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The Iowa Sports Connection takes a look at the upcoming Iowa High School State Wrestling meet, as well as highlights a few of Iowa's best wrestlers, from the Pee-Wee's and Prep to the Collegiate. We also give a preview to this year's High School Basketball post-season, who to look out for.
Citation preview
CORY CLARKSouth East Polk
Dav. AssumptionTOPHERCARTON
IIAC/NAIAwrestling post-season outlook page 23-25
wrestling post-season outlookpage 23-25
JOHN MEEKSDes Moines RooseveltDes Moines Roosevelt
WRESTLINGiowa’s bestpage 16-17iowa’s bestpage 16-17
BASKETBALLhigh school mid season reviewpage 10
high schoolmid season reviewpage 10
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The front cover of this 14th anniversary edition of the Iowa Sports Connection features Iowa high school wrestlers for the first time in our history. John Meeks from Des Moines Roosevelt, Cory Clark from South East Polk, and Topher Carton of Davenport Assumption represent the army of young wrestlers that travel to the heart of the state capital to do battle on the 8 mats of Wells Fargo Arena in pursuit of their own page in the rich tradition of Iowa high school state wrestling and etch their name into the incredible annals of America’s number one attended and supported high school tournament. Saturday nights championships have been sold out for decades and are the feeder system to incredible success at the collegiate level in our great wrestling state. Iowa. Iowa State, UNI, Wartburg, Grandview and any collegiate program in this state have been blessed with the incredible depth that Iowa high school wrestling has developed in every class and community. This is the start of the final weeks of the 2012 Iowa high school winter sports season and the culmination of wrestling, boys and girls basketball, boys swimming, bowling, and hockey. The Iowa Sports Connection will have all of the coverage on our numerous platforms and look forward to tracking the collegiate men’s and women’s basketball as they pursue post season play and the wrestling squads seasons wind down this month. As I type this column on Feb 1st I celebrate the 14th anniversary of the launching of our first publication “The Local Sports Connection” a 16 page 2 color tab paper that by today’s standards would not be used to line the bottom of a bird cage. However, on that Saturday morning February 8th in the bowels of Veterans Auditorium I proudly shoved the first issue into anyone’s hands that came to meet Kurt Warner, Dan Gable, Chuck Long, and the 69 Drake Basketball Final Four squad. It was a proud day for my family on my son Ben’s 8th birthday now 22 with nightmares of being forced into child labor alongside my wife and son Michael stopping the autograph seekers long enough to shove the first sports only free publication (Rag) into their hands .
CONTENTS
4 Pee Wee Profiles
8 Prep Connection
23 Collegiate Corner
27 Minor but Major
2928 Ingersoll Ave. • Des Moines, IA 50312PH: (515) 283-1933 • FAX: (515) 283-1646
Volume 13 Issue 11
The Iowa Sports Connection is published once per month with copies available by subscription. The magazine can also be found at all Casey’s General Stores across the state in addition to a few select locations in Iowa. All stories and pictures produced by ISC staff © 2012 Iowa Sports Connection. All rights reserved. Stories, pictures and other content produced by contributors © 2012 their respective owners, with limited reprint rights reserved by the Iowa Sports Connection. The Iowa Sports Connection logo is trademark ™ Iowa Sports Connection.
Contributing Writers: Kristopher Mattoon, Larry Happel, Howie Thompson, John Martenson, Zach James, Meghan Mueller, Julie Grundberg
Contributing photographers: Charlie McCardle, Impact Imagery
Cover: John Meeks stands above fellow fourth title seekers, Cory Clark and Topher Carton, as the only wrestler still undefeated. (Photos by Impact Imagery, Des Moines Register, and The Quad City Times)
Iowa High School Wresting Warriors Descend on Wells Fargo for a Page in the History Books!
No one turned down my bride and boys in fact I was such an opportunist I even sold out my four year old daughter Mikayla as the athletes were all mesmerized by her smile and innocence, little did they know it was a lure to grab more photo ops for
the second issue of the “Local Sports Concoction” as many in the publishing world labeled our baby and now the states premier sports magazine with multiple platforms! I have been blessed by God with a family that stuck by me and incredible partners and staff through the years. John Streets and Tony Atzenti have been my pillars as we have continued to push the limits of small business sanity in our quest to be Iowa’s leader in covering Iowa high school sports and the youth programs that feed each community “From the Missouri to the Mississippi”. The Iowa Sports Connection has evolved into a statewide magazine and the states foremost publication thanks to Casey’s General Stores and this growth has spurred the launch of the state’s only high school based radio and television network along with incredible websites and digital magazines. I cannot name all of the advertisers that have provided incredible support from the beginning that have helped us sustain our growth of covering Iowans “From the Pee Wees to the Preps to the Pros” with a positive perspective but each and every client has been superb. The Hy-Vee High School Headquarters is known in every pocket of the state as is the Grinnell Mutual Re-Insurance Scoreboard Show, and Casey’s General Stores where this magazine has been available for over a decade. In closing, the bulk of the appreciation for our awards, success, and growth goes out to the readers, listeners, and viewers along with the athletes, coaches, officials, educators, fans and families in all 99 Iowa counties. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! God Bless you! And God Bless America!
Team of the Month: High Altitude Wrestling ClubChad Tunink’s High Altitude Wrestling Club removes the focus of winning and puts in place an emphasis on developing skilled, technical wrestlers. Discover how his training program works.
Ed Winger Classic ReviewUrbandale High School’s Ed Winger Classic did not disappoint. Nationally ranked teams and wrestlers collided in what could be considered one of the best previews for the State Wrestling Tournament in February.
Mike Rickord ISC Publisher
Iowa Conference and NAIA Wrestling ReportsWe’ve looked at the top teams and individual wrestlers from the Iowa Conference and Iowa NAIA teams. Here’s our preview of what to expect when the wrestling post-season rolls around.
Rare Depth Helps Energy Keep WinningDepth is not something you’ll hear a lot about when talking about the NBA D-League but the Iowa Energy certainly have it. That’s what’s kept them on top of their division.
STAFFMIKE RICKORD • President/[email protected]
TONY ATZENI • Radio Account [email protected]
TIM WEIDEMAN • [email protected]
ADAM OESTREICH • Graphic [email protected]
EDUARDO ZAMARRIPA • Staff Writer
JOHN STREETS • Business [email protected]
JOE STASI • Sr. Sales [email protected]
DELBERT CHRISTENSEN • MarketingCedar Rapids/Sioux City
LISA PRINGLE • Sales [email protected]
MIKE RICKORD JR • Marketing
Prosefrom the Pub
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Want to nominate an Team of the Month to be feature in the ISC Magazine? The Team of the Month is recognized for its positive accomplishments. If you would like to nominate an team for our MidAmerican Engery Team of the Month, please contact us at [email protected] or call 515-283-1933.
Pee-WeeProfiles
Tim Weideman Editor
Chad Tunink has a goal for all wrestlers who train with him throughHigh Altitude Wrestling Club. He wants all wrestlers he trains to reach their full potential in their wrestling careers. High Altitude Wrestling Club isn’t really a club, necessarily, but more of a training program. Though he’s from Grimes, Iowa, Tunink trains wrestlers and hosts camps at various places in Iowa. Tunink employs a philosophy of drilling, drilling, drilling and more drilling. Why so much drilling? On his High Altitude Wrestling Club’s website, www.highaltitudewrestling.com, Tunink explains that wrestlers at the collegiate level — a level many wrestlers hope to reach — are all skilled and technically sound athletes. Strength, conditioning and toughness are what separate collegiate wrestlers from each other but none of them lack sharp skills and wrestling know-how. Tunink says he wants to “help (the kids) reach whatever they want to reach.” Tunink will also help any kid reach a new level of wrestling. High Altitude Wrestling Club doesn’t turn anyone away, since it’s a training program focused on improving wrestlers’ skills. Kids training with Tunink range anywhere from wrestlers looking to improve to high school wrestlers vying for state titles. “I just want to help the kids be the best they
can be,” says Tunink. “When the kids come in, you know, whatever their goal is, we’ll help them reach it.” Tunink focuses on improving skills and techniques over winning but his forumla has been successful. High Altitude wrestlers performed very well at the AAU Nationals in Omaha Jan. 14. Five wrestlers were crowned national champions and 15 received all-American honors. Tunink’s wrestlers have demonstrated how successful High Altitude wrestlers can be if they put the work in. Many wrestlers also have a chance to train with some of their toughest opponents during High Altitude programs and camps. It’s not uncommon for the high school wrestlers training with Tunink to face each other when competing for their respective schools. Tunink says he likes it that way because wrestlers can help each other improve. Tunink says he does not try to change any wrestler’s style but will simply help them improve their skills. “We’re not changing their style,” says Tunink. “The athletes are allowed to wrestle their
style.” Aside from the training program, Tunink provides kids with the chance to work on their wrestling technique at camps. He holds anywhere from 15 to 20 camps a year at various locations. Tunink encourages anybody interested to show up for a practice or go to a camp. High Altitude Wrestling Club helps wrestlers of all skill levels develop into more technically sound athletes. For more information on High Altitude Wrestling Club, including training program and camp information, visit www.highaltitudewrestling.com.
Team of the Month: High Altitude Wrestling Club
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Upcoming Youth Wrestling TournamentsTim Weideman Editor
The best way to develop a championship caliber wrestler like the young men on the cover of this magazine is to get them started early. Here is a brief schedule of upcoming youth wrestling tournaments as posted by The Predicament.
For more youth wrestling tournaments and wrestling news covering all ages, go to www.thepredicament.com.
Friday, Feb. 10, 2012Sibley-Ocheyedan Wrestling Club TournamentDivisions: Grades K-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8Contacts: Doyle Naig Ph 712-754-0954 email [email protected] Ben Strandberg Ph 712-299-1743 email [email protected] High School (Sibley)
Mini Rocket Wrestling TournamentDivisions: Pre-K, Pee-Wee 1-2, Bantam 3-4, Novice 5-6, Junior 7-8Contacts: Wendy Stetter Ph: 641-660-6298 Email: [email protected] High School (Eddyville)
Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012Burlington Irondog ClassicDivisions: PeeWee 6-U, Bantam 8-U, Novice 10-U, Jr 12-U, Sr 14-UContacts: Beth Hartman Phone 319-208-9517 Email: [email protected] High School (Burlington)
Monticello Pete Kennedy Classic TournamentDivisions: PeeWee PreK-K, Bantam 1-2, Novice 3-4, Jr 5-6, Sr 7-8Contacts: Ryan Luensman Ph 319-480-0426 email [email protected] Dave Sunlin Ph 319-929-6388 email [email protected] High School (Monticello)
Little Hawk Wrestling TournamentDivisions: Jr Cadet JK-K, Cadet 1-2, PeeWee 3-4, Jr. 5-6, Sr.
7-8Contacts: Pat Phillips Ph: 563-927-3515 ext. 339 Email: [email protected] Delaware High School (Manchester)
46th Annual John Vanderheiden Trophy ChampionshipsDivisions: Mini PeeWees 6&U, Pee Wee 7/8, Bantam 9/10, Junior 11/12, Senior 13/14Contacts: Jim Bruck 712-755-3753 C 712-579-2448 or 712-755-3101 Email: [email protected] High School (Harlan)
Little-Charger Wrestling TournamentDivisions: Pre-K-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8Contacts: John Harberts Ph 641-774-8266 0r 641-203-1983 Email: [email protected] High School (Chariton)
Shenandoah Elks Wrestling TournamentDivisions: PreK-K, 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8Contacts: Jennifer Stepens Ph: 712-379-3693 Email: [email protected] or Jon Skillern Ph; 712-46-5904 Email: [email protected] High School (Shenandoah)
9th Annual Westside DualsDivisions: Weights: 50,55,60,65,70,75,80,85,90,95,100,108,115, 125, 135, 150,HWT (225 Max), Entry due Jan, 15,2012Contacts: Mike Thomas Ph: 515-225-6939Valley High School (West Des Moines)
Wendell Williams Youth Wrestling TournamentDivisions: PreK-K, 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8Contacts: Joe Bottorf Ph: 515-231-3590Nevada High School (Nevada)
West Branch Youth Wrestling TournamentDivisions: PeeWee K-2, Bantam 3-4, Junior 5-6, Senior 7-8Contacts: Brian Donovan Ph 319-325-4621West Branch High School (West Branch)
Bull Pup Wrestling TournamentDivisions: Pre-K-K, 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8Contacts: Collin Stubbs Ph:608-306-0323 Email: [email protected] Middle School (McGregor)
Underwood’s Little Eagles Wrestling Beginners TournamentDivisions: Mini PeeWee PreK-K, PeeWee 1-2, Bantam 3-4, Jr 5-6Contacts: Tim: email: [email protected] High School (Underwood)
Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012Holstein Kiwanis Club Youth Wrestling TournamentDivisions: Super PeeWee 6&U, PeeWee 7&8, Novice 9&10, Junior 11&12, Senior 13-15Contacts: Bob Schiernbeck 712-368-4419 or 712-210-5379Galva-Holstein High School (Holstein)
Sunday, Feb. 19, 2012 Wendell Williams Youth Wrestling TournamentDivisions: PreK-K, 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8Contacts: Joe Bottorf Ph: 515-231-3590Nevada High School (Nevada)
Saturday,Feb. 25, 2012 Harris-Lake Park Youth Wrestling League Junior TournamentDivisions: PeeWee Pre K-K, Bantams 1-2, Novice 3-4, Junior 5-6, Senior 7-8Contact: Brian Gilmore Ph: 712-330-2780 or BJ Ferguson Ph: 712-320-6388 Harris-Lake Park High School (Lake Park)
2nd Annual Harris-Lake Park High School and Oldtimer’s Wrestling TournamentDivisions: High School 9-10, 11-12 Old timers Collegiate and No-Collegiate: Jr. Div. 28-U, Sr Div. 29-overContacts: Chad Niemeier Ph: 712-832-3056Harris-Lake Park High School (Lake Park, IA)
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Top Teams, Wrestlers Compete at 2012 Ed Winger Classic
Urbandale High School’s North and South gyms were rocking Jan. 21 as some of Iowa’s top teams came to town ready to rumble in the 2012 Ed Winger Classic. Other than the State Wrestling Tournament in Des Moines in February, the Ed Winger Classic is at the very top of high school wrestling tournaments in which fans get a shot at seeing not only the best wrestlers in the state, but also in the country. The tournament featured five teams ranked in Iowa by The Predicament: No. 1 Bettendorf, No. 2 South-east Polk, No. 3 Iowa City West, No. 7 Urbandale — all in Class 3A — and Class 2A No. 1, Denver-Tripoli. Several teams also appear on Intermat Wrestling’s national high school rankings. Bettendorf is ranked No. 10, Southeast Polk is No. 14 and Iowa City West is No. 21, respectively. Needless to say, many of the wrestlers (64, to be exact) in attendance that day are ranked in the state but 12 are also ranked on the national level by Inter-mat Wrestling:
#20 Phillip Laux, Senior, Iowa City West#7 Dylan Peters, Senior, Denver-Tripoli#3 Cory Clark, Senior, Southeast Polk#18 Jack Hathaway, Senior, Iowa City West#9 Brandon Sorensen, Junior, Denver-Tripoli#15 Dakota Bauer, Senior, Iowa City West#1 John Meeks, Senior, Des Moines Roosevelt#6 Gabriel Moreno, Senior, Urbandale#16 Justin Koethe, Senior, Iowa City West#6 Alex Meyer, Senior, Southeast Polk#3 Willie Miklus, Senior, Southeast Polk#19 Nate Shaw, Senior, Bettendorf
It’s almost a given with such a talented field of
wrestlers that a few surprises would occur throughout the day. But one that nobody expected happened at the 126-pound class where Jack Hathaway of Iowa City West defeated No. 1 and previously undefeated Cory Clark of Southeast Polk, 2-1, in the championship bout. Hathaway, who’s ranked No. 3 at 126-pounds, was able to get the match-winning takedown in the final seconds. Clark’s record was 163-1 after the match. He will aim for his fourth state title this year. Hathaway recieved the event’s Outstanding Wrestler award for his upset victory. Going into the tournament, Clark was joined by Des Moines Roosevelt’s John Meeks, another undefeated wrestler hoping to add his name to the history books as a four-time state champ. Meeks was able to take care of business, topping Denver-Tripoli’s Brandon Sorenson, 5-3, in the 138-pound class championship match. Though Southeast Polk took a big hit individually, overall the team did very well, topping No. 1 Bettendorf in the final team standings by a mere 5.5 points. Third-ranked Iowa City West finished a more distant third place and Denver-Tripoli finished the highest of the smaller schools in fourth place. Many storylines emerged after the Ed Winger Classic, but one to watch will definitely be how these wrestlers fare at the tournament in “The Well” — when everything will be put on the line.
2012 Ed Winger Classic Results
Team Results1. Southeast Polk – 2072. Bettendorf – 201.53. Iowa City West – 193.5
Tim Weideman Editor
4. Denver-Tripoli – 1135. Urbandale – 100.56. Dowling Catholic – 997. Cedar Falls – 88.58. Burlington – 73.59. North Scott – 72.510. Indianola – 7411. Fort Madison – 6312. Des Moines Roosevelt – 6313. Dallas Center-Grimes – 4914. Ballard (Huxley) – 4615. ADM-Adel – 4016. Davenport West – 4017. Johnston – 3918. Centerville – 3319. Ames – 2720. Council Bluffs Thomas Jefferson – 16
Individual Results
1061. Tanner Rohweder, Dowling Catholic2. Jacob Schwarm, Bettendorf3. Bryce Meye, Fort Madison4. Dan Kelly, Cedar Falls5. Trevor Murano, Dallas Center-Grimes6. Henry Pohlmeyer, Johnston
1131. Fredy Stroker, Bettendorf2. Phillip Laux, Iowa City West3. Tanner Cowan, Centerville4. Jonah Eide, Dowling Catholic5. Jake Kristensen, Des Moines Roosevelt6. Joe McGinnis, Indianola
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1201. Dylan Peter, Denver-Tripoli2. Colby Knight, Urbandale3. Drake Swarm, Bettendorf4. Ernest Willis, Iowa City West5. Christian Dunn, Fort Madison6. John Gloffredi, Indianola
1261. Jack Hathaway, Iowa City West2. Cory Clark, Southeast Polk3. Jacob Howard, Indianola4. Nathan Twito, Ames5. Dillon Hansen, Ballard (Huxley)6. Brad Irwin, Centerville
1321. Dakota Bauer, Iowa City West2. Logan Ryan, Bettendorf3. Johnny Jaeger, Dowling Catholic4. Damone Manning, Burlington5. Clayton Hocker, Fort Madison6. Dylan Buchheit, Southeast Polk
1381. John Meeks, Des Moines Roosevelt2. Brandon Sorensen, Denver-Tripoli3. Connor Ryan, Bettendorf4. Dakota Gray, Fort Madison5. Nate Harms, Urbandale6. Kegan Wakefield, Iowa City West
1451. Gabriel Moreno, Urbandale2. Bubba Hernandez, Bettendorf3. Gunnar Wolfensperger, Denver-Tripoli
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1201. Dylan Peter, Denver-Tripoli2. Colby Knight, Urbandale3. Drake Swarm, Bettendorf4. Ernest Willis, Iowa City West5. Christian Dunn, Fort Madison6. John Gloffredi, Indianola
1261. Jack Hathaway, Iowa City West2. Cory Clark, Southeast Polk3. Jacob Howard, Indianola4. Nathan Twito, Ames5. Dillon Hansen, Ballard (Huxley)6. Brad Irwin, Centerville
1321. Dakota Bauer, Iowa City West2. Logan Ryan, Bettendorf3. Johnny Jaeger, Dowling Catholic4. Damone Manning, Burlington5. Clayton Hocker, Fort Madison6. Dylan Buchheit, Southeast Polk
1381. John Meeks, Des Moines Roosevelt2. Brandon Sorensen, Denver-Tripoli3. Connor Ryan, Bettendorf4. Dakota Gray, Fort Madison5. Nate Harms, Urbandale6. Kegan Wakefield, Iowa City West
1451. Gabriel Moreno, Urbandale2. Bubba Hernandez, Bettendorf3. Gunnar Wolfensperger, Denver-Tripoli
4. Grady Gambrall, Iowa City West5. Austin Boyd, Burlington6. Bret McKinney, North Scott
1521. Keegan Muma, ADM-Adel2. Dylan Blackford, Southeast Polk3. Drake Chase, Bettendorf4. Dalton White, Burlington5. Keenan Feldpausch, North Scott6. Cory Chapin, Denver-Tripoli
1601. Justin Koethe, Iowa City West2. Shawn Randolph, Des Moines Roosevelt3. Tim Milkus, Southeast Polk4. Sam Johnson, Urbandale5. Nick Haggedorn, Cedar Falls6. Caleb Cousino, Davenport West
170 1. Alex Meyer, Southeast Polk2. Colbey Vance, Bettendorf3. Aaron McMurphy, Dallas Center-Grimes4. Matt Collins, Dowling Catholic5. Justin Kreiter, North Scott6. Mike Watkins, Iowa City West
1821. Garrett Smith, Denver-Tripoli2. Matt Seabold, Burlington3. Bryan Levsen, Bettendorf4. Alex Macki, Ballard (Huxley)5. Casey Marnin, Southeast Polk6. Colin Kreiter, North Scott
1951. Bud Smith, Southeast Polk2. Mickey Pelfrey, Iowa City West3. Nick Jepsen, Urbandale4. Cegan Long, North Scott5. Zach Rahnavardi, Cedar Falls6. Justin Klinkel, Ames
2201. Willie Miklus, Southeast Polk2. Nate Shaw, Bettendorf3. Joe Scanlan, Johnston4. Kyle Beale, Davenport West5. Tyler Lewis, Des Moines Roosevelt6. Dalton Barnabo, Dowling Catholic
2851. Don Dawson, Indianola2. Bryce Fisher, Southeast Polk3. Nick Terpstra, Cedar Falls4. Taylor Anderson, Burlington5. Shaquille Wells, Urbandale6. Jake Scanlan, Johnston
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High School Boys Basketball Post-Season PictureTony Atzeni Radio Accounts Manager Team records as of Jan. 10
When it comes to the boy’s and beginning in Class 4A, Iowa City West has earned the top ranking this sea-son with wins over defending cham-pion Linn-Mar (Marion), Cedar Rapids Jefferson and Cedar Falls. Ankeny is another team that deserves a ton of respect with a key win over West Des Moines Valley. Linn-Mar has maybe the best pure point guard in the country in Marcus Paige and has made the new faces around him better. The Lions are a dangerous team, as usual. Under the radar, maybe for the lack of tradition, is Dubuque Senior and its balanced attack led by Josh Weeber. Dubuque Senior handed Cedar Rapids Jefferson its first loss and has wins over Cedar Falls and Cedar Rapids Kennedy. Sioux City East has two losses but both are to teams outside the state of Iowa, South Sioux City (NE) and Hop-kins (MN). East has key wins against Bishop Heelan (Sioux City) and LeMars but both are in Class 3A. Some of the surprise teams this season have been Des Moines Roosevelt led by Sam Norman and Cedar Rapids Jefferson led by Taylor Olson. Klinton carlson, waverly-shell rock, iowa high school basketball In Class 3A, Waverly-Shell Rock has taken the tough loss in the state title game last season and has used the motivation to its benefit with wins against three Class 4A teams so far this season, including Waterloo West. The Go-Hawks are led by Klinton Carlson and Connor Coleman. MOC-Floyd Valley is the only other unbeaten in the class and, led by Daniel Jansen, sports wins against Boyden-Hull and Sioux Center.
Mount Pleasant is a bit of a surprise after the loss of many outstanding seniors last season but Jordan Ashton has put the team back into the con-tender role. Webster City is another that has posted some solid wins, which include Iowa Falls-Alden and St. Edmond (Fort Dodge). Bishop Heelan (Sioux City) looked to be hurting heading into the season with key losses from last season’s title team. However, behind Shane Graves, the team has stepped back into its familiar status as contenders again as they search for an unprecedented fourth straight title. Not sure you can say there are many surprises but rather the 3A field looks just like football to be a wide-open affair once the post season gets under-way with those mentioned above the leaders at the midway point of the season. In Class 2A, the one thing that stands out is how deep this class is. With that said, it will be difficult
to just make it to Des Moines and the state tournament. West Fork, one of six remaining unbeaten in the class, is back to defend their 2011 title behind Payton Plagge. West Marshall (State Center) has another good class that will contend and Roland-Story with a key win over PCM-Monroe are two others with perfect starts. Denver is known more for wrestling and football but along with Monticello and Ogden is also unbeaten so far this season. Ogden made a big statement with a hard-fought victory against Des Moines Christian. There are a number of others that are worthy of recognition, including Mount Vernon with their only loss to Williamsburg (3A). The Mustangs have tough wins over Western Dubuque (Epworth) (3A), Cascade, North Cedar (Stanwood), Beckman (Dyersville) and Solon. PCM-Monroe may have two losses but its beginning to get to full strength again and if the team stays healthy — and leader Scott Bruxvoort keeps it up — it will be a very tough out.
A few others to watch are, as always, St. Edmond (Fort Dodge) led by Nick Clark, along with Pekin led by Trey Sathoff and Des Moines Christian led by Michael Carney. In Class 1A, five teams are unbeaten at this point of the season including St. Mary (Storm Lake) led by Luke Lenhart and Kennedy Drey and Danville led by twins Michael and Steven Soukup, who again finished 1-2 last season. Northeast Hamilton (Blairsburg), Harris-Lake Park and Keota are the other unbeaten. Like 2A, there are a number of teams you can list in this deep class. Mount Ayr has one loss to a very good Nodaway Valley (Greenfield) who suffered its only loss to Clarinda (2A) in the season opener. Gehlen Catholic (Le-Mars) is another that has not lost since its opener, while Kingsley-Pierson lost a one-point decision to St. Mary and another to Gehlen Catholic. Boyden-Hull should be in most conversations with its only loss coming to the 3A power MOC-Floyd Valley. Lone Tree has only lost to Pekin (2A) and, led by Bryan Forbes, will be tough. Others to watch are Murray with its only loss to once-beaten Mount Ayr and Fremont-Mills (Tabor) which lost only to Glenwood (3A). Iowa Mennonite (Kalona) has three losses but it has also played a good schedule and should not be overlooked. Also watch for Pleasantville and North Iowa (Buffalo Center).
Jeremy Morgan, Iowa City West (Photo by Impact Imagery)
Scott Bruxvoort, PCM-Monroe (Photo by Impact Imagery)
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NUTRITION
WELLNESS
HEALTH
When it comes to the young ladies and beginning in Class 4A, Iowa City West has been solid and return after a runner-up finish last season. West is led by Ally Disterhoft and Mckenzie Piper and are one of only two unbeaten remaining in the class. Southeast Polk is the other headliner and, led by its 1-2 punch of Caitlin Ingle and Whitney VanWyk, the two teams look to be on a collision course this season. Ankeny, Ames and Mason City will all be tough coming out of the CIML. Ankeny lost to Ames and is led by Maddie Manning. Ames is finally healthy this season and has lost only to Mason City and is led by Shaya Kellogg and Cheyenne Pritchard. Mason City has a balanced group led by Jadda Buckley and has lost only to Waukee. Defending state champions Des Moines East started slow with a tough schedule and injury issues with losses to Mason City, Waukee and Southeast Polk but if they get to full strength, the Scarlets could be a danger in the second half of the season. Waukee has proven on any given night that they can also be a problem. If Iowa City West is going to be challenged it will come from the likes of Iowa City High, Cedar Rapids Xavier, Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids Prairie and Waterloo West. But all will have to find another level to make that happen. Lewis Central (Council Bluffs) could be sneaky because they play a 3A schedule so are usually overlooked. In Class 3A, six teams are unbeaten: Benton (Van Horne), Bishop Heelan (Sioux City), Bondurant-Farrar, Glenwood, MOC-Floyd Valley and South Tama. Defending state champion Davenport Assumption has only one loss to Cedar Rapids Xavier (4A). South Tama looks to Madison Baier for leadership and has a key victory against Waverly-Shell Rock but strength of schedule is still in question. Bondurant-Farrar has made the jump from 2A to 3A look easy so far with wins over pretty good teams in Dallas Center-Grimes and Ballard (Huxley). The Lady Jays are led
by Bobbie Burrows and Jackie Yount. Alexis Conaway is the leader for MOC-Floyd Valley who has posted an impressive win over Sergeant Bluff-Luton. Madison Weekly is the leader for Benton Community and, other than a close battle with Williamsburg, has not been challenged. Glenwood has wins over Lewis Central, Kuemper Catholic and Harlan and are the team to beat out of western Iowa and are led by Morgan Lucy. Bishop Heelan may be even better than most had originally thought prior to the season and has proven that with wins over Estherville-Lincoln Central and Sergeant Bluff-Luton. The Crusaders are led by Natalie Vondrak and Mac Augustine. Williamsburg has suffered two losses, both by two points and is another team to watch led by Paige Greiner and Mackenzie Bigbee. Washington has losses to Williamsburg and Ottumwa but with a healthy Sydney Greiner will be tough. Sergeant Bluff-Luton also has potential led by Betsy Thomas. Never look at the record of a Dubuque Wahlert team as the three losses are to 4A powers in Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids Washington and Linn-Mar (Marion). Tess Leytem and Claire Till lead the way for the Golden Eagles. A few sleepers are Denison Schleswig and New Hampton. In Class 2A, many are thinking a rematch of the title game last year between O-A/BC-IG and Estherville-Lincoln Central. Jessie Pauley and Morgan VanDerSloot lead the way for Falcons while the Midgets are led by Allie Sievert and Alyssa Johnson. West Hancock (Britt) was a semifinalist last season in 1A but returns the core of that team led by Anna and Sarah Mallen. Along with O-A/BC-IG and West Hancock,
there are eleven others that are unbeaten at the midway point of the season which shows how tough the class should be on the state tournament run. On that list is Bellevue, Gilbert, Iowa City Regina, Maquoketa Valley (Dehli), Mediapolis, Missouri Valley, Nodaway Valley (Greenfield), Sioux Central (Sioux Rapids), St. Edmond (Fort Dodge), Sumner-Fredericksburg and Western Christian (Hull). Once beaten on this tough list to include is North Linn (Troy Mills) who suffered its only loss to Maquoketa Valley. IKM-Manning lost a tight battle with Odebolt-Arthur/Battle Creek-Ida Grove and gave the Falcons the best game at state last season. Panorama (Panora) lost only to Gilbert and Van Buren (Keosauqua) lost to Fairfield (3A). Cascade, Grundy Center, Monticello and Kuemper
Catholic (Carroll) are just a few more of a long list to keep in mind. In Class 1A, four teams remain unbeaten led by North Mahaska (New Sharon) and its balanced group led by Kate Ray and Tara Smith. Bedford has a talented young group led by senior Caila Raymond. Ar-We-Va (Westside) finished in the runner-up spot at state last season and returned Paige Danner and Dani Kock. West Sioux (Hawarden) is the final team without a loss led by Jade Lynn Vlotho. There are plenty of others that will also contend in 1A led by state tournament participants last season Lynnville-Sully and Newell-Fonda. Exira/Elk Horn-Kimballton lost only to a good Coon Rapids-Bayard team, while Adair-Casey lost only to Exira/EH-K. Central Lyon (Rock Rapids) lost to 3A power MOC-Floyd Valley and perennial power North Butler (Greene) has not lost since their season opener to Aplington-Parkersburg. North Tama (Traer) led by Kailey Kladivo should not be overlooked as well.
Madison Weekly, Benton Comm. (Photo by Charlie McCardle)
High School Girls Basketball Post-Season PictureTony Atzeni Radio Accounts Manager Team records as of Jan. 10
PrepConnection
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Prep Pics
Email photos to [email protected] to have them published on our Prep Pictures page.
Photos Courtesy: Iowa Sports Connection
2012 Ed Winger Invitational at Urbandale
PrepConnection
Champions Across Iowa
Junior Andrew Foutch
is a driving force behind
the Underwood wrestling
team. Currently ranked No.
1 at 120 pounds by The
Predicament, Foutch is
looking to add the title “state
champ” to his accolades.
Foutch placed second at 103
pounds last year.
Wrestling
Name: Andrew Foutch
School: Underwood
Class: 1A
Senior Tarin Phillips is getting
the most out of his final
high school season. Phillips,
ranked No. 4 at 195 pounds
by The Predicament, has
shown huge strides on the
mat. Phillips is 26-0 as of
Jan. 21.
Name: Tarin Phillips
School: WDM Valley
Class: 3A
Senior Drake Fanslau
is another Underwood
wrestler in the running for
an individual title. Fanslau
is currently ranked No.
1 at 160 pounds by The
Predicament. Fanslau
finished fourth last year at
152 pounds.
Name: Drake Fanslau
School: Underwood
Class: 1A
A senior, Courtney Strait
leads Class 4A in scoring
average with 21.1 points
per game. She also posted
37 points in a single game,
which is good for fourth in
4A this season.
Name: Courtney Strait
School: Cedar Rapids Kennedy
Class: 4A
Get your breakfast of Champions at your local
Wrestling Wrestling Basketball
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Mackenzie Bigbee (Williamsburg, Senior): This season,
Mackenzie Bigbee has set new school records in career rebounds
(625), career offensive rebounds (184), defensive rebounds in a
game (14) and blocked shots in a game (10). She’s also recorded the
school’s first ever triple-double with 14 points, 13 rebounds and 10
blocks.
KJ Veldman (Spirit Lake, Junior): Veldman reached 1,000
career points Jan. 13 in a victory over Spencer.
Waterloo Warriors: The Warriors of the Midwest
High School Hockey League are currently on a 23-game winning
streak, one game away from breaking the 1985-86 Omaha Lancers’
24-game record.
Jay Knuth (Johnston, Sophomore): Knuth was perfect from
the free throw line Jan. 24 against Ottumwa going 16-of-16.
Mark Tiby (Urbandale Girls Basketball Coach): Tiby reached
the career milestone of 400 wins Jan. 24 with a victory over Fort
Dodge.
Dennis Geraghty (Western Dubuque Boys Basketball
Coach): Geraghty recorded his 400th career win Jan. 21 against
Dubuque Hempstead.
A quick look at some of the state’s best performances from the Missouri to the Mississippi
Iowa Sports Connection
CollegiateIowa Sports Connection
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1
2
4
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5
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6
of the MonthStudent Athlete
Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureauwww.iowagtsb.org
Angie McCardleHigh School: IndependenceClass: 2012GPA: 3.93Sport: Softball, Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer and Football
What’s your favorite sport to play? Why?Each sport is so different in skills and mentality that I’ve never had a favorite. I love every aspect of every sport, but it would be a three way tie between basketball, softball, and soccer. I love the adrenaline of taking the ball from an offender in soccer and advancing it farther from their point of scoring. I love the power you feel when you jump up for a rebound in basketball and just rip the ball away from the other team. Most of all, I love the mind game of softball.
Do you have any fun pre-game “rituals” that prepare you for an event? I put in my head phones, blare my iPod, and rock out! I can’t physically stop moving! I always listen to “Heart of A Champion”.
What’s your favorite sports memory? Beating North Scott in 2011 to make it to state for the first girls state soccer appearance in Independence school history.
Plans after High School: Attend either Iowa State or Mount Mercy University and major in psychology and possibly play softball and/or soccer.
What is your dream job? An athletic trainer for the Green Bay Packers or a criminal profiler for the FBI or CIA.
Academic Achievements/Honors:- Academic all-conference my junior year for volleyball, basketball, and soccer - Academic all-conference my senior year for volleyball and football so far - National honor society member and student council member- 4.0 and 3.5 honor roll all through middle school and high school
Athletic Achievements and Honors: Soccer: Freshman year - 1st team All-Conference, Honorable Mention All-State, Sophomore year - 2nd Team All-Conference and Junior year - Honorable Mention All-ConferenceSoftball: Varsity player since 8th grade with 6 Home Runs tallied in last 2 seasonsBasketball: Undefeated season freshman year going 15 - 0 leading rebounder for 2010-2011 Junior season.Football: First female varsity football player in the history of Independence High School finishing the season with 13 points as a kicker. Varsity Letters: Softball - 5, Volleyball - 2, Basketball - 2, Soccer - 3, Football - 1.
Many young Iowans dream of compet-ing for Iowa’s top college programs. Here’s a look at three wrestlers who’ve made a successful transition. 165 lb. - Andrew Sorensen, Sr. Iowa State (Woden-Crystal Lake-Titonka) Sorenson capped off his high school career by winning the 2007 152-pound Iowa high school state title and finished with a 155-10 prep record. He registered two prior placings at state, fourth in 2006 at 135 pounds and seventh in 2004 at 112 pounds. He was coached by former Cyclone Murray Anderson. Sorenson’s collegiate career has had some very bright spots. He qualified for the 2010 NCAA Championships after a third place finish at the Big 12 Championships. An injury ended his year prematurely last season.
125 lb. - Matt McDonough, Jr. Iowa (Linn-Mar, Marion) McDonough’s prep career record was 151-15. He was a three-time state and conference champion. He set a school record for most takedowns in a season and tied the school record for most pins in a season. His 151 career wins ranks second in school history. McDonough wasted no time making an impact for the Hawk-eyes. After redshirting in 2008-09, he won the NCAA Championship and Big Ten Freshman of the Year. He finished second at the NCAAs last season.
157 lb. - Derek St. John, So. Iowa (Iowa City West) St. John concluded his prep career with a record of 182-9, including a 50-0 campaign his junior year. He was a two-time state champion and four-time conference champion. St. John was a four-time first team all-district and all-conference selection. He helped West to two state and four conference titles St. John has battled injury this year at Iowa but finished fourth in the NCAAs after finishing second at the Big Ten tournament in last season.
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Two have fallen in the regular season but one remains undefeated. Can Meeks, Clark and Carton add their names to the list of four-time state champions? Des Moines Roosevelt’s John Meeks, Southeast Polk’s Cory Clark and Davenport Assumption’s Topher Carton have a few things in common: They’re all seniors and they’ve all won three Iowa high school state wrestling championships. One detail separates Meeks from Clark and Carton. He’s still undefeated. In a span of two days, Clark and Carton could no longer hold that status above their heads. Carton lost to Bettendorf’s Logan Ryan on Jan. 19 and Clark lost to Iowa City West’s Jack Hathaway in the championship match at the Ed Winger Classic in Urbandale. Whileallthreewrestlerswillmakeonelastchargefortheirfourthandfinalstatetitles,onlyMeekscanhopetoclaim“undefeated four-time champ. “ He would join Dan Gable, Jeff Kerber, Dan Knight, Jeff McGinness and Eric Juergens as wrestlers who finishedtheirIowaprepcareersunbeaten. Iowa has crowned two four-time state champs a couple times before (Mack Reiter and CJ Ettelson in 2003, and Dan LeClere and Jay Borschel in 2005) but never three. Add Meeks’ undefeated record and this has the potential to be one of the greatest years in Iowa high school wrestling history.
Feb 3rd Feb 4th Feb 11th Feb 12th Feb 15th Feb 16th-18th Feb 19th Mar 3rd-4th Mar 3rd-4th Mar 4th Mar 14th-17th
Iowa State at Northern Iowa High School Sectionals High School Districts National Duals Regionals High School State Dual Tournament High School State Championships National Duals Championships Big Ten Championships Big Twelve Championships NCAA West Regional NCAA Championships
Cedar Falls, IowaIowaIowaAmes, IowaDes Moines, IowaDes Moines, IowaTBDWest Lafayette, Ind.Columbia, Mo.Cedar Falls, IowaSt. Louis, Mo.
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CollegiateCorner
the Fall 2011 season. Now he joins Head Coach Tony Giannetto in coaching AIB’s first-ever men’s basketball team. “Head Coach Tony Giannetto and I want this program to be done the right way.” Peppmeier says. “We want student-athletes that will work as hard in the classroom as they do on the court.”
Coaches with Urbandale Ties Team Up at AIB College of Business Rodney J. Brown AIB Communications Specialist
As AIB College of Business launched the recent aggressive expansion of its sports program, it got more than a little help from Urbandale. Three men hired to coach AIB Eagles teams have long ties with Urbandale J-Hawk high school teams. AIB head women’s basketball coach Jerry Kindhart formerly coached girls basketball at Urbandale High School, transitioning the team from six-player to five-player in the 1980s. AIB assistant men’s basketball coach and assistant men’s and women’s golf coach Dennis Peppmeier was a student teacher under Kind-hart at Olmsted Elementary School. Peppmeier later taught physical education at Urbandale for 33 years and coached in middle and high school. AIB head men’s and women’s soccer coach Brandon Ermels was an avid soccer player while growing up in Urbandale – and Peppmeier was his P.E. teacher. Now the three men are coaching AIB teams as members of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and associate members of the Midwest Collegiate Conference. AIB’s women’s basketball teams were a powerhouse in the Amateur Athletic Union from 1929 until 1952, when they disbanded after los-ing their high school competition due to a change in the Iowa high school rules limiting the number
of games high school teams could play. After more than a 50-year hiatus, AIB again fielded a women’s team in 2007. Kindhart, a graduate of Simpson College and a member of the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union and Iowa High School Athletic Asso-ciation Halls of Fame, has coached the team since 2009. Ermels was named the first-ever head men’s soccer coach at AIB in July 2011. His teams will begin competing in the fall of 2012. Ermels previously coached at Iowa Central and Waldorf colleges, with the Des Moines Menace Super-20 League team and at Waukee High School. He is a graduate of William Penn Univer-sity, where he was a four-year letter winner in soccer, and of the University of Phoenix. Peppmeier has lived in Urbandale 41 years, coaching basketball, track, baseball and volley-ball. He has served as head boys’ golf coach at Urbandale High School for many years, including
FROM LEFT: AIB soccer coach Brandon Ermels; women’s basketball coach Jerry Kindhart and assistant men’s golf/assistant men’s basketball coach Dennis Peppmeier.
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CollegiateCorner
After a disappointing 2010 season, the goals were perfectly clear for Iowa State football: beat Iowa and earn a bowl bid. On those two accounts, the Cyclones delivered in thrilling fashion. But despite meeting the expectations of the Iowa State faithful, the path to a bowl eligible season was a bumpy one. If there was a constant in the Cyclones’ rollercoaster season, it was to expect the unexpected. The Cyclones got off to a rocky start, barely edging FCS Northern Iowa, 20-19. But the legend of quarterback Steele Jantz began. Despite throwing three interceptions, Jantz led the Cyclones in the decisive game-winning drive. Jantz’s legend began growing the following week when they took on Iowa. This time it wasn’t just late-game heroics, it was an all-around historic performance in the Iowa-Iowa State rivalry. Jantz finished the game with 279 passing yards and four touchdowns, leading a 64-yard game-tying touchdown drive to send the game into overtime. The Cyclones prevailed 44-41 in an epic triple overtime victory. Iowa State notched their third straight victory on the road against Connecticut. After another rough start, Jantz led another game-winning drive to edge the Huskies 24-20. And then the rough part of the Cyclones’ schedule kicked in. The Cyclones lost four consecutive games, the first one, an absolute stinker at home against Texas. Playing in front of a packed house and still undefeated, the Cyclones stumbled into a 34-0 halftime deficit. The Cyclones lost 37-14. From there on out, the Cyclones were blown out by a far superior Baylor squad, 49-26, and then were embarrassed by Missouri on the road, 52-17. Against Texas A&M, the Cyclones fell short again, 33-17. This time, Jantz was replaced in the first quarter by freshman quarterback Jared Barnett. The Jantz phenomenon was now over and the
Eduardo Zamarripa ISC Contributor
Season of Highs and Lows for the Cyclones
Cylones were now 3-4. Just when it looked like the Cyclones were ready to turn the corner and handle the big boys of the Big 12 conference, reality came crashing down on them. But Iowa State needed only three more wins to become bowl eligible. The Cyclones took on Texas Tech on the road and figured to be heavy underdogs. After all, the Red Raiders had just beaten Oklahoma. But the Cyclones handed the prolific Texas Tech offense a stifling 41-7 smack-down. And suddenly, the bowl hopes were alive and kicking. After taking down lowly Kansas at home, 13-10, that meant the Cyclones had to beat only one of their remaining three ranked opponents: Oklahoma State, Oklahoma or Kansas State. On a chilly, November night, Oklahoma State came to Ames undefeated and ranked second in the AP poll. The Cyclones were about to take on one of the most prolific offenses in college football. Down 24-7 in the third quarter, it didn’t seem like the Cyclones had enough firepower to make a comeback. But a couple of Oklahoma State turnovers sparked the Cyclones and soon enough, Barnett found wide receiver Albert Gary to tie the game up at 24 and force overtime. After both teams traded touchdowns in the first overtime, the Cyclones picked-off Brandon Weeden at the start of the second overtime. And then, with three consecutive carries, running back Jeff Woody found the end zone and vaulted the Cyclones into bowl eligibility and delivered the biggest upset of the season. The Cyclones had done it. They had beaten Oklahoma State 37-31. “Sweet Caroline” blared through the stadium as the fans rushed the field. The Cyclones had delivered perhaps the biggest victory in
Cyclone history. But once again, as the Cyclones reached another pinnacle, another fall ensued. Iowa State closed out the season with road losses to Oklahoma and Kansas State and drew Rutgers in the Pinstripe Bowl. Despite the efforts of Jantz, who came in for Barnett in the second quarter, there was no more magic left in the tank for the Cyclones. Iowa State fell 27-13 and finished the season with a 6-7 record. The Cyclones had two separate three-game winning streak on the season. They also had a four-game losing streak and a three-game losing streak to close the season. Yes, it was a rollercoaster-of-a-season for the Cyclones. But in the end, there were a lot of highlights to remember. The early season magic of Jantz, their thrilling victory over Iowa and their historic win over Oklahoma State. There’s a lot of work to be done for next season, but for now, Cyclone fans should feel confident that this team is capable of making the leap next year.
The best a man can get.
Iowa State running back Jeff Woody crosses the goal line to seal an overtime victory against Oklahoma State. The Cyclones through a wrench in OSU’s BCS plans with the upset. (Photo by Iowa State Athletics)
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CollegiateCorner
A Look Back: Norm Parker’s Career at IowaSteve Roe University of Iowa Athletics Communications Director
Prior to the team’s Insight Bowl game Dec. 30 against Oklahoma, University of Iowa Defensive Coordinator Norm Parker announced his plans to retire following the game in Tempe, Ariz. In a prepared statement, Parker said the following: “I would like to announce that the 2011 Insight Bowl will be my last game as a football coach at Iowa. I would like to personally thank Gary Barta, Kirk Ferentz, the coaches, and players at Iowa, along with the fantastic fans. It has been a great time, one that myself and my entire family greatly appreciate. I would also like to thank the office staff, the equipment people, and a special thanks to the medical staff, as I used them enough. The entire Hawkeye community has been great. My wife Linda, and all the members of our family, were very pleased to be members of the Hawkeye family. We truly enjoyed our time here. After 48 years of doing something I love, it is time to enjoy some time with the grandkids. Go Hawks!” “Norm’s contributions to our team the past 13 years are deeply appreciated, as he has had a tremendous impact on our program,” said Iowa Head Football Coach Kirk Ferentz. “As I have said publicly on many occasions, Norm is a superb defensive coach and has served as a
strong role model and mentor for all of our players and our entire staff.” Parker is completing his 13th year as Iowa’s defensive coordinator. Following the 2011 season, Parker was named Assistant Coach of the Year by the American Football
Coaches Association (AFCA). He will be honored at the AFCA national convention, January 8-11, in San Antonio, Tex. He was a finalist for the Frank Broyles Assistant Coach of the Year Award in 2004 and 2005. Under Parker’s direction, Iowa has ranked among the top 10 nationally in rushing defense five times. Iowa has been in the top 10 in scoring defense three of the past four seasons. In 2010, Iowa was fifth nationally in total defense (332.1), sixth in rushing defense (101.5) and seventh in scoring defense (17.0). Under Parker’s direction, the Iowa defense is regarded as one of the most physical, hard-hitting units in the Big Ten and the nation. The Hawkeyes have been bowl eligible in each of the last 11 seasons and have been ranked in the final top 10 of both major polls four times in the past 10 seasons. Iowa has won 85 games over the past 10 seasons, including 50 Big Ten games. The Hawkeyes earned a share of the Big Ten title in both 2002 and 2004 and tied for second in
2009. Parker began coaching on the collegiate level at Eastern Michigan in 1968 after beginning his coaching career in the high school ranks for three seasons. He also coached at Wake Forest, Minnesota, Illinois, East Carolina, Michigan State and Vanderbilt before becoming Iowa’s defensive coordinator under Ferentz.
NORM PARKER’S COACHING CAREER
Iowa DC, 2008-present
Iowa DC, LB, 1999-2007
Vanderbilt DC, LB, 1996-97 LB, 1995-96
Michigan State DC, OLB, 1990-94 OLB, 1983-89
East Carolina DC, 1980-82
Illinois OLB, 1977-79
Minnesota DL, 1972-76
Wake Forest TE, WR, 1969-71
Eastern Michigan OL, 1968
St. John’s (MI) HS HC, 1965-67
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CollegiateCornerCentral Grad Van Vark Tabbed for BCS Title Game For just a moment on the evening of Jan. 9, Brad Van Vark ’78 will allow himself to think about the fact that he’s stepped onto the green, plastic grass field of the Louisiana Superdome for the BCS national college football title game. He’ll temporarily succumb to the intoxicating atmosphere that accompanies having a spot perched on big-time college football’s grandest stage as a back judge, part of an all-star Big 12 Conference officiating crew selected to work the Jan. 8 championship game in New Orleans. His eyes will scan the hyperventilating crowd of 80,000 and he’ll think about being a former back-up Central College quarterback from Pella, Iowa, about to spend the next 3.5 hours being seen by more television viewers than Oprah. “I’ll take a look around and think about how blessed I’ve been,” Van Vark said. “And then get down to it.” To a dwindling handful of fans with a sane perspective, the breathlessly hyped LSU-Alabama matchup is just a game. Yet to Van Vark, it’s even less than that. He can’t afford to think of it in broader terms than the small sliver of field that is his responsibility to monitor. “You are so focused on what you’re trying to do and what you’re trying to watch,” he said. “After every play, I need to be able to tell myself what happened to the guys I was watching. Sometimes after the game someone will tell me about a great play and I don’t have a clue. You’re so focused on your area that you miss that fan’s perspective.” But while he doesn’t see the same game America sees on the TV screen, he’s well aware of the big picture. “We did the Iowa State-Oklahoma State game this year (a monumental ISU upset overtime victory at Ames, Nov. 18),” he said. “You’re really focused on your job but you can feel what’s going on around you. It’s pretty cool.” It’s the 12th straight year that Van Vark has been involved in a postseason game. He’s worked three Big 12 title games and nine bowl games. And this will be his second national championship, having served as a side judge in Ohio State’s overtime upset of Miami (Fla.) in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl. “The first time was kind of a blur,” he confesses about the 2003 game. “I’m way better equipped this time.” Van Vark said he’s become more prepared to handle stressful situations. “You kind of feel the excitement around you,” he said. “You’ve got to try to stay under control. When everything comes apart at the seams, you need to be the one that remains calm.”
Larry Happel Central College Sports Information Director
Like many fans, Van Vark is spending much of the postseason watching bowl games, but making mental notes rather than eating pizza. He’s trying to stay sharp after not working a game since late November. “You’re better when you work every week,” he said. “You get in the flow. It hurts to have a month off. You try to watch film and we’ve got our weekly rules tests from the Big 12 office. I’ll watch a lot of games through the holidays. It’s a little different than baseball or basketball, where you work lots of games. There just aren’t as many games in football and the only way to supplement that is to watch video of other games. You can get better by doing that.” He also draws on his experience at Central as a player and a coach. “Playing the game helps you have an understanding of what the players are trying to accomplish,” Van Vark said. “It helps you determine advantage/disadvantage. Coaching gives you an appreciation of that as well.” And that means more than just knowing the rules. “It’s like a police officer with guidelines,” he said. “If you don’t apply logic along with the rulebook, you’re not going to be any good. The same thing applies when you’re officiating. If you only look at the rulebook and not advantage/disadvantage, you’re not going to help young men decide the game.” That’s knowledge that would have been useful to Van Vark on the playing field more than 30 years ago. “With all the things I know now, I wish I could go back and play,” Van Vark laughs. “I’m way smarter than I was then.” But while Van Vark no longer tries to score touchdowns, he can still quietly experience the euphoria of reaching the end zone, albeit anonymously. By the time the BCS trophy is hoisted skyward by one of the game’s high-profile head coaches, either LSU’s Les Miles
or Alabama’s Nick Saban, Van Vark will already be safely tucked away in the officials’ locker room beneath the Louisiana Superdome. He’ll have a DVD of the game in his hands before he leaves the stadium, with grades from his supervisors soon to follow. But he won’t need an expert’s evaluation or a cheering crowd for him to know how he feels. “In any kind of business, you know when things have really clicked,” he said. That’s among the things that continues fueling his desire to wear a striped shirt. “It’s an opportunity to go out
there and perform at the highest level,” he said. “If I do a good job, when we’re finished, it’s pretty
satisfying.” And when he’s not as sure, the DVD is especially helpful. Van Vark can accept being wrong, but wondering about a play can be draining. “If you think, ‘Wow, I wasn’t in position on that play,’ or ‘I want to see that one again,’ we can instantly get feedback,” he said. “It helps you put things behind you and move forward. Some stuff stays with you a long time if you don’t get to see the play again.” Which is why Van Vark doesn’t fear instant replay. “I like it because, A, it helps us get things right, which is all we’re trying to do and B, it supports, for the most part, the fact that we do a pretty good job,” he said. “The thing I don’t like is that it disrupts the flow of the game.” Getting it right is what matters because Van Vark’s bottom line is helping kids have a rewarding experience playing the game. That’s something that drew Van Vark into officiating—and keeps him there. “I can sincerely tell you that if I got fired tomorrow, the next day I’d go back to officiating high school games if they’d have me,” he said. “I still enjoy it.”
Former Central College back-up quarterback Brad Van Vark signals touchdown in a Big 12 game. (Photo courtesy of Central College)
The #2 Peacocks ended their run at the NWCA/Cliff Keen National Duals in Springfield, Ill. today with a third place finish, their best-ever finish at the National Duals. Upper Iowa lost their semifinal match to #3 St. Cloud State in the semifinals, 22-13, but rebounded with a nine-point victory, 24-15, over #4 Nebraska-Kearney in the third place match. St. Cloud State defeated #1
Newberry in the finals to win the team title. The Peacocks jumped out to a 6-0 lead over the Huskies of SCSU after wins by Kyle Pedretti (3-2) and Trevor Franklin (4-1), but St. Cloud State tied the dual with wins by decision at 141 and 149 pounds. Winston Robbins gave UIU a
10-6 lead with a win by major decision, 13-2, and Blake Sorensen extended the lead to 13-6 with a win by decision, 2-0. The Peacocks would not put another win on the board as the Huskies claimed a win by fall at 174, wins by decision at 184 and 197 pounds and a major decision at heavyweight to rally for the 22-13 victory. In the third place match, UIU took on the Lopers of Nebraska-Kearney. Upper Iowa posted six wins in the dual on the way to a 24-15 win and their third place. Chris Paulus got the ball rolling with an 8-6
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Upper Iowa Claims 3rd Place at National DualsHowie Thompson Upper Iowa Athletics Communications Director
win at 125 pounds and Franklin backed it up with a 7-2 decision at 133. The Lopers claimed a win by fall and three straight wins by decision to take a 15-6 lead. Upper Iowa dug deep and fired back as Wade Gobin picked up a win by fall (1:17) and Mitch Schultz earned a 5-1 decision to tie the match at 15-15. Carl Broghammer put Upper Iowa on top, 18-15, with a 5-1 decision in overtime and Luke Stika picked up a win by forfeit at heavyweight to push the final score to 24-15. Upper Iowa (4-1) will now enter the Northern Sun Conference season with a pair of road duals this weekend. The Peacocks will travel to Northern State on Saturday at 4 p.m. and U-Mary on Sunday at 2 p.m.
Match #3 Semifinal: St. Cloud State defeated Upper Iowa 22-13125 - Kyle Pedretti (Upper Iowa) over Eric Forde (St. Cloud State) Dec 3-2133 - Trevor Franklin (Upper Iowa) over Zach Stewart (St. Cloud State) Dec 4-1141 - Jay Hildreth (St. Cloud State) over Blake Hilmer (Upper Iowa) Dec 9-3149 - Josh Howk (St. Cloud State) over Jordan Rinken (Upper Iowa) Dec 5-3157 - Winston Robbins (Upper Iowa) over Matt Leibforth (St. Cloud State) Maj 13-2165 - Blake Sorensen (Upper Iowa) over Dan Dick (St. Cloud State) Dec 2-0174 - Tad Merritt (St. Cloud State) over Wade Gobin (Upper Iowa) Pin 4:35
184 - Derek Skala (St. Cloud State) over Mitch Schultz (Upper Iowa) Dec 10-4197 - Lucas Munkelwitz (St. Cloud State) over Carl Broghammer (Upper Iowa) Dec 6-2285 - Jake Kahnke (St. Cloud State) over Luke Stika (Upper Iowa) Maj 11-0
Match #4 3rd Place Match: Upper Iowa defeated Nebraska-Kearney 24-15125 - Chris Paulus (Upper Iowa) over Jordan White (Nebraska-Kearney) Dec 8-6133 - Trevor Franklin (Upper Iowa) over Stephen Weimer (Nebraska-Kearney) Dec 7-2141 - Dalton Jensen (Nebraska-Kearney) over Blake Hilmer (Upper Iowa) Pin 4:45149 - Raufeon Stots (Nebraska-Kearney) over Jordan Rinken (Upper Iowa) Dec 9-4157 - T.J. Hepburn (Nebraska-Kearney) over Winston Robbins (Upper Iowa) Dec 5-2165 - Joey Wilson (Nebraska-Kearney) over Blake Sorensen (Upper Iowa) Dec 8-5174 - Wade Gobin (Upper Iowa) over Mark Fiala (Nebraska-Kearney) Pin 1:17184 - Mitch Schultz (Upper Iowa) over Brock Smith (Nebraska-Kearney) Dec 5-1197 - Carl Broghammer (Upper Iowa) over Matt Lenagh (Nebraska-Kearney) OT 5-1285 - Luke Stika (Upper Iowa) over Unknown (Unattached) Forf
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IIAC Wrestling: Can Wartburg Be Stopped?Tim Weideman Editor
Wartburg, Wartburg, Wartburg. Sorry if you’re tired of hearing it but the Wartburg Knights deserve the respect. As winners of the last 19 (that’s nearly two decades) Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championships and three-straight (five of the last seven) NCAA Championships, the Knights have built a strong program in the heart of wrestling country. Wartburg is currently the top-ranked team in the country and came away its second consecutive NWCA National Duals Championship. The team’s only loss this season came at the hands of Division I opponent Wisconsin — and the Knights almost won. The final score was a mere 17-16 in favor of the Badgers. Wisconsin won on criteria. “I really think we’ve gotten better every week since then,” says Wartburg head coach Jim Miller. That’s the scary part. How tough to beat are the Knights now? Wartburg is probably no longer near the top of many Division I school’s lists of early season dual meets to schedule. Unfortunately, somebody has to face the Knights. The rest of the Iowa Conference teams are no slouches, but can they topple Wartburg? Coe College is ranked fifth in the NCAA Division III Coaches’ Poll, followed by Cornell College in sixth. Luther is ranked No. 11 and Dubuque is No. 16. The IIAC certainly has no shortage of talented wrestling squads. Nine of Wartburg’s ten wrestlers are ranked. Senior Byron Tate at 197 pounds leads the Knights as the lone top-ranked wrestler on the team but five others are ranked within the top five in the National Wrestling Coaches’ Association’s rankings. Coe is led by 165-pounder Chris LeClere, a senior, who is ranked No. 1. The Kohawks have three other individuals ranked in the top five. Coe has seven ranked wrestlers. Cornell is represented in the rankings by four wrestlers, led by No. 2 at 157-pounds, Nic Loughlin. Joe Hambleton is ranked No. 2. Luther and Dubuque are teams on the individual end at least for the Norse’s Daniel Mendoza (No. 5 at 125 pounds) and the Spartans’ Sam Johnson (No. 7 at 197 pounds). It may not seem likely that Wartburg will fall this year but who knows. An inspired wrestling team such as Coe or a dark horse such as Cornell could be challengers as the Knights seek their 20th straight conference championship. If Wartburg does it again, Iowa may have to truly recognize the other college wrestling dynasty in the state. This one may not go as far back in history, but it’s building the foundation for what can only deserve to be recognized alongside any other top programs.
From top: Byron Tate, Wartburg (197); Chris LeClere, Coe (141); Clockwise: Nicholas Loughlin, Cornell (157); Sam Johnson, Dubuque (197); Daniel Mendoza, Luther (125) Photo cour-tesy of athletics deptart-ments.
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Grand View Wrestling Leads the Way for Iowa Teams in NAIATim Weideman Editor
It’s only been four years and the wrestling program at Grand View University is thriving. The Vikings claimed the top spot in the NAIA Coaches’ Poll Jan. 11 and have held on since with a perfect season thus far. Before reaching the top, the then- No. 2 Vikings claimed their stake in the battle for the top ranking by beating No. 3 Southern Oregon and previous No. 1 Great Falls (Mont.) to win the Cliff Keen National Duals Jan. 8. It was the first time Grand View had ever won the National Duals. Grand View head coach Nick Mitchell has said his team was happy about the feat but he says it’s time to move on. “That was a few weeks ago so we’ve kind of moved past it,” Mitchell said. “Now we’re focused on the end of the year.” The goal for Grand View now is to bring home a national title. The NAIA Championships will take place on Grand View’s home turf in Des Moines March 1-3. Individual wrestlers on the team have the same goal, said Mitchell. Mitchell said if the
individuals set high expectations for themselves, then the team’s expectations can also be higher. “That’s pretty much it, right there,” Mitchell said. “We want to win everything at the end of the year.” More than a few wrestlers on Grand View’s squad will be right in the mix for a championship, including Eric Thompson at heavyweight (ranked
No. 1), Travis Evans at 133 pounds (No. 2), Nick Coffman at 141 pounds (No. 5), T.J. Moen at 149 pounds (No. 5), Brad Lower at 165 pounds (No. 2), Ty Knowler at 174 pounds (No. 3) and Derek Nightster at 197 pounds (No. 4). Grand View has four other ranked wrestlers. The Vikings are loaded and ready to fight for a title. Not too many programs can set such lofty goals after only four years but Mitchell has helped lead the Vikings to the top of the list in NAIA wrestling.
Mitchell said the road to success has been fun but not necessarily easy. “It’s been a lot of hard work getting it going but I’ve gotten really good support from our administration,” Mitchell said. “I’ve got a full-time assistant and good part-time assistants too so those guys have been a big part of making sure that we’ve been real successful.”
Further to the west, another wrestling program, this one with a little more tradition, has a few individuals preparing for a successful run during the NAIA Championships. While the Mustangs of Morningside College
Eric Thompson, Grand View (Photo by Doug Wells/Grand View)
Brian Block, Morningside (Photo by Gene Knudsen)
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Corner
have had to deal with quite a few injuries, they’re certainly not going to give up on individual achievements. Morningside head coach Tim Jager said it’s probably been the worst season on the injury end he’s ever had in his time with the program. “We’ve got a couple guys out, a couple var-sity guys,” Jager said. “Dual-wise we’re not as strong as we were last year. We’re down a little bit but we’ve got some individuals doing real well so we’re getting real excited for the tourna-ments.” Morningside has two wrestlers that have a shot to do something special this season in Joe Sievert, who’s ranked No. 1 at 174 pounds, and Brian Block, the returning champion top-ranked wrestler in the country at 184 pounds. Joe Sievert’s brother, John, is also having a strong year at heavyweight for the Mustangs and could shake things up during the post-sea-
son. He’s currently ranked No. 11 in the country. Other wrestlers to keep an eye on from the Mustangs are Jared Wildeboer at 165 pounds
(ranked No. 12) and Andrew Anthofer, another 184-pounder for the Mustangs (11).
The strong Iowa wrestling traditions don’t stop there. North-western, William Penn and Waldorf are also having strong seasons. Northwestern features the No. 1 wrestler in NAIA at 197 pounds in Nic
Leither and the No. 9 wrestler at 141 pounds in Matthew Dowell. The Red Raiders are No. 16 in the country. William Penn’s Eric Burgey is the No. 1 wres-tler at 149 pounds and Kyle Soderblom, ranked No. 10, has had a solid year at 184 pounds. The Statesmen are No. 17 in the country. Waldorf is also having a good year. 165-pounder Rashad Moss, who is ranked No. 7 in the country, leads the Warriors.
Joe Sievert, Morningside (Photo by Gene Knudsen)
Eric Burgey, William Penn (Photo courtesy of William Penn Athletics)
Nic Leither, Northwestern (Photo courtesy of Northwestern Athletics)
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The elder Arsenault will be writing a second book on how 14 other schools, from high school up to NCAA I schools, have adopted Grinnell’s run-and-gun offense “the system” and the affect it’s had on their program. Arsenault last went on sabbatical in 1996 writing his first book on “the system”.
Grinnell opened the season with Griffin Lentsch’s 89 point outburst at Principia, the best ever single game scoring effort in NCAA III. What’s the next record to be set by the Pioneers?
“I don’t know. That’s part of the fun. Every time we come to the gym, every time we have a game, there’s a chance for us to do something
Grinnell College’s 103-89 triumph of Carroll University December 10th meant a slight changing of the guard for the Pioneers. Longtime head coach David Arsenault, Sr will on sabbatical during second semester, handing over the reigns to son Dave Arsenault, Jr, who will be the interim head coach. The two were co-head coaches during the 2011 portion of the season.
Don’t expect much to change from the Pioneers’ run and gun offense simply called “the system”. According to Arsenault, Jr, the elder Arsenault will still be on the bench during the 2012 portion of the season.
“I’m really excited,” says Dave Arsenault, Jr. “Dad has given me the power to make all the decisions for our team, even though it’s not technically in my title. That way the guys knew how the decisions were being made, so he has given me that flexibility. Of course he offers his opinion, but in the end, he lets me have the final say.
“You couldn’t get him out of the gym if you tried. Even though he’s on sabbatical, I guess he’ll be a volunteer assistant.”
Arsenault Hands Grinnell Men’s Basketball Reigns to SonJohn Martenson ISC Contributor
that’s never been done in basketball before. I thoroughly enjoy being entertained on the sideline. I’m of the mindset that records are made to be broken. If I had to make a wager, I would bet that we’ll be breaking another one sooner rather than later.”
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David Arsenault (left) will hand over head coaching duties to his son, David Arsenault Jr., while Arsenault Sr. is on sabbatical. Arsenault Jr. says he’s prepared to take over and run “the system.”
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MinorBut Major
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Rare Depth Feeds Energy’s SuccessZach James DSM Sports Freaks
There are no signs of a power outage happening at Wells Fargo Arena when it comes to the Iowa Energy. The Energy, Iowa’s minor league NBA team, has one of the deepest rosters in the entire Developmental League, which is why the Energy boasts the second-best record in the entire league behind the Austin Toros with a record of 16-6. With a deep bench, the Energy front office has not been afraid to make some transactions, either. Most recently on January 21, Iowa waived forward Thomas Baudinet and picked up San Diego State University star Billy White. Head Coach Kevin White says White just needs to get comfortable, alike all the newcomers who come into Wells Fargo for the first time. “We just want him to get into the flow and get back into shape,” Young said. Young believes that having a rotating roster is a good thing and also a commodity in the D-League. “You can never get too comfortable with just one roster,” Young said. “Guys are moving around all the time and that’s how the D-League is run. It’s rare to see the same roster keep hold throughout a season.” One of the players who came to the Energy in-season is guard Nick Covington. Covington came to the Energy on Dec. 9 and admitted that playing with new guys is tough, but still a fun challenge. “Sometimes it does take a while for things to mesh together, but at the end of the day, I still have to be professional about it, and go out and play,” Covington said. As of press date, Covington has appeared in 13 games for Iowa this season while averaging
8.5 PPG while appearing on average 22 minutes a night. At the beginning of the season, Moses Ehambe was in the starting lineup watching the banner as it was revealed. Now, he sits on the bench as a role player and as a cheerleader. In a roundabout kind of way, the path that most D-League players are taking this season is the same one he ventured on last year. Ehambe was picked up last year from the Austin Toros then came to the Energy after playing just 10 games in the Texas capital. For this year, he believes a deep bench can send Iowa a long way. “We have our starting five, but we also have those three to four guys who can come in when needed, and that’s always something good to have,” Ehambe said. Ehambe has seen his playing time dwindle, but he is averaging just under 15 PPG through 29 minutes a game, respectively. The two rosters look very different between Opening Night and right now. The November 25 starting lineup looked like this: Brandon Ewing (who is still sidelined with a broken left middle finger), Ehambe, Andrew Drevo, Jarrid Famous (who was eventually released by Fort Wayne), and Nick Murphy. The starting lineup for the Energy on Jan. 21 is as follows: Curtis Stinson, Mike Efevberha, Andrew Drevo, Hamady N’Diaye and Michael Tveidt. The league can see an average of seven transactions on any given day. Keep your pencils handy, folks, because many more moves are sure to be on the horizon.
Moses Ehambe began the season in the starting lineup for the Iowa Energy. Now, he’s a scoring threat off the bench. Ehambe is just one of the many players who can score off the bench for Iowa. The Energy’s depth has been part of why the team has found success this season. (Photo courtesy of Iowa Energy)
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Eastern Conference. The RoughRiders are fifth in their conference with 31 points (12-11-7), but they are seven points away from Youngstown and Dubuque, and 18 points away from the Gamblers. The Des Moines Buccaneers (25 points, 11-13-1) and the Sioux City Musketeers (24 points, 12-18-0) are still alive despite their slow starts. Thanks in large part to the fact that no one has run away with the Western Conference. Omaha and Lincoln top the Western Conference with 38 points each and while their advantage isn’t as overwhelming as Green Bay’s, they are the clear-cut best teams out in the West and may have what it takes to make a push come post-season play. Lincoln boasts the league’s top goal scorer (20) and scoring leader (44 points) in Kevin Roy. While Omaha owns the league’s top assist man (25) in Jimmy Murray and their goalie, Jon Gillies, is third in the USHL in GAA (2.26) and has the highest save percentage in the league (.928). And out in the Eastern Conference, the Indiana Ice are quietly having a terrific season. Indiana (42 points, 19-7-4) has the firepower to make a run at the title. Up forward, their sensational duo of Daniil Tarasov and Sean Kuraly continues to terrorize defenses. No two players in the league have combined for more goals tan Tarasov and Kuraly, who both have scored 18 goals so far this year. And only Murray from Omaha boasts more assists (25) tan Tarasov (22). While Green Bay is the favorite to take the Anderson Cup, they will have to get through several challenges if they plan on repeating its success from the 2009-2010 season. Out in the Western Conference, Omaha and Lincoln are two dangerous teams. And in the Eastern Conference, no one can count out Indiana and the defending champs Dubuque. The fight for the Anderson Cup will be thrilling to watch.
Thirty games into the season, the contenders to capture the Clark Cup are coming alive in the United Stated Hockey League. No one has looked better than the Green Bay Gamblers. Green Bay continues to roll along, leading the league in nearly every relevant category. Green Bay tops the USHL in points (49), wins (24), goals scored (133), fewest goals allowed (68), and goal differential (+65). Not only have the Gamblers dominated at home with a 9-3-1 record, but they have actually been even better on the road (15-2-0). The Gamblers are trying to rekindle their terrific 2009-2010 campaign when the squad won the Anderson Cup (the cup awarded to the team with the most points in the regular season) and the Clark Cup (the cup awarded to the team who wins the league playoffs). Green Bay has to be considered far and away the team to beat come playoff time in the USHL. However, that doesn’t mean the Gamblers will have an easy path to the title. Three of Green Bay’s five losses have come against Iowa-based teams. While Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and Sioux City have struggled to leave the muddled-middle of the standings, Waterloo and Dubuque have stood out in their respective conferences. Dubuque is third in the Eastern Conference with 38 points (18-9-2), while Waterloo sits at third place in the Western Conference with 32 points (14-9-4). Only the Gamblers have allowed fewer goals than Dubuque (73). Dubuque also has the third-best goal differential in the USHL with a healthy plus-17 advantage. All-season long, it has been defense that has kept the Fighting Saints as one of the best teams in the league. Goalie Matt Morris tops the league in goal against average (2.04) and is second in save percentage (.917). Zemgus Girgensons leads the team with 27 points, but that’s only good enough to tie for 16th in the USHL. Solid defense and goalkeeping play are what the Fighting Saints will rely on to make a run at two consecutive Clark Cup victories. Don’t forget the Fighting Saints lifted the Clark Cup just last season. As for Waterloo, it has been the play of goalie Jay Williams keeping the team afloat the wide-open Western Conference. Williams is tied for fifth in the USHL with a 2.54 GAA These two squads are the best chances for an Iowa team to lift the Clark Cup again this season. Meanwhile, last year’s Anderson Cup winners, the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders have struggled to breakthrough in the stacked
USHL Mid-Season Report: Can Anyone Challenge Green Bay for Title?Eduardo Zamarripa ISC Contributor
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The Benefits of ASTYM for Athletic Injuries Meghan Mueller PT, DPT Accelerated Rehab
As more and more athletes participate in longer seasons, more competitions, and increased physical demands of their sports, the rate of athletic injury has also increased. One effective program utilized by physical therapists for the treatment of chronic injuries is ASTYM (A’-stim). The ASTYM system is used to help stimulate the body’s healing response in soft tissue areas (tendons, muscles, etc) which have become dysfunctional due to injury. ASTYM treatments are effective in treating scar tissue and fibrosis issues as well as many tendon disorders. The Physical Therapist uses instruments applied to your injured area to identify and locate injured soft tissue. The ASTYM instruments are then used to help break up the injured tissue and stimulate the healing process, including the realignment of appropriate tissue. This effective therapy, typically provided twice weekly for three to four weeks, also incorporates a customized program of stretching and exercises, which helps to align all of the new tissue in response to the physical challenges placed on them. As an athlete, ASTYM treatments are extremely beneficial due to the need to continue to participate in activity, be it practices, training, or sport participation. ASTYM has been shown to aid those who have unresolved musculoskeletal injuries that have not improved with traditional treatments and for those who are struggling with chronic pain and decreased functional ability.
The ASTYM system optimizes the patients’ ability to regain function and return to a normal, active lifestyle. The system offers many benefits:
• Resolves tough, chronic conditions, even where other treatments have failed• Rapidly resolves pain and increases functional ability (in just 4- 5 weeks)• Delivers long-term results• Encourages patients to stay active in their work, sport or activity• Evidence-based process that is supported by extensive research
Diagnoses that respond well to the ASTYM treatment and are supported by outcomes studies:- Post-surgical scarring - Post-traumatic scarring- Lateral epicondylosis- Medial epicondylosis- Carpal tunnel syndrome- DeQuervain’s tenosynovitis- Rotator cuff tendinopathy- Plantar fasciopathy- Chronic ankle sprains- Achilles tendinopathy - Shin splints - Anterior knee pain
- Patellar tendinopathy - Hamstring strains- IT band syndrome- Hip pain/trochanteric bursitis- SI/low back pain- Most chronic tendinopathies
Clinical outcomes from across the country indicate that 88% of all patients treated with the ASTYM system achieve improved function and decreased pain; even if the condition is chronic and previous treatments has been unsuccessful. Contact your local Accelerated
certified ASTYM provider to learn more about the ASTYM treatment, including the research and rationale behind the system and clinical outcomes for specific diagnoses.
ReferencesPlease refer to the ASTYM website (www.astym.com) for a full reference list of peer-reviewed publications related to the ASTYM® system.About Accelerated Rehabilitation CentersAccelerated Rehabilitation Centers embrace a PATIENT FIRST philosophy which focuses on patient outcomes, commitment to manual therapy and upholding our reputation in the community as a leader in providing treatments that include a comprehensive manual and functional exercise component. Part of this commitment includes providing advanced training to our clinicians.
Health& Fitness
Meghan Mueller PT, DPT
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Health& Fitness
Ankle sprains are a common injury encountered in a podiatry practice. Sports are often the cause of ankle injuries, yet occupational ankle sprains are also common. Approximately 7-10% of all emergency room visits each year is the result of ankle injuries. Eighty-five percent of ankle injuries are sprains. Inversion ankle sprains occur when the leg is perpendicular to the ground and the foot is forced toward the midline of the body. The lateral (outside) ankle consists of three ligaments working together to prevent inversion strain. The most commonly injured ligament is the ATFL (anterior talofibular ligament). It originates at the tip of the fibula and courses to the dorsal (top) midfoot. The CFL (calcaneofibular ligament) is injured when a higher degree of inversion stress is applied to the ankle. The ATFL is usually injured with the CFL and part of the ankle joint capsule. The PTFL (posterior talofibular ligament) is the strongest ligament and is rarely injured. The most common grading system for ligamentous injuries is the three-grade system.
Jullie Grundberg, DPM Des Moines Orthopaedic Surgeons
Ankle Injuries
Grade I involves stretching of a ligament without tearing or instability. Grade II is a partial tear with mild to moderate instability. Grade III is complete rupture with marked instability. Anyone with an ankle sprain who is evaluated by a physician deserves to have ankle and possible foot radiological examination. This is an absolute if the patient is unable to weight-bear and/or swelling and ecchymosis are present. There are six areas that a fracture may occur with an inversion ankle injury: 1) distal fibula 2) distal tibia 3) ankle mortise/syndesmosis 4) base of the fifth metatarsal
5) anterior beak of the calcaneus and 6) talar dome. Most grade I sprains are successfully treated conservatively with RICE (rest, ice, compression and elevation). Grade II may need immobilization with a cam walker. Grade III usually requires a non-weight bearing below the knee cast and rarely patients require surgical reconstruction of the lateral ankle ligaments. Neglecting treatment of an ankle sprain can lead to chronic low grade complaints of
pain, reoccurring injuries, more time out of competition/activities, more expensive testing such as a MRI, and the development of ankle instability also know as a “chronic sprainer”. This syndrome causes the ankle to continually give way. This can occur if the ligaments do not heal properly and the peroneal tendons weaken, causing a proprioceptive defect. A proprioceptive defect occurs when damage to the nerves within the ligaments causes an unstable feeling ankle, leading to decreased ankle control and further sprains. Commonly, physical therapy rehabilitation includes strengthening and ankle proprioceptive training. In my experience ankle sprains can be benign injury with a grade I sprain and early return to work and recovery. Often grade II and III are UNDER treated and this does lead to more morbidity, time off competition/activities, chronic complaints, pain and symptoms. Aggressive treatment for a “simple” sprain can shorten recovery time and result in a pain free patient.
Dr. Julie Grundberg is a Podiatrist at Des Moines Orthopaedic Surgeons, P.C. Dr. Grundberg specializes in Foot and Ankle care and surgery, including sports injuries. She is available to see patients at DMOS East, offering satellite services at DMOS – West one day per week. To reach Dr. Grundberg or to schedule
an appointment, please call (515) 299-6366.
Julie Grundberg, DPM, DMOS
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