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4 FBU: IOWA TAKES RUNNER-UPTeam Iowa finished second nationally in the Football University Championship.

6 TROPHY HUNTERSIowa City West and Iowa City, City High are top title contenders in boys and girls basketball.

12 CLASH OF THE TITANSCarter Happel and Hunter Washburn both have state wrestling titles. Now they’re going head to head for another one.

18 NEWS AND NOTESTop performances and storylines from around the state.

Editor’s NoteIn this month’s issue, we offer readers an inside look at the recruiting process in college football, through the eyes of players, coaches, parents and recruit-ing coordinators to give you the full picture of everything leading up to National Signing Day. We also follow up on a group of local seventh graders, who took national runner-up honors in the FBU National Championships last month. A pair of defending state wrestling champs now compete at the same weight, and they aren’t shying away from the challenge. Iowa City boasts two top title contenders in boys and girls basketball this season, too. C

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4 SportsSpotlight.comVolume 2 Issue 5

SEVENTH GRADERS REPRESENT STATE ON NATIONAL FIELDTork Mason | Editor-in-Chief

Iowa might be considered part of flyover country, but a group of seventh graders refused to be overlooked as they fought for a national championship. The youngsters not only grabbed national attention, but also got a remarkable experience.

Team Iowa competed in the Football University (FBU) playoffs this winter, and Iowa’s seventh grade team reached the national final four, which was held at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. It was the Iowa program’s first trip to Texas after joining FBU last year, and head coach Mike Thomas said the kids enjoyed the entire experience.

“It was something they’ll never forget,” Thomas said. “For the six days we were down there, they were treated like a college team.”

The players also got to watch the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, which is put on by FBU and showcases the nation’s top high school seniors every year. Part of the trip also included getting to see the U.S. Army National Combine, where the country’s best junior players go through a variety of drills and tests to see where they stand against their peers. The kids were able to meet many of those top college prospects, too.

Of course, the primary reason Iowa was in San Antonio was to play. The team came into the semifinals with a Cinderella story vibe and kept it alive with a commanding 49-26 victory over a favored Seattle squad. At that point, Thomas said, there was a sense that his team had become a fan favorite.

“When we were down there, we

kept getting congratulations from other teams at the hotel that were behind us,” Thomas said. “In the championship game, I think we had all 11 teams rooting for Team Iowa.”

That wasn’t enough for the team to bring home a title, though. Iowa was pitted against a strong South Florida squad and stayed in the game for the first half, but turnovers and South Florida’s speed doomed Iowa in the third quarter, as South Florida scored 27 third quarter points to push its lead to the final score of 41-6.

“We knew going in that South Florida was, by far, the fastest team on film,” Thomas said. “They were the fastest at every position. They weren’t a big team, but their team speed was something we hadn’t seen yet.

“One thing we weren’t prepared for was the in-your-face style of football that South Florida played. They reminded me of the Miami Hurricanes of the 1980s: very brash, pushy, and it got into our players’ heads a little bit.”

One of FBU’s goals with the youth program is to help young players improve, and Thomas said going against top youth talent from around the country is a positive developmental tool for the kids he’s coached.

“That’s one of the biggest things the kids take from this,” he said. “Playing against top talent like they do in the semifinal and championship games, there is (sic) no weak links in the team they’re across from. They have to play their top game for every second they’re on the field.”

This year’s championships are in the

books and Iowa’s players were left with a sour taste in their mouths after coming up just short. But Thomas said they showed the country what they’re capable of, and the loss should give them motivation to push even harder next winter.

“We didn’t have quite enough to finish off South Florida, but I’m very proud of the kids and how they represented our state,” Thomas said. “They’ll be back next year, ready to take it all.”

Youth

Team Iowa wide receiver Max Griffin (22) carries the football against Team Florida at the Alamodome. Team Iowa is a Football University team made of seventh graders from across the state. They spent six days in San Antonio, Texas, where they competed against schools from around the country and watched the U.S. Army All-American Bowl as well as the U.S. Army National Combine. Photo by Reese Strickland.

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Team Iowa came out as the underdog and competed in the Football University championship game in Texas

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Photos were taken at the FBU National Championships on Jan. 5, the F3 Fire basketball tournament in Newton.

Photo courtesy of Reese Strickland

Photo courtesy of Reese Strickland

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IOWA CITY – HOME TO STATE’S TOP CONTENDERSDarrin Cline | Contributor

high School

As the two-time defending state champions, postseason appearances have become nearly second nature for the Iowa City West boys basketball team. The Trojans, and Iowa City in general, are in the middle of a basketball boom. With the West boys and the City High girls carrying the flag, the city’s two biggest schools are each in a position to bring home basketball hardware.

Despite having nine seniors on the roster, the Trojans came into the season with relatively little experience.

“I think a lot of people expected us to take a big step back based on all the talent we lost [to graduation],” said West High head coach Steve Bergman, who has been at the school for 24 years and claimed four state championships. “Three guys from last year’s team are playing in college. We still have a long ways to go but the guys from this year are doing good (sic) at stepping up and filling their roles.”

The only returning starter was Wyatt Lohaus, a senior who has become one of the top players in Class 4A. Lohaus has been pouring in over 20 points a game and is also second on the team in assists. David Dileo is the only other player on the team averaging more than 10 points per game.

In order to acclimate the team with the rigors of a Class 4A season, the Trojans have gone outside the state to find some of the Midwest’s best competition. The team travelled to the Wisconsin Dells and defeated Sun Prairie, Minn., 63-48. They then hit the road to La Crosse, Wisc. to square off against Minneapolis DeLaSalle, a Twin Cities power that boasts Stanford recruit Reid Travis, an ESPN top-25 prospect. The Trojans were

competitive throughout the game but eventually fell, 60-54.

The daunting road trips were all in an effort to prepare the squad for the potential trip to the state tournament. Dubuque Senior, flying high on the backs of three players that stand over 6-foot-7, decimated the defending state champs to give them their only in-state loss, a 67-47 drubbing on Jan. 10.

“We went to their place and did not handle the atmosphere well; their fans, the environment got to us,” Bergman said. “We talked about getting better at handling pressure

and in two months we hope that we’ve improved enough to compete with a team like that.”

Bettendorf, North Scott (Eldridge) and Ankeny Centennial have all thrown their hats into the ring as top contenders, as well. A wide-open race is shaping up yet again as teams line up to try and dethrone the champs; in this decade, only Iowa City West has reached the Class 4A title game on multiple occasions. If they hope to continue that trend, they will need to overcome the rising tide of 4A competitors.

The girls state tournament could

be just as unpredictable, as the state championship has gone home to a different school in each of the past six years. City High was among that half dozen, and last cut down the nets in 2008.

This year’s Little Hawk squad, however, has a far different look than the 2008 team.

“This team has had to rely on creating turnovers more than the inside-out game we typically like to play,” said City High head coach Bill McTaggart. “We utilize our traps and presses to create turnovers and really challenge teams away from the

SportsSpotlight.com6 Volume 2 Issue 5

Iowa City West’s Wyatt Lohaus is the only starter left from the Trojans’ championship squad, but the senior has kept his team among the top contenders for this year’s Class 4A crown. (Photo courtesy of The Des Moines Register)

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basketball.” This year’s group is led by

returning All-State selection Haley Lorenzen, 6-3 force in the paint who leads the team points, rebounds and blocks. Her numbers in boards and swats have led Class 5A for most of the season.

Despite Lorenzen’s presence, the Little Hawks lack any other player that clears the six-feet mark. This has forced the team to rely on the quickness and expertise of its backcourt. Senior point guard Kiera Washpun is a four-year starter and has been the facilitator for the offense.

“We’re pretty quick this year and we’ve been very up tempo,” McTaggart said. “This team has also done a good job of accepting their roles and as coaches we appreciate our players’ ability to listen and adjust.”

With Washpun and sophomore Courtney Joens each averaging double-digit points to support Lorenzen’s production, the Little Hawks have become a top-five scoring offense with an average margin of victory approaching 27 points per game.

Nonetheless, City High is not alone atop the 5A perch. Regular

season slugfests with fellow top-10 teams Waterloo West and Muscatine have shown the parity of field. City High won by two and five points, respectively, against its fellow contenders. Add Waukee, West Des Moines Valley and Dowling to the mix and the 5A field is riddled with talent.

As the boys and girls regular seasons head down the homestretch in late February, the state’s top teams are on track to collide for their sport’s biggest prize. And for the largest classes, both roads to the state championship could go through Iowa City.

high School

Iowa City, City High’s Kiera Washpun (4) and Haley Lorenzen highlight a dominating squad that has been perched atop Class 5A all season. The duo was averaging 34.6 points per game as of Jan. 20. (Photos courtesy of The Des Moines Register)

Iowa City WestRecord: 10-2 (6-1 Mississippi Valley)PPG: 69.1 (fourth in Class 4A)PPG allowed: 46.8Lohaus: 21.3 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 4.0 APGDileo: 11.6 PPG, 4.3 RPG

Iowa C ity HighRecord: 15-0 (7-0 Mississippi Valley)PPG: 67.1 (third in Class 5A)PPG allowed: 40.3Lorenzen: 21.5 PPG, 10.3 RPG, 3.8 BPGJoens: 15.1 PPG, 4.6 RPG. 3.3 SPGWashpun: 13.4 PPG, 4.9 APG, 4.2 SPG

*Stats current as of Jan. 23

Senior | Ar-W

e-Va (Westside)

Senior | Mason City

Senior | Southeast PolkJunior | Cedar Valley Christian

Senior | DSM

Oak Leafs

Senior | Boyden-Hull

Shelby Hembera

Eric Main Makenzie Meyer

Paige Danner

Tucker Kamman

Photo courtesy of Metro Sports ReportPhoto courtesy of Boyden-Hull High School

Photo by Tork Mason

Photo courtesy of the Denison Bulletin and Review

Photo courtesy of The Des Moines Register

Riley Francis

Photo courtesy of The Mason City Globe Gazette

Meyer might be young, but she’s made a big impact for the 9-3 Mohawks. On the season, she averages 16.1 points, 7.9 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game — all of which lead the team.

Kamman is among the top scorers in Class 4A, averaging 21.2 points per game while hitting nearly 39 percent of his 3-point attempts and 76 percent of his free throws. He has helped lead the Rams to an 11-1 start to the season and a top-10 ranking.

The week of Jan. 6-10, Francis averaged 27 points, 7.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists per game, and shot 64 percent from the floor and from behind the arc in wins over George-Little Rock, Central Clay-Everly and Sheldon, which helped spark a 7-game winning streak.

Hembera is one of Class 1A’s top overall players this season. She leads the state in scoring (32.3 points per game) and was second in rebounding average (14.2) and is among the leaders in blocked shots as well (42). A photo was not available.

Main, a Johnston student, was among the Midwest High School Hockey League in every major goaltending category, including goals-against-average (1.66), save percentage (.917), wins (12) and shutouts (5).

Danner has led the Rockets to a 12-1 record to open the season and has been one of the state’s top offensive players. The senior ranks among Class 1A leaders in scoring at 22.4 points per game while shooting at a 47.3 percent clip.

Hy-Vee proudly supports high school athletes all over the state of Iowa.

TIME TO SIGN

X

Never underestimate the power of the pen. With fans and supporters eagerly watching and waiting, high school athletes from all across the country will sign their names, sealing the deal and taking the final step toward their college football careers.

National Signing Day, held on Feb. 5, marks the first day that a high school student can sign a binding National Letter of Intent to play football at an NCAA college or university. Not only does National Sign-ing Day mark the beginning of an exciting future for these athletes, it also marks the end of a complex and time-consuming recruitment process.

“It gets to be overwhelming,” said Bruce Clement, owner of Clement Sports Recruiting Service. “The de-cision is so important and normally that’s probably the main thing. It’s such a big decision, not just for sports but for their life.”

The college football recruitment process differs for each athlete, but there are basic elements that apply regardless of the athlete’s individual situation. Clement helps young men sort through the requirements of the recruiting period.

“First of all I check their grades out,” Clement said. “Number two, I’ll talk to the coach and check out their character and work ethic and see if these kids are any good or not.” He then compiles profiles that include the athletes’ contact information, personal and team accolades, statistics, GPA and other information that coaches consider neces-sary during the recruitment process. Clement sends the profiles to coaches around the nation, helping the athletes gain exposure. Players are also highly encouraged to provide game film to allow decision makers to see the athletes in action. Online tools, like Hudl, have made that process much simpler and more efficient for coaches and athletes.

Steve Ryan, head football coach at Morningside College in Sioux City, looks for the same information that Clement strives to provide.

But it’s not just about being an athlete. According to Ryan there’s a lot more that coaches look at when recruiting players.

“There’s (sic) three things that you look at,” Ryan said. “Number one, what is the character of the young man? Is this somebody that is going to take coaching well, is this somebody that will enjoy being part of the team, is he a good teammate? Number two, you look at the academic capabilities. Is this someone that can make it into school, number one, and then number two is this somebody that would be a positive addition to the college from the academic profile standpoint of really being an excellent student? And then lastly, we make that evaluation on who they are as an athlete. Can this young man play for us and does he really have a desire to play football?”

While college coaches are carefully analyzing their potential recruits, high schoolers are busy creating and maintaining their athletic image. Whether it’s working to take their high school teams to the playoffs or par-ticipating in camps throughout the summer, athletes are just as engaged as the coaches recruiting them.

Elizabeth Robinson | Managing Editor

TIME TO SIGN

John Doe

For Matthew Haack, a 2013 Dowling Catholic High School graduate, the recruitment process was filled with several camps and visits to schools across the country. According to his father, Scott Haack, there were camps being offered for Matthew to attend almost every day of June the summer before his se-nior year. Matthew and his parents visited numerous schools including Stanford, Miami (FL), Iowa State, Iowa and Notre Dame before deciding on the best fit for Matthew.

Ultimately, he attended a punting camp at Arizona State, placed first, and signed as a punter in July of 2013. But Matthew’s decision came after countless questions were asked and relationships were forged between him, his family and the coaches.

“The whole conversation is kind of an interview both ways,” Scott Haack said. “As coaches are trying to figure out what the kids’ interests are, their priorities as far as the things they’re looking for, they’re doing the same thing with parents. As a parent we may be considering, are the other guys on the team going to be a good fit, what’s the locker room like for the type of relationships that are going to be there, the type of environment, things like that. And also academics – how many people do you graduate, there are different things you want to think about.”

Parents aren’t the only ones with several criteria for selecting the best school for their sons. The athletes themselves often take several factors into consider-ation before making their final decisions. This year, linebacker Parker Hesse of Waukon, Iowa, committed to play at Iowa following his graduation this spring. Even Hesse had his own checklist in determining which school was the best fit: the position he might

be playing, who his position coach would be, who’s already in the program and if the school has his major, for example.

“Between the schools I was considering I was looking into biology and obviously the University of Iowa is an extremely prestigious school for biology and things with medicine, so that almost made it a no brainer for where to go,” he said. “Regardless of what happens with my football career I know I’m going to be in good hands just studying there.”

Hesse also valued the relationships that were devel-oped over the recruitment process. Weekly phone calls with coaches, visits with players that he knew on the teams and receiving positive feedback on his athlet-icism were all aspects of the process that he enjoyed. While parts of the recruiting process were difficult, such as not hearing back from schools that he had previously been in touch with, Hesse’s overall opinion of the process is a positive one.

With his signature on National Signing Day, Hesse will officially commit himself to play football at the college level along with hundreds of athletes across Iowa and the United States. But he realizes that the work doesn’t end with his signature and official commitment. The recruitment process is ongoing.

“I understand I’m going to get to Iowa City and they’re going to say, ‘Well, you know what Parker, you have to do this, this and this because you’re not as good as these people,’ but for the time it lasted it’s nice to have people coming up saying you’re great, saying we’d love to have you, saying all this,” Hesse said. “I really enjoyed it and I feel thankful for having that opportunity.”

Waukon’s Parker Hesse throws a pass in the 2013 Class 2A title game on Nov. 22. Hesse will play collegiately at The University of Iowa in the fall. (Photo courtesy of The Des Moines Register)

Former Dowling Catholic prep Matthew Haack signed with Arizona State University in 2013. (Photo courtesy of The Des Moines Register)

Wrestlers aren’t known for being weak-willed, and Lisbon’s Carter Happel and Alburnett’s Hunter Washburn are no exceptions. Both have proven themselves on a statewide level, with three state championships between them, but they’ve upped the ante this winter.

Happel and Washburn wrestled — and won state titles — at 120 and 113 pounds, respectively, last season. This year, though, they’ve each bumped up to 132 pounds in Class 1A. That gives them the opportunity to face another defending state champion; even more unique is that they compete in the same conference and could see each other as many as three times before the state tournament kicks off.

Going against a defending champion up to four times in a single season might seem a daunting task to some, but Washburn said he doesn’t care who steps on the mat with him — he’s ready to battle.

“My coach always preaches, [for] a true competitor, it doesn’t matter who is out on the mat with you or who you’re facing,” the junior said. “You want to go out there and compete, no matter the circumstances. And that’s just how it is; you can’t care who you’re going to go wrestle. You’ve just got to go out there and do your thing.”

Neither Happel nor Washburn considered what the other was doing when settling on what weight class was best for them. Alburnett head coach Kane Thompson compared it to the matchup between Cornell’s Kyle Dake and Penn State’s David Taylor at the collegiate level last year, in the way that neither wrestler was afraid to take on a challenge.

They weren’t oblivious, though, and Happel said he was excited for their first meeting on Dec. 5.

“I was kind of looking forward to it, knowing it would be at the beginning of the year,” Happel said. “Like, I’d get a shot at him and have bragging rights for the rest of the year.”

The sophomore earned those bragging rights when he took down Washburn, 7-3, in a No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup.

Happel was faced with a 2-1 deficit entering the third period despite riding Washburn for much of the second frame, but fought back and the score was tied at 3 points apiece with just over a minute remaining. That’s when Washburn made his mistake and Happel capitalized.

“Once he got it to 3-3, I think he felt like he had to score again right then,” Thompson said. “When you

get rode hard, your legs get tired; I thought he should have hand-fought harder and moved his feet to open something up. But he doubled in on a shot that he probably shouldn’t have, and Happel, being as tough as he is, did a great go-behind and Hunter tried to roll out of it and got caught on his back.

“He rushed things a little bit, and you can’t take any kind of sloppy shot against Carter.”

It was a thrilling match in what might well serve as merely a prelude for the two decorated preps. And it could spell trouble for all other challengers when the state tournament comes around.

“It’s good for me to have faced the No. 2-ranked kid in the state

[more than once] before the state tournament,” Happel said. “Knowing that I’ve already got a win in my belt against him, and hopefully get another one at conference, that’s a good thing to know going into state.”

A rematch would be one of the most anticipated matches of the entire state tournament this year. Washburn said he’s eager to get another shot at his rival, even if he’s going to focus on one match at a time.

“You don’t want to look too far in the future, but I’m definitely getting ready for and always looking forward to that,” he said. “I want to redeem myself for that match [in December], and I can’t wait.”

SportsSpotlight.com12 Volume 2 Issue 5

high School

STATE’S TOP WRESTLERS RELISH NEW CHALLENGETork Mason | Editor-in-Chief

Lisbon’s Carter Happel has proven successful in his young career, coming away with the state title as a freshman in 2013 at 120 lbs. This year, he’s bumped up to 132 lbs. along with Class 1A rival Hunter Washburn. The two have already competed once this season and could see each other on the mat as many as three times prior to the state tournament in February. (Photo courtesy of The Des Moines Register)

Carter Happel and Hunter Washburn both own state titles; now they’re going head to head for another one

LEADERS ON THE MAT: BY THE NUMBERS

Carter Happel - Lisbon

74-1 record45 pins2 tech falls10 major decisions

13 decisions6 forfeit wins1 state title (2013 at 120 lbs.)

Hunter Washburn - Alburnett

120-6 record76 pins4 tech falls8 major decisions

18 decisions10 forfeit wins2 state titles (2012 at 106 lbs.) (2013 at 113 lbs.) (Photo courtesy of The Des Moines Register)

*Career statistics as of Jan. 21

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SportsSpotlight.com

Madison AgeyWDM Valley, Class of 2014 - 3.8 GPA

Sports: Basketball

Athletic Achievements/Honors: First team all-conference, 11; second team All-CIML Elite, 11; school record for single-game assists (12).

Academic Achievements/Honors: Academic All-Conference 9-11, Honor Roll, National Honor Society officer

College or post-high school plans: Playing basketball at Minnesota State Mankato.

CLICK IT OR TICKET

What’s your favorite sport to play? Why?My favorite sport is basketball because the adrenaline rush it gives me. I live for the gameday feeling, the overtime win feeling and that feeling you get after a hard, productive practice. The good and the bad, I love it all.

What’s your favorite sports memory?My favorite sports memory was knocking off No. 1 Dowling at home this year.

Do you have any fun pre-game “rituals” that prepare you for an event?I drink a Mountain Dew and dance to our team music playlist before every game. It’s a fun way to stay loose before games with my teammates.

What’s your favorite subject in school and why?My favorite subject is broadcasting. I’ve enjoyed learning about the radio station at school and getting the opportunity to broadcast live play-by-play at sporting events.

Who inspires you? Why?When I was younger, I wasn’t a big fan of basketball. But when I saw Ally Thrall play for Dowling and found out she started all four years, I made it my goal to be just like her and do the same thing.

What was the best movie you saw in the last year?I saw Jack Reacher with my dad in between workouts in Ames and loved it!

What is your dream job?My dream job is to be an ESPN on-fied reporter (Ideally in college athletics)

Achievements

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REAL INJURIES. REAL ATHLETES.REAL RESULTS.

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HigH ScHool

HIGH SCHOOL NEWS AND NOTESTop performances and storylines from around the state

Tork Mason | Editor-in-Chief

The basketball season is preparing to enter the homestretch and this season has seen more than a few schools and athletes achieve great things. A couple schools have made tremendous turnarounds from a year ago, and a bevy of athletes broke the 1,000-point barrier in the last month. There was also some big news regarding next football season and the playoff format.

Turning fortunes on a dimeSoutheast Polk and Iowa City

Regina both struggled to keep their heads above water in 2012-13, as the Rams and Regals went 10-13 and 12-11, respectively. This year, however, both programs have bounced back in a big way.

Southeast Polk is led by seniors Tucker Kamman and Nick Jeffries, who have been a nearly unstoppable duo in Class 4A. Kamman leads the team with 21.2 points per game and Jeffries provides solid support at 16 points per game. They’re the biggest reason for the Rams’ 11-1 start this

season and they’ve got the program looking like a title contender.

In Iowa City, the Regals have relied heavily on junior Drew Cook to post a 14-0 start to the season. Cook, fresh off leading the Regal football team to its fourth-consecutive state championship, is now leading Regina on the hardwood with 24.1 points and 7.9 rebounds per game. He’s backed up by fellow junior Phil Arendt and sophomore Nathan Stenger, who combine to average 21 points, 10.7 boards and 6.4 assists per game.

1,000-point déjà vu Eight girls basketball players broke

through the barrier between 999 and 1,000 points in January, but fans were nearly seeing double in Marion. Linn-Mar seniors — and twin sisters — Katie and Kristie Sommer reached the 1,000-point milestone just seven days apart.

Kristie got there first after scoring 20 points in a 57-36 victory over Cedar Rapids Prairie on Jan. 7. Katie followed her sister up with 21 points in a 53-44 win over Dubuque Wahlert to join the 1,000-point club.

Eddyville-Blakesburg’s Tasha Alexander, St. Albert’s (Council Bluffs) Kylie Ferguson, Woodbury Central’s Ellen Gallagher, Collins-Maxwell/Baxter’s Abbie Haupert, Ankeny Christian’s Madison Laib and Lawton-Bronson’s Ashley Williams all scored their 1,000th point last month, as well.

Board of Control votes on football changes

The IHSAA Board of Control held

a Jan. 22 vote on proposed changes to the football regular season and playoff format, including shortening the regular season to eight games and moving to a weekly format for the postseason. In a unanimous decision, board members rejected those changes.

Tweaks that were approved included a discontinuation of “sister districts” for the postseason. Playoff qualifiers in Class 8-Player through Class 3A will be seeded and paired with schools from any district, provided that the schools are within a 125-mile radius, for first round games. If no non-district opponent is within the radius, district rematches could occur. Second round matchups will be determined after reseeding based on first round results.

The Board of Control also approved allowing one practice session of no more than four hours during the heat acclimatization period, with no more than three hours of physical activity allowed.

Linn-Mar’s (Marion) Katie Sommer, along with her twin sister, Kristie, broke into the 1,000-point club in January. (Photo courtesy of Linn-Mar High School)

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