Going for
4
Marlin and Sorensen seek elite 4-time champion status
Girls & Boys
State Basketball tournament previews
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Sports Spotlight U.S.A. Inc. 338 SW 6th Street Des Moines, Ia 515.244.1118
WWW .SPORTSSPOTLIGHT.COM
Contributors Rush Nigut President
rush@sportsspotlight.com
John Streets Operations Consultant john@sportsspotlight.com
Tony Atzeni Programming Director tony@sportsspotlight.com
Sam Taylor Art Director
GUNS-N-HOSES Local firefighters and policemen play hockey for charity.
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06
GV WRESTLING
HS BASKETBALL
Both the Boys and the Girls get ready for the State Tournaments.
The Vikings look to repeat a 2nd NAIA Championship.
sam@impactimagery.net
Ashton Weis Editor
editor@sportsspotlight.com
Emily gadient Graphic Designer art@sportsspotlight.com
Sarah Laughlin Graphic Designer art@sportsspotlight.com
Briana laubach Video Production support@sportsspotlight.com
Nicole Mittelbrun Marketing & Promotions
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SIMPSON BASKETBALL Coach Niemuth hits 500 wins.
27
IOWA ENERGY
The Energy are optimistic as playoff season begins.
support@sportsspotlight.com
President’s Note: Happy New Year! We have some amazing high school athletes featured in this issue including two wrestlers, Jake Marlin of Creston/Orient-Macksburg and Brandon Sorenson of Denver-Tripoli, who are both seeking to become four-time state champions! Be sure to browse our Web site or tune into our radio shows as we cover the upcoming winter state tournaments and meet. You won’t want to miss our photo and video galleries for all the highlights. We are also very happy to welcome two new sponsors, Bankers Trust and Kinetico. Bankers Trust sponsors our Coach with Character interviews on our radio program and has become a major sponsor for the magazine. Kinetico’s sponsorship has allowed us to add the “Pure Performance of the Month.” This month’s featured athlete is Ally Disterhoft of Iowa City West. Thank you so much to all our fine sponsors that allow us to feature Iowa student-athletes.
Going for 4
PG 16
Press Pass
GUNS-N-HOSES PlAY FOR CANCER
Firefighters and Policemen of Des Moines raise awareness and money for charity through hockey Deana Taylor | Sports Spotlight Contributor
Our daughter Mackenzy was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, a bone cancer in her left femur on July 14, 2011. Calling this a life changing experience would be an understatement. The day we received the news was the hardest day of our lives and with many more to come. Nothing can compare to watching your child deathly sick every day, tired, immobile, and in an extreme amount of pain. We always tried to keep in mind as hard as this was on us, it was harder for Mackenzy. Her journey did come with some light at the end of the tunnel. She found an awe inspiring strength and courage. As a family we were very abruptly reminded what is truly important in life. Thankfully there are people and organizations out there that feel the same way. They dedicate their time and money in an effort to bring light to children in very dark places. Make-AWish is one of those organizations. Like a lot of girls, Mackenzy likes to think of herself as a princess. When Make-AWish granted her the opportunity to go to Disneyland it was a dream come true. It was a magical experience and it gave Mackenzy something to focus on while everything around her seemed quite the opposite. It is the most humbling experience to have complete strangers extend their hands when hope is fleeting. Since then Mackenzy has made her recovery and is currently in remission. She is in school and being a normal kid again thanks to all the people who stood beside us. Guns-N-Hoses are another organization that is special to us. Last year’s recipient of their Firemen vs. Police Officers hockey game benefit was
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Volume 1 Issue 6
Children’s Cancer Connection. They connected our family with Travis Hamilton for Mackenzy to be Kid Captain for the Firefighters. Members of the Des Moines Metro Police, Firefighters and EMS come together in a competitive game of hockey at Bucs Arena with the goal of helping combat children’s cancer. At the time Mackenzy was very sick and was not sure if she was able to make it to the game. Firefighters Greg Willis and Kris Ruszkowski came to visit Mackenzy at Blank Children’s Hospital and gave her that extra excitement to get out of the hospital. Mackenzy was released the day before the game and had a great time. It was amazing to see her interact
with the players, promoters, and audience. They made her feel very special that day. March 3rd at 1:30pm is Guns-NHoses’ 8th Annual Hockey Benefit game with DSM Metro Firefighters and EMS against DMS Metro Police. This year Make-A-Wish of Iowa will be the recipient of all proceeds. We asked a few
questions to Travis Hamilton, who is not only the director of this year’s event, but also has been touched personally by MakeA-Wish through his son Trae’s journey. How did you decide with Make A Wish as this year’s recipient? After last year’s event, which was by far the biggest year so far, I was asked to coordinate the 8th Annual Guns N Hoses benefit hockey game again. I knew in my heart that I really wanted to coordinate the event again and agreed to do so as long as Make-A-Wish Iowa was the charity we were donating too. Much like you, my son Trae is also a “wish kid” and our family has had the opportunity to experience the excitement and unbelievable treatment that everyone associated with Make-A-Wish provide to these children and their families. Can you share your personal experience with Make A Wish and what it meant for you and your family? We were notified that Trae had been nominated and selected to receive his “wish” and at this point Trae was still pretty young and didn’t really understand. We were told that he had been granted his “wish” and that he could take it anytime before turning 18 years old so we waited a year or two until he was old enough to decide what his “wish” was on his own, and so he got to do what he wanted. Of course, like any other young child he picked to go to Walt Disney World in Orlando Florida.
How do we purchase tickets and shirts? Each year we design a special t-shirt that is sold and all proceeds go to the selected charity. This year we also added hooded sweatshirts. These items will be available anytime and we will have them at the game on March 3rd as well. The long sleeve t-shirts are $15.00 and the hooded sweatshirts are $30.00 How can private donation be made? This annual event starts each year with a budget of $0.00 and works 100% off donations and sponsorships to raise as much money as possible for that year’s selected charity. We are always accepting free will donations and have many sponsorship levels available. What is the hardest part of organizing past, present and future events, and what we can do as a community to contribute? The hardest part is making the contacts necessary to make the event successful. As a police officer, I don’t have any experience in soliciting donations or asking for sponsorships from different businesses and private donors so it was really stepping outside my comfort box, but now that the contacts are made and
we have a strong following of supporters who believe in our event and are willing to provide continued support year in and year out it’s much easier the second time around. With that being said, I’ve also set my fundraising goal higher than last year so it’s still takes a lot of effort, but it’s something I enjoy doing and I hope after I step aside, that someone from the Police or Fire teams will step forward and continue moving the event forward for many years to come.
SportsSpotlight.com
In the
Spotlight Youth
All photos were taken at the Crestion fourth grade girls’ basketball tournament and the Lincoln Rails seventh grade boys’ basketball tournament. 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
West Des Moines Thunder vs. Ankeny Lightning
Creston Black vs. Carroll Tigers
Indianola Indians vs. DCG Fillies
Waukee Warriors vs. Ankeny Lightning
Indianola Indians vs. DCG Fillies
Indianola Indians
West Des Moines Thunder vs. Ankeny Lightning
West Des Moines Thunder vs. Waukee Warriors
Indianola Indians
Creston Black
Waukee Warriors vs. Ankeny Lightning
High School
HIGH SCHOOL BOYS STATE BASKETBALL
Tony Atzeni | Programming Director
Class 4A Substate 1 Sioux City East and Sioux City North look to be getting ready to play for a third time this season. The Black Raiders won the first meeting, 58-56 so nothing looks clear-cut as to who will advance. East is led by Marcel Dunson, one of the top scorers in Class 4A. The North Stars look toward a sophomore in Daniel Tillo and his 20-plus points per game along with many underclassmen that are only getting better. Substate 2 West Des Moines Valley will lean heavily on the Class 4A leading scorer, Peter Jok in hopes of advancing to the state tournament. Des Moines Roosevelt and Johnston look to pose the biggest hurdle for the Tigers. The Roughriders are led by Chris Bennett and the Dragons by Jay Knuth. Substate 3 Western Dubuque (Epworth) was the state runner-up last season but that was in 3A. The jump in class does not look to make it improbable that the T J Lake led Bobcats can once again make the trip to Des Moines. Cedar Falls will be a factor with Kalehl Brown leading the way for the Tiger as well as Cedar Rapids Kennedy and their balanced squad. Substate 4 Dubuque Senior is the favorite here with wins over most in this substate. The rams bring no wow factor but just bring a solid team effort, night in and night out. Linn-Mar (Marion) hopes to keep their state tournament qualifying run going and Cedar Rapids Xavier is another that hope the challenge for the state ticket. Substate 5 Bettendorf made a huge statement in their mid-January win over North Scott (Eldridge). Cole Clearmann leads a balanced attack offensively. The Lancers look to be the only team with a shot at beating the Bulldogs but will need to erase the loss from their minds as they move forward. Substate 6
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Volume 1 Issue 6
The defending state champions are City) is a very familiar name that finds ready and primed for a back-to-back their way to Des Moines and this season tournament run. One question is if looks to be much the same. Kyle Heaton they can duplicate what Ames did a few and Shane Graves carry the offensive years back with an unbeaten run. The load with their only losses coming to Trojans have five players averaging at 4A powers Sioux City East and Sioux or near double-figures and four starters City North and South Sioux City (NE). back from last season title team. Cedar MOC-Floyd Valley, LeMars and Spencer Rapids Jefferson is a deep sleeper. are the sleepers with Spencer the only Substate 7 one not to face the Crusaders this Ankeny hopes to get back for another season. shot. The Hawks will count on the Substate 2 inside-outside combo of Ted FriedWaverly-Shell Rock and Iowa Fallsman and Bryan Sumner. This may be Alden looked to be on course to meet one of the deeper substates in 4A with but Humboldt has also joined the party Des Moines North, Dowling Catholic along with Clear Lake. The Go-Hawks and Waukee all very capable on any will count on UNI recruit, Klinton given night. The Polar Bears are led by Carlson while the Cadets bring one of Teyontae Jenkins and Terrance Busch, the top scorers in 3A in Casey Schlatter both in the top-ten in many 4A statistiand his 25-plus points per game average. cal categories. The Warriors are led by The Wildcats and Lions have shown the sophomore Michael Jacobson and the ability to compete with this group. Maroons just seem to find somebody Substate 3 different to step up when needed with Vinton-Shellsburg looks to have a state their balanced lineup. championship feel to them this season. Substate 8 Grant Sagen leads the Vikings who really Urbandale gets the slightest of edges her have not been tested for the most part with Des Moines Hoover very proven this season. Crestwood (Cresco) should and Southeast Polk capable. The Jnot be overlooked with their balanced Hawks are deep and have a number squad and nice win over New Hampof ways to beat you offensively, with ton. The two look to be destined for the solid outside shooting which leads to substate final meeting. easy inside baskets. The Huskies and JSubstate 4 Hawks played a triple overtime game in Davenport Assumption plays the tough mid-January that Urbandale won 68-65. schedule to get them post season ready. Malichi Canada and Chris King lead Des They also are pretty darn good with Billy Moines Hoover who always bring a solid Daniel and Matt Vonderhaar leading the defensive game and always seem to find way. A number of teams look to upset a way to have a chance to win every time the apple cart which include Center they play. Point-Urbana, and Central Clinton Tony’s Class 4A State (DeWitt) but the one Tournament Picks: with the most promSioux City North, ise is Anamosa led by West Des Moines ValSpencer Barnes. ley, Western Dubuque Substate 5 (Epworth), Dubuque Mount Pleasant is Senior, Bettendorf, looking to defend Iowa City West, Anktheir Class 3A title eny, Urbandale and in a very balClass 3A anced 3A again this Substate 1 season would not Class 4A defending Bishop Heelan (Sioux champions, Iowa City West completely count the
Panthers out. Ottumwa transfer, Faith Pope has been a huge addition to giving Mount Pleasant a shot. Solon has recent basketball tradition and is one of the challengers along with Fort Madison and Keokuk. Substate 6 Grinnell would like another shot in Des Moines but will have to battle past Centerville and Pella to do so with Chariton and Bondurant-Farrar sleepers. Joe Nowasell and Eli Dunne lead the Tigers attack. The Big Red has four players averaging double figures led by Kolton Gonnerman. Strength of schedule may keep people from believing in them so they will be playing with something to prove. Pella has such great basketball tradition, so it is hard to leave the Little Dutch out of any conversation. Substate 7 Dallas Center-Grimes will be the favorite but like almost the entire 3A field, the Mustangs will not jump off the page when you watch them but when the final horn sounds the scoreboard finds the Mustangs usually on the winning side. Austin Rix causes plenty of trouble on defense and on the boards. Norwalk and the Mustangs will meet in late January and that could tell a bit more as the Warriors also are playing good basketball. Tate Handsaker leads a solid Nevada Cubs team that may be flying a bit under the radar. Substate 8 Atlantic, Creston, Carroll and Harlan all play in the Hawkeye Ten and know plenty about each other. Nobody through mid-January had shown they were capable of being THE team in this group so it really comes down to surviving and advancing here. The Trojans are led by Dalton Franken while the Tigers toward Cody Netusil for leadership. The Cyclones have Trey Lansman and the Panthers with Luke Neitzel and Colby Taylor. Tony’s Class 3A State Tournament Picks: Bishop Heelan (Sioux City), Waverly-Shell Rock, Vinton-Shellsburg, Davenport Assumption, Mount Pleas-
SportsSpotlight.com
High School
ant, Grinnell, Dallas Center-Grimes, Atlantic Class 2A Substate 1 District 1 Western Christian (Hull) is once again where you start as the Wolfpack led by Michael DenHerder have only a loss to 4A contender Sioux City North in triple overtime. District 2 Sheldon is the team to beat with Dallas Ennema leading the way. Spirit Lake will be the challenger with Alec Henrickson the key to the offense. Substate 2 District 3 This may be one of the more balanced districts in the class with nearly every team posting a winning record. St. Edmond (Fort Dodge) has tradition on their side but Manson-NW Webster may have an edge with victories over East Sac County and South Central Calhoun in the regular season. District 4 West Fork is the team to beat with the one-two punch of Payton Plagge and Sam Amsbaugh. Garner-Hayfield/Ventura and Forest City look to be the two with the best chance for the upset. Substate 3 District 5 Led by Kyle Smith and a very balanced group behind him, New Hampton will be the team to beat here. Osage looks to be the sleeper. District 6 West Marshall (State Center) and Hudson look to be the two that meet for the rights to play in the substate final game. Duncan Ferch leads Trojans while the Pirates will counter with Isaiah Rusted. Aplington-Parkersburg could be upset the apple cart. Substate 4 District 7 MFL, Mar-Mac (Monona) has the edge in a pretty solid district with the likes of Clayton Ridge (Guttenberg), Beckman (Dyersville) and Sumner-Fredericksburg all viable contenders. CJ Mason is the leader for the Bulldogs who to date has suffered just a lone loss to Prairie du Chien (WI). District 8 Cascade (Western Dubuque) has pretty much had their way but still a question on the level of their opponents this season. Substate 5 District 9 Northeast (Goose Lake) and North Cedar (Stanwood) look to be the two with the best chance for a substate final game ticket. The Knights have the experience of this road of late with state tournament trips while the Rebels. The two will meet later in the season and could SportsSpotlight.com
give an indication of the which team gets the edge. District 10 West Branch has one of the top scorers in the state in Rylan Murry and is the favorites in this district but look out for Wilton with Cole Crawford who although losing in their first meeting, showed they are going to be a factor. Substate 6 District 11 Notre Dame-Burlington has four players scoring in double figures led by Alex Kuster and Kullen Koelker and their only loss this season to Class 1A power Danville. District 12 Should be a well-earned substate ticket here with a balanced group led by PCMMonroe and Pella Christian with their schools post season experience maybe a plus. Both teams are balanced and played a tougher schedule to help in the post season process. Substate 7 District 13 Des Moines Christian is back is the post season picture and will be the team to beat here led by Jared Jones. North Polk, Roland-Story and Van Meter would like to play the spoiler roll. District 14 Nodaway Valley (Greenfield) will be a very tough out with Alex Welsch and Brad Baudler a strong combo leading the way. The substate final could be a great preview to the state tournament. Substate 8 District 15 Treynor and St. Albert (Council Bluffs) should meet for the substate ticket. The Cardinal is led by Alec Sorensen while the Falcons will count on a tough defense. District 16 IKM-Manning has the edge with a win over Kuemper Catholic (Carroll). The Knights record is deceiving because of the tough Hawkeye Ten schedule. Maple Valley-Anthon-Oto could pull off the upset special. Tony’s Class 2A State Tournament Picks: Western Christian (Hull), West Fork, New Hampton, MFL, Mar (Monona), West Branch, PCM-Monroe, Nodaway Valley (Greenfield), IKMManning Class 1A Substate 1 District 1 Harris-Lake Park is the favorite led by Eli Ihnen but look for West Lyon (Inwood) and Rock Valley to be a threat in the district. District 2 Boyden-Hull has such tradition and plays a tough schedule each year you usually need to overlook the record. Last season was an example of just that.
The Comets are a balanced group this season led by J C Koerselman and Riley Francis. Gehlen Catholic (LeMars) looks to be a very strong contender with Hinton and Marcus-Meriden-Cleghorn also in the mix. Substate 2 District 3 Three teams look to battle for the one substate spot here with North Iowa (Buffalo Center) looking to make a repeat trip to Des Moines. Belmond-Klemme and Bishop Garrigan (Algona) will be a major factor with Newman Catholic (Mason City) a sleeper with a win earlier in the season against Belmond-Klemme. District 4 Wide open district with no real standout. Wapsie Valley (Fairbank) could be the team to beat but you can make a case for a number of teams after that. Substate 3 District 5 Dunkerton and North Linn (Troy Mills) look to be headed into a district final meeting. The Lynx look to have played the tougher schedule during the regular season and are led by Hunter Pflughaupt while the Raiders will counter with Kory Kuenstling. District 6 Lone Tree is loaded and pretty much controlled their opponents during the regular season led by Bryan Forbes. A number of teams are hoping to have the opportunity including Highland (Riverside), Marquette Catholic (Bellevue), Midland (Wyoming) and Preston. Substate 4 District 7 Iowa Mennonite (Kalona) has made many trips to Des Moines and may have the slight edge here with three players averaging 15-plu per game led by Dallas Nye. Lynnville-Sully, Montezuma and even B-G-M (Brooklyn) will be the challengers. District 8 Four teams have my attention in this highly contested district. North Tama (Traer) has four players that average at or near double figures while AGWSR (Ackley) will count on Josh Bagley. Colo-Nesco has Brandon Niemeyer and Gladbrook-Reinbeck is led by Zach Pierce. Substate 5 District 9 Danville looks to get back to Des Moines for a third straight season but have some unfinished business if they make the trip and that is simply winning a state title. Led by the twin brother combo of Steven and Michael Soukup the Bears will be a tough out. Keota may have the best chance at the upset. District 10 Moulton-Udell, Sigourney and Pleasantville look to be in a battle for the
substate ticket. Sigourney is led by Vaclac Bujnoch with his 20-plus per game average. The Trojans like to get up and down the court led by Dylan Lauer while the Eagles bring a balanced group led by Kalen Martsching. Substate 6 District 11 This looks to be a wide-open district with four teams fighting for the substate spot. Guthrie Center has Adam and Caleb Courtney leading the way while Ankeny Christian has their one-two scoring punch in JJ Waddle and Ben Taylor. Grandview Park Baptist (Des Moines) is led by Jon LukeTalton but did lose to the Eagles during the regular season. Adair-Casey will count on Spence Rochhloz and will need to turn losses into wins against the Eagles and Defenders. District 12 Lamoni and Murray look to be set for a district final meeting. The Demons have their own double-double machine in Jeremy Deemer while the Mustangs counter with Austin Halls, one of the top scorers in the state. Murray won the first meeting during the regular season by two points but the Devils won the conference tournament meeting.. Substate 7 District 13 Villisca, East Mills, Fremont-Mills (Tabor) and Sidney should battle in a balanced district. The Cowboys have had success against Fremont-Mills and Villisca. District 14 Ricky Williams and Riverside (Oakland) look ready to make the trip to Des Moines. The road block would come in the substate final if there is one. Substate 8 District 15 Lawton-Bronson looks solid with a big win over IKM-Manning during the regular season. West Monona (Onawa) is the sleeper but did lose to the Eagles earlier this season. Woodbury Central (Moville) also lost the Lawton-Bronson early in the season and is a danger along with Ar-We-Va (Westside). District 16 St. Marys (Storm Lake) looks to make a third straight trip to Des Moines and will be the favorite in this substate led by Luke Lenhart and Kennedy Drey who both average over 20 points per game. Newell-Fonda would like to think they have a shot to end the run. The teams met twice this year with the Panthers sweeping the series. Tony’s Class 1A State Tournament Picks: Boyden-Hull, North Iowa (Buffalo Center), Lone Tree, Iowa Mennonite (Kalona), Danville, Murray, Riverside (Oakland), St. Mary’s (Storm Lake) Volume 1 Issue 6
7
Student
Athlete
of the
MONTH
Presented by the Governor’S Traffic Safety Bureau- IowaGTSB.org
it k c i Cl t e k c i or t
Katie’S Q & A
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SPORT TO PLAY WHY?
Achievements Sports
softball, basketball & cross country
Academic Achievements/Honors High Honor Roll and Gold Renaissance
Athletic Achievements/Honors
Softball: 1st Team All-State, 2012; 3rd Team All-State, 2010 and 2011; 1st Team All-Conference and All-District, 2010, 2011, 2012 Basketball: 2nd Team All-Conference, 2011 Cross Country: member of State Team, 2011 and 2012
It’s a tie between softball and basketball. Softball because of the versitility in base-running, fielding and hitting options. Basketball because of the fast-paced, aggressive play.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SPORTS MEMORY?
2012 Conference and City Champs in softball, also beating Linmar to advance to third round districts in softball.
DO YOU HAVE ANY FUN PRE-GAME “RITUALS” THAT PREPARE YOU FOR AN EVENT?
I listen to “Beauty and the Beat” before every game. I say a quick prayer during the National Anthem before every game. I do a special handshake with my twin.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL? WHY?
Science, I like experiments and solving equations.
WHO INSPIRES YOU? Why?
My twin sister, Kristie. We play basketball and softball together and we push each other to get better and we are always giving tips on how to improve. She makes me a better player and we feed off each other’s positive vibes.
WHAT WAS THE BEST MOVIE YOU SAW IN THE LAST YEAR? “The Hunger Games” I love action-packed movies.
COLLEGE OR POST-HIGH SCHOOL PLANS:
Attend college and hope to play softball and/or basketball, with a major in Education
WHAT IS YOUR DREAM JOB? Owning my own athletic store.
Katie Sommer Dubuque Senior High School - Class of 2014 / GPA 3.88
Jim Tarpey
Sales Manager Dean Foods - Lemars
515-822-4146
Dean Foods.com
NUTRITION
HEALTH WELLNESS
High School
HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS STATE BASKETBALL
Tony Atzeni | Programming Director
The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU) has released their 2013 Iowa high school basketball regional parings. As always, I like to take a look once they are out and make my choices as to who will battle for the trip to Des Moines and the state basketball championship tournament. This season is the first in the new five class format in basketball and although some teams look to have solid hopes of at least reaching the state tournament, this may be one of the most wide-open tournament runs we have seen over the many years of five player girls basketball. As I begin, let’s do so it Class 5A and Region 1, the team to beat will be Ankeny. Even with the losses of last season’s 4A state runner-up team, head coach Scott DeJong has them right back in the middle of the battle. It would be a surprise if they are not in Des Moines. In Region 2, Mason City will be the tough out. If they are healthy, something they have not been all season, the Mohawks should win. Jadda Buckley is scheduled to be ready for the tournament run. Dubuque Senior could spoil things otherwise. In Region 3, battle looks to be between Des Moines East and Waterloo West. Both are talented and deep with my edge going to the Scarlets because of their constant defensive pressure. Shareece Burrell and Roichelle Marble lead the Scarlets while the West will counter with Haley Puk Blaire Thomas. In Region 4, the defending champions will have to be at their best for a return trip. Iowa City West led by one of the state’s top players in Ally Disterhoft hopes of going back will be by more than likely beating cross-town rival, Iowa City High and their talented group led by Haley Lorenzen and Mickey Hansche.. In Region 5, Muscatine is probably the favorite with Pleasant Valley capable. The Muskies are balanced led by Leti Lerma. In Region 6, Cedar Rapids Washington and Waukee look to be headed for a meeting to get the ticket to state. The Washington has Danielle
Franklin and Abby Herb who average In Region 5, Benton made it charge in both scoring and rebounding. in double figures while Waukee is led by without Madison Weekly at state last Harlan, Ballard (Huxley) and DenisonBritney Boland. In Region 7, Southyear. Now they hope to make the trip Schleswig look to be contenders. east Polk and West Des Moines Valley again, this time with her on the court. Tony’s Class 4A State Tournareceived the byes but Ames could also Oskaloosa and Mount Pleasant will be ment Picks: Bishop Heelan (Sioux have something to say. The Rams look factors. City), Waverly-Shell Rock, North to have the edge with Caitlin Ingle back In Region 6, two teams that are Scott (Eldridge) , Cedar Rapids Xavier, to lead the way. In Region 8, Dowling already familiar with each other look Benton Community (Van Horne), Dallas Catholic has the bye and the target on to maybe a rubber match to decide the Center-Grimes, Indianola and Perry their back with Council Bluffs Abe Linstate bid as In Class coln the Cinderella team this year in the Winterset 3A, Region field looking to gain some respect with and Dallas 1 MOCan upset. The Maroons have numbers CenterFloyd Valley and a balanced group while Abe Lincoln Grimes get should has to answer the question of strength of the favorites prevail for a schedule. check mark. return trip Tony’s The tough with the Class conference return of 5A State schedule has multi-sport Tournaprepared star Alexis ment both of Conaway Picks: them. The while in ReAnkeny, Huskies gion 2, Spirit Class 4A defending champions, Iowa City Mason will need Lake looks West City, Des to get back to have the Moines to full strength, especially with Mariah edge but Unity Christian (Orange City) East, Iowa Criswell. In Region 7, Indianola played is a sleeper. In Region 3, EsthervilleCity High, a tough 5A schedule and look ready but Lincoln Central has played great and a MusLewis Central has been out west and flytough schedule as well and is led by Allie catine, ing under the radar and will be a factor. and Casey Sievert and Emily Kirchner Waukee, The Indians top central Iowa schedule while in Region 4, Cascade has the edge Southeast should help in the post season run. In but the Crestwood (Cresco) – Waukon Polk and Britney Boland for Waukee Region 8, Perry looks ready after winner could spoil. Waukon has the Dowling playing a tough conference schedule. Class 3A leading scorer leading the way Catholic Claire Marburger leads the Bluejays in Daneshia Snitker. In Class 4A, the wide-open field beIn Region 5, gins with Region 1 where Bishop Heelan Davenport Assump(Sioux City) gets the edge with Spence tion is the favorite hoping to challenge. The Crusaders can not only here but for score in many different ways and tare another state title as deep. In Region 2, Waverly-Shell Rock they look for their will have the favorite status with one of 3rd straight. The extheir losses to 5A Dubuque Senior . In perience of Danielle Region 3, the battle looks to be between Moore and Kate FenWestern Dubuque (Epworth) and North nelly really help the Scott (Eldridge). The Lancers record Lady Knights hopes. is deceiving with most of their games In Region 6, Midagainst 5A teams. In Region 4, Cedar Prairie (Wellman) Rapids Xavier is used to the grind of the will be challenged regular season that readies them for the by Williamsburg or Class 3A defending champions, Davenport post season. Washington and Marion Mediapolis. Assumption look to provide the competition. All three teams
Keith Hennessey, CLU, LUTCF
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High School
count on all the pieces and defense which makes this one of the tougher regionals in the class. In Region 7, Bondurant-Farrar has been challenged all season in conference play and could get another from Central Lee (Donnellson) for the state ticket. Ashley Burrows leads B-F while Central Lee leans on Traci Keller. In Region 8, North Polk may be ready for the short drive to Des Moines after a great regular season. Miranda and Megan Murphy make a strong one-two punch. Tony’s Class 3A State Tournament Picks: MOC-Floyd Valley, Spirit Lake, Estherville-Lincoln Central, Cascade (Western Dubuque), Davenport Assumption, Williamsburg, BondurantFarrar and North Polk In Class 2A and beginning in Region 1, Western Christian (Hull) controls their destiny with Brooke Wolterstorff, one of the top female athletes in the state while Region 2 it will Panorama (Panora) that gets the edge but should be challenged here with Manson-NW Webster, St. Edmond (Fort Dodge) and Kuemper Catholic (Carroll) all very capable. In Region 3, AplingtonParkersburg and Hudson look to meet for the state trip. Hudson squeezed out a win the first meeting with one more on the schedule. In Region 4, North Butler (Greene) will once again be tough but watch for Maquoketa Valley (Dehli) and
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Class 2A defending champions, Western Hull Bellevue as solid contenders. In Region 5, North Linn (Troy Mills) is playing the best with Nicole Miller leading the way while in Region 6, North Mahaska (New Sharon) searches for another trip but should faces challenges from Pella Christian in their bracket and Woodward-Granger or Des Moines Christian in the regional finals. The Warhawks are led by all-stater Mallory Boyle. In Region 7, IKM-Manning is the strong favorite with Treynor a dark horse. Kaylee Blake leads the Wolves. In Region 8, Lawton-Bronson is strong with a trio of double-figures scorers led by Josie Kopal, Ashley Williams and
Taylor Williams. Hinton the sleeper. Tony’s Class 2A State Tournament Picks: Western Christian (Hull), Panorama (Panora), Hudson, North Butler (Greene), North Linn (Troy Mills), Woodward-Granger, IKM-Manning and Lawton-Bronson. In Class 1A, Region 1, Central Lyon (Rock Rapids) will be the team to beat with Lexi Ackerman leading their cause with West Sioux (Hawarden) in line if they slip. In Region 2, Newell-Fonda has tradition on their side and led by Ranee Maneman. North Iowa (Buffalo Center) hopes to write their own history. In Region 3, Grundy Center looks to
be in the driver’s seat with Samantha Meyers and Heather Hook while in Region 4, Burlington-Notre Dame with four players averaging double figures is the favorite with Preston hoping for the surprise. In Region 5, two teams with eyeopening season as Meskwaki Settlement (Tama) and Colo-Nesco could meet for a third time to decide the state trip. Dia Keahna leads one of the surprise teams this season in the Warriors. In Region 6, Adair-Casey has the edge with Moravia and Twin Cedars (Bussey) hoping for a shot. In Region 7, Bedford looks set for another state title shot with Murray the sleeper. The Bulldogs have the state tournament experience led by Savanna Thornton and Kayla Lindenmeyer. In Region 8, Ar-We-Va (Westside) is tough with Paige Danner and Gehlen Catholic (LeMars) should not Kendyl be over looked. Tony’s Class Gruttenmeyer 1A State Tourfor Bedford nament Picks: Central Lyon (Rock Rapids), Newell-Fonda, Grundy Center, Burlington-Notre Dame, Meskwaki Settlement (Tama), Adair-Casey, Bedford and Ar-We-Va (Westside).
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High School
The Oak Leafs and Jets Battle for Top Spot Des Moines and Kansas City fight to be the best in the Midwest Hockey League Tony Atzeni | Programming Director
The battle for the top team in the Midwest High School Hockey League is on as the Des Moines Oak Leafs (17-2-0) and Kansas City (17-3-0) stayed even heading into this week’s action. Both the Oak Leafs and Jets have key meetings this week, Des Moines at Lincoln and the Jets at Omaha for a two-game weekend series on the road. The Western Division continues to show its overall, top-to-bottom strength as every team in the division sports a winning record. Nothing changed at the divison level as the Oak Leafs lead the central, Waterloo leads the east and Kansas City leads the west. Individually, Mark Wishman (Ames) lead the varsity league in goals scored with 25 and is fifth in overall scoring. Logan Lopicka (Kansas City) is second in goals scored (23) and leads the league in assists (27) and lead the league in overall scoring with 50 points. In goal at the varsity level, Thomas Doheny (Des Moines Oak Leafs) lead the league in victories (16), goals against average (1.44), tied for first with four shutouts and second in save percentage (.925). Blair Sanders (Kansas City) leads the league in save percentage (.931), stopping 325 of 349 shots he has faced. Sanders also has four shutouts. At the junior varsity level, Keegan
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Lyon (Sioux City) leads the league in scoring with his 18 goals and 12 assists for 30 total points. Jon Mcmanus (Kansas City) leads in goals scored (19) Logan Lopicka while his for Kansas City teammate, Nick Cardin has dished out the most assists (17). In goal, Nicholas Goeke (Des Moines Oak Leafs) leads in victories (10) and shutouts (6) and is second in goals against average (0.91) and third in save percentage (.932). Erik Schuette (Kansas City) leads the league in save percentage (.973) and goals against average (0.54), stopping 182 of the 187 shots he has faced this season. Each week, look for updated standings, schedules and season statistical leaders in both the varsity and junior varsity leagues which will be posted every Monday at www.sportsspotlight. com.
MHSHL Varsity Standings (Win/Loss/Overtime Loss/Shootout Loss) Points: Central Division Des Moines Oak Leafs (19-2-0) - 38 Des Moines Capitals (10-9-0-1) - 21 Ames (9-11-1-1) - 20 Mason City (9-10-1) - 19 East Division Waterloo (12-7-0-1) - 25 Quad City (8-11-1) - 17 Dubuque (7-15-0) - 14 Cedar Rapids (1-16-1-1) – 4 West Division Kansas City (19-3-0) - 38 Sioux City (10-8-0-1) - 21 Lincoln (9-9-0-3) – 21 Omaha (9-9-0) – 18 MHSHL Varsity Statistical Leaders Top 10 Varsity Scoring Leaders (Goals/Assists-Points) 1-Logan Lopicka, Kansas City (25 Goals/30 Assists) - 55 2-Cody Maulsby, Mason City (25 Goals/25 Assists) – 48 3-Joe Burgmeier, Mason City (22 Goals/23 Assists) – 45 4-Connor Cox, Des Moines Oak Leafs (20 Goals/22 Assists) - 42 5-Michael Doheny, Des Moines Oak Leafs (22 Goals/19 Assists) – 41 6-Mark Wishman, Ames (27 Goals/13 Assists) - 40
7-A.j. Caskey, Des Moines Capitals (18 Goals/18 Assists) – 36 8-Tomas Lence, Ames (11 Goals/23 Assists) - 34 9-Austin Greenough, Des Moines Oak Leafs (11 Goals/19 Assists) - 30 10-Clayton Huss, Des Moines Oak Leafs (16 Goals/13 Assists) – 29 Varsity Goalie Leaders (Minimum 10 Games in Goal) (Wins/Losses/Ties/Shutouts) - Goals Against Average (GAA) 1-Thomas Doheny, Des Moines Oak Leafs (18-2-0-4) - 1.45 GAA 2-Anthony Galliart, Kansas City (7-00/2) – 1.80 GAA 3-Blair Sanders, Kansas City (12-3-0/4) - 1.81 GAA 4-Jarin Aden, Lincoln (9-8-0/0) – 2.40 GAA 5-Josh Stoos, Sioux City (10-4-0/2) – 2.66 GAA 6-Anthony Piscopo, Mason City (8-30/1) - 2.79 GAA 7-Connor Randleman, Omaha (7-8-0/1) – 2.82 GAA 8-Connor Weber, Waterloo (12-7-0/0) 2.92 GAA 9-Lucas Vandyke, Des Moines Capitals (7-5-0/2) – 3.27 GAA 10-Orion Boylston, Ames (9-12-0/2) – 3.32 GAA
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Performance 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Spotlight
Bob and Sharon Hanson: Reached a coaching milestone when they posted their 700th career victory early in January. The husband and wife team coached at Des Moines East and Waukee and are currently at Dowling Catholic. Mark McGlaughlin (Fr., Iowa City West): McGlaughlin has made a huge impression in boys swimming as a freshman with second best times in the 50 and 100 freestyle and the top time in the 200 freestyle this season. Tayontae Jenkins (Jr., Des Moines North): Jenkins is among the Class 4A leaders in scoring average, and steals.The Polar Bear junior leads 4A with over six assists per game. Logan Losh (Sr., Boone): Losh is in the top-ten in Class 3A in scoring average and rebounding for the Toreadors. Austin Halls (Sr., Murray): Halls became the 31st player in Iowa boys basketball history to score 2,000 points in his career. Danishia Snitker (Sr. Waukon): Snitker has the top per game scoring average in girls’ basketball this season with her 25 plus per game average. Katelynn Tracy (Sr. Moravia): Tracy finds her name in the top-ten in Class 1A in scoring average and rebounding this season.
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1 3 5
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Volume 1 Issue 6
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In the
Spotlight
Photo courtesy of Bob Culbert
Alex Hernandez (Bettendorf) vs. Austin Boyd (Burlington) at 145
Photo courtesy of Roy Tucker
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
Photo courtesy of Ed Winger
High School
Alexis Conaway for MOC-Floyd Valley takes on Jamie Tracy for West Lyon
Emily Riedemann (South O’Brien) goes up for a shot
Anna Kiel of Unity Christian fights for the ball with Jade Lynn Vlotho of West Sioux
Photo courtesy of Roy Tucker
Photo courtesy of Roy Tucker
Justin Winnett for Johnston
Photo courtesy of Roy Tucker
Photo courtesy of Roy Tucker
Danielle Groepper (Kingsley-Pierson) lines up for a shot
Trevor Kauk of Unity Christian dunks the ball
4 time State Champs? Marlin and Sorensen Look to Join 4-Time Champions Elite List Tony Atzeni | Programming Director
The list of four-time champions in Iowa high school wrestling history is a short one, with twenty-one names on that list. This season, for the fourth time in history of the sport we could add two more to the elite list as Jake Marlin of Creston/Orient-Macksburg and Brandon Sorensen of Denver-Tripoli both seek that status. Marlin won the 130 pound title in 2010, won at 135 in 2011 and 138 last season where he is top-ranked again this season in Class 2A. Sorensen won the 119 pound title in 2010, won at 130
Brandon
finds himself ranked second in 2A this season behind Doug Minor of Spirit Lake Park. Loren Williams with Tri-Center (Neola) won the title at 152 last year and continues to hold the top spot this season as he looks to put on a repeat performance. Brendan Schott with North Linn (Troy Mills) hopes to do the same at 170 pounds. For Cade Jones with West Branch the story is slightly different. Jones won the 195 pound title last year but is ranked second behind Adam Hawkins (B-G-M, Brooklyn) at the same weight
Jake
Sorensen
Marlin
in 2011 and 132 last season in Class 2A. Sorensen is top-ranked at 145 this season. Prior to the 2000 season, eleven athletes made up the four-time champion list with none of them coming in the same season. This season could mark the fourth time that two join the list in the same season. Last season John Meeks with Des Moines Roosevelt and Cory Clark with Southeast Polk joined the list. Overall there are fourteen returning champions but only one in Class 3A. Matt Wempen with Linn-Mar (Marion) won the 106 pound title last season but finds himself ranked second behind Kaz Onoo with Mason City at 113 pounds. In Class 2A, eight wrestlers are hoping to repeat and stand at the top of the podium on championship Saturday. The list includes Doug Minor (Spirit Lake Park, 106) who is top-ranked at 120 this season and Max Thomsen (Union, LaPorte City, 113) who is also top-ranked at 126. Colton McCrystal with Sergeant bluff-Luton heads the list at 132 pounds after claiming the 126 pound championship in 2012. For Nick Georgean with Davenport Assumption looks to repeat at 152 while top-ranked Erik Lux with South Tama moves up to 170 pounds after winning the 160 title last year. Adam Reth with West Delaware (Manchester) was crowned champ at 195 last and will have the top-ranked target on his back this year at 220 pounds In Class 1A, five won individual titles last season, but one has moved into the 2A field this season. Charlie Jones with Columbus Catholic (Waterloo) won the 1A, 120 pound title last season but
class this season. The traditional team races in each class this season will be determined by the draw. Last season, Bettendorf won both the traditional and dual title in Class 3A and will once again be a very strong contender. Southeast Polk was one of the favorites last season and feel like they fell short of their goal. That dangling carrot makes them the team to beat once again this season. Denver-Tripoli won the 2A and Don Bosco (Gilbertville) the 1A traditional titles last year while the dual state team title went to Davenport Assumption in Class 2A and Nashua-Plainfield in 1A. Alburnett looks to be destined for the 1A traditional team title with four of their six ranked wrestler either top-ranked of second ranked individually. The Class 2A battle finds West Delaware (Manchester) and Davenport Assumption in the best position. The Knights finished second last season and have no wrestler ranked in the top-ten and only two in the top-two spots individually with Georgean and Eric Clarke at 138. The Hawks counter with seven individuals ranked in the top-three individually including top-ranked Patrick Woods at 106, Jacyn Goebel at 182, Reth at 220 and Dean Broghammer at 285. The state dual championship and traditional meet will once again be contested at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines. The dual championship is scheduled for Wednesday, February 13th followed by the state wrestling tournament from Thursday, February 14th through Saturday, February 16th.
High School
Wrestling Photos from the Ankeny Invitational and include the teams of: Ankeny, Mason City, Des Moines Lincoln, Des Moines Roosevelt, Sioux City East, Algona, South Tama County, and Norwalk.
High School
Muscatine Looks to Make A Splash The Muscatine boys aim for their 3rd straight State swimming title Tony Atzeni | Programming Director
Not long ago the Muscatine Muskies boys swimming teams was looking to break a long drought when it came to state titles. Now they are vying for their third straight championship but even with that resume the past few years they are not the favorites to do so, although they are part of the big picture. They will be tested as central Iowa has a few teams that feel they are ready to grab the hardwood this season.
Fiepke, who is one of the leaders in the relay teams success and one of the best in the state in both the 50 and 100 freestyle where he won both of those individual titles last season. Ben Severino adds depth in the 200 freestyle and 100 backstroke and is among the favorites in those events. Dowling Catholic last won a state boy’s swimming title in 2003, part of a four year run from 2000-2003. Johnston is strong in the 200 medley relay and look toward Tyler Cracraft for leadership. Cracraft is among the leaders in the 50 and 100 freestyle and teammate Justin Winnett is at or near the top in the 200 individual medley for the Dragons. West Des Moines Valley also poses a problem and this season with the like of Jaden VanDike, Haden Calagen of Muscatine Sam Gorham and Alex Bodin should be a factor, Dowling Catholic and Johnston are especially in the relay events. two of those teams from central Iowa. Josh Hughes will be a factor in the 200 The Maroons are among the leaders in and 500 freestyle and part of the relays the relays, with top times posted in the teams for Cedar Rapids Washington that 200 and 400 freestyle relays so far this always bring a competitive group each season. Add the return of Jonathan season. The Warriors look to be the
eastern Iowa threat besides Muscatine. score big is Jack Scafuri of Waukee. The Warriors are the most decorated Back in hopes of defending their swim programs in state history and last individual titles last season include Max won a title in 2008. The Warriors have Ward (Des Moines Roosevelt) in the 100 won a state-best 27 championships freestyle. The Roughriders program has Muscatine has been where they seem won 12 state titles, second best in state to have been the past few years, under the radar despite their past two titles. Don’t worry, the target is on them, especially with the return of Haden Calegan and Travis Greenwald. Greenwald is the defending champion in the 100 breaststroke and the Muskies are among the best in all of the relay Travis Greenwald (Muscatine) hopes events. to defend his 100 breaststroke title last A few underclassmen look to season. make a difference this season. Mark McGlaughlin , a history but none since 1963. freshman with Iowa City West is strong The Iowa high school boy’s state in all the freestyle events which includes swimming championships will once the top time in the 200 freestyle. His again be held at the Marshalltown teammate, Adian Keen is second best YMCA on Saturday, February 9th. in the same event and also a freshman. Another freshman with a chance to
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WINTER IOWA GAMES TO CELEBRATE 21ST ANNUAL EVENT The 21st annual Winter Iowa Games powered by the Iowa Food & Family Project will take place Jan. 25-27 in Dubuque and Feb. 9-10 in Cedar Rapids. As Iowa’s premier winter sports festival, the Games will be held in 11 Iowa communities over the four-week period. The Games offers events for individuals of all ages and abilities. Dubuque will host youth basketball, cross country skiing, a fitness walk, youth ice hockey, indoor soccer, martial arts, 5K road race, swimming, table tennis, volleyball, wrestling and Zumba®. Adult men’s basketball, dodgeball, figure skating, a fitness walk, adult ice hockey, pickleball and wheelchair basketball will be held in Cedar Rapids. Other sports being held include: skiing/ snowboarding (Feb. 1-2), archery NASP (Feb. 9), Des Moines fitness walk (Feb. 9), horseshoes (Feb. 2), snowshoeing (Jan. 25-26), trapshooting (Feb. 2) and 6 on 6 baskeball (Feb. 23). The 2012 Games set a new participation record of 4,202 athletes from across the state in 85 of Iowa’s 99 counties. For a complete list of sports offered visit www.IOWAGAMES.org.
RegisTeR ToDaY!
YoU CaN Be aN
aTHLeTe PoweReD BY
wiNTeR iowa games JANUARY 25-27 FEBRUARY 9-10
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“We are excited to continue the great tradition of the Winter Iowa Games in our state,” commented Ryan Vogt, Assistant Sports Director at the Iowa Sports Foundation. “From archery to Zumba®, we are offering opportunities for many Iowans to get out and be active this winter.” For more information and registration for the 2013 Winter Iowa Games powered by the Iowa Food & Family Project, visit www.IOWAGAMES.org.
w w w. l i v e h e a lt h y i o w a . o r g
Presented by Kinetico Water Systems
Ally Disterhoft Iowa City West 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. Some of the other top performers to make the final list this month include: Boys Basketball: Austin Halls (Murray); Tayontae Jenkins (Des Moines North); Peter Jok (West Des Moines Valley); Casey Schlatter (Iowa Falls-Alden); Ricky Williams (Riverside, Oakland) Girls Basketball: Jadda Buckley (Mason City); Riley Eakins (Davis County, Bloomfield); Hannah Haynes (Van Buren, Keosauqua); Haley Lorenzen (Iowa City High) Boys Swimming: Travis Greenwald (Muscatine); RJ Hemmingsen (Lewis Central, Council Bluffs) Midwest High School Hockey: Thomas Doheny (Des Moines Oak Leafs); Mark Wishman (Ames)
Ally Disterhoft Senior at Iowa City West
Unmatched Performance: The January Kinetico Athlete of the Month goes to Ally Disterhoft, a senior guard from Iowa City West. Disterhoft leads Class 5A in scoring average (24.5) in the top-10 in rebounding average (8.0) and has added 29 blocked shots and 22 steals. Disterhoft scored a season high 34 points against Dubuque Senior, which is tied for the seventh best individual total this season.
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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.
College
GRAND VIEW TO REPEAT WRESTLING TITLE The Vikings hope for their second consecutive NAIA wrestling championship Geoff Conn | Sports Spotlight Contributor
Grand View University looks to repeat as the NAIA National Wrestling Champions when the tourney is again held at the Jacobson Exhibition Center on the Iowa State Fairgrounds March 1-2.
Illinois. The team again won this year’s event. Wins over #16 Indiana Tech 33-3, #9 Dickinson State (ND) 39-8 and #5 Campbellsville (KY) 32-4 got them to the championship against #2 Southern Oregon. Grand View trailed 18-14 heading to the final match. HWT Eric Thompson’s pin sent the Vikings to their 2nd consecutive win over Southern Oregon 20-18. (Last year Grand View beat Southern Oregon 1918 for the title). Mitchell said of the ending: “That was impressive, I’m still in shock. I can’t believe we won the tournament. Hasn’t Derek Nightser for Grand View sunk in yet, we got a pin. Can’t believe we still won the tournaHead Coach Nick Mitchell has ment. It’s crazy. There’s not many times catapulted the Vikings to the top of the in the season where I can sit back and heap in the 5th season of wrestling at Grand View. This year’s squad boasts 12 ranked individuals, led by Derek Nightser, the #1 ranked wrestler in the 197 pound weight class. Nightser is a two sport athlete at Grand View. He also played football for Head Coach Mike Woodley. Last year the Vikings caught fire to claim Grand View University’s first ever national championship after winning the National Duals in Springfield,
say I’m happy, but I’m real happy right The following individuals are ranked: now.” Thompson said afterwards: Alex Peitz (10th-125), Gustavo “It was awesome, to turn around and Martinez (2nd-141), Isaiah Tatum (2ndsee these guys (his teammates) going 149), Quinten Haynes (5th-157), Chad crazy. I got excited too.” Lowman (6th-157), Jimmie Schuessler The Vikings have (2nd-165), Dallas not lost a dual meet Houchins (4th-165), since January 19, 2011. Thomas Moman That is a span of 27 (4th-174), Cody Swim straight wins. They’ve (9th-174), Christian won by a combined Mays (11th-184), Derek score of 953-233; which Nightser (1st-197), and is an average meet score Eric Thompson (3rdof 35-9 (Courtesy via HWT). twitter @itsChadKriz). The Vikings will They have been ranked host Waldorf College #1 in 4 consecutive on February 7th before polls and 9 of the last attending the Central 10 polls by the NAIA Qualifying Tournament Coaches Top 20. in Baldwin City, Kansas The Vikings return on February 16th. 5 of 9 All-Americans from last years team: Eric Thompson for Eric Thompson at Grand View HWT (National Champion in 2012) Derek Nightser at 197 (2nd in 2012), Chad Lowman at 157 (3rd in 2012), Jimmie Schuessler at 165 (7th at 157 in 2012) and Gustavo Martinez at 141 (5th in 2012).
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Volume 1 Issue 6
SportsSpotlight.com
KIRKWOOD COACHES SHINE
College
Both the men’s and women’s basketball coaches reach for records The Kirkwood Men’s basketball team won it’s 10th game of the season over the weekend and in the process earned their head coach his 400th win at the school. The Eagles (10-7) beat Clinton Community College 75-52 on January 19th. While pleased with the milestone, Head Coach Doug Wagemester remains focused on the season. His record of 400-102 is nothing to take lightly. During his 15 seasons as Kirkwood Men’s Basketball Coach, he piled up some impressive stats. He guided the team to nine national tournament appearances, three of which were national runners-up. Wagemester has won nine Region XI championships, 12 ICCAC championships and coached 10 All-Americans. The Kirkwood men’s basketball team looked to build off of last year’s conference title Coach Doug Wagemester has 400 wins. when it opened the season in percent from three-point range last year Ottumwa against William Penn and looks to be a team leader in that University at the Indian Hills Classic on area again. Nov. 2. Eyeing to make their mark on this Guard Kasey Semler returns to year’s squad are incoming freshmen Taylead the team in hopes of repeating as lor Olson and J.C. Fuller. Olson comes to conference champions. Semler shot 38 Kirkwood from Cedar Rapids Jefferson
SportsSpotlight.com
Photo courtesy of Kirkwood Community College
Kirkwood Athletic Communications Release
after making First Team All-Mississippi Valley Conference averaging 18.4 points a game. Fuller led Sioux City East in scoring last year with 17.5 points-pergame shooting 49 percent from threepoint range. He earned second-team AllState honors in addition to being named to the First Team All-Western Iowa squad. Both players took their teams to the state tournament last year. This mix of seasoned veterans and young talent makes for an unknown, yet exciting group of players looking to build on last year’s accomplishments. Success has followed him wherever he has gone. Before coming to Kirkwood, Wagemester coached at Grand View College in Des Moines. He set a school record for wins in a season after compiling a record of 25-9. He then brought his talents to Kirkwood. The Eagles women’s coach is also only two wins away from a milestone. Head Coach Kim Muhl enters his 24th season with the Eagles. He is only two wins away from the 700 mark. He is the reigning NJCAA Region XI Coach of the Year and has six national championships under his belt. Coach Muhl has his team reaching for a seventh. Despite losing two of their top three scorers from a year ago, anticipation runs high for the Kirkwood Community College women’s basketball team for the
2012-13 season. The Eagles were (32-4) a year ago and won their 16th straight conference title before winning the Region XI championship and qualifying for the Division II national tournament. Leading the charge this season is last year’s top scorer, sophomore Kiana Jacobs. She averaged 10.9 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. Sophomore sharpshooting guard Bianca Dufelmeier averaged 9.3 points-per-game, while knocking down a team high 76 threepointers. Dufelmeier also led the team in assists with 115. Aisle Quinlan, who has been slowed by injuries this preseason, averaged 7.8 points and knocked down 73 three-pointers during her freshman season last year. Other returning sophomores include post-players Friday Choul, Whitney Henderson, and Krissi Tow, and guard Tara Gray. New additions to this season’s team include sophomores Alexis Fitzpatrick and Whitney Rohrbach. Fitzpatrick transferred from Cincinnati State Junior College in Cincinnati, Ohio and looks to be the team’s point guard. Rohrbach played for the Eagles two seasons ago before sitting out last season. Freshmen newcomers include, Mikayla Fallon of East Moline, IL, Lexi Hobbs from Peoria, IL, Jerica Hawkins of Decatur, IL and Haley Faber of Clive, Iowa.
Volume 1 Issue 6
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College
COACH NIEMUTH HITS 500 WINS
Zach James | Sports Spotlight Contributor
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bruck (Ankeny) all have had big moments for the Storm. “It’s a good group,” said Niemuth. “They just play well together. I’m glad I have that many and are playing well.” Coach These girls know Niemuth for each other, and Niemuth started Simpson seeing that connection even in the preseason. While the eight freshmen are important to the Storm’s success, there’s no question that senior Kate Nielsen has been the motor for the well-tuned machine. Nielsen has been named Iowa Conference Player of the Week four of eight times this season. “She gives us a lot of things on the floor,” said Niemuth. “While she’s great at what she does, I wouldn’t give up our other seniors who do great things as well.” Niemuth has had many seniors in his 26 years at Simpson and he credits every player to the success he has had in Indianola. “It says a lot of number of talented ladies I’ve coached and priviledged to be around,” Niemuth said. “I hope to
Photo courtesy of Luke Behaunek, Simpson Athletics Communication
In the year 1987, Head Women’s Basketball Coach began his journey to where he is now – at the 500 win plateau and one of Division III’s top programs. Niemuth is in his 26th season at the helm, and going into Jan. 23, the Storm has one loss on the season. That one loss was to national powerhouse Amherst College over Holiday Break in Florida where the Storm lost by one in the final seconds. “That was a fun game,” Niemuth said. “I was looking forward to that game. I think what happened was because of their tradition. They expected to win that game, and their best player stepped up and made the shot. That’s what good teams do. They feed off their past successes and I hope we can do that.” Every member of this team have been intergral in their success, from the upperclassmen to the freshmen. “We play extremely well together,” said Niemuth. “There’s great team chemistry, we do have a couple players who might be considered as All-Americans. The freshmen just play the game. They don’t worry about their age at all, they just go out and perform.” Five of the eight freshmen players get significant playing time for the Storm, including four of those players who played high school ball at CIML schools. Whitney Van Wyk (Southeast Polk), Maddie Bosworth, Morgan Mauro (both from Dowling) and Maddie Muhlen-
continue to bring the same kind of talent I’ve been able to bring in to Simpson. Out of those wins, however, I don’t have a single point or rebound to my name.” Former Simpson Men’s Basketball Coach Bruce Wilson, enjoys watching Niemuth coach. “I love the way he does things,” Wilson, now with the Iowa Energy, said. “I’m really happy for him. Those 500 wins, those are a lot, though.” John Sirianni, former Athletic Director and current Special Assistant to the President, knows how much Niemuth means to Simpson College. “His presence and his history and involvement in the athletic department is a real stablilizing factor,” said Sirianni. “He’s also a real close friend. We’ve been working together for a real long time.” Before Niemuth started coaching basketball, he was an assistant to the baseball team under Sirianni. “His leadership and his abilities to coach speak for themselves,” said Sirianni. “We have the opportunity to talk to seniors and one year, one young lady told me, ‘We know Coach Niemuth loves us and we love him.’ When you summarize that, it isn’t just basketball. He has developed life-long friendships with those kids. He is a shining star of what a Division III coach should be.” President John Byrd agrees that Niemuth is one of Simpson’s best treasures.
“We’re thrilled that he chose Simpson College to be successful,” Byrd said. “He’s been doing so well and for so long, and we’re so proud of him.” The longevity of Niemuth’s tenure doesn’t shock Sirianni. “That’s a testament to the school and the philosophy and the quality of the school,” he said. When it comes to this season, Sirianni is beyond impressed with the current one-loss record for the Storm. “We thought this was going to be a rebuilding year after losing a bunch of seniors,” Sirianni said. “I knew there was something going on when these girls made it to 7-0. I knew there might be something special here.” Winning games isn’t the only thing that Niemuth has on his plate at Simpson. Sirianni recently announced a role change as he stepped away from Athletic Director, and he will retire in the Fall of 2014. Niemuth will fill the role as Interim Athletic Director for the rest of the school year. “It’s something I’ve always been interested in,” Niemuth said. “When my coaching days are done, whenever that is, I still would like to be involved with collegiate athletics, and an administrative role has always peaked my interest.” However, there’s one task right now that matters to Niemuth: “Finish the season strong.”
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Volume 1 Issue 6
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Volume 1 Issue 6
25
College
THE FIRE FROM WITHIN
Charles Swain and the Simpson basketball team deal with tragedy head-on Aaron Young | Sports Spotlight Contributor
tures of her children as well as her parents, grandparents and so on,” Swain said. The Swains were forced to take up residency at a nearby motel after watching their Austin, Texas home burn to the Charles Swain ground. for Simpson Despite having saved very little to any possessions, Swain says that his family had received a tremendous amount of support from friends and other family members by contributing, providing and donating whatever they could during their time of need. Filishia considers her family to be blessed for the constant outpour of help. “The Swains are very strong,” she said. “Always had to be, and although this experience has been quite challenging overall, we’ve been blessed by many who have reached out to us in support.” Charles says that his family is still currently living in the motel, at least for the time being. “We are looking for other places to move,” Charles said. “We have received several offers of temporary residency from family members and friends.”
Photo courtesy of Simpson Athletics Communication
An unexpected turn for the worse always comes with negatives. Many negatives indeed. However, it just takes a few positive reinforcements to make those rough and tough times a little bit easier. In the words learned by sophomore Simpson College men’s basketball player Charles Swain from his family: God has a plan for everyone. Over the holiday break, Swain and the Storm were playing in Washington for its Christmas break trip. That morning of the team’s match-up against Whitman College, Swain received a frantic phonecall from his mother, Filishia, with unexpected news. “My mom was informing me that there was a fire and that we had lost everything inside,” Swain said. When he first learned of the news, Charles paused. “I thought it was a joke or a dream since the call interrupted my sleep and it was very confusing to hear,” he said. “It was hard to fathom. The news didn’t hit me until I saw some pictures and went down there myself a few days after hearing about it since it was over break.” Most of the possessions that were lost in the fire were material goods that could be replaced, but Swain says that his mother was the most upset. “She lost a countless number of pic-
People were also kind enough to lend sweaters and socks as the dreary, winter weather was fast approaching. Fortunately for Charles, many of his possessions were with him in his dorm room, but even with the things he did lose, none of it mattered. “The most important thing was that my family was safe and without any physical harm,” Charles said. On the contrary, however, how does one get himself mentally prepared for a game after being informed of such a tragedy? There was only one thing Charles thought he could do, and that was to joke around. “Life goes on and nothing could be done to bring our home and all of our belongings back,” he said. “Before the game started, I joked with a teammate that I would be ‘on fire’ tonight.” With that mentality, the sparks triggered, and Charles’ own flames began to ignite on the hardwood floor in Walla Walla, Washington. Even though the Storm lost the contest 91-86 to then-ranked No. 11 Whitman College, The 6’2” guard dropped a career-high 31 points against the Missionaries. His 31 points scored were the most by a Simpson player since Tim Dunlavy scored 37 against Buena Vista during the 2009-10 season.
His efforts on the court led him in garnering Iowa Conference Athlete of the Week honors. Once he knew about receiving the honor, Charles Swain called the people who needed good news the most: his family. “It felt great telling my parents that I performed well on the court, especially after what happened” Swain said. “They have always been proud and supportive. My mom reassured me that God has a plan for everyone, and saw this fire as an opportunity to move on to a bigger and better place for us to live.” Filishia was simply filled with an overloading amount of pride for her son’s accomplishments. “My first and only thought was how blessed I am to be his mom,” Filishia said. “It confirms what I tell Charles and his siblings that no one or no thing, not even a fire, is bigger than God. What’s meant for Charles is what he receives, and fortunately it was Conference Player of the Week.” Taking his mother’s words to the floor, Charles strongly believes the team is the most talented team in the conference, even if their record does not show it. “If we continue to stick together and refuse to give up even if we are down as much as 20, then I think we will surprise a lot of teams in our conference and steal some wins,” he said.
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A Policy of Working Together 26
Volume 1 Issue 5
SportsSpotlight.com
IOwa energy STEPS UP THEIR GAME
Pros
Players Jeffers and Boone to boost the Energy’s stats Zach James | Sports Spotlight Contributor
Hop onto the carousel that is While the NBA Developmental League. It Jeffers may goes ‘round, and round, but where have a spot on it stops, not even the Iowa Energy the team, the know. roller coasterIowa’s season this year is like combinedanother amusement ride — a roller carousel may coaster. However, it seems that be spinning to there are more downs than ups for find those right the Energy this season. pieces. Head Coach Kevin Young and “No guy’s General Manager Chris Makris are spot is safe,” trying to find the winning formula said Young, that brought the Energy a champiwho is in his onship a couple seasons back. second season The equation is uneven at the as Energy head moment, but the Energy brought coach. “We back a familiar face to rise their had to make chances at a championship run. Nick Murphy “It’s a little more of a carosuel inactive to The Energy put up a when you’re struggling,” said strong showing against make room Makris. “My goal is to never change for Jeffers, so Tulsa on Jan. 22 a team too much. The best teams that should be are the ones who figure it out on their a heads-up to the guys that job security own.” is huge.” Othyeus Jeffers was on the squad Recently, the Energy picked up anthat won the D-League title in 2010-11. other big man to fill gaps in the interior. Earlier on Jan. 13, Jeffers returned to Iowa acquired Josh Boone, former NBA the Energy after being away chasing his 1st round pick, where he played four dream toward the NBA. years with the New Jersey Nets. “It feels good to be reunited with fam“He brings in a veteran presence,” said ily,” said Jeffers. “Des Moines has been Makris. “We’re trying to get a little bit really good to me, and to be back with older. Really expecting big things out of the team.” him. He knows how to play the game of
basketball, but he’s not a big scorer.” “We have no interior presence,” said Young after the Jan. 13 loss to Canton. “We need to find big guys who can contribute.” Young points out that bigger guys are becoming a trend in the NBA’s minor league. “I’ve seen the league get bigger the last couple years,” said Young. “Now, we face a potent big man almost every night. I haven’t seen anything like this.” Makris thinks the talent level has grown year after year. “The league is deep with talent,” said Makris. “I think players aren’t realizing how talented the league is right now.” Another aspect of the game that the team is lacking in are the little things. Effort, tenacity, and play execution are all things Makris is expecting to improve. “You watch our games and see we’re down 15, and then we decide to flip the switch,” said Makris. “We’re as good as we want to be. Guys like Jeffers and Boone can help lead this team, and I think you’ll see a different team from
here on out.” The time is now for the Energy to make that difference. “We’re up against it, and we know that,” said Makris. “We’re not panicking yet. That being said, sitting at 6-13, there’s little room for error.” That stat isn’t as scary as it may seem. The top two teams in the league as of Jan. 18 have eight losses so far. All it takes is one big winning streak for the Energy to get back in the mix. “It’s not panic time yet,” said Makris. “I believe we’re going to come together as a group and try to make a strong push toward the playoffs. It can be done.” One thing that the Energy have going for them are two separate home stands, each bookending the Iowa High School State Basketball Tournaments at Wells Fargo Arena. Iowa opens up February with five straight home games and return after the boys’ tournament with seven of their last 10 being in Des Moines. “We certainly have to take advantage of those home games,” said Makris.
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Health & Fitness
Medial collateral ligament (MCL) Injuries Matthew DeWall, MD Des Moines Orthopaedic Surgeons
The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is the most commonly injured ligament in the knee. MCL injuries are common sports injuries, often occurring with a direct blow to the lateral, or outside of the knee. This forces the knee into a “valgus� or knock-kneed position, and can tear the MCL. Examples of common causes include: getting hit from the outside of the knee in football or twisting while skiing. The MCL lies on the inner, or medial side of the knee. It runs from the inside of the femur, across the knee joint, becoming wider as it attaches to the tibia or shin bone. There are multiple layers to the MCL and it is closely related to several other structures on the medial side of the knee, including the medial meniscus, and the hamstring tendons. It can be injured at any point along its course, including the mid-portion of the ligament, but the most common location is a disruption of the ligament at its attachment to the femur, or thigh bone. The MCL may be injured alone, or as part of a larger injury, involving the other ligaments of the knee, such as the ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament). Evaluation and diagnosis of an MCL injury begins with a description of the nature of the injury, as mentioned above, often a direct blow to the outside of the knee, causing it to buckle inwards. Clinical examination by your doctor
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Volume 1 Issue 6
will also play an important part. Since the MCL prevents the knee from buckling inward, when it is injured, the knee will feel loose in this position. MCL injuries are divided into 3 grades, with grade 1 being the most minor sprain, and grade 3 being a complete disruption. The different grades will allow the joint to open up differing distances, and this is important information for your doctor to determine. Another portion of the exam is to determine where along the course of the ligament the injury has occurred. It is usually possible to tell, based on the location of the most tenderness. X-rays will likely be done to rule out any associated fractures, and to ensure normal overall alignment to the joint. MRI scans can be done as well, and will show the MCL injury, including the location of the injury, but are often not necessary. Often MRI scans will be ordered if there is suspicion of other associated injuries, or if the injury seems quite severe, when the chance of other injuries is much higher.
protects from stress on the ligament in a side to side fashion. This is usually coupled with some early work with a physical therapist or trainer, to keep the knee from becoming stiff, and to prevent loss of strength. The period of bracing will vary with the severity of injury, but most commonly will be for a period of a few weeks, and then there will be gradual return to full activity. Return to sports in all but the most severe cases can be accomplished in several weeks. Operative treatment of MCL injuries is typically carried out when this injury is combined with other injuries such as an ACL rupture. However, in some cases non-operative treatment will still be recommended. Later reconstruction is occasionally necessary in cases where chronic MCL injury leads to problems with instability of the knee. In these cases, the ligament has not healed in the correct position, and simple bracing will not be able to overcome this. In cases of reconstruction for chronic laxity, the rehabilitation and recovery is typically much longer than for acute injuries. Treatment of MCL injuries can vary, but typically will not require surgery. Isolated MCL injuries, even the higher grade, more severe injuries, will respond well to non-operative treatment. Treatment will usually consist of a period of protection with a hinged brace that allows the knee to flex and extend, but
Matthew DeWall, M.D. specializes in all aspects of knee surgery, including sports injuries, knee replacements and arthroscopic surgery at Des Moines Orthopaedic Surgeons in West Des Moines. To reach Dr. DeWall or to schedule an appointment please call 515-224-5223.
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