Defining a legend
1,000 Career
Victories the ice heats
up with the bucs
Get ready for some
Drake Relays
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Contributors Rush Nigut President
rush@sportsspotlight.com
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John Streets Operations Consultant
DSM FORCES TEAM UP Pitcher Jeremy Hellickson, KLB and Grand Slam U.S.A fight cancer
john@sportsspotlight.com
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Tony Atzeni Programming Director tony@sportsspotlight.com
Sam Taylor Art Director
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Ashton Weis Editor
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Nicole Mittelbrun Marketing & Promotions support@sportsspotlight.com
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HS SWIMMING
A recap of the Boys High School State Swimming Championship
ULTIMATE TAKE DOWN The State Wrestling Tournament ends with two ultimate champions
IOWA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL The Hawkeye Women get ready for March
28
TITANS RENOVATE The CR Titans gear up for their upcoming season
Presidents Note:
Congratulations to Jake Marlin of Creston/Orient-Macksburg and Brandon Sorenson of Denver-Tripoli on becoming 4-time State Champions in Wrestling. Also a big congratulations to Gene Klinge (cover shot) on his 1000th career victory. We will be extremely busy the next few weeks covering the boys and girls state basketball tournaments, state bowling, and the NCAA and NAIA national wrestling championships here in Des Moines. Be sure to check our website daily for live scoring and updated results. We are also excited to announce our latest giveaway: Goalsetter – The Best in Basketball and Sports Spotlight have teamed up to give you the opportunity to win a Goalsetter Basketball System. Go to sportsspotlight.com and enter for your chance to win a 60” All American Goal system from Goalsetter. Increase your chances of winning and go to our facebook page at sportsspotlightiowa and click on the sweepstakes app to register or sign up for our newsletter for a third entry into the giveaway. *For official contest rules go to sportsspotlight.com.
coach sets bar high PG 6
Youth
COMBINED FORCES FIGHT CANCER
Kids Living Brave, Jeremy Hellickson and Grand Slam U.S.A. team up to fight for kids with cancer Ashton Weis | Editor
Kids Living Brave is an organization founded by the Cooper family from Des Moines, Iowa in 2011. The Cooper family started the non-profit organization after their son, Carson, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Carson is both the inspiration for the charity and the one who came up with its name: “Kids Living Brave.” Kids Living Brave (KLB) strives to support families and children who are working their way through cancer treatments. They provide both emotional and financial support, as well as seeking to increase community awareness and educational outreach. Their goal is to bridge the gap of isolation created by illness. KLB teamed up with Grand Slam
U.S.A. and Jeremy Hellickson to host their first annual fundraiser, Pitcher Perfect on January 26. Pitcher Perfect was the first event that the charity hosted. The use of Grand Slam U.S.A. was donated by its owner, Jim Hallman. Grand Slam U.S.A. is a facility in Urbandale, with all the necessities for year-round baseball and softball training. Hellickson is a Major League ballplayer with ties to central Iowa and donated his time to the event. The event hosted by KLB, Pitcher Perfect, was a clinic from 9 am to 1 pm, where kids from ages 8 to 14 could come and work on their pitching skills with Jeremy Hellickson. The entry fee was $50, which went to the Kids Living
Brave charity. Hellickson is a native of central Iowa, and he played for and attended Hoover High School in Des Moines. Hellickson now pitches for the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League division of Major League Baseball. He received the Rookie of the Year and Golden Glove awards for the 2012 baseball season. Hellickson’s connection to the event Pitcher Perfect is doubly important to him, as he is a close family friend to Jack and Pam Cooper, the co-founders of Kids Living Brave, and he uses Grand Slam U.S.A. as his off-season work out venue. Hellickson has peripherally donated to several different charities, but he said:
“This is really the first one I’ve been involved with.” Because of the close ties to the Coopers and Grand Slam U.S.A, he was excited to work with the kids and be a part of Pitcher Perfect. Being from Iowa, Hellickson misses the people and atmosphere of Des Moines, and he chooses to spend most of his off-season in his home state. And in the upcoming season, he has two goals: to stay healthy and make the playoffs. Hellickson’s advice to kids who want to be a part of Major Leauge Baseball: “First thing is, you got to work hard and listen. Those are the two main things. And practice, but the main thing is just to listen to your coaches.”
Left, Hellickson volunteers his time for KLB. Right, The Cooper family thanks the volunteers and kids for participating in Pitcher Perfect.
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Volume 1 Issue 7
SportsSpotlight.com
In the
Spotlight Youth
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Each month we publish youth action photos from around the state. We would love to get yours! Send us your photos at support@ sportsspotlight.com
4th grade girls Earlham vs. Panthers
Ankeny Lightning vs. West Des Moines Thunder
Lincoln Rails 7th grade War on the Floor Tournament
DCG Mustangs vs. Ankeny Hawks 7th grade tournament
7th grade Ambition basketball War on the Floor Tournament
4th grade Earlham vs. Panthers
DCG Mustangs vs. Ankeny Hawks 7th grade
7th grade Dowling vs. Lincoln Rails
Johnston vs. West Des Moines 8th grade tournament
5th grade Earlham champions
4th grade Earlham vs. Panthers
Johnston vs. West Des Moines 8th grade tournament
High School
Coach Klinge Sets Bar High Coach Gene Klinge of Waukon with 1,000 Career Victories Tony Atzeni | Programming Director
Radio Show THURSDAYS 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Join host Tony Atzeni and his cast of characters every Thurdsay evening as they talk the world of sports in Iowa. Youth, High School, College and everything in between!
“...basketball was part of my being, so I learned to adjust” Iowa high school basketball has and will always hold a place in all of our sports hearts and minds, whether you’re loyal to the school you graduated from or cheering for the teams your children or grandchildren compete with today. Coaching is the vital lifeline for our young people to reach their potential and eventual goals and teaches those who participate about dedication, practice, teamwork, friendship and life skills that will carry them into their adult life.
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Volume 1 Issue 7
This season, a coach reached a milestone no other in Iowa high school basketball history has achieved. Gene Klinge set the bar high by collecting his 1,000th coaching victory, the ninth nationally to achieve this milestone. Klinge began his coaching career in 1962 coaching at West Central (Maynard) and is currently at Waukon and has coached both in the six-player and five-player game. In 2004 his Waukon team won the Class 3A state championship.
SportsSpotlight.com
High School
Radio Show SATURDAYS 8:00am - 10:00am Whether at West Central (41 years) or at Waukon, Gail Hartigan (Treynor) and Fred Zeller (West Klinge was known for more than just his coachMarshall, State Center). ing wins but as a fan you knew exactly who he was In Iowa, the kids playing today probably would courtside because of his socks. While at Maynard have no idea of the tradition of the six-player it was bright red he wore and at Waukon it was game, not only statewide but the national attention bright orange to represent the school colors. it received but change won over tradition in the To say that he has touched a lot of lives whether end and really in the best interest of the young on or off the court is an understatement. His dediladies so that they were prepared to go to the next cation to his craft meant an adjustment in the 90’s. level and play college basketball without having to “The six player game was a forward based game learn a completely new game. while the five-player game was a guard based History will continue to be rewritten but hopegame” said Klinge in an interview earlier this seafully we can continue to remember the past and son on the Sports Spotlight Show. “We lost a lot of those that have dedicated their life to education good coaches when the switch was made from six and coaching, no matter the sport, no matter the to five-player but basketball was part of my being class. In the end sports are like life and prepares so I learned to adjust”, and because of that adjustour young people to become solid citizens and parment he is now a big part of Iowa coaching history. ents and who knows, maybe the next generation of One thing is for sure when you talk to Gene is coaches, taking a piece of what was taught to them the relationship with his wife Pat, who has been his and passing it on. scorekeeper for as long as they have been married, 47 years. The 2004 state title at Waukon is still a moment locked in my memory while covering it courtside. After the final horn sound Pat jumped into the arms of Gene like a couple of teenagers as they celebrated the championhsip. It showed how much they loved what they were doing together and being part of young ladies lives. Where else can you get up and go to work and still feel like a kid again than coaching sports and doing something you love. This past season a few more coaches reached coaching milestones. The husband and wife tandem of Bob and Sharon Hanson have surpassed the 700 win mark with coaching stints at Maxwell, Des Moines East, Waukee and two stints at Dowling Catholic where they are currently coaching. Scott DeJong is currently coaching for Ankeny The Hanson’s won state four state titles, one at East in 1979 and three at Dowling Catholic in 1992, 1996 and 1998. Scott DeJong joined the 500 win club this season. DeJong coached at Colo-Nesco before coming to Ankeny where he has won state championships in 1997, 1999, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005. Both the Hanson’s and DeJong teams could be part of the new Class 5A state tournament field this season with hopes of adding to their coaching history. On the list of active coaches that have won 500 or more in their Iowa The Hansons coaching at Dowling Catholic high school girls coaching career are SportsSpotlight.com
Join host Tony Atzeni and his cast of characters every Saturday morning as they talk the world of sports in Iowa. Youth, High School, College and everything in between!
Volume 1 Issue 7
7
Student
Athlete
of the
MONTH
Presented by the Governor’S Traffic Safety Bureau- IowaGTSB.org
Click it or ticket!
Rick’S Q & A Q: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SPORT TO PLAY WHY? A: Basketball- I fell in love with it when I was little and still love it to this day. Q: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SPORTS MEMORY? A: Making sub-state my sophomore year. Q: DO YOU HAVE ANY FUN PRE-GAME “RITUALS” THAT PREPARE YOU FOR AN EVENT? A: I first eat at Blimpie’s. I have always eaten a Spinach Rap with Chicken, Tomatoes, Lettuce, Pickles, Mayo, and Ranch. I then also proceed to have a Dr. Pepper and Cheetos. Then I listen to “Run This Town.” I then spend the rest of the time getting focused for the game. Q: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL? WHY? A: Math- I have always loved it and always had a certain interest in it. Q: WHO INSPIRES YOU? Why? A: My mom- She is this person that you just want to be around and plus she has made me who I am today. I love my mom. She rules. Q: WHAT WAS THE BEST MOVIE YOU SAW IN THE LAST YEAR? A: Napoleon Dynamite Q: COLLEGE OR POST-HIGH SCHOOL PLANS: A: Attend Briar Cliff University and major in Business. I also am playing basketball. Q: WHAT IS YOUR DREAM JOB? A: Professional Basketball Player
Rick Williams Riverside High School - Class of 2013 / GPA 3.9
Achievements Sports: Football, Basketball & Track Academic Achievements/Honors: 2-time All-State Academic Team- Football Athletic Achievements/Honors: Football: 2nd Team All- State, 3-time All Southwest Iowa Basketball: 1st Team All State, 3-time 1st Team All Conference, 3-time 1st Team All District, Southwest Iowa Player of the Year & 17th Player in Iowa history with 1,500 points and 1,000 rebounds Track: 7th Place in Shot Put
MUSCATINE TAKES THEIR THIRD TITLE
High School
Boys Swimming kicks off the winter sports championship season Tony Atzenit | Programming Director
The 2013 Iowa High School Boys State Swimming Championships crowned the first of the winter sports season champion on Saturday afternoon. The 77th annual event was hosted by the YMCA in Marshalltown and the Muskies of Muscatine powered their way to their third consecutive state boys swimming title. Muscatine enusred themselves of the state title when they swept the top three spots in 200 medley as Haden Calegan won the event with teammates Travis Greenwald and Alex Walton finishing second and third to claim 41 points in the single event. Walton and Greenwald were also part of the 200 medley relay championship team with Michael Sovers and Matt Krueger. Greenwald won the breaststroke title and Walton cruised to the back-
stroke title in a time of :50.34. For Greenwald, it was his third straight breaststroke title and for the Muskies their third straight medley relay title. Dubuque Senior finished second in the team standings led by Josh Gill who claimed the 50 freestyle championship, ending the hopes of Jonathan Fiepke of Dowling Catholic of going back-to-back in the event. Fiepke finished second in the 50 freestyle
Haden Calegan of Muscatine took first place in the 200 Individual Medley
Top 15 Final Team Standings
1. Muscatine - 180 2. Dubuque Senior - 147 3. Dowling Catholic - 129 4. Johnston - 125 5. West Des Moines Valley - 112 6. Cedar Rapids Washington - 111 7. Iowa City West -109 8. Lewis Central (Council Bluffs) - 100 9. Waukee - 41 10. Cedar Falls - 40 11. Dubuque, Hempstead - 29.5 12. Cedar Rapids, Kennedy - 28 13. Bettendorf - 25 14. Des Moines Roosevelt - 21 15. Pleasant Valley – 19
but did accomplish going back-to-back in the 100 freestyle helping the Maroons to a third place team finish. Fiepke was named Swimmer of the Year. Gill was a part of the 200 freestyle relay team along with Alex Duster, James Daughters and Justin Yuan in 1:23.99, setting a new state record. Muscatine finished second in the event and also broke the old record. Ben Severino also aided the Maroons cause, winning the 200 freestyle. Fiepke and Severino was part of the Dowling Catholic 400 freestyle relay title team along with John Carmody and Spencer Clark. RJ Hemmingsen of Lewis Central (Council Bluffs) won the 100 butterfly title while Josh Hughes become another in a long line of champions for Cedar Rapids Washington with the 500 freestyle gold.
Jonathan Fiepke took first place in the 100 Freestyle
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Volume 1 Issue 7
9
Jonathon Fiepke Dowling Catholic
Jonathon Fiepke’s Unmatched Performance: Fiepke was named the Swimmer of the Year and won the 100 freestyle title at the state championship meet for the second consecutive season and was part of the Maroons 400 freestyle relay championship team and finished second in the 50 freestyle.
And Dependability: He had a constant season of personal bests and has accepted a place at the University of California to continue swimming. He was named an automatic All-Ameircan status in the 100 freestyle for taking home the championship two consective years.
Each month, Sports Spotlight will recognize a Kinetico Pure Performance High School Athlete of the Month from a list based on their performances. The winter sports season includes girls and boys basketball, wrestling, boys swimming, hockey and girls and boys bowling. Jonathon Fiepke is featured this month for his excellence in swimming, and some of the other top performers to make the final list this month include: Some of the other top performers to make the final list include: Boys Basketball: Terrance Busch (Jr., Des Moines North), Kennedy Drey (Sr., St. Mary’s, Storm Lake), Logan Losh (Sr., Boone), Steven Soukup (Sr., Danville), Reed Tellinghuisen (Jr., East Sac County), Daniel Tillo (So., Sioux City North), Alex Welsch (Nodaway Valley, Greenfield) Girls Basketball: Britney Boland (Sr., Waukee), Caitlin Ingle (Sr., Southeast Polk), Josie Kopal (Sr., Lawton-Bronson), Roichelle Marble (Des Moines East), Ally Orwig (Sr., Indianola) Midwest High School Hockey: Connor Cox (Des Moines Oak Leafs), Austin Jackson (Waterloo), Colby Maulsby (Mason City) Wrestling: Andrew Foutch (Underwood), Jake Marlin (Creston/ Orient-Macksburg), Brandon Sorensen (Denver-Tripoli)
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SportsSpotlight.com
Volume 1 Issue 7
11
Champions Across Across Iowa Iowa General Mills
% 100
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Kopal Josie
School: LawtonBronson Class: 2A
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WINTER IOWA GAMES
Powered by the Iowa Food & Family Project January 25-27 • Dubuque February 9-10 • Cedar Rapids Over 20 Sports & 4,000 Athletes
GLOW RUN 5K
April 20 • Des Moines Over 5,000 Runners
HOOPIN’ AT THE DOME
3 on 3 Outdoor Basketball Tournament May 4 • Des Moines Over 80 Teams - Youth & Adult
IOWA GAMES MUD RUN
Presented by the University of Iowa June 15 • Des Moines Over 2,000 Runners
SUMMER IOWA GAMES
Powered by the Iowa Food & Family Project July 13-28 • Ames Over 50 Sports & 14,000 Athletes
IOWA GAMES GOLF CLASSIC
August 29 • Echo Valley Country Club 32 Teams - 4 Person Best Shot
DES MOINES MARATHON October 20 • Des Moines Over 8,000 Runners
IOWA GAMES NET FEST SOCCER November 2 • Des Moines NEW FOR 2013
IOWA GAMES NET FEST BASKETBALL November 23 • Ames Over 80 Teams - 4th-8th Grade
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Performance
Spotlight
1
Terrance Busch (Jr., Des Moines North): Busch has been among the leading scorers in boys basketball in Class 4A and one of the top-five in steals this season
2
Ellie Herzberg (Sr., Manson-Northwest Webster):
3
Adian Keen (Fr., Iowa City West): Keen is yet another
4
Tanya Meyer (Sr., Sioux City West): Meyer has herself near the top in Class 5A girls basketball in scoring, rebounding and blocked shots this season.
5
Daniel Tillo (So., Sioux City North): Tillo is among the tops in Class 4Aboys basketball in scoring average and rebounding this season.
6
Jaylen White (Fr., Interstate 35 (Truro)): Just a freshman, White is among the top-five in Class 2A boys basketball in assists and steals this season.
Herzberg leads the Cougars hopes for a Class 2A girls state tournament bid. Ellie is in the top-10 in the class in scoring and steals.
freshman that posted top times in the 500 freestyle and secondbest times in the 200 freestyle this past season high school boys swimming season.
4 5
2 1
3
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Volume 1 Issue 7
SportsSpotlight.com
In the
Spotlight
Photo courtesy of Ken Agey
High School
Kate Havens of Central Decatur fights for the ball
Photo courtesy of Corey Lindsey
Photo courtesy of Roy Tucker Photo courtesy of Ken Agey
Photo courtesy of JScott Images
Photo courtesy of Corey Lindsey
Wyant of Van Meter at 132 works on Evans of Coon Rapids-Bayard
Maquoketa Valley girls cheer on their team
Dunkerton players in a game against North Tama
Bryson Durrow of Central Decatur against Southeast Warren
Photo courtesy of Ken Agey
Photo courtesy of JScott Images
Players from Riceville and Clarksville battle for the ball
Photo courtesy of Corey Lindsey
Isaac Benton 145 from Van Meter returns Reed Wyman from Central Decatur to the mat
Photo courtesy of JScott Images
Each month we publish high school action photos from around the state. We would love to get yours! Send us your photos at support@ sportsspotlight.com
Stephan Folkerts of Van Meter scores 2 against Coon Rapids– Bayard
Trevor Greenland of Central Decatur against Southeast Warren
Wrestli 2013 state tournament
ing
Marlin and Sorenson Names Added to Elite Iowa High School Wrestling History By Tony Atzeni | Programming Director When the wrestling season began the storylines were beginning to be written. One was whether we would add two more names to the list of four-time champions. The second was whether Southeast Polk would use their disappointment of just falling short last season to catapult them to their school first ever boys state title in any sport. The answer to both was left with no doubt. Brandon Sorenson (Denver-Tripoli) and Jake Marlin (Creston/Orient-Macksburg) completed their mission with titles. For Sorenson he placed his name to the top of the all-time wins list when he captured the 145 pound title in Class 2A along with Andrew Foutch (Underwood). Sorenson finished the season with a 57-0 record and his high school career with a 208-3 record while Foutch completed and 53-0 season and a 208-13 high school career. Marlin was the first on the state championship Saturday night that added his name to the four-time list when he captured the 138 crown in Class 2A becoming the 22nd in Iowa high school wrestling history. The sellout crowd gave Marlin a well-deserved standing ovation after he won his match by a fall over Adam Staudt (Charles City). The crowd repeated the accolades after Sorenson won his match at 145 against Zach Muller (West Delaware, Manchester), 7-3. On Wednesday, the Rams of Southeast Polk won their first boys state title in any sport but it was just three days later when they would add their second title as they also rolled to the Class 3A team championship. Tim Miklus (160), Dylan Blackford (170) and Bryce Fisher (225) all won individual titles leading the Rams. West Delaware (Manchester) won their second state wrestling title, first since 1991 as Patrick Woods (106), Adam Reth (225) and Dean Broghammer (285) finished the night at the top of the medals stand. Both Reth and Broghammer finished the season without losses, Reth (45-0) and Broghammer (47-0). Alburnett dominated the Class 1A field to capture their first traditional state championship. Hunter Washburn (113) and Dylan Windfield (160) won individual titles for the Pirates. Bettendorf crowned four individual champions and all in a row with Fredy Stroker (126), Logan Ryan (132), Jacob Woodard (138) and Bubba Hernandez (145). The list of Class 3A individual champions included Henry Pohlmeyer (Johnston, 106), Clayton Eicher (West Des Moines Valley, 113), Jake Koethe (West Des Moines Valley, 120), Spencer Derifield (Waverly-Shell Rock, 152), Matt Seabold (Burlington, 182), Marcus Harrington (Waterloo West, 195) and Pedro Gomez (Marshalltown, 285) In Class 2A, Max Thomsen (Union, LaPorte City) won the 126 title and completed a perfect season with a 47-0 record. Colton McCrystal (Sergeant Bluff-Luton) did the same at 132 pounds, finishing with a 50-0 mark. Other 2A state champions include Fletcher Green (Washington, 113), Doug Minor (Spirit Lake Park, 120), Logan Thomsen (Union, LaPorte City, 152), Logan McQuillen (Monticello, 160), Adam Drain (Mediapolis, 170), Chase Shedenhelm (Denver-Tripoli, 182) and Keaton Hulett (Creston/Orient-Macksburg, 195). In Class 1A, Kyle Blocker (West Marshall, State Center) won the 138 pound title, edging Jason Crosby (Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont), 4-2 and finished the season with a 54-0 record. Brendan Schott North Linn, Troy Mills) finished 42-0 as he claimed the 170 pound title over Nick Schany (Emmetsburg), 3-2 and Daniel Gaffey (Iowa City Regina) edged Ryley Howell (Wapello), 3-2 to win the 220 pound title while capping a 40-0 campaign. The list of Class 1A individual champions also include Taylor Curtis (Underwood, 106), Carter Happel (Lisbon, 113), Logan Loftus (Iowa Valley, Marengo, 132), Evan Hansen (Exira/Elk Horn-Kimballton, 145), Loren Williams (Tri-Center, Neola, 152), Dalton Ciavarelli (Clarksville, 182), Cade Jones (West Branch, 195) and Brandon McCracken (Aplington-Parkersburg, 285). Congratulations to all that participated this season. To the coaches, athletes and officials, together many memories were made that will last your lifetime. In a state where wrestling really is king when it comes to state championships and represented well each year with the crowds throughout the season and especially during the state championship tournament in Des Moines. Your sport is second to none in Iowa and nationally at the high school level.
Press Pass
Des moines: wrestling capital Ashton Weis | Editor
Des Moines has happily been dubbed the “wrestling capital” of the nation. In the upcoming 2013 wrestling championship season, the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau is going to be keeping themselves busy, with three college wrestling championship tournaments. The National Wrestling Tournament for Junior Colleges kicks off the season, occupying the weekend of February 22 and 23. The NAIA Championship takes the stage March 1 and 2. The NCAA tournament finishes out the month-long wrestling championship tournament season on March 21, 22, and 23. With the recent completion of the high school championships in Des Moines, college is next in line. Greg Edwards, the Convention Center President and CEO and his team worked very hard to wrangle all of the wrestling events and bring them to Des Moines. For the NCAA tournament, they partnered with Iowa State University and Wells Fargo Arena to bring the championship tournament to Des Moines. “NCAA is the really big one and it’s a real thrill for us to be hosting that,”
Jeff Overton
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said Edwards. His team has been working for the last three years to bring this event to the city. They had to consider everything from restaurants and hotels to signage and information booths. Population base and activities around the metro were also taken into consideration by the planning team. And although, putting the bid in involved a lot of hard work, Edwards is looking forward to the event. He said that the NCAA Wrestling Championship event has been on their wish list even since the Wells Fargo Arena was built. “That was one the events that we really wanted to get here in Des Moines, and then in conjunction with that, the Fairgrounds built the Jacobson Center a couple of years ago. We started looking at events that would be a nice fit for that, and the NAIA wrestling event fit nicely out there as well,” said Edwards. The NAIA Wrestling Championship may be smaller, but it also takes some work to plan. For this event, the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau partnered with Grand View University and the Iowa State Fairgrounds. This event will take
Jim Annear
place at the Jacobson Center at the Fairgrounds. “The wrestling capital of the United States this year, Des Moines, Iowa with National Junior College, NAIA, and the NCAA, all three converging.” Edwards said. “The biggest is obviously the NCAA and we anticipate anywhere from 20,000 to 25,000 additional people in town over the dates of that. We don’t really have an
economic impact figure available until afterwards. It’s got to be well into the ten million dollar plus range.” In the upcoming months, Des Moines will also be hosting the both the Boys and Girls High School State Basketball Tournament, the Drake Relays, the USA Track and Field Outdoor Championships, and the Principal Charity Classic.
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College
Hawkeye women battle back Darrin Cline | Sports Spotlight Contributor
A handful of wins boosted Iowa’s momentum heading into the new calendar year and conference play; Ohio State and Wisconsin provided two more notches in the win column, but Michigan and Michigan State stymied the Hawkeye women and dropped the squad to 2-2 in conference play. Through the month of January, Carver-Hawkeye Arena provided the home court advantage the black and gold had capitalized on so well in the season. However, the magic would wane as the season grind wore on. Three heartbreaking home losses contributed to a five-game skid that dropped the women below .500 in league play, and to a 16-10 record overall. Senior leadership has been crucial to the success of the Hawkeyes Johnson goes up for a shot against UNI this year. Morgan Johnson and Jamie Printy have shown the way for the Hawkeye. The Marion, Iowa for their squad this year; the two native is listed at 5’11”, but she has have split leading scorer honors in 19 contests this season. Johnson has done been a force outside the arc. The former Big Ten freshman of the Year most of her damage in the paint on is second on the team in three-point her way to being the team leader at 15 shooting and assists, as well as leading points per game; additionally, the 6’5” the team in free throws. center leads the team in rebounds and While the two seniors may be the is second in blocks. leaders night in and night out, a bevy Printy has been the polar opposite
of underclassmen are making significant contributions. Four other players—Theairra Taylor, Samantha Logic, Melissa Dixon and Bethany Doolittle—have each laid claim to leading scorer notoriety on various nights throughout the year. Of those four, Taylor is a redshirt junior with the rest are only working in their sophomore campaigns. Each member of the supporting cast has found their niche; Taylor has progressed from an ACL injury early in her career to start every game at guard this season, Dixon has established herself as a long range sharpshooter, Doolittle has become a post presence with the team-lead in blocks and Logic has logged the most floor time of any team member. With Big Ten tournament and postseason games looming, the Hawkeyes are looking to rebound down the homestretch and find themselves in the title hunt. Big Ten tournament games take place in Illinois from March 7-10, with first round tournament games in Iowa City starting March 24.
Photo courtesy of Iowa Athletic Communications Office
With first and second round games slated for Iowa City in late March, the Hawkeye women are looking to overcome a spell of nail-biting losses and reach the “Big Dance” slated for their own backyard. The Hawkeyes, who have reached the NCAA tournament in each of the past five seasons, are looking for their tenth trip to college basketball’s preeminent postseason competition under coach Lisa Bluder. Among the many milestones for the Hawkeye women this year is the pursuit of a record on the sideline. Coach Bluder entered the 20122013 with 230 victories at Iowa; that number placed the 13th year head coach second all time in school history. Bluder, who is also the longest tenured current head coach in the Big Ten, has been chasing down hall-offamer C. Vivian Stringer, the current Rutgers coach who tallied 269 wins during her time at Iowa. Iowa’s season began with a fast start, opening the non-conference schedule with a 6-3 record. The in-state battles followed next, with the Hawkeyes coming out on top in each contest. Iowa topped UNI and Iowa State at home before dominating Drake on the road, 82-65.
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Iowa teams top GPAC regular season
College
Morningside, Concordia, Briar Cliff and Northwestern stand amongst the elite of the nation With the last five NAIA Division II women’s basketball national championships coming home with Iowa teams, the Great Plains Athletic Conference has become the standard for the league. Heading down the home stretch into the national tournament, each of the four revered GPAC schools—Morningside, Concordia, Briar Cliff and Northwestern-stand among the elite teams in the nation. “In the GPAC we spend a little bit of time beating each other up, but I think it’s good for us and prepares one another for tough and competitive games. Over the years there has been a level of respect earned from performances in the national tournament.” Sixth-ranked Morningside has risen to the top of the conference standings. The three-time national champions, whose most recent title came in 2009, look poised to make another postseason push. The Mustang women rallied late in the season, after falling to thennumber two Concordia. Despite being swept by Concordia, Morningside holds season sweeps over fellow conference heavyweights Northwestern and Briar Cliff. While All-American senior Chelsie Trask remains the leader of the Mustangs, head coach Jamie Sale has had to look elsewhere for players to step up.
Morningside takes on Briar Cliff
“Teams have really worked to take her away so she hasn’t scored as much this year, but it frees up others and they have been important to us playing well late in the year,” Sale said. Sophomore Ashlynn Muhl has stepped up to fill the scoring void, averaging over 11 points per game. The aforementioned Bulldogs are the highest ranked of the Great Plains schools, and the only school outside of Iowa with a place in the polls. The Bulldogs stumbled late in the season, dropping three games since late January and accumulating four losses in conference play, leading to a tight battle for second place in the Great Plains. Among the four ranked teams in the conference, Briar Cliff may be considered the most pleasant surprise. The last five GPAC conference titles have been
Photo courtesy of Morningside Athletics Communications
Darrin Cline | Sports Spotlight Contributor
split between Concordia, Morningside and Northwestern College, while Briar Cliff has yet to lay claim to conference gold since joining the Great Plains Athletic Conference in 2002-2003. However, the Chargers have found their stroke late in the season. Despite an intense schedule, the Charger women came away victorious in all but two contests since the start of the spring semester. They capped off a dominant four game win streak by defeating preseason conference favorite Concordia. In the recent years of NAIA Division II women’s basketball, no team has dominated like Northwestern. Not only have the women claimed two of the last three conference titles, but the Red Raider women have earned five national titles this millennium—2001, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012. “We’ve got a really competitive group of young ladies and I feel like they challenge each other well each day,” Northwestern Head Coach Yaw said. “For us it’s attention to details; how do my details as a shooting guard blend with your details as a power forward. With everybody doing that, we grow as a team.” While they may have entered the season with a target on their back, the Red Raiders are working just to keep pace with their conference foes. Since
dropping three early matchups in November; they are personifying the parity of the conference, and have split with Concordia and Briar Cliff, leading an even tighter race at the top. Northwestern boasts the highest scoring individual player in the conference. Two-time All-American Kendra De Jong, the senior from Hospers, Iowa has averaged 17 points per game while also collecting nearly 10 rebounds per contest. The former conference Freshman of the Year has been flanked by a bevy of strong underclassmen. Samantha Kleinsasser, Karen Hutson and Ali Dunkleberger have each averaged doubledigit scoring nights for the Red Raiders. While they may be rivals on the court, Coaches Jamie Sale and Chris Yaw agree on the mentality of players coming from Iowa and neighboring states. According to Sale, they have been able to find well-coached players, who come to the college game ready to play. “I think there’s decent basketball programs in the Midwest so we get players that want that small town, small college lifestyle but are also very talented,” Yaw said. “You have kids that are multi-sport athletes growing up so they’ve learned how to compete, how to play as a team and that have developed a strong work ethic.”
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College
REIVERS FLOATING HIGH IN ICCAC
Iowa Western and Indian Hills Community Colleges are making a name for Iowa in the National Rankings Iowa Western Community College is placing themselves on a map like no one else in the conference. Their men’s basketball team is no exception. The Reivers are nationally ranked fifth in the nation going into the second-to-last weekend of February. That’s just fine for head coach Jim Morris. “We’ve been nationally recognized for a long time,” said Morris. “All the programs here at Western expect to compete at the national level. If you’re going to compete at in the ICCAC, you’re going to be nationally known, because this is one of the toughest conferences anywhere around.” He’s not kidding. While the Reivers are enjoying a top five ranking, Indian Hills Community College is also right up there, and even ahead of Iowa Western at No. 3 at the Division I level of the NJCAA. Meanwhile, at the NJCAA Division II level, Iowa Lakes is ranked eighth in the nation with Kirksville not too far behind with votes received. Each team sits with a 26-2 record with one regular season game to go, and competed twice this season, and it was Indian Hills coming out on top each time. “Indian Hills has a tremendous program over there, and we consider them a big rival. They’re very, very big, probably one of the biggest in the country,” said Morris. “They’re very well coached.” Iowa Western’s first matchup with the Warriors was on Jan. 19 where the Reivers fell 79-64, but it also snapped an impressive 20-game winning streak built by the Reivers to start the season. In that first game, Iowa Western shot 34 percent
from the floor, but that wasn’t even a season-low for them. Despite winning 51-41 on Dec. 8 against Southwestern Community College, the Reivers shot 31 percent, and still won by double digits. From Nov. 3 to that road loss in Ottumwa on Jan. 19, the Reivers were Tavian Pomlee dunks for Iowa near-spotless. Before Western their conference opener against Iowa Lakes, which was a three-point win, the closest margin of victory was six in the Reiver Classic. Outside of that, it was all smooth sailing for the Reivers until the Warriors showed up. This conference is known for its winning streaks and traditions. Indian Hills once broke UCLA’s winning streak of 89 games while Southeastern in Burlington is the winningest men’s basketball at the junior college basketball level. “This conference is chock full of winning tradition,” said Morris. “We’re fairly new to the game compared to some of the other programs, but we’re doing well over here, too.” The team is led by sophomore guard Devin Brooks, who is averaging 15.2 points per game.
Photo courtesy of Iowa Western Community College
Zach James | Sports Spotlight Contributor
“He can break you down off the dribble, he’s very quick off the ball,” said Morris. “He’s a very high level player and many guard s in the league are having trouble defending him one-on-one.” Morris also compliments Brook’s ball handling skills, which are some of the best on the team. Brooks leads team with five assists a game, best on the team. Morris points out that in a college game where guards are becoming the focus of the game, Morris trusts the ones he’s brought to Iowa Western. “Guards win you games, and ours certainly have this year,” said Morris. “Teams that have good guards win a lot of games, and we believe we have good guards this year.” One uncanny stat that fans will find in the Reivers’ statbook is minutes per game. While it might look deceiving at first, the stats don’t lie – the most minutes for an individual is Brooks with just under five minutes a game. “We’ve got tremendous athletes who are capable of playing,” said Morris. A couple of those athletes who are making a presence down low are Davenport Central graduate Tavian Pomlee and Miami , Fla. native Tyrone Houghton. “Houghton’s name may not be mentioned as a top scorer, but he’s a shot-blocker,” said Morris. “Houghton has defended the basket tremendously, and then on the other side you’ve got Tavian who can shoot the ball really well.” Houghton is averaging three blocks a game for the Reivers.
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Pick up a copy of the Sports Spotlight magazine each and every month at over 490 Casey’s General Stores across the state. Casey’s and Sports Spotlight are teaming up to support positive participation in athletics and activities by acknowledging active Iowans who are passionate and living their lives to the fullest.
Drake Relays DRAKE RELAY writer | Sports Spotlight Contributor
Some will tell you that the Drake Relays have a cult following in the state of Iowa because it is the “only dance in town.” Well, thanks to Hy Vee, if it was really the only dance it has been upgraded to the Prom. Part of this exciting new phase is more $500,000 in prize money for a field that currently features 16 medalists from the 2012 London Olympic Games and a world record holder already confirmed to compete at the Relays with more to potentially join the star-studded field at a later date. Those Olympians and professional athletes will compete in ‘London Rematches’ for a $50,000 purse in the running events and a $25,000 purse in the field events. The purses are the largest for an event in the United States and $20,000 more than is offered by the Diamond League, the sport’s top professional circuit. The 104th running of America’s Athletic Classic should be one to behold. It should also be a very important line item, to an already impressive resume’, in the application process for the 2016 Olympic Trials for Track and Field. The City of Des Moines and Drake University have become huge players in the world of track and field, beyond The Relays. In addition to the 2013 Relays, Drake and the The Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau will play hosts to the 2013 USATF Outdoor National Championships. With Hy Vee now serving as the presenting sponsor The Relays have resources that they have never had before. What Drake has been able to do on a budget that was miniscule compared to other major meets across the nation speaks volumes to the dedication of its staff, Iowa in general and the diehard track fans of the Midwest. “The Drake Relays is one of the crown jewels of track and field - an event that has transcended athletic competition to become a true community celebration,” says Randy Edeker, chairman, CEO and president of Hy-Vee, Inc. “Hy-Vee is thrilled to partner with Drake as the university builds on a proud tradition and ushers in an exciting new era for the Relays.”
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“Our relationship with Hy-Vee will further the legacy of the Drake Relays as never imagined before,” says Brian Brown, the Franklin P. Johnson Director of the Drake Relays. “The athletes and fans will be truly inspired by the level of competition at the Blue Oval for the 104th running of America’s Athletic Classic. I have never been this excited about the athletes that you will see compete at the Drake Relays this year.” Along with the exciting live action on the Blue Oval, The Relays and London Gold Medalists Aries Merritt, Felix Sanchez, Renaud Lavillenie, Jenn Suhr and Brittany Reese, will be featured on ESPN2 with 90 minutes of action packed coverage to broadcast in primetime! In addition to the enhanced level of professional competition inside Drake Stadium, the partnership with Hy-Vee will also invigorate the Relays’ road races with $120,000 in prize money awarded to the top finishers in the Wellmark Grand Blue Mile, 10-kilometer race, half marathon, and a new 6-kilometer race staged in conjunction with Character Counts in Iowa. The 6-kilometer distance is representative of Character Counts in Iowa’s Six Pillars of Character - Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring and Citizenship. Character Counts in Iowa will receive a portion of
the proceeds from the 6-kilometer race. Total attendance at the 2012 Drake Relays was39,319. The Saturday session was sold out for the 47th consecutive year, and a total of 14 records were broken. With a World Class field on hand for the 2013 addition along with the best collegiate performers from across the country and the very best high schoolers in Iowa, look for the attendance mark and that number 14 to be surpassed! With Hy Vee’s sponsorship the Drake Relays have been taken to a new level. Former Relays Director Mark Kostek, made many huge much needed changes to the Drake Relays of old; most importantly and impressively being the renovation of Drake Stadium. Now Brian Brown has come along as the meet Director and along with Drake President Sandy Hatfield Clubb has moved this gem to uncharted territory. Many people don’t understand that athletes don’t show up to compete at your event, just because “you asked them”. There are agents involved, there are fees, and there are logistics, among other things, that come into play in negotiations. Not only with the professional athletes but the collegiate teams as well. It is a year round process to keep the Drake Relays
at the top of the list of meets that athletes and fans want to attend. The amount of time spent by people behind the scenes to make it all happen would boggle the mind of most. The number of officials it takes to put on a meet of this magnitude, most of which do it for a t-shirt and a cold meet sandwich, is over the top as well. We are lucky here in our little state of Iowa, to have an event that the world’s very best athletes want to attend. They don’t just want to compete. They want to battle down the front stretch or the back stretch of the Blue Oval. Battle in one of the jump pits or the throws rings. They want to hear that sold out crowd cheer them on. They want to hear the ghost of the late, great Jim Duncan say, “Bring ‘em around East Side.” The 104th running of America’s Athletic Classic promises to be one of the greatest Drake Relays in its storied history and it is scheduled for April 24-27 at Drake Stadium. This meet is legendary and you need to be a part of it. Go to www.DrakeRelays.com and get more information. Read the history of America’s Athletic Classic then go: GoDrakeBulldogs.com or call (515) 271-DOGS (3647) and buy your tickets!
The Drake Relays hosts runners from all over the world, from youth to professional athletes.
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Pros
LOCAL PLAYERS SUIT UP FOR THE BUCS The Des Moines Buccaneers are optimistic that their Iowan players will make a late season push Scott Montesano | Sports Spotlight Contributor
Iowans love to feel a connection to their athletes and the notion of supporting the “Hometown Star” is a given. No matter the level of competition, the citizens of this state want to be able to relate to those they are cheering and finding that connection has rarely been difficult except when it comes to the sport of hockey. Though hockey has proven itself to be a popular spectator sport in the state (approximately 400,000 people attended United States Hockey League games in Iowa in 2011-2012), current Florida Panther goaltender, and Urbandale native, Scott Clemmensen remains the lone Iowa-born National Hockey League player. Des Moines Buccaneers’ forward Willem Nong-Lambert may one day change that statistic but at the very least he is showing that the sport has potential beyond just spectators in the state. A product of both the Des Moines Youth Hockey system and the Des Moines Capitals high school team, the 19-year old Nong-Lambert made the jump to Junior A hockey this season. He was signed by the United States
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Hockey League’s Green Bay Gamblers but acquired by the Buccaneers’ in a trade on October 11th and almost immediately made an impact. He scored a goal in seven of his first 12 games, including a franchise-record six-game goal scoring streak in late November. That streak was capped by a game winner late in regulation on November 21st at home against Waterloo. “We knew the potential he had but to be honest, we didn’t expect it so soon” says Buccaneers’ head coach Jon Rogger. Even as the calendar flips to February, he continued to lead the league in shooting percentage and the Buccaneers in goals scored. Central Iowa natives have made appearances with the Buccaneers Nong-Lambert throughout the team’s 30 + year his- for the Buccaneers Photo courtesy of Bryce tory, though Nong-Lambert is the Loshman first since the 2008-2009 campaign and his presence is a long way from a
publicity stunt. He entered the month of February tied for the team lead in goals (12) and verbally committed to Division I Western Michigan University in late January. “We’re in the business of winning games and (Willem) wouldn’t be here if he couldn’t help us achieve that” notes Rogger. Even if Nong-Lambert’s career peaks at Western Michigan, it will be quite the accomplishment. Unlike sports such as basketball, in which well over 300 colleges sport Division I basketball programs, hockey is much more selective. Only a few dozen schools play at the Division I level with precise limited scholarships to pass around. Nonetheless, dreams of reaching the NHL are alive in every player in the
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Pros
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hockey isn’t shocking either. Along with Nong-Lambert, West Des Moines’ Garrett Cecere also plays in the USHL for the Tri-City Storm and his older brother Nick currently skates at the NCAA Division I level. In addition, though not the NHL, West Des Moines native and former Buccaneer Derek Elliott is skating professional for the Fayetteville FireAntz of the Southern Pro Hockey League. The Buccaneers, and Nong-Lambert, are optimistic for a late season push that would propel the team into the USHL postseason. Under new head coach Jon Rogger, and an almost entirely new team, the Buccaneers have surprised some around the league with their competitiveness in what many believed would be a “rebuilding” year. Des Moines entered February only three games out of a playoff spot with still two months to go in the season.
* All photos courtesy of Bryce Loshman
USHL and Nong-Lambert and his teammates are justified in believing. The Buccaneers alone have six alumni currently in the NHL and another 15 who have made it that far. “Reaching the NHL is a very real possibility for anyone who plays in the USHL and that includes Willem” adds Rogger. Nong-Lambert isn’t the only local player to suit up for the Buccaneers this season as Des Moines native Patrick Grasso appeared in 10 games in October and November. Grasso, 16, is a member of the team’s affiliate list and is spending most of this year playing AAA midget hockey in Omaha with the hope he’ll be ready to join the team full-time next season. In fact, if one is surprised by the fact a local player is with the Buccaneers, they probably need to steady themselves with a chair upon learning that quietly the Central Iowa area has more than a few hidden success stories in hockey. Granted, the number of hockey players still pales in comparison to other sports, but at the same time a Central Iowa native advancing in
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Pros
The titans renovate their offense Chris Kokalis isn’t interested in talking about the past. The off season proves that. The Cedar Rapids Titans, a professional football team playing in the Indoor Football League, are coming off of their inaugural season where they learned a lot about themselves. However, Kokalis, the team’s general manager, is ready to contend for an IFL title and not be the new kids on the block anymore. “We have the guys in order to compete every night,” said Kokalis. “I really think we have the pieces in place. The one thing I can’t do is play on the field with them. I’ll do my part, the coaches will do theirs, and hopefully, the players follow suit.” Cedar Rapids is coming off a 4-10 first season, which Kokalis knows he can learn from that, but now is not the time to do so. “We realized our offense struggled, and that’s where we made most of our moves in the offseason,” said Kokalis. “I think we learned from the mistakes we made last year, and that’s the most important thing going forward.” The Titans finished last in the IFL in points per game last season with just over 35, which is also the amount of touchdowns Cedar Rapids scored.
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The Titans get ready at the line
Cedar Rapids wasted no time in the offseason making necessary moves on the offensive side. Kokalis went out and grabbed the leading rusher in the IFL in 2012 as well as one of the top receivers in the league. LaRon Council, who played for the Green Bay Blizzard, broke the single season IFL rushing record in a sport that more commonly showcases pass-
Photo courtesy of the Cedar Rapids Titans
Zach James | Sports Spotlight Contributor
ing. Council rushed for 1,040 yards. The last time an IFL running back had that many yards is a familiar name to Iowans: Former Coe RB Fred Jackson in 2005. Carl Sims is another prominent name the Titans linked themselves with over the winter. Sims has won back-to-back United Bowl titles with the Sioux Falls Storm, and Sims ha top five numbers in most receiving categories in 2012. “I think we’ve put together the right ingredients for success,” said Kokalis. “We’ve got a good mix of receivers, veterans and young guys alike. It was huge getting LaRon and Carl over the offseason. Our offensive production should be much better this season.” In indoor football, it’s also important to have a solid quarterback, and Cedar Rapids wasn’t afraid to go get a new one. Charles McCullum is coming off of an ankle injury he sustained in the season opener last season, but to Kokalis, he seems ready to go. “This is a guy who is very athletic, and at the end of the game, he wants the football,” said Kokalis. “It’s really good from a football perspective when you have a guy with high leadership
qualities leading the type of team that we have.” In 2010, McCullum had 45 passing TDs on 1,907 yards while running for 687 and 19 TDs. The next season with Seattle was also a solid one for McCullum with over 2,000 passing yards. “He’s probably the most athletic quarterback in the league,” said Kokalis. The Titans weren’t done there. Kokalis also went shopping for a new head coach, and he found Mark Stoute. “He’s got a deep willingness of helping players get to the next level,” said Kokalis. “He’s also very organized, and he’s been in pro football for nearly two decades. I think he’s a guy who can bring a championship to Cedar Rapids.” Stoute’s last assignment was with the Arena Football League’s Milwaukee Mustangs, where he was the director of player personnel and as an assistant. His last head coaching stint was in 2007 with the Laredo Lobos. Cedar Rapids opened up the season on Feb. 16 with a 41-31 win over Chicago. “We’re on the right track,” said Kokalis.
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Since Des Moines Orthopaedic Surgeons (DMOS) was established more than 45 years ago, we have maintained a singular mission: to provide our patients with the highest quality of orthopaedic care possible. Our commitment to this goal has led to our continued growth and expansion of services. The specialty of Orthopaedic Surgery involves the care of diseases and injuries to bones, joints, muscles and tendons. Orthopaedic surgeons treat fractures and dislocations, arthritis, and sprains and strains of ligaments and muscles. DMOS has three convenient clinic locations to serve you; West Des Moines, Des Moines and Carroll. We also have over a dozen satellite clinics to serve our neighboring communities.
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To provide the highest quality and most cost-effective orthopaedic care, the physicians at DMOS employ the most experienced and highly-trained staff available. Physicians have a direct team of professionals assisting them daily. This team consists of a secretary, a nurse or a Physicians Assistant (PA), and a patient-account representative. It is this physician’s team you will communicate with regularly while receiving your care at DMOS. The “team” promotes continuity in communication and personable service. X-ray technicians and orthopaedic cast technicians in the clinic also assist the physicians. These professionals will complete your necessary x-rays and application and fitting of casts, splints and braces. These personnel, through their
friendly assistance, will help make your visit a pleasant one. If at any time you have questions please do not hesitate to ask any one of our professionals. And now you can ask a DMOS professional right from the Sports Spotlight website with our new program: “Ask a DMOS DOC.” Have an orthopaedic related question? Ask your question and get it answered by an orthopaedic expert from Des Moines Orthopaedic Surgeons. You will receive a personal response by email within 2 business days. With your permission we will display your question and the associated response on the Sports Spotlight website for all to benefit from the information. Select questions may be published each month in the Sports Spotlight
magazine. If you give us permission to display your question and the response from the orthopaedic surgeon, your first name and the name of your town/community only will be displayed. Des Moines Orthopaedic Surgeons is able to answer questions as they relate to orthopaedics; this involves the care of disorders and injuries to the bone, joint, muscle and tendons. All posts in this forum are anonymous; only your first name and name of your community will be displayed. Without collecting a complete history and conducting an exam DMOS cannot make specific diagnoses or make specific recommendations. The suggestions given in this forum are for general information only.
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