By: Nathan Bloechl — sports@kilj.com
College Sports: Mount Pleasant Trio Signs with Central:
Three Mount Pleasant Panthers are heading to Pella.
Yesterday Jack Johnson, Chase Williamson and Karsyn Lamm all signed their letters of intent to play collegiate sports at Central College, the latest in the line of Panther standouts to take their talents to Pella.
Two years ago, Sam Beatty made the move to Central and one year ago former Mount Pleasant quarterback Brody Bender did the same.
Now, he’ll get two new shiny toys — and former teammates — in Johnson and Williamson at his disposal in an uptempo Central offense.
Johnson, the do-it-all piece for the Panthers over his four-year career, is anticipating a move to wide receiver at the next level.
“I think the first year, I’ll work as a slot receiver but their coach told me to keep an open mind. Wherever they want to put me, I’ll go. That’s kind of just how I’ve always done it.”
Meanwhile, the role is much more distinct for Chase Williamson.
An all-district wide receiver and safety for Mount Pleasant this year, Williamson will play wideout for the Dutch in their flying aerial attack.
“It will be a lot of fun, we are talking to a lot of guys going to Central — making friends with them. It will be a lot of fun and a lot of competition.
Williamson led Mount Pleasant’s air game with 558 yards on 31 catches and two scores this fall.
Meanwhile, Karsyn Lamm will be running track and field at the next level, competing for a team that is in the American Rivers Conference title scene year in and year out.
Lamm, who has been coached by her father Scott, always had the dream of competing at the next level.
“I started track at a really young age, my brother was big in track growing up. So I started early and it drove my love for it and having him as my coach the last couple of years has been great also you know, being able to run with my sister. Definitely wanted to continue some of my track memories.”
Lamm said Central’s coaches have reached out to here about being a multi performer, either the heptathlon or decathlon — though neither are set in stone.
The senior will also compete in several events at this weekend’s state track and field meet in Des Moines.
Prep Track: Attendance Guidelines Lifted at State Track:
Attendance limitations have been removed for this week’s Iowa High School State Track & Field Championships following updated public health guidance and coordination with Drake University and Polk County Health Department.
The three-day IHSAA and IGHSAU meet at Drake Stadium will be open to all interested spectators, cancelling capacity and seating restrictions announced May 4.
Masks are strongly encouraged of all spectators at this event, especially in common areas such as concourses, concession stand lines, and restrooms. Per CDC guidance, unvaccinated people should continue taking safety precautions before and while attending gatherings, such as wearing masks.
A mobile vaccination clinic will be located in the Drake Stadium concourse all three days of the meet. The Pfizer vaccine will be administered by members of Drake University’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, and Polk County Health Department. Anyone age 12 or older wishing to receive a vaccination will be able to do so.
The meet schedule will remain as previously planned, with six sessions taking place over three days, May 20-22. Drake Stadium will not be cleared between sessions.
Summer Sports: KILJ Announces Summer Broadcast Schedule:
KILJ has announced our summer sports broadcast schedule with 12 games spanning over the two summer months of baseball and softball.
The schedule is as follows.
All games can be heard on FM 105.5 and online at kilj.com.
- Wednesday, May 26th — Mount Pleasant baseball at Clear Creek-Amana (7:00 p.m.)
- Friday, May 28th – New London baseball vs. Central Lee (7:00 p.m.)
- Thursday, June 3rd — Mount Pleasant baseball at Keokuk (5:30 p.m.)
- Wednesday, June 9th — Mount Pleasant softball at New London (7:00 p.m.)
- Thursday, June 10th — Mount Pleasant baseball vs. Burlington (5:30 p.m.)
- Monday, June 14th — Winfield softball vs. Louisa-Muscatine (7:00 p.m.)
- Wednesday, June 16th — New London softball vs. Winfield-Mount Union (7:00 p.m.)
- Tuesday, June 22nd — New London baseball vs. Don Bosco at Norway Iowa Baseball Hall of Fame (7:00 p.m.)
- Friday, June 25th — Winfield softball vs. Van Buren County (7:00 p.m.)
- Wednesday, June 23rd — Mount Pleasant softball vs. New London (7:00 p.m.)
- Thursday, July 1st — Mount Pleasant softball vs. Fort Madison (5:30 p.m.)
- Thursday, July 8th — Mount Pleasant baseball vs. Knoxville (5:30 p.m.)
As per usual, KILJ will have a vast tournament trail schedule in mid-July, as well.
Women’s College Basketball: Iowa’s Names to USA U19 Team:
University of Iowa women’s basketball freshman Caitlin Clark was one of nine athletes named to the 2021 USA Women’s U19 World Cup Team, the USA Basketball Women’s Junior National Team Selection Committee announced Sunday.
Clark is the only Big Ten student-athlete to make the team.
The West Des Moines, Iowa, native is the only athlete to return from the 2019 USA U19 team that won the gold medal in Japan.
The 12-person roster will compete at the 2021 FIBA U19 World Cup against Italy on Aug. 7 in Hungary, followed by Australia on Aug. 8 and close against Egypt on Aug. 10.
Times will be announced by FIBA at a later date.