Friday, Sept. 12, 2014 OOTTTUMWTUMWAA CCOURIEROURIER C Y K M

D2 Friday, Sept. 12, 2014 FALL SPORTS The Ottumwa Courier • ottumwa.com

Photo provided Left to right: Jacob Bjerke, Wyatt Crosby, Dillon Patritto, Zack Ray, Trey Thomas, Jack Hardie, Matthew Walker, Ian Kubbe, Gavin Dostal, Bron Bjerke, Braxton Coble, Hunter Patrick Shelby/The Courier Nelson. Front row (left to right): Madi Wiley (manager), Kelsey Peyton, Ally Vitko, Chloe Davis, Kassidi Henderson; middle row: Makenzie Eaton, Hannah Lien, Ellie Hammack, Hope Bitner, Alexis Nelson; back row: Jaylin Carter, Mallary Simmer, Andi Kurtz, Kaleigh Not a weak link on the team Schreiner. BY ANDY HEINTZ by five strokes. The senior’s stupendous @COURIERANDY score was largely because of some excel- Camaraderie off the court lent putting on the back nine. OTTUMWA — No matter how hard “It was a tremendous round of golf,” one tries, it’s hard to find a glaring Ottumwa golf coach Scott Maas said. weakness in this season’s Ottumwa boys “He just hung in there and got rolling on a strength for Bulldogs golf team. the back nine.” While no team or person is perfect, “It was a pretty good score,” Walker BY ANDY HEINTZ collectively, the Bulldogs have played @COURIERANDY added. “I just couldn’t make anything on like perfect’s nearest cousin. After three the front nine, but I didn’t give up any invitationals, including one put on by OTTUMWA — Ottumwa volleyball coach Jessica Carson sees a lot of bogeys all day. That’s always a good defending Class 4A state champ Ankeny promise in this season’s team. thing.” Centennial, Ottumwa's record remains “I feel this team has the ability to be very successful, more successful than While Walker leads the Bulldogs, unsullied by a loss. Furthermore, the they’ve been in the past,” she said. “This team has a lot of ability and potential Ottumwa’s dominance also can be boys have had one of their own finish and it’s just a matter of stepping up to the plate and embracing the challenge that attributed to the play of other solid first individually in all three of its tour- is placed in front of them.” golfers like Patritto, Braxton Coble, naments. With eight returning varsity players inhabiting the team’s 13-player roster, the Gavin Dostal, Trey Thomas and young The Bulldogs are spearheaded by Bulldogs will not suffer from a lack of experience. And if the Bulldogs play to upstart Bron Bjerke. Ottumwa golf prodigy Matthew Walker their full potential, Carson thinks they can eclipse the number of victories they Patritto won his first ever varsity who will golf for the University of Iowa accumulated in each of the past two seasons. after he plays his final rounds for the tournament over Walker at the Newton “I look for our team to possibly get 20 wins this year,” she said. Bulldogs this fall. The standout senior Invitational. The team boasts ample experience with Kassidi Henderson, Hope Bitner, has taken first in two of Ottumwa’s three “Dillon hit it well all the way Chloe Davis and Andi Kurtz all returning for their senior campaigns. Also, out- invitationals, and he lost a four-card around,” Maas said. “He drove it side hitter Ellie Hammack, who played an important role on last year’s team, playoff to teammate Dillon Patritto in straight, he hit the irons well and he will return for her junior season. the other tournament. Walker also fired made his putts. He just played a solid “She was third — with 127 — on our team in kills,” Carson said. “She’s hitting the lowest score to help give Ottumwa a round of golf.” the ball harder than she was last year.” one-stroke lead in the first half of the Patritto and Dostal each fired three- While the Bulldogs are not very big, Kurtz and Kaleigh Schreiner are two of CIML Metro Conference meet. over-par 74 at the Indianola Invitational the team’s tallest players. The highlight of Walker’s season thus and Coble shot a two-over par 74 on a “Andi is going to be a big player for us this year,” Carson said. “She could be far came when he shot a six-under par tough Briarwood Golf Course in Anke- one of our more consistent hitters.” 66 to win the Ankeny Centennial Invite ny. One of the intangibles that should help this year’s squad is the camaraderie. “They are all pretty good to each other,” Carson said. “They all hang out together. The chemistry between the team is pretty good.” Spotlight golfer: Marquee match Another potential strength the Bulldog coach has identified in her team is Matthew Walker The Marshalltown quickness. Invitational at the Elm- “We are all a fairly quick team that is athletic,” Carson said. “It’s a matter of Matthew Walker has pretty wood Country Club using our athletic ability to our advantage.” much done it all during his three- Sept. 19 plus years with the Ottumwa golf program. He’s won a slew of individual tournaments, been the runner-up in Golf schedule Spotlight players: the Class 4A state championship 9/15 at Indianola Kassidi Henderson Matthew Walker and captured the state title his Country Club, 3:30 sophomore season, which, along p.m. and Chloe Davis with a bunch of other accomplishments individually and with the Bulldogs, has been good enough to earn him a 9/16 at Cedar Creek Chloe Davis and Kassidi spot on the University of Iowa golf team next year. Golf Course, 3:30 p.m. Henderson both play vital “He’s our best guy and probably the best guy in the 9/18 at Des Moines roles on this season’s state of Iowa,” Ottumwa golf coach Scott Maas said. North (Grand View Ottumwa volleyball team. Country Club), 3:30 “Chloe is in charge of our offense, and p.m. Chloe Davis Kassidi is in charge of our Kassidi Henderson Coach’s corner: Scott Maas 9/19 at Marshall- defense,” Ottumwa volley- ball coach Jessica Carson said. What are the biggest strengths of town (Elmwood Coun- Davis engineers much of Ottumwa’s offense from the setter position. the team? try Club), 10 a.m. “Chloe does a great job of moving her feet and getting to every ball,” Carson said. “Having Matthew to lead us 9/22 at Burlington “No matter where the pass is at, Chloe does a great job at getting to it.” every time is a big factor. Matthew (Flint Hills Golf Henderson runs the back row as the team’s libero. is solid every time out and he has Course), 3:30 p.m. “She has a leadership role to talk to the defense and offense,” Carson said. “She has good players to back him up.” 9/30 invitational at What are the goals of this sea- a cheery attitude and brings an energy to the team.” Ottumwa Country son’s team? “We’re going to try to get better Club, 1 p.m. at the things we can get better at like 10/1 invitational at Volleyball schedule Coach’s corner: Grand View Golf Club our course management, disci- 9/16 vs. Dowling Catholic, Jessica Carson pline and short game. I try to Scott Maas (Des Moines — CIML 7:30 p.m. identify the things we can Metro Conference 9/18 at Mount Pleasant, 7:30 What are the goals of improve upon in our short six- to eight-week season.” meet), 10 a.m. p.m. this season’s team? 9/20 Ottumwa Invitational, 8:30 a.m. “I feel this team has 9/23 vs. Des Moines the ability to be very suc- Hoover, 7:30 p.m. cessful, more successful 9/30 at Indianola, 7:30 p.m. than they’ve been in the past. FUMBLE? 10/4 Newton Invitational, I look for our team to 8:30 a.m. possibly get 20 wins this Jessica Carson Specializing in Foot & Ankle 10/7 vs. Des Moines East, year.” 7:30 p.m. 10/11 Oskaloosa Tourna- What are your team’s biggest strengths? Biomechanics & General Podiatric Care ment, 9 a.m. “They all get along, they are all pretty good to each 10/14 at Des Moines North, other. They all hang out together.” 7:30 p.m. 10/16 Invitational at Des Moines Lincoln, 4:30 p.m. Marquee matchup 10/18 Indianola Invitational, Dr. Bruce Fridinger, DPM 8:30 a.m. At Indianola at Sept. 30 and at Des Moines Roo- 10/21 at Des Moines Roo- sevelt Oct. 21. Foot & Ankle Professional sevelt, 7:30 p.m. The Best of Luck Centers of IA PC to All Fall Sports 520 N. Sheridan Ave., Ottumwa Teams! 641-683-7901

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D3 The Ottumwa Courier • ottumwa.com FALL SPORTS Friday, Sept. 12, 2014

Patrick Shelby/The Courier Boys team, front row, left to right: Anthony Hamm, Christian Buffington, Carlos Morales, Rayce Elliott, Jenelson Cano-Lopez, Drew Riley, Curtis Ford, Storm Beltran; back row:Jeff Smith, Conner Riley, Wyatt Blegen, Carter Thompson, Roger Cruz, Dalton Bowers, Shane Riley; not pictured: Nick Sheehy and Sebastian Silva. Girls team, front row, left to right: Esmerelda Mendoza, Alejandra Gaspar, Chabeli Rivera, Brittany Cain, Delaney Throckmorton, Morgan Zesiger, Jaiden Cloyd, Georgia Garrett; back row: Sam McCoy, Tessa Trox- el, Kylie Latham, Jada Schrage, Daylin Latham, Ashlyn Thompson, Morgan Lawson, Callie Lawson. Bulldog girls have tons of potential Ottumwa harriers sport BY ANDY HEINTZ tremendous strides this year, but also by @COURIERANDY Daylin’s little sister Kiley, who looked impressive in her varsity debut at the OTTUMWA — The Ottumwa girls annual Wildwood Park Invitational. cross-country team returns several of its well-balanced squad Throw in solid runners like Jaiden top runners from last season, including Cloyd and Ashlyn Thompson, and the junior Georgia Garrett and senior BY ANDY HEINTZ “I was impressed with him,” Smith Bulldogs have all the ingredients for a @COURIERANDY Daylin Latham, while adding a talented said. solid team. freshman class starring young upstart Silva also corralled a solid eighth- “We have a lot of potential to score OTTUMWA — The Ottumwa boys Kiley Latham. cross-country team boasts a balanced place finish at the Wildwood Park run. really well at meets,” Chaney said. Although this team may not have the Daylin Latham has been Ottumwa’s squad this season, veteran Ottumwa top runner over the past couple of years, Garrett started her season with a coach Jeff Smith said. benefit of having standout runners like tremendous performance, taking third Kevin Lewis or Cody McConnell, Smith notching top-five finishes in a slew of Smith said on this season’s incarna- meets last season. overall at the Wildwood Invite with a said they do have a lot of runners with tion of the Ottumwa cross-country “Daylin ended the season last year on time of 16 minutes and 57 seconds and team, there will be stiff competition for similar abilities. a really high note,” Ottumwa cross- Latham came in ninth with 17:37. the No. 1 runner’s spot. Today, sopho- “Our top five should score a lot bet- country coach Angela Chaney said. “Georgia’s race was just a testament more Dalton Bowers stands on top of ter as a team,” Smith said. “When you “She’s put in a lot of work during the to all the work she’s put in over the the mountain. have that, that makes everyone better. summer, a lot of mileage. I’ve been summer and in three weeks of prac- Bowers took third overall and first This competition within the team working practicing with her a little bit ... tice,” Chaney said. “She got stronger among the Bulldogs at Ottumwa’s sea- should produce better times and better she’s got in some good workouts. I know as the race went on and she set herself son-opening meet at the annual Wild- team scores.” her goal is definitely getting to the state up for a very successful season. wood Park Invitational. Other runners who decorate the varsi- meet this year and with the summer “Kiley has been racing with our “I thought Dalton really stepped up ty squad include Dalton Bowers, Curtis she’s had, she’s definitely on pace to upperclassmen since the first day of and ran well,” Smith said. Ford, Shane Riley, Conner Riley, Roger able to accomplish that goal and place practice, and she really proved to the Yet, it was senior Sebastian Silva who Cruz, Nick Sheehy and Riley Wynn. high in the other meets we have this sea- community and the other runners out finished first at Ottumwa’s pre-first meet “I think we’re ready to go,” Smith son.” there that she’s someone who will be time trials with 17 minutes and 43 seconds. said. And Latham’s running skills are but- battling for top spots through the tressed not only by Garrett, who’s made year.” Coach’s corner: Coach’s corner: Angie Chaney Jeff Smith What are the team’s strengths this season? Work ethic, supporting each doing what they What are this team’s have to do after practice. strengths? What are the the team’s goals? “Our top five should “As a team, the ultimate goal is to make it to score a lot better as a team. state. We want to finish in the top three in every This competition within meet.” the team should produce better times and better team scores.” Angie Chaney Sebastian Silva Shane Riley Spotlight runners Runners to watch Ottumwa’s two seniors will play a leadership role Georgia Garrett and Daylin Latham are both strong on balanced cross-country squad. runners dedicated to constant improvement. Sebastian Silva was an on-again, off-again varsity “Georgia has a tremendous work ethic,” Ottumwa runner during his junior year and has already made coach Angie Cheney said. “She should definitely be major strides early in his senior year with the Bull- pushing for those low 16 [minute], high 15 [minute dogs. Silva came out of nowhere to take first at times]. And if she can crack 16, state is a possibility Ottumwa pre-first meet time trials with a time of 17 for her. minutes and 43 seconds. “She [Daylin Latham] has put in a lot of work during Meanwhile, Shane Riley is focused on keeping the summer, a lot of mileage. I’ve been working practic- things simple during his last laps with the Bulldogs. ing with her a little bit ... she’s got in some good “To make sure that I do my best and work hard in Georgia Garrett workouts.” practice and just to try to get the best times that I can,” Both girls recognize the importance of putting in Jeff Smith he said. the proper amount work in the offseason. “I’ve learned that it’s always worth it to do a workout in the offseason because it makes it not as painful dur- Ottumwa girls cross-country schedule ing the season,” Garrett said. “I’ve learned that your off-season practices and 9/16 invitational at Oskaloosa (Edmundson Park), 4:30 p.m. workouts are the most important so you are ready for 9/25 invitational at Indianola (Pickard Park), 4:30 p.m. the season,” Latham added. 10/2 invitational at Iowa City (University of Iowa Ashton Cross-Country Course), 4:30 p.m. 10/7 meet at Centerville (Manhattan Golf Course), 4:30 p.m. Marquee meets 10/9 invitational at Des Moines (Ewing Park), 4:30 p.m. Wildwood Park Invitational and the Indianola Invita- 10/16 invitational at Indianola (Pickard Park), 4:30 p.m. (CIML Metro Conference Daylin Latham tional on Sept. 25 Championships)

Ottumwa boys cross-country schedule

9/16 invitational at Oskaloosa (Edmundson Park), 4:30 p.m. 9/25 invitational at Indianola (Pickard Park), 4:30 p.m. 10/2 invitational at Iowa City (University of Iowa Ashton Cross-Country Course), 4:30 p.m. 10/7 meet at Centerville (Manhattan Golf Course), 4:30 p.m. 10/9 invitational at Des Moines (Ewing Park), 4:30 p.m. 10/16 invitational at Indianola (Pickard Park), 4:30 p.m. (CIML Metro Conference Championships

Best Wishes for a Great Season! GO BULLDOGS!

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D4 Friday, Sept. 12, 2014 FALL SPORTS The Ottumwa Courier • ottumwa.com Spotlight swimmers: Carlson sisters, Marissa Rupalo The Carlson sisters and Marissa Rupalo are all swimmers to watch this season. The four girls make up the 200 medley Claire Carlson relay team that aspires to make it to state this season. “Our best time is only a couple of Marissa Rupalo seconds off from state,” Claire Carlson said, “so we’re hop- Caroline Carlson ing to get that down and hopefully to break the record here. So a pool or the school record.” In addition, Caroline Carlson’s goal is to make it to state in the 100 Patrick Shelby/The Courier breaststroke, and Ellen Carlson’s From Left to right: Savannah Adams, Taylor Wertheim, Paige Greiner, Roxana Zeledon, Caroline Carlson, Claire Carl- goal is to make it in the 50 freestyle. son, Malinda Rupalo, Ellen Carlson, Kate VanNest, Kate Martin, Emma Walker, Danae Dorothy, Melody Trucano, Frida “If she can break drop five sec- Sosa, Yolanda Perez, Blair Mitchell Bankson, Marta Pacas, Tomas Langland, Cherie Langland, Jack Langland onds, chances are good she will make it to state in the 100 breaststroke,” Langland said about Carline Carl- Ellen Carlson son. “Ellen is ... hundredths of a sec- New coach dives in with new goals ond of being a potential state qualifier.” BY ANDY HEINTZ in the 100 breastroke, Ellen Carlson leader. So that has been discussed @COURIERANDY in the 50 freestyle and the Carslon and we are going to vote on the Coach’s corner: OTTUMWA — The Ottumwa sisters and Rupalo in the 200 med- seniors. That will be an honor that girls swim team returns some its ley relay. Some other swimmers that swimmer will have.” Cherie Langland best swimmers this season. who’ve experienced success this sea- One thing that’s impressed Lang- son include Adams and Kate land about this season’s incarnation What are the team’s The Carlson sisters — senior goals for the season? twin sisters Claire and Caroline and VanNest. of the Ottumwa swim team is the Ottumwa has 19 girls out for the girls’ dedicated work ethic. “Our absolute goal is to sophomore juggernaut Ellen Carl- have some state qualifiers.” son — Savannah Adams and senior team this season, including some “The biggest strength is these brand-new swimmers who are tak- girls are incredibly hard workers,” What are the biggest Marissa Rupalo all return to the strengths of this year’s team? team to play for first-year Ottumwa ing up the sport for the first time. she said. “It’s been impressive to “I went to Evans eighth-graders watch since the first practice. They “The biggest strength is girls coach Cherie Langland. Lang- these girls are incredibly last year to recruit some swimmers have great technique, they all have Cherie Langland land took over the reins from hard workers. It’s been to join the team,” Langland said, goals in mind. When I was hired Stephanie Mishler. impressive to watch since the first practice.” “Our absolute goal is to have “and I said ‘it doesn’t matter your last spring, I made appointments some state qualifiers,” Langland skill level; swimming is a sport with as many swimmers as I could said. “What I did was I went online everybody can compete in.’ I have a get in and goals were immediately Ottumwa girls swimming schedule and I looked at the state champi- group of girls who are literally learn- set.” onship last year. These girls are ing how to swim.” She said because of the team’s 9/13 invitational at Waterloo West 9 a.m. aware of those times and so these Since taking over the program, earnest work ethic, the girls will be 9/16 meet at Des Moines Roosevelt, 5:30 p.m. girls know what they have to hit this Langland has made a couple of able to reach their individual goals. 9/20 tournament at Marshalltown, 9:30 a.m. year to become state qualifiers.” changes. “I really feel like these goals will 9/23 meet vs. Des Moines Hoover, 5:30 p.m. (The Langland believes Ottumwa has “The team is going to vote on the be met this year because of the Beach Ottumwa) a chance to qualify in several state captain,” she said. “The team is amount of hard work they are 9/27 invitational at Burlington, 1 p.m. events, including Caroline Carlson going to vote on who will be their putting in,” Langland said. 9/30 meet at Indianola, 5:30 p.m. 10/7 meet vs. Des Moines East, 5:30 p.m. (The Beach Ottumwa) 10/14 meet at Des Moines North, 5:30 p.m. Marquee meet 10/16 meet at Keokuk, 5:30 p.m. Burlington Invitational Sept. 27 10/23 meet at Des Moines East, 4:30 p.m. Young Trojans hope to grow into success BY SCOTT JACKSON sophomores with a few upperclassmen @COURIERSCOTT sprinkled in.” Fortunately for Fairfield, their youth- FAIRFIELD — It was a hot, muggy fulness doesn’t come without some big- day when the Fairfield cross-country meet experience. Taylor Ferrel, for one, is team stepped off the bus in Ottumwa for hoping to return to Fort Dodge with the their season-opening meet at Wildwood rest of her Trojan girls’ teammates after Park. finishing 51st individually in Class 3A as In other words, it was a perfect day to a sophomore at last year’s State Cross- run simply because it was finally time to Country Meet. compete in 2014. “We certainly expect to be right there “Kids can only train for so long until with anyone else in our conference on the they’re ready to compete,” Fairfield head girls’ side,” Belzer said. cross-country coach Jerrod Belzer said. The boys’ side of the Fairfield cross- “We’ve got to get it started at some point. country team is slightly more of a rebuild- It might as well be on a day like this.” ing effort. After having several seniors The heat, the humidity and the muddy leading the way last fall, Belzer will have track at Wildwood didn’t seem to faze to rely much more on underclassmen to Fairfield too much. The Trojan girls fin- take over the reign in 2014. ished third while the boys finished fourth “We lost quite a few runners from last Fairfield cross- Runners to watch in a meet that included some of the best year, but we’ve got a lot of great young teams in southern Iowa. country schedule It was the returning Sami Fritz that actually paced runners ready to step up for us,” Belzer the Trojans to a third-place finish as a team behind No. Some of that success, despite some said. “The guys might take their lumps a 9/16 invitational at 1 (1A) Pekin and Ottumwa as Fritz finished in fourth adverse conditions, might have been due little bit, but once the guys figure out Oskaloosa, 4:30 p.m. place, two spots and 20 seconds ahead of Ferrel. On to a lot of Fairfield runners not knowing what this sport is all about during the 9/18 invitational at Fort the boys’ side, Danta Cingire and Elijah Parr were any better. The young Trojans enter this course of the season, they’ll be ready to Madison 5 p.m. separated by just nine seconds and three places at season with several runners hoping to compete with anyone.” 9/23 invitational at Wildwood as the Trojans finished fourth behind introduce themselves as a unit to be dealt Scott Jackson is the senior sports Mount Pleasant, 4:30 Pekin, Ottumwa and Mediapolis to open the new year. with on the course this fall. writer of the Ottumwa Courier and can p.m. “We’re young. Really young,” Belzer be reached at sjackson@ottumwacouri- 9/30 invitational at said. “We’ve got a ton of freshmen and er.com. Washington, 4:30 p.m. 10/6 invitational, at Iowa Mennonite, 4:30 p.m. 10/16 conference at Mount Pleasant, 4:30 p.m. 10/23 districts TBD (joint state qualifying meet) 11/1 state meet Sami Fritz Danta Cingire Marquee meet Belzer points to an interesting October meet as one he looks forward to running in. Fairfield will join a field that will include North Mahaska on Oct. 6 at the IMS Invi- tational. Good Luck to all Ottumwa Bulldog Athletes

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D5 The Ottumwa Courier • ottumwa.com FALL SPORTS Friday, Sept. 12, 2014

Photo credit Front row, left to right: Blair Bodkins, Kaitlyn Francis, Connor Wilfawn; back row: Janel Fenton, Lauren Lynch, Kate Birchmier, Mallory Wells. Tradition never graduates at D.C. BY ROGER THOMAS some of the standard things that have COURIER CORRESPONDENT made Davis County one of the strongest programs in southeast Iowa. BLOOMFIELD — One of the “I feel like our team chemistry is real- strengths of Davis County volleyball is ly good,” said Barnett. “That should help head coach Marty Barnett. Barnett has us be a strong passing and defensive been associated with Mustang volleyball team. Defense has always been the for 38 years, including 35 as head coach. Mustangs ready to carry backbone of what we try and do.” Other than individual awards and Some retooling will be done on the coaching milestones, Barnett has guided offensive side as the Mustangs will be Davis County to four state tourney running a 6-2 set. berths, one stretch of seven consecutive “We have two new setters, and this on successful tradition conference championships and three will be the best way to utilize them,” consecutive winning seasons since com- added Barnett. BY ANDY HEINTZ Spargur and Sophie Rotole. The boys’ ing back out of retirement. Her latest @COURIERANDY When you look to a player to put in team includes Hougland, Doug Turn- team of Mustangs went 29-14 and lost to the spotlight from a strong team, you er, Coty Good, Chris Harvey, Zane Mediapolis in the regional semifinals. BLOOMFIELD — There’s no need to zero in on a player that will be Stephenson and Trenten Goode. Four seniors graduated last spring, sense in fixing something that isn’t key on offense and defense. Barnett One of the keys to the Mustangs’ including middle hitter Rylee Eakins broken. feels that senior hitter Kate Birchmier success is their rigorous and meticu- (now at IHCC) and setter Shelby And, in the past five years, the fills that role. lously planned training regimen. Graves. The good news for 2014 is that revered Davis Country cross-country “Kate has been a strong player, hit- “We have to build our endurance seven letter-winners return, including program has been the antithesis of ting and blocking,” said Barnett. “She and balance that with speed training,” four full or part-time starters. The latter broken. also has the ability to play all the way Husted said. “We build the core — group is made up of Kate Birchmier, The Davis Country girls cross- around. She has worked a lot to improve core exercises are a combination of Lauren Lynch, Janelle Fenton and Blair country team qualified for state the her overall game, and it shows in her Bodkins. last three seasons, and the runners weights and other exercises runners early-season play.” Working in some new players will be that make up this season’s cross-coun- can do at home or at practice — after Barnett feels like the stability and key to the Mustangs picking up their try boys’ team are running faster than our workouts.” quality of her coaching staff is a strength fourth consecutive winning season. they ever have before, Mustang coach Husted said about 50 boys and girls for the Mustangs. Brooke Mason and Mallory Wells, Hallie Owens, Josh Husted said. came out for the team this year. With Taylor Helton both played for Barnett M’chelle Allen, Calee Good, Connor “Last year, I had several young a strong core of runners returning for and then went on to play in college. Wilfawn and Kaitlin Francis are all will- boys and after one year of training each team, expect the Mustangs to Their trip back to Bloomfield and Mus- ing, eager and capable of making the they have a lot of miles under their continue to build on the solid edifice tang volleyball has been more than pos- Mustangs a team you will have to try belt,” the coach said. “We should have Husted and company have already itive. and beat to finish near the top of the two top programs in Class 2A. Run- created at Davis County. “The two of them are familiar with South Central Conference. ning has become kind of a tradition “It’s just been a lot of hard work how we want to do things, and they are One of the things that has always Davis County over the past five years. and determination,” the coach said. really good at bringing kids along,” said been part of Davis County volleyball is Davis County has really become well- The Mustang boys took first in their Barnett. “I couldn’t or wouldn’t want to playing a tough schedule. The schedule known across the state of Iowa for season-opening meet at the Wayne for 2014 will include playing seven Sat- do it without them.” Invitational, edging rival Albia by four Barnett believes that sometimes running.” urday tourneys (West Des Moines Val- points with a collective score of 54. coaches and teams make goals that are This season’s girls’ team comprises ley, Iowa City High and Bondurant-Far- Meanwhile, the eighth-ranked Davis unrealistic or too specific. Because of Kalleigh Tharp, Madelyn Nelson, rar among those) above and beyond County girls team took second at the this, Barnett and her staff will just help Kaylee Snyder, Marissa Hamburg, playing in the SCC. Sara Early, Jaylynn Sharp, Sydney Wayne Invite with 80 points. After a summer of open gyms, a the Mustangs “GO GET IT.” This team Davis County invitational camp and a slogan not only applies to winning, but trip to the Simpson team camp, Barnett also to just the continual improvement feels like her team is ready to take on of each and every player. That will then Runner to watch: Zach Hougland 2014. lead to cohesiveness and strengthening Davis County cross-country coach Josh Husted has “I like having the invitational camp,” of the Mustangs as a group. seen a lot of great runners while coaching the Mustangs’ said Barnett. “It’s good that the girls get Barnett goes old school as she does- esteemed cross-country program, but he’s never seen to hear some of the things I’ve been say- n’t want to single out any match or tour- anything quite like what Zach Hougland has been doing. ing from someone else.” ney as more important than any other. “He’s running faster than any kid I’ve ever coached,” The Mustangs will look to be suc- “A consistent effort is what’s impor- Husted said. cessful in the new season by employing tant,” added Barnett. Husted estimated that in his earnest preparation for the season, Hougland ran about 1,000 miles this summer. “Zach’s been running amazing,” Husted said. “I timed Zack Hougland him in the three-mile run the other day, and he ran three Coach’s corner: Marty Barnett miles in 15 minutes, and that’s about the top in the state.” How and when did you get involved with volley- ball? I was hired at DC in 1976 and there was no vol- Davis County cross-country schedule leyball. In the fall of 1977, I was asked to start the vol- 9/16 at Keosauqua (Riverview Country Club), 5 p.m. leyball program. I had 90 girls and no assistant. 9/18 at Lynnville-sully (Diamond Trail Golf Course), 4:30 What’s your favorite thing about coaching volley- p.m. ball? 9/25 at PCM (Gateway Golf Course, Monroe), 5 p.m. The kids — they keep me young. 9/27 at Packwood (Lake Darling), 9 a.m. When you’re no longer coaching volleyball, what will 9/30 at Indian Invitational (Osceola Country Club), 5 p.m. you not miss? 10/2 Chariton (Red Haw Park), 4:30 p.m. Marty Barnett 10/7 Big Red/Redette (Manhatten Golf Course, Center- Really there is nothing that I would not miss. As I ville), 4:45 p.m. get older, I get a little more tired, but I don’t feel like 10/14 SCC meet (Pine Knoll Golf Course, Knoxville) 4:30 that would be a reason to quit coaching. p.m. What changes have you seen in volleyball over the last few years? 10/23 2A regional, location TBA, 4 p.m. Josh Husted Rally scoring, the let serve, changes in judgment calls on lifts and pushes. I 11/1 State meet (Lakeside Golf Course, Fort Dodge), time haven’t let it affect how I coach. You just have to adjust. TBA Coach’s corner:

Top of page, Boys team, front row, left to right: Chris Alexan- Josh Husted Davis County volleyball schedule der, Seth Emmons, Logan Bridgeman, Davan Goering, Ben Oliver, Chris Harvey, Chrisitan Fulton; second row: Logan What are the team’s 9/13 Chariton tournament, 9 a.m. Williams, Bryce Vinyard, John Williams, Jaxon Sharp, Doug goals for this season? 9/20 Ottumwa tournament, 8:30 a.m. Turner, Simon Ball, John Petary, Trenton Goode; back row: “Our goal is to have a 9/23 at Chariton, 5:30 p.m. Dane Stevenson, Ben Davidson, Coty Good, Jace Dixon, state-qualifying boys team Ryan Snyder, Zach Hougland, Logan Faler. Girls team, front 9/27 Burlington tournament, 9 a.m. and a possible state-plac- row, left to right: Sydney Spargur, Caitlyn James, Natalia ing girls team.” 9/30 vs. Knoxville, 5 p.m. James, Jessa Muldoon, Sophie Spargur, Emma Morris, 10/7 at Albia, 5:30 p.m. Sara Woosley; second row: Kaylee Snyder, Shelby Culp, 10/11 D.C. tournament, 9 a.m. Africa Brandon, Sarah Early, Macayla Moore, Jasmine Har- 10/14 at EBF, following 9th and JV vey, Kirstin Rook, Sheridan Dunlavy, Marissa Hamburg; Marquee meet 10/16 Cardinal/Van Buren at Eldon, 5 p.m. back row: Brianna Carroll, Rebeka Settles, Sophie Rotole, Kalleigh Tharp, Addie McKee, Alicia Shirkey, Cami Guiter Conference meet at 10/18 Fairfield tournament, 9 a.m. and Jaylynn Sharp. Knoxville in late October.

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D6 Friday, Sept. 12, 2014 FALL SPORTS The Ottumwa Courier • ottumwa.com

Photo credit The girls team, back row, left to right: Allie Angran, Theresa Pasut, Mackenzie Peterson, Ashlee Knowles, Annabell Stillwell, Josie Ryan; middle: Kate Slocum, Ashlyn McKibbin, Skylar West, Torii Kent, Emily Beary; front row: Jayden DeBus, Michelle Manser, Jordan Winke, Emma Dinneen, Suzy Strasko, Liz DeTar, Micaleah Stewart Boys team, back row, left to right: Noah Bates, Cy Heffron, Tyler Pasut, Christian Powless, Cameron Stocker, Cole Kurimski, Mason Day, Jacob Scholtus, Cameron Jourdan, Nathan Selby; front row: Jake Clouse, Marcos Ferreyra, Lane Scieszinski, Colton Dorpinghaus, Tyler McKibbin, Tyler Beary, Lee Curran, Caleb Boley. Albia runners look to eclipse historic season

BY ANDY HEINTZ our mid-pack junior varsity runners this year’s roster. Ratliff said this @COURIERANDY will be pushing our mid-pack varsi- increase in numbers will serve as ty runners this year.” one of the squad's strengths. ALBIA — Although the Albia Ratliff said the boys team is led “We will probably run with boys’ cross-country team’s finish at by three seniors: Colton Dorping- more of a pack mentality than we the Iowa High State Cross Country haus, Tyler Pasut and Tyler Beary. have on the girls’ side before,” tournament was the best in the In addition, the coach said Tyler Ratliff said. school’s history, it wasn’t enough to McKibbin is another runner to The Lady Dees’ two star run- Tyler McKibbin Emma Dinneen satisfy the ambitious goals of Blue keep an eye on. ners, Jordan Wenke and Michelle Demon coach Todd Ratliff. “We need to stay healthy and be Manser, both returned to the team Runners to watch “We want to finish even better smart when we train,” Ratliff said. this year. Some other runners to than our 2013 season,” Ratliff said “We need to keep pushing each watch include Emma Dinneen, It’s the runners inhabiting the middle of the pack who about this season’s squad. “We fin- other every day in the way that we Suzie Strasko, Micaleah Stewart have caught the eye of Albia coach Todd Ratliff. ished 11th. It was still the best mark train.” and Jaeden DeBus. Wenke’s season On the boys side, Ratliff said Tyler McKibbin is a run- in school history, but we’re going The boys team has qualified for got off to a splendid start when she ner who will help the Blue Demons right away. And, on a girls team starring Jordan Wenke and Michelle for the top eight. I think we can go state in three of the last five years. took second overall at the Wayne Manser, Ratliff has words of praise for Emma Dinneen. 10-deep caliber runners on the The Lady Dees team saw an Invitational with a time of 16 min- “Emma Dinneen has put in a lot of effort to be a solid boys’ side. We’re hoping some of uptick in numbers as 21 girls fill out utes and 27 seconds. runner this year,” he said. Coach’s corner: Todd Ratliff Albia cross-country schedule What are your goals for the boys’ team this sea- 9/16 meet at Oskaloosa 4:30 p.m. son? 9/22 invitational at Centerville 5 p.m. Marquee meets “We want to finish even better than our 2013 9/23 meet at EBF 4:30 p.m. season. We finished 11th. It was still the best mark 9/27 meet at Pekin 9 a.m. Oskaloosa Meet Sept. in school history, but we’re going for the top eight.” 9/30 meet at Clark 5 p.m. 14 and Centerville meet What is the Lady Dees’ biggest strength this sea- 10/7 meet at Centerville 4:30 p.m. Oct. 7 son? 10/14 SCC cross-country meet at Knoxville 4:30 p.m. Having 21 runners out for the team. 10/23 regional, place and time TBA Todd Ratliff 11/1 state, place and time TBA New faces to lead Fairfield BY ROGER THOMAS COURIER CORRESPONDENT Marquee match FAIRFIELD — Every team has to The Trojans will look to test them- replace graduated seniors, but for the Fair- selves against the Mt. Pleasant Pan- field Trojan volleyball team, this will be a thers. The Oskaloosa tourney is a Satur- major task. Fairfield graduated 10 players day tourney that falls at a good time and off its 20-15 team that ended its season with is always filled with good competition. a loss to Clear Creek-Amana in the region- al semifinals. The Trojans’ early season will offensive and defensive systems in place be used to get six returners to mesh with a will enable her 2014 squad to be comfort- host of newcomers. Fairfield coach Nancy able during the transition period. Diers, entering her 29th season as head Serving and a defense that is strong at coach, has guided the Trojans to a 2-2 start. digging balls will be team strengths the Tro- Alexis Ring, Jolea Burkhart, Madison jans can build on as they accelerate their Roberts, Mackenzie Flattery, Molly Ryan team learning curve. Schedule Coach’s corner: Nancy Diers and Kelsey Roberts all were off-and-on “The only aspect of our defense that starters last season. needs work is our serve receiving,” said 9/13 tournament at Notre How did you get involved Delaney Neal, McKenzie Harwood, Diers. “Offensively, we just need our hitters Dame, 9 a.m. with volleyball? to become comfortable attacking more 9/20 invitational at Ottumwa, Kaylee Watson, Shelby Heston, Natalie 8:30 a.m. I played high school vol- Angstead and Brooke McLain are the new- aggressively.” 9/23 match at Keokuk, 7 p.m. leyball. I started coaching comers that will need to complete the line- Diers has adopted a unique approach for 9/27 invitational at Burlington, 9 right out of college. up or give depth to the 2014 Fairfield squad. measuring the success of the 2014 squad. a.m. What is your favorite Instead of a list of specific goals or team 9/30 match vs. Fort Madison, 7 “We play in five Saturday tourneys p.m. thing about coaching? because we can get a lot of games in those expectations, Diers has broken the season 10/7 match vs. Mount Pleasant The practices. I love see- dates,” said Diers. “I also believe our con- into thirds. 7 p.m. ing that light bulb go on in a ference will be stronger this year.” “From August 4 to September 4, we 10/11 tournament at Oskaloosa, player’s mind when they wanted to see our players become familiar 9 a.m. A couple of things will help Fairfield 10/14 match at Washington, 7 see that what we are doing Nancy Diers compensate for the mixing and matching of with each other and how they play. From p.m. really works. experienced and inexperienced players. September 4 to October 4, our goal is to 10/18 tournament at Centerville, What are some of the biggest changes in the sport? Diers believes that her seniors are doing a gain confidence in our play,” said Diers. 9 a.m. Things have gone from old school to rally scoring. I 10/21 match vs. Keokuk, 7p.m. great job with the leadership things that “From October 4 through the tournament 10/23 match at Fort Madison, 7 think that’s a positive thing that really emphasizes posi- unify a team. Secondly, Diers feels that the run, we’ll look to go as far as we can.” p.m. tive serving. PUT OUR TEAM TO WORK FOR YOU!

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D7 The Ottumwa Courier • ottumwa.com FALL SPORTS Friday, Sept. 12, 2014 Coach’s corner: Tessa Simpson How and when did you get involved with volleyball? I started playing in the fifth grade, and my sophomore year in high school, I got serious about volleyball. I grew up in a home with a coach, and when I applied here at Albia, ninth-grade volleyball was part of the job. What’s your favorite thing about coaching volley- ball? The girls. They help me remember how lucky I was to get to play high school volleyball. Hopefully, they will feel that way about their experience. What would you not miss about coaching when Tessa Simpson you’re not doing it anymore? The behind-the-scenes paperwork and just some small last-minute things that need to be done for a home match. What are the biggest changes in volleyball over the last few years? Rally scoring, the let serve, the libero and playing best three-out-of-five match- Lady Dees building for es. These things have changed coaching because every time the ball is in play, some- body will score. bright volleyball future Marquee match In late September, Albia will host new SCC member Knoxville on the Tuesday BY ROGER THOMAS team leaders in Brenna Stephens and night of homecoming week (Sept. 23). COURIER CORRESPONDENT Sara Clark. “We’ve hardly ever had a home game during homecoming,” said Simpson. “I “These two are our energy players,” ALBIA — The 2013 Albia volleyball think the girls will be excited about being a bigger part of the week.” said Simpson. team posted a 16-10 record, one of the Simpson believes that two key players top records for the program in the last will need to have big seasons. Marissa 10-15 years. The Lady Dees’ season Hugen, a setter who plays all the way Albia volleyball schedule ended in the regional finals with a loss around, and Hannah Romanco, who has to Red Oak. With that, a group that 9/13 tournament at Chariton, 9 a.m. 10/6 match vs. Twin Cedars, 7:30 been the Lady Dees’ go-to hitter to date, included two four-year starters and a 9/16 match at Centerville, 7:30 p.m. p.m. will be looked to for major contribu- three-year starter was lost to gradua- 9.18 match vs. Wayne, 7:30 p.m. 10/7 match vs. Davis County, 7:30 tions. tion. 9/20 tournament at Ottumwa, 8:30 a.m. p.m. After a summer consisting of three The 2014 Lady Dees, led by fifth-year 9/23 match vs. Knoxville, 7:30 p.m. 10/14 match vs. Chariton, 7:30 p.m. days a week of open gyms, lifting and a head coach Tessa Simpson, are rebuild- 9/30 match at Clarke, 7:30 p.m. 10/18 tournament, at Knoxville, 8:30 trip to the Simpson College team camp, ing to get back to that level. The three 10/2 game at Tri-County, 7:30 p.m. a.m. Simpson feels that one of the strengths returning starters, Lexie Van Polen, of this year’s team will be its chemistry. Marissa Hugen and Maria Maddy, are “Our girls are just doing a bunch of hoping to guide Albia through a tough good things that there aren’t any drills early schedule and lead them back down for,” said Simpson. the winning road. On the negative side, Simpson knows “Teams like Fairfield and Eddyville- that her team needs to be a stronger Blakesburg-Fremont are teams we’ll be blocking team. able to get out of the way early in the The Lady Dees have set a couple of season,” said Simpson. goals for the season. Simpson says that The remainder of the schedule will no matter what the year, Albia will still test the Lady Dees as they play in always look to finish in the top half of the Ottumwa Tournament and, of the SCC. Specifically, the Lady Dees are course, will compete in the tough South looking to serve at 94 percent, which Central Conference. Adding to the would break the school record for serv- depth of the SCC is Knoxville, the ing percentage. newest overall member and Class 4A “We’re a little below that, but we’re school. working at it,” added Simpson. Early in the season, Simpson has The plans for reaching these goals are been readying at least six newcomers to to just plug a couple of new outside hit- fill all the rotations that will be needed. ters into the same offensive system The three that have had the biggest influ- they’ve used in previous seasons, but to ence to date are sophomore setter Molly change their defensive scheme. Spurgin, sophomore hitter Mary Shep- “We believe that our new base ard and junior hitter Hannah Romanco. defense fits our personnel better,” said Other player considerations that will Simpson. “The girls have done a good help Albia in 2014 are two potential job of picking it up.” C Y K M

D8 Friday, Sept. 12, 2014 FALL SPORTS The Ottumwa Courier • ottumwa.com

Patrick Shelby/The Courier Front row, left to right: Danae Moses, Ashley Hart, Autumn Deshler; second row: Sarah Cardinal harriers eye the future Schmidt, Carli Campbell, Jessie McElderry, Lexi Fullenkamp; third row: Riley Liles, Cas- sidy McMartin, Dakota Durflinger, Candice Guiter, Shelby Smith. BY SCOTT JACKSON @COURIERSCOTT ELDON — Aaron Dose brought what he hopes will be plenty of future runners to the first high school meet of the cross-country season. Comets aided by deep roster Cardinal brought plenty of athletes to compete in the middle school races at the Wildwood Invitational. Those are the runners that, Dose is hopeful, will be the BY ANDY HEINTZ Comets’ offensive attack in their roles as foundation of a competitive team on both the boys and girls side in future years. @COURIERANDY the team’s setters. Sophomore Candice “It’s kind of more fun having those middle school kids around,” Dose said. “Our Guiter will occupy the middle hitter posi- ELDON — For years, depth has been high school runners do a good job keeping them motivated and keep them having tion, while junior Jessie McElderry, in short supply for the Cardinal volleyball fun out here.” sophomore Sarah Schmidt and junior team. This year, the Cardinal High School cross-country team will only consist of two Cassidy McMartin will be the Comets’ But, as a famous man once sang, the female runners — Ryley McElderry and Allison Metcalf. With just two runners to outside hitters. coach, the focus of success this year obviously will not be where the Comets finish times they are a-changin. Ashley Hart will run the team’s as team as there aren’t enough runners to collect a team score. Coach Jerald Harter said his varsity defense as the libero. Harter said the That might help in some ways this year for Dose, who wants all his runners from roster is 12 people deep. Comets boast a preponderance of good high school down to middle school to simply focus on individual improvement “I think they all could play in a given servers. throughout this season. situation if they had to,” Harter said. “I think we can go 10 deep serving,” he “Right now, we’re at a stage where we just want to see who we can get out and But some of the team’s more youthful said. have some fun with it,” Dose said. “It’s all about having our athletes get out there players will need guidance and instruc- In addition, Harter believes this team and run as hard they can in every race. Our kids have run pretty well so far. Our tion from the Comets’ veterans. has the potential to experience more goal right now is to have better times as a whole than we did last year.” “Our juniors and seniors will have to sucess than some of its predecessors. Scott Jackson is the senior sports writer of the Ottumwa Courier and can be take control out there,” Harter said. “I’d like to have a winning record, and reached at [email protected]. Cardinals’ hitting and blocking attack I’d like to make the top eight of the con- is spearheaded by junior Dakota Dur- ference,” he said. “We have to find a flinger. Junior Shelby Smith and senior leader, and we have to step up and make Danae Moses will engineer much of the plays.” Runners to watch Take your pick. Ryley McElderry will figure to Spotlight player: Dakota Durflinger lead the Comets this year on the course after finish- ELDON — Cardinal junior Dakota Durflinger had a ing 18 spots and 2:20 whale of a volleyball season last fall, shattering the ahead of her lone team- school records for blocks in a season with 56. mate, Allison Metcalf, in the Comet coach Jerald Harter expects his hitting and Wildwood Invite. blocking leader to eclipse her past success this season. “She set our school records for blocks in a season last Ryley McElderry Allison Metcalf year, and I think she will do it again this year,” he said. “She has a good presence at the net. She’s a very good blocker. We play defense around her, which is pretty Dakota Durflinger easy because of her height and jumping ability.” Marquee meet With just two runners, Dose will hope to see McElderry and Metcalf improve throughout the year to the point where they can contend in the Southeast Iowa Coach’s corner: Jerald Harter Superconference Meet in Mediapolis on Oct. 9. And, of course, there’s always the What is your goal for the season? State Qualifying Meet in Ottumwa on Oct. 23 to look forward to. “To be someone that we’re not supposed to. It would be nice to step up against the teams we haven’t beaten. “I’d like to have a winning season, and I’d like to Cardinal cross-country schedule make the top eight of the conference.” What’s will be the key to this team being successful? 9/16 meet at English Valleys, 5 p.m. 10/9 conference meet at Indian Hills “Consistency, not beating ourselves. We’ve made too 9/23 meet at Mount Pleasant (Old Golf Course, 4:30 p.m. many unforced errors in the past. We have to be more Threshers grounds), 4:30 p.m. 10/14, meet at Central Lee, 4:30 p.m. efficient on offense. You can’t have more hitting errors 9/30 meet at Harmony, 4:45 p.m. 10/23 district meet at Ottumwa, time Jerald Harter than kills and expect to win the game.” 10/6 meet at Columbus, 4:30 p.m. TBA Cardinal volleyball schedule Marquee match 9/16 match at Harmony, 7:30 p.m. Cardinal plays host to 9/18 match, at Maharishi, 7:30 p.m. West Burlington on Sept. 9/20 tournament, Central Lee, 9 a.m. 20. 9/25 conference tournament, location TBA, 5 p.m. 9/27 conference tournament, location to be deter- mined 9/30 match vs. West Burlington, 7:30 p.m. 10/2 match at Van Buren, 7:30 p.m. 10/7 match vs. Notre Dame, 7:30 p.m. 10/9 match at Holy Trinity, 7:30 p.m. 10/11 tournament at Davis County, 9 a.m. 10/14 match vs. Danville, 7:30 p.m. 10/15 home triangular vs. Van Buren, Davis County, 5:30 p.m.

Patrick Shelby/The Courier

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D9 The Ottumwa Courier • ottumwa.com FALL SPORTS Friday, Sept. 12, 2014 Marquee match Coach’s Corner: The rivalry with Cardinal will make Matt Zeitler that match big, but since the Warriors only have three home matches they will When and how did you get point to every home match and give the involved with volleyball? effort needed to win a big match. I took this job three years ago until some of the younger coaches Van Buren Volleyball schedule were ready to take over. It’s really tough to start out as a head coach. 9/16 vs. Maharishi, 5:30 p.m. What is your favorite thing about 9/18 at New London, 5:30 p.m. coaching volleyball? 9/20 Harmony Tournament, 9 a.m. The kids, especially when they 9/22 Holy Trinity Tournament, 4 p.m. 9/25, 9/27 SEISC Tournament, time seem to be really enjoying volleyball. TBA If you were to no longer coach 10/2 vs. Cardinal, 5:30 p.m. volleyball, what is something that Rusty Ebert/The Courier 10/7 at Central Lee, 5:30 p.m. you would not miss? Members of the Van Buren Volleyball Team are from left to right, front row: Kelcey Spees, 10/14 at West Burlington, 5:30 p.m. Some decisions that you need to Hallie Whitten, Jenna Thornburg, Shayla Filson, Rachel Warrick, Madison Zimmer, 10/16 at Cardina.l/DC 5 p.m. Courtney Hervey, Aletha Wenke, Daisy Cole and Kylee Lee; second row: Gloria Nelson, make for the good of the team at the Isabel Neeley, Grace Thomas, Kortney Banks, Bonnie Saunders, Libby King, Hannah expense of an upperclassman. Heiserman, Charissa Kobelt, Katie Wilson, Heidi Campbell and Aimee Simons; third row: Van Buren cross-country What are some of the changes Taylor Thornsberry, Lena Hewitt, Hannah Sprouse, Mekenzie Rodibaugh, Shannon Gar- you’ve seen during your time as a rels, Sidney Frey, Mackenzie Winslow, Anna Snead, Afton Kelley and Jackie Carr. schedule coach? 9/16 CC Invite, home, 4:45 p.m. Volleyball is a game where you 9/18 at Ft. Madison (Rodeo Park), 5 p.m. can use more players. I think you see Young Warriors stepping up 9/22 at Mt. Pleasant (McMillan Park), 5 more kids playing volleyball because p.m. of that. Also, the handling of what 9/30 at Harmony (Indian Lake), 4:45 p.m. BY ROGER THOMAS volleyball schedule is that it’s always tough COURIER CORRESPONDENT 10/9 SEISC Invite at Mediapolis, 5 p.m. you can or can’t do in the offseason because of the teams in the south division of the Southeast Iowa Superconference. 10/14 at Central Lee Invite, 4:30 p.m. by the state or individual schools. KEOSAUQUA — Third-year head “We can’t dodge three matches with 10/16 at Pekin (Lake Darling), 4:30 p.m. There is so much red tape before you coach Matt Zeitler knows it will take some Holy Trinity (1A state championship 10/23 Regionals, 4 p.m. can even start coaching. work for his Van Buren volleyball team to favorite) and three matches with New break from the past traditions former London (1A state tournament contender),” Warrior teams have established. said Zeitler. “Throw in Jerald Harter’s Only three times in recent years has a Comets (of Cardinal), and we have our Warrior team advanced past the first work cut out for us.” round of postseason play. Last year’s 8-21 Last season and the time spent this squad was one of those teams to advance. summer at the Central College team camp The team featured a couple of young have helped Zeitler evaluate his team and players that will possibly help Van Buren make some minor changes to his defensive improve its program history. While Kayla scheme. Filson and Libby King, two upperclass- “I believe that we will be a good serv- men, will be the stability of the 2014 War- ing team and a stronger hitting team,” said rior squad, Jenna Thornburg and Grace Zeitler. Thomas will be major players as under- classmen in the Van Buren volleyball These strengths will need to offset the scheme. deficiencies the Warriors possibly exhibit “Jenna has really stepped up her level in serve receiving and passing. of play ,and our middle hitter, Grace, is the “It all starts with those first two things most improved player we have,” said (serving and hitting),” added Zeitler. Zeitler. “Grace is really ready to play big.” Because of the importance of serve- Another one of the newcomers who is receiving and passing, Van Buren will Rusty Ebert/The Courier ready to contribute is Hannah Heiserman. employ a system that will utilize three Left to right: Ceyda Nazli, Sarah Davis, Alyssa Bartholomew, Callum Beebe, Robert serve receivers. Barker, Adam Smith, Dalton Haynes, Nolan Lydolph, Sarah Frey, Sydney Atwood, Kaitlyn All told, Zeitler’s Warriors return four to Johnson, Justin Zollars, Russell Pilcher, Chase Murphy, Alison Dickinson, Brooke six starters, depending on how you view Zeitler, admittedly a driven coach, will Dunkin, Thayne Runyon; front row: Taylor Murgia and Bethany Millard. volleyball rotations. Three of these players push his tall and hard-working group to manned the back row for the 2013 War- finish above .500. If enough of the under- riors. classmen do indeed step up and mix with The leader of the returning group is the upperclassmen, the Warriors will be Warriors hit the ground Libby Young. on the way to raising the level of Van “She’s really our leader, and we’ll prob- Buren volleyball. ably go as far as her play takes us,” added Then, if Van Buren would get a favor- running under new head coach Zeitler. able tournament assignment and avoid The 2014 squad will be tested by its Holy Trinity, the 2014 Warriors’ volleyball team just might advance further in the BY SCOTT JACKSON intense workouts this year,” Moews said. schedule. The Warriors will take part in postseason than any previous Warrior @COURIERSCOTT “We’ve been utilizing the hills at Lake four tourneys and two triangulars. team in quite a while. Lacy a lot. It’s the first year we’ve started The real problem with the Van Buren KEOSAUQUA — It will truly be a sea- a season when we should have started. son of change for the Van Buren cross- We even had a team camp. The depth is country program. coming up among the younger kids.” For the first time in two decades, the WOMEN & MEN’S Van Buren also had a very bright Warrior runners will be guided through a future in store with a middle school pro- season by someone other than John Sim- gram that has already earned a team title HEALTHCARE CLINIC mons. After 20 years at the helm, Sim- mons opted to retire and entrusted early this season. With so many positive Lucinda Moews to keep the program run- steps continuing to be made by a team FAMILY PLANNING ning as a quality team. with so much youth, Moews sees a lot of Moews didn’t waste any time. Van promise in what the Warrior cross-coun- Services For All Ages Buren has been hard at work since their try program can eventually become. preseason practices began Aug. 11 with “We’re maybe not going to be a pow- the hope of putting together yet another erhouse, but I would definitely like to see • Wellness Exams competitive campaign in 2014. us become a consistent contender run- “We have quite a few people out this ning with some of those powerhouses,” • STD Testing and Treatment year,” Moews said. “We’re a very young Moews said. • HPV Gardasil Vaccine team, but we do have four seniors includ- Moews, who coached as an assistant ing two that have run before.” for eight seasons under Simmons, cer- • Birth Control According to Moews, the boys team tainly has the endorsement of the former will feature a mix of experienced return- Warrior head coach. ing runners helping to guide several “I’m sure Coach Moews and her new young runners throughout the upcoming assistant coach, Wes Atwood ,will do an Serving: season. On the girls side, Van Buren will excellent job with Van Buren Cross have a couple of new senior runners that Country,” Simmons said. “I still hope to Albia, Bloomfield, could step right in to be leaders. drive the bus and attend as many of the “We’ve been having some really meets as possible.” Centerville, Chariton, Runners to watch Corydon, Fairfield, The Warrior girls had a trio of top 60 runners at Wild- Keosauqua, Ottumwa, wood in Kaitlyn Johnson (45th), Sydney Atwood (54th) and Ceyda Nezii Oskaloosa & Sigourney (58th). The Van Buren boys, meanwhile, featured a solid trio of their own in Dalton Haynes, Nolan Lydolph and Adam (800) 452-3365 Kaitlyn Johnson Smith. Those three all broke Nolan Lydolph into the top 30 at Wildwood. OR (641) 682-9955 Marquee meet Van Buren gets multiple cracks at running with Pekin, a team with a pair of rated teams. The Warriors and the Panthers run together Oct. 9 at the Southeast Iowa Superconference Meet, at a Pekin-hosted Invitational in Fairfield Oct. 16 and Oct. 23, when both teams presumably will compete for state berths at Wildwood Park in the Class 1A State Qualifier.

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D10 Friday, Sept. 12, 2014 FALL SPORTS The Ottumwa Courier • ottumwa.com

Pekin harriers look for a special fall Photo provided by Lee’s Photography BY SCOTT JACKSON bus full of Panther runners back to compete Front row, left to right: Victoria Lisk, Maggie Brown, Shelbi Talley, Whitney Horras, @COURIERSCOTT for state championships this season. Mallory Reed, Madelyn Baker; second row: Nikole Arendt, Beth Atwood, Cassidy Tolle, That’s exactly the way long time Pekin Madi Lathrop, Courtney Comstock, Shelbie Williams, Taylea Manley, Tessa Winn, PEKIN — Sure, the Pekin girls’ cross- head coach Davis Eidahl likes it. Emily Berms, Kaysha Dodson; third row: Emily Barton, Ashlyn Zook, Kaitlyn Conger, country team could spend a lot of time cel- “Anytime you have success for both Jordan Handy, Makayla Hammes, Gabi Rutherford, Drew Powers, Hazel Ward, Aspen ebrating the running dynasty they’ve pro- Clark; fourth row: Kaylee Garrels, Joel Swanson, Maci Gombell, Faith Costra, Deanna teams, it just picks up the level of competi- duced by winning four state titles over the Winn, Whitney Johnson, Leah Dix, Kennedy Coleman, Erin Almelia, Ligeia Ervin, Ken tiveness,” Eidahl said. “When you can go past five years. Hutchinson and Alissa Kitzman. out during practice and know you’re train- But while earning another state champi- ing with an entire group of talented ath- onship banner will always bring a smile to letes, it takes you to a whole new level Gwynne Wright’s face, what has really Panthers progress with unselfish play before you even run a meet.” drawn some of the biggest cheers recently The early-season results for Pekin may BY SCOTT JACKSON have been the accomplishments of the Pan- time last year, but she’s also an aggres- @COURIERSCOTT ther boys. Last fall, while they were win- be an omen of things to come this season. sive outside hitter and ace leader with In the same place where both Panther her serve.” ning yet another district title at Wildwood PEKIN — There’s nothing that first- teams qualified for state last year, the Pekin To come up with more wins this sea- Park in Ottumwa, the Pekin girls didn’t year head coach Ken Hutchinson hasn’t girls and boys both brought home all the son, the Panthers have come up with truly let loose with the celebration until seen his Pekin volleyball players do to team and individual high school titles to other goals to accomplish on the court they heard the official scores announced for get better so far this season. that do involve individual statistics. the boys. open the season at the Wildwood Invita- Anything Hutchinson has asked his However, the goal of the Pekin players When it was announced that Pekin tional. players to do in hopes of improving on is to accomplish those stats as a team. would indeed send both their girls’ and Wildwood figures to be the same place last year’s 11-11 season, the Panther “We also have a goal of more kills boys’ teams to the state cross-country meet where the Panthers will once again com- players have been happy to accommo- from assists this year compared to last last year, Wright and the rest of the Panther pete for state qualifying berths this year. It date. Whether it’s been conditioning, year,” Hutchinson said. “We want to be girls were more than happy to celebrate an could be a place where there will be a lot lifting, sacrificing playing time or chang- a more aggressive attacking team this entire school qualifying to run in Fort more celebrating to do in October. ing the overall structure of the team for year, hence the goal.” Dodge. “The good thing about any season is you the upcoming year, Pekin players don’t Even though it’s his first year as head “That was really exciting,” Wright said. are always going to get better as the year mind. coach of the Pekin volleyball team, “Seeing how much improvement the boys goes along,” Eidahl said. “Both teams are Whatever it takes to be a winning Hutchinson is no stranger to successful- have made is great.” going get better. The times are going to con- squad in 2014. Whoever has to step up. ly guiding Panther athletes to champi- The good times figure to keep rolling tinue to drop. There’s definitely a lot of rea- Pekin volleyball players aren’t in it this onship seasons. It was just this past win- this fall. Both Pekin teams enter a brand- sons to be excited for what these two teams year for individual success. They’re in it ter that Hutchinson guided the Pekin new cross-country season as top-15 rated can accomplish together this year.” to be a successful team. boys’ basketball team to the Southeast teams by the Iowa High School Track and Scott Jackson is the senior sports writer “I really like the unselfishness of the Iowa Superconference north division Cross-Country Coaches’ Association and of the Ottumwa Courier and can be girls on this year’s roster,” Hutchinson crown during a 20-win season. both have plenty of talent to send the entire reached at [email protected]. said. “I also like the aggressiveness that “If there is any correlation from the we’ve showed at times so far this year. However, that is also an area we have to success in basketball, it would be that I Runners to watch focus on improving. When we’re aggres- have grown accustomed to winning,” Hutchinson said. “There was a lot of Gwynne Wright’s all-out running style leaves little sive, we’ve been very good. When we’ve been lackadaisical, we’ve struggled. We planning and attention paid to practice drama about the winner. Running with the type of deep schedules in basketball which helped us talent Pekin figures to be both beneficial for both Wright have to become consistently aggressive.” One reason that aggressive volleyball be ready for success. I’m carrying that and teammates like the Lock sisters mindset into volleyball with detailed, (Payton and Taylor), Tayler Winn, will be a huge advantage for Pekin is the depth they have up front. Besides intricate planning to ensure quality, Shae Dahlstrom and Sloan high-intensity practices.” Reighard, all of whom helped returning middle hitter Beth Atwood, three more juniors (Shelbie Williams, For Hutchinson, this first year as Pekin win its fourth state title in head volleyball coach required some dif- five years. No wonder Pekin Cassidy Tolle and Madelyn Baker) give Gwynne Wright the Panthers a number of weapons to ferent preparation techniques. starts the year rated No. 1 in “One thing we are doing differently the state. attack around the net. “Beth’s very athletic and certainly from last year is lifting three times a On the boys’ side, Ryan Millikin appears to be the type week (for the first few weeks), then of runner that can team up with Austin Fariss to help the our most aggressive attacker. Maddie’s also a returning varsity player, a solid twice a week,” Hutchinson said. “Plan- Panther boys return as a team to state. The duo opened their ning that with also getting adequate gym season crossing the finish line together at the Wildwood outside hitter and a great back row pass- er for us,” Hutchinson said of his junior time is important.” Meet, leading together from start to finish. Ryan Millikin hitters. “Shelbie didn’t see any varsity Scott Jackson is the senior sports time last year, but she’s a strong attack- writer of the Ottumwa Courier and can er and has been our blocks leader thus be reached at sjackson@ottumwacouri- Marquee meet Pekin cross-country schedule far. Cassidy also didn’t see much varsity er.com. The biggest tests of the year 9/22 at Albia for the Panthers will come 9/27 at Lake Darling right at the start of October. 9/30 at West High Meet in Iowa City Coach’s corner: Ken Hutchinson Pekin runs against a 4A-loaded 10/2 at City High Meet in Iowa City field at the Iowa City West What do you like about 10/9 at Conference Meet Invitational on Sept. 31 before your team? returning to the home of the 10/16 at Lake Darling “I really like the Iowa Hawkeyes for the Iowa 10/23 State Qualifying Meet unselfishness of the girls City High Invite on Oct. 2. 11/1 State meet in Fort Dodge on this year’s roster. ... I also like the aggressive- ness that we’ve showed at times so far this year.” Marquee match (volleyball) What are some of Pekin eyes the regular-season meeting with perennial state power Mediapolis as a your goals for this season? Beth Atwood very important meeting. The Panthers may have to face off with the Bullettes later this “Both the players year in the SEISC Conference Tournament, where the Panthers have a goal of finishing Ken Hutchinson and myself have a goal Spotlight player: in the top two of its particular tournament site on Sept. 25 to earn a berth in the tour- of over .500. winning nament finals on Sept. 27. percentage this season. We also have a goal of more Beth Atwood kills from assists this year compared to last year.” Is there any correlation to the success you’ve had Beth Atwood led the as Pekin boys basketball coach? team in kills as a sopho- “... I have grown accustomed to winning. There more, slamming home 192 was a lot of planning and attention paid to practice winners last year, 112 schedules in basketball, which helped us be ready for more than team runner-up GOOD LUCK success. I am carrying that mindset into volleyball.” Peyton Atwood. Pekin volleyball schedule

9/16 vs. Highland, 7:30 p.m. location TBA Albia Blue Demons! 9/18 at Iowa Mennonite School, 7:30 9/30 vs. Louisa-Muscatine, 7:30 p.m. p.m. 10/2 at Lone Tree, 7:30 p.m. 9/25 conference tournament, 5 p.m., 10/7 vs. WACO, 7:30 p.m. location TBA 10/9 at Wapello, 7:30 p.m. 9/27 conference tournament, time and 10/14 vs. Columbus, 7:30 .m.

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D11 The Ottumwa Courier • ottumwa.com FALL SPORTS Friday, Sept. 12, 2014

Rockets look to grow within conference BY SCOTT JACKSON comer this year with a lot of young run- @COURIERSCOTT ners battling against some incredibly tough competition. As a member of the EDDYVILLE — In their first meet of South Central Conference, the Rockets the year, Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont EBF working to return to state will have to contend with great tradition- head cross-country coach Kyrie Yarkosky al teams like Albia, Davis County and got to bring home some hardware. BY ROGER THOMAS that have bolstered the Rockets. Knoxville in various meets throughout The Rockets earned a middle school COURIER CORRESPONDENT The South Central Conference the fall. schedule, which now includes team title in Ottumwa at the Wildwood EDDYVILLE — The loss to Dike- Yarkosky, however, is eager to see how Knoxville, and regular-season tourna- Invitational. For Yarkosky, it was exciting New Hartford in the Class 2A state her team of runners will answer the chal- ment trips to Southeast Polk, Ottumwa start to her first year as head coach of the semifinals serves as a big motivation for lenges of 2014. and Newton will challenge EBF and Rocket program. the Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont vol- “We’ve got 32 kids out, so the numbers should prepare them for another strong “I’m pretty excited about all of our leyball team to make a return trip to the are up for our program,” Yarkosky said. tournament run. Through the summer results,” Yarkosky said. “The junior high state tournament in 2014. Add to that a “We’ve got full teams for both the high and early season, Genskow has identi- boys won, which is really exciting. It deep, tall, talented group of returning school boys and girls. We have little bit of fied some strengths and an area to work shows we have a lot of talent coming for players — some of whom play year- growth yet to make, but I think we can on. the future of our program. We’ve got round — and you have a good base for accomplish that before the season is over.” “With our size and experience, we impressive runners within both the boys’ the work needed to make that return and girls’ teams. All the kids run and Scott Jackson is the senior sports will be a strong hitting team. I also trip. work extremely hard. I’m definitely look- writer of the Ottumwa Courier and can notice how much better we cover the The leader of this work will be ing forward to this season.” be reached at sjackson@ottumwacouri- floor defensively,” said Genskow. “For Gladys Genskow, starting her 15th sea- As a team, EBF will be a true up-and- er.com. son as EBF head coach. Her Rockets our size, we need to be better blockers, have earned the respect of the state, though.” earning the No. 4 ranking in the Iowa Genskow has seen an early-season Girls Athletic Union prep volleyball poll improvement in both the Rocket offense in Class 2A. and defense. She attributes this to the Expectations are different for differ- fact that all of the Rockets have exhibit- ent programs in different seasons. Com- ed the ability to be a team leader at one ing off a 30-plus win season with six time or another. returning starters, the high expectations The old saying, “Don’t fix it if it ain’t for EBF seem to be justified. broke” applies to the 30-plus win season The 2013 season marked the end of of 2013. Genskow intends for her Rock- the playing careers for four talented ets to utilize the offensive and defensive seniors. One of those seniors was Tasha systems they used to make the state Alexander. If an outstanding career like semifinals a year ago with few changes. Peyton Walker Andrew Hart Emily Flaig hers can be compensated for, this group “Sadie Baugher is switching sides as of EBF returners will take care of it. an outside hitterb and Haegen Boyer is Runners to watch Karlie Taylor, Tayler Leffler, Haegan really playing the libero position well,” Peyton Walker and Andrew Hart led the four-person Rocket boys at Wildwood Boyer, Sadie Baugher, Paige Shafer and said Genskow. “All of our other kids — with Walker beating Hart by just 23 seconds and five places on the course. Both will McKinley Moore are the returning Karlie, Taylor, Paige and McKinley — be looking to cracking into the top 20 at races later this season. The EBF girls, mean- starters. Senior Syline Busch and fresh- are all a year better and make us really while, were led by Emily Flaig in the season-opener with a time of 20:08 and a 36th- man Torie Alexander are two players solid.” place finish at Wildwood.

Spotlight player Marquee matches Marquee meet EBF cross-country schedule Karlie Taylor is probably “The Davis County the most prominent Rocket match (on Oct. 14) is While Yarkosky doesn’t focus on 9/16 Oskaloosa Invitational, Edmund- due to her offensive skills. always big, and we really one meet in particular, the South Cen- son Park, 4:30 p.m. She can score with a variety want to beat Holy Trini- tral Conference meet should be a of shots and can play all ty,” said Genskow. good proving ground to see how far 9/18 Lynnville-Sully Invite, Diamond around the court. “We have “We’ve played pretty the Rockets have come in 2014. With Trail Golf Course, 4:30 p.m. other girls that play club ball, well at Southeast Polk’s teams like Albia and Davis County, but Karlie travels extensively to tournament (this year 9/23 EBF Invite, Eddyville, 4:30 p.m. coming up on Sept. 13), who feature rated teams in both boys play the best competition,” and this year the girls are (Albia) and girls (Davis County), along Karlie Taylor 9/30 Knoxville, Pine Knolls, 4:30 p.m. said Genskow. determined to win it.” with improving squads like Chariton and conference newcomer Knoxville, 10/7 Centerville, at Centerville, 4:30 the meet will give EBF a good mea- p.m. EBF volleyball Coach’s corner: Gladys Genskow suring stick to see how good they are on Oct. 14, nine days before the state 10/14 South Central Conference, schedule How did you get involved qualifier. Knoxville, 4:30 p.m. with volleyball? 9/13 SE PPolk Metro I played in high school Classic, Pleasant Hill, 8 and college (at William a.m. Penn), and I started 9/16 Clarke at Osceola, coaching as soon as I Good Luck to all Area 7 p.m. graduated. 9/20, Ottumwa Invita- What is your favorite tional, 8:30 a.m. thing about coaching? Teams for a Great Season! 9/23 at Centerville, 7 Seeing the improvement p.m. in individuals and the 10/4 Newton Invitation- team and the excitement Gladys Genskow al, 8:30 a.m. they have when they know how that feels. 10/7 at Knoxville, 7 p.m. What are some changes in volleyball you’ve seen in OTTUMWA BLOOMFIELD 10/14 vs. Davis County, your coaching career? 7:30 p.m. The delivery of the ball — the interpretation of Ottumwa 641-682-1516 10/19 at Mediapolis, 6 whether it’s a carry or not. I don’t feel like that has Bloomfield 641-664-2008 p.m. changed how I coach. Go Discover Bulldogs! Timeless Best Wishes to Treasures All Teams for a Great Season! THE CANTEEN Area’s Largest Selection of Lunch in the Alley SEIKO and PULSAR Ottumwa’s Landmark Since 1927! 112 East 2nd Street • Ottumwa, IA Quincy Place Mall • Ottumwa • 682-0464 Mon.-Sat. 10-9 Sun. 12-5 641-682-5320 Penn Central Mall • Oskaloosa • 673-7449 Mon.-Sat. 10-6 Thurs. 10-8 Monday-Wednesday 10am to 7pm Styles may vary. Thursday-Saturday 10am-8pm • Closed Sunday C Y K M

D12 Friday, Sept. 12, 2014 FALL SPORTS The Ottumwa Courier • ottumwa.com Runners To Watch Showing why the Sigourney boys have champi- onship hopes this year, Will Flanegin ran within the top ten in the Wildwood Meet to kick off the season before coming home in 11th place in a time of 18:52. Tyler Crawford was not that far behind, finishing 17th in 19:27, while Megan Montgomery and Mateer Strong led the Savage girls by placing 80th and 85th, respectively. Will Flanegin

Marquee meet If you’re going to say your goal at the start of the season is to win a conference title, that has to make the conference championship meet the biggest one on your schedule. Sigourney will look to achieve their championship dreams at the South Iowa Cedar League Meet in Montezuma on Thursday, Oct. 16 Sigourney cross-country schedule 9/16 Invitational at English Valleys 4 p.m. 9/22 Invitaional at BGM 4 p.m. Creating championship success 9/27 Invitational at Pekin time TBD BY SCOTT JACKSON shown that, for the boys, the goal of being 9/30 Invitational at Washington 5 p.m. @COURIERSCOTT one of the top contenders among the 10/9 Invitational at Montezuma Community 4:30 p.m. South Iowa Cedar League is very attain- 10/16 Meet at Belle Plaine 4:30 p.m. (SICL conference meet) SIGOURNEY — One look around at able. The Sigourney boys finished in sixth 10/23 Invitational, location TBD, 4:30 p.m. all the various runners donning the gold in the Wildwood Invitational and was the and black of the Sigourney Savages has top team among the SICL squads in made head cross-country coach Andy attendance. Harter very optimistic for the upcoming Sigourney also had several junior high season. With numbers at an all-time high, Harter is eyeing a new standard of suc- runners in the season-opening event in cess for a Sigourney team that is hoping Ottumwa. The Savages already have to bring home a championship before this earned a runner-up finish in the early-sea- season is over. son Williamsburg middle school race. “Not only do we have the most num- “We’re hoping to continue contending bers we’ve ever had out, but we also have for team titles on the middle school level,” a very energetic group,” Harter said. Harter said. “I think it shows that we “Our boys have the goal of winning the have a great future in front of us. We’re conference and, hopefully, we can send hoping this is the type of year that really the entire team to state. The girls are a lit- starts building the foundation for us to tle more inexperienced. We’d love for being a great tradition within our pro- them to finish somewhere in the middle gram.” of conference and keep that group mind- Scott Jackson is the senior sports writer set in place for the future.” of the Ottumwa Courier and can be Photo Courtesy of Adam Meier Sigourney’s early-season results have reached at [email protected]. Back row: Assistant coach Jessica Meier, Montana McRunnels, Sam Bird, Caleigh Dale, Erin Richardson, Leah Carter, Brooke Waechter, Anna Ohland, Savannah Atwood, Kendall Streigle, Head coach Chris Carter; middle row: Makayla Shaw, Victoria Bechert, Macie Leonard, Sierra Davis, Allison Schroeder, Stacy Mohr, Sydney Striegel, Autumn Good Luck to All Area Fall Sports Teams!!!! Barthelman; front row: Mallory Shaw, Emily Sande, Jordan Carter, Brooke Schroeder. Don’t forget to show your team Hoping for good things in 2014 spirit! BY ROGER THOMAS are six new coaches leading programs,” The COURIER CORRESPONDENT said Carter. “We feel like we’ve upgraded our schedule by adding the Mid-Prairie EMBROIDERY & APPAREL SIGOURNEY — The Sigourney Sav- Stitch Doctor Tournament. We’ll get to see some differ- TSD Embroidery MADE TO ORDER age volleyball team has finished second in ent teams there.” Business, School, & Sports Logos the South Iowa Cedar League each of the Carter believes the Savages will 115 E. MAIN ST. OTTUMWA past two seasons. The Savages are hoping Stadium Chairs-Hats-Coats-Shirts have three areas of strength. Consistent for even better things in 2014, including a (641) 799-8286 Uniforms-Sportswear- Koozies serving, strong middle hitting and good start to the year that could lead to a Email: [email protected] Screen Print Transfers scrappy defensive play are positives to better finish. build on. Looking to better their 12-10 record of On the other side of the ledger, block- O RTHO PAEDIC SERVICES AT ORHC a year ago, Sigourney head coach Chris ing and shot selection are areas that will Carter (14th year) will rely heavily on her get a lot of work throughout the season. three returning starters. Sigourney bowed Carter is confident that the shot selection out in 2013 with a second-round tourna- might take care of itself as some of the ment loss. The play of three returners will new hitters gain experience. need to balance the loss of six seniors. Offensively, the Savage approach will Jordan Carter, Sierra Davis and Brooke Schroeder are more than capable remain pretty much the same, but there with Carter being one of the top players in will be noticeable differences on defense. southeast Iowa. A group of newcomers Carter has decided not to play a libero will also need to contribute for the Sav- and use her best passers as her back-row ages to have a breakout season. Leah players. Carter, Anna Ohland, Brooke Waechter With the three returning players doing and Allison Schroeder have established a nice job of leadership, Carter and her themselves early as the top newcomers. players have established certain goals and The strength of schedule for Sigourney expectations for the 2014 edition of Sav- depends heavily on the strength of the age volleyball. After two-straight runner- SICL. Playing a true round-robin means a up finishes, the Savages will again look to lot of matches because of the number of finish at or near the top of the conference. teams in the league. “We’d also like to make a better show- “It’s a little hard to judge the strength ing at some of the tourneys we play,” of our conference this early because there added Carter. Coach’s Corner: Chris Carter How and when did you get involved in volleyball? I played in high school because everybody did. My You’re in good hands first coaching job was 1993 in Keokuk as head coach. When my family decided to move with our orthopaedic surgeon. here, I became head coach at Sigourney. What’s your favorite When it comes to taking care of every bone, joint, and thing about coaching? sprains and strains in your body, Ottumwa Regional is the The fact that volleyball Jordan Carter is an exciting game and smart, convenient choice. You’ll find everything you need it’s really a good example Spotlight Player: of a team sport for girls. in one central location, from radiology services, including What are some of the Jordan Carter biggest changes you’ve Chris Carter Carter has improved seen in volleyball since MRI and 128 Slice CT scans, to surgery and rehabilitation her defense and can hit you’ve been coaching? from any spot on the floor. therapy. Our orthopaedic surgeon provides expert care for The libero and rally scoring are both positive for the sport of volleyball. They are both exciting and they Before the season comes to everything from replacements to have changed the mentality of coaches and players. an end, she should easily Every point counts and the game can change so fast. record her 1,000th kill. sports injuries. There are more Reaching that number would make her the all- than 200 bones in the human Marquee matches time kill leader at Sigour- ney. body and one place to take care Carter would rather her team just take it one match at a time, but she admits that the Keota match (because In 2013, Carter was 1st of them all. of the proximity of the schools and the sharing of foot- team SICL, All-District, ball) and the Iowa Valley match (because they won the and a second-team class 1A SICL the past two seasons) will be hard not to point to. All-State player. Sigourney volleyball schedule Bradley Scott, D.O. 9/15 game at HLV, 5:30 p.m. 10/2 game vs. English Valleys, 5:30 p.m. 9/20 tournament at North Mahaska, 9 10/6 game at Keota, 5:30 p.m. Orthopaedic Surgeon a.m. 10/11 tournament at Washington, 10 9/22 game at BGM, 5:30 p.m. a.m. 9/25 game vs. Tri-County, 5:30 p.m. 10/13 game at Montezuma, 5:30 p.m. 1013 Pennsylvania Ave., Ste. D, Hass Medical Plaza 9/27 tournament at Mid Prairie, 9 a.m. 10/16 game vs. North Mahaska, 5:30 0UUVNXB
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XXXPUUVNXBSFHJPOBMIFBMUIDPN 9/29 game at Iowa Valley, 5:30 p.m. p.m.