Sports
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Xavier High School
Boys’ CC represents at Senior All-Star Meet Saints proud of volleyball State appearance Every team has its dreams for the season. Some teams meet their goals while others see their hopes slip away. This year, the Xavier High School boys’ cross country team’s season clearly falls into the first category. Every objective set by the team and individual runners was met. This year’s brass ring was making it to the State Meet. “I would say this season the team was more focused and worked harder than in previous years. I would say everyone on the team met at least one of their goals heading into the season,” boys’ cross country coach Nathan Hopp said. The results show that the boys’ cross country team’s hard work paid off. The team placed eleventh in the 3A Division State Meet held on Saturday, October 27, in Fort Dodge. Seniors Daniel Pape and Grant Hunt had set their eyes set on making it to State ever since they were freshmen. “We couldn’t have made it to State without the dedication of our coach and the leadership of our seniors,” Freshman Jonathan Francois said. In addition to competing in the State Meet, seniors Hunt and Pape were nominated to participate in the Senior All-
Star Meet held on Saturday, November 3, in Ankeny, Iowa. In order to be nominated for the Senior All-Star Meet, the participants had to have run a 5K under 18 minutes in previous meets. Already looking forward to next year’s season, Coach Hopp stressed that freshmen Steven Culpepper and Francois had very successful seasons and both of them will be pivotal in the cross country team’s success in years to come. Many of this season’s runners will return next year. “For next season, I think we have a really good shot at placing top three in the state since only two seniors will be leaving,” sophomore Evan Bednar said. Coach Hopp said his coaching experience this season has been exciting because he was able to see all of his runners progress. That is a key element in making coaching the team fun and enjoyable for him. He also said that the five boys returning next year will have this year’s State Meet experience behind them to motivate them to improve next season. The team’s future look promising. Shannon Mulcahey Sports Writer
Principal Keating receives Distinguished Coach Award Principal Tom Keating was awarded the Distinguished Coach Award for his coaching as the Dubuque Wahlert head volleyball coach and winning 11 state volleyball championships. The award was presented by the Executive Director of the IGHSAU, Mike Dick. Keating coached his teams to the state championship in 1986, 87, 90, 91, 92, 95, 96, 2000, 01, 02, and 03, and his teams were MVC champions 17 times. Keating was also awarded the Iowa Coach of the Year seven different times.
Athletic Director Mike Winker and Executive Director of IGHSAU Mike Dick present Principal Tom Keating with the Distinguished Coach Award during an all-school assembly. Sammi Shepard Photo
The Saints girls’ volleyball season came to a close after hard fought playoff games which ultimately lead up to State. The Saints had a bye in the first round of playoffs and began their run at state on October 25. They hosted Clear Creek Amana in the regional semi-final game. The Saints came out with a victory beating Clear Creek Amana in straight sets with scores of 25-16, 25-21, and 27- 25. Junior Kasey Vanden Bosch had 15 kills for Xavier that night along with junior Halle Heying compiling 14 digs. The Saints swept Fairfield in the regional final game in Washington, Iowa on a neutral court on October 30. It took them three games with scores of 25-21, 25-13, and 25-15 to allow the Saints to reach the State tournament for the third time in four years. “It was really satisfying since we worked hard all summer and all season to get to state. It was just a great feeling knowing that all the time and effort paid off,” senior Melissa Everett said. The Saints advanced to the state quarterfinal game which was held on Wednesday, November 7. “The chemistry of the team is much different this year. They are all very dedicated,” Coach Sullivan said. The quarterfinal game was held at the Cedar Rapids Ice Arena. “I was really excited, but nervous
since I had never been there before,” Everett said. The Saints gave Charles City a good run. After losing the first two games 25-18 and 25-17, they kept themselves in the game by winning the third game 25-20. In the fourth game, Charles City came out with the victory and ended up winning the 4A State Championship after defeating Waverly–Shell Rock. The Saints were presented with a plaque for making it to the state tournament. “After having gone to state before, getting to go there again was a lot of fun and being with this team made it even better,” senior captain Sarah Homan said. Throughout the entire season, Homan collected 1,004 assists which is the top in class 4A. “This was probably the best senior leadership we’ve ever had, on and off the court. They pushed themselves so hard that it made everyone else want to rise to their level,” Sullivan said. Junior Halle Heying, who will be a returning starter for next year’s team, has high hopes. “I would like to see us make it to State again and become even closer as a team. I would also want us to make top five in rankings,” Heying said. Even though the Saint’s season has come to a close, they are satisfied with their season and are ready for next year. Lizzy McWhinney
Sports Writer