Sports, April 23th

By Slaten Swords · Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024 at 6:55 am CDT

High School Track and Field

The Mt. Pleasant and Central Lee boys’ and girls’ teams will travel to Fort Madison High School for a meet today for the Keokuk Invitational.

The Winfield-Mt. Union, WACO, and Van Buren County boys’ and girls’ teams will travel to Sigourney for a meet today.

The New London boys’ and girls’ teams will host a meet tonight with Danville, Mediapolis, and West Burlington attending. 

Drake Relays

High school competition for the 114th running of the Drake Relays begins on Thursday, April 25th, and runs through Saturday, April 27th. Here’s a look at our local athletes making the trip to Des Moines.  

Mt. Pleasant will have three entries with the girls’ running the 4×100 and the 4×200 meter relays and Avin Truong competing in the long jump. Winfield-Mt. Union’s Cam Buffington will provide a bit of a southeast Iowa rivalry as he will also be participating in the long jump along with Keshawn Wyldon of Burlington.

Keeping with Burlington: Mylee Stiefel will run the 100-meter dash, Kylee Hill will throw the shot put, and the girls’ and boy’s teams will have a 4×100 meter relay. West Burlington’s Landry Haberichter will sprint in the 100-meter dash.

Mediapolis will be touting five entries with Logan Rosas running in the 800-meter. Solomon Zaugg pacing himself in the 3200-meter run, and teams in the distance medley, the 4×800, and 4×100 meter relays. 

Lastly, Danville will have a girls’ 4×100 meter relay team, a boys’ 4×100 meter relay team, and Kenna Furnald compete in the girls long jump. 

High School Soccer

The WACO boys’ team thumped Sigourney-Keota last night 7-0. 

The Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union girls’ team fell to Burlington Notre Dame last night 8-1. Lecet Quiroz scored the lone goal for the Wildcats, while Aviana West tallied a hat trick and then some, finishing with five goals on the night. Julianna Hill totaled four assists. 

The Nikes appeared poised to sweep the night after taking a 2 to 0 lead into halftime, but the Wildcats, led by Fernando Erazo and Sachiel Vilagrana each scoring two goals, stumped Notre Dame 4-2 for their first win of the season. Seena Nowroozi and Bobby Wildrick each scored a goal for the Nikes. The Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union boys’ team will travel to Hillcrest Academy on Friday, April 26th, while the girls’ team will face off against Pella Christian on Saturday, April 27th, at 10 am on the road. 

The Mediapolis boys’ team will take on WACO at 5 pm, while the girls’ team will take on Burlington at 5 pm tonight.

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team rode the momentum of a five-goal first half to beat Fairfield at home handily 7-0. The boys’ team lost to the Trojans 2-0. The boys’ team will host Keokuk tonight, while the girls’ team will travel to Washington for their next matchup on Thursday, April 25th. 

The Central Lee boys’ team shut down Highland last night 3-0 for their second win of the season. Dante Merschman, Landon Crank, and Ayden Kent each netted a goal for the Hawks. The Central Lee girls’ team will host Albia tonight, while the boys’ team will take on Mediapolis on Thursday at 7 pm at home. 

The Danville boys’ team will host Wapello on Thursday.

High School Tennis

The Mt. Pleasant boys’ team hosted Fort Madison last night and swept the Bloodhounds 9-0. Sawyer Fulton dominated in his singles match, winning 8-1. Phoenix Watson took down Aiden Benda 8-2, while Gavin Ross and Lou Schimmelpfennig each won their match 8-3. Doubles provided a bit more competition as Watson and Schimmelpfennig won their match 8-5 and Fulton and Dane Cook took their matchup 8-6. Ross and Zach Johnson cruised to a 8-0 sweep.

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team traveled down to Fort Madison and experienced the same success, blanking the Bloodhounds 9-0. Jana Isanta and Bethany Drury each won their singles match 8-0, while the team of Isanta and Ellie Situmeang blanked their doubles competition 8-0. Mary Kate Peterson and Victoria Smith battled back twice in the doubles match. The duo forced a tiebreaker after trailing 4 to 7 and eventually came up with the win after scoring six straight points in the tiebreaker after falling behind 1 to 5 to win 9-8. Audrey Richmond had her own adversity, winning her singles match 9-7. 

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team will travel to Maharishi today, while the boys’ team will host Davis County. 

High School Golf

The Winfield-Mt. Union boys’ team lost to Hillcrest Academy yesterday 180 to 197. Carter Loyd finished with a 9-hole score of 44 (+8), which tied for the second lowest score of the course. On the girls’ side, the Wolves picked up the victory in a close matchup, 252 to 257. Brynn Pogmore had the second best score on the course with a 55. The Wolves will host Lone Tree on Thursday, April 25th. 

The WACO girls’ team could not keep up with Louisa-Muscatine last night, losing 195 to 306. Morgan Meyer shot a 66 for the Warriors. The WACO boys’ team won via forfeit as the Warriors finished with a team score of 250. John McLaughlin led the team with a 9-hole score of 59. The Warriors will travel to Sheaffer Memorial Golf Park today to face off against Holy Trinity Catholic. 

The Mt. Pleasant boys’ team hosted the other SEC teams yesterday and finished in second place with a team score of 350, trailing Washington with a team score of 296. For the Demons, Roman Roth had a phenomenal 18 holes, shooting 5-under par (67). 

Mt. Pleasant was led by Nate Dismang’s 18-hole score of 84 and Reece Coffman’s 14-over par. The Panthers will travel to Edmundson Golf Course today for a tournament. 

The Central Lee boys’ team defeated Danville 167 to 202 yesterday behind Caleb Larson’s 9-hole score of 39 and Mylan Lowenberg following close behind with a score of 40. The girls’ team for the Hawks was led by Marie Young as she shot a 61. The Central Lee girls’ team will compete today in a triangular at Fort Madison. 

Mediapolis swept Burlington Notre Dame yesterday with the boys’ winning 171 to 201 and the girls taking the meet 271-296. The Bulldogs will travel to Van Buren County today. 

Southeastern Community College

SCC baseball will travel to face off against Kirkwood Community College tomorrow, April 24th, in a doubleheader.

The SCC softball team won a thriller against Indian Hills Community College yesterday 7-6. The Blackhawks will travel to Carl Sandburg College tomorrow for a doubleheader. 

This Day in Sports History

1869 – First professional baseball exhibition game: Cincinnati Red Stockings 24, Cincinnati Amateurs 15.

1954 – Hammerin’ Hank Aaron hits first of his 755 homers.

1964 – Houston Colt .45s Ken Johnson becomes the first and only major league pitcher to lose a 9 inning no-hitter, Reds win 1-0.

Two-Vehicle Collision in Winfield, IA

By Allison Jacobs · Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024 at 6:06 am CDT

On April 19th just before noon the Henry County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of West Central Avenue and Huntsberry Street in Winfield. Upon investigation, it was determined that a Nissan Rogue operated by Linda Clemmer of Winfield struck a Chrysler 200 operated by Margaret Mehler of Winfield. No injuries were reported. Damage was estimated over $1500 and a State Accident Report was completed. Clemmer was cited for failure to obey a traffic control device and issued written warnings for failure to maintain a seatbelt and operation without registration.

Mount Pleasant Road Closure and Water Shut Off 04.25.2024

By Allison Jacobs · Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024 at 6:03 am CDT

Thursday April 25th from 7:30 – 4 pm the Water Department in Mount Pleasant will need to close the street and turn off water on South Walnut from East Bell Drive to East Harvest Drive. The Utilities regrets any inconvenience this may cause. For questions call 319-385-2121.

Alfred (Al) Marcel Delay

By Allison Jacobs · Monday, April 22nd, 2024 at 7:39 pm CDT

Alfred (Al) Marcel Delay, 98 of Olathe, Kansas passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 20, 2024.

Al was born November 23, 1925, in Terryville, Connecticut, where he graduated from Terryville High School. Soon after graduation, Al entered the military, where he fought in World War II, serving as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division. Al dutifully engaged in various battles, including the Battle of the Bulge in Bastogne, France, and was selected for General Eisenhower’s Honor Guard at the end of WWII.

After returning to the States, Al earned his Undergraduate degree at Parsons College and Master’s degree at Northeast Missouri State University. Al and Charlotte married November 23, 1952, where they set up residence in Brooklyn, Iowa. Al taught at various schools with most of his career spent in Stratford, Iowa, where he held several positions, last of which was high school principal.

After retiring, Al and Charlotte moved to Boone, Iowa, where they lived for many years. Al enjoyed staying active, regularly partook in past-times such as golf, bridge, hunting, reading, gardening, and socializing with friends.

He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Charlotte Delay, of Olathe, Kansas, his sister, Barbara (Bobbi) Fiorillo of Bristol, Connecticut, his sons, Marcel (Marty) Delay, of Dana, Iowa, Bradly (Brad) and Debra Delay of Olathe, Kansas and his daughter Christie and Brian Jarchow of Merritt Island, Florida.  Al also leaves behind five grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and many close family members and friends.

Al was proceeded in death by his parents Marcel and Louella Delay, his brother, Henry Delay and his sister, Carol Scoville.

Graveside Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at the Lockridge Cemetery.  Military Honors will be conducted by the Henry County Honor Guard.  In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to VFW Post 817, 815 Keeler Street, Boone, Iowa 50036 or Crossroads Hospice Charitable Foundation, 10810 East 45th Street, Suite 300, Tulsa, Oklahoma. 74146. Please designate Lenexa, Kansas, as the receiving location.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.murphyfuneralandmonuments.com

Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant, is caring for his arrangements.

Iowa’s Clarissa Chun Nabbed USA Wrestling Women’s Coach of the Year

By Slaten Swords · Monday, April 22nd, 2024 at 1:31 pm CDT

Iowa City, IA- The Iowa women’s wrestling team experienced immense success, leading to Clarissa Chun being named USA Wrestling Women’s Coach of the Year over the weekend.

The Hawkeyes went a perfect 16-0 in dual competition and captured the NCWC National Duals title along with the NCWWC National Team Title. Additionally, Chun led a squad of 12 All-Americans and six individual national champions.

Chun is now a two-time Coach of the Year honoree as she received the NCWWC Women’s Wrestling Coach of the Year honor.

Along with season success, the Hawkeyes had nine wrestlers compete for the 2024 Olympic Team Trials with three podium finishes.

Several Iowa wrestlers will be competing at the U20 and U23 World Championships later this year with the U20 championship taking place in September and the U23 championship in June.

Dianna Lee Loretta Adam Coppage

By Allison Jacobs · Monday, April 22nd, 2024 at 11:12 am CDT

Dianna Lee Loretta Adam Coppage, 80, of Claremore, Oklahoma passed away Friday, January 23, 2024 of Parkinson’s disease.

She was born on March 10,1943 in Ottumwa, Iowa to Joe and Lucille (Specht) Adam. Dianna grew up in rural Bonaparte, IA with her 11 siblings.

Dianna married Forrest Gregory Coppage on December 11, 1965 at Sacred Heart Church in Ft. Madison, IA. Dianna enjoyed working as a school secretary in Ft. Madison and later as an administrative assistant at American Airlines in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Dianna’s hobbies included cooking, gardening, walking and being creative in making a comfortable home for her family. She loved baking cakes for family birthdays and weddings. Dianna shared fun activities with the kids in her life, from taffy pulling, to scavenger hunts through the woods. As a skilled homemaker, she always had amazing food cooking and a guest book for visitors to sign so she could look back and treasure the time spent with friends and family.

Her biggest pride and joy in life was her family. Dianna thrived on visiting and supporting her kids and grandkids. She showered them with love and lots of sweets from her candy dish and purse.

Dianna is survived by her daughters, Deb Coppage and Laura (Wes Rettig) Coppage; 8 grandchildren (Luke, Zoe, Evan and Fiona Mahler, Kennedy and Adam Coppage, Colin and Logan Rettig); 10 beloved siblings and 5 sibling in-laws; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

Dianna is preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Greg Coppage; her son, Craig Coppage; her parents and her brother, Larry Adam.

Dianna’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to her special friend, Bunny Patterson, to Ellen and Mark Meek, and to the staff at Grand Haven Retirement Community and Heartland Hospice for the love and care they have given her.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m.  Saturday, April 27, 2024 at St. Boniface Church in Farmington, IA with Father Dan Dorau as celebrant.

Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in West Point, Iowa

After the burial, a luncheon will be served at St. Boniface Church. All are welcome to attend.

Schmitz Funeral Home of West Point is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.

UPDATE: Public Assistance Requested in Investigation of Double Homicide

By Allison Jacobs · Monday, April 22nd, 2024 at 6:43 am CDT

PUBLIC ASSISTANCE IS REQUESTED
On April 19, 2024, at approximately 1:45 am, Marshall County Deputies we dispatched to 2645 182nd Street, Marshalltown Iowa for a welfare check on occupants of the residence. When deputies arrived, they located a male and female deceased. They are identified as Mario Murillo, age 28, Marshalltown and Frances Tillie Gasca, age 33, Marshalltown.
As a result of the investigation by Marshall County Sheriff’s Office and Division of Criminal Investigation, Ilias Julian Lasley, age 29, has been charged with two counts of Murder 1st Degree for the death of Mr. Murillo and Ms. Gasca. Mr. Lasley is considered armed and dangerous. If you see him or know his location do not approach him, call law enforcement. We are seeking public assistance in locating him.
If anyone has any information concerning Ilias Lasley’s whereabouts, please contact the Marshall County Communications Center, 641-754-5725, Marshall County Sheriff’s Office, 641-754-6380, or tips can be submitted online at www.marshallcountysheriff.com
A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

On April 20, 2024, at approximately 4:10 PM, Ilias Julian Lasley, age 29, was taken into custody without incident in the 4700-block of Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, Iowa by law enforcement.
Ilias Lasley was charged with two counts of Murder 1st Degree, Class A Felony. Additional charges are pending as this incident remains under investigation by the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office and Division of Criminal Investigation.
The Marshall County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by multiple law enforcement agencies including Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Mid-Iowa Drug Task Force, Tama County Sheriff’s Office, Marshalltown Police Department, Marshall County Attorney’s Office, Iowa State Patrol, U.S. Marshal’s Office, Grinnell Police Department, and Meskwaki Police Department.

Sports, April 22nd

By Slaten Swords · Monday, April 22nd, 2024 at 6:37 am CDT

High School Track and Field

The New London girls’ team will travel to Van Buren County for a meet today.

The Mt. Pleasant and Central Lee boys’ and girls’ teams will travel to Fort Madison High School for a meet tomorrow, April 23rd, for the Keokuk Invitational.

The Winfield-Mt. Union, WACO, and Van Buren County boys’ and girls’ teams will travel to Sigourney for a meet tomorrow.

The New London boys’ and girls’ teams will host a meet tomorrow with Danville, Mediapolis, and West Burlington attending. 

Drake Relays

The high school accepted entries were announced over the weekend for the 114th running of the Drake Relays with competition taking place from Thursday, April 25th, through Saturday, April 27th. 

Mt. Pleasant will have three entries with the girls’ running the 4×100 and the 4×200 meter relays and Avin Truong competing in the long jump. Winfield-Mt. Union’s Cam Buffington will provide a bit of a southeast Iowa rivalry as he will also be participating in the long jump along with Keshawn Wyldon of Burlington.

Keeping with Burlington: Mylee Stiefel will run the 100-meter dash, Kylee Hill will throw the shot put, and the girls’ and boy’s teams will have a 4×100 meter relay. West Burlington’s Landry Haberichter will sprint in the 100-meter dash.

Mediapolis will be touting five entries with Logan Rosas running in the 800-meter. Solomon Zaugg pacing himself in the 3200-meter run, and teams in the distance medley, the 4×800, and 4×100 meter relays. 

Lastly, Danville will have a girls’ 4×100 meter relay team, a boys’ 4×100 meter relay team, and Kenna Furnald compete in the girls long jump. 

High School Soccer

The WACO boys’ team will host Sigourney-Keota tonight.

Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union will face off against Burlington Notre Dame tomorrow, April 23rd, with the girls’ team playing first at 5 pm. 

The Mediapolis boys’ team will take on WACO at 5 pm, while the girls’ team will take on Burlington at 5 pm tomorrow.  

Mt. Pleasant will take on Fairfield tonight with the boys on the road and the girls at home. 

The Central Lee boys’ team will compete against Highland tonight at 5 pm on the road.

The Danville boys’ team will host Wapello on Thursday, April 25th.

High School Tennis

Mt. Pleasant will take on Fort Madison today with the boys at home and the girls on the road. 

High School Golf

The Winfield-Mt. Union boys’ and girls’ teams will travel to Kalona today for a meet. 

The WACO boys’ and girls’ will host Louisa-Muscatine today.

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team will travel Flint Hills Golf Course for an SEC meet, while the boys’ team will host their meet today. 

The New London boys’ team will face off against Holy Trinity Catholic and the girls will take on Van Buren County today.

Central Lee will compete against Danville today.

Mediapolis will take on Burlington Notre Dame today at Heritage Oaks Golf Course.

Southeastern Community College

SCC baseball hosted Iowa Western Community College over the weekend for a three-game series, taking two out of the three contests. Game one was an offensive onslaught for the Blackhawks as Sam Skarich knocked a double for a team leading three RBIs in their 10-0 drubbing of the Reivers. Abrahan Rios and Michael Farina each collected two RBIs as Maddux Frese tossed a gem for his fifth win of the season, allowing only three hits and striking out one. Game two saw the Blackhawks squander a two-run lead, but SCC was able to walk it off in the bottom of the 9th inning to win 4-3. Rios and Skarich each tabbed an RBI. 

Game three was a 15-3 drubbing put on by Iowa Western Community College. Farina and Sheppard Graf picked up an RBI apiece. The Blackhawks will travel to face off against Kirkwood Community College on Wednesday, April 24th, in a doubleheader.

The SCC softball team split their weekend doubleheader against Illinois Central College, losing game one, 5-3, and winning game two, 5-2. The Blackhawks will host a doubleheader today against Indian Hills Community College.

This Day in Sports History

1876 – Philadelphia native Tim McGinley of the Boston Red Caps scores baseball National League’s 1st run, in Philadelphia, as his team wins 6-5. 

1954 – NBA adopts a 24-second shot clock and the 6 team-foul rule. 

1969 – Robin Knox-Johnston ends his 312 days of non-stop sailing to become the first person to perform a single-handed non-stop circumnavigation of the globe.