Sports
15 Football prepares for state championship game
November 15, 2012
Junior Bryce Grimm attempts to escape from pursuing Cedar Falls defenders on November 9, in the UNI Dome. Sammi Shepard Photo
Xavier has proved yet again this year that they belong in Class 4A, and that they can compete with some of the biggest schools in Iowa. Xavier is 13-0 and is looking to capture its second State Championship in school history. Coach Duane Schulte is also looking for his 100th win as the Saints’ head coach since the school opened 15 years ago. Coach Schulte and his staff coached at Lasalle High School before Xavier opened, so they have technically already passed number 100, but they have 99 wins at Xavier. The Saints defense has let up an average of 7.08 points per game, which is the fewest in the MVC. Their offense, led by senior
quarterback Reggie Schulte, has put up an average of 38.78 points per game. “It’s the result of a lot of hard work put in by a lot of guys, and I’m just really proud to be a part of it,” Schulte said. Xavier will face its biggest test yet tomorrow night as they face Ankeny for the state championship. Ankeny, also 13-0, is three times the size of Xavier and is playing its last football game before splitting into two schools. The Saints are ready to take on this tough task, however. “The team is thrilled to have made it this far and is only one win away from the goal we set this year. The coaches have put more time in
than any of us can imagine so we are happy for them, too. Ankeny will be tough due to their size on the line and quarterback’s experience. But the scout team will emulate their read option offense during practice and give our defense a good look at what they will be going up against like they always do. It’s going to be an experience of a lifetime for all of us,” senior Nick Steingreaber said. Xavier plays Ankeny tomorrow night at the UNI Dome. Kickoff is at 7:06. The game will be broadcasted live on KCRG channel 9.2. Connor Collins Sports Writer
Asplund and Kenney make solid impact at state Four girls from Xavier participate in swimming at other high schools because Xavier does not have its own swim team. Out of the four, two of them went to State. These students are senior McKenzie Asplund, who swims for Washington, and junior Carly Kenney, who swims for Kennedy. Both students traveled to Marshalltown for their state meet on November 2 and 3. The two other swimmers are freshman Sam Valenta, who swims for Washington, and junior Claire Wenish, who swims for Kennedy. Kenney was an alternate for the
400-yard freestyle relay, Asplund placed 22nd overall in the 200-yard freestyle and 14th overall in the 400-yard freestyle relay. Asplund qualified for state in the 200-yard freestyle by winning her regional meet for the event. Heading into the meet, Asplund was excited but sad at the same time. “I was excited to finish my season, but it was bittersweet knowing it was my last high school meet,” Asplund said. She ended her high school career by qualifing for state all four years. Both Kenney and Asplund plan to pursue their swimming careers.
Asplund will participate in her club season and then swim in college. Kenny is already thinking about improving for next season, too. “I hope next year I am voted captain, and I hope to finish out my year strong by dropping time in my 500 and 200 freestyle. Hopefully I make it to State in one of those, and qualify again for the 400 freestyle relay,” Kenny said. To top off the season, Kenney was selected as Honorable Mention and Asplund was selected to first team All-Metro. Mckenzie Asplund and Kyle D’mello Carly Kenney smile for their Sports Writer swimming state send off. Meghan Gerke Photo
Winter Athletics Preview
Girls’ Basketball
Boys’ Basketball
Wrestling
Girls’ Bowling
Boys’ Bowling
The Xavier girls’ basketball team has high hopes for the season after making it to State last year. The Saints had a great year last season and compiled an 18-6 record. The Iowa High School Athletic Association (IAHSAA) added an extra class this year, so Xavier will be playing in class 4A while all other MVC opponents will play class 5A. Xavier’s one returning starter is senior Kayla Armstrong. The team is coached by Tom Lily, who has won three state titles at Xavier. “We are expecting really good things this year since we won’t be playing as big of schools,” senior Lisa Boomgarden said. The Girls’ Jamboree will take place at Cedar Rapids Jefferson on November 16.
The Xavier High School boys’ basketball team is under new leadership for the 2012-2013 season. After three seasons as the head coach at Xavier, Matt Jenkins resigned. Shortly after, Ryan Luehrsmann was hired as the new head coach. Luehrsmann spent his last two seasons coaching one of the freshman teams at Xavier. Luehrsmann was a member of the Iowa college basketball team from 1996-2000. The team is looking to make improvements this year after compiling a 10-13 record last season. “We’ve been having open gyms throughout the off season in preparation for the season,” senior Greg Foxhoven said. The team will play in a Jamboree at Kennedy on November 20.
Xavier Wrestling is hoping to continue to improve after sending two wrestlers to State last season. Coach Ryan Chambers will lead the team in his second season after a 6-20 duals meet record last season. The Saints will compete in a very talented MVC conference this season. The team will rely on junior Sean Ickes, who qualified invidually for State last year, as well as other returning starters to lead the team. “We think that we’re going to have a great season,” senior Jake Konzen said. “We have a lot of young talent on the team this year and we’re hoping to send a lot of kids to State.” The first wrestling meet of the season is at home November 29 against Cedar Rapids Washington.
The varsity girls’ bowling team is coming back this year off an excellent season last year. Senior Tara Trcka finished 8th last year at the state bowling meet in Des Moines, and was named Athlete of the Year for the Mississippi Valley Conference. Lisa Olberding and Abbey Konzen received second team honors for the Valley Division. “I think that we will have a strong team this year, but there is still room for improvement,” Trcka said. The team is coached by Mr. Camacho and returns four varsity players this year, leaving two available spots for new members.
The varsity boys’ bowling team is coached by Mr. Camacho, and has four returning players. “I think that we will have a strong team this year overall,” Camacho said. Junior Zach Klemish had a good season last year as well as sophomore Caleb Miller and senior Kyle Elliot. “We have great potential to make State and do well as a team,” senior Kirby Guge said. Elliot received Second Team honors in the Valley Division, and Klemish was awarded Honorable Mention. The team hopes to improve on their last year record of 6-5, and make an appearance at State. Alex Fox Sports Writer