WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW
2013
Eagle Grove
Clarion - Goldfield
and Cowgirls
2
The Wright County Monitor and Eagle Grove Eagle
• December 12, 2013
2013-14 Cowgirl basketball team
These are the members of this year’s Clarion-Goldfield-Dows Cowgirl basketball team. Pictured are: First row, from left; Jordan Hennigar, Megan Hoing, Breanna Ellis, Brook Boyd, Jossie Sann, Mollie Osterman, Shilpa Reddy. Second row, from left; Hannah Kapka, Ashley Keller, Jenalee Hinkle, Kenzie Kolb, Hope Polzin, Celeste Swanson, Maddie Disney, Shelby Engh. Third row, from left; Ana Johnson, Chloe Johnson, Chelsie Dow, Kennedy Goodell, Courtney Studer, Mekenzie Alberts. Fourth row, from left; Alexandra Keller, Sydney TerHark, Lilian Swanson, Hannah TerHark, Megan Christensen, Sarah Lund.
Cowgirls have the depth and experience to see improvement Six returners will bolster lineup By Les Houser Kevin Kakacek enters his fourth season as head coach of the Clarion-Goldfield-Dows girls basketball program and admits that this might be his most talented team since taking over the top job. “It will be fun to see these girls play,” said Kakacek. “We have a team that is over 12 girls deep, and all will have a chance to see the floor this year. The sophomores want to see varsity minutes, and will push the juniors and seniors. Three or four of them could push for starting spots. We have a lot of various lineups to work with, and I can see our starting five changing with every game.” The Cowgirl varsity went 5-17 overall a year ago, with a 4-14 conference record, which placed them eighth at the finish. Key losses from that team are point guard Steph Steiner, inside player and leading rebounder Katie Hinkle and defensive specialist Jacey
Anderson. There is still plenty of talent returning for Kakacek to build this year’s edition of Cowgirl basketball around, with six letterwinners and five seniors. That building job will begin with senior Jossie Sann, who was an All-NCC second team choice a year ago. She was the leading scorer at 11.4 ppg while also grabbing 5.1 rebounds per contest. She rounded it out with 23 total assists, 38 total steals and six total blocked shots. “She will be the key to our offense,” said Kakacek. “She can be hard for opposing defenses to handle, and creates opportunities for us. I think she has looked better offensively in practices, and this is now her year to start dominating games. She does need to improve her team defense and find her role there.” Brook Boyd (Sr.) averaged just 1.8 ppg a year ago, so will be looked at to score more in her final basketball season. She looks to create opportunities herself, as evidenced by her 21 steals from a
year ago. “She will be our point guard and run the offense,” said Kakacek. “She will also dictate the speed we go at. Brook’s a tough, smart kid, and once she finds her rhythm will be fine. She can be a tough defender, and can handle whoever we put her on.” Senior Megan Hoing is projected to take a role as a post player in the rotation. “She’s not tall, but is strong,” said Kakacek. “Megan is not afraid to fight and go after people. While we need her defense, we also want her to take the mid-range shot when it’s there.” Breanna Ellis (Sr.) picked up minutes here and there on varsity last year, along with contributing steady play on the JV squad the last two seasons. “She has been looking very good offensively in practice, and needs a quicker shot this year,” said Kakacek. “Breanna is not afraid on defense, and can handle her job and be aggressive.” Senior Mollie Osterman will also
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try to figure in the mix for playing time. “She has probably been our hardest worker in practice so far,” said the head coach. “If fact, we need to slow her down a little. Her focus and specialty in be on defense, and limiting our turnovers.” The only other senior on the roster is foreign exchange student Andrea Broe. The four juniors on the roster will have prominent roles on this year’s team. Jenalee Hinkle returns a 4.5 ppg average. And also grabbed 2.7 rebounds per contest along with 32 total steals. “She got a lot of experience last year, and we will need her to score a bit more,” said Kakacek. “Jenalee has the ability to drive and post up, and is also willing to fight for rebounds defensively. She will need to step up and knock baskets down when Jossie is getting double teamed.” Hope Polzin returns a 2.0 ppg average in limited minutes a year ago. “She is probably our best guard defender, and one of our better defenders outside,” said the
head coach. “Hope needs to hit her open shot. She is one of our best athletes, and needs to get out front on the break for open layups.” Celeste Swanson brings back a 2.4 ppg average, along with a 3.6 rebounding average, from a year ago. She looks to be sidelined for a time following wrist surgery, but hopefully will return right after the first of the year. “The energy she brings to the team
continued on page 3
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Thursday, December 12, 2013 •
The Wright County Monitor and Eagle Grove Eagle
Clarion-Goldfield Varsity Girls Basketball contined from page 2
unbelieveable, and she can score so we’ve got to get the ball to her,” said Kakacek. “Celeste is tough and strong, so can be a load to deal with defensively.” Kenzie Kolb also hopes to contend for a spot in the rotation. “She will be one of our main post players,” said Kakacek. “Kenzie is tough and strong, with good moves inside. She needs to take the next step with her game, and will be a positive surprise for us this year.” Several sophomores will be in the mix for varsity minutes. Of those, Maddie Disney returns the highest scoring average at 3.8 ppg. “She knows the game well and can be hard to guard,” said Kakacek. “She’s quick, but needs to get better with her defense. She can do it, and needs to know it will be her job to step up. Maddie’s shooting does look better.” The coach also lists Hannah Kapka, Ashley Keller and Shelby Engh and as all figuring to push for playing time. “Hannah is energetic, and seems to be around the ball all the time,” said Kakacek. “She works hard in practice and is not afraid to take on anybody. Ashley knows the game and how to handle the box. She can be a great outside shooter and we need that. She does need to buckle down on defense. Shelby is also a hard work every day, and looks decent on defense. She will get better during the season with experience. She
can hit the open shot and run the offense.” The remaining sophomores on the roster include Courtney Studer, Megan Christensen, Kenzie Alberts, Lexy Gatewood and Kennedy Goodell. Freshmen out of their first year of high school
basketball include Ana Johnson, Chloe Johnson, Sydney TerHark, Lili Swanson, Hannah TerHark, Alexandra Keller, Chelsie Dow, Mikayla Hennigar, Sarah Lund and Karlie Robertson. Kakacek lists his team strengths as depth, experience and versatility. “We have kids that can be specialized, and we can go with a lineup that’s either big and physical or smaller and quick,” said the head coach. “We can hit from outside or pound it inside. We have a lot of minutes between our top six, and some reserves
with a lot of varsity playing time already.” He feels their weakness right now lies in the outside shooting. “We have the shooters, but they need to find their shot again,” said Kakacek. “We’ll struggle for awhile until we get some consistency. We have to hit those shots.” Denny March returns to coach the JV while Paul Hansch is in charge of the freshman team. Laura Curry is a new face to the staff in taking over the Eighth grade duties, while Brian McGurk continues as Seventh grade coach. In glancing around the North Central Conference, Kakacek feels the usual teams will be rising to the top. “St. Edmond and Clear Lake both just reload and keep going,” said the head coach. “The Gaels have a pair of guards that are tough to deal with, while the Lions probably have the most returning experience. Algona has some young but tough kids, and Hampton-Dumont returns some kids who were good last year. I see those as the top four teams, and beyond that several teams are halfway decent. There’s a lot of good, young players in this conference this year, and we have the potential to be right up there with all of those teams.”
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The Wright County Monitor and Eagle Grove Eagle
• December 12, 2013
2013-14 Cowboy basketball team
These are the members of this year’s Clarion-Goldfield-Dows Cowboy basketball team. Pictured are: First row, from left; Kayla Sweet, Nick Dow, Chris Staudt, Paul Schulze, Austin Keller, Spencer Peterson, Philip Johnson, Kirby Simmons, Kolton Carpenter, Frances Kem. Second row, from left; Kaylie Bricker, Max Weidemann, Zach Frye, Cody Kapka, Zach Pogge, Bryce Hamilton, Noah Hamilton, Brett Zieman, Jacob Wiezorek, Jacob Harvey, Paeten Schultz. Third row, from left; Brendon Boyd, Marco Duran, Derek Conlon, Ryan Darland, Gonzalo Cosme, Zach Leist, Tyler Steiner, Sarah Rasmussen, Ashlee Brekke. Fourth row, from left; head coach Scott Herrig, coach Gary Olsen, Chase Harker, Jacob O’Connor, Kenton Waters, Sam Powers, Trenton Sann, Jarrod Littlejohn, coach Jake Schaben, coach Logan Holmes, Maycie Rector.
Cowboy basketball loses a lot of talent, still has potential Four letterwinners return in senior dominated roster By Les Houser Second-year head coach Scott Ryan Waters, Adam Stevens and Herrig must find a way to Luke Maxheimer. While it might replace a lot of his scoring and seem like a daunting task, Herrig rebounding from a year ago on still feels that his team will be fine. the Clarion-Goldfield-Dows “Our strength is that, even though boys basketball team, but also we’re a smaller team than a year feels that his guys have the ago, we’re very athletic,” said the potential to round into a decent head mentor. “From the top to the team with some experience. tenth man, we have a lot of hustle “We do conditioning in the and energy. What we lack in mornings, and then run regular size we make up for in heart and practice in the afternoon,” said desire. It will be an adjustment, Herrig. “The guys are working but the guys will work hard at it.” hard to shake off the rust and He feels their potential weakness sharpen up their fundamentals. will be the lack of size, especially Once that’s done, we’ll go in the middle. “That will of course into building the offense and affect our rebounding ability,” said defense.” Herrig. “That means we need to be Herrig has 30 boys out for high fundamentally sound, with good school basketball, with the positioning and boxing off. We breakdown by class showing will be a slightly different team, 10 freshman, five sophomores, but we can still be successful on seven juniors and eight seniors. the boards. We’ll build our team The team was 8-15 a year ago, around what we can do, instead but graduated some steady of worrying about what we don’t players like Stephen McAtee have or can’t control.” (scoring, rebounding and The four returners that Herrig has blocked shots leader) and Max in the fold are a good start towards Gangestad (second in scoring that building, with junior Trenton and rebounding). Also gone are Sann the top returning scorer on the third through fifth scorers in the team. He averaged 6.4 ppg
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last season, and will be counted on to up that number this year. His 47.5 percent shooting from the field should give Herrig reason for optimism. Sann also top returning rebound leader (2.7 per game), assist leader (35 total) and steal leader (18 total). His all-around ability will be needed for the team to maintain its progress upwards in the conference. “Trenton is a two-year letterwinner and the only returner left from my original rotation,” said Herrig. “He’ll be asked to do a lot of different things. He’s strong and athletic, and can grab rebounds or dribble and shoot on the offensive end. We can either post him up, or let him hit from outside. He’s talking to his teammates constantly, so will be a good leader on the floor.” The senior letterwinners include Chris Staudt and Austin Keller, with junior Cody Kapka the fourth letterwinner. All of them played limited minutes a year ago, with Kapka averaging 0.8 ppg but also hitting 5 of 7 free throws for over 71 percent, Staudt 0.4 ppg and Keller 0.2 ppg. “My hope is that Chris will step up with some big minutes,” said the head coach. “He’s a tenacious Town & CounTry defender, InsuranCe so will be guarding the o p p o n e n t ’s best player. Austin is 6’ 1”, with an energy level that
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reminds me of Max. He hustles all the time, and will give us 100 percent every minute out there. He’ll be a post player, and what he might lack in size he makes up in heart and work ethic. Cody will be at point guard, and has made huge strides since last year. I can trust him with the ball, and he’s really devoted himself to handling pressure. He has long arms for defending, and gets to the rim well.” Herrig lists several other seniors pushing for some varsity minutes. Those include Phil Johnson, Kirby Simmons, Spencer Peterson, Kolton Carpenter and Nick Dow. “Phil has done great things on JV, and I look to him to be a key rebounder,” said the head coach. “He works very hard to improve, and we need him to work those boards. Kirby is very athletic, and provides a nice edge on defense. He’s a strong kid, and I look for him to give us quality defensive minutes. He could be our lock-down type player. Spencer is strong and quick with a ton of energy. He will outwork people, and we want to utilize his speed and quickness. Kolten’s a very good shooter, and we’ll lean on him for minutes here and there. He’ll come in and give us a spark when we need it. Nick is the definition of what it means to come to practice everyday and do what he can for the team. He’ll help the others to be their best.” The other junior he feels will see minutes will be Kenton Waters. “He’s coming into his own and developing his game and ball handling,” said Herrig. “Kenton’s becoming a more complete player and I expect good play from him
when called on.” The coaching staff has underwent some changes for this year. Logan Holmes has taken over the JV job, with Jake Schaben stepping into the freshman position for the second half of the season in a unique split arrangement. Former varsity coach Gary Olson will take the first half of the season and will also assist with the varsity. Herrig feels the North Central Conference race will be tight and competitive. “We’ll have a couple of very good teams, and third to 10th will have a lot of parity so anything could happen,” said the head coach. “They’re very evenly matched. Clear Lake will be tough with a lot of returners. Iowa FallsAlden has Schlatter returning as one of the top players in the state. St. Ed will be good again as always, Algona and Bishop Garrigan both look good, and Hampton-Dumont will be much improved. It might be easy to overlook us in this conference. We’re not the same team, but we can still be competitive. I’ve got some great seniors and all of them have their individual strengths. I’m looking forward to the year.”
Clarion - Goldfield
Thursday, Decmber 12, 2013 •
The Wright County Monitor and Eagle Grove Eagle
5
2013-14 Cowboy Wrestling Team
Clarion-Goldfield 2013 Wrestling team (front row, left to right): Akira Harrington, Dylan Pate, Lucas Lienemann, Calen Rosenbaum, Jesse Carrillo, Joel Haberman, Taylor Lehman, Zach Loux, Alexis Harrington; (middle row): Sierra Dirksen, Brady Brott, Dakota Hennigar, Logan Nelson, Ben Powers Bailey DeVries, Jordan Lee, Seth Pille, Kelsie Brodersen; (back row): Coach Morgan, Coach Ruiter, Ryan Anderson, Tristan Mewes, Elliott Ahrens, Caleb Hanson, Mitch Gambrill, Brandon Flurer, Coach Meyers, and Coach Gabrielson.
Cowboy wrestlers have good nucleus of state experience back Two medal winners among the 14 that lettered By Les Houser Clarion-Goldfield-Dows head wrestling coach Kurt Morgan enters his sixth year at the helm with a nice run of past success, including a 74-21 dual meet record and three State Dual Tournament appearances over that time. But this is a whole new season, and even though he faces a bit more rebuilding of his starting varsity lineup than in the past he does like having several returners with state experience to start from. “Our team strength is a good senior class,” said the head coach. “A lot of these kids have been in the room all four years, and we’ll have a lot of state experience in our middle to upper weights. That’s the strongest part of our lineup. Several of these kids have wrestled all year long.” Morgan has 23 wrestlers out for the season, with 14 returning letterwinners dotting
the roster with decent experience. “We’ve been concentrating on getting them back in shape in this first week, along with seeing who will be at what weight class,” said Morgan. “Our weakness will be the inexperience at the lower weights. There’s not as many younger kids at those weights to draw from as in previous years.” The team was 13-4 in duals a year ago, finishing fifth at the NCC tourney (one champion), first at sectionals (seven champions) and second at districts (one champion). They advanced four wrestlers to the traditional state tournament, bringing home three place winners to tie for 12th in Class 1A. They also made their third appearance, in the past four years, at state duals where they took fourth place. The bad news is that Jake Haberman and Matt Odland have both graduated after winning over 30 matches last year for each and
over 100 for their high school careers. Joey Helgeson, Jake Wigans and Zach Thurn are also gone, but the good news is that three state qualifiers return with two of them placing fifth at last year’s show. The five seniors on the roster include Mitch Gambrill (projected at 285), who brings back the most experience at state. He qualified for his third trip to Des Moines last February, placing fifth and finishing with a 25-10 record. Joining him to anchor another spot will be Taylor Lehman (138), who was a district champion and also finished fifth in his first trip (individually) a year ago while carving out a 36-9 record. Other seniors include letterwinners Jordan Lee (170), Caleb Hanson (220) and Bailey Kothe (182). The junior class is fronted by returning letterwinner and two-time state qualifier Joel Haberman (132). He took the
lone championship for the team at the conference meet, and finished 31-9 on the year. Other juniors on the team include Logan Nelson (152), Oscar Salgado (170), Ryan Anderson (182), Brandon Flurer (285) and Carlos Landeros (285). They all lettered except Salgado and Landeros. The two sophomores in the mix, Lucas Lienemann (113) and Calen Rosenbaum (126), both lettered. Freshman listed include Dylan Pate (106), Timmy Sawyer (120), Jesse Carillo (126), Zach Loux (138), Dakota Hennigar (145), Ben Powers (160) and Tristan Mewes (160). Morgan is assisted again this year by Dr. Dan Gabrielson, with Kyle Ruiter and Eric Meyer also back on the staff. In sizing up the conference picture, Morgan feels there is a lot of parity in the league. “The upper weights in this conference will be tough, with anywhere from four
to six teams capable of winning it,” said Morgan. “I would like to think we are in that group. The dual meets will come down to individual matchups and also who sets their lineup to their best advantage.” Note-All weights listed for each wrestler are projections only, and had not been finalized at the time this story was written.
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• Thursday, December 12, 2013
The Wright County Monitor and Eagle Grove Eagle
Eagle Grove varsity basketball 2013-14
These are the members of the Eagle varsity boys basketball team for this year. Pictured are: First row, from left; Graeham Schope, Kent Jorgensen, Jordan Ferry, Brian Yackle, Zach Ploeger, Tyler Vorrie, Dylan Thielen. Second row, from left; Maxx Asche, Jordan Wieth, Josh Morris, Brett Maier, Colton Pickering, Jacob Grandgeorge, Jake Wilde. In back are, from left, assistant coach Ryan Pedersen and head coach Lanny Parrott.
Eagle basketball will have two letterwinners to build on Not a lot of varsity experience this year By Les Houser After losing seven seniors game. We are also trying to build from last year’s team, head enthusiasm.” Parrott will build this year’s varsity boys basketball coach Lanny Parrott begins his fifth edition of Eagle basketball around Zach Ploeger year in charge of the program letterwinners with a rebuilding season. In and Jake Wilde. Ploeger was spite of that fact, he is still the scoring leader a year ago, optimistic that the returning averaging nearly 10 ppg including talent is capable of improving hitting over 65 percent from the free throw line. He is also the top on their 2012-13 record. “We’ll be inexperienced at returning rebounder after crashing some spots, and will be playing the boards for a 4.2 per game a lot of sophomores,” said the average. “He has worked on his head mentor. “We lost a lot of ball handling and shooting,” said varsity minutes and don’t have the head coach. “We will count on much for returning minutes. him for both points and rebounds.” These kids will still give it all Wilde brings a number of skills to the table after scoring 4.0 ppg, they’ve got.” The Eagles finished 2-20 a hauling in 2.5 rpg and leading the year ago, and must replace team in assists (36), steals (17) and their leading rebounder (Oscar blocked shots (eight). “He’s still Hernandez) and assist and steal recovering from a football injury,” leader (Brandon Johnson). Also said Parrott. “We’ll be needing his gone are Brennon Cameron, help also. Both of these guys are Trevor Bering, Chris Monley, great leaders, and will carry most Logan Poncin and Lois of the burden for our team.” Other seniors on the roster are Calderon. Parrott does return two of his top five scorers, Dylan Thielen, Maxx Asche and including the scoring leader, newcomer Tyler Vorrie. Asche among his 22 total kids out for scored 2.4 ppg and hit on nearly 50 percent from three-point range, the season. “The two-a-day practices are while Thielen averaged 1.2 ppg going well,” said Parrott. “The last season. “Dylan will hold down guys are upbeat and working our two or three spot after limited hard. Our staff is pleased with minutes a year ago,” said Parrott. how they’re working on their “He shoots well and I’m counting
on him. Maxx is a good outside shooter, and we’re trying to also get him inside to the basket more. We also want him to improve on defense. I’m excited to have Tyler on the team. He’s a good athlete and will help us in the middle. He has a good shot.” According to his coach, junior Brian Yackle has sprouted up to about 6’5” this year. “He’s also lost some weight,” said Parrott. “We will count on him in the middle. His brother has been helping him on his rebounding too.” Sophomores in the mix are Jordan Ferry, Jordan Wieth, Colton Pickering, Brett Maier and
Brian Gonzalez. “These guys will give us a break here or there,” said Parrott. “All five will see quality minutes. Wieth will run the point for us and is good at dishing the ball. Ferry will man the middle and handle board work with help from Brett. Colton has a nice outside shot.” Ryan Pedersen continues as JV coach, with Heath Stein in charge of the Eighth grade and Bruce Dahlhauser the Seventh grade teams. “Ryan’s been coaching JV for several years now,” said Parrott. “Both Heath and Bruce do a good job with the middle school program.” Parrott sees the North Central
Conference race as dogfight. “It’s wide open, with five teams battling for the top,” said the head coach. “Clear Lake, Iowa Falls-Alden, Algona, Humboldt and St. Ed’s are in that group. As to the rest, Garrigan has some good shooters and Webster City is always good. You have to be ready every night to come and play. It should be interesting. It’s out last year in the NCC, and so I want the guys to just go out there and have fun. I’m excited and I think we can make some noise this year, if we stay healthy. The competition this league provides only makes us better. We’re looking forward to getting it started.”
Thursday, December 12, 2013 •
The Wright County Monitor and Eagle Grove Eagle
7
Eagle Grove varsity basketball 2013-14
These are the members of the Lady Eagle varsity basketball team for this year. Pictured are: First row, from left; Kylee Almond, Katie Spellmeyer, manager Randi Halgrim. Second row, from left; manager Esme Figueroa, Stephanie Martin, Desi Shivers, Sam Helmke, Megan Crail, manager Nicolle Miller. Third row, from left; head coach Aly Dahlhauser, Leslie Cooper, Katie Blasi, Allison Purcell, coach Andy Ettinger.
Eagle girls will try to seek improvement with eight returners Four seniors will help lead the way By Les Houser Aly Dahlhauser begins her with Megan Crail, who is now the second season as head coach top returning scorer at a 6.7 ppg of the Eagle Grove girls average a year ago. basketball varsity, and has She also enough experience coming back into the fold to be optimistic for improvement. “I have 21 total crashed girls out for basketball,” the boards for a 5.5 said Dahlhauser. “Our first day of practice was a little per game rebounding average shaky, and now we’re working and managed to be quick enough hard thru two-a-days. They are to make 36 steals. “She will be doing a lot of shooting and a lot huge for us,” said Dahlhauser. of running, but are showing me “Megan’s rebounding will be important. She’s aggressive down some good things.” The team looks to improve low and plays big. She’s also not on a 3-19 mark of a year ago, afraid the shot the three-pointer.” Starting at a guard spot will be but to do that must replace fourth-year varsity player Kylee their third-highest scorer and Almond. She knocked down leading rebounder Beth Mork, the basketball to the tune of 4.9 fourth scorer Josie Robertson and versatile Lexie Miller. ppg last season, and proved very They will also be without the accurate from the charity stripe services of leading scorer Sam in making 63 percent of her free Kruckenberg, who transferred throws. She managed to also add 3.4 rebounds per game and seven out of the district. A nice group of four seniors total blocks to her final numbers. will attempt to put their stamp She led the team in both assists on this edition of Lady Eagle (46) and steals (68). “Kylee will basketball. That class starts run the point and bring the ball up to start the offense,” said
Dahlhauser. Bell, Esme Figueroa and Katie have a deep bench. HamptonSeniors Stephanie Martin and Blasi. Allison Purcell is currently Dumont will be strong, with Katie Spellmeyer also return the only freshman listed on the a couple good freshmen from for their final seasons. “Steph varsity roster. last year. Humboldt should be is our tallest player so will be Dahlhauser is assisted by Andy tough again. Iowa Falls-Alden vital to our success inside,” said Ettinger as the JV coach. Jim and Garrigan both lost some key the head coach. “I want her to McLaughlin is in charge of the players.” be more aggressive. She needs Eighth graders, while Beth Nelson The head coach has been more confidence, and shows that coaches at the Seventh grade working on team unity as well. in practice. She knows the go-to level. “We’re excited to get started,” gal and will accept the challenge. In trying to get a handle on the said Dahlhauser in closing. Katie is battling a hip problem North Central Conference race, “We have set lots of little goals right now. She’ll play down low, the head coach likes Clear Lake as to achieve which are important boxing out to be our rebounder.” the favorite. “They’re a big team to us. We are also building a Leslie Cooper and Sam Helmke, that scares me,” said Dahlhauser. family-type approach, in that both of whom saw varsity minutes “They have both deadly shooters no matter the outcome of our a year ago, head a large group and a tough inside game, so are games we still have each other.” of sophomores. Cooper returns not easy to defend. They also a 3.0 ppg average, and hit 33 percent from threepoint land, while Helmke popped in a 1.9 ppg average. “It’s nice having both of them helping the varsity,” Custom EmbroidEry & silk sCrEEning said the head coach. Others in the mix 100 North Main Street • Clarion, IA. 50525 • (515) 532-2434 include Desira E-Mail: imaginethatinclarion@mchsi.com Shivers, Aja
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• Thursday, December 12, 2013
The Wright County Monitor and Eagle Grove Eagle
Eagle Grove wrestling team for 2013-14
These are the members of the Eagle wrestling team for this year. Pictured are: First row, from left; Allyson Plain, Kandace Sorenson, Alexis Gump, Shelby Axtell. Second row, from left; Austin Burgwin, Devon Omvig, Parker Slagle, Harrison Helgevold, Austin Griffin, Preston Jacobson, Derek Hammitt. Third row, from left; Alton Nguyen, Lincoln Miller, Daltopn Schaffer, Dylan Sporaa, Carlos Lobato, Austin Weland. Fourth row, from left; head coach Jacob Groth, Eric Fransen, Dylan Huse, Jonathan Mendoza, Mike Dicke, Matt Fransen, coach Aaron Schafer
Eagle wrestling program gains in numbers, has good leadership Sporaa, Jacobson return for new coach Jacob Groth By Les Houser Jacob Groth takes over the head coaching position for Eagle Grove this year, and has gained in numbers out kids out for wrestling. He also feels he has good senior leadership for his debut year. “More numbers in the room equals more practice partners,” said Groth. “Many of these kids ran cross country, so they also bring great stamina to the table. Another team strength this year is the addition of some very athletic freshmen that may surprise some upperclassmen.” On the flip side, Groth also sees the many first-year wrestlers as a weakness that will only
be overcome with meet and tournament experience. The team was 1-16 overall in dual meets, with two district qualifiers in Dylan Sporaa (106 last year, now possibly at 112) and Cole Beecher (not out so far). Sporaa, a senior, will be looked to help lead the Eagles after a second place finish at sectionals and a fourth at districts last winter. He posted a 12-16 record. Preston Jacobson (170) also returns after the senior finished sixth at sectionals. Other seniors include Austin Weland (113), Austin Griffin (195) and Derek Hammitt (220). “I feel very confident with our senior group
this year,” said Groth. “Dylan and Preston are my leading seniors and have done a lot of hard work to get our team together and lead by example.” Among the juniors, Devon Omvig (170) was fourth at sectionals a year ago and is joined in the class by Dylan Huse (138) and Mike Dicke (182). Parker Slagle (120) is the lone sophomore on the team, and was fifth at sectionals last season. Freshmen include Carlos Lobato (126) and Jon Mendoza (285). The new head coach is assisted this year by previous head coach Aaron Schaffer. Groth knows
Muhlenbruch Insurance Shannon Mulenbruch, Agent 110 East Ellsworth Street • Dows, Iowa 515-852-4156
what it takes to succeed in the sport, having been a place winner in Des Moines (representing Marshalltown High School) and an All-American at Wartburg College. He knows tough wrestlers when he sees them, and that’s how he views the North Central Conference picture as the Eagles prepare for their final year of wrestling in the league. “This is one of the toughest conferences in Class 1A in the entire state, and I know each team we face will bring their best to the mat just as they do every year,” said Groth. “I think the
key to winning the conference will be for wrestlers to battle in every match. A guy with great technique can be good, but a great wrestler will fight no matter the level of technique. In this conference, we have very physical and aggressive wrestlers. The key to winning is the right preparation and having our guys all wrestle their best on the same day.” Note-All weights listed for each wrestler are projections only, and had not been finalized at the time this story was written.
John Kirkpatrick 214 North Main • Clarion • 532-2878
• Farmland Real Estate • Farm Management • Farmland Auction
www.murraywiseassociates.com
Thursday, December 12, 2013 •
The Wright County Monitor and Eagle Grove Eagle
2013-14 Sports Schedule Clarion-Goldfield 2013-14 Basketball
(All games G/B unless noted otherwise) Nov. 26 G only vs. Bishop Garrigan Dec. 3 vs. Eagle Grove Dec. 6 at St. Edmond Dec. 10 vs. Algona Dec. 13 at Webster City Dec. 17 at Iowa Falls-Alden Dec. 20 vs. Hampton-Dumont Jan. 7 vs. Clear Lake Jan. 10 at Humboldt Jan. 11 V only vs. West Hancock Jan. 13 at Bishop Garrigan Jan. 14 vs. St. Edmond Jan. 17 at Eagle Grove Jan. 21 at Algona Jan. 24 vs. Webster City Jan. 25 V only at Belmond-Klemme Jan. 28 at Clear Lake Jan. 31 vs. Humboldt Feb. 4 vs. Iowa Falls-Alden Feb. 7 at Hampton-Dumont Feb. 11 B only vs. Bishop Garrigan
Clarion-Goldfield 2013-14 Wrestling Dec. 5 vs. Iowa Falls-Alden/Central Springs Dec. 7 V only at Eagle Grove Tournament Dec. 12 at Humboldt/Algona Humboldt Dec. 14 at Aplington-Parkersburg Tournament Dec. 16 JV only vs CG JV Tournament Dec. 19 vs Clear Lake Jan. 7 at Lake Mills/West Hancock Jan. 9 at Eagle Grove/St. Edmond (Eagle Grove) Jan. 11 V only at Ames Tournament Jan. 16 at Hampton-Dumont Jan. 18 vs Glen Brand Tournament Jan. 20 at Belmond-Klemme Jan. 25 V only at NCC Tournament (Fort Dodge) Jan. 30 V only at Webster City Feb. 1 V only at Guthrie Center Tournament
Eagle Grove 2013-14 Basketball
(All games G/B unless noted otherwise) Eagle Grove 2013-14 Basketball (All games G/B unless noted otherwise) Dec. 10 at Iowa Falls-Alden Dec. 13 vs. Humboldt Dec. 17 vs. Hampton-Dumont Dec. 20 vs. Clear Lake Jan. 3 at St. Edmond Jan. 7 at Algona Jan. 10 vs. Webster City Jan. 14 at Bishop Garrigan Jan. 17 vs. Clarion-Goldfield-Dows Jan. 21 vs. Iowa Falls-Alden Jan. 23 G Var. at Prairie Valley Jan. 24 at Humboldt Jan. 28 vs. Algona Jan. 31 at Webster City Feb. 4 at Hampton-Dumont Feb. 7 at Clear Lake Feb. 10 at CWL Feb. 11 B JV/V vs. St. Edmond
Eagle Grove 2013-14 Wrestling
Dec. 12 at H. Dumont w/Clear Lake Dec. 13 JV only at Algona Tourn. Dec. 14 at Algona Tourn. Dec. 19 at Iowa Falls-Alden Dec. 20 JV only at Roland-Story Tourn. Dec. 21 at Roland-Story Tourn. Jan. 7 at Lake Mills w/W. Hancock, C-G-D Jan. 9 vs. C-G-D w/St. Edmond Jan. 11 at Winterset Tourn. Jan. 16 vs. Webster City Jan. 18 at Perry Tourn. (includes MS) Jan. 25 at NCC Tourn. Jan. 30 at Humboldt Feb. 1 at Southern Cal Tourn. (Rockwell City) Feb. 4 at Roland-Story Feb. 8 Class 1A Sectional at St. Edmond Feb. 15 Class 1A District at Clarion Feb. 19-22 State Wrestling
Agent, Tom Frantz
101 3rd Ave SW • Clarion, IA • 515-532-2834
223 Central Ave W • Clarion, Iowa 515-532-2492
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• Thursday, December 12, 2013
The Wright County Monitor and Eagle Grove Eagle
Clarion-Goldfield 2013 Basketball Cheerleaders
(left to right): Elizabeth Martin, Alexandria Hackley, Sami Tietjens, Jenna Kraft and Elizabeth Lockwood.
Clarion - Goldfield
Clarion-Goldfield 2013 Wrestling Cheerleaders
( front row, left to right): Angelica Nunez, Megan O’Connor and Breckie Clark; (back row): Katie Molloy, Jamiin Braadland, and Heidy Frias.
Go Cowboys & Cowgirls!!
Good Luck Teams!
Weidemann Inc. 105 South Tracy Stret Dows, IA 50071 (515) 852-3802
The Wright County
Monitor 107 2nd Ave NE • Clarion IA 50525 www.clarionnewsonline.com 515-532-2871
The Wright County Monitor and Eagle Grove Eagle
Thursday, December 12, 2013 •
Eagle Grove
Eagle Grove basketball cheer squad
These are the Eagle Grove basketball cheerleaders for 2013-14. Pictured are: First row, from left; Chloe Sunde and Lexie Mosher. Second row, from left; Tiffany Krause, Hannah Hanson and Stephanie Olmstead. Third row, from left; Tana Gamache and Miranda Slagle.
Eagle Grove wrestling cheer squad
These are the Eagle Grove wrestling cheerleaders for 201314. Pictured are: First row, from left; Tori Tomke and Makali Mickelson. Second row, from left; Daisah Shivers and Thutam Nguyen. Third row, from left; Eva Baez and Brianna Allen.
314 W. Broadway Eagle Grove, IA 50533 515-448-4745 www.theeaglegroveeagle.com
GOOD LUCK EAGLE GROVE AND CLARION-GOLDFIELD BASKETBALL AND WRESTLING TEAMS!
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• Thursday, December 12, 2013
The Wright County Monitor and Eagle Grove Eagle
Eagle Grove
Clarion - Goldfield
and Cowgirls