but close the December part of their schedule with four consecutive league games — including road trips to preseason favorites Humboldt and Clear Lake.

“I think it’s important that we get as many of those games as we can,” he said. “As coaches, we are already looking at the ones we feel we have a good shot at and really putting a lot of focus on those.

“I think it’s important to build that momentum. Abraham Lincoln once said, ‘Well done is a lot better than well said.’”

Pat O’Rouke will once again by assisting Kochendorfer, with Matt Dillon handling eighthgrade duties and Luke Becker seventh. Landon Saathoff is the team manager.

, Continued from Page 6

FD BOYS , Continued from Page 2

Messenger file photo JAVION JONDLE defends for the Fort Dodge boys last season. Jondle will be a three-year starter.

Messenger file photo JACKSON PALMER is in his third year of starting for the St. Edmond boys basketball team.

line is she provides value and will be on the court (in some capacity). She’s mature and puts in a lot of extra time.”

Messerly hinted that the younger Maehl may bring the ball up the floor in a point forward role when necessary.

“LJ’s a very wellrounded player,” Messerly said. “She’s wise beyond her years, and she won’t shy away from a challenge. It may take a while for her to get completely comfortable with the varsity level... teams will get very physical with her. But she’s not going to back down or get rattled.

“She’s better on the move than with her back to the basket. She’ll be a tough matchup because of her versatility.”

Senior Morgan Bodholdt, junior Araya Fellers, sophomores Meah McCaleb, Ashlyn Wills and Brooklyn Pommer, and freshman Dakota Pommer are other options at the 1, 2 or 3.

“They all have different strengths,” Messerly said. “Morgan’s been around and she can shoot. Araya is smaller (at 5-3), but handles the ball well and has done a nice job at the JV level. Ashlyn is learning on the run, but she has potential and is very competitive. Same with Meah, who will be one of our top reserves and is long and athletic. Kenzie, Ashlyn and Meah all bring that softball mentality to the program, which is always a bonus.

“Brooklyn and Dakota are skilled. They just

need time and experience. We lost some really good ballplayers (to graduation), so it’s going to be a work in progress for a while until we find which pieces fit best.”

FRONTCOURT

The elder Maehl has been climbing the ladder as a steady contributor since her freshman season. Maehl averaged 10.2 points and 5.6 rebounds while shooting 55 percent from the field as a junior.

“Lainey just keeps getting better,” Messerly said. “I think she’s going to have her best year yet. She’s a smart player who knows the game and always ends up in the right spot.

“She’s not necessarily an elite athlete, but she knows how to use her skills and strengths to her advantage. Lainey is mentally tough and basketball strong.”

Hiveley contributed 8.9 points and 7.4 rebounds as the team’s standout sixth player a year ago.

“Paytene is a competitor,” Messerly said. “She knows she’s typically the biggest player on the court and finds ways to use that to her advantage. Now it’s just a matter of keeping her out of foul trouble and harnessing her energy.

“She really likes the challenge once she’s out there, and she has good coordination and a soft touch for a player her size. Paytene’s ceiling remains high.”

Kyrstin Waychoff, a 5-9 power forward, is

returning after missing her junior campaign with an injury.

“She’s tall and long,” Messerly said. “We can never have enough rebounders and post defenders.”

Junior Sienna Attig has been dealing with a recurring back injury. Her status for this season remains unknown.

“If we could have her, it would really add to our depth and make a big difference,” Messerly said. “The key is getting everyone to embrace their roles. A basketball team needs a lot of different parts checking a lot of different boxes. Not everyone can be a shooter or scorer — we need to work together as a cohesive unit.”

SCHEDULE AND COACHES

The Dodgers have joined the Iowa Alliance Conference, trading the likes of CIML powers West Des Moines Valley, Ankeny Centennial, West Des Moines Dowling,

Polk for Boone, Storm Lake, Humboldt, Spencer, Sioux City East and Waterloo East.

IAC North rivals Mason City, Ames and Marshalltown remain. The South division is highlighted by Class 5A qualifier Des Moines Roosevelt (20-3 last season) and Des Moines North (16-7), as well as Des Moines Lincoln, Ottumwa, Des Moines East and Des Moines Hoover.

Fort Dodge won seven games in 2019-20, eight in 2020-21 and nine last year. The Dodgers have also dropped to 4A for

the 2022-23 athletic campaign on the girls side.

“Being a bigger 4A program now, we’ll have a lot of teams giving us their best shot to knock us off,” Messerly said. “We’ll still be facing some really solid ballclubs and some tough non-conference opponents. We have road trips to Spencer and Humboldt, which will be a challenge.

“The schedule is more reasonable (in terms of size), but far from easy.”

Messerly will again be assisted by Bill Foval. Alex Nagel will fill the other role on the bench.

Ankeny, Waukee Northwest and Southeast

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

LAINEY MAEHL shoots for Fort Dodge last season. Maehl is a three-year varsity regular.

Thompson said. “If we can get him healthy at the right time, he can make some things happen.”

Freshman Riley Brown is the frontrunner at 132 pounds with classmate Angel Sandoval, juniors Raily Samayoa and freshman Domanick Norris.

After reaching the 126-pound championship match in his rookie campaign, Koy Davidson has bulked up and will wrestle at 138 pounds for the Dodgers.

Davidson (34-7) lost in the finals to Southeast Polk’s junior Nathanel Jesuroga in 2022.

“Koy had a terrific freshman year,’’ Thompson said. “He is bigger, stronger and more seasoned.

“Koy has been putting in a lot of time in and out of the season. He has been training a lot this fall. He is at a challenging weight class, but will be one of the frontrunners.”

Junior Bo Cowell, who missed last season with an injury, will battle at 145 pounds with freshman Caiden Fraher, sophomores John Phann and Hunter Richardson.

MIDDLE WEIGHTS

Damarion Ross had a busy and successful offseason, with an AllAmerican showing at Fargo Nationals. During the Greco session, Ross lost his first match, but reeled off nine straight victories for a bronze-medal placement.

Ross, a two-time state qualifier, has a career high school mark of 55-26. He will jump to 152 from 138.

“Damarion is bigger and stronger,’’ Thompson said. “He had a great offseason. He is really focused.

“Damarion is night and day different.”

Sophomores Mason Liska and Aiden Behrends, along with freshman Jesse Egli, will be the 160-pound candidates.

Liska saw a lot of varsity time for the Dodgers last season and showed improvement as the season progressed.

Jesse is the final Egli. Brothers Duke, Jonah, Levi and Ben were all medalists for the Dodgers.

“Jesse is still growing,’’ Thompson said. “It’s early, so we have some shifting that we can do if we need to.”

At 170 pounds is junior Karsen Smith

FORT DODGE BOYS WRESTLING

and sophomore Carlos Eilas.

“Karsen is definitely going to be solid,” Thompson said. “Again, we have some guys that can move around and flex if necessary.”

UPPER WEIGHTS

Juniors Cal Hartman and Zeke Pineda are at 182. In his first full varsity season a year ago, Hartman had a 25-win campaign and was fourth in the district meet.

“Cal did really well,’’ Thompson said. “He’s gotten a lot bigger and stronger. He put a lot of time in during the offseason, training at the club and in the weight room.

“He barely missed state. He’s chasing the carrot and is highly motivated.”

Ross enters the high school ranks at 195 pounds, fresh off a banner offseason. The 6-foot-3 freshman was a Fargo National champion to go along with freestyle and Greco titles at the 15U Pan-Am Games.

“Dreshaun is a specimen,’’ Thompson said. “He could be a dangerous wrestler. If he continues to train his mind right, he’s going to be something special.

“He is care-free and has a great personality, cutting up with the guys, but he also knows when to get down to business. He has no ego. He is going to lead by example, even as a freshman.”

Senior Collin Munter has slimmed down and will compete at 220 for the Dodgers.

“He looks ready,’’ Thompson said. “Collin is leaner and moves so much better. It’s going to be nice to have a 220-pounder to go along with a guy at 285. It’s a welcoming sight.”

After his state qualifying campaign, Nichols will be back for his final goround.

“Keaton has trimmed down as well and looks better,” Thompson said. “He made the trip down to state, and now is more confident.”

Freshman Luke Fierke is still recovering from a shoulder injury following a summer in which he qualified for Fargo Nationals.

FD MAT , Continued from Page 10

Messenger photos by Britt Kudla DRU AYALA (top) wrestles at the state tournament last season. Ayala was a state runner-up for FDSH, and is a two-time medalist heading into his junior campaign.

DODGER KOY DAVIDSON (bottom) wrestles at state in Des Moines. Davidson was a runner up as a freshman.

“Luke is very ready and eager to get going once he’s healthy,’’

SCHEDULE

The Dodgers who will now be in the Iowa Alliance Conference, will have a mix of familiar foes and new competition.

Fort Dodge will still take on the likes of Mason City, Marshalltown and Ames. In between duals will be an incredibly difficult tournament schedule.

The Dodgers open with a dual at Southeast Polk, followed by the Dan Gable Donnybrook in Coralville.

“We will definitely be more of a tournament team,’’ Thompson said. “The district assignments came out and we will see everyone that we need to through (events at) the Donnybrook, Council Bluffs, Ames and Cedar Rapids.”

COACHES

Thompson will have 10 coaches to lean on during the season. Tom McClimon, Tanner Utley and Mark Rial will be the paid assistants.

Returning to coach the Dodgers as an assistant will be former head coach Ed Birnbaum. The Hall of Famer hasn’t been on the program’s sidelines in 18 years.

Two-time state champion Sam Cook will join the coaching ranks, along with Jay Schipper, a two-time finalist at North Scott who wrestled four years for Northern Iowa.

Ben Schweer, Tim Scott, Kevin Yeoman and Brendon Doebel are also on the staff.

program, you have a more competitive practice room and that makes you a more competitive athlete.”

Senior Ronnie Orres, junior Zach Rossmanith and sophomores Sam Myer and Adam Walker are back with sectional experience under their belts. Myer won 12 matches last year, with Rossmanith and Walker each earning nine wins.

“We’ve got some kids that know what it takes,” Carlson said. “They have been really good about taking the younger ones under their wings and showing them the ropes.

“The biggest thing is we have to get these kids more involved in the sport of wrestling. That means competing over the summer and really working to improve in all aspects.

“Wrestling isn’t just something you can pick up on overnight and be very successful in, but I like the way these kids have bought into learning everything they can as quickly as they can.”

Orres, Carter Rial, Emiliano Guillen and Yoon Sang Kim are seniors, with Rossmanith as the lone junior. Myer and Walker are joined by 10th-graders Quintin Jaeschke and Kade Schlegel, with ninthgraders Thomas Knobbe, Kinnick Henning and Max

Webster completing the roster.

Knobbe, a member of the state cross country team this past fall with Rial, is slated for 113. Henning, who played on both offense and defense for the Gaels on the football field, is at 120 with Orres at 126.

Rial should be at 126 with Myer at 132, Guillen at 145, Kim at 160, Rossmanith at 170, Jaeschke at 182, Walker at 195, Schlegel at 220 and Webster at heavyweight.

“If that all works out, it will be really nice to be able to put nearly a complete lineup out there,” Carlson said. “The kids want to compete and they want a chance to show that they can really do it.”

Myer also made the finals of the Doug Wood Invitational last year, a meet in which Orres and Guillen each placed third.

Myer and Walker also captured titles at the North Central Conference JV Tournament, with Kim finishing fourth.

St. Edmond will head to Ogden for a Class 1A district meet with the likes of Emmetsburg, Manson Northwest Webster and West Bend-Mallard. There will no longer be a sectional meet, with the district champion and runner-up advancing to state.

FORT DODGE BOYS WRESTLING ST. EDMOND WRESTLING

SE MAT , Continued from Page 12

“Our team camaraderie is as good as it has ever been. Everybody is really all about making each other better and making the program better.”

EUGENE CARLSON St. Edmond wrestling coach

FD MAT , Continued from Page 20

Messenger photos by Britt Kudla

MAX BISHOP (top) will return for his senior season and look to qualify for the state tournament for the fourth consecutive time.

DAMARION ROSS (bottom) will compete in his junior campaign for the Dodgers after placing seventh in 2022.

Thompson said.

“I don’t want to put a lot on them so early, but we could potentially exceed expectations.”

BOBBY THOMPSON Dodger wrestling coach

a different style.

“There are really a lot of different options for us to work with.”

Flaherty, Kolacia, Baker and Heldorfer all made starts last year, with Henning, Lawler, Neverman and Gibb seeing extensive action.

After recovering from a knee injury, Flaherty scored 104 points with a team-leading 101 rebounds to go along with 19 steals and eight blocked shots. Kolacia scored 62 points with 71 rebounds, 31 steals and 11 assists, while Baker added 17 points, 30 rebounds, 13 steals and five assists.

“That group of seniors are the types of leaders you want leading your team,” Tracy said. “They come to practice, work hard and are willing to show the younger kids what it takes.

ST. EDMOND GIRLS BASKETBALL

SE GIRLS , Continued from Page 12

“They have been around the program and know what we expect, and know what it will take to be successful.”

With that experience, Tracy is also expecting to see an improvement and decrease in turnovers, with Kolacia returning to handle the ball.

“It’s been something we have stressed,” Tracy said. “We know, and the girls know, that we have to get more shot attempts off if we want to be successful. We just didn’t put up enough shots last year to win, and a lot of that was because of the turnovers.

“With some of the changes we are making, and the addition of a shot clock, I feel like we can really improve in that area.”

Heldorfer has been a regular in the rotation since early on, scoring 22 points with 62 rebounds, 20 assists and 15

steals last year. She is the only returning player to have recorded at least 60 points, 20 assists and 15 steals a season ago.

Henning made the most 3-pointers last year among players returning, finishing with 14 points and eight rebounds, while Leiting saw action in 19 games and recorded seven steals.

Lawler and Neverman both provide key depth inside behind Flaherty and Gibb.

“They are strong girls who are willing to go after the ball,” Tracy said. “We need players who are willing to go up against some of the taller girls that we will face, and both Abby and Maya are willing to do that.”

Gibb scored 13 points with 13 rebounds after being moved up to varsity last year, while Harvey saw action in one game.

“With Katie and Lauren

inside, they both have such strong basketball IQs,” Tracy said. “They can both hit the midrange shot, but understand that we need them down low to be successful.

“They do a great job of communicating with one another and helping each other on both ends of the floor.”

Lursen got her feet wet as the No. 1 runner for the statequalifying cross country team in the fall, while both Andrew and Underberg played volleyball for the Gaels.

“It’s a group that we are going to need for depth,” Tracy said. “They are good athletes like the rest of the team and will definitely be a nice addition.

“If we can get the inside game going, I know we have girls that can knock the outside shot down. I tell them that if you are

open, shoot the ball, and that is definitely something they have taken to heart.”

Along with a tough nonconference schedule, St. Edmond will once again be challenged on a nightly basis in the North Central Conference, where perennial state contender Clear Lake reigns supreme.

“They’ll be the frontrunners again,” Tracy said. “Algona has a lot of starters back, Humboldt has a solid group returning and both Clarion-Goldfield/Dows and Iowa Falls have talent.

“We just know that it is going to be a tough game every night we step on the floor in the league, but it definitely gets us ready for the postseason playing these kind of teams.”

Shawn Neverman will once again be an assistant under Tracy.

“On the boys side, we are pretty deep,’’ Vinson said. “We have four or five guys who are going to pull away because they are seasoned. There are 10 to 12 others who have a shot right now.

“We are pretty deep and we have options.”

Vinson will have to fill the void left from fouryear state qualifiers Lexi Hanson and Alexis Kenney on the girls team. Kenney was seventh individually.

“Alexis and Lexi were always consistent, so that is a big loss,” Vinson said. “The thing with them was they had the ability to rise to the occasion.

“They went to state and finished in the top five, so we will see what we can do in terms of trying to replace them.”

Seniors AJ Feathers, Hailey Folsom and Aryssa Lumsden were part of the state qualifying core.

Feathers was 13th at districts a year ago; Folsom was 17th.

Lumsden has been on a state-qualifying team all three of her seasons as a Dodger.

Vinson knows it will be tough to bridge the gap, but the cupboard is far from bare.

“Aryssa, Gabby (Flores), Hailey, and AJ have all seen significant

varsity time,’’ Vinson said. “They still have a lot of experience. Now we have to find those top two girls and someone who can step up when it matters most.”

Vinson is hoping can also lean on a few returnees and some new comers to fill out the rotation. Senior Kat Berry, juniors Baylee Wilson and Sol Birkey, sophomore Danika Russell and incoming freshmen Calli Graves and Amyra Lumsden are all possibilties.

“There will be a transition process for the girls early on. Trying to see who goes where and what rotation will give us the best shot,” Vinson said. “It’s great to win dual meets, but we are building for the postseason. Winning dual meets and having a good record is nice, but we try to get ready for and peak at the end of the year.”

For the girls, who finished 11-0 in duals, Feathers (354), Lumsden (345), Flores (319) and Folsom (279) carried the top series for returnees.

“Year in and year out, we have been competitive and have a shot at going to state, so that remains the goal,’’ Vinson said. “We have some underclassmen and some seasoned bowlers back. It’s nice to be able to carry on the tradition.”

Andre said. “It was my daughter. I wasn’t quite sure it was a good idea at first.”

Mom, on the other hand, was all for it.

“I actually liked the idea a lot,’’ Amy said. “I was the biggest supporter of Alexis doing it, and the more we talked about it, we knew she could do it.

“I just felt like the girls could just as easily do what the boys could do.”

Once Alexis started wrestling, the what ifs and maybes quickly disappeared. So did any hesitancy.

She was a natural.

Alexis took to the sport quickly, and it became more about her wrestling skill than anything else.

“In her first couple of tournaments she was smiling the whole time,’’ Andre said. “She just kept getting better. There was one tournament when she lost to a boy, but then she came back and beat him, and she knew she could do it.

“We knew it wouldn’t

ANDRE ROSS

necessarily be a problem with strength, as girls seem to develop faster at a younger age.”

With the early success Alexis was having on the mat, it piqued her brother Damarion’s interest. He ultimately came around and joined his siblings.

In the back of Andre’s mind, there was always a fear that his little girl would get hurt. A tournament in Jefferson put his mind at ease.

“It was a small tournament,” Andre said. “She was wrestling

against a really aggressive boy in a four-person bracket. He was more active, but she never backed off and got mad and wrestled harder.

“At that moment, I knew she was going to hold her own and not back down from anyone.”

Alexis had gained an instant passion for the sport in the process.

“Really, I just kind of fell in love with it,’’ Alexis said. “I was always ‘one of the boys’ growing up, and when I was wrestling, I was beating them easily while competing at a high level.”

Those were the early years — the building blocks to ultimately push Alexis and her siblings into the Dodger record books.

“One person that has helped Alexis and the boys out a ton is (former FDSH state placewinner) Jamie Allison,’’ Andre said. “We wrestled with him from the start in his local youth club, and he has been in their corner ever since.

FORT DODGE BOWLING COVER STORY: FORT DODGE’S ALEXIS ROSS

FD BOWL , Continued from Page 14

“Year in and year out, we have been competitive and have a shot at going to state, so that remains the goal.”

NICK VINSON

FDSH bowling coach

Submitted photo

ALEXIS ROSS (far right) stands with her siblings when they were younger. Pictured with her (left to right) are Dreshaun, Damarion, Drevon and Alaysha. Alexis will be defending her state title in Iowa’s first year of sanctioned girls wrestling.

ROSS , Continued from Page 1

“When she won the state title, I had tears in my eyes. That was something she had dreamed of.”

Alexis Ross’ father

COUGAR BOYS

The Manson Northwest Webster boys more than doubled their win total last season from the year prior, and now, head coach Caleb Wubben is looking to make another big move in the right direction.

With five returning letterwinners and four starters back, the Cougars have a solid base to build around. They are also bringing in four key sophomores to provide depth to the rotation.

“We are expecting some big things from our seniors this year,” Wubben said. “They have had a good offseason coupled with their experience over the last two years. We are also excited for some of our sophomores to step up and fill spots vacated by last year’s seniors.

“Our guys have put in a lot of work this offseason to be successful. We are hoping we can finish in the top-half of the (Twin Lakes) conference this year, which would be a huge step for our program.”

Senior Colby Essing is back after averaging 10 points, three rebounds and 2.5 assists per game a year ago, and he is flanked by classmates and fellow starters Brody Poppen and Reece Olson.

Poppen posted 7.6 points and 6.5 rebounds, with Olson adding 7.7 points and almost three boards. Junior Carson Widlund is another returning starter, while classmate Jake Markert provided five points off the bench a year ago.

Kelan Koval, Matt Condon, Logan Moline and Grant Pohlman are all prospects from the 10thgrade class.

“Colby has improved his defensive game, while we are expecting both Brody and Reece to provide more in the scoring column and produce for us,” Wubben said. “Carson and Jake are both strong returning players.

“Kelan has the potential to provide us a spark on the offensive end, while we are expecting big things out of both

MANSON NORTHWEST WEBSTER BOYS BASKETBALL returning letterwinners (top photo) are, front row (left to right): Colby Essing and Reece Olson. Back: Carson Widlund, Brody Poppen and Jake Markert.

MANSON NORTHWEST WEBSTER WRESTLING returning letterwinners (bottom photo) are front row (left to right): Owen Eldridge, Kamden Birkey and Drake Jones. Back: Ethan Egli, Ian Kohnen, Cooper Harman and Leon Cook.

MANSON NORTHWEST WEBSTER

Messenger photos by Britt Kudla

—By Dana Becker

COUGAR GIRLS

Plenty of experience returns to the hardwood for the Manson Northwest Webster girls this winter, but the Cougars did suffer a tough injury over the offseason.

Mykaela Stuhrenberg, one of six players expected back with starting experience, was lost with a torn ACL.

Seniors Olivia Sturgis and Chloe Peterson, junior Brie Wiese and sophomores Alyssa Richman and Sophia McCullough will all be counted on as Manson NW looks to improve upon a seven-win campaign.

“Mykaela will be tough to replace as she has a lot of varsity experience,” MNW head coach Bret Larson said. “We will need he other girls to carry us on offense.

“They are capable of doing this, now we need to see it happen. We also have some underclassmen that have made a lot

of growth and I look forward to seeing them contribute this winter.”

Sturgis, a 6-foot-1 forward, averaged a double-double last year with 11 points and 10 rebounds a night. McCullough was right behind with 10 and eight, while Peterson chipped in four with two rebounds and two assists.

“Our inside play will be a strength,” Larson said. “We need to stay healthy and develop depth.”

—By Dana Becker

COUGAR WRESTING

The Manson Northwest Webster wrestling team has eight letterwinners back in the fold this winter, led by state qualifier and Twin Lakes Conference champion Ethan Egli.

As a junior, Egli went 37-9 and competed in Des Moines at the state championships. He is joined by classmate Ian Kohnen, who had a 14-2 mark a season ago.

See COUGARS, Page 50

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

MANSON NORTHWEST WEBSTER GIRLS BASKETBALL returning letterwinners are, front row (left to right): Alyssa Richman and Chloe Peterson.

Back: Brie Wiese, Olivia Sturgis and Sophia McCullough.

JAGUAR BOYS

Kyle Johnson and the Southeast Valley boys will lean on a trio of returning starters along with a handful of players who gained valuable varsity experience last year.

The Jaguars won 12 games, but must replace the likes of Kolson Kruse and Aaron Graves. They do return senior starters Drew Corell, Justin Loseke and Eli Johnson.

“We have a lot of new faces at the varsity level, so that means new challenges to conquer,” Johnson said. “The key to having success will be getting those kids experience at the varsity level.”

“A strength is our leadership from the kids.”

Johnson, a 6-foot-4 forward, averaged four points and three rebounds a night, while Loseke added two points and two boards. Corell chipped in three points.

Nate Scott, Carl Berglund and Tyler Patterson are other seniors who earned a letter last year, as did juniors Dalton Crouse, Carter Ferry, Andrew Miller and Tyler

—By Dana Becker

JAGUAR GIRLS

Senior Madison Lane is joined by six juniors with varsity experience as the Southeast Valley girls look for big things in the coming year.

Lane, a guard, averaged 6.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and two assists per game for the Jaguars last year. Southeast Valley won four games and finished 11th in the competitive Twin Lakes Conference.

Breck Mills, one of those juniors, is back after making all-TLC second team along with being named all-district by the Iowa Girls Coaches Association. The forward averaged just under 13 points with six rebounds a night.

Kenna Scott, another junior, was tabbed to the TLC third team last year after posting 10 points,

JAGUARS, Page 48

SOUTHEAST VALLEY BOYS BASKETBALL returning letterwinners are, front row (left to right): Drew Corell, Carter Ferry, Carl Berglund and Brady Hanson. Back: Justin Loseke, Nate Scott, Andrew Miller and Eli Johnson.

SOUTHEAST VALLEY GIRLS BASKETBALL returning letterwinners are, front row (left to right): Madison Lane, Halle Steck and Kenna Scott. Back: Jordyn Rowley, Alexis Peterson, Brec Mills and Alex Kitchen.

Messenger photos by Britt Kudla

Moreland, along with sophomore Brady Hanson.

WILDCAT BOYS

The Humboldt boys had a successful 2021-22 season, winning 21 games, claiming a share of the North Central Conference title and qualifying for the state tournament.

Now, they must replace a talented senior class as they look to return to form.

Senior Will Orness is the lone returning scorer after averaging almost 14 points and five rebounds a night. Classmates Joshua Thurm and Kaleb McCullough are also back, as Thurm posted nine points and four boards.

“We graduated 12 seniors, so we have a lot of minutes that we will need to replace,” Humboldt head coach Jason Thurm said. “Much of our success will depend on how fast our younger guys get acclimated to the varsity level. We hope to compete for the conference title and finish in the top-half of our league.

“We will be small this year,

but have some athletes that are tough and like to compete. For us to be successful, we are going to have to find ways to defend and rebound at a high level despite our lack of size.

McCullough suffered a knee injury late in the football season after helping the Wildcats return to the state semifinals.

—By Dana Becker

WILDCAT GIRLS

Following a 12-10 season that included a fourth-place finish in the North Central Conference, the Humboldt girls will look to build around two returning starters and three more letterwinners.

Sophomore Morgan Mann inserted herself into the lineup as a newcomer last year, averaging 16 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game. She returns, alongside junior Reagan Lee, who posted six points and almost

See WILDCATS, Page 50

HUMBOLDT GIRLS BASKETBALL returning letterwinners (top photo) are (left to right): Kaitlyn Nelson, Paige Nelson, Raegan Lee, Morgan Mann and Kayla Gieber.

HUMBOLDT WRESTLING returning letterwinners (right photo) are, front row (left to right): Ty Gargano, Tyce Clark, Zayn Feaster, Cyler Cirks and Daylin McDaniel. Middle: Christian Lee, Owen Mayall, Dusty Pate and Ethan Kunert. Back: Jayden Gargano, Jase Goodell, Gaige Allen, Landon Halverson, Cael Newell and Aden Prenger.

HUMBOLDT

Photos by Phil Monson/Humboldt Independent

INDIAN BOYS

There will be minutes for new faces this winter for the Pocahontas Area boys.

Just one starter in Jacob Gerdes returns, with Cael Samuelson and Lucas Kopriva also back after seeing the court last year.

Gerdes scored six points a night and grabbed five rebounds, helping the Indians win eight games and finish with a winning record in the Twin Lakes Conference. Samuelson and Kopriva chipped in two a night.

Ethan Behrens, Blake Roberts, Cael Hull, Nick Erickson and Gabe Ehn are among the newcomers for Pocahontas Area who are competing for varsity minutes and roles.

“We are really a team of unknowns,” PAC head coach Brian Friesner said. “Our summer work was good. It provided the young players good court time and a chance to improve.

“With so many unknowns, though, we just really don’t know what to expect.”

—By Dana Becker

INDIAN GIRLS

Expectations are high around the Pocahontas Area girls with five returning senior starters back following a 16-win campaign.

Akaysa Duitscher, Carly Janssen, Abby Oberhelman, Paige Melohn and Meg Sump have all gained valuable experience as key members of the rotation since joining the program.

POCAHONTAS AREA

Janssen, a 5-foot-5, point guard, averaged 17 points with five steals, four assists and two rebounds per game last year. Duitscher, a backcourt mate, added 12 points, 5.5 assists, three steals and three boards.

Oberhelman, Melohn and Sump provide the strength inside, with Oberhelman coming off an 11-point, nine-rebound per game season. Melohn added six and seven, with Sump chipping in four and four.

“With all five starters back and a talented group off the bench, we really feel like this season gives us a great opportunity to build on our past success,” Maske said. “We have battled the injury bug the last two years, but we hope to use that experience of overcoming adversity to help us handle all types of situations and still come out on top.

“We are extremely deep, have great team chemistry, a will to win and an ability to adjust.”

Jenna Vonnahme, Madison Vial and Natalie Point have all been in the rotation, with freshmen Alayna Kakacek and Delaney Janssen set to add more depth.

Maske will co-head coach alongside Eric Francis this winter. Francis went 57-13 during a coaching stint at South Central Calhoun. See INDIANS, Page 31

Praying blessings over a wonderful season for our PAC Tribe Students GO PAC GO

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

POCAHONTAS AREA GIRLS BASKETBALL returning letterwinners are, front row (left to right): Carly Janssen, Madison Vial and Natalie Point. Back: Jenna Vonnahme, Abby Oberhelman, Paige Melohn, Akaysa Duitscher and Megan Sump.

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

POCAHONTAS AREA WRESTLING returning letterwinners are, front row (left to right): Dominic Aljets, Verde Klocke and Joel Carranza. Back: Alex Welander, Ryan Panbecker, Deontez Williams and Cody Nichols.

INDIAN WRESTLING

Returning state qualifier Deontez Williams, district qualifier Ryan Sommerlot and a host of letterwinners are all back for Pocahontas Area on the mats, as the Indians look to build off a 15-5 dual season.

Williams, a senior, went 37-14 and advanced to the state meet last year, while Sommerlot won 31 matches.

Kaitlynn Schuler, Dominic Aljets and Ryan Panbecker each won over 20 matches, while John Ackerman, Will Burke, Joel Carranza, Cody Nichols, Verde Klocke, Alex Welander and Joseph Sanders also return for the Indians.

“We are looking forward to another great season,” PAC head coach Tony Johnson said. “We return most of our lineup from last year.”

Panbecker won 27 matches, Schuler 25, Aljets 22 and Panbecker 27, with Carranza adding 17 wins, Nichols 13 and Sanders 12.

—By Dana Becker

POCAHONTAS AREA BOYS BASKETBALL

returning letterwinners are (left to right): Lucas Kopriva and Cael Samuelson.

INDIANS AT A GLANCE

POCAHONTAS AREA BOYS

Returning letterwinners (3): Jacob Gerdes, 5-11, sr., G; Cael Samuelson, 6-3, jr., P; Lucas Kopriva, 6-1, jr., G.

Top prospects: Ethan Behrens, 6-0, jr., G/F; Blake Roberts, 6-1, jr., G; Cael Hull, 6-7, jr., F; Nick Erickson, 6-1, jr., F; Gabe Ehn, 6-1, soph., F. Last season: 8-14 overall, 6-5 in Twin Lakes Conference (fifth).

Coach: Brian Friesner has put together a 73-59 record with the Indians as he begins his seventh season.

POCAHONTAS AREA GIRLS

Returning letterwinners (8): Akaysa Duitscher, 5-8, sr., G; Carly Janssen, 5-5, sr., G; Abby Oberhelman, 5-9, sr., F; Paige Melohn, 5-10, sr., F; Meg Sump, 6-1, sr., C; Jenna Vonnahme, 5-11, jr., C; Madison Vial, 5-5, soph., G; Natalie Point, 5-7, soph., G.

Top prospects: Alayna Kakacek, 5-7, fr., G; Delaney Janssen, 5-5, fr., G. Last season: 16-6 overall, fourth in Twin Lakes Conference.

Coach: Robert Maske, a Buena Vista University grad, owns a career record of 176-122.

POCAHONTAS AREA WRESTLING

Returning letterwinners (12): Kaitlynn Schuler, 106, sr.; John Ackerman, soph.; Will Burke, soph.; Dominic Aljets, 126, jr.; Joel Carranza, 152, sr.; Cody Nichols, 152, sr.; Verde Klocke, 138, jr.; Ryan Sommerlot, 145, jr.; Ryan Panbecker, 160, jr.; Deontez Williams, 182, sr.; Alex Welander, 195, sr.; Joseph Sanders, 285, sr.

Last season: 15-5 in duals.

Coach: Tony Johnson returns for another season leading the Indians, with Gavin Hjerlied serving as his assistant.

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

TITAN BOYS

The South Central Calhoun boys return four starters and five more letterwinners from a team that won 17 games and finished third in the Twin Lakes Conference last year. That experience has Clive Clark feeling good as the SCC head coach.

Seniors Eli Wheelock, Tyler Lightner and Joe Clark are joined by Gavin Batta among the starters back, with Cole Higgins, Andrew Anderson, Keegan Soard, Bryce Bergquist and Jordan Moreno.

Wheelock, a 6-foot senior, averaged 15 points and four assists a night, while Lightner was at 11 points and Batta, a 6-foot-4 junior, posted 9.4 with four rebounds.

Clark, also a 6-foot senior, chipped in six points, seven rebounds and three assists.

“We have above-average experience back,” Clark said. “That should be a strength for us.”

—By Dana Becker

TITAN GIRLS

Senior standouts Riley Batta and Kylee Schliesman return for South

SOUTH CENTRAL CALHOUN

Central Calhoun after leading them to the state tournament and 19 wins.

Batta averaged 17 points and eight rebounds per game, while Schliesman added 12 and four assists. They are joined by letterwinners Olivia Toms, Sophie McKinney and Brenna McAlister.

“We will need those kids coming back to step into bigger roles,” SCC head coach Curtis Batta said. “Every year, the team is different. For our team to be successful, we will need our veteran players to play to their ability and guide our inexperienced players as they grow in the early part of the season.

“With just 12 girls on the varsity roster, we need to stay healthy and get our younger players to fill roles within the team.”

Mia Babcock, Claire Riat and Bre Patterson are all key newcomers who could be keys to providing minutes off the bench.

Both Batta and Schleisman have started 68 games in their careers for the Titans.

—By Dana Becker

See TITANS, Page 48

returning letterwinners are front row (left to right): Tyler Lightner, Cole Higgins, Andrew Anderson and Jordan Moreno. Back: Joe Clark, Keegan Soard, Bryce Bergquist, Eli Wheelock and Gavin Batta.

SOUTH

Batta, Sophie McKinney and Brenna McAlister.

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Photo by Tyler Anderson/Calhoun County Phoenix

CENTRAL CALHOUN BOYS BASKETBALL

Photo by Tyler Anderson/Calhoun County Phoenix

SOUTH CENTRAL CALHOUN GIRLS BASKETBALL returning letterwinners are (left to right): Olivia Toms, Kylee Schleisman, Riley

ALGONA

BULLDOG BOYS

The Algona boys will lean on several returning players in hopes of having a strong 2022-23 season on the hardwood.

Last year, the Bulldogs finished with eight wins, but will need to replace their main scorers from that rotation.

Senior Simon Feucht is a returning starter, having posted 124 points, 67 rebounds, 19 assists and 23 made 3-pointers last year. Caden Weber, Landon Welp, Alex Manske, Tristin Larsen and Ben Helmers all saw ample time on the court, as well.

—By Dana Becker

BULLDOG GIRLS

Expections are high around the Algona girls this winter, as they return four starters and four more letterwinners from an 11-win campaign a year ago.

Seniors Lillian Etherington, A’Lailah Perry and Tora Solbach are joined by sophomore Lauren McLaughlin in the starting lineup. They present size and scoring for head coach Noel

McLaughlin.

Perry averaged eight points and eight rebounds a night, Etherington and McLaughlin each scored seven, with Solbach adding 4.6 and three assists.

“We have varsity experience and Solbach and Etherington are threeyear starters in the backcourt,” McLaughlin said. “Perry is also a threeyear starter and a returning all-North Central Conference player alongside Etherington and McLaughlin.

“We showed improvement as the season went on last year and need to carry that over.”

That included winning seven of the final eight games of the season.

Cailey Carroll, Najolie Price, Casey VanOtterloo and Paige Schmitt all saw the court a year ago. VanOtterloo averaged six points per game off the bench.

Kaitlyn Burns and Lainey Venteicher, sophomores, are key prospects bringing more size to the court for Algona. See BULLDOGS, Page 35

ALGONA GIRLS BASKETBALL returning letterwinners are, front row (left to right): Tora Solbach, Lillian Etherington and Casey VanOtterloo. Back: Najolie Price, Lauren McLaughlin, Cailey Carroll. Not pictured: Paige Schmitt and A’Lailah Perry.

ALGONA WRESTLING returning letterwinners are, front row (left to right): Chance Studer, Isaac Wilson, Elijah Wilhite, Jacob Zabka, Colby Jennings, James Bradford and Hunter Kollasch. Back: Tate Slagle, Ashton Moreno, Cody Harms, Chase Roof, Cohen Reffer, Ian Fehr, Dane Kitzinger and Jagger O’Neall.

Owner: Melissa Johnson

Photos by Mindi Spear

—By Dana Becker

BULLDOG WRESTLING

The roster for Nick Kuecker and the Algona wrestling team is loaded with youth.

Senior Jake Zabka, though, is a returning state medalist who will lead the charge after going 26-5 a season ago. He is joined by sophomore state qualifiers Tate Slagle and Isaac Wilson, who won 41 and 40 matches.

Cohen Reffer and Chase Roof are juniors who won over 20 matches, while several others also were able to put together strong seasons on the mat.

The Bulldogs will also lean on a key group of incoming freshmen to help comprise the lineup and provide depth.

—By Dana Becker

BULLDOGS AT GLANCE

ALGONA BOYS

Returning letterwinners (9): Simon Feucht, sr.; Caden Weber, sr.; Tristin Larsen, sr.; Ben Helmers, soph.; Lamorn Ulfers, sr.; Carlos Gomez, sr.; Landon Welp, jr.; Alex Manske, soph.; Reid Louwagie, jr. Last season: 8-14 overall.

Coach: Jared Cecil is the head coach for the Bulldogs.

ALGONA GIRLS

Returning letterwinners (8): Lillian Etherington, 5-9, sr., G; A’Lailah Perry, 5-11, sr., P; Tora Solbach, 5-6, sr., G; Lauren McLaughlin, 6-2, soph., F; Cailey Carroll, 5-11, sr., P; Najolie Price, 6-0, jr., P; Casey VanOtterloo, 5-8, soph., G; Paige Schmitt, 5-11, soph., G.

Top prospects: Kaitlyn Burns, 5-10, soph., F; Lainey Venteicher, 5-8, soph., F.

Last season: 11-11 overall, 10-4 in North Central Conference (third).

Coach: Noel McLaughlin, who spent 15 years as the boys head coach for Algona.

ALGONA WRESTLING

Returning letterwinners (10): Jake Zabka, sr., 113; Tate Slagle, soph., 138; Isaac Wilson, soph., 120; Cohen Reffer, jr., 220; Chase Roof, jr., 195; Colby Jennings, jr., 160; Dane Kitzinger, jr., 170; Ashton Warden, soph., 182; Elijah Wilhite, soph., 106; Jaggar O’Neall, sr., 182.

Top prospects: Taevyn Zinnel, fr., 132; Barrett Morgan, fr., 126; Foster Myher, fr., 192; Tommy Zabka, fr., 106; Ethan Marso, fr., 195.

Last season: 22-5 overall.

Coach: Nick Kuecker, a former Bulldog wrestler, enters his eighth season with an overall record of 107-51 in duals.

BULLDOGS , Continued from Page 34

Photo by Mindi Spear

ALGONA BOYS BASKETBALL returning letterwinners are, front row (left to right): Caden Weber, Landon Welp and Tristin Larsen. Back: Ben Helmers, Simon Feucht, Alex Manske and Carlos Gomez.

GOLDEN BEAR BOYS

After five consecutive winning seasons, the Bishop Garrigan boys took a step back last year, finishing 6-16 overall.

They will look to rebound from that performance behind six returning players in Jack Grangenett, Aidan Hovey, Ryan Noonan, Drew Muller, Drew Fogarty and Logan Nemmers.

Fogarty averaged 10 points, six rebounds and two assists per game last year, while Grandgenett posted 6.5 points with three rebounds, 2.5 assists and two steals on 52 percent shooting from the field.

Noonan, Hovey and Muller were all around six points a night.

—By Dana Becker

GOLDEN BEAR GIRLS

Fresh off the first state championship in program history, the Bishop Garrigan girls will begin the 2022-23 season as No. 1 in Class 1A.

Led by Iowa State recruit Audi Crooks and Truman State signee Molly Joyce, expectations remain high around the Golden Bear program.

Crooks averaged 23.5 points,

BISHOP GARRIGAN

12.5 rebounds and 3.3 blocks per game last year, shooting over 72 percent from the field. She has continued to pile up player of the year honors and is one of the key recruiting pieces in the Cyclone class.

Joyce, meanwhile, posted 18.5 points, five assists, four steals and knocked down 31 percent of her 3-pointers last year.

“The girls are excited to get back out there and play,” Bishop Garrigan head coach Brandon Schwab said. “We had a tremendous season last year, but now, the focus is on this season and how we can continue to get better.”

Abbie Capesius, a junior, is also back along with Ashlyn Hovey, Zoe Montag, Reagan Murphy and Alaina Casey.

Several freshmen will provide depth including Sacha Alesch, Emmi Bartolo, Alyssa Haugland, Reece Kemna, Haley Nemmers, Ava Roethler and Ava Snider.

The Golden Bears have won 25 games each of the last three seasons, losing just seven. They have recorded eight consecutive winning seasons and won at least 10 games in the last 12.

—By Dana Becker

GOLDEN BEARS AT A GLANCE

Last

Co-coaches:

Returning letterwinners (7): Abbie Capesius, 5-7, jr., G; Alaina Casey, 5-8, jr., F; Audi Crooks, 6-3, sr., C; Ashlyn Hovey, 5-7, sr., G; Molly Joyce, 5-7, sr., G; Zoe Montag, 5-7, soph., G; Reagan Murphy, 5-8, jr., F.

Top prospects: Sacha Alesch, 5-5, fr., G; Emmi Bartolo, 5-5, fr., G; Alyssa Haugland, 5-5, fr., G; Reece Kemna, 5-5, fr., G; Haley Nemmers, 5-8, fr., F; Ava Roethler, 5-6, fr., G; Ava Snider, 5-9, fr., F.

Last season: 25-3 overall, Class 1A state champions.

Coach: Brandon Schwab returns after leading the Golden Bears to three consecutive state title games, with two runner-up trophies and a title.

www.messengernews.net

Nick

BISHOP GARRIGAN BOYS

Returning letterwinners (6): Jack Grandgenett, sr.; Aidan Hovey, sr.; Ryan Noonan, sr.; Drew Muller, soph.; Drew Fogarty, sr.; Logan Nemmers, jr.

season: 6-16 overall.

Roger Froehlich and Mark Meister will serve as co-coaches this season for the Golden Bears.

BISHOP GARRIGAN GIRLS

Submitted photo

BISHOP GARRIGAN GIRLS BASKETBALL returning letterwinners (left to right): Audi Crooks, Ashlyn Hovey, Molly Joyce, Zoe Montag and Abbie Capesius.

THE CREDITS

The Messenger’s 2022-2023 Winter Preview was a combined effort made possible by the efforts of our sports department and the valued schools in our area.

Sports Editor Eric Pratt and Assistant Sports Editor Chris Johnson designed, assembled and edited the tab. Staff members Pratt, Johnson and Dana Becker gathered information, wrote stories and typed in schedules, standings and other data. Staff photographs were taken by Britt Kudla.

Manwarren designed the cover.

Photo by Greg Grabianowski

BISHOP GARRIGAN BOYS BASKETBALL returning letterwinners are (left to right): Ryan Noonan, Jack Grandgenett, Andrew Fogarty, Drew Muller, Logan Nemmers and Aidan Hovey.

WOLVERINE BOYS

After winning seven games a year ago, the West Bend-Mallard boys have four starters and two ore letterwinners back to build around in hopes of more success this season.

Sam Fehr, Max Fehr, Mitch Stevens and Jaxon Zaugg will all look to keep the momentum from a strong football campaign going.

Sam Fehr averaged 12.5 points and almost nine rebounds per game last year, while Max Fehr added nine, five and three assists.

“Expectations are high,” WB-M head coach Jerald Zaugg said. “Hopefully, we can build on improvements made the last couple of years and climb into the top-half of the Twin Lakes Conference.”

Stevens, Zaugg and Landon Montag each scored four a night, with Noah Gerber another returning letterwinners.

“We need a couple of players to make that next step to become main

scorers,” Zaugg said. “Sam is an all-conference player and we need him to become more versatile. We also need the returning players to increase their roles.”

—By Dana Becker

WOLVERINE GIRLS

Six returning letterwinners, including top scorers Kierstin Montag and Hailey Stalzer, are back for the West Bend-Mallard girls.

The Wolverines won eight games a season ago, finishing ninth overall in the Twin Lakes Conference.

Montag, a 6-foot junior, posted 17.6 points and almost 12 rebounds a night, earning second team allTLC status. Stalzer, a 5-foot-6 guard, posted 11 points.

Shaylee Wise, Tiffany Fehr, Abi Schmidt and Lexi Welter are all back with key varsity experience.

Schmidt, a junior, averaged five points and shot 80 percent from the free throw line, while both Fehr and

Wise made over 25 percent of their 3-point attempts.

—By Dana Becker

WOLVERINE WRESTLING

One district qualifier and a handful of letterwinners are back for the West Bend-Mallard wrestling team this season.

Logan Grimm, a junior, advanced to districts and won 25 matches a year ago. Seniors Garrett Fehr, Lucas Fehr, Ben Massner and Ethan Zaugg all won at least 20 matches and are also back.

Trinity Allen, Cortlyn Schupbach and Coltin Hoover provide more experience after winning varsity matches.

Payton Rice, a former Manson Northwest Webster standout, returns for his sixth season and is assisted by Chance Rice and Donavon Hanson.

—By Dana Becker

WOLVERINES AT A GLANCE

WEST BEND-MALLARD BOYS

Returning letterwinners (6): Sam Fehr, 6-3, sr., F; Max Fehr, 6-3, sr., G; Mitch Stevens, 5-9, jr., G; Jaxon Zaugg, 6-2, jr., C; Landon Montag, 6-2, jr., G; Noah Gerber, 6-1, sr., G.

Top prospects: Aaron Gamsell, 6-4, sr., C; Klayton Jones, 6-1, jr., F; Aiden Yoch, 5-11, jr., G; Clint Fehr, 5-9, soph., G; Houston Nielsen, 5-7, soph., G; Austin Schmidt, 5-8, soph., G.

Last season: 7-16 overall, 2-9 in Twin Lakes Conference.

Coach: Jerald Zaugg enters his eighth season with the Wolverines, having won 30 games in his career.

WEST BEND-MALLARD GIRLS

Returning letterwinners (6): Kierstin Montag, jr., 6-0, F/C; Hailey Stalzer, soph., 5-6, G; Shaylee Wise, soph., 5-8, G; Tiffany Fehr, soph., 5-6, G; Abi Schmidt, jr., 5-8, G; Lexi Welter, soph., 5-9, F.

Last season: 8-14 overall, 3-8 in Twin Lakes Conference (ninth).

Coach: Kyle Bortell enters his second season leading the Wolverines.

WEST BEND-MALLARD WRESTLING

Returning letterwinners (8): Trinity Allen, 220, jr.; Garrett Fehr, 145, sr.; Lucas Fehr, 126, sr.; Logan Grimm, 152, jr.; Ben Massner, 170, sr.; Cortlyn Schupbach, jr.; Ethan Zaugg, 195, sr.; Coltin Hoover, 152, sr.

Last year: 7-17 in dual action.

Coach: Payton Rice, a graduate of Upper Iowa, is in his sixth season with the Wolverines, where he has won 30 duals.

EAGLE BOYS

Ryan Pedersen is expecting a lot out of his Eagle Grove boys this winter.

With four returning starters and another letterwinner back, the Eagles look to compete in the Top of Iowa Conference.

Seniors Jordan Morris and Tate Richardson are joined by starters Drake Canavan and Jaxon Morris. Cody Gearhart, another 12th-grader, is also back.

“We have a good core of players returning from last year,” Pedersen said. “I am hoping to take a big step forward this season. We have a lot of experience and four returning starters.

“The No. 1 goal for this season is to take care of the ball. When we take care of the ball, we can compete with the best teams in our conference.

“We also need to rebound on both ends of the court. We have a long and lanky team; we just need to have the mentality that every rebound needs to be ours.

That’s what we will focus on in practice this season.

Canavan, a 6-foot-3 junior, averaged 12.4 points and 6.4 rebounds per game last year, with Jordan Morris adding nine points and Jaxon Morris, a sophomore 5.4. Richardson chipped in two points and four boards a night.

Junior Nolan Krauss is expected to also see time in the backcourt.

“In order for us to be successful this season, we need players to step up and lead,” Pedersen said.

“Drake is our returning leading scorer and I anticipate his numbers to go up in his junior year. But we need to find other scorers that can be consistent night in and night out too.

“Jordan did a great job for us last year and I look for his scoring to improve. Our biggest key to the season is figuring out the role of everyone. If we can do that, we can do some pretty great things.”

—By Dana Becker

EAGLES, Page 44

letterwinners are, front row (left to right): Clara Moffitt, Kaclynn Demory and Reece Ettinger. Back: Nodia Kaiser, Calli Stell, Chole Stell, Fatima Galvan and Jocelyn Gonzalez. Not picutred: Leslie Ultrera.

GROVE

EAGLE GROVE WRESTLING returning letterwinners are, front row (left to right): Jayden Gump, Dustin Dawson and Mack Morgan. Back: Damon Richter, Jesus Baez, Trenton Sorenson and Korey Anderson.

Messenger photos by Britt Kudla EAGLE

GIRLS BASKETBALL returning

EAGLE GROVE

CLARION-GOLDFIELD/DOWS

COWBOYS

Three key players are back for Jason Berning and the ClarionGoldfield/Dows boys, who won a share of the North Central Conference last winter and had a deep postseason run.

Seniors Nevan Foss and Preston Gardner, along with junior Carson Nesheim, were each part of the unit. Foss is the leading returning scorer among the three.

“From the outside, it will be a rebuilding season losing 12 seniors,” Berning said. “However, we are really excited about our new group.

“They are highly athletic and competitive. Not much is known about this group at the varsity level, but we look forward to building on the conference title from a year ago and for this group to find its own identity.”

Berning and his coaching staff will look to senior Coy Hanson along with several juniors and sophomores to replace the

production lost.

“I am really excited for guys like Nevan, Preston and Carson,” Berning said. “They have been patiently waiting for their turn and I believe they will all have fantastic seasons.

“Nevan and Preston are athletes and we are going to let them run and use that ability. Nevan can run and jump with anyone. I am looking forward to turning him loose. Carson has the potential to be an all-conference player.”

—By Dana Becker

COWGIRLS

Two starters and several other letterwinners are back for the Clarion-Goldfield/Dows girls this winter.

Senior Lexie Lane and junior Sawyer Morrical were key pieces last year as the Cowgirls won six games, and will be counted on for

See C-G/D, Page 44

CLARION-GOLDFIELD/DOWS GIRLS BASKETBALL

returning letterwinners are, front row (left to right): Kennedy Jackson, Indy Johnson and Elliot Ennis. Back: Kennedy Trca, Emma State, Lexie Lane and Payton DeCoster.

CLARION-GOLDFIELD/DOWS WRESTLING returning letterwinners are, front row (left to right): Rigo Bobadilla, Ethan Traub, Erick Perez, Cale Kirstein, Jacob Ingebritson and Caleb Seab. Back: Nash Lienemann, Lucas Parcel, Mason Allen, Reid Huntley, Mack Seaba, Jackson Beisel and Luke Brownell.

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

WEBSTER CITY

LYNX BOYS

Former Webster City standout Brett Ratcliff slides into the head coach role after spending time under Marty McKinney as his assistant.

Ratcliff will have three key starters back, along with a handful of others who have varsity experience.

Seniors Jaime Grossoehme, Jayce Neuroth and Ty McKinney will make the transition a little more smooth. Grossoehme averaged 14 points per game last year, shooting 48 percent from the 3-point line.

“Those three seniors are the core group,” Ratcliff said. “We will rely on them heavily this season to lead the team.

“We also have several juniors that have put in the work in the offseason, have matured physically and are ready to step in and fill some key roles we need after graduating several seniors.”

McKinney added 12.5 points, four rebounds and three assists, while Neuroth chipped in 5.5 points, three assists, 2.5 rebounds and two steals.

“We will be able to get out and run in transition,” Ratcliff said. “I feel like we have four-to-five guys on the court at all times that can bring the ball up on a break. We should also be versatile enough on defense to guard multiple positions.”

—By Dana Becker

LYNX GIRLS

Mark Fisher has high hopes in his first season leading the Webster City girls. And rightfully so.

With four returning starters and several more letterwinners back, expectations are high around the Lynx program after winning six games a season ago.

“We are looking our first winning record in many years,” Fisher said. “I think depending on how quickly we develop, we can make some noise in the North Central Conference.

“We have a great group of seniors and some hard-working, hungry underclassmen. The talent is there; we just have to trust the process and improve every day.”

Seniors Alley Odland, Reese Casey, Abby Gallentine and Livia Kasch are all back from that team. Kasch averaged seven points and six rebounds per game, while Odland and Casey were right around four and three points each.

Casey also grabbed six rebounds a night, giving Webster City a solid lowpost presence alongside Kasch.

Fallon Casey, Chloe Anderson, Jill Symens, Ava Peterson and Addy Beaulieu also return with experience from a year ago. See LYNX, Page 43

Photo by Patrick Coons

WEBSTER CITY WRESTLING returning letterwinners are, front row (left to right): Adison Scott, Jordan Vankham, Brayden Henley, Tristen Maxwell and Carson Doolittle. Middle: Tristan Mason, CJ Hisler, Dylan Burnette-Bingham, Austin Mason, Brady Jessen and Deion Vankham. Back: Luke Estlund, Skyler Scott, Jaxon Cherry, Landon Griffin and Isaac Firsching.

Photo by Patrick Coons

WEBSTER CITY GIRLS BASKETBALL returning letterwinners are (left to right): Addyson Beaulieu, Trinity Griffith, Livia Kasch, Abby Gallentine, Jillian Symens, Alley Odland, Chloe Anderson, Fallon Casey, Reese Casey and Ava Peterson.

LYNX WRESTLING

Chad Hisler has continued the strong tradition of wrestling at Webster City since taking over the program.

That should remain the same this year, as the Lynx return a bevy of talent spread throughout the lineup.

CJ Hisler, Carson Doolittle and Jaxon Cherry are all returning medalists for Webster City, as Doolittle earned his second third place finish last year. Hisler was also third, while Cherry placed fourth.

Hisler leads the returning Lynx wrestlers with 86 career wins and is also a two-time North Central Conference champion. Austin Mason, another senior with an NCC title under his belt, has 55 wins, while Jordan Vankham has 50. Doolittle already owns 75 wins as a junior and two NCC titles, while Cherry is another returning league champion.

“We have a really good group of experienced wrestlers led by a strong senior class,” Hisler said. “Add in the newcomers and some other kids, and I feel like we have a really quality, deep roster.”

LYNX AT A GLANCE

WEBSTER CITY BOYS

Returning letterwinners (9): Jaime Grossoehme, 6-1, sr.; Jayce Neuroth, 5-8, sr.; Ty McKinney, 6-0, sr.; Trevyn Lyons, 5-9, jr.; Isaac Haule, 6-2, sr.; Braden Doering, 6-0, jr.; Kaleb White, 5-10, jr.; Briar Klaver, 6-3, jr.; Carson Koeppen, 6-1, jr.

Last season: 12-10 overall, 9-5 in North Central Conference (tied for third).

Coach: Brett Ratcliff, a former Webster City standout, enters his first season as head coach, replacing Marty McKinney.

WEBSTER CITY GIRLS

Returning letterwinners (9): Fallon Casey, sr., 5-6, G; Chloe Anderson, sr., 5-7, G; Alley Odland, sr., 5-6, G; Jill Symens, jr., 5-8, F/G; Reese Casey, sr., 5-11, F; Livia Kasch, sr., 5-10, F; Ava Peterson, jr., 5-9, F; Addy Beaulieu, jr., 5-6, G; Abby Gallentine, sr., 5-9, F/G.

Top prospects: Trinity Griffith, sr., 5-10, F; Joleah Stuhr, jr., 5-10, F; Caitlyn Gapp, jr., 5-6, G; Kennedy Halling, jr., 5-6, G; Adysen Poppen, soph., 5-9, F; Marissa Hedeen, soph., 6-0, G/F; Olivia Gallentine, soph., 5-9, G; Alivia Burns, fr., 5-5, G.

Last season: 6-16 overall, 3-11 in North Central Conference.

Coach: Mark Fisher begins his first season as head coach, but has nine years of experience coming in with a record of 117-85.

WEBSTER CITY WRESTLING

Returning letterwinners (13): CJ Hisler, sr., 195; Austin Mason, sr., 152; Jordan Vankham, sr., 145; Brayden Henely, sr., 126; Dylan BurnetteBingham, sr., 182; Skyler Scott, sr., 170; Brady Jessen, sr., 160; Carson Doolittle, jr., 120; Jaxon Cherry, jr., 220; Luke Estlund, soph., 152; Tristan Mason, soph., 138; Landon Griffen, jr., 285; Addison Scott, soph.

Top prospects: Linden Phetxoumphone, fr.; Carson Bertran, soph.; Dawson Bertran, fr.; Cole Nohrenberg, fr.; Beau Nohrenberg, fr.; Tristan Maxwell, sr.

Coach: Chad Hisler has recorded 141 wins in eight seasons.

—By Dana Becker

Photo by Patrick Coons

WEBSTER CITY BOYS BASKETBALL returning letterwinners are (left to right): Ty McKinney, Briar Klaver, Jayce Neuroth, Jaime Grossoehme and Braden Doering.

EAGLE GROVE CLARION-GOLDFIELD-DOWS

EAGLE GIRLS

Seven returning letterwinners are back for veteran head coach Michael Herrington and the Eagle Grove girls this winter.

Following a 3-18 campaign a year ago, the Eagles will hope that experience of playing many underclassmen pays off with more wins on the hardwood.

Nadia Kaiser was one of those players, averaging six points and 4.5 rebounds a night. She started all 21 games, while Maddison Kaiser started 20 and Chloe Steil 17.

“We have an increased emphasis on defensive pressure,” Herrington said. “We have also increased our level of perimeter offense and put an emphasis on post player on both ends.”

Calli Steil, Jacylinn Demory, Reece Ettinger and Clara Moffit are other returning letterwinners for Eagle Grove.

“Staying positive and determined will be important,” Herrington said. “If we do that, we

photo by Britt Kudla EAGLE GROVE BOYS BASKETBALL returning letterwinners are (left to right) Tate Richardson, Drake Canavan and Cody Gearheart. Not pictured: Jaxon Morris and Jordan Morris.

have a shot at a very solid finish in the conference.”

—By Dana Becker

EAGLE WRESTLERS

A state medalist, another state qualifier and three more wrestlers who reached districts all return for Eagle Grove this winter.

Mack Morgan worked his way to a 33-13 record and fifth place finish at state last year, while Dustin Dawson also reached Des Moines and

EAGLES AT A GLANCE

EAGLE GROVE BOYS

Returning letterwinners (5): Tate Richardson, sr., 6-1, F; Jordan Morris, sr., 6-0, G; Cody Gearhart, sr., 5-10, G; Drake Canavan, jr., 6-3, F/G; Jaxon Morris, soph., 5-10, G.

Top prospect: Nolan Krauss, jr., 5-10, G.

Last season: 2-20 overall, 2-14 in Top of Iowa Conference.

Coach: Ryan Pedersen, a graduate of Iowa Central and the University of Northern Iowa, returns for his ninth season with the Eagles. He has won 34 games in his career.

EAGLE GROVE GIRLS

Returning letterwinners (7): Calli Steil, 5-8, jr., F; Chloe Steil, 5-8, jr., F; Nadia Kaiser, 5-8, jr., F; Maddison Kaiser, 5-6, jr., G; Jacylinn Demory, 5-10, jr., P; Reece Ettinger, 5-7, jr., F; Clara Moffit, 5-10, jr., P.

Wells Fargo Arena, going 34-15.

Jack Mendoza, Korey Anderson and Kaden Pritchard were district qualifiers, with all three winning over 30 matches.

Connor Christopher, Damon Richter, Trent Sorensen and Orlando Melendrez add experience for the Eagles, who went 16-8 in duals for Jacob Groth, who is now in his 11th season leading the program.

—By Dana Becker

Top prospects: Lesley Mendez, 5-6, soph., G; Jocelyn Gonzalez, 5-6, soph., G; Justine Olson,

Last season: 3-18 overall.

Coach: Michael Herrington returns for his fifth season leading the Eagles.

EAGLE GROVE WRESTLING

Returning letterwinners (9): Mack Morgan, 113, jr.; Connor Christopher, 132, jr.; Dustin Dawson, 138, sr.; Damon Richter, 285, sr.; Trent Sorensen, 182, sr.; Jack Mendoza, 195, sr.; Korey Anderson, 145, sr.; Kaden Pritchard, 120, sr.; Orlando Melendrez, 160, sr.

Last year: 16-8 in duals.

Coach: Jacob Groth, a graduate of Wartburg, returns for his 11th season with the Eagles.

even more this season.

Lane averaged over 14 points, four rebounds and three steals per game as a junior, while Morrical chipped in seven points, three rebounds, three steals and two assists.

“We will be more balanced on offense this year,” C-G/D head coach Elizabeth Ennis said. “We must play strong defense and be aggressive on offense in order to be successful.”

Joining them will be seniors Kennedy Trca, Emma State and Payton DeCoster along with sophomores Elliot Ennis, Indy Johnson and Kennedy Jackson.

“Lexie can create a lot on offense and is our best defender,” Ennis said. “Sawyer has gained a lot of confidence and improved her ballhandling. Elliot should be a strength in the paint.

“Many of the girls played volleyball in the fall and built a lot of confidence that we hope carries forward.”

—By Dana Becker

CLARION-GOLDFIELD/DOWS BOYS basketball returning letterwinners are (left to right): Preston Gardner, Carson Nesheim and Nevan Foss.

COWBOY WRESTLERS

Dillon Anderson takes over as head coach of the Clarion-Goldfield/ Dows wrestling program this winter. Anderson has spent the last three years working as an assistant for the Cowboys, who remain a contender in the North Central Conference. This year, Anderson will have several returning letterwinners to work with, led by state medalist Mack Seaba and state qualifier Cale Kirstein.

“We want to be at the top of the NCC this year and take back the crown,”

Anderson said. —Hopeful for a pathway to state duals to bring home some hardware.

“Keys for us this year will be to stay healthy, score bonus points and be hungry to compete. We have good leaders to need to set an example.”

Seaba, a senior, placed eighth last year and won 35 matches, while Kirstein finished with 30 victories. Ethan Traub was another 30-match winner and qualified for districts, as did Eric Perez.

—By Dana Becker

COWBOYS/COWGIRLS AT A GLANCE

CLARION-GOLDFIELD/DOWS BOYS

Returning letterwinners (3): Nevan Foss, sr., 6-0, G; Preston Gardner, sr., 6-2, F; Carson Nesheim, jr., 6-0, G.

Top prospects: Coy Hanson, sr., 5-10, G; Ili Frias, jr., 5-11, G; Caden Hankins, jr., 6-2, F; Joshua Moore, jr., 6-3, F; Wyatt DeCoster, jr., 5-11, G; Colin Kirstein, jr., 6-0, G; Bryce Lindaman, soph., 6-4, F; Landen Kakacek, jr., 6-0, G.

Last season: 19-4 overall, North Central Conference co-champions.

Coach: Jason Berning enters his second season as head coach of the Cowboys.

CLARION-GOLDFIELD/DOWS GIRLS

Returning letterwinners (8): Lexie Lane, 5-10, sr., G/F; Kennedy Trca, 5-8, sr., F; Emma State, 5-8, sr., F; Payton DeCoster, 5-7, sr., G; Sawyer Morrical, 5-5, jr., G; Elliot Ennis, 6-1, soph., C;

Indy Johnson, 5-5, soph., G; Kennedy Jackson, 5-8, soph., G.

Top prospects: Paige Brooks, 5-2, jr., G; Nyla Wibholm, 5-7, jr., F; Aysa Lyons, 5-5, jr., G.

Last season: 6-16 overall, 3-11 in North Central Conference (sixth).

Coach: Elizabeth Ennis is in her second stint leading the Cowgirls.

CLARION-GOLDFIELD/DOWS WRESTLING

Returning letterwinners (10): Rigo Bobadilla, sr.; Ethan Traub, sr.; Caleb Seaba, soph.; Jackson Beisel, sr.; Cale Kirstein, sr.; Mack Seaba, sr.; Luke Brownell, sr.; Eric Perez, sr.; Nash Lienemann, sr.; Mason Allen, jr.

Last season: 18-8 in duals.

Coach: Dillon Anderson steps into the role of head coach after spending three seasons asn an assistant with the Cowboy program.

5-10, jr., P; Fatima Galvin, 5-6, sr., G; Ryleigh Jass, 5-6, fr., G/F; Hailey Menke, 5-8, fr., P.

EAGLES , Continued from Page 38

Messenger

C-G-D

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

COVER STORY: FORT DODGE’S ALEXIS ROSS

“When Alexis was at the state tournament last year and hurt her knee, we went and talked to Jamie. He came down and got her back together and got her mind right before the finals. Those are the moments that are special. We could never repay him for everything he’s done.”

Drevon eventually became a three-time medalist for the Dodgers. Meanwhile, Damarion — already a onetime medalist and two-time qualifier in his first two seasons at Fort Dodge— and Alexis are still writing their stories.

Dreshaun, meanwhile, is beginning his high school career at 195 pounds for the Dodgers after a decorated youth career.

For Alexis, it was always different. She didn’t care who she was facing — boy or girl.

“It was more of an adrenaline rush for me than fear,’’ Alexis said. “Honestly, when I was little it was fun, but when I got to fourth or fifth grade, I realized it was going to be something I was going to really take serious.

“Competing with my brothers helped me and my wrestling got better. Whether they were hyping me up or wrestling me, they never saw a girl that wrestled because I was like a tomboy.”

As she got older and the boys matured, matches got tougher. But Alexis was not one to back down.

“We always talked about it and I was still beating boys in middle school,’’ Alexis said. “Once they hit puberty, I could still battle some of the guys’ technique-wise, but the muscle difference was there.

“I still went out and did my best, though. Even though losing sucks, it was those close battles and my support system that helped me a lot.”

Amy has watched her daughter mature on the mat and carry that same intensity regardless of opponent.

“Honestly, I don’t think we have seen any change. She would just always win and dominate the boys,’’ Amy said. “There was a match against one of the Martinson boys from Southeast Polk, and she lasted a good amount of time against him and she made his nose bleed.

“I just thought, ‘how cool...she battled and lost, but it was still a win.”

During Alexis’s freshman season, girls wrestling began gaining momentum in high schools across the state of Iowa. Being able to compete against other females helped level the prep playing field.

In her first season on the mat, Alexis earned a bronze-medal finish at the state invitational. She followed that up with a silver medal her junior year.

The top of the podium was the only spot she hadn’t reached, and with a perfect 27-0 record as a junior last winter, Alexis accomplished her goal and became an IWCOA state champion.

Before she had her hand raised last season at the state meet, the big news hit Xtream Arena in Coralville: the IGHSAU was sanctioning girls wrestling for the state beginning with the 2022-23 campaign.

“We have always joked how I was going to go to college and wrestle for a boys team,’’ Alexis said. “But when they announced (girls wrestling as an official sanctioned sport), it was a relief to me. My whole life, I had talked about wrestling in college.

“Now that dream can happen.”

Amy is looking forward to the opportunities that may come for her

daugther.

“With college recruiting and the chance at a full-ride (scholarship) somewhere at the college level...it’s exciting,” Amy said.

Andre, who wrestled at Iowa Central in the mid- to late-90s, has loved the sport since his active days on the mat. To see his daughter have the chance to compete in the sport she loves and potentially get a college education in the process is ideal for him.

“It’s exciting to see that all of her hard work will pay off,’’ Andre said. “All the sacrifices and not giving up.

“The sport is growing so much, and she has wrestled a lot of tough competition around the country. That’s her plan for her future: to continue down the path of wrestling.”

Through the evolution of the sport comes a team. For the first three years of her career, Alexis was working as an individual in the Dodger wrestling room.

Now, in the first year of girls wrestling at FDSH, Alexis has other Dodger girls by her side.

Fort Dodge has 14 girls on its roster. It’s a situation Alexis wasn’t sure would ever happen.

“It’s really fun to see. I’ve never been a part of a team of girls,” Alexis said. “I’ve seen other teams have ‘Secret

Santas’ and other bonding situations, and I always thought that would be fun and exciting.

“Now I get the chance to show other girls what the sport is all about.”

Since she was four years old, Alexis loved the sport that “wasn’t for girls.” Her family has always been supportive and along for the ride.

“I’m very hard on my kids, but praise them when they do well,’’ Andre said.

“When she won the state title, I had tears in my eyes. That was something she had dreamed of.

“Her sophomore year, when she lost in the finals in a match she knew she could have won...that bothered her and it made her a better wrestler.”

Amy agreed.

“We are super proud of her,” Amy said. “Wrestling is her passion. She is doing what she loves most.”

Now that she enters her final stage of high school, Alexis is able to look back and appreciate the fact that her journey started in Fort Dodge.

“Jamie (Allison) started me out in my wrestling career. He’s the one who built my wrestling skills,’’ Alexis said. “He has supported me throughout it all, and still to this day.

“Coach Koenig has been there for me, too, through it all. He is the one who takes me to tournaments and always keeps my head up.”

Since the days of barely being able to see over the medal podium, Alexis has leaned on her family for both wrestling and real-world advice.

“It’s great to have a support system like I have. They know exactly what I’m going through,’’ Alexis said. “It means a lot. They all bring something different (to the table). Damarion is the technical guy. He can watch my match, break down everything and tell me what I did right. Dreshaun is the aggressive one. Drevon is there for the deeper talks.

“My (older) sister (Alaysha, a former all-state cheerleader at FDSH) will sometimes say, ‘can we go one day without talking about wrestling?’ It’s just a part of it all — it’s what makes us...us.”

ROSS , Continued from Page 23

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

SENIOR STATE CHAMPION ALEXIS ROSS wrestles at the first ever Fort Dodge girls scramble in the Dodger gym earlier this month.

MUSTANG BOYS

Chad Buchholz and the Newell-Fonda boys will look to keep the momentum going both from last year and a strong football season in the fall this winter on the hardwood.

The Mustangs reached the eight-player semifinals just a few short weeks ago, and were crowned district champions last year after winning 22 games. They also picked up the Twin Lakes Conference title, going a perfect 11-0 in league play.

“We have great ball handling skills and team depth once again this season,” Buchholz said. “We have a very versatile team with many players who can create on offense and guard multiple positions on defense. We will look to use these things to our advantage this season.

“We lost three very good players to graduation. They were great leaders for us on and off the floor. All three had great individual skills, played great team basketball and helped our team win a lot of games. Who will step up into those leadership roles and fill those minutes? We believe and know that we have multiple players that are capable of doing so and we are excited for those players to get their chance.”

Mason Dicks, Ryan Greenfield, Caden Meyer and Carter Sievers all return, with Sievers coming off a junior campaign that saw him earn all-state status after posting 19 points a night.

Greenfield averaged nine points, 2.5 steals and two assists a game, while Dicks chipped in eight points, four assists, three steals and three rebounds. Meyer averaged just under seven points and seven boards a night.

Caden VandenBosch, Austin Walsh, Ty Tauber, Eli Roberts, Max Carlson, Guyson Lyman and Mason Hoberman are all back with varsity experience.

“We need to keep improving each and every day,” Buchholz said. “To be able to win on a consistent basis, we will need to play great defense every night.”

—By Dana Becker

runner-up trophies.

“We are very athletic and hope to use our speed and quickness to our advantage,” Jungers said. “We have good team depth and kids that love basketball. They spend a lot of time working on their craft. We have a great mix of older and younger kids that will be fighting for playing time.

“This group of girls are very competitive and will push each other to keep getting better. We have a balanced attack on offense with strong post play as well as players who are very strong on the perimeter. Defense and transition will again be areas of strength.”

Under Jungers, Newell-Fonda has won 443 games in the past 20 seasons, and will be adding to that total with returning starters Mary Walker, Isabel Bartek, Laney Hogrefe and Kierra Jungers all back.

Walker averaged just under 12 points a night, Jungers was right under 11 with Hogrefe at 5.5 and Bartek at 4.3. Off the bench, McKenna Sievers, Mia Walker and Kinzee Hinders all played key roles, with Emma Erickson and Greta Larsen two others back.

“We return a strong core of players who compete each night in practice,” Jungers said. “This group has put in a lot of time in the offseason to get better and to gain confidence."

—By Dana Becker

MUSTANGS AT A GLANCE

NEWELL-FONDA BOYS

Returning letterwinners (11): Mason Dicks, sr.; Ryan Greenfield, sr.; Caden Meyer, sr.; Carter Sievers, sr.; Caden VandenBosch, sr.; Austin Walsh, sr.; Ty Tauber, jr.; Eli Roberts, jr.; Max Carlson, soph.; Guyson Lyman, soph.; Mason Hoberman, soph.

Last season: 22-3 overall, 11-0 in Twin Lakes Conference (first); district champions.

Coach: Chad Buchholz enters his fourth season leading the Mustangs with an overall record of 57-14.

NEWELL-FONDA GIRLS

MUSTANG GIRLS

The 2021-22 season ended earlier than usual for the Newell-Fonda girls, as the three-time defending Class 1A state champions were upset in the semifinals.

That still meant another state appearance to add under legendary head coach Dick Jungers, who has now led the Mustangs to 13 trips to state with four titles and four more

Returning letterwinners (9): Mary Walker, sr.; Isabel Bartek, jr.; Laney Hogrefe, sr.; Kierra Jungers, jr.; McKenna Sievers, jr.; Mia Walker, sr.; Kinzee Hinders, soph.; Emma Erickson, sr.; Greta Larsen, jr.

Last season: 24-2 overall, Class 1A state semifinalist.

Coach: Dick Jungers has recorded a career record of 443-71 at Newell-Fonda, including 13 state tournament appearances with four state titles. That includes three consecutive championships from 2019-21 and four more runner-up trophies.

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PATON-CHURDAN

ROCKET BOYS

The Paton-Churdan boys return Parker Fitzpatrick, Shaydon Thurman, Dylan Cullum and Jacob Brus this winter, as all four made at least one start and played in at least 12 games.

Thurman and Fitzpatrick are the leading returning scorers, as Thurman averaged nine points and five rebounds. Fitzpatrick added 4.6 points and 4.5 rebounds.

The Rockets won just one game last season and have not won more than eight since going 10-11 in 2016-17.

—By Dana Becker

ROCKET GIRLS

The Paton-Churdan girls will look to get back to their winning ways with several newcomers expected to fill key roles.

Seniors Emma Stream and Bailey Anderson are joined by sophomore Grace Cullum and freshmen Madison Roper, Leah McCormick, Becca Anderson and Calleigh Fitzpatrick.

Stream averaged nine points per game last year with 3.6 rebounds.

—By Dana Becker

ROCKETS AT A GLANCE

ROCKET BOYS

Returning letterwinners (4): Parker Fitzpatrick, sr.; Shaydon Thurman, sr.; Dylan Cullum, jr.; Jacob Brus, sr.

Last season: 1-19 overall.

Coach: Greg Jacobs is the head coach for the Rams.

ROCKET GIRLS

Returning letterwinners (2): Emma Stream, sr.; Grace Cullum, soph.

Last season: 0-17 overall.

Coach: Tom Kennedy is the head coach for the Rockets.

GREENE COUNTY

RAM BOYS

The Greene County boys are searching for their first winning season since going 12-11 in 2017-18.

Last year, they won nine games, almost doubling the total from the season before.

Richard Daugherty and Jesse Miller are returning starters, and were both key pieces to a strong football campaign in the fall. Nathan Behne, Gabe Ebersole, Brynley Ruzicka Brayden Roberts, Trey Schilling and Lucas Jablonski all saw action in at least 12 games last year.

Daugherty averaged 16 points and five rebounds a night, with Miller adding 12 and seven. Miller will play football for South Dakota next year.

—By Dana Becker

Hoyle averaged 5.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and almost two assists per game last year, while Shipley chipped in four points and three boards.

Grace Hardaway, Regan Tuhn, Esther Van Horn, Ella Shipley and Kamryn Sanders are all returning letterwinners.

—By Dana Becker

RAM WRESTLING

Returning state champion Kale Petersen and McKinley Robbins, a two-time runner-up and one-time champion, are back to lead the Greene County wrestling team.

Petersen went 13-0 last year, capturing the Class 2A, 120-pound title with an 8-5 decision win over Webster City’s Cam Phetxoumphone.

RAM GIRLS

Four returning starters and several more letterwinners are back for the Greene County girls and second-year head coach Tori Ogden.

The Rams won three games a season ago, but look to build off that with returning starters Alexa Peters, Emma Shipley, Emma Hoyle and Ashlynn Hinners all leading the way. Peters, Hoyle and Hinners are seniors, while Shipley is a sophomore.

Robbins, meanwhile, was second after falling to Blaine Frazier of Notre Dame in the finals. He went 45-4 and won a state title as a sophomore, while also placing second as a freshman.

Earlier this year, Robbins committed to wrestle at Oregon State University next season.

Gavin Scheuermann was a state qualifier last year, finishing with a record of 41-8.

—By Dana Becker

RAMS AT A GLANCE

RAM BOYS

Returning letterwinners (8): Nathan Behne, jr.; Gabe Ebersole, jr.; Richard Daugherty, sr.; Jesse Miller, sr.; Brynley Ruzicka, jr.; Brayden Roberts, sr.; Trey Schilling, jr.; Lucas Jablonski, sr.

Last season: 9-13 overall.

Coach: Christopher Nelson is the head coach for the Rams.

RAM GIRLS

Returning letterwinners (9): Grace Hardaway, jr., 5-7, G; Regan Tuhn, sr., 5-2, G; Alexa Peters, sr., 5-5, G; Esther Van Horn, jr., 4-8, G; Emma Shipley, soph., 5-10, G; Ella Shipley, soph., 5-11, P; Kamryn Sanders, sr., 5-10, P; Emma Hoyle, sr., 5-5, G; Ashlynn Hinners, sr., 5-11, P.

Last season: 3-19 overall, 1-13 in Heart of Iowa Conference (eighth).

Coach: Tori Ogden begins her second season leading the Rams.

RAM WRESTLING

Complete team information was not provided to The Messenger by press time.

SOUTH CENTRAL CALHOUN

TITANS

, Continued from Page 32

TITAN WRESTLING

A new era begins at South Central Calhoun on the wrestling mats, as Jeff King and Colin Corey replace Lance Schultz as co-head coaches.

Both have plenty of experience on the mats for the Titans, as Corey had been an assistant for six years and King four under Schultz.

Seniors Justin Rohlfing, Riley Timmerman and Levi Evanoski are back, along with junior state qualifier Zach Trott and district qualifier Brock Nattress.

Rohlfing, who is 81-32 in his career, is a two-time Twin Lakes Conference champion and has qualified twice for state. Timmerman owns 56 career wins, while Trott is 82-25.

“We look to get back to the success we’ve had in the past,” King said. “We have individuals with district and state experience, and we also have several returning

SOUTH CENTRAL CALHOUN WRESTLING

returning letterwinners are (left to right): Brock Nattress, Kolin Folsom, Levi Evanoski, David Melody and Case Korleski. Not pictured: Zach Trott, Riley Timmerman, Justin Rohlfing, Naylan Gulbranson and Kaden Dorman.

wrestlers who have either won a tournament or were in the finals. We look for all of them to improve.”

Kolin Folsom, Naylan Gulbranson, David Melody, Daniel Melody, Case Korleski, Kaden Dorman and Mi chael Trott all earned valuable experience a year ago.

“Our numbers are up, which should create

TITANS AT A GLANCE

competition for a varsity spot,” Corey said. “That will help us improve as the season progresses. Many of our wrestlers have been in this program for over 10 years now and have had great success through our little kids program and at AAU state tournaments.”

—By Dana Becker

SC CALHOUN WRESTLING

Returning letterwinners (12): Justin Rohlfing, sr., 106/113; Riley Timmerman, sr., 182/195; Levi Evanoski, sr., 182; Kolin Folsom, jr., 120/126; Brock Nattress, jr., 138/145; Zach Trott, jr., 132; Naylan Gulbranson, jr., 182/195; David Melody, jr., 170/182; Daniel Melody, jr., 220/285; Case Korleski, soph., 220/285; Kaden Dorman, soph., 145/152; Michael Trott, soph., 113/120.

Last season: 26-3 overall, 8-1 in Twin Lakes Conference (tied for first).

Co-coaches: Jeff King and Colin Corey begin their

first season as co-head coaches, replacing Lance Schultz.

SC CALHOUN BOYS

Returning letterwinners

(9): Eli Wheelock, sr., 6-0, G; Tyler Lightner, sr., 5-10, G; Joe Clark, sr., 6-0, F; Gavin Batta, jr., 6-4, F; Cole Higgins, soph., 6-0, F; Andrew Anderson, soph., 6-0, G; Keegan Soard, jr., 6-3, F; Bryce Bergquist, jr., 6-3, F; Jordan Moreno, sr., 6-0, G.

Last season: 17-6 overall, 10-2 in Twin Lakes Conference (third).

Coach: Clive Clark begins his 13th season with the

Titans and 38th overall with a career record of 520-356.

SC CALHOUN GIRLS

Returning letterwinners (4): Riley Batta, 5-11, sr., G/F; Kylee Schliesman, 5-4, sr., G; Sophie McKinney, 5-6, sr., G; Brenna McAlister, 5-7, soph., F.

Top prospects: Bre Patterson, 5-7, soph., G; Olivia Toms, 5-0, jr., G; Mia Babcock, 5-7, jr., F; Claire Riat, 5-6, jr., F.

Last season: 19-6 overall, 7-4 in Twin Lakes Conference (fourth).

Coach: Curtis Batta enters his second season leading the Titans.

SOUTHEAST VALLEY

five rebounds and 4.4 assists. Classmates Alex Kitchen, Alexis Peterson, Jordyn Rowley and Halle Steck are also back.

Kitchen averaged seven points and five rebounds a night.

—By Dana Becker

JAGUAR WRESTLING

Following the graduation of a deep senior class, the Southeast Valley wrestling program will look to keep the momentum going forward.

The Jaguars return Caelan Oakes-Sudhish, who finished eighth at state as a junior, along with Kaden Holder, Caleb Will and Nate Graves. Kyle Johnson is back after missing his 11th-grade campaign with an injury.

“After graduating nine solid seniors out of the Southeast Valley starting lineup, the Jaguars will be in complete rebuilding mode as the team looks to fill holes in the lineup,” SV head coach Jeff Miller said. “Getting most of

the weight classes filled is a key. Younger kids without a lot of experience will have to step up and compete at the varsity level.

“Caelan will be looked upon to lead the younger kids.”

JAGUARS AT A GLANCE

Oakes-Sudhish won 43 matches a year ago, while Holder won 29, Will 23 and Graves six.

The Jaguars won 25 of their 28 duals they competed in.

—By Dana Becker

JAGUAR BOYS

Returning letterwinners

(11): Nate Scott, sr., 6-5, C; Carl Berglund, sr., 5-10, G; Drew Corell, sr., 5-10, G; Justin Loseke, sr., 6-0, F; Eli Johnson, sr., 6-4, F; Tyler Patterson, sr., 6-0, F; Dalton Crouse, jr., 5-9, G; Carter Ferry, jr., 5-8, G; Andrew Miller, jr., 6-0, F; Tyler Moreland, jr., 6-0, F; Brady Hanson, soph., 5-10, G.

Last season: 12-11 overall, 6-7 in Twin Lakes Conference (fifth).

Coach: Kyle Johnson is

in his ninth season with the Jaguars, where he has won 102 games.

JAGUAR GIRLS

Returning letterwinners (7): Alex Kitchen, jr., C; Madison Lane, sr., G; Breck Mills, jr., F; Alexis Peterson, jr., G; Jordyn Rowley, jr., F; Kenna Scott, jr., F; Halle Steck, jr., G.

Last season: 4-17 overall, 1-10 in Twin Lakes Conference (11th).

Coach: Kevin Mills has been at Southeast Valley for five seasons now, winning 28

games with the program.

JAGUAR WRESTLING

Returning letterwinners (5): Caelan Oakes-Sudhish, sr., 120/126; Kaden Holder, jr., 132; Caleb Will, soph., 132; Nate Graves, soph., 220; Kyle Johnson, sr., 152.

Last season: 25-3 in duals.

Coach: Jeff Miller, a graduate of Iowa State University, remains the leader of the Jaguar program. In 29 seasons, he has won 330 duals overall, including 139 with Southeast Valley.

JAGUARS , Continued from Page 26

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

SOUTHEAST VALLEY WRESTLING returning letterwinners are (left to right): Kaden Holder, Caelan Oakes-Sudhish and Caleb Will. Not pictured: Nate Graves.

Photo by Tyler Anderson/Calhoun County Phoenix

EAST SAC COUNTY

RAIDER BOYS

With a pair of returning starters and several letterwinners back, the East Sac County boys have a solid nucleus to build around for Todd Bontrager, who has spent the past three decades leading the program.

Luke Wright earned third team allTwin Lakes Conference status as a sophomore last season, averaging 11 points and five rebounds as the Raiders won 10 games and placed fourth in the

league.

Wright, who stands 6-foot-4, will give East Sac County an inside presence. Senior Aden Vondrak is a returning starter at point guard coming off a season in which he averaged six points, 4.5 assists, three rebounds and two steals.

“Our strengths will be rebounding the basketball and being a potentially good defensive team,” Bontrager said. “We hope to be a lot better at taking care of the ball and shooting it from the perimeter

this year.”

Weston Drost was lost for the year due to a football injury, while Caleb Eichhorn, Tony Clair, Brody Boeckman, Karter Ludwig and Luke Wernimont are all back.

“Luke will give us stability in the post and we are looking for more scoring from him this year,” Bontrager said. “Aden has developed into a really good passer and Caleb, Tony, Brody, Karter and Luke will provide a lot for our team.”

—By Dana Becker

RAIDER GIRLS

East Sac County head girls basketball coach Jason Phillips knows that his Raider girls will be tested on a nightly basis competing in the Twin Lakes Conference.

But with a handful of returning players

211 Highland Ave. Sac City, IA 50583

712-662-7105 • 800-344-3767 www.loringhosp.org

HUMBOLDT

EAST SAC COUNTY

back, Phillips is ready to see what his team can do.

East Sac County went 6-16 a year ago and will feature senior Mary Bontrager along with Kendall Quirk, Makenna Steiger and Jen Aschinger.

“I’m expecting big things out of the girls we have coming back,” Phillips said. “Mary is a four-year starter and Jen has turned into a very solid point guard for us.”

RAIDER WRESTLING

Charlie Veit anchors the East Sac County wrestling program after qualifying for state and placing sixth last year.

Bradyn Burns is another district qualifier back for the Raiders, along with letterwinners Garret Ortner, Landon Graff, Landon Grindle, Tate Lahr, Chandler Lahr and Kaydon Erpelding.

East Sac County is coached by Chaps Wilcke and Sam Ellis.

returning letterwinners are, front row (left to right): Claire Weydert, Baylie Beers, Ashlyn Sutterfield and Mia Harris. Back: Mackenzie McMahon, Lexi Roberts, Brooklyn Robinson, Sophia Harris and Rylee Coyle.

HUMBOLDT GIRLS WRESTLING

WILDCAT WRESTLING

The cupboard is far from bare for Chad Beaman and the Humboldt wrestling program this winter.

six rebounds a night.

“We hope to be very competitive in the NCC,” Humboldt head coach Rodd Mooney said. “We are a pretty young team, so we will need to learn quickly.

“We will also have to play tough defense and rebound as a team.”

They are joined by senior Kayla Gieber and sophomores Paige Nelson and Kaitlyn Nelson. Gieber averaged almost

four points and five rebounds, with the other two gaining valuable varsity experience.

“We will need to incorporate our newcomers with our returning players to help maximize our ability and form our identity,” Mooney said. “Shooting should be a strength, but we don’t have a lot of size.”

—By Dana Becker

HUMBOLDT BOYS

Returning letterwinners (3): Kaleb McCullough, 6-2, sr., C; Will Orness, 6-1, sr., G; Joshua Thurm, 6-1, sr., G.

Last season: 21-4 overall, 12-2 in North Central Conference (cochampions). Class 3A state tournament qualifiers.

Coach: Jason Thurm begins his fourth season, having won 49 games in three years with the Wildcats.

HUMBOLDT GIRLS

Returning letterwinners (5): Morgan Mann, soph., G; Kayla Gieber, sr., F;

A handful of returning state qualifiers, a couple other district qualifiers and a talented group of newcomers are all expected to take to the mats for the Wildcats.

Jayden Gargano, Jase Goodell and Cyler Cirks all have state experience under their belts, while Ty Gargano, Owen Mayall and Dusty Pate made it to districts.

Tyce Clarken is a ranked sophomore who went 19-4

WILDCATS AT A GLANCE

Reagan Lee, jr., F; Paige Nelson, soph., G; Kaitlyn Nelson, soph., G.

Last season: 12-10 overall, 9-5 in North Central Conference (fourth).

Coach: Rodd Mooney returns for his 21st season with the Wildcats, where he has won 189 games. Overall, Mooney has won 219 games in 23 seasons.

HUMBOLDT WRESTLING

Returning letterwinners (13): Tyce Clarken, soph., 126; Landon Halverson, soph., 160; Owen Mayall, soph., 132; Gaige Allen, jr., 182; Zayn Feaster, jr., 152; Daylin McDaniel, jr., 152; Cael

a year ago, while Mayall, Gaige Allen, Ty Gargano, Goodell, Cirks and Pate all won at least 20 matches. Gargano and Cirks went had 30 wins.

Along with Jayden and Ty Gargano, Kyle Caquelin, Goodell, Pate, Biruk Zemene and Christian Lee are key senior leaders for Humboldt.

Beaman, now in his 20th season as head coach for the Wildcats, has won 281 duals. Overall, he owns 437 career dual wins in 29 seasons on the mat.

Bontrager averaged almost 12 points per game last year with four rebounds, while Steiger added six points.

“I’m an old-school coach,” Phillips said. “I love the game of basketball and we work hard on fundamentals and defense. It might not be what everyone wants, but that is what we bring to the court.”

—By Dana Becker

Wilcke and Ellis will also be coaching the girls wrestling program, which features senior Olivia Villegas. She has competed at the IWCOA state championships each of the past three seasons and been with the boys program throughout her prep career.

—By Dana Becker

RAIDERS AT A GLANCE

EAST SAC COUNTY BOYS

Returning letterwinners (9): Caleb Eichorn, 6-1, jr.; Weston Drost, 6-0, jr.; Aden Vondrak, 6-1, sr.; Tony Clair, 6-1, jr.; Luke Wernimont, 6-1, jr.; Carter Hogrefe, 6-3, sr.; Karter Ludwig, 5-8, jr.; Brody Boeckman, 5-11, jr.; Luke Wright, 6-4, jr.

Last season: 10-12 overall, 7-4 in Twin Lakes Conference (fourth).

Coach: Todd Bontrager is in his 31st season as head coach.

EAST SAC COUNTY GIRLS

Newell, jr., 220; Aden Prenger, jr., 106; Kyle Caquelin, sr., 220; Jayden Gargano, sr., 132; Ty Gargano, sr., 152; Jase Goodell, sr., 152; Christian Lee, sr., 195.

Top prospects: Cyler Cirks, soph., 120; Dusty Pate, sr., 138; Biruk Zemene, sr., 113; Brady Beers, soph., 138; Trey Al-Hameed, soph., 145.

Last season: 17-4 in duals.

Coach: Chad Beaman returns for his 20th season with Humboldt, where he has collected 281 dual wins. Overall, Beaman is 4327-201-3 in 29 years as a head coach.

Returning letterwinners (4): Mary Bontrager, 5-7, sr., G; Kendall Quirk, 5-8, soph., F; Jen Aschinger, 5-4, jr., G; Makenna Steiger, 5-8, soph., G.

Last year: 6-16 overall, 2-9 in Twin Lakes Conference.

Coach: Jason Phillips returns for his fourth season as head coach of the Raiders.

EAST SAC COUNTY WRESTLING

Returning letterwinners (8): Bradyn Burns, 113; Garret Ortner, 120; Landon Graff, 126; Charlie Veit, 132; Landon Grindle, 138; Tate Lahr, 145; Chandler Lahr, 152; Kaydon Erpelding, 182.

Last year: 2-25 in duals.

Coaches: Chaps Wilcke and Sam Ellis are co-head coaches for the Raiders.

—By Dana Becker

Photos by Phil Monson/Humboldt Independent

Photo by Phil Monson/Humboldt Independent HUMBOLDT BOYS BASKETBALL returning letterwinners are (left to right): Will Orness and Joshua Thurm.

HUMBOLDT , Continued from Page 28

RAIDERS , Continued from Page 49