Iowa
Girls’ wrestling continues to grow in first sanctioned season
Wrestlers compete throughout a ladies’ wrestling match at Metropolis Excessive College in Iowa Metropolis on Tuesday, November 15, 2022. The match marked the start of women’ wrestling’s first season as an IGHSAU sanctioned sport. (Nick Rohlman/The Gazette)
The keenness in Erin Kirtley’s voice is nearly palpable.
The Iowa Ladies Excessive College Athletic Union Affiliate Director exudes pleasure when discussing the progress ladies’ wrestling has skilled in a short while as a sanctioned sport in Iowa.
“I do suppose it’s good to listen to about issues going nicely for lots of people or individuals having good experiences since you need to have the ability to do issues nicely,” Kirtley stated. “Clearly, this can be a actually large alternative for us to showcase how severe we’re about taking up this sport and what we perceive it means to the state of Iowa and to the women who’ve been collaborating, the women who got here earlier than them and a future era.”
The participation and help has swelled to unimaginable ranges, increasing to virtually 200 faculties and a pair of,500 athletes within the first half-season as a ladies’ varsity sport. The IGHSAU introduced its plans to turn into considered one of 36 states to sanction wrestling in February and has exploded.
“The primary half of the women’ season has been nice,” Cedar Rapids Kennedy Coach Craig Mallicoat stated. “There’s lots of pleasure from the women, coaches and followers. The ladies, from all faculties, are exhibiting exponential progress each time they step on the mat.”
Numbers elevated astronomically as soon as the chance was supplied for highschool college students. Kirtley stated she hoped for 1,500 to 1,600 within the inaugural yr, which might have been a bump of near 600 wrestlers that have been concerned in boys’ packages final season. At the back of her thoughts, she held aspirations of perhaps between 1,800 and 1,900.
Kirtley was informed to count on a drop off, however general participation has elevated from the two,300 initially of the season.
“Individuals have been speaking that you just’re actually going to crash and burn after this,” Kirtley stated. “Nice. Get excited. Have your first two weeks after which lots of people will run their ladies off and it’s going to be too laborious for them.
“I’m like, ‘No, they’re persevering with to deliver their buddies’ and ladies are nice recruiters.’ Ladies will shock you in so many good methods and that’s what we proceed to see.”
Iowa USA Wrestling Girls’s Director Charlotte has been a staunch main in wrestling for a few years. She stated the numbers aren’t stunning, however are a drastic distinction in comparison with 5 years in the past. Bailey added that Missouri’s expertise in sanctioning wrestling was a powerful indication of what to anticipate. She famous how a lot Iowa ladies compete.
“They love representing their communities and their faculties,” Bailey stated. “What we needed to do was break down limitations, change the tradition and make area. IGHSAU sanctioning was the right subsequent step to deliver extra Iowa ladies to the mat.”
Mallicoat talked about Kennedy just lately added a wrestler, boosting the roster to 25. Prairie had simply two ladies’ wrestling final yr and have gone from 22 to 25, based on Hawks Coach Zach Becicka.
Cedar Rapids Jefferson has a storied wrestling custom. The J-Hawks boast an IWCOA state champion in Chloe Clemens, who gained the 120-pound on the first occasion in 2019. Jefferson has a powerful contingent of wrestlers, incomes their first twin win at dwelling in opposition to Dubuque Wahlert on Dec. 15.
“Firstly, it has been a pleasure getting to educate these younger women,” stated Jefferson Coach Vicki Hlubek, who leads this system together with her husband, Justin. “Our aim was to get as many ladies considering wrestling as potential this primary yr. Our crew has 18 ladies who’ve proven a lot progress and potential for the game of wrestling and we’re anticipating to get extra ladies out subsequent yr, too.
“We’re excited to see this sport develop and turn into a powerful custom right here on the Westside.”
Officers have needed to adapt on the fly already this season. Kirtley talked about the month main as much as November it was laborious to get a really feel for participation. She was a bit overwhelmed – six hours value of roster work on trackwrestling.com – when she realized there 191 packages.
The upper numbers compelled a reconfiguration of regional meets. The unique plan was for 4 tremendous regionals at Tyson Occasion Middle in Sioux Metropolis, Iowa Occasions Middle in Des Moines, Alliant Power PowerHouse in Cedar Rapids and Luther School in Decorah.
Earlier this week, IGHSAU introduced it will maintain eighth regionals with two at every of the unique websites. Cedar Rapids will host Areas 5 and 6, whereas Luther welcomes Areas 7 and eight. The highest 4 at every weight of every regional advance to the primary IGHSAU state match Feb. 2-3 at Xtream Enviornment in Coralville.
“Simply all these backwards and forwards conversations,” Kirtley stated. “We lastly landed on eight areas inside our unique 4 places. I believe we be ok with that, too.”
Kirtley praised IGHSAU Government Director Jean Berger for the chance and applauded a versatile and devoted advisory committee. Such teams meet yearly, tackling points and enhancements within the offseason. She stated this committee has met two to a few occasions already and held virtually a half-dozen Zoom conferences.
“They’ve been good about what we want and the way can we (assist),” Kirtley stated. “They perceive my line of considering and what the (IGHSAU) is making an attempt to perform. They’ve been actually good about getting inventive with our course of and do what’s finest for the place we’re at within the sport, proper now. I actually recognize them.”
The primary half of the season has been a studying expertise. Fixes have been made because the season progresses and options for change have been famous for subsequent yr. Kirtley stated the expansion might result in a number of lessons, rankings and much more duals as early because the 2023-24 marketing campaign.
“This season has arrange for a lot extra already for subsequent yr and the yr after,” Kirtley stated. “These are the issues that I get actually excited and inspired about.”
Occasions haven’t been a problem for many. Nearly every Metro program has held its personal match within the first half of the season. Prairie standout Mackenzie Childers had greater than 20 matches earlier than successful a title at her dwelling match final Saturday. Vinton-Shellsburg’s Chloe Sanders gained a championship Saturday at Prairie and adopted with a match title Monday at Iowa Metropolis Liberty.
Independence held a match the opening weekend of the season. They’d 549 matches in a packed gymnasium with three generations of some households in attendance.
The Lightning had greater than 10 groups and 143 opponents, who wrestled in 232 matches consisting of varsity brackets and a junior varsity scramble. Mount Vernon followers gave the Mustangs a standing ovation after they gained their first dwelling twin on Dec. 8. Liberty and Iowa Metropolis Excessive closed motion earlier than the vacation break with a boys’ and ladies’ doubleheader twin swept by the Little Hawks.
“The primary half of the season has been an journey,” Bailey stated. “I don’t suppose each group was equally prepared for the explosion in numbers or the early begin to the season. Total, I like what I’m seeing for mat time and I particularly get pleasure from seeing so many colleges getting twin crew competitions on the schedule.”
Some issues included follow area for boys’ and ladies’ packages. Coaches have labored collectively. Some share area and a few have separate amenities. Others alternate between morning and afternoon exercises.
Liberty Athletics Director Mike Morrison stated the beginning has gone nicely underneath the steering of Lightning Coach Derek Coorough.
“We now have 11 proper now, however preliminary numbers in our junior excessive point out will probably be extra,” Morrison stated. “Our solely actual challenges heart on follow logistics for our groups and scheduling. Each points shouldn’t be too tough to beat over time.”
Becicka stated the communication from IGHSAU to coaches has been good and environment friendly. He additionally stated he didn’t count on to have any duals this season, however has seen a full twin lineup all however as soon as. Becicka want to see a change in match groupings.
At present, they’re separated into newbie, common, good and glorious divisions. He stated it’s good for this yr however want to see wrestlers pooled by weight lessons, no matter ability, to make seeding simpler at future regional tournaments. Becicka stated he want to see State Duals for women, a weight added between 155 and 170 and a number of lessons primarily based on college measurement.
“We now have to discover a approach to get extra faculties on board,” Becicka stated, “and educate them on why they need to have ladies’ wrestling.”
Kirtley stated there have been hiccups. A number of the scramble competitions have fallen in need of the excessive requirements of herself and the IGHSAU. She receives common complaints, however officers are addressing the issues they encounter throughout the season. They’re regularly working to create the perfect expertise for all concerned.
“No person has greater expectations than me, by way of what they need this to be and know it may be,” Kirtley stated. “I’ve been essential of it and myself in it, however then that helps me put together for when issues get laborious.
“We’ve had our laborious moments. We’re simply going to maintain rocking and rolling by it.”
Indianola, Iowa — Santa Claus isn’t driving a sleigh this year in Indianola, Iowa — and instead of presents, he’s bringing joy and light, decorating every house on his block for the upcoming holiday season.
John Reichart, 74, loves Christmas but there’s something else he loves more: His wife of 53 years, Joan. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s four years ago, and since then, the Marine veteran has made it his mission to keep making her memories.
“If it wasn’t for my wife, I don’t know if I would’ve done it,” Reichart said. “But she wanted Christmas, so I’d give it to her. I’d do anything to make her happy.”
Now there are tons of extra hands on his project, helping set up lights, decorations and more. A steady stream of admirers are also coming to check out the holiday cheer.
“I think the whole neighborhood feels very blessed to have him in this neighborhood,” one neighbor said.
“It’s moving,” added one spectator. “That’s what Christmas is all about.”
Reichart said he can’t see himself stopping the tradition now.
“As long as she’s OK,” he said. “And even if she would pass, I’m gonna do it in her memory as long as I can do it.”
Joan said that she’s loved the holiday spirit her husband has brought to the neighborhood.
“I didn’t know what to think,” Joan said. “But I’m glad he did it. I love him.”
To thank Reichart and celebrate Joan, his neighbors have set up a P.O. box to receive Christmas cards. They’ll give the cards to Reichart to read them to his wife.
CBS News is inviting viewers to send cards. To mail a card to the Reicharts, address it to this P.O. box:
John Reichart
C/O Frank Ewurs
P.O. Box 133
Indianola, Iowa, 50125
Nebraska heads to Iowa City on Friday for the annual Black Friday matchup against the Hawkeyes. At 6-5, the Huskers are bowl eligible for the first time since 2016. Iowa comes into the game at 7-4, having won three out of their last four. Of the two teams’ mutual opponents, Iowa lost to Ohio State 35-7, beat Wisconsin 42-10, and lost to UCLA 20-17.
On behalf of the Common Fan podcast, here are three keys to victory for the Huskers, and two keys to victory for all the fellow Common Fans.
NEBRASKA’S KEYS TO VICTORY
Stop (or Slow Down) Kaleb Johnson. After having an atrocious offense last season, Iowa is back to being respectable on the offensive side of the ball, especially when it comes to the run game. The Hawkeyes boast the #13 rushing offense in the nation. Starter Kaleb Johnson has rushed for 1,492 yards and 21 touchdowns this season, averaging 6.7 yards per carry. He is legitimately one of the best backs in the country. What’s more, Iowa is on their fourth starting quarterback of the season. While there have been some rumblings this week that Cade McNamara and/or Brendan Sullivan–both of whom have started games under center this year–would play on Friday, it sounds like Jackson Stratton will be the guy. Stratton attempted a total of 14 passes last weekend against Maryland, completing 10 for 76 yards. Considering the strength of Nebraska’s defense has been stopping the run all season long, this matchup should favor the Huskers. But it’s Iowa, so who knows. If the Big Red can contain Iowa’s run game, I like their chances to win the game.
More of That Offense, Please. Iowa teams of recent years have been known for great defense. Not just great defense – they have had some elite defensive units. This year’s Hawkeye defense is perhaps not quite as dominant as what we’ve seen in recent years, but they’re still very good. They come into the game ranked #17 nationally in total defense, #12 in scoring defense, and #26 in rushing defense. They have been susceptible to giving up the big play, and currently rank #41 in opponent yards per play, after finishing the 2023 season at #1 in that category.
What will we see out of Nebraska’s offensive unit this week? Are we going to see the squad that had its way with Wisconsin? Or will we see the unit that struggled to move the ball for most of the year? If new offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen can sprinkle a little more magic on the Nebraska offense, perhaps they can get out to a lead and take Iowa out of their comfort zone.
Make Special Teams Special. Another defining characteristic of Iowa teams in recent years has been outstanding special teams play. On the other side of the equation, all Common Fans know that Nebraska’s special teams play has struggled for most of this season. That said, against Wisconsin, Jacorey Barney had a 45 yard kickoff return to set up Nebraska’s first scoring drive, and place kicker John Hohl was 3-for-3 on field goals. Progress.
Can someone make a game changing play against the Hawkeyes? Can the Huskers at least make sure special teams doesn’t hurt them on Friday?
COMMON FAN KEYS
Soak It In. This is painful to say, but it’s the first time in eight years that Nebraska will be playing Iowa with bowl eligibility already secured. Husker fans don’t have to hold our breath, stressing that the team’s postseason fate rides on this game. I’d love nothing more than to see the Big Red pick up where they left off against Wisconsin, come out and pummel the Hawkeyes. But whatever happens, this isn’t the end of the road for the Huskers.
At least for me, the Iowa game has emerged as a great Thanksgiving weekend tradition. Iowa is the closest thing we have to a rival since joining the Big Ten. Embrace it. Enjoy it. We’re going bowling this year, no matter what happens against Iowa. So load up with some leftover turkey and mashed potatoes, maybe an extra piece of pie, and enjoy the ride, Husker fans.
Going to Kinnick? Common Fan Podcast co-host Matty O was in the house for the Wisconsin game, and after the win, pulled the trigger on tickets for the Black Friday battle against Iowa. He and his son will be making the trek to Iowa City on Friday. That’s the impact of beating the Badgers, getting to bowl eligibility, and starting to believe in this program again.
Are any other Common Fans out there going to be in the house? Hats off to anyone representing the Big Red in enemy territory. And, if you are going to be there on Friday, we’d love to hear from you. Send us an email to commonfangbr@gmail.com or hit us up on social media (@commonfangbr on X) to share your experience. Send pictures, stories, smart remarks…whatever you’ve got! Let’s go 1-0 this week and beat those Hawkeyes!
As always, GBR for LIFE.
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Stay up to date on all things Huskers by bookmarking Nebraska Cornhuskers On SI, subscribing to HuskerMax on YouTube, and visiting HuskerMax.com daily.
LOS ANGELES – Senior Michelle Urquhart set Iowa’s single-season service aces record in the Hawkeyes’ 3-1 loss to UCLA on Wednesday night at Pauley Pavilion. Iowa drops to 10-21 overall and 4-15 in the Big Ten.
Urquhart needed two aces to surpass the single-season rally scoring era record set by Becky Walters in 2010. With the third set tied at 10-10, Urquhart dropped in a soft serve to secure her 42nd ace on the season.
The senior from Virginia Beach, Virginia, also recorded a double-double, registering 13 kills and 12 digs. Freshman Dominique Phills and sophomore Hannah Whittingstall were in double-figures with 12 and 10 kills, respectively. Phills was a spark off the bench, drilling five kills in the opening set.
Senior libero Joy Galles notched a career high in digs, finishing with 24. She neared a double-double, tallying eight assists.
MATCH SUMMARY
SET ONE (UCLA, 25-23)
After trading points early on, the Hawkeyes strung together three consecutive points to take a 5-3 lead, courtesy of a kill and ace from Urquhart. UCLA answered with a run, pushing ahead 13-8. Phills was a spark off the bench, helping Iowa pull within two on several occasions. The Hawkeyes rallied all the way back in the opener, tying the set at 23-23 before the Bruins capitalized on back-to-back kills to win the set. UCLA had only one attacking error in the first set, while Iowa had seven.
SET TWO (UCLA, 25-11)
Despite gaining momentum at the end of the first set, Iowa fell behind 9-1 to begin the second. A timeout slowed the Bruins’ progress, but they gained early control of the set. Iowa chipped away in the middle of the set on terminations from Phills and UCLA errors. UCLA ended the set on a 5-0 run.
SET THREE (IOWA, 25-23)
Iowa quickly regrouped for a competitive set in the third. A kill from Whittingstall and ace from freshman Jenna Meitzler kept the pressure on UCLA early. Urquhart notched her record-setting ace, breaking a 10-10 tie in the third set. The teams headed into the media timeout with UCLA leading, 15-14. It wasn’t until late in the set before Iowa pulled away, using a 3-0 run to go up by two at 20-18, courtesy of kills from freshman Malu Garcia and Phills. After a UCLA timeout fueled back-to-back points for the Bruins, Iowa sealed the set with a kill from Whittingstall and error from UCLA.
Mickey’s record-setting ace! 💛#Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/PlUu17YR2R
— Iowa Volleyball (@IowaVolleyball) November 28, 2024
𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗰𝗲𝘀 👑
With Michelle’s second ace tonight, she has set the program record for service aces in a season during the rally scoring era (42).#Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/fimM7XstTc
— Iowa Volleyball (@IowaVolleyball) November 28, 2024
SET FOUR (UCLA, 25-15)
UCLA recovered and regained momentum, leading 6-2 to begin set four. A pair of kills from Urquhart and a termination from Garcia brought Iowa back within one at 7-6. The Hawkeyes stayed within striking distance but could not take the lead in the set. The Bruins used a run in the middle of the set to take control. A block from senior Anna Davis and Garcia stopped the run at 19-13. UCLA finished the set on a 5-1 run to win the match.
UP NEXT: Iowa heads across town for its season finale, battling No. 20 USC on Friday evening. First serve is set for 9 p.m. (CT) from the Galen Center. The match will be broadcast on B1G+ and the Hawkeye Radio Network.
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