Author: Nathan Bloechl

By: Nathan Bloechl — sports@kilj.com 

Mount Pleasant Baseball Swept by Burlington:

After starting the conference season with an unblemished 4-0 record, the Mount Pleasant Panther baseball team ran into a buzzsaw last night when Burlington took a pair of games from the Panthers, winning 5-1 and 9-2 in a two-game series at Mapleleaf Athletic Complex.

In game one the Panthers had many opportunities to come up with a big hit — but simply didn’t as Burlington right-hander Jacob Zahner kept them at bay for the entire afternoon.

Zahner threw a complete game for the Greyhounds, allowing just one run on five hits, striking out two.

Mount Pleasant loaded the bases in the first inning with no outs, but after a popup — Jaxon Hoyle lined into a double play to end the threat.

The Panthers threatened again in the 5th inning, getting two runners on but Clayton Lowery grounded out sharply to short as the Panthers were turned back again.

Coble got the start for Mount Pleasant, working the first four innings allowing just one run on four hits, while striking out three.

Coble was relieved by Corbin Broeker — who took the loss — allowing four hits, four runs — only one earned — while walking three and striking out one.

Rylan Seberg went 2-for-3 at the dish while Clayton Lowery also walked and doubled.

In game two it was all Burlington as the Greyhounds pounded out nine runs in an easy 9-2 win.

Jaxon Hoyle took the the loss for the Panthers, yielding four runs albeit none earned, in 3.2 innings, while walking four and striking out three.

Clayton Lowery had a double, while Corbin Broeker, Rylan Seberg, Jaxon Hoyle, Jack Johnson and Chase Williamson all had base hits.

The pair of losses moves Mount Pleasant to 6-5 and 4-2 in the Southeast Conference.

They’ll take on Marion Wednesday night, a game you can hear on KILJ.

In other regional action last night:

• Fort Madison swept Fairfield to stay undefeated in SEC play, winning 7-0 and 8-5
• Highland 13, Winfield-Mount Union 2
• Hillcrest Academy 11, Wapello 0
• Burlington Notre Dame 14, New London 1

Mount Pleasant Softball Drops 5th, 6th In A Row:

The Mount Pleasant softball team fell to 2-9 with a set of Southeast Conference losses to Burlington last night.

In game one, Burlington scored six 1st inning runs to jump out to an early lead, adding two in the 4th and five in the 6th inning.

Mount Pleasant tallied lone runs in the 2nd and 6th innings, but it was not nearly enough as Burlington pounded out 15 hits.

In game two, Hannah Newman pitched her best game of the year, but Burlington was able to hold on for a 5-2 victory.

Mount Pleasant scored twice in the 3rd inning to halve the Burlington 4-0 lead but would not manage to get any closer the rest of the way.

The pair of wins for Burlington was their fifth and sixth in a row.

The Greyhounds are now 11-3, Mount Pleasant 2-9.

The Panthers will take on Fort Madison Thursday on the road in a Southeast Conference doubleheader beginning at 5:30 p.m.

In other regional action last night:

• Fairfield 10, Fort Madison 2; Fairfield 12, Fort Madison 0
• Keokuk 5, Washington 3; Washington 18, Keokuk 1
• Highland 2, #12 (1A) Winfield-Mount Union 1
• Wapello 6, Hillcrest 3
• Louisa-Muscatine 12, Mediapolis 0
• Van Buren 8, Holy Trinity 1
• West Burlington 15, Danville 1

Two Cyclones Honored by BIG 12:

Iowa State’s Eleanor Holthaus and Candelaira Herrera have both been honored by the Big 12.

The Cyclone juniors were both named to the 13-player All-Big 12 Preseason volleyball team.

Herrera was 1st Team All-Conference selection this past fall, while Holthaus was a unanimous selection this year, as well.

The Cyclone volleyball team finished their 2019 season with a record of 17-12.

Akrum Wadley Speaks Out Yesterday: 

Former Iowa running back Akrum Wadley spoke out via social media Monday, detailing several allegations of mistreatment and misconduct under the Iowa coaching staff, saying that “playing for Iowa was a living nightmare.”

According to the document released yesterday, Wadley alleges that Brian Ferentz, son of Kirk Ferentz and an Iowa assistant since 2012, repeatedly asked him if he planned to rob a liquor store or a gas station whenever he saw Wadley donning a team-issued stocking cap.

He also alleges that Iowa targeted him and other African-American players for not gaining enough weight during the season, which led to him bingeing on Powerade and shakes before workouts and becoming sick.

The university released a statement on Ferentz’s behalf yesterday saying “Coach (Kirk) Ferentz will not be commenting on individual unverified accusations posted on social media out of respect for the independent review process.”

By: Nathan Bloechl — sports@kilj.com 

Mount Pleasant Baseball Hosts Burlington:

The Mount Pleasant baseball team is back on their home diamond tonight as they begin the third week of the Iowa High School baseball season with a record of 6-3.

The Panthers will take on Burlington tonight at Mapleleaf Athletic Complex tonight beginning at 5:30 p.m. — a game you can hear on KILJ-FM.

Mount Pleasant, 4-0 in conference play, is coming off a sweep of Fairfield last Thursday.

Burlington, 2-3, split with Washington last Thursday.

They’re 1-1 in conference action.

Tonight’s doubleheader will once again begin at 5:30 p.m. — you can hear game one on KILJ-FM and kilj.com.

Here’s a look at the Super Conference schedule tonight:

• Highland vs. Winfield-Mount Union, 6:00 p.m.
• Louisa-Muscatine vs. Mediapolis, 7:00 p.m.
• New London vs. Notre Dame, 7:00 p.m.
• Hillcrest Academy vs. Wapello, 7:00 p.m.
• Danville vs. West Burlington, 7:00 p.m.

IHSAA Announces Class 3A Postseason Districts:

The Iowa High School Athletic Association has released the Class 3 and 4A postseason sub-state districts.

Mount Pleasant will compete in Class 3A-Substate #5 against these teams:

• Davenport Assumption
• Clear Creek-Amana
• Fairfield
• Fort Madison
• Keokuk
• Solon
• Washington

Of course the sub-state will be seeded based upon records at the end of the season.

Class 3A seeding will come out July 6th.

Postseason play will begin Thursday, July 9th.

Panther Softball Looks to Get Right Versus Burlington:

The Mount Pleasant Panther softball team will look to get right tonight when they host Burlington in a Southeast Conference doubleheader.

The Panthers are 2-7 and losers of four straight — their last win came back on June 23rd on the road at Keokuk.

Meanwhile, Burlington is trending in the other direction.

The Greyhounds have won four straight and are 2-2 in conference play and 9-3 overall.

They’ll play a doubleheader at the softball complex at Mapleleaf tonight, beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Here’s what’s happening in the Super Conference tonight:

• West Burlington/Notre Dame vs. Danville, 7:00 p.m.
• #12 (1A) Winfield-Mount Union vs. Highland, 7:00 p.m.
• Wapello vs. Hillcrest Academy, 7:00 p.m.
• Van Buren vs. Holy Trinity, 7:00 p.m.
• Mediapolis vs. Louisa-Muscatine, 7:00 p.m.

Dustin Johnson Wins Travelers Championship:

Dustin Johnson picked up his first tournament victory since March of 2019 when he defeated Kevin Streelman at a fan-free TPC River Highlands yesterday in the Travelers Championship.

Johnson finished with a 3-under 67 to secure the one stroke victory.

World No. 1 Rory McIlroy finished tied for 11th at 13 under after a final round 67.

Phil Mickelson, playing in his first tournament since turning 50, also finished 11 under after a final round 71.

Health-wise, there were seven COVID-19 related withdrawals from the tournament.

This week’s tournament will be on the grounds of the Detroit Golf Club for the Rocket Mortgage Classic.

By: Nathan Bloechl — sports@kilj.com 

IHSAA Announces Class 3A Postseason Districts:

The Iowa High School Athletic Association has released the Class 3 and 4A postseason substate districts.

Mount Pleasant will compete in Class 3A-Substate #5 against these teams:

• Davenport Assumption
• Clear Creek-Amana
• Fairfield
• Fort Madison
• Keokuk
• Solon
• Washington

Of course the substate will be seeded based upon records at the end of the season.

Mount Pleasant will begin week three of their season on Monday against Burlington with a record of 6-3.

They are yet to be beaten in four conference contests.

Winfield Softball Moves to #12 in Latest IGHSAU Softball Poll:

The Winfield-Mount Union softball team is making moves. The Lady Wolves check in at #12 in the latest iteration of the Class 1A State Softball Rankings as released by the IGHSAU.

Winfield, led by their outstanding ace Madi Anderson, most recently picked up an easy 10-0 decision over Columbus.

Collins-Maxwell, Newell-Fonda, Clarksville, Algona Bishop Garrigan and Wayne are the top five in 1A.

In Class 3A, West Burlington/Notre Dame checks in at #13 moving up one spot from last week’s rankings where the Falcons were #14.

Davenport Assumption, Humboldt and Albia are the top-three in 3A.

In 4A, Southeast Conference leader Fairfield checks in at #10, moving up one spot from last week.

Carlisle, North Scott and Dallas Center-Grimes go one, two, three in 4A.

UNI Announces Academic Records Within Athletic Department:

UNI student-athletes recorded a department-wide 3.54 GPA, the strongest academic showing since the department started recording GPAs.

Each team finished the semester with a 3.29 GPA or higher and 11 of UNI’s 15 teams recorded a semester GPA over 3.50.

Women’s swimming and diving led the way with a 3.82 team GPA for the spring, bringing their overall cumulative GPA to 3.66.

UNI women’s cross country was second with a 3.81 team GPA and women’s tennis tallied a 3.79 mark for the semester.

UNI men’s golf recorded the highest GPA among men’s teams with a 3.63 semester GPA.

Student-athletes as a whole have recorded a higher GPA than the general student body for 21 consecutive semesters.

The overall cumulative GPA now sits at a 3.27.

By: Nathan Bloechl — sports@kilj.com 

Mount Pleasant Baseball Sweeps Fairfield in Rout:

The Mount Pleasant baseball team picked up a pair of wins last night when they knocked off Fairfield 10-0 twice.

In game one, Nic Coble got the start, throwing five scoreless innings allowing just one hit while striking out ten. Coble was a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate with a three run home run. He finished with four runs batted in.

Jaxon Hoyle, Clayton Lowery and Corbin Broeker each had two hit.

Brennan Bender had a hit and two runs batted in, while Jack Johnson also drove in one, in the easy victory.

In game two, five Panthers had multi-hit nights in a 10-0 five inning victory over Fairfield.

Clayton Lowery, Jack Johnson, Chase Williamson, Brennan Bender and Rylan Seberg each had two hits, while Lowery finished with a double and a triple and a run batted in.

Senior Jaxon Hoyle worked 5.2 scoreless innings without allowing a hit and striking out nine.

Corbin Broeker closed the game down allowing one hit with one strikeout.

The set of wins improved the Panthers to 6-3 overall and 4-0 in conference action.

They’ll take the weekend to recuperate before taking on Burlington next Monday in a Southeast Conference doubleheader.

Other regional scores last night:

• Van Buren 24, Danville 6
• West Burlington 2, Central Lee 1
• Winfield Mount-Union 12, Columbus 1
• Highland 12, Wapello 1
• Lone Tree 12, Mediapolis 2

Trojans Sweep Mount Pleasant:

The Mount Pleasant softball team fell to 2-7 last night after being swept by the Trojans of Fairfield High School, 6-0 and 12-0.

In game one, Fairfield scored twice in the 1st and twice in each of the 5th and 6th innings to roll to the game one victory.

Game two was all Trojans, who cruised to a 12-0, four inning victory.

The Trojans scored in each of the game’s first four innings — pounding out 15 hits — including hanging a seven spot in the 3rd to improve to 8-1.

The pair of losses for the Panthers extended their losing streak to four games.

They’ll look to right the ship next Monday when they host Burlington for a Southeast Conference doubleheader beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Mapleleaf Athletic Complex.

Other regional action last night:

• Danville 3, Van Buren County 2
• West Burlington 4, Central Lee 0
• Winfield-Mount Union 10, Columbus 0
• Highland 6, Wapello 5
• Lone Tree 8, Mediapolis 2

Former Wesleyan Standout Inks Semi-Pro Soccer Deal:

Former Iowa Wesleyan men’s soccer player Trevor Haasis (SR/Williamsburg, IA) has signed with the Iowa Raptors FC, the university has announced.

The Iowa Raptors FC are a semi-professional men’s soccer team that are located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Haasis, a four-year member of the Tiger men’s soccer team, finished his senior season with 62 saves, 17 goals against, and a save percentage of .785.

He was named to the All-SLIAC 2nd-Team as helped guide the Tigers to a SLIAC regular season championship this year.

Haasis racked up 133 saves in his four-year career with Wesleyan.

Iowa State AD Address COVID, Fall Concerns:

Iowa State Athletic Director Jamie Pollard is excited — yet concerned — about the future of fall sports in Ames.

Pollard penned a letter yesterday that outlined what the university is expecting come fall time.

Pollard wrote that 2020 football tickets have been sold out, but all fans in attendance must have face coverings, i.e. masks, to enter the stadium.

The stadium will also be kept at 50% capacity for the upcoming season, Pollard explained.

Cyclone officials will also reduce the amount of tailgating time that fans can enjoy outside of Jack Trice Stadium in 2020, and while Pollard did not explain by how much, he did indicate that a full list of mitigation strategies will be announced at a later date this summer.

Since welcoming back football players on June 1st, only four have tested positive.

Team activities for Matt Campbell’s bunch are still expected to begin on July 13th.

By: Nathan Bloechl — sports@kilj.com 

New London Softball Slugs to Victory:

Sydni Coleman hit two home runs for Mount Pleasant, but New London scored one run in the 5th inning and four in the 6th inning to pull away for an 8-5 non-conference win last night at New London High School.

Kara Krieger had the big hit for the New London, a three-run, bases clearing double in the 6th inning to drive the nail in the coffin.

Mount Pleasant had 2-0 and 4-3 leads, but New London kept finding ways to rally back to square things up.

Sydni Coleman was the losing pitcher for the Panthers, working six innings, allowing seven hits, eight runs — only four earned — while striking out three.

Freshman Elly Manning got the win for the Tigers, allowing six hits and five runs, only two of which were earned.

The win improved New London to 5-2, while Mount Pleasant fell to 2-5.

It was a busy night in softball regionally last night:

• #2 Louisa-Muscatine 13, Holy Trinity 1
• Central Lee 13, Lone Tree 3
• Wapello 13, Danville 0
• Van Buren 2, Highland 1

Mount Pleasant Baseball Slips Up to Davis County:

The Mount Pleasant baseball team got a great start from Jack Johnson, but Davis County eeked out a 4-3 non-conference win over the Panthers last night.

Johnson spun six solid innings, scattering six hits and two runs while striking out four in a no-decision.

Rylan Seberg suffered the loss in relief, allowing two runs and three hits in one inning.

Corbin Broeker and Clayton Lowery each had a hit and a run batted in.

Johnson was responsible for the other run batted in.

Mount Pleasant is now 4-3 on the season, they’ll lock horns with Fairfield tonight in a Southeast Conference doubleheader at Mapleleaf Athletic Complex.

First pitch is set for 5:30 p.m.

And in regional action last night:

• New London 9, Alburnett 0
  • New London scored four times in the 1st and added four more in the 7th to upend the previously 6-1 Alburnett Pirates. Holvin Catala threw five scoreless innings to earn the win for the Tigers. Shae Summerfield had two hits, two runs scored and a stolen base, while sophomore catcher Tucker Gibbbar drove in four runs. New London, now 5-2, will take on Highland tomorrow night in New London.
• Van Buren 9, Highland 3
• Central Lee 16, Lone Tree 4
• Danville 8, Wapello 6

Cyclones Announce Nonconference Schedule:

Iowa State has announced its men’s basketball non-conference schedule for the 2020-21 season.

The schedule features eight non-conference home games with the Big East/Big 12 Battle and SEC/Big 12 Challenge opponents and locations yet to be announced.

The season will begin on Tuesday, Nov. 10 when the Cyclones host Kennesaw State. Iowa State will welcome Oregon State to Hilton Coliseum on Friday, Nov. 13.

The Cyclones will play in the Emerald Coast Classic Nov. 27 and Nov. 29 in Niceville, Florida. Iowa State, who won the 2015 Emerald Coast Classic, will play two of three possible opponents in Florida, Illinois and Oregon at the tournament. The bracket for the tournament will be announced at a later date.

The Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series will be Thursday, Dec. 10 in Iowa City.

Cyclones Nab Ole Miss Transfer:

Iowa State has landed Ole Miss transfer Blake Hinson, reports have announced.

At Ole Miss last season, Hinson averaged 10.1 points, 4.6 rebounds and will apply for immediate eligibility for this upcoming season.

Out of high school, Hinson was a top-150 recruit and has produced in his time with the Rebels, starting 58 career games in two seasons.

By: Nathan Bloechl — sports@kilj.com 

New London Rallies Late, Falls to Regina:

The New London baseball team scored three times in the 7th inning, but it was not enough as they fell to the Regals of Iowa City Regina last night in a non-conference contest.

The Tigers had 2-0 and 4-2 leads but every time New London tried to pull away, Regina had an answer.

Sophomore Seth Bailey took the loss for the Tigers, who worked the first four innings scattering seven hits and six runs, all earned.

The big blow came in the fourth for the Regals, who scored four runs with two outs off of Bailey.

Trailing 9-5 into the 7th, New London got the first four men of the inning to reach before Regina freshman Jack Tierney got Jaxon Allen to ground out to the pitcher’s mound with the tying run at third base.

Josh Catala, Jaxon Allen, Tucker Gibbar and Kooper Schulte all had two hit nights for the Tigers.

New London is now 4-2 on the year — they’ll take on 6-1 Alburnett tonight at Alburnett High School.

Mount Pleasant Wallops Chiefs, Sweeps Series:

The Mount Pleasant baseball team got back on the right track last night winning a pair of Southeast Conference games against Keokuk 16-0 and 19-2.

In game one, Nic Coble pitched the first 2.2 innings, yielding two hits while striking out six. Rylan Seberg was the winning pitcher, throwing 2.0 innings out of the bullpen walking one and striking out three.

Dalton Gardner, Chase Williamson and Rylan Seberg each had multi-hit nights. Gardner led the way with three runs batted in.

In game two Clayton Lowery went 3-for-4 as the Panthers walloped Keokuk 19-2 in six innings. Corbin Broeker, Will Edeker, Brennan Bender and Jaxon Hoyle each chipped in with two hits.

Broeker got the win for the Panthers, dicing up three scoreless innings striking out three.

Mount Pleasant is now 4-2 on the year and 2-0 in conference play.

They’ll be at Davis County tonight, starting at 5:30 p.m.

Other baseball action from the region last night:

• West Burlington 4, Cardinal 1
• Mediapolis 1, Hillcrest Academy 0
• Louisa-Muscatine 2, Lone Tree 0
• Wapello 10, Columbus 2

Mount Pleasant Softball Splits with Keokuk:

The Mount Pleasant softball team earned a split with Keokuk last night in a Southeast Conference doubleheader at Joyce Park.

In game one, the Panthers got off to a hot start, jumping out to an early lead to cruise to a 13-4 win.

The Chiefs got their revenge in game two, picking up a 4-3 win.

The win for Keokuk snapped a five-game losing skid against Mount Pleasant — marking their first win against the Panthers since May 29th, 2018.

Mount Pleasant is now 2-4 and 1-1 in the conference, they’ll be at New London tonight — a game you can hear on KILJ-FM 105.5, with first pitch set for 7:00 p.m.

Other regional softball last night included:

• New London 5, Holy Trinity 4
• West Burlington 10, Cardinal 2
• Central Lee 6, Van Buren 1
• Wapello 19, Columbus 7
• Mediapolis 15, Hillcrest Academy 2
• Louisa-Muscatine 12, Lone Tree 0

Play Ball! Major League Baseball is Back on:

After months of tireless negotiations, Major League Baseball is back on for the 2020 season.

Yesterday evening reps from the league office announced that the MLB Players Association accepted the health and safety protocols that will help steer the baseball season along this year.

The league is preparing for a July 1st training camp and for regular season games to occur on either July 23rd or 24th.

The season will be primarily played intra-division to limit travel and exposure to new hotels.

Major League Baseball also announced the season will be 60 games in total, this year.

By: Nathan Bloechl — sports@kilj.com 

Baseball, Softball Will Look to Get Games in Tonight:

After rain slogged through the area yesterday ruining any and all fun, most area and regional teams are back in action again this evening.

We’ll start in the Southeast Conference, where both the Mount Pleasant baseball and softball teams will travel to take on Keokuk at Joyce Park after they were rained out yesterday.

The Keokuk boys are 0-4 after being swept on Thursday by Fairfield 12-2 twice.

Mount Pleasant baseball is coming off a split Thursday night against Washington.

Meanwhile, the Keokuk softball team is 1-4, their lone win coming last Wednesday against Mediapolis — an 8-7 effort.

The Panther girls are trying to find their footing after stumbling to a 1-3 start. They were swept last Thursday by Washington 8-5 and 12-0.

The doubleheader will begin tonight in Keokuk for both teams at 5:30 p.m.

The Super Conference slate is once again loaded this evening, we’ll start in baseball where Mediapolis will look to keep their perfect start going when they host Hillcrest Academy at 7:00 p.m. tonight.

Other contests tonight will see:

• Lone Tree vs. Louisa-Muscatine
• Danville at Notre Dame
• Central Lee at Van Buren County
• Columbus at Wapello
• Cardinal at West Burlington

Also tonight on KILJ-FM will be New London baseball, as they travel north to battle the Regals of Iowa City Regina, the 2018 State Runner-Up.

The Regals are off to a 3-1 start this year — their lone loss coming to Bettendorf, 4-0.

New London is 4-1 after suffering their first defeat by the hands of 2019 State Qualifier Central Lee.

This will be the two teams’ first ever meeting.

First pitch is set for 7:00 p.m. on KILJ-FM and kilj.com.

In softball tonight:

• New London travels to Holy Trinity
• Louisa-Muscatine at Lone Tree
• Mediapolis at Hillcrest Academy
• Wapello at Columbus Community
• Van Buren County at Central Lee
• West Burlington-Notre Dame vs. Cardinal

Iowa Announces Changes to Season Ticket Plans

The University of Iowa announced Monday it has paused ticket sales for the 2020 football season.

Only individuals who have renewed season tickets and completed per-seat contributions by June 30 will be included in potential Kinnick Stadium seating plans.

New sales of the Fight for Iowa digital season pass, mini-plans, group, Hawkeye Village, and single-games ticket sales are paused until a clearer picture of Kinnick Stadium capacity and social distancing requirements are determined.

The Hawkeye Express, which has provided fans train transportation from a satellite parking lot in Coralville to Kinnick Stadium since 2006, will not be operational for the 2020 football season because of the potential of reduced capacity.

Fans who had purchased tickets for the Hawkeye Express will have an opportunity for a refund or credit toward other parking options.

If the event the 2020 season is disrupted, the University of Iowa Athletics Department will provide future credit or ticket refunds.

The changes come following nine more positive COVID cases within the athletic department from just last week.

If the event the 2020 season is disrupted, the University of Iowa Athletics Department will provide future credit or ticket refunds.

Iowa Snags Tampa Corner:

The Iowa Hawkeye football team got a boost yesterday when Tampa, Florida prep Jordan Oladokun re-committed to Iowa.

Oladokun announced his plans to head back to Iowa City on Sunday.

After committing in April, Oladokun had a change of heart in May — but has since found his love for the black and gold again.

Oladokun is ranked as the no. 78 corner in country and no. 125 in Florida.

He is the Hawkeyes’ 17th commit for the Class of 2021, which currently ranks no. 11 in the nation.

MLB Season to Start July 24th?

Major League Baseball is now planning to hold a 60-game season that will begin around July 24th pending players signing off on a health and safety protocol pledge, reports have announced.

ESPN’s Jeff Passan says if agreed upon, players will need to arrive at home stadiums by July 1st to begin advanced preparations for the season.

After months of tireless negotiation Major League Baseball used their right to impose a schedule of any length. The 60-game schedule will allow teams to finish regular season contests by September 27th.

Currently all MLB training facilities in Florida and Arizona are shut down for deep cleaning after multiple teams reported positive tests last Friday.