Winter Sports 2024 by Newspaper

FORT

THE GOLDEN TOUCH

DODGE’S RETURNING STATE CHAMPIONS in 2024-25 are Dreshaun Ross (left) and Koy Davidson. Ross was named Class 3A’s most outstanding performer and the Dan Gable Mr. Wrestler of the Year award winner. Davidson was the overall state tournament MVP. Ross, who has two state titles, is recovering from shoulder surgery, but could be back by season’s end. Davidson, a senior, recently signed with Oregon State University and will now be pursuing back-to-back gold medals. n Fort Dodge Wrestling Season Preview, Page 10

MESSENGER WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW: THE CREDITS

Dodgers focus on solidifying identity

By ERIC PRATT sports@messengernews.net

In many ways, the next step for the Fort Dodge boys basketball team has already happened.

Now, the effort and execution from the Dodgers in practices and on game day must match the growth on paper.

Many FDSH players are a year bigger and stronger. They’re familiar with the varsity level and what it takes to compete in the Iowa Alliance Conference on a nightly basis.

The challenge, according to fourth-year head coach Willie Williams, is to walk the walk this season.

Together.

“I think we’re headed in the right direction,” Williams said. “How much so is up to both us coaches and the players. A basketball season is a grind. It’s a test physically. It’s a test mentally. You deal with a lot of adversity. You have to be willing to support each other and pick each other up.

“I’ve seen a lot of growing up and taking accountability (in the offseason and the preseason).

That’s a positive sign. Can we keep it up? We’ve started to turn a corner, but we’re not there yet.”

Fort Dodge won five games last season. That may sound like a paltry total, but it was the Dodgers’ best since 2018-19. The goal is to keep moving the ledger away from the red and into the black.

FORT DODGE BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM MEMBERS are, front row (left to right): Tisyn Hook, Tayven Altman, Javion Soppeland, Kyree Rochon, Carter Woodruff, Cade Westerhoff, Gavin Davis and Carter Sassman. Back: Reggie Pederson, Karter Hemrick, Carter Morris, Carter Short, Brody Maehl, Taevon Feeley, Kauner Jensen, Hayden Zuspann and Tytrell Mosley.

“I think that can happen,” Williams said. “But the guys have to believe, work hard and have fun. Just be good teammates and good people. Positive things happen when you do things with the (best intentions) of the group in mind.”

BACKCOURT

Williams welcomes a host of familiar athletes who will again set the table for the team, including

three-year regulars in senior Carter Woodruff and junior Tytrell Mosley.

“We’re going to rely heavily on our guards,” Williams said. “Both ends of the court. We have to be quick and smart. Value possessions, and be tough defensively.”

Woodruff averaged eight points, three assists, three rebounds, and was the squad’s best three-point and free-throw shooter a year ago.

Mosley checked in at 4.5 points and 3.1 rebounds.

“Carter and Tytrell have helped create the energy and environment in practice,” Williams said. “There were a lot of rough moments when they were underclassmen, especially because it’s so physical at this level (and they are relatively

4th year

ROSTER

Seniors

Carter Woodruff 5-8, G

Cade Westerhoff ..........6-2, G Juniors

Tytrell Mosley ..............5-8, G

Hayden Zuspann 5-10, G Kauner Jensen 6-2, F

Carter Morris 5-10, G

Gavin Davis ..................5-6, G

Tayven Altman .............5-9, G

Tisyn Hook................ 5-11, G

Carter Hemrick 5-8, G

Carter Short 6-2, F Freshmen

Reggie Pederson ...... 6-1, G/F Brody Maehl ................ 6-5, C

SCHEDULE

Dec. 3 — Boone; 6 — Spencer; 10 — Des Moines Lincoln; 13 — at Waterloo East; 14 — at Humboldt; 17 — Mason City; 20 — at Marshalltown. Jan. 3 — Des Moines Esat; 7 — at Ames; 10 — at Sioux City West; 13 — at Algona; 14 — at Des Moines East; 17 DM Hoover; 21 — Waterloo East; 24 — at Mason City; 28 — Marshalltown; 31 — Ames. Feb. 3 — Urbandale; 6 — at Storm Lake; 7 — at DM North; 11 — DM Roosevelt. 18 — at Perry.

Willie Williams

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

FORT DODGE GIRLS BASKETBALL

Dodgers look to push the tempo

By JOHN McBRIDE sports@messengernews.net

Fort Dodge girls basketball coach Scott Messerly said he wanted to be a running team last year, but a lack of depth and a few injuries derailed that plan.

This season, with a full bench and a healthy group, he plans on getting back to that philosophy and hopefully cleans up some mistakes that cost the squad at the end of several games.

The Dodgers, who were 9-12 last year, return three players who saw minutes in all 21 games. They also welcome back senior Meah McCaleb and sophomore Maddie Hoshaw, who both saw their season cut short by injury.

Now with a complete roster, Messerly said his goal is for the team to be aggressive up and down the court.

“Last year we were limited when we lost Meah and Maddie, because we had a shorter bench,” Messerly said. “We wanted to run, but then we’d get to the fourth quarter and we were out of gas.

“We’ve had a good couple of weeks of practice. We’re a work in progress, but I think we’re going to be pretty solid.”

Senior Brooklyn Pommer joins juniors Dakota Pommer and LJ Maehl as returning starters. Maehl was FDSH’s leading scorer, averaging 16 points per game. She paced the squad with 8.2 rebounds as well, and earned all-conference honors.

Brooklyn and Dakota Pommer both averaged close to six points per game in 2023-24. McCaleb was averaging 7.3 and contributing full stats and effort on both ends of the court before an ankle injury ended her season after 12 games.

“It’s so good to have Meah back,” Messerly said. “She’s a great athlete. LJ had a terrific summer. She traveled all over

FORT DODGE GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM MEMBERS are, front row (left to right): Bella Lee, Dakota Pommer, Ellie Doster, Emma Lloyd and Linnie Pratt. Back: Malay Hollins, Grace Nichols, LJ Maehl, Brooklyn Pommer, Janelle Derrig, Meah McCaleb, Addie Lentsch and Maddie Hoshaw.

the midwest. We expect a lot out of Dakota, too, and Brooklyn is going to get us every rebound she can and be a senior leader along with Meah and Janelle (Derrig).”

Messerly will have to replace graduated captain Macenkzie McIllrath, who started all 21 games and averaged 8.7 points per contest.

Destinee Phillips was the only other departed senior from last winter. Senior Ashlyn Wills, who played in 18 games, decided not to go out.

“Mackenzie was a leader,” said Messerly. “We expected a lot out of her, so we’ll have to find others to replace her production and experience.”

Along with all the returning starters, Messerly said he expects contributions from sophomore Ellie Doster, senior Janelle Derig

and Hoshaw.

Messerly also has an influx of new faces, with three freshmen slated to see some time at the varsity level: Malay Hollins, a guard who moved in from Perry; 6-foot-3 post player Grace Nichols; and Linnie Pratt, another guard.

“They freshmen are coming along pretty well,” Messerly said. “I didn’t necessarily want to break up that group (at the lower level), but I thought they might as well get going right away. We’ll see how it goes.”

“We’ve got to work on cutting down our mistakes,” said Messerly. “We play fast and we expect some bad passes and other (errors). But we were in a lot of games (a year ago), and yet, we’d have committed 30 turnovers. We have to be able to take better care

of the basketball.”

The Dodgers were tested right out of the gates, taking on Waverly-Shell Rock on the road to start the season on Nov. 22.

The Go-Hawks were the Class 4A state runner-up in 2024.

The team’s home opener is Dec. 3 against Boone.

“I’d like to think we can be on the plus side (of the .500 mark),” said Messerly. “If that doesn’t happen, I would be disappointed. Waverly-Shell Rock was a tremendous test right out of the gate.”

Assisting Messerly again on the varsity will be Bill Foval. Noah Stanley will serve as the JV1 coach. He’ll be assisted by Sergio Dismute.

Alex Nagel will be the JV2 coach. His assistant will be volunteer coach Max Morud.

Hoshaw

SCHEDULE

Dec. 3 — Boone; 6 — Spencer; 10 — Des Moines Lincoln; 13 — at Waterloo East; 14 — at Humboldt; 17 — Mason City; 20 at Marshalltown.

Jan. 3 — Des Moines Esat; 7 — at Ames; 10 — at Sioux City West; 13 — at Algona; 14 — at Des Moines East; 17 — Des Moines Hoover; 21 — Waterloo East; 24 — at Mason City; 28 — Marshalltown; 31 — Ames. Feb. 3 — Urbandale; 6 — at Storm Lake; 7 — at Des Moines North; 11 — Des Moines Roosevelt.

Dismute, Stanley and Morud are all former Dodger athletes and FDSH graduates.

“They all help out a lot. We’ve got eyes all over the place and they are good at what they do. They’re all on board to help the kids,” Messerly said.

Right now, Messerly has 13 players on his varsity roster.

That includes three seniors, two juniors, five sophomores and the three freshmen.

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

Fort Dodge Dodgers Cheerleaders

First St. SE Badger, IA

Solid nucleus set to anchor Gaels

By DANA BECKER

dbecker@messengernews.net

Adolph Kochendorfer has a strong feeling about the 2024-25 season for the St. Edmond boys.

Entering his 32nd year as the program’s head coach, Kochendorfer and the Gaels return six regulars from a 12-12 season that ended in the Class 1A district finals after a heartbreaking defeat.

Junior starters Hunter Horn, Jack McElroy, Jakob Koopman and Grant Galles are joined by senior Andrew Clavey, sophomore Ty Mericle and transfer Carson Bargfrede to form a strong nucleus.

Sophomores Evan Christiansen, Griffin Laufersweiler and Jacob Nieland, along with freshmen Thomas Ehn and Jack Webster, complete the 12-deep roster for

St. Edmond, which recorded its first double-digit win total since 2018-19 last winter.

“I feel like this is the most complete team we’ve had in a while,” Kochendorfer said. “We’ve had pretty good players the past few years, but not quite enough depth. I think we’ll be tougher to defend and hopefully tougher on defense this season.

“We can do a lot of different things, and it all really starts with Hunter.”

Horn, who checks in at 6-foot3, averaged 20 points and 10 rebounds last year in his first with the Gaels. He shot 50 percent from the field, had 41 blocks, 38 steals and got to the free throw line 115 times.

Of his 250 total rebounds, 86 came on the offensive glass. He also added 39 assists while both playing in the post and even

bringing the ball up the floor.

“He’s our main man,” Kochendorfer said of Horn.

“We’ll build around him. He has improved his game on both ends of the court, and for a kid who is 6-3, he’s still quick and athletic. All of his experience over the summer really has helped him, along with having last year to get familiar with our system.

“Hunter has put on a little weight and just expanded his offensive (repertoire) while improving his floor game as well.”

Bargfrede — the son of former St. Edmond standout Cory Bargfrede, a member of the state championship team in 1999-2000 — played for Webster City last year. Like Horn, he spent much of the summer on a basketball court.

HEAD COACH

Adolph Kochendorfer

32nd year

ROSTER

Seniors

Andrew Clavey 6-1, G/F

Juniors

Carson Bargfrede 6-2, F Grant Galles .......................... 6-0, G Hunter Horn...........................6-3, F Jakob Koopman 6-1, F

Jack McElroy 6-0, G

Sophomores

Evan Christiansen 6-3, F Griffin Laufersweiler............5-10, G Ty Mericle ............................. 6-0, G Jacob Nieland.........................6-2, F

Freshmen

Thomas Ehn 6-2, F Jack Webster 6-0, G

SCHEDULE

Koopman has “really rounded into form” after suffering a serious knee injury as a freshman. He played in 21 games last winter, scoring 103 points with 136 rebounds, 47 assists and 31 steals.

“Jakob is a kid who probably starts for us as a freshman (last season) if not for the injury,” Kochendorfer said. “He had to sit out that entire year and the following summer, but he showed what he’s capable of last year.

“He just gets stuff done on the court, and his ability to even play in the post takes pressure off Hunter.”

McElroy returns at point after dishing out a team-high 79 assists with 164 points, 89 rebounds and 35 steals a year ago. He also hit

“Carson is a nice addition to the roster,” Kochendorfer said. “He knew some of the kids already and has played with them, so it was an easy fit, working him in. He’s a big kid that can shoot it and gives us another option.”

Dec. 2 — Bishop Garrigan; 6 — at Clarion-Goldfield/Dows; 10 — at Southeast Valley; 13 — at Iowa Falls-Alden; 17 — at Algona; 20 — Hampton-Dumont/CAL. Jan. 2 — vs. South Hamilton in Des Moines at Wells Fargo Arena; 7 — at Humboldt; 10 — at Clear Lake; 13 — at Eagle Grove; 16 — at Manson NW; 17 — at Webster City; 21 — Iowa Falls-Alden; 24 Clarion-Goldfield/Dows; 28 — Algona; 30 — West Bend-Mallard; 31 — at Hampton-Dumont/CA:. Feb. 4 — Humboldt; 6 — at Pocahontas Area; 7 — Clear Lake; 11 — Webster City.

17 three-pointers.

“Jack’s worked really hard in the offseason and improved quite a bit on the offensive end,” Kochendorfer said. “He can do more off the dribble, and his defense has improved as well after being pretty solid anyway.”

St. Edmond GAELS BASKETBALL

First St. SE Badger, IA

ST. EDMOND GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM MEMBERS are, front row (left to right): Morgan Lewis, Braelynn Rees, Chloe Palmer, Payton Bradley, Sophia Schlienz and Evie Heldorfer. Back: Jade Rock, Ava Bradley, Ava Andrew, Ava Underberg, Anna Lursen, Maggie Flaherty, Abby Huss, Josie Harvey and Olivia Andrew.

Gaels ready for even more improvement

By DANA BECKER

dbecker@messengernews.net

If there is one attribute CJ Tracy is excited to see on display by the St. Edmond girls this winter, it’s their basketball intelligence.

The Gaels return the bulk of their production from a year ago, when they went 5-18 overall.

“I’ve just been impressed with

how our IQ continues to grow on the court,” said Tracy, now in his fifth season. “That, and just how competitive these girls are. Those two things are going to help us win games this season.

“We might not be as deep as I had hoped, but we’ve got girls that want to play. Each and every single one of them that is out are willing to do whatever we ask as coaches.”

Seniors Payton Bradley and Josie Harvey lead the way, as Harvey was the only player to start all 23 games last season. Bradley, who scored 106 points in 19 games, missed time after suffering an injury.

“Those are the leaders of this team,” Tracy said. “They learned from a great group of kids who graduated last year what it takes to lead a team. They are two great

girls who have really improved their shooting over the years.

“Payton and Josie do a great job of leading by example and also instructing the younger kids what they need to do.”

Harvey posted 159 points with 88 rebounds, 46 steals and 13 blocks while knocking down

Braelynn Rees 5-6, F

Bradley 5-5, G

Harvey 5-7, G/F Juniors Maggie Flaherty .................... 5-8, F Ava Underberg 5-10, F

Lursen 5-6, G Ava Andrew 5-7, F Sophomores

5-7, F

Aryana Halverson 5-10, F Ava Bradley 5-5, G

SCHEDULE

Dec. 6 — at West Fork; 10 — at Southeast Valley; 13 — at Iowa Falls-Alden; 17 — at Algona; 20 — Hampton-Dumont/CAL.

Jan. 2 — vs. South Hamilton in Des Moines at Wells Fargo Arena; 7 at Humboldt; 10 — at Clear Lake; 13 — Eagle Grove; 16 — at Manson NW; 17 — at Webster City; 21 — Iowa Falls-Alden; 28 — Algona; 30 — West Bend-Mallard; 31 — at Hampton-Dumont/CAL. Feb. 4 — at Humboldt; 6 — at Pocahontas Area; 7 — Clear Lake; 11 — Webster City.

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

FORT DODGE WRESTLING

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

FORT DODGE WRESTLING TEAM MEMBERS are, front row (left to right): Carter Swanson, Brock Trexler, Alex Jensen, Anthony Alstott, Oseas Lopez, Damien Yeoman, Fernando Ortagin, Drake Hayes, Angel Sandoval, Avery Bryhne, Keaton Hawkins and Joe Andrews. Middle: Brexton Hines, Kason Echevarria, Kadince Kislert, Joe Constable, Bo Marsh, Sam Davidson, Hunter Kasperbauer, Trace Rial, John Phan, Noah Essing, Cobey Applegate, Amari McCaleb and Grant Hurtt. Back: Cael Adams, Kaden Nichols, Kellin Crouse, Rylee Brown, Koy Davidson, Dreshaun Ross, Hunter Richardson, Jayce Skow, Jesse Egli, Coy Nichols, Jesus Guillon, Mason Zuspann and manager Olivia Andrews.

Excitement surrounds Dodgers again

By CHRIS JOHNSON cjohnson@messengernews.net

It’s going to be a different look for the Fort Dodge wrestling team this season — but not for the wrong reasons.

Two state champions, along with four additional qualifiers, will be flanked by a talented group of youngsters.

“It’s going to be a different

year,” said FDSH head coach Bobby Thompson. “We have a lot of talented kids back. We will be better in February than we will be in December, though. We need to get better every week, and it will be another fun team to follow.”

The question mark that surrounds the FDSH camp is centered around the possible comeback of two-time state champion and Dreshaun Ross.

Ross, who is ranked as one of the

state’s top football prospects and among the nation’s elite wrestling recruits, continues to work his way back from shoulder surgery.

His return will depend on the progress once he is cleared by the doctors. There will be no rush for the 91-match winner, who was the state tournament Class 3A MVP last season.

“We want Dreshaun’s injury to be one and done,” Thompson said. “He has bigger things ahead of

him. First and foremost, we want to do what is best for Dreshaun.

“If he’s not ready until districts, then we will wait until districts.”

Ross is still actively engaged in the program’s preparation.

“Dreshaun’s presence right now is very strong,” Thompson said. “He’s in the room and these guys look up to him. He shows up

HEAD COACH

Bobby Thompson

20th year

ROSTER

Seniors

Koy Davidson, Alexander Jensen, John Phan, Hunter Richardson. Juniors

Rylee Brown, Sam Davidson, Jesse Egli, Hunter Kasperbauer, Dreshaun Ross, Angel Sandoval. Sophomores

Joe Constable, Kellin Crouse, Kason Echevarria, Noah Essman, Keaton Hawkins, Grant Hurtt, Zander Jones, Bo Marsh, Trace Rial, Jayce Skow. Freshmen

Cael Adams, Cobey Applegate, Avery Bryhre, Jesus Guillon, Drake Hayes, Brexton Hines, Kadince Kislert, Oseas Lopez, Amari McCaleb, Coy Nichols, Kaden Nichols, Fernando Ortagin, Carter Swanson, Brock Trexler, Damien Yeoman, Mason Zuspann.

SCHEDULE

Dec. 5 — at Bondurant-Farrar/ North Polk; 6-7 — at Coralville (Donnybrook); 12 — Des Moines East; 13-14 — at Council Bluffs Classic; 19 — at Des Moines Roosevelt/Des Moines Lincoln; 21 Don Miller Invitational. Jan. 2 — at Waukee Northwest; 9 — Waterloo East; 11 — at Ames Invite; 16 — at Ames; 18 — J-Hawk Invite (Cedar Rapids); 23 — at Marshalltown; 25 — at Urbandale Invite; 30 — Mason City. Feb. 1 — at Des Moines East (IAC tourney).

Boys Wrestling

Thursday, Dec. 5 5:30 pm Wrestling Triangular Bondurant-Farrar High School

Friday, Dec. 6 11:30 am Wrestling Tournament Xtream Arena

Saturday, Dec. 7 9:00 am Wrestling Tournament Xtream Arena

Saturday, Dec. 7 1:00 pm Wrestling Tournament Xtream Arena

Saturday, Dec. 7 5:30 pm Wrestling Tournament Xtream Arena

Thursday, Dec.12 5:30 pm Des Moines East Fort Dodge Senior High School Main Gym

Friday, Dec. 13 12:00 pm Wrestling Tournament Mid-America Center

Saturday, Dec. 14 9:30 am CB Wrestling Classic Mid-America Center

Thursday, Dec. 19 5:30 pm Triangular Roosevelt High School

Saturday, Dec. 21 10:00 am Don Miller Invitational Fort Dodge Senior High School Main Gym

Thursday, Jan. 2 6:30 pm Waukee Northwest Northwest High School

Thursday, Jan. 9 5:30 pm Waterloo East Fort Dodge Senior High School Main Gym

Saturday, Jan. 11 10:00 am Mendenhall Invite Ames High School

Thursday, Jan. 16 5:30 pm Ames Ames High School

Saturday, Jan. 18 10:00 am J-Hawk Invite Jefferson High School Main Gym, Jefferson High School West Gym

Thursday, Jan. 23 6:30 pm Marshalltown Marshalltown High School

Saturday, Jan. 25 9:00 am Ed Winger Invitational Urbandale High School North Gym

Thursday, Jan. 30 6:30 pm Mason City Fort Dodge Senior High School Main Gym

Saturday, Feb. 1 10:00 am Conference Meet East High School

Girls Wrestling

Thursday, Dec. 5 12:00 pm Wrestling Tournament Xtream Arena

Thursday, Dec. 5 4:00 pm Wrestling Tournament Xtream Arena

Thursday, Dec. 5 6:30 pm Wrestling Tournament Xtream Arena

Friday, Dec. 6 9:00 am Wrestling Tournament Xtream Arena

Friday, Dec. 6 7:30 am Wrestling Tournament Xtream Arena

Tuesday, Dec. 10 4:00 pm Waverly Tournament Waverly-Shell Rock Senior High School Go-Hawk Gym

Friday, Dec. 13 12:00 pm Wrestling Classic Mid-America Center

Saturday, Dec. 14 9:30 am Wrestling Classic Mid-America Center

Friday, Dec. 20 5:00 pm Invitational Fort Dodge Senior High School Main Gym

Thursday, Dec. 9 6:30 pm Dubuque Hempstead Waterloo West High School Siddens Gymnasium

Thursday, Dec. 9 7:30 pm Waterloo West Waterloo West High School Siddens Gymnasium

Saturday, Dec. 11 10:00 am Ogden Invite Ogden High School Blue East Gym

Saturday, Dec. 11 10:00 am Tournament Ogden High School

Thursday, Dec. 16 5:30 pm Triangular Ames High School

Saturday, Dec. 18 10:00 am NW Invite Northwest High School

Fort Dodge Wrestling and Swimming Schedules

Boy Swimming

Tuesday, Dec. 3 6:00 pm Spencer Quad Swim Meet Spencer Family YMCA

Thursday, Dec. 5 5:30 pm Mason city Mason City High School Pool

Saturday, Dec. 7 10:00 am T’Dor Relays Boone High School

Tuesday, Dec. 17 5:30 pm Des Moines Roosevelt Fort Dodge Senior High School Swimming Pool

Thursday, Dec. 19 5:30 pm Triangular Fort Dodge Senior High School

Thursday, Jan. 9 5:30 pm Des Moines East East High School Swimming Pool

Thursday, Jan. 16 5:30 pm Triangular Fort Dodge Senior High School

Saturday, Jan. 18 10:00 am Rusty Garst Invitational Fort Dodge Senior High School

Thursday, Jan. 23 5:30 pm Triangular Ames High School

Saturday, Jan. 25 10:00 am Iowa Alliance Conference Meet Mason City High School Pool

ST. EDMOND WRESTLING

McClintock to lead Gael mat program

By DANA BECKER dbecker@messengernews.net

Kaden McClintock knows there is no secret formula or magic potion he can cast to turn things around overnight with the St. Edmond wrestling program.

The former Gael standout understands things like this take time, and he is willing to put in that work to make it happen.

McClintock begins his first season as head coach with nine wrestlers on the roster, led by returning state qualifier Sam Myer — one of two seniors, alongside Adam Walker.

Returning sophomores Andrew Horrell, Dallas Grove and Grant Anderson are joined by classmates Drake Yurkovac and Noe Gonzalez, while freshmen Owen Rutherford and Matthew Crimmins complete the room.

“It’s been a tremendous start to the season,” McClintock said.

“The guys worked really hard during the offseason at open mats. They tried to talk friends and friends of friends into coming out, and we got a couple out of that, but we still would like more.

“One positive is we have 19 kids out for seventh and eighth grade wrestling, so the numbers are on the up and up.”

For now, McClintock will focus on the current roster ready to learn and grow.

“We saw a lot of consistency over the summer,” he said. “It was

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

ST. EDMOND WRESTLING TEAM MEMBERS are (left to right): manager Jack Webster, Matthew Crimmins, Owen Rutherford, Drake Yurkovac and manager Lilly Russell. Back: head coach Kaden McClintock, assistant Greg Nordstrom, Sam Myer, Dallas Grove, Andrew Horrell, Noe Gonzalez, Grant Anderson and assistant Davis Chaudron. Not pictured: Adam Walker.

a great offseason. The guys want to get better, and with the time they put in over the summer, we’ve been able to come in a little ahead of schedule — a little sharper and able to work on more technique.

“I’ve just been super happy with the work and effort. I’m excited to see how that transitions with our first tournament.”

Along with his state

performances, McClintock became just the sixth fourtime North Central Conference champion when he achieved the feat in 2014.

Myer earned his second state tournament appearance last winter, going 29-15 overall with two wins and a fall at Wells Fargo Arena. He competed at 138 pounds last year, and will bump up to 144 now.

“Sam’s been looking great,” McClintock said. “He had a couple of injuries in football, but is all healed up from that and looking great. He has great intensity, and has been our hardest worker all summer.

“He’s definitely on a mission.”

Dec. 7 — at Manson NW; 10 — Iowa Falls-Alden, Clear Lake; 14 — at Emmetsburg; 19 — at HamptonDumont/CAL, Humboldt; 21 — at Roland-Story. Jan. 9 — Webster City, Algona; 11 — host St. Edmond Duals; 14 — Clarion-Goldfield/ Dows, Don Bosco, Forest City; 18 — at AGWSR; 25 — at NCC Tournament in Algona.

Walker will compete at heavyweight this year but is currently nursing a hamstring injury he suffered during St. Edmond’s playoff game a few weeks back.

ST. EDMOND SENIOR SAM MYER

Veteran anchors new group of Dodgers

By CHRIS JOHNSON cjohnson@messengernews.net

The Fort Dodge girls wrestling team will have to replace their nucleus from a year ago, but the good news for the Dodgers is the incoming freshman group appears ready to accept that challenge.

Fort Dodge qualified three athletes for the state tournament in 2024, with junior Mariaha Benedict back as the only returnee. Two-time senior qualifiers Macy Brown and Maddie Pulis graduated.

The Dodgers will have two seniors, three juniors, one sophomore and eight freshmen on the roster this winter.

“There is not a lot coming back, but we have a solid group to work with,” said FDSH head coach Jon Koenig. “We have to concentrate on the mental aspect and the confidence. We have to teach them about weighing in and how they approach competition week.

“There will be a learning curve the first few weeks with managing weight, of course. I have to teach them how to do it.”

Senior returnee Lucy Porter, who is recovering from an injury, will be out for the season. Outside of Benedict and Porter, the Dodgers are a blank slate at the varsity level.

“Mariaha will have big shoes to fill as a leader,” Koenig said. “When you look at Macy Brown,

FORT DODGE GIRLS WRESTLING TEAM MEMBERS are, front row (left to right):

Adalynne Mikesell, Alivya Rokes, Judyssa Leyva, Junelis Leyva and Brooklyn Nelson. Back: Mariaha Benedict, Jessenia Elias, Naomi Zaharia, Makayla Liska, Charlie Stucky, Tristen Holst and Maria Gonzalez.

when she took over for Alexis (Ross), she brought that and accepted the challenge.

“Mariaha is our captain now, so she’ll have those responsibilities to set the tone.”

In her first two seasons as a Dodger, Benedict is a two-time state qualifier. She has won five state matches.

Last season, as a sophomore, Benedict finished 43-6. She is 72-22 overall in her young career.

“We are focused on building team chemistry together,” Koenig said. “Lucy will be helping out

as much as she can. It stinks that she has to miss (the season), but she has bigger things ahead when she heads to Mankato (Minnesota State to play softball).”

Freshman Makayla Liska has competed at the Iowa and national level through her career.

“She brings a lot of experience and can show the other girls how to do things,” Koenig said. “She has been wrestling since she was little, and having her on the team with her outlook is great. She is never negative. She has a lot of potential.”

Tristen Holst

Lucy Porter

Mariaha Benedict ..................... jr.

Jessenia Elias jr. Lillie Nekvinda jr

Maeleena Meyer ...................... jr.

Alivya Rokes ...........................so.

Mariah Gonzalez fr. Judyssa Leyva fr. Junelis Leyva ............................ fr.

Makayla Liska fr.

Adalynne Mikesell fr.

Brooklyn Nelson ...................... fr.

Charlie Stucky .......................... fr.

Naomi Zaharia fr.

“We have a lot of freshmen and one sophomore who are new to wrestling,” Koenig said. “But we also have a lot of girls that wrestled in middle school and got good mat time.”

The junior group is comprised of Jessenia Elias and Lillie

Joining the freshman class is Brooklyn Nelson, Mariah Gonzalez, Judyssa Leyva, Junelis Leyva, Adalynne Mikesell, Charlie Stucky and Naomi Zaharia. Alivya Rokes is the lone sophomore.

Dec. 5-6 — at Coralville (Donnybrook); 10 — at WaverlyShell Rock; 13-14 — at Council Bluffs; 20 — Fort Dodge Invitational.

Jan. 9 — at Dubuque Hempstead/Waterloo West; 11 — at Ogden Invitational; 16 at Ames/Boone; 21 — at Des Moines East (IAC meet); 23 — at Marshalltown; 25 — at Mason City (Northern Iowa tourney).

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

FORT DODGE BOWLING

FORT DODGE BOYS VARSITY BOWLING TEAM MEMBERS are, front row (left to right): Jabek Dunbar, Bailen Peterson, Slade Babb and Liam Powers. Back: Kody VanValkenburg, Leland Sassman, Josh Jass, Trenton Beck and Blake Seeman. Not pictured: Trice Jakeman, Jayden Lennon, Tempest Armstrong, Jaxton Jones, Sam Salvatore, Shadin Roach, Orin Rurup, Aidan Russell and Camden Sassman.

Dodger teams both eager to hit the lanes

By CHRIS JOHNSON

The Fort Dodge bowling teams will play with heavy hearts all season as they move on with the memory of one of their own in mind.

Two-time state qualifier and Iowa Alliance North Conference two-time champion Amyrra Lumsden passed away after a car accident this summer. The Dodgers will honor Lumsden by wearing their uniforms with her name attached.

“It’s obviously a devastating loss for everyone who knew Amyrra,” said seventhyear Fort Dodge co-coach Nick Vinson. “From a life perspective, she was a great kid who wanted nothing more than to be successful and reach her full potential as a human being.

“The first time back at the bowling alley,

it was tough. And every time we are here, we think about her.”

The Dodger girls come into the season after a sixth-place showing at state in 2024, and the boys are two years removed from a state championship.

Long-time FDSH assistant bowling coach Julie Ulrich, who has coached the boys, is now co-head coach with Vinson.

“We have to gel together and become the best Baker’s team we can be,” Vinson said.

“With the way the state tournament is set up, we still have the goal to fight for a spot at state if we can do that.”

Senior Samantha Anderson, sophomore Sammantha Welter and junior Calli Graves return from last season’s group. Graves carried a 145 game average, while Welter was at 123 and Anderson 120.

Seniors Felicity Strain and Kaitlyn Folsom were also varsity regulars for the Dodgers in 2023-24.

Fort Dodge will look to get better as the season goes on, despite not having much depth on the girls side. Joining the returnees will be seniors Paige Lewis and Gabby SantanaBass, as well as newcomer Joely Gilbert — a freshman.

“Our letterwinners have to gel with the new varsity kids as we find out who our leaders are,” Vinson said. “We just have to be consistently competitive.

“We have to worry about ourselves and improve on our scores, rather than focus on the wins and losses early on especially.”

HEAD COACH

Nick Vinson 7th year

BOYS ROSTER

Seniors — Trenton Beck, Trice Jakeman, Josh Jass, Jabek Dunbar, Jayden Lennon.

Juniors — Kody VanValkenburg, Blake Seeman, Tempest Armstrong, Jaxton Jones, Sam Salvatore, Shadin Roach, Liam Powers, Orin Rurup, Aidan Russell, Slade Babb, Leland Sassman. Freshmen — Bailen Peterson, Camden Sassman.

GIRLS ROSTER

Seniors — Samantha Anderson, Felicity Strain, Kaitlyn Folsom, Paige Lewis, Gabby Santana-Bass.

Junior — Calli Graves, Ava Wessels.

Sophomore — Sammantha Welter.

Freshman — Joely Gilbert.

SCHEDULE

Dec. 3 — at Marshalltown; 9 — Des Moines Hoover; 13 — Carroll; 16 — Mason City. Jan. 14 — at DM North; 20 — Greene County; 21 — at Waterloo East; 25 — at Waterloo; 28 — at DM Lincoln Invite. Feb. 3 — Des Moines Roosevelt; 10 — at Des Moines (IAC Boys tourney); 11 — at Des Moines (IAC Girls tourney).

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

FORT DODGE BOYS SWIMMING

Expanding numbers key for Dodger boys

FORT DODGE BOYS SWIM TEAM MEMBERS are, front row (left to right): Jacob Hunter, Lee Stagers, Trevor Williams, Chancellor Grimm, Aiden Seagren and Brady Major. Second: David Nelson, Evan Potter, Owen Gruver, Jayden Stanley and Ayden Hernandez. Third: Rowan Poutre, Samuel Brockbank, Brek Pingel, Carter Jorgensen and Evan Cooper. Back row: Oliver Brockbank, Nathan Klocke, Elijah Lawrence and Kael Keith.

By JOHN Mc BRIDE sports@messengernews.net

An expanded roster has Fort Dodge boys swimming coach Ashley Beaumont upbeat about the upcoming season.

After having just 12 on the squad last year, Beaumont welcomed 20 swimmers to the first practice earlier this month. She added that the boys roster is actually larger than the girls roster for the first time in several years.

“We have quite a few new freshmen, which is nice to have,” said Beaumont. “If our program is going to continue to grow, we need that. We have a great group of leaders, too.”

Last year, the Dodgers didn’t

have any seniors on the roster.

This season, they have five.

Beaumont’s returning seniors include Carter Jorgensen, Evan Cooper, Kael Keith, Nathan Klocke and Brady Major.

“They’re a solid group that I have coached for forever. They know the expectations and they are really good leaders,” Beaumont said. “They make everyone feel included.”

Fort Dodge missed out on having a state swim qualifier last winter, but Beaumont isn’t necessarily putting a return to the big show at the top of her priority list. Instead, she wants to see the team becoming competitive in as many events as possible — even if that doesn’t translate to dual wins or high finishes in invitationals

this season.

“Our girls team didn’t win very many meets, but then we finished 12th at state,” said Beaumont, who also coaches the girls squad.

“I would love to get a relay or two to state. I think our medley relay will be strong, and our 200 freestyle relay. Having more kids out will definitely put us in a better position. It’s all about the boys improving every single day.”

Beaumont said that throughout the season, she plans to tweak her lineup each meet to see the strength of her athletes.

“I’m a firm believer that you never swim the same events two meets in a row,” Beaumont said. “They’re all pretty strong freestyle swimmers. So early on, we’ll see some success with that.

“We will need to fill the gaps and start to help our kids perfect their strokes. We have a lot of younger athletes who have had success with our youth programs. They just need a little more refinement when it comes to competing at the varsity level.”

The roster will include athletes from Fort Dodge, Eagle Grove, Humboldt, Manson Northwest Webster and Webster City.

The Dodgers open the season on Dec. 3 in a quadrangular at Spencer. The first home meet is Dec. 17, when Des Moines Roosevelt comes to the FDSH pool.

The annual Rusty Garst Invitational will be Jan. 18, and the Iowa Alliance Conference meet is Jan. 25 in Mason City.

Brockbank

Dec. 3 — at Spencer; 4 — at Mason City; 7 — at Boone; 17 Des Moines Roosevelt; 19 — Bishop Garrigan/Marshalltown. Jan. 9 — at Des Moines East; 16 Bishop Garrigan/DM Hoover; 18 — Rusty Garst Invite; 23 — at Ames/Boone; 25 — at Mason City (IAC meet).

This year, Beaumont will be assisted by Austin Jorgensen, a former Fort Dodge and Loras College swimmer.

“I’ve coached him since he started swimming and then got to watch him at Loras,” said Beaumont. “I think we are going to work really well together. The guys all like him and he’s very passionate about swimming.”

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

everyday when he doesn’t have therapy.

“Dreshaun is still a huge part of the team.”

Ross is not the only Div. I prospect in the Dodgers’ room, as senior Koy Davidson now attempts to become the program’s 11th multi-time state champion.

Davidson, who has signed with Oregon State University, denied Waukee Northwest’s Carter Freeman his spot in history as the 34th four-time state champion. The future Beaver’s efforts in 2024 garnered him tournament MVP honors as he became Fort Dodge’s 64th state champion, which went to 66 with titles later from brothers Damarion Ross and Dreshaun Ross.

“Koy has become more vocal,” Thompson said. “There have been a lot of batons passed down from year to year, and he is taking that role. Koy has done a great job of being the next leader in our room.”

Two-time state runner up and four-time medalist Dru Ayala graduated and is now in the same room with his national runnerup brother, Drake Ayala, at Iowa.

With three champions in 2024, the Dodgers brought home bronze trophies from both state duals and the traditional tourney.

“These guys are very coachable,” Thompson said. “I don’t have to worry about anyone, and they want to learn and they work hard.

“They’re green, but they’re like sponges.”

With Davidson’s three state appearances and two from Ross, the Dodgers boast 12 trips to Des Moines in all from the six qualifiers. Fort Dodge advanced 11 individuals in all last season, and earned three state medals.

“This junior bunch is pretty solid, and will get better next year,” Thompson said. “We have 15 to 20 eighth graders coming up next year, and we should have 50 guys. We have a big influx of kids.”

Juniors Sam Davidson, Rylee Brown and Jesse Egli have made two trips to state each, and sophomore Trace Rial advanced as a freshman in 2024.

“Rylee, Sammy and Jesse were young and were once the underclassmen,” Thompson said. “They have a no-nonsense approach, and are really getting after it.”

As Thompson enters his 20th season at the Dodger helm with 291 career victories, he will have the chance to teach 27 underclassmen in all — including a 16-

FORT DODGE WRESTLING

MIDDLE WEIGHTS

Another freshman looks to man the spot at 138 pounds in rookie Amari McCaleb. He will be flanked by Brock Tressler.

“Amari is a very talented kid with a lot of experience,” Thompson said. “He reminds me of (two time FDSH state runner-up)

Dreyzon Phillips at his age, with a similar potential and skill set.”

Davidson will look for his second consecutive state title up a weight at 144. Davidson will likely break into Fort Dodge’s Top-10 all-time win list, as he sits at 108-16 heading into the season.

Freshman Avery Bryhne is behind Davidson.

“Koy looks good coming off of knee surgery,” Thompson said. “He is really eager and ready to go for his senior year. He obviously wants that second title.

“Koy proved his worth last year and is focused to finish among the best Dodgers to ever do it.”

Senior Hunter Richardson, who saw some time on the mat a year ago, will be at 150, along with sophomore Zander Jones and senior Alexander Jensen.

man freshman group.

“We don’t have a lot of upperclassmen, but the ones we do have bring that solid experience,” Thompson said. “It’s a great group and we’re really excited. The kids are coming in ready to go.

“We have guys from a lot of different backgrounds. Some are multi-sport athletes. Some have wrestling as their main sport. That’s something we embrace, though — it takes all kinds, and we come together to build that chemistry.”

LOWER WEIGHTS

Rial, the oldest son of two-time Dodger state champion Mark Rial, compiled a 2624 mark in his first season for the Dodgers and will again start the lineup at 106 pounds.

Freshman Damien Yeoman, the son of assistant coach Kevin Yeoman, will be in the mix with Rial.

“Trace is much bigger (than a year ago). Damien is getting there and has a lot of skill,” Thompson said. “Trace was a state qualifier last year and is ready to get back.

“Damien is very experienced. It’s good to have two good guys at 106.”

Junior Hunter Kasperbauer is back at 113 pounds, a year after picking up 15 victories.

“Hunter started last year and got some quality wins,” Thompson said. “He is very competitive and working hard and getting bigger and better.”

Sophomore Bo Marsh, who spent time in the varsity lineup a year ago, is back at 120. He will be joined by junior Angel Sandoval and freshman Oseas Lopez.

“Bo is a good athlete and a hard worker,” Thompson said. “Oseas has a lot of potential. He has been here every day and we’re trying to teach him the ropes.”

Davidson will remain at 126. In his two-year career, Davidson — the younger brother of Koy — is 43-29 overall as a Dodger. Freshmen Drake Hayes and Cobey Applegate are behind the two-time qualifier.

“Sammy is leading the way at 126,” Thompson said. “Drake Hayes is a good freshman, and Corey Applegate gives us three there.”

There will be a new face at 132 for the Dodgers, as three freshmen and a sophomore will be vying for the spot.

Youngsters Kadince Kislert, Mason Zuspann, Brexton Hines and sophomore Keaton Hawkins are all options.

“We have four underclassmen in the mix,” Thompson said. “There is a ton of potential here.”

“Hunter is a returning veteran for us,” Thompson said. “He gave us some varsity wins (in 2023-24), and we’re looking for him to finish strong.”

Brown jumps up to 157 for Fort Dodge. In his first two seasons, Brown is 55-45 on the mat with a pair of state bids. Also in the mix is freshman Fernando Ortagia.

“Rylee wants to get on the podium and take the next step,” Thompson said.

Sophomore Jayce Skow and senior John Pham will compete at 165.

“Jayce has a ton of potential,” Thompson said. “He’s very athletic. Versatile and tough. John is a great kid and is going into his senior year.”

UPPER WEIGHTS

A freshman group will fight for the spot at 175 pounds. Cael Adams, Koy Nichols and Carter Swanson will all be fighting for the varsity spot.

“Cael and Koy are really solid despite just being freshmen,” Thompson said. “That will be a battle with Carter in there, too.”

Two-time state qualifier Jesse Egli will make the move to 190. Egli is 53-48 in his first two varsity seasons.

FD MAT , Continued from Page 10

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

FORT DODGE WRESTLERS pose together last season after competing in Ames at the Mendenhall Invitational.

Sophomores Grant Hurtt and Kason Echevarria will be at 190 as well.

“Jesse is a two-time state qualifier and I’m looking for him to take off his junior year,” Thompson said. “He is very solid and a tremendous overall athlete.”

Once Ross is cleared and ready to go, he will be back at 215. Last season, he finished his campaign unbeaten in 47 matches and cruised to the state title.

“When Dreshaun gets released next week, we will take it day-by-day and find out what he can do. He’s getting pretty antsy,” Thompson said. “He is very eager to get back on the mat. Once he’s ready we will start letting him go through drills.

“We will just have to wait and see.”

Sophomore Joe Constable will man the reins at 285 pounds for the Dodgers. Constable saw varsity time last year.

“Joe got plenty of mat time last season as a freshman,” Thompson said. “He was wrestling well in tournaments.

“He is a very hard worker. He could make the state podium.”

FORT DODGE WRESTLING

SCHEDULE

Thompson once again has the Dodgers’ schedule jam-packed.

Fort Dodge has added an early dual with Bondurant-Farrar. They will also compete in duals with Waukee Northwest and West Des Moines Valley, as well as Waverly-Shell Rock.

The Dodgers head to the ultra-competitive Donnybrook and Council Bluffs Classic in December.

“We picked up a couple of extra dates with traditional powers,” Thompson said. “We want our kids to have challenging competition, so we beefed up our schedule again.

“We want our kids tested and ready.”

COACHES

Thompson will be assisted by two-time state champion Mark Rial, Tanner Utley and Tom McClimon.

Former Dodger head coach Ed Birnbaum, Tim Scott, Sonny Rivera, Kevin Yeoman and former Fort Dodge state qualifier Kody Cook round out the lineup.

FORT DODGE WRESTLERS

hold up the third-place trophy inside Wells Fargo Arena at the traditional state tournament in 2024. The Dodgers were also third at state duals. Fort Dodge took 11 wrestlers to Des Moines and earned six medals. Dreshaun Ross, Damarion Ross and Koy Davidson were state champions last season.

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

FORT DODGE

undersized). But they’re sharing what they know (with their teammates) and realize what it takes to get things done in 4A basketball.”

Junior Hayden Zuspann is another returning guard with prior varsity time under his belt, along with classmates Gavin Davis and Carter Morris. Juniors Tayven Altman and Tisyn Hook are also contenders for playing time.

“That junior class is deep, and I think they feel like they have something to prove,” Williams said. “There’s still a lot of growing and improving to do, but they’re getting there.

“Again, it’s all about being good to each other first. Basketball is a team game. You have to support each other, even when times get tough.”

FRONTCOURT

Six-foot-2 wing Cade Westerhoff continues to be Fort Dodge’s offensive bellwether. Last season, Westerhoff averaged 14.2 points and 6.4 rebounds while shooting nearly 48 percent from the field.

“Like Carter and Tytrell, Cade has to be our guy as a three-year starter,” Williams said. “But it’s not just about scoring...he has to set the table with his decisionmaking and as a leader during practice and away

“It’s all about being good to each other first. Basketball is a team game.”

WILLIE

WILLIAMS Fort Dodge boys coach

from the court. I think he’s ready. The sense of urgency (as a senior) is there.”

Junior power forward Kauner Jensen saw court time last season. He will be counted on for rebounding and interior defense at nearly 6-feet, 3-inches tall.

“That’s been an area (of concern) in recent years, and something we have to keep getting better at,” Williams said of the defense and rebounding. “It’s a mentality. You just have to make it a priority.”

An intriguing development will be the continued progress of freshmen Reggie Pederson and Brody Maehl. Pederson is a 6-foot-1 slasher; Maehl is a 6-5 post.

“It’s a lot to ask a freshman to be ready right away at this level, so we’ll see how it goes,” Williams said. “It’s a huge transition. Both Reggie and Brody are good kids. Very coachable. They’ll work hard. Their time is coming. It just kind

of depends on how things play out (in the weeks to come).”

SCHEDULE AND COACHES

Ames is the defending Iowa Alliance Conference Northern Division champion. Waterloo East and Marshalltown jostled for the runner-up spot all year long, with the Dodgers and Mason City closing out the standings.

“It’s always a fight, night in and night out,” Williams said of Fort Dodge’s slate. “Ames and Marshalltown are traditional powers. Waterloo East is, too. Mason City is our main rival. And then you’ve got the teams on the other side of the conference (Des Moines Hoover, Des Moines Roosevelt, Des Moines Lincoln, Des Moines North and Des Moines East are on the schedule). We also see Humboldt, Spencer, Algona, Urbandale and a lot of other schools who are usually really solid.

“It will push us to keep getting better, which is what we need. If we play harder than (the opponent across from us), we’ll see results. You get out of it what you put into this game.”

Williams will again be assisted by Charles Clayton, Bryan Friedrichs and Jordan Jackson. Former Dodger all-stater Malcolm Clayton joins the staff this season. FD BOYS, Continued from Page 2

FD GIRLS MAT, Continued from Page 14

Nekvinda. Tristen Holst is the lone competing senior.

Junior Maeleena Meyer is the manager.

“We are getting better each time out. We have a lot to prove,” Koenig said. “Right now we are weighing our options. Once we get going, it will be a quick two months leading up to super regionals.”

In early-season action, Benedict was

champion at the Fort Dodge Early Bird tournament, while Mikesell was second. Fort Dodge added third-place efforts from Nelson (115), J.J. Leyva (125) and Liska (155).

In their first tournament action at Ridge View, Nelson earned the 110 pound title with four falls. Liska was second and Benedict third for the Dodgers.

The Dodger boys will lean on returning letterwinners Trenton Beck — a senior — and junior Slade Babb. Ulrich will have five seniors, 12 juniors and two freshmen to fill the FDSH lineup.

“We have a solid group,” Ulrich said. “We have a lot of juniors who have an opportunity to step up. They’ve been working hard at practice.”

Beck was Fort Dodge’s district champion last season and finished 10th at the state tournament. He was also a part of the 2023 state championship squad — the third in program history.

Beck averaged a 198 a year ago, while Babb checked in with a 169. Beck had a high series of 465 and a high game of 235. Babb’s highs were 407 and 254, respectively.

“We like to refer to Trenton as our

hammer,” Ulrich said. “He has been strong since he was a freshman. He was district champion last year, and placed 10th at state.

“He has matured and developed into the leader this team needs. He is really good with the other bowlers, and supportive in those ways.”

Joining their senior classmates Beck and Josh Jass will be Trice Jakeman, Jabek Dunbar and Jayden Lennon.

Jass carried a 147 average with highs of 332 and 189 for series and games, respectively.

“Slade is a good teammate and loves to bowl,” Ulrich said. “Josh (Jass), Blake (Seeman), Kody (VanValkenburg), Leland (Sassman) and Trice (Jakeman) will see some varsity time.

“They’ve all been taking practice seriously and working well.”

FD BOWL , Continued from Page 15

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

FORT DODGE GIRLS VARSITY BOWLING TEAM MEMBERS are, front row (left to right): Sammantha Welter and Felicity Strain. Back: Paige Lewis, Gabby Santana-Bass, Kaitlyn Folsom and Samantha Anderson. Not pictured: Calli Graves, Joely Gilbert and Ava Wessels.

MANSON NORTHWEST WEBSTER

COUGAR BOYS

Expectations are high for the Manson Northwest Webster boys, as all five starters are back from a 16-win season.

Senior Logan Moline, a 6-foot4 guard who recently committed to Buena Vista University, was one of the top scorers in the state last year, averaging 25 points to go aling with 9.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists.

He is flanked by classmates and fellow starters Kelan Koval, Matt Condon, Grant Pohlman and Broc Patzner. Sophomores Charlie Strugis and Coy Moline were also contributors a season ago.

“We have a strong nucleus of seniors with some sophomores and a junior to add to the mix,” former MNW standout Caleb Wubben said of his team.

“We have seven of our eight letterwinners back. Obviously our goal is to win as many games as we can and to make a run at the (Twin Lakes) conference title, including a deep postseason run.

“However, we don’t want to measure our success by those two

things only. We want to strive to get better each day in practice and show consistent improvement each day of the season.”

Koval posted 15 points with five boards and three assists a night, Condon added 8.6 points, seven rebounds and 3.5 assists, and Pohlman chipped in 8.5 points with 5.5 rebounds.

Strugis added five points per contest, Patzner four and Moline two.

Junior Drew Tincher and sophomore Isaiah Daggett provide depth.

“Defense will be a focus for us,” Wubben said. “We will look to bring intensity as well as toughness on that end.”

—By Dana Becker

COUGAR GIRLS

For the first time in over a decade, the Manson Northwest Webster girls will be lead by a new head coach.

Emily Wolfe takes over the program for Bret Larson, who

See COUGARS, Page 21

photos by Britt Kudla

MANSON NORTHWEST WEBSTER BOYS BASKETBALL returning letterwinners (top photo) are (left to right): Matt Condon, Logan Moline, Coy Moline, Broc Patzner, Kelan Koval and Charlie Sturgis.

MANSON NORTHWEST WEBSTER WRESTLING returning letterwinners (bottom photo) are front row (left to right): Ben Nelson, Eli Schoon, Kale Kraft, Keaton Wittrock, Oryan Hansen and Elliott Droste. Back: Jaggar Wolfe, Tristan Thompson, Tegan Thoma, Mason Anderson, Hunter Newman, Gavin Burton and Rylan Crouse.

Rost Motor Inc.

Messenger

COUGARS , Continued from Page 20

left her with six key returning letterwinners to work with at the start.

Seniors Sophia McCullough, Evelyn Droste and Ella Shannon are joined by junior Addie McCullough and sophomores Ava Moline and Addison Kraft in the MNW lineup.

The elder McCullough averaged almost 17 points with 6.5 rebounds and two steals per game last year, helping Manson Northwest Webster finish 12-12 overall.

Moline, a 5-foot-10 post player, chipped in seven points with 5.6 rebounds. Kraft added three points a night last winter.

The Cougars have recorded back-to-back 12-win seasons, and have reached double digits in victories 15 times since 2006.

—By Dana Becker

COUGAR BOYS WRESTLING

With 13 returning letterwinners and seven more newcomers, the Manson Northwest Webster wrestling room will be active this winter.

The Cougars are led by lone senior Ben Nelson, as he is joined by juniors Mason Anderson, Gavin Burton, Oryan Hansen, Hunter Newman and Keaton Wittrock.

Sophomores Rylan Crouse, Elliott Droste, Kale Kraft, Tegan Thoma, Tristan Thompson and Jaggar Wolfe all got their feet wet as ninth-graders a year ago.

Joining the team will be juniors Noah Burger and Hendrick Puuraid along with freshman Tyler Boone, Christopher Collins, Wyatt Lahr, Taylen Secroy and

Shannon and Evelyn Droste. Back: Addie McCullough, Ava

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

MANSON NW GIRLS BASKETBALL returning letterwinners are, front row (left to right): Sophia McCullough, Ella

Moline and Addison Kraft.

SOUTHEAST VALLEY

JAGUAR BOYS

Two returning starters, six more letterwinners and a key newcomer should help turn things around for the Southeast Valley boys this winter.

The Jaguars welcome seniors Brady Hanson and Cole Lundgren back, as Hanson averaged six points last year and Lundgren five points with five rebounds.

Senior Gauge Jones, junior Nick Field and sophomores Casey Hanson, Logan Jaeschke and Ian Brunner will all be counted on for more this season following a year of experience.

Southeast Valley also adds senior Drake Warland, who played at Fort Dodge last season and averaged 12.3 points.

“I think we could be a tough, gritty team by the end of the year,” Southeast Valley head coach Kyle Johnson said. “We need our youth to mesh with our upperclassmen for that to happen.

“We also don’t have a lot of experience when it comes to winning at the varsity level, but we do have good numbers to work with.”

Casey Hanson averaged four points, three assists and two steals last year as a ninth-grader, while classmate Jaeschke added three points and four rebounds.

—By Dana Becker

JAGUAR GIRLS

The Southeast Valley girls are looking at several new faces this

winter to lead the team in the deep Twin Lakes Conference.

Senior Ryleigh McFarland and juniors Madelyn Farley and Camryn Lane return from an 11-win team a season ago. Farley averaged 4.5 points and six rebounds a night, while Lane chipped in 3.5 and McFarland just under three.

“We should have balanced scoring from all positions,” SEV head coach Kevin Mills said. “We have good speed in our guard court, and our post can provide strength and rebounding.

“Our success will be based on growth this year. If we focus and work hard on individual fundamental growth, program concepts and the team, we could potentially finish in the top-half of the TLC.”

Mia Simonson, Mekenah Osbourne, Addison Lundquist, Delaney Sittig, Sage Lane and Leah Mills all provide muchneeded depth to the roster.

“With a large mix of the team being freshmen and juniors, we will need to make sure they focus on creating their own identity earlier in the season that will provide them the most success,” Mills said. “The team will need to create an identity built around defense, rebounding and transition. Our plan will need to be about ‘GRIT.’”

—By Dana Becker

See JAGUARS, Page 42

Messenger photos by Britt Kudla

SOUTHEAST VALLEY WRESTLING (above) returning letterwinners are (left to right): Brodey Loughman, Oliver Riehl, Evan Kuhn, Colin Johnson and Kyle Eastman.

SOUTHEAST VALLEY GIRLS BASKETBALL (left) returning letterwinners are (left to right): Ryleigh McFarland, Camryn Lane, Madelyn Farley.

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

SOUTHEAST VALLEY BOYS BASKETBALL returning letterwinners are, front row (left to right):

Casey Hanson, Drake Warland, Brady Hanson and Gauge Jones. Back: Logan Jaeschke, Ian Brunner, Nick Field, Cole Lundgren, Cale VanSickle and Tyler Jondle.

WILDCAT BOYS

Jason Thurm hasn’t seen much of his Humboldt boys since the season kicked off.

That is a good thing, though.

The Wildcats are coming off another successful run to the state football playoffs, reaching the UNI-Dome for the third time in the last four seasons.

Returning starters Coen Matson and Mason Van Pelt were both key two-way players on the gridiron, with Jackson Dodd also played football.

Elliot Carlson is the leading returning scorer for Humboldt, as the senior posted 19 points with five rebounds and two assists per game last winter. Matson added 12 points with four boards and four assists, and Van Pelt chipped in six, four and three.

“We are excited about the players we have coming back,” Thurm said. “We are small, but feel like we’ll have pretty good athleticism. We have three returning starters with a lot of experience under their belt who we expect to set the tone for us.”Thurm will look to seniors Isaiah Busick, Parker Sleiter, Carter Westre and Alex Armitage, along with juniors Valley Davis, Chase Flaherty, Jackson Flaherty, Carson Rubel and Landyn Dencklau to provide depth.

Last season, Humboldt went

15-8 overall and finished second in the North Central Conference with a record of 10-4.

—By Dana Becker WILDCAT GIRLS

Coming off a runner-up finish in the North Central Conference, the Humboldt girls entered the 2024-25 season with high expectations.

Led by Morgan Mann, the Wildcats return three other starters in fellow seniors Kaitlyn and Paige Nelson, along with junior Ava Fischer. Seniors Meg Zewibohmer and Ava Newton are both letterwinners that bring back added experience.

Mann, an all-stater who is already the school’s career scoring leader, recently committed to continue playing basketball at NAIA Embry-Riddle University out of Arizona. She is fully recovered from a knee injury that ended her season in the regional finals last year.

As a junior, Mann averaged 20 points with almost seven rebounds, 3.3 steals and 2.5 assists per game.

“We hope to challenge for the NCC title again this year,” Humboldt head coach Rodd Mooney said. “We are coming

Photo by Phil Monson/The Humboldt Independent

HUMBOLDT GIRLS BASKETBALL returning letterwinners (right photo) are (left to right): Paige Nelson, Meg Zweibohmer, Ava Newton, Ava Fischer, Morgan Mann and Kaitlyn Nelson. Not pictured: Kate Sievers.

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

HUMBOLDT BOYS BASKETBALL returning letterwinners are (left to right): Coen Matson, Jackson Dodd, Mason Van Pelt and Elliot Carlson.

off back-to-back regional finals and would like to take that next step.”

Fischer posted just under 14 points with four rebounds a night while Kaitlyn Nelson added 6.4 points and Paige Nelson almost five.

—By Dana Becker

WILDCAT BOY WRESTLING

With three returning state placewinners and three more qualifiers, expectations are high for Chad Beaman and the Humboldt wrestling team. Broedy Hendricks made a run to the state finals last year as freshman, going 46-3 overall. He is joined by medalist seniors Owen Mayall and Tyce Clarken.

Mayall was 34-13 last year while Clarken went 43-8. Brady Beers and Cyler Cirks are both twotime state qualifiers while Jaxson Kirchhoff got his first experience as a ninth-grader last year on the big stage.

Kirchhoff won 38 matches, Cirks had 37 victories and Beers 29 on the mats. They are

joined by fellowing returning letterwinners Trey Al-Hameed, Jack Guy, Landon Halverson, Sam Knight, Cael Donahe, Carson Chambers, Jonny Hayden and Dylan Frideries.

Halverson went 19-9 as a junior and Frideres had an 11-4 record as a sophomore.

The Wildcats went 22-2 overall and qualified for the Class 2A state duals, placing fifth. They claimed four tournament titles including the North Central Conference duals crown.

—By Dana Becker

WILDCAT GIRLS WRESTLING

The Humboldt girls had a strong season on the mat in 2023-24, and are looking to continue the momentum in the months to come.

The Wildcats captured tournament titles in Emmetsburg and Humboldt last year.

Senior Brooklyn Robinson and sophomore

HUMBOLDT WRESTLING returning letterwinners (top photo) are, front row (left to right): Sam Knight, Tyce Clarken, Trey Al-Hameed and Cyler Cirks. Back: Landon Halverson, Owen Mayall, Broedy Hendricks, Jaxson Kirchhoff, Cael Donahe, Carson Chambers, Brady Beers and Dylan Frideres. Not pictured: Jack Guy and Jonny Hayden.

GOOD LUCK

Photo by Phil Monson/The Humboldt Independent

POCAHONTAS AREA

INDIAN BOYS

A new face takes over the Pocahontas Area boys, as Avery Busta replaces Jeff Mefferd at the helm.

The Indians are coming off a difficult three-win campaign last winter, but they do return a pair of starters and two more players with experience on the floor.

Senior Gabe Ehn is back after averaging 7.4 points and 4.5 rebounds, as is fellow starter Christian Valenzuela, a junior who contributed 4.4 points and two boards.

Collin Dreith, a junior, and Caleb Roberts, a senior, were letterwinners a year ago for Pocahontas Area.

“We have some guys with varsity experience returning, but we will still be a failry young team,” Busta said. “In order for us to be competitive, we have to handle all of the controllables extremely well — effort, preparation, attitude and focus.

“I think the biggest area we need to improve on this year will be our defense.”

The Indians are looking for their first winning season since going 17-7 in 2018-19.

“A big part of this season will be the upperclassmen being leaders,” Busta said. “How quickly we can get some of our guys with no varsity experience up to speed and comfortable will

determine what our season looks like.”

Busta was a standout on the court for Forest City, earning second team all-state honors as a senior.

—By Dana Becker

INDIAN GIRLS

With four returning starters and four more players with varsity experience back, the Pocahontas Area girls are feeling good about the upcoming season.

The Indians won 14 games last year and finished 9-1 in the Twin Lakes Conference, placing third for head coach Robert Maske.

“I am really excited to work with this group of girls,” Maske said. “My expectations are high, and I really believe this team could put together a special season.”

Seniors Madison Vial and Natalie Point are back as starters, alongside juniors Alayna Kakacek and Delaney Janssen. Senior Amanda Davis and juniors Khloe Mefferd, Halee Hauswirth and Kristin Axman are all letterwinners back in the fold.

Vial averaged 14 points with three assists and two steals per game last winter. Point added 6.2 points with See INDIANS, Page 27

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

POCAHONTAS AREA BOYS BASKETBALL returning letterwinners are, left to right: Christian Valenzuela, Gabe Ehn, Caleb Roberts and Collin Dreith.

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

POCAHONTAS AREA GIRLS BASKETBALL returning letterwinners are, front row (left to right): Delaney Janssen, Madison Vial and Amanda Davis. Back: Natalie Point, Alayna Kakacek, Khloe Mefferd, Kristin Axman and Halee Hauswirth.

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

POCAHONTAS AREA WRESTLING returning letterwinners are, left to right: Tyler Tiernan, John Ackerman, Brody Wallace and William Lawson.

POCAHONTAS AREA

Kakacek and Hauswirth at 5.5 each.

Providing more depth will be sophomores Ella Thompson and Emma Sobotka, along with freshman Dani Dreith.

“I am excited by the core returning this season,” Maske said. “We have experience, athleticism, great team chemistry and strong basketball fundamentals.”

—By Dana Becker

INDIAN WRESTLING

The Pocahontas Area wrestling team will return one state qualifier from last year.

INDIANS , Continued from Page 26

INDIANS AT A GLANCE

POCAHONTAS AREA BOYS

Returning letterwinners (4): Gabe Ehn, sr.; Christian Valenzuela, jr.; Collin Dreith, jr.; Caleb Roberts, sr.

Last season: 3-18 overall, 3-8 in Twin Lakes Conference.

Coach: Avery Busta, a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, begins his first season leading the Indians.

POCAHONTAS AREA GIRLS

Returning letterwinners (8): Madison Vial, sr.; Natalie Point, sr.; Alayna Kakacek, jr.; Delaney Janssen, jr.; Amanda Davis, sr.; Khloe Mefferd, jr.; Halee Hauswirth, jr.; Kristin Axman, jr.

Junior William Lawson is back after a earning a state spot at 150 pounds. Lawson, who was a district runner-up in 2024, won 41 matches.

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

POCAHONTAS AREA GIRLS wrestling returning letterwinners are left to right: Teeyona Corliss and Samantha Wolter.

The Indians return seven starters total from their district lineup. Sophomore Coen Hammen is back after winning 31 matches at 106 pounds.

Top prospects: Dani Dreith, fr.; Ella Thompson, soph.; Emma Sobotka, soph.

Last season: 14-9 overall, 9-2 in Twin Lakes Conference (third).

Coach: Robert Maske begins his 17th season with the Indians where he has posted an overall record of 227-144.

POCAHONTAS AREA WRESTLING

Returnees: William Lawson, jr.; Coen Hammen, so.; Brody Wallace, so.; John Ackerman, jr.; Tyler Tiernan, so.; Trevor Stuhrenberg, sr.; Isaiah Dunbar, sr.; Matthew Ahrich, fr.

Coach: Tony Johnson is again at the helm for the Indians in 2024-25.

Seniors Trevor Stuhrenberg (175) and Isaiah Dunber (190) also return for the Indians.

Junior John Ackerman won 29 matches at 120 pounds.

Sophomores Tyler Tiernan, Brody Wallace and Matthew Ahrich are also options.

—By Chris Johnson

SOUTH CENTRAL CALHOUN

TITAN BOYS

The South Central Calhoun boys have become the model of consistency under head coach Clive Clark, winning at least 17 games in each of the last six seasons.

For that to continue this year, the Titans will need players from their large junior class to step into key roles.

Back are senior starters Cole Higgins and Andrew Anderson, as Higgins averaged 15 points and four rebounds while Anderson added seven points and 3.5 assists.

“We are rebuilding after graduating three starters who were all at least 6-foot-5,” Clark said. “Senior Kaden Dorman also just underwent knee surgery.”

As for the rest of the rotation, that will be filled by a group of 11th-graders, with several having seen the court last year. That list includes Caleb Gaffney, Charlie Nattress, Carson Shaver and Grady Isaacs.

Higgins was second on the team a year ago with 48 made 3-pointers while Anderson was third with 36.

—By Dana Becker

TITAN GIRLS

The South Central Calhoun girls are coming off a season in which they failed to win at least 11 games for the first time since 2010, going 7-15 overall. They will rely on returning starters Brenna McAlister, Blair Schleisman,

Breanne Patterson and Macie Dorman to lead the way this winter.

Patterson, a senior, paced with squad with 214 points to go along with 99 rebounds, 30 steals and 27 assists. Schleisman, now a sophomore, added 159 points, 62 rebounds, 39 assists and 37 steals.

McAlister and Dorman both scored over 100 points, as McAlister tied Patterson for the team lead with 22 made 3-pointers.

—By Dana Becker

TITAN WRESTLING

The South Central Calhoun wrestling squad has a stable of returning letterwinners back, led by seniors Collin Kennebeck, Caleb Juhl and Michael Trott.

Kennebeck recorded 28 wins as a junior, while Juhl had 20. Trott missed the season but is a two-time letterwinner.

Joining the group are juniors Jace Pedersen and Wyatt Mernka along with sophomores Brayden Werneburg, Hayden Strickrod, Aidan DeVore, Luke Patterson, Devin Riley, Keaton Kent, Michael Hucka, Jeremy Treiber and Layth Witte.

“We look again to get back to the successes we’ve had in the past,” SCC co-head coach Lance Schultz said.

“We have not won a team title in a See TITANS, Page 43

SOUTH CENTRAL CALHOUN WRESTLING returning letterwinners are

row (left to right): Aidan DeVore, Luke Patterson, Collin Kennebeck, Jeremy Trieber, Brayden Werneburg and Caleb Juhl. Back: Hayden Stickrod, Wyatt Mernka, Keaton Kent, Jace Pedersen, Mike Trott and Layth Witte.

SOUTH CENTRAL CALHOUN BOYS BASKETBALL returning

are

row (left to right): Noah Hendricks, Derek Greene, Carson Shaver, Grady Isaacs and Caleb Gaffney. Back: Andrew Anderson, Garrett Krause, Charlie Nattress, Cole Higgins and Evan Myers.

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

SOUTH CENTRAL CALHOUN GIRLS BASKETBALL returning letterwinners are, front row (left to right): Haylee Wiederin, Adlen Wheelock, Breanne Patterson. Back: Macie Dorman, Sadie Wheelock, Blaire Schleisman, Ailey Korleski. Not pictured: Brenna McAlister.

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

front

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

letterwinners

front

ALGONA

BULLDOG BOYS

The Algona boys boast two returning starters from a 14-win season a year ago for head coach Jared Cecil.

Senior Ben Helmers and junior Evan Allie form the backbone for what the Bulldogs want to achieve this winter. Helmers recorded almost 21 points with six rebounds per contest last winter, while Allie added six points.

“We anticipate strong contributions from both Ben and Evan on and off the court,” Cecil said. “We will have healthy competition for the remaining varsity roles, as we have a blend of returning talent and newcomers with a common goal and a strong team-oriented approach.”

Junior Jackson Eischen earned a letter in 2024, while classmate Levi Walker and sophomore Nathan Manske both saw varsity time.

Cecil will look to Landon Campe, Skylar

Ostwald and Jacob Burns to provide depth.

—By Dana Becker BULLDOG GIRLS

Coming off a season that saw them capture the North Central Conference title and make a deep postseason run, the Algona girls are feeling good about themselves.

All five starters return for head coach Noel McLaughlin and his Top-10 squad, led by seniors Lauren McLaughlin, Casey VanOtterloo and Paige Schmitt. McLaughlin, a Wartburg College commit, averaged almost 15 points and six rebounds per game last season as the Bulldogs went 19-5 overall and 13-1 in the league. VanOtterloo added eight points and four boards, while Schmitt added two

See BULLDOGS, Page 47

GIRLS BASKETBALL returning letterwinners are front row (left to right): Hayden Kuhlmann, Casey VanOtterloo and Taylor VanOtterloo. Back: Paige Schmitt, Bella Jo Dunning, Lauren McLaughlin and Hayden McLaughlin.

Landon

and Evan Allie.

WRESTLING returning letterwinners are

Owen, Caden Kuecker, Barrett Morgan, Isaac Wilson, Ezra Oldenkamp, Tommy Zabka and Ashton Moreno. Back: Foster Myhre, Tate Slagle, Taevyn Zinnel, Cody Harms, Wes Streit, Elijah Wilhite, Owen Johnson, Gavin Goche and Brody Shipler.

Buffalo Center

Burt

888-920-3555

Armstrong 888-802-3897

Bancroft/ South Burt

800-298-4196

800-852-4718

North Burt Ag 800-292-0240

Blue Earth 507-464-3333

Cylinder 800-414-3335

Halfa 712-866-2671

Fenton

800-721-2251

North Burt

Grain

800-373-8509

Lakota 877-886-2461

Maple Hill

800-776-8571

Lone Rock 800-298-4246

Ledyard 800-646-2135

Ringsted

800-469-0581

Swea City

800-574-2178

Marna, MN

507-943-3345

Photo by Greg Grabianowski

ALGONA

Photo by Greg Grabianowski

ALGONA BOYS BASKETBALL returning letterwinners are (left to right): Skylar

Ostwald, Nathan Manske,

Campe, Jacob Burns, Levi Walker, Ben Helmers, Jaxon Eischen

Photo by Greg Grabianowski

ALGONA

front row (left to right): Nile

BISHOP GARRIGAN

GOLDEN BEAR BOYS

Six key players are back for the Bishop Garrigan boys off a 15-win season a year ago.

Returning all-Top of Iowa Conference selections Michael Joyce, Carter Schwab and Drew Muller return, along with Nick Leerar, Amaury Thomas and Trayton Cink.

Joyce, a 6-foot-1 sophomore, averaged 15 points per game, while Schwab — a 6-2 junior — posted 14. Both made the second team all-TOI.

Muller, a 6-4 senior, was honorable mention after scoring seven.

Leerar added six points and six rebounds, Thomas chipped in five with seven, and Cink added three and three.

Tate Foertsch and Daniel Meis provide depth for the Golden Bears, who went 15-10 last year for their seventh season of at least 11 wins since 2016.

—By Dana Becker

GOLDEN BEAR GIRLS

Four starters are back for the Bishop Garrigan girls, and expectations are as

high as ever.

The Golden Bears went 23-3 last year and won the Top of Iowa Conference, advancing to the state tournament for the fifth consecutive season. They are ranked No. 1 in the preseason.

Graclyn Eastman, a sophomore, is one of those four back after posting 16.6 points and almost 11 rebounds per game. She is flanked by senior Zoe Montag and juniors Emmi Bartolo and Sacha Alesch.

“We want to compete for the conference title and state tournament,”

BGHS head coach Brandon Schwab said. “We have great athleticism and speed, along with strong three-point shooting.”

Bishop Garrigan has gone 124-11 the past five years, including two state titles with current Iowa State standout Audi Crooks and Truman State’s Molly Joyce leading the way.

Juniors Alyssa Haugland, Ava Roethler and Carly Nielsen, alongside freshman Madalyn Tigges, provide depth.

—By Dana Becker

GOLDEN BEARS AT A GLANCE

BISHOP GARRIGAN BOYS

Returning letterwinners (6): Drew Muller, sr.; Carter Schwab, jr.; Michael Joyce, soph.; Nick Leerar, sr.; Amaury Thomas, jr.; Trayton Cink, sr.

Top prospects: Tate Foertsch, jr.; Daniel Meis, sr.

Last season: 15-10 overall.

Coach: Mark Meister is in his fifth season with two state tournament appearances under his belt.

BISHOP GARRIGAN GIRLS

Returning letterwinners (4): Emmi Bartolo, jr.; Sacha Alesch, jr.; Zoe Montag, sr.; Graclyn Eastman, soph.

Top prospects: Madalyn Tigges, fr.; Alyssa Haugland, jr.; Ava Roethler, jr.; Carly Nielsen, jr.

Last season: 23-3 overall.

Coach: Brandon Schwab enters his 17th season with the Golden Bears, where he is 248-85 overall — including a pair of state championships.

Photo by Greg Grabinowski

BISHOP GARRIGAN GIRLS BASKETBALL returning letterwinners (right) are (left to right): Sacha Alesch, Zoe Montag, Emmi Bartolo, Alyssa Haugland, Graclyn Eastman.

Carter

and Amaury Thomas.

Photo by Greg Grabinowski

BISHOP GARRIGAN BOYS BASKETBALL returning letterwinners are front row (left to right):

Schwab, Michael Joyce and Trayton Cink. Back: Drew Muller, Nick Leerar

SE GIRLS , Continued from Page 8

14 triples. Bradley added 41 rebounds, 14 steals and sank almost one three-pointer per game.

Senior Braelynn Rees rounds out the class, as she saw action in 15 games as a last year.

Tracy and the Gaels got a big boost with the news that Anna Lursen has been cleared to return to action. Lursen, a junior who missed the end of her cross country season with an injury, played in all 23 games and made 22 starts.

“Anna is such a competitor and plays so hard,” Tracy said. “I talked with her several times throughout the fall, and she was really looking forward to basketball. She played during the offseason with other girls from the North Central Conference, and you can see how much she has improved and grown.”

Lursen averaged just over six points per game last year and almost four steals, but really shined on the glass. For the second straight year, the 5-foot-6 multi-sport standout was the leading rebounder for SEHS, grabbing 198 boards, including 108 on the offensive end.

“It’s just incredible,” Tracy said. “Anna really is a rebounding machine out there, but what really amazes me about her is how great of a person she is off the court. She’s really a special kid.”

Ava Underberg, a 5-10 post, was expected for an even bigger role this year after making 14 starts while appearing in 21 games. She tallied 49 points, 67 rebounds and 13 blocks, but will miss the year after surgery.

“She had practiced with us before going in right before Thanksgiving for surgery,” Tracy said. “She will definitely be missed, but we’re excited for her to get healthy and come back stronger next year.”

Fellow junior Maggie Flaherty could be one to replace some of the minutes for Underberg after Flaherty saw the court in 15 varsity games last year. Another 11th-grader, Ava Andrew, also returns after seeing action in 15 contests.

“Maggie is a kid who just loves basketball,” Tracy said. “She has a strong physical presence and isn’t afraid to go up against anybody.”

The largest class comes from the sophomore ranks, as starter Chloe Palmer returns along with regulars Abby Huss and Sophia Schlienz. Morgan Morgan Lewis and Evie Heldorfer complete the group.

Palmer posted a team-high 204 points last year, adding 114 rebounds, 40 assists, 37 steals and 13 blocks. She also hit 24 triples, which led the Gaels.

ST. EDMOND

“I’ve just been impressed with how our IQ continues to grow on the court. That, and just how competitive these girls are. Those two things are going to help us win games this season.”

CJ TRACY

St. Edmond girls head coach

“Being a freshman starting point guard in the NCC can be intimidating,” Tracy said. “But Chloe did a great job for us last year and she’ll be ready to do it again this season. She also played a lot over the spring and summer to get ready (for 2024-25).”

Huss saw action in all 23 games and made three starts. She will get the first crack at replacing Underberg in the projected starting lineup. Huss scored 73 points with 49 rebounds, eight steals and six blocks a year ago, sinking 16 triples.

“What Abby and Chloe did as freshmen last year was impressive,” Tracy said. “They have both played a lot of basketball, and I think once they settled in, they realized it was just like any other game.”

Schlienz, who helped the St. Edmond softball team place fourth this past summer at state along with Harvey and Andrew, played in 22 games as a ninth-grader. She had 19 rebounds and 10 points with eight steals.

“Sophia can step in and fill some important minutes for us,” Tracy said. “She did a lot of good things on JV last year and is going to be a key piece to what we want to accomplish.”

Newcomers include freshmen Jade Rock, Olivia Andrew, Aryana Halverson and Ava Bradley.

“(The freshman) are a small group, but we have been impressed with them so far,” Tracy said. “We’ll see how the year plays out and how things go with them.”

The Gaels, who won three games in a league that features mostly Class 3A and 2A programs, will “look to get better each day and be playing our best when the postseason rolls around,” Tracy said.

“We’ve been seeing improvements each day in practice,” he added. “That’s the direction we want this program to go.”

Tracy will be assisted by Shawn Neverman once again this season.

SE MAT , Continued from Page 12

“He’s still working his way back,” McClintock said. “We’ll be smart about it with physical therapy, but I’m hopeful he can compete in our first tournament.”

Horrell, Grove and Anderson all won matches as freshmen last winter for the Gaels. Horrell is set to wrestle at 157, Grove at 165 and Anderson at 190.

“It was so big for those guys to get the nerves out (in 2024-25),” McClintock said. “We need them to come in and be in the varsity lineup right off the bat, because we have spots to fill. We’ll need them to be ready at the varsity level.

“I’ve been super happy with how they have been working in the room so far.”

Despite being just a ninth-grader, Crimmins has more experience than most, having wrestled on the national circuit. He placed third at state AAU as an eighthgrader, but is also coming back from an injury.

“Crimmins is a little banged up, but we’re hopefully going to have him first thing in January,” McClintock said. “he’s been a great training partner for Sam, and always stayed in good shape, so he won’t be too far behind.”

After working as an assistant under Eugene Carlson, McClintock made the decision to take on the head role this past summer.

“I talked a little bit with Sam in the offseason with him, asking if I could help,” McClintock said. “I looked at my schedule and realized I could not only do that, but more. I figured if it was something I was going to do, I needed to do it 100 percent and not just when I could.

“I was at every single practice, tournament and dual last year, so I was with them every step of the way. Eugene did a great job and has made the transition smooth. He really showed me all the little things it takes to be a head coach.”

McClintock will be assisted by Greg Nordstrom and Davis Chaudron.

“They’ve been great to have in the room,” McClintock said. “They are both young guys who are excited to work with the kids.”

St. Edmond will open the season when they head to Manson for the annual Doug Wood Invitational on Dec. 7. The Gaels have home duals set for Dec. 10 vs. Iowa Falls-Alden and Clear Lake, along with Jan. 14 with Clarion-Goldfield/Dows, Forest City and perennial state contender Don Bosco.

The St. Edmond Duals take place Saturday, Jan. 11, with the Fort Dodge JV, Southeast Valley, AGWSR and West Hancock comprising the field.

The NCC tournament takes place Saturday, Jan. 25, in Algona.

SE BOYS , Continued from Page 6

Galles, who had a strong season on the football field like Koopman this fall, made five starts and played in all 24 games as a 10th-grader. He accounted for 116 points with 61 rebounds, 28 assists and 16 steals.

“Grant’s gotten a lot stronger, probably putting on at least 10 pounds,” Kochendorfer said. “He’s also really improved his game after playing a lot as a freshman and sophomore. He’s more confident in what he can do, and understands what it takes at this level.”

Clavey, the lone senior on the roster, made 18 three-pointers in 2023-24 while talling 75 points and 37 rebounds.

“Andrew has more consistent focus and has worked on his mid-range game,” Kochendorfer said. “What will help him is improvement on defense and rebounding. If he can continue to get better there, he’ll have a good senior season.”

Mericle played in 13 games as a freshman and will bring “strong defense and good

“I feel like this is the most complete team we have had in a while.”

ADOLPH KOCHENDORFER

St. Edmond boys head coach

perimeter shooting” to the squad. Christiansen, Laufersweiler, Nieland, Ehn and Webster “are all kids that, if they can play defense and rebound, will see minutes.”

“We just have to get them confidence on the floor,” Kochendorfer said. “The speed of the game is the biggest difference from middle school and JV to this, so getting them familiar with that is important.”

Kochendorfer will be assisted once again by former player Mitchell Rasmussen and veteran Pat O’Rourke. Landon Saathoff and Luke Royster serve as student managers.

WEST BEND-MALLARD

WOLVERINE BOYS

There will be plenty of opportunity for players at West Bend-Mallard this season after the graduation of four starters who led the boys team in scoring.

Sophomore Abner Zaugg is the most experienced of four returning letterwinners after making 18 starts while averaging six points and five rebounds per game last year.

Senior Houston Nielsen made 13 starts, while classmates Clint Fehr and Austin Schmidt also are slated to provide veteran court time.

Jerald Zaugg, who in is 10th season leading the program, will rely on a large group of varsity newcomers to balance things out.

“After losing three three-year starters, we are still excited about this year,” Zaugg said. Our goals are pretty much the same every season: to get better every practice and every game, and to be competitive in all games.

“There are a lot of great teams in the Twin Lakes Conference, and we added a couple of really good (opponents) to our non-conference schedule.”

Seniors Cole Fehr and Tyler Fogarty, juniors Carson Schnieder and Leydan Grimm, and sophomores

Grady Goddard, Trent Morey and Tyler Hansen are all in the mix for playing time. Freshman Kacen Flynn provides size checking in at 6-foot-3.

—By Dana Becker

WOLVERINE GIRLS

The West Bend-Mallard girls reached double digits in wins for the first time in three seasons last year.

The Wolverines prevailed in 13 games — the most since taking 14 in the 2011-12 campaign.

Senior Tiffany Fehr is the leading scorer back, averaging nine points per game and nearly four rebounds.

Hannah Stalzer and Lexi Welter averaged 4.8 points and four per

night, respectively.

Welter hit 21 three-pointers last winter, while Fehr nailed 19.

—By Chris Johnson

WOLVERINE WRESTLING

The West Bend-Mallard wrestling team has eight returning letterwinners, with seven of them having experience reaching at least the district round.

Mason Knapp, a junior, returns after qualifying for the state tournament last season with a record of 39-8. Overall, Knapp has won 74 matches for the Wolverines.

He is joined by fellow letterwinners

Phillip Fehr, Otis Fehr, Kaden Knapp, Colton Forsythe, Graydon Fortsythe, Thade Landolt and Jack Habben for head coach Payton Rice.

Phillip Fehr, a sophomore, won 23 matches last year, Kaden Knapp, also a 10th-grader, won 23 as well.

—By Dana Becker

WOLVERINES AT A GLANCE

WEST BEND-MALLARD BOYS

Returning letterwinners (4): Abner Zaugg, soph.; Houston Nielsen, sr.; Clint Fehr, sr.; Austin Schmidt, sr. Top prospects: Cole Fehr, sr.; Carson Schnieder, jr.; Leydan Grimm, jr.; Grady Goddard, soph.; Tyler Fogarty, sr.; Kacen Flynn, fr.; Trent Morey, soph.; Tyler Hansen, soph.

Last season: 5-18 overall, 1-10 in Twin Lakes Conference.

Coach: Jerald Zaugg enters his 10th season wtih the school.

WEST BEND-MALLARD GIRLS

Returning players: Hannah Stalzer, sr.; Tiffany Fehr, sr.; Addison Montag, jr.; Chloe Dickey, jr.; Lexi Welter, sr. Prospects: Olivia Dickey, fr.; Scarlett Olson, fr.; Allisen Fehr, jr.; Avery Weydert, so.

Last season: The Wolverines were 13-11 overall.

Coach: Thomas Fehr is in his second season as head coach for the Wolverines.

WEST BEND-MALLARD WRESTLING

Returning letterwinners (8): Phillip Fehr, soph.; Mason Knapp, jr.; Otis Fehr, soph.; Kaden Knapp, soph.; Colton Forsythe, soph.; Graydon Forsythe, sr.; Thade Landolt, soph.; Jack Habben, jr. Last season: 5-17 in duals.

Coach: Payton Rice begins his eighth season with the Wolverines, where he has won 46 duals.

WEST BEND MALLARD WOLVERINES

EAGLE BOYS

Two returning starters and another letterwinner are back looking to build off an 11-win season for the Eagle Grove boys basketball squad.

Jaxon Morris posted almost 14 points with six rebounds and 3.4 assists per game last year, while senior classmate Josh Miller added seven points, seven rebounds and two assists.

Adrian Whipple, a sophomore, also saw varsity time a year ago.

“Last season, we had a fairly strong team,” EGHS head coach Ryan Pedersen said. “I think (2024-25) could be as good as last year. I think this year we are a deeper team, and our bench should provide us with some really good minutes.

“We have a lot of new pieces, so they need to learn to play together. As with every year, we must rebound and take care of the ball.”

Morris is a four-year starter, while Miller paced the team in rebounding last season.

“We need Jaxon to lead this team,” Pedersen said. “He can fill the stat sheet, but we ALSO need solid leadership from him.”

Looking to provide depth will be senior Abraham Lin and junior Eli Friedl. Lin is a foreign exchange student who “has the potential to be one of the best players in our league.”

—By Dana Becker

EAGLE GIRLS

Youth will be served for the Eagle Grove girls this winter, as five freshmen and a sophomore are expected to play key roles.

The Eagles return starter Myah Edwards, a senior, along with Kendra Schild, a sophomore who saw the court last season.

Added to the mix will be ninthgraders Addy Pamperin, Taytum Edwards, Salem Willard, Myka Anderson and Azlyn Amonson, along with sophomore Holly Anderson.

“We are a very young team

that has a lot of potential,” EGHS head coach Zach Whipple said. “Our first goal is to get our first win and continue to build off of it.

“In order for us to succeed this season, we have to hit open shots, stay aggressive on defense without fouling and use our length and speed to our advantage.”

Edwards scored 29 points with 112 rebounds a season ago while Schild had 36 points and 62 rebounds.

“We need to force turnovers and take care of the ball on our end,” Whipple said. “We will rely on our speed, quickness and defensive pressure.”

—By Dana Becker

EAGLE WRESTLING

Jacob Groth will lean on nine returning letterwinners this winter to keep the momentum going for the Eagle Grove wrestling squad.

That group includes three returning state qualifiers in juniors Jayden Kreitlow, Hayden Schafer and Cooper Thacker.

“Our team will be much smaller this year than normal with just 11 wrestlers, but almost all have competed for five-plus years and are experienced,” Groth said. “They are a tight group and push each other. Duals will be tough with our numbers, but I think we will excel in tournaments this season.”

Senior Jesus Baez, junior Reece Demuth and sophomores Jackson Babcock, Dylan Terwilliger, Carter Bjorklund and Hunter Waldo Martinez are also back.

“We have a lot of experienced and dedicated wrestlers,” Groth said. “Many of our guys are aiming to qualify for state while the returning ones want to earn a spot on the podium.”

EAGLE GROVE

—By Dana Becker

See EAGLES, Page 47

www.messengernews.net

Messenger photos by Britt Kudla

EAGLE GROVE GIRLS WRESTLING returning letterwinners (top left photo) are (left to right): Catherine Orozco, Keylyee Collins, Evie Jergenson and Jaymie Anderson.

EAGLE GROVE WRESTLING returning letterwinner (top right photo) is Dylan Terwilliger.

Messenger photos by Britt Kudla

EAGLE GROVE BOYS BASKETBALL returning letterwinners are (left to right, above left): Josh Miller and Jaxon Morris.

EAGLE GROVE GIRLS BASKETBALL returning letterwinners are (left to right, above right): Myah Edwards and Kendra Schild.

CLARION-GOLDFIELD/DOWS

COWBOYS

Several key players for the Clarion-Goldfield/Dows boys were thrown to the lions of the North Central Conference as freshmen last winter.

But that experience should pay off this year, as they are now trusted with leading the program.

Sophomores Chaz Lane and JD Morrical lead the way, as Lane averaged 10.5 points and Morrical 7.4 a season ago. Huxley Lingenfelter, another 10th-grader, added just over four points and three rebounds as a starter, while senior Bryce Lindaman also returns to the lineup.

“Chaz and JD will be our engine,” C-G/D head coach Jason Berning said. “They were really good as freshmen last year and have improved skills, gotten strong and grown. I expect them to open some eyes.

“We hope to be better on the offensive end through those two. We plan to play faster, which will allow us to use our athleticism.”

Lane, who earned second team all-NCC recognition in 202324, was the leading rebounder last year, grabbing seven a night. He will be counted on for more of that with the loss of Carson Nesheim to graduation.

“We feel we can be one of the most improved teams around,” Berning said. “Our kids put in a lot of work in the offseason. We feel that work combined with our maturiation of our younger players that played last season will make us improved and very competitive.

“We don’t have a win-loss goal. We do think if we continue to put in the necessary work, an improvement in that area will be very likely.”

—By Dana Becker

COWBOY WRESTLING

The Clarion-Goldfield/ Dows wrestling team has all the makings of a return to glory this season.

A long-standing staple at state duals and traditional tournaments at the top, the Cowboys feature 10 letterwinners back, led by Linden Phetxoumphone, who placed second last year competing for Webster City.

Joining the junior will be Ryan Hartwig, Caleb Seaba, Jaxen Engstrom, Coleton Johnson, Kolton Hefti, Lucas Cayler, JT Kelso, Mason Warnke, and Phetxomphone’s brother, Adrian.

“I am looking forward to watching the guys go out and wrestle while working hard all season towards our goals as a team and their own individual goals,” C-G/D head coach Dylan Anderson said. “We have to stay healthy and keep focused on getting better, scoring points and winning matches.

“If we can do that, we will have a great year.”

Four freshmen and a sophomore will also be key in developing a complete lineup and depth for the long season ahead. That group includes Paxton Redenius, Cole Wibholm, Rylan Morgan, Colin Sesker and Charlie Campbell.

—By Dana Becker

Messenger photos by Britt Kudla

CLARION-GOLDFIELD/DOWS BOYS BASKETBALL

returning letterwinners (top right) are (left to right): JD Morrical, Tristan Kakacek, Bryce Lindaman, Ethan Russell and Chaz Lane.

CLARION-GOLDFIELD/DOWS WRESTLING returning letterwinners (bottom right) are, front row (left to right): Angel Cortez, Santiago Torres, Linden Phetxoumphone, Adam Hudson, Ryan Hartwig, Selvin Gomez, Adrian Phetxoumphone and Mason Warnke. Back: Coleton Johnson, Caden Hankins, Eli Hodge, Jaxen Engstrom, JT Kelso, Lucas Cayler, Cooper Nosbush, Kolton Hefti and Charlie Campbell.

COWBOYS/COWGIRLS AT A GLANCE

CLARION-GOLDFIELD/DOWS

BOYS

Returning letterwinners (6): Huxley Lingenfelter, soph.; JD Morrical, soph.; Ethan Russell, sr.; Chaz Lane, soph.; Bryce Lindaman, sr.; Tristan Kakacek. Top prospects: Johnny Lomeli, jr.; Cesar Rosales, sr.; Ethan Hasty, jr.; Jacob Ruba, fr. Last season: 6-15 overall, 0-14 in North Central Conference (eighth).

Coach: Jason Berning begins his fourth season leading the Cowboys.

CLARION-GOLDFIELD/DOWS WRESTLING

Returning letterwinners (10): Ryan Hartwig, jr.; Caleb Seaba, sr.; Jaxen Engstrom, sr.; Coleton Johnson, sr.; Kolton Hefti, jr.; Linden Phetxoumphone, jr.; Adrian Phetxoumphone, soph.;

Lucas Cayler, soph.; JT Kelso, soph.; Mason Warnke, soph. Top prospects: Paxton Redenius, fr.; Cole Wibholm, fr.; Rylan Morgan, fr.; Charlie Campbell, soph.; Colin Sesker, fr.

Last year: 11-10 in duals.

Coach: Dylan Anderson begins his third season leading the Cowboys on the mat.

WEBSTER CITY

LYNX BOYS

Three key players return for Brett Ratcliff and the Webster City boys this season on the hardwood.

Seniors Conner Peck and Cole Miller are joined by junior Carter Mickelson to form the nucleus for what the Lynx want to accomplish this year.

Peck, who played in 20 games a season ago, recorded 30 points with 29 rebounds and 23 steals. Miller had 45 points and 21 rebounds with 12 made 3-pointers in 17 games.

Mickelson saw the most time, starting 13 games and playing in 14 as a 10th-grader. He scored 55 points with 23 assists and 17 steals.

“Those three guys all lead by example,” Ratcliff said. “Not many people are going to out-work those three on the court. In practice, they are no nonsense guys that just put their head down and go to work everyday.”

Luke Firsching will be counted on to help replace the production lost due to graduation.

“I am really excited to see what Luke can do,” Ratcliff said. “He has worked on his body this offseason and has gotten a lot stronger, which is key to playing in the post.

“I am also excited to see some of those juniors

this year step into their varsity roles. They had success in the past and I want to see it transition to the higher level.”

—By Dana Becker LYNX GIRLS

A familiar face returns to the sidelines this winter, as former Webster City boys head coach Marty McKinney takes over the girls program.

McKinney, who won 190 games and three NCC titles in 14 seasons on the boys side, inherits an experienced group led by seniors Olivia Gallentine and Marissa Hedeen.

Gallentine and Hedeen are coming off a successful volleyball campaign and are joined by junior Alivia Burns and sophomores Izzy Grossoehme, Avery Poppen, Lovie Pruismann and Tristyn Wright. Newcomer Evie Davis, a freshman, is expected to fill a key role as well.

“The chemistry has been very good so far,” McKinney said. “We are focused on getting better each day and celebrating the success of our teammates.

See LYNX, Page 44

WEBSTER CITY LYNX

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

WEBSTER CITY BOYS BASKETBALL returning letterwinners are (left to right): Matthew Tesdahl, Conner Peck, Luke Firsching, Cole Miller and Carter Mickelson.

NEWELL-FONDA

MUSTANG BOYS

First-year head coach Jordan Myers will have a solid group with experience to help him through the season at Newell-Fonda this winter.

The Mustangs feature four returning starters from a 13-win team that finished fourth overall in the Twin Lakes Conference.

Seniors Max Carlson, Mason Hoberman and Guyson Lyman are joined by junior Jacksyn Hogrefe. Sophomore Jackson Bellcock is another returning letterwinner.

“Returning five athletes that played a lot of minutes, including the four starters, is a good core,” Myers said. “We have had a nice offseason and have seen a lot of improvements.

“There are two key goals for us this winter: play our best basketball come February and improve each and every day.”

Carlson averaged almost 13 points with five rebounds and two assists per game last year while classmate Hoberman added 11 with 4.4 boards and three assists. Lyman chipped in 9.6 points, five rebounds and four assists.

Hogrefe, part of a guard-heavy lineup, led the way with 15.1 points a night while adding five rebounds and three assists. Bellcock

contributed three points and two boards off the bench.

Senior Hunter Watts, sophomore Liam Gauley and freshmen Gunnar Baron, Ian Harrer and Kinnick Kaufman are all expected to provide depth.

—By Dana Becker

MUSTANG GIRLS

With four seniors moving on, some might wonder if the Newell-Fonda girls could be looking at a rebuilding season.

That, though, just isn’t how things work around the Mustang program and head coach Dick Jungers.

With one starter back and two other key seniors who saw the court last year as Newell-Fonda placed second in Class 1A, the expectations remain high.

Kinzee Hinders averaged over 15 points per game as a junior and will be asked to do the same following the graduation of Kierra Jungers, Isabel Bartek, McKenna Sievers and Greta Larsen.

“We will have a variety of options we can rely on in key situations,” Jungers said. “It is nice to know that we will be able to go to

different players depending on what is needed. We have a lot of kids that can knock down shots so that will give us opportunities to score at moments when we need a basket.”

Anna Mercer and Jaicee Vanderhoff are both seniors who have been on the court while juniors Ava Vie, Jocee Walsh and Mareni Brabec also bring experience with them. Camryn Puhrmann and Rylee Hogrefe are players looking to provide more.

Newell-Fonda has gone to 15 state tournaments under Jungers, who is 491-77 in his career. They have won four state titles during that time including three straight from 2019-21 while finishing second six other times — including the last two years.

“The amount of success our team success has will be determined by us taking advantage of opportunities as they present themselves,” Jungers said. “We need to continue making the right decision at the right time to create more scoring opportunities. We will need our youth to step up and be difference makers as well as our upperclassmen will need to provide leadership to get us through the challenges that will present themselves each night.”

—By Dana Becker

MUSTANGS AT A GLANCE

NEWELL-FONDA BOYS

Returning letterwinners (5): Max Carlson, sr.; Mason Hoberman, sr.; Jacksyn Hogrefe, jr.; Guyson Lyman, sr.; Jackon Bellcock, soph.

Top prospects: Hunter Watts, sr.; Liam Gauley, soph.; Gunnar Baron, fr.; Ian Harrer, fr.; Kinnick Kaufman, fr. Last season: 13-10 overall, 8-3 in Twin Lakes Conference (fourth).

Coach: Jordan Myers enters his first season as head coach of the Mustangs and fifth overall with the school.

NEWELL-FONDA GIRLS

Returning letterwinners (8): Kinzee Hinders, sr.; Anna Mercer, sr.; Jaicee Vanderhoff, sr.; Ava Vie, jr.; Jocee Walsh, jr.; Mareni Brabec, jr.; Camryn Puhrmann, jr.; Rylee Hogrefe, soph.

Last season: 24-3 overall (Class 1A state runners-up).

Coach: Dick Jungers has now led the Mustangs to 15 state tournament appearances including four championships while going 49177 overall.

PATON-CHURDAN

ROCKET BOYS

There is only one way to go and that’s up for the Paton-Churdan boys basketball squad this season.

The Rockets enter the new campaign with a group powered by a sophomore and two juniors.

In his first season at the varsity level a year ago, Trevon Keely averaged 14.6 points and 6.3 rebounds per night.

Juniors Cayden Steam and Phoenix Hartman scored at a 7.5 and 7.2 clip, respectively. Stream led the Rockets with 31 three pointers made, while Kelly hit 27 for the Rockets.

—By Chris Johnson

ROCKET GIRLS

Paton-Churdan will return their leading scorer from a year ago on the girls side as they look to continue the climb.

The Rockets have struggled the past three seasons, only accumulating two wins total.

Sophomore Alivya Smith is back as the top offensive threat for P-C this winter, though. Smith averaged 9.1 points per game and pulled down seven rebounds a year ago.

Classmate Kaliyah Minnihan averaged 5.1 points, and senior Grace Cullum scored at a 2.7-point clip in 2023-24.

—By Chris Johnson

ROCKETS AT A GLANCE

PATON-CHURDAN BOYS

Returning players: Kinnick Steimel, sr.; Phoenix Hartman, jr., Hunter Saffell, jr.; Cayden Stream, jr.; Trevon Kelly, so.; Brody Meyer, so.; Bryce Stephenson, so.; Landon Vote, so.

Last season: 1-19 overall.

Coach: The Rockets are coached by Joshua Cerveny.

PATON-CHURDAN GIRLS

Returning players: Grace Gullum, sr.; Ava Minnehan, jr.; Madison Roper, jr.; Kaliyah Minnihan, so.; Maggie Reed, so; Alivya Smith, so.; Abbi Summers, so.; Ella Tasler, so.; Shianne Teed, so.

Last season: The Rockets were 0-21.

Coach: The Rockets are coached by Tom Kennedy.

JAGUAR WRESTLING

SOUTHEAST VALLEY

JAGUARS , Continued from Page 22

JAGUARS AT A GLANCE

Jeff Miller understands the situation his Southeast Valley wrestling program is currently in.

After not having enough athletes to fill out a complete lineup last year, the Jaguars are going to be in a similar position this season.

Still, the plan is to give everything to those out in order to see them succeed on the mats.

“With no seniors on the team and lack of numbers, we may struggle to put wins on the board,” Miller said. “The junior class will have to lead a young squad through some possible tough times. Freshmen will have to step into varsity spots and perform like the underclassmen they are.”

SOUTHEAST VALLEY BOYS

Returning letterwinners (8): Brady Hanson, sr.; Cole Lundgren, sr.; Gauge Jones, sr.; Tyler Jondle, sr.; Nick Field, jr.; Casey Hanson, soph.; Logan Jaeschke, soph.; Ian Brunner, soph.

Top prospect: Drake Warland, sr.

Last season: 2-19 overall, 2-9 in Twin Lakes Conference (10th).

Coach: Kyle Johnson returns for his 11th season leading the Jaguars, where he has earned 105 wins.

SOUTHEAST VALLEY GIRLS

Returning letterwinners (3): Ryleigh McFarland, sr.; Madelyn Farley, jr.; Camryn Lane, jr.

Juniors Colin Johnson, Oliver Rich and Kyle Eastman all won at least seven matches a season ago, with Johnson posting a 10-9 mark.

Last season: 11-9 overall, 4-7 in Twin Lakes Conference (sixth).

Coach: Kevin Mills has won 46 games since taking over the Jaguars and has 230 wins in his 27-year career.

SOUTHEAST VALLEY WRESTLING

Returning letterwinners (5): Colin Johnson, jr.; Brodey Laughman, jr.; Oliver Riehl, jr.; Kyle Eastman, soph.; Evan Kuhn, soph.

Top prospects: Wyatt Blair, fr.; Colton Haug, fr.

Last season: 1-27 in duals.

Coach: Jeff Miller begins his 31st season with the program, where he has won 340 duals overall.

Sophomores Evan Kuhn and Kyle Eastman found success as ninth-graders, with Kuhn going 10-16 and Eastman winning eight matches.

—By Dana Becker

PATON CHURDAN ROCKETS

MANSON NORTHWEST WEBSTER

COUGARS

, Continued from Page 21

Logan Thoma.

“Ben and the juniors will lead the team with their work ethic,” MNW co-head coach Ron Ewing said. “We have several kids who will be building off last year. The kids have worked hard during the offseason and as a coaching staff, we are looking forward to seeing what the year brings for them.

“One key will be working together as a team and continuing to work hard.”

—By Dana Becker

COUGAR GIRLS WRESTLING

The Manson Northwest Webster girls wrestling team had plenty of success last year, and will look to keep it going this season.

Back for the Cougars are state qualifiers Lucy Kohnen and Adelynn Hudek. Kohnen, a senior, has made it to state twice during her career.

The senior duo is joined by classmates Kayla Skramstad and Elissa Anderson, along with sophomore returning letterwinners Madison Crouse, Aazilynn Felix and Rachel Jones. Peyton Peterson, a freshman, is a new addition to the squad.

Kohnen, Hudek, Skramstad and Anderson have all been four-year members of the team, helping bring it along from its inception.

“They show great leadership and have worked extremely hard during the season and offseason,” MNW co-head coach Mitchell Krueger said. “Azy, Maddie and Rachel will add a lot of experience.

“Peyton has been improving every day and we are expecting a lot of great things out of all the girls.”

MANSON NW GIRLS WRESTLING returning letterwinners are, front row (left to right): Kayla Skramstad and Aazilynn Felix. Back: Adelynn Hudek, Lucy Kohnen, Elissa Anderson and Rachel Jones.

COUGARS AT A GLANCE

MANSON NW BOYS

Returning letterwinners (7): Broc Patzner, sr.; Grant Pohlman, sr.; Matt Condon, sr.; Kelan Koval, sr.; Logan Moline, sr.; Charlie Strugis, soph.; Coy Moline, soph.

Top prospects: Drew Tincher, jr.; Isaiah Daggett, soph. Last season: 16-8 overall, 7-4 in Twin Lakes Conference (fifth).

Coach: Caleb Wubben, a former MNW standout, enters his seventh season leading the Cougars.

MANSON NW GIRLS

Returning letterwinners (6): Evelyn Droste, sr.; Sophia McCullough, sr.; Ella Shannon, sr.; Addie McCullough, jr.; Addison Kraft, soph.; Ava Moline, soph.

Last season: 12-12 overall.

Coach: Emily Wolfe begins her first season leading the Cougars. She is a Simpson College graduate and will be assisted by Carrie Melohn and Chloe Peterson.

MANSON NW BOYS WRESTLING

Returning letterwinners

(13): Mason Anderson, jr.; Gavin Burton, jr.; Rylan Crouse, soph.; Elliott Droste, soph.; Oryan Hansen, jr.; Kale Kraft, soph.; Ben Nelson, sr.; Hunter Newman, jr.; Eli Schoon, soph.; Tegan Thoma, soph.; Tristan Thompson, soph.; Keaton Wittrock, jr.; Jaggar Wolfe, soph.

Top prospects: Noah Burger, jr.; Tyler Boone, fr.; Christopher Collins, fr.; Wyatt Lahr, fr.; Hendrick Puuraid, jr.; Taylen Secroy, fr.; Logan Thoma, fr.

Coaches: Mitchell Krueger and Ron Ewing lead the team with Zach Noffsinger, Ian Kohnen and Jerod Dencklau serving as assistants.

MANSON NW GIRLS WRESTLING

Returning letterwinners (7): Madison Crouse, soph.; Aazilynn Felix, soph.; Kayla Skramstad, sr.; Rachel Jones, soph.; Adelynn Hudek, sr.; Lucy Kohnen, sr.; Elissa Anderson, sr.

Top prospect: Peyton Peterson, fr.

Coaches: Mitchell Krueger and Ron Ewing lead the team with Zach Noffsinger, Ian Kohnen and Jerod Dencklau serving as assistants.

SOUTH CENTRAL CALHOUN

TITANS , Continued from Page 28

tournament since 2022 and will work to turn that around.

“Our numbers are back up, which should create competition for a varsity spot. That will help us improve as a program.”

Pedersen is a multi-year regular in the lineup for the Titans, picking up 43 career wins, including 35 last season with 22 falls. Mernka has 28 career wins, with 20 coming a year ago.

Werneburg earned 39 wins with 18 pins as a ninth-grader while Stickford had 28 wins and 16 falls. DeVore had 21 wins, Patterson 18 and Riley 11.

—By Dana Becker

TITAN GIRLS WRESTLING

Five returning letterwinners, led by state qualifier Kourtney King, form the backbone of the South Central Calhoun girls wrestling team in 2024-25.

King, a junior, went 1612 last year. She is joined by letterwinners Laila Christopherson, Michelle Burley, Meia Hefley and Megan Folsom.

“We have a young team this year,” SCC head coach Jeff King said. “We lost five seniors last year and have zero seniors this year. This was not a surprise as we knew it was coming. The team will need girls with experience to step up and take leadership.

“We have several that are in great position coming into the season.”

Hefley, a sophomore, went 28-12 as a ninthgrader, while Folsom won five matches as a freshman. Burley saw the mat 23 times.

They are joined by junior Jadah Freeman-Limas and freshmen Emery Kramer, Lilly Picard, Zaniyah Bell

SOUTH CENTRAL CALHOUN GIRLS WRESTLING

letterwinners are (left to right): Megan Folsom, Michelle Burley, Laila Christopherson, Kourtney King and Meia Hefley.

and Jesse Kalkwarf.

While this is the first year of wrestling for FreemanLimas, Picard and Bell, Kramer comes in ready to go while Kalkwarf also has experience on the mats.

“Emery is the sister of Evelyn, who qualified for state last year,” King said. “She is coming in with lots of wrestling experience and I anticipate her to make some noise this year.”

TITANS AT A GLANCE

SOUTH CENTRAL CALHOUN BOYS

Returning letterwinners (11): Andrew Anderson, sr.; Caleb Gaffney, jr.; Cole Higgins, sr.; Charlie Nattress, jr.; Derek Greene, jr.; Noah Hendricks, jr.; Carson Shaver, jr.; Grady Isaacs, sr.; Garrett Krause, soph.; Julian Mernka, soph.; Evan Myers, soph.

Last season: 17-6 overall, 10-1 in Twin Lakes Conference (tied for first).

Coach: Clive Clark begins his 15th season with the Titans and 40th overall. Clark is 195-122 with SCC and 554-367 overall in his coaching career.

SOUTH CENTRAL CALHOUN WRESTLING

Returning letterwinners (14): Collin Kennebeck, sr.; Caleb Juhl, sr.; Michael Trott, sr.; Jace Pedersen, jr.; Wyatt Mernka, jr.; Brayden Werneburg, soph.; Hayden Stickrod, soph.; Aidan DeVore, soph.; Luke Patterson, soph.; Devin Riley, soph.; Keaton Kent, soph.; Michael Hucka, soph.; Jeremy Treiber, soph.; Layth Witte, soph.

Last season: 20-17 overall, 8-1 in Twin Lakes Conference (second).

Coach: Lance Schultz and

Colin Corey will serve as co-head coaches this year with Zayne Barrett, Chase McAlister and Mike Helle assistants.

SOUTH CENTRAL GIRLS WRESTLING

Returning letterwinners (5): Kourtney King, jr.; Meia Hefley, soph.; Michelle Burley, soph.; Laila Christopherson, jr.; Megan Folsom, soph.

Top prospects: Emery Kramer, fr.; Lilly Picard, fr.; Zaniyah Bell, fr.; Jesse Kalkwarf, fr.; Jadah Freeman-Limas, jr.

Last year: 2-1 in duals.

Coach: Jeff King enters his seventh season with the Titans overall and will be assisted by Zayne Barrett, Mark Kramer and Emma Barker.

SOUTH CENTRAL CALHOUN GIRLS

Returning letterwinners (10): Riley Jacobs, jr.; Onna Haupert, sr.; Brenna McAlister, sr.; Ailey Korleski, soph.; Morgan McChesney, jr.; Blair Schleisman, soph.; Adlen Wheelock, sr.; Breanne Patterson, sr.; Macie Dorman, soph.; Sadie Wheelock, soph.

Last season: 7-15 overall.

Coach: Curt Batta returns as head coach for the Titans.

Messenger photo by by Britt Kudla

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

RAM BOYS

First thing on Greene County’s agenda will be replacing their topthree boys basketball scorers.

Last year’s seniors — Gabe Ebersole (14.6), Brynley Ruzicka (12.5) and Nathan Behre (9.5) — paced the offense.

Looking to be the leaders this year will be junior Brock Stream (4.0) and senior Isaac Carman (3.9).

—By Chris Johnson

RAM GIRLS

The Greene County girls will have three of their top scorers back, as they look to make continued progress.

The Rams only won one game last year, but are hoping to climb the ladder.

Junior Becca Anderson averaged double figures at 13 points per game in 2023-24, while also pulling down five rebounds, dishing out three assists and recording three steals per contest.

GREENE COUNTY

Sophomore Makenna Ebersole (6.2), junior Kaycee Pittman (4.2) are also back.

—By Chris Johnson

RAM WRESTLERS

Greene County will look to build around the nucleus of three returning state qualifiers.

Seniors Gavyn Winters and Brent Denhardt were state participants at 120 pounds and 165, respectively, a year ago.

Winters won 24 matches, while Denhardt recorded 41 victories.

Sophomore Degan Miller returns after winning 32 matches and qualifying as well at 175.

Seniors Jacob Hameyer and Marcus Ball were 15-plus match winners a year ago. Junior Crew Conner won 28 times, and sophomores Jaron Jacobs and Brennan Jacobs won 24 and 23 a year ago, respectively.

—By Chris Johnson

RAMS AT A GLANCE

GREENE COUNTY GIRLS

Retuning players: Jennifer Robbins, jr.; Leah McCormick, jr.; Autumn Barrett, so.; Natalie Wright, so.; Kaycee Pittman, jr.; Makenna Ebrsole, so.; Becca Anderson, jr.

Last season: The Rams finished 1-21.

Coach: The Rams are coached by Tori Ogden.

GREENE COUNTY BOYS

Returning players: Broc Stream, jr.; Isaac Carman, sr.; Nick Madsen, jr.; Nathan Towers, jr.; Camden Jacobs, sr.; teagan Chisholm, jr.; Isaac Karber, jr.; Rafe Michaelsen, jr.; Caden McCollom, sr.

Last season: The Rams were 2-20.

Coach: The Rams are coached by Chris Nelson.

GREENE COUNTY WRESTLING

Returnees: Gavyn Winters, sr.; Brent Denhardt, sr.; Degan Miller, so.; Jaron Jacobs, so.; Brennan Jacobs, so.; Jacob Hameyer, sr.; Crew Conner, jr.; Marcus Ball, sr. Coach: Kirk Davis is the head coach of the Rams.

LYNX , Continued from Page 40

LYNX AT A GLANCE

WEBSTER CITY BOYS

Returning letterwinners (3): Carter Mickelson, jr.; Cole Miller, sr.; Conner Peck, sr.

Last season: 7-15 overall.

Coach: Brett Ratcliff enters his third season leading the Lynx.

WEBSTER CITY GIRLS

Returning letterwinners (7); Olivia Gallentine, sr.; Marissa Hedeen, sr.; Alivia Burns, jr.; Lovie Pruismann, soph.; Isabel Grossoehme, soph.; Avery Poppen, soph.; Tristyn Wright, soph.

Top prospect: Evie Davis, fr.

Last season: 2-20 overall.

Coach: Marty McKinney returns to the sidelines after a long run as the coach of the Webster City boys.

WEBSTER CITY WRESTLING

Returning letterwinners (13): Blake Berninghaus, sr.; Carson Bertran, sr.; Luke Estlund, sr.; Tristan Mason, sr.; Jake Rohmiller, sr.; Adison Scott, sr.; Dawson Bertran, jr.; Brayden Burnett, jr.; Eli Estlund, jr.; Angel Ramirez, jr.; Jaysen Vankham, jr.; Gavin Wynkoop, jr.; Ridge Berninghaus, soph.

Coach: Drake Doolittle enters his second season leading the Lynx.

See LYNX, Page 45

GREENE COUNTY RAMS

HUMBOLDT

HUMBOLDT GIRLS WRESTLING returning letterwinners are, front row (left to right): Kennedy Robinson, Emilie Schriber, Gracey May and Kaina Dettmann. Back: Elyse Olson, Brooklyn Robinson and Danica Diedrick.

WILDCATS , Continued from Page 25

Danica Diedrick were state qualifiers. Robinson won a NCC title. Sophomores Laina Dettmann, Gracey May, junior Kennedy Robinson and sophomore Emilie Schriber all finished third in the NCC.

“I am excited to have the

group that I have this year,” said HHS head coach Andy Newell. “We are young overall...we have seven returning wrestlers and a lot of freshmen who are ready to step into high school wrestling.”

—By Chris Johnson

WILDCATS AT A GLANCE

HUMBOLDT BOYS

Returning letterwinners (4): Elliot Carlson, sr.; Jackson Dodd, sr.; Coen Matson, sr.; Mason Van Pelt, sr.

Top prospects: Valley Davis, jr.; Chase Flaherty, jr.; Jackson Flaherty, jr.; Isaiah Busick, sr.; Parker Sleiter, sr.; Carter Westre, sr.; Carson Rubel, jr.; Landyn Dencklau, jr.; Alex Armitage, sr.

Last season: 15-8 overall, 10-4 in North Central Conference (second).

Coach: Jason Thurm begins his sixth season leading the Wildcats, where he also serves as head baseball coach. He is 82-34 overall during that time.

HUMBOLDT GIRLS

Returning letterwinners (6): Morgan Mann, sr.; Ava Fischer, jr.; Kaitlyn Nelson, sr.; Paige Nelson, sr.; Meg Zweibohmer, sr.; Ava Newton, sr.

Last season: 18-5 overall, 12-2 in North Central Conference (second).

Coach: Rodd Mooney begins his 23rd season with the Wildcats, where he has won 222 games. Overall, Mooney has won 252 games in 25 seasons.

“Our strength right now is our attitude and effort. The girls want to succeed and have been willing to be coached and get out of their comfort zone. We are athletic and should be able to guard on the defensive end.”

Gallentine started all 22 games last year, scoring a team-high 229 points with 103 rebounds, 72 assists, 30 steals and six blocks. Hedeen knocked down a team-leading 41 threepointers while scoring 139 points with 82 rebounds, 23 blocks, 22 steals and 11 assists.

“Olivia and Marissa have been our leaders in offseason workouts,” McKinney said. “Both were first team all-North Central Conference in volleyball, so they know how to compete at a high level.”

—By Dana Becker

LYNX WRESTLING

HUMBOLDT BOYS WRESTLING

Returning letterwinners (14): Trey Al-Hameed, sr.; Brady Beers, sr.; Owen Mayall, sr.; Cyler Cirks, sr.; Tyce Clarken, sr.; Jack Guy, jr.; Landon Halverson, sr.; Broedy Hendricks, soph.; Jaxson Kirchhoff, soph.; Sam Knight, jr.; Cael Donahe, jr.; Carson Chambers, jr.; Jonny Hayden, jr.; Dylan Frideres, jr. Last season: 22-2 in duals, fifth at Class 2A state duals.

Coach: Chad Beaman has now won 322 duals at Humboldt over the past 21 seasons and is 478207-3 in his 31-year career.

HUMBOLDT GIRLS WRESTLING

Returning letterwinners (7): Laina Dettmann, so.; Gracey May, so.; Brooklyn Robinson, sr.; Kennedy Robinson, jr.; Elyse Olson, jr.; Emilie Schriber, so.; Danica Diedrick, so.

Top prospects: Addie Meyer, fr.; Herlina Chen, fr.; Letty Jensen, fr.; Madi Parker, fr.; Dayton Cleghorn, fr.; Kalani Ramirez, fr.; Ally Wood, fr.

Coach: Andy Newell is in his fifth year of coaching the Wildcats.

The Webster City wrestling team returns plenty of key pieces to a roster looking to make a statement this winter.

Led by former Lynx state champion and Duke University graduate Drake Doolittle, the expectations are high for Webster City, which brings in three new coaches — including Carson Doolittle.

Carson joined his brother as an WCHS state champion last winter. Royce Nessa and Carter Rholl, two other former Lynx grapplers, also join the staff.

WEBSTER

LYNX , Continued from Page 44

Tristan

and Ridge Berninghans. Back: Luke Estlund, Blake Berninghans, Carson Bertran, Eli Estlund and Jake Rohmiller. Not pictured: Angel Ramirez.

photo by Britt Kudla

WEBSTER CITY GIRLS BASKETBALL returning letterwinners are, front row (left to right): Izzy Grossoehme and Alivia Burns. Back: Tristyn Wright, Ashlee Nydegger, Marissa Hedeen, Avery Poppen and Olivia Gallentine.

“The big focus for this group in particular will be keeping an open mind to new techniques and continuing to develop every day as the season progresses,” Doolittle said. “Our guys have a lot of potential, but that’s all it is right now. It’s going to take a lot of hard work, determination and focus to detail to turn that potential into results.”

One of those 13 returning letterwinners will be unable to hit the mats, as senior Luke Estlund suffered a knee injury during football.

He was one of two returning state qualifiers alongside classmate Carson Bertran.

“I fully expect Luke to continue to be a leader on this team despite the setback,” Doolittle said. “I would say our program is in a good spot. We bring back a handful of individuals that either made it to state or were right on the edge of punching their ticket to state.

“We also have individuals that put time in in the off season which will pay big dividends heading into the season.”

Seniors Blake Berninghaus, Tristan Mason, Jake Rohmiller and Adison Scott also saw plenty of varsity time last year, as did juniors Dawson Bertran, Brayden Burtnett, Eli Estlund, Angel Ramirez, Jaysen Vankham and Gavin Wynkoop. Ridge Berninghaus, a sophomore, is another returning letterwinner back.

—By Dana Becker

Messenger

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

WEBSTER CITY WRESTLING returning letterwinners are, front row (left to right):

Dawson Bertran,

Mason, Jaysen Vankham, Gavin Wynkoop, Brayden Burtnett

EAST SAC COUNTY

RAIDER BOYS

In three-plus decades on the sidelines, East Sac County head boys basketball coach Todd Bontrager has continually found ways to replace and succeed.

This year, he will need to do it in bulk, as the Raiders return just one starter from an 18-win campaign that saw them finish second in the Twin Lakes Conference.

Senior Sam Julin is the lone starter back after earning second team allleague honors while averaging 13 points per game. Julin knocked down 40 percent of his three-pointers last winter, making 78 in all.

“Sam is one of the best perimeter shooters in the area,” Bontrager said. “We will look to Sam for a large part of our scoring.”

Senior Ashler Lawler and junior Landon Sporrer both played key roles off the bench last season.

“Asher gave us good defense and scoring in the lane,” Bontrager said. “Landon came on late as a solid ball handler who also had defensive quickness.”

The rest of the rotation will be filled by Jack Gullett, Jordan Ulmer, Kade Snyder, Riley Aragon, Zach Jacobsen and Carson Schmitt.

“Jack was one of our top scorers off our JV last year and can get to the basket while also shooting the 3,” Bontrager said. “Jordan has improved his game alot, Kade was our leading rebounder on the junior varsity, Riley was our top three-point shooter, and both Zach and Carson can shoot it well.”

—By Dana Becker

RAIDER GIRLS

The East Sac County girls will have their top four scorers returning in basketball, a year after winning eight games.

Both senior Makenna Steiger and junior Sarah Bontrager averaged 9.6 points per contest. Senior Addisen Ehler nearly averaged a doubledouble at 10.2 rebounds per night and 8.4 points.

Clsssmate Kendall Quirk pulled down 10 rebounds, while scoring at a 5.5-point clip for the Raiders.

Steiger and Bontrager were deep threats for ESC, hitting 41 and 32 three-pointers, respectively.

—By Chris Johnson

RAIDER WRESTLING

Both of East Sac County’s state qualifiers graduated a year ago, but the Raiders are looking to bridge the gap.

Charlie Veit reached the stand with a 45-4 record, placing seventh at 144 pounds. Bradyn Burns picked up two victories at 132 in Des Moines, and earned 47 wins on the season.

The Raiders had three freshmen and one sophomore earn valuable experience a year ago.

Sophomore Dawson Allen returns after picking up 24 wins at 138 pounds. Classmates Cal McCollough and Tyler Renze had 14 and 10 victories, respectively.

Junior Mickael Manzer logged 10 varsity triumphs a year ago for East Sac County.

—By Chris Johnson

RAIDERS AT A GLANCE

EAST SAC COUNTY BOYS

Returning letterwinners (3): Sam Julin, sr.; Asher Lawler, sr.; Landon Sporrer, jr.

Top prospects: Jack Gullett, sr.; Jordan Ulmer, jr.; Kade Snyder, jr.; Riley Aragon, jr.; Zach Jacobsen, soph.; Carson Schmitt, soph.

Last season: 18-5 overall, 9-2 in Twin Lakes Conference (second).

Coach: Todd Bontrager begins his 33rd season as head coach, with all of those years being spent at either East Sac County or WLVA.

EAST SAC COUNTY GIRLS

Returning players: Makenna Steiger, sr.; Rachel King, sr.; Addisen Ehler, sr.; Kendall

Quirk, sr.; Chloe Bieret, jr.; Sarah Bontrager, jr.; Jordin Carroll, jr.,; Denae Thayer, jr.; Brooke Burns, so.; Scottie Eichhorn, so.; Tori Hauser, so.; Emily Mogensen, so.

Last year: East Sac County was 8-14 overall.

Coach: East Sac County is coached by Jason Phillips.

EAST SAC COUNTY

WRESTLING

Returning wrestlers (4): Dawson Allen, so.; Cal McCollough, so.; Tyler Renze, so.; Mickael Manzer, jr.

Co-coaches: Chaps Wilcke and Sam Ellis are co-head coaches for the Raiders this season..

BULLDOGS

, Continued from Page 30

points and four rebounds.

“We have high expectations,” McLaughlin said. “We have great experience, balanced scoring and a high basketball IQ. But to take that next step forward, weneed to put ourselves in the same field as the top teams in the state.”

McLaughlin is a four-year starter for her father, while VanOtterloo and Schmitt are both four-year letterwinners.

The seniors also got some help from a deep class of then-freshmen led by Hayden Kuhlmann and Hayden McLaughlin. Kuhlmann tallied 11 points and dished out four assists a night, while McLaughlin added 10.5 points and seven rebounds.

Bella Jo Dunning and Taylor VanOtterloo were also letterwinners from the current group of sophomores, while McLaughlin will lean on Maya Lentz, Gabby Venteicher and Emma Spear along with senior Kayla Buscher to provide depth.

—By Dana Becker

BULLDOG WRESTLING

Seven returning state qualifiers, including three with medals, are back to lead the Algona wrestling team this winter.

BULLDOGS AT A GLANCE

ALGONA BOYS

Returning letterwinners (5): Ben Helmers, sr.; Evan Allie, jr.; Jaxon Eischen, jr.; Levi Walker, jr.; Nathan Manske, soph.

Top prospects: Landon Campe, soph.; Skylar Ostwald, soph.; Jacob Burns, fr.

Last season: 14-8 overall, 9-5 in North Central Conference.

Coach: Jared Cecil returns for his 27th season overall, including the last five with the Bulldogs. He is assisted by Noah Arrowood, Blake Elsbecker, Tyler Leiting and Trevor Arnold.

ALGONA GIRLS

Returning letterwinners (7):

Lauren McLaughlin, sr.; Casey VanOtterloo, sr.; Hayden Kuhlmann, soph.; Hayden McLaughlin, soph.; Paige Schmitt, sr.; Bella Jo Dunning, soph.; Taylor VanOtterloo, soph.; Maya Lentz, soph.; Gabby Venteicher,

Tate Slagle, a University of Iowa baseball commit, is one of those, as the senior has finished third and fifth at state. Slagle is also one of five defending North Central Conference champions, alongside Isaac Wilson, Ashton Moreno, Taevyn Zinnel and Barrett Morgan. Slagle went 43-4 a year ago, while Wilson — a three-time state qualifier — was 40-7. Moreno is another two-time state participant, and senior for head coach Nick Kuecker.

Zinnel finished seventh at

EAGLES , Continued from Page 36

EAGLE GROVE BOYS

EAGLES AT A GLANCE

Returning letterwinners (3): Jaxon Morris, sr.; Josh Miller, sr.; Adrian Whipple, soph.

Top prospects: Abraham Lin, sr.; Eli Friedl, jr.

Last season: 11-11 overall, 9-7 in Top of Iowa Conference (tied for fourth).

Coach: Ryan Pedersen enters his 11th season leading the Eagles, where he has won 49 games.

EAGLE GROVE GIRLS

Returning letterwinners (2): Myah Edwards, sr.; Kendra Schild, soph.

Top prospects: Addy Pamperin, fr.; Taytum Edwards, fr.; Salem Willard, fr.; Holly Anderson, soph.; Myka Anderson, fr.; Azlyn Amonson, fr.

soph.; Emma Spear, soph.; Kayla Buscher, sr.

Last season: 19-5 overall, 13-1 in North Central Conference (first).

Coach: Noel McLaughlin enters his fifth season leading the girls program after spending 15 on the sidelines with the boys. He owns 237 wins in his career including 228 at Algona.

ALGONA WRESTLING

Returning letterwinners (10): Tate Slagle, sr.; Isaac Wilson, sr.; Ashton Moreno, sr.; Elijah Wilhite, sr.; Taevyn Zinnel, jr.; Barrett Morgan, jr.; Gavin Goche, jr.; Tommy Zabka, soph.; Brody Shipler, soph. Caden Kuecker, soph.

Last season: 23-5 in duals.

Coach: Nick Kuecker begins his 10th season leading the Bulldogs, as the former Algona wrestler is now 152-60 overall.

state , going 39-7, while Morgan is a two-time medalist having gone 37-14 last year as a 10thgrader. Another sophomore, Brody Shipler, got his feet wet at state as a freshman.

Elijah Wilhite, Gavin Goche, Tommy Zabka and Caden Kuecker are other returning letterwinners for the Bulldogs, who went 23-5 in duals, qualified for state and won four tournament titles, including the NCC crown.

—By Dana Becker

Last season: 0-22 overall, 0-16 in Top of Iowa West (ninth).

Coach: Zach Whipple enters his second season with the Eagles.

EAGLE GROVE WRESTLING

Returning letterwinners (9): Jackson Babcock, soph.; Jesus Baez, sr.; Reece Demuth, jr.; Jayden Kreitlow, jr.; Hayden Schafer, jr.; Dylan Terwilliger, soph.; Cooper Thacker, jr.; Carter Bjorklund, soph.; Hunter Waldo Martinez, soph.

Last season: 19-9 in duals, champions of Eagle Grove Dual Tournament.

Coach: Jacob Groth begins his 12th season with the Eagles, where he has won 152 duals.