Author: Nathan Bloechl

By: Nathan Bloechl — sports@kilj.com 

IHSAA, IGHSAU Announce Guidelines for Return to Play:

The Iowa High School Athletic Association and the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union have announced their guidelines and template for summer sports to start by June 1st (practice) and June 15th (first games).

We’ll cover the high points here:

First and foremost, while the state and both athletic governing bodies have given the green light to play, it is up to each individual school district whether to play or not.

No area schools — but some statewide have already decided the risks are too much to play this summer.

For districts who decide to opt out, they must have written correspondence to the Association or Girls’ Union by June 8th.

With the biggest kicker being the health of players, coaches and umpires, the release indicates that ALL players and coaches must have their temperatures taken prior to arriving at the ballpark.

This means tests must be administered at home.

If a player or coach has temperature of 100.3 or more, they will be forced to stay home.

The same guidelines are in place for fans — per guidance from the Department of Education and the Department of Public Health, spectators should have their temperature checked at home before attending practices or games. If a spectator has a temperature of 100.3 or above, he or she should not attend games.

In a continued effort to maximize social distancing, no dugouts will be used during practice. Players’ items should be lined up against a fence at least six feet apart.

While fans will be allowed to attend games, the Association and Girls’ Union are encouraging them to continue social distancing by bringing their own chairs and respecting distance between other spectators. There will also be NO concession stands open during this summer.

Furthermore, masks are not required to be worn by players, umpires, coaches or spectators. If an individual would like to wear a mask on the playing field, in the dugout, or in the stand, he/she may do so. It is recommended that if worn, players and coaches where a mask that is a solid color. There is no prohibition on the color of the mask.

It is optional for spectators, workers, and others to wear masks, but they are expected to follow social distancing guidelines.

Iowa’s Cassioppi Named to Rookie First-Team:

Iowa freshman wrestler Tony Cassioppi has been named to the 2020 Amateur Wrestling News All-Rookie Team.

This season Cassioppi was named a first-team All-Big Ten honoree at 285 pounds after finishing 20-3 and clinching a #3 seed at the NCAA Championships.

His terrific freshman season also included defeating three top-20 ranked wrestlers at the prestigious Midlands wrestling tournament.

A two-time Illinois state champ, Cassioppi will be a sophomore next season.

Pollard Pens Letter, Says Football Could See 50% Fans in Stands:

Iowa State Director of Athletics Jamie Pollard penned a letter to Cyclone Nation yesterday where he said he fully believes football will be played in some capacity this fall.

Pollard detailed that attendance at Jack Trice Stadium would be limited to approximately 50% capacity in order to meet the current guidelines established by state and local officials.

Those guidelines may be adjusted as time passes, but as of now Cyclone officials are preparing for Jack Trice to be limited to about 30,000 spectators.

Pollard notes 22,000 season tickets have been renewed for the fall, and any fan who does not renew their season tickets and make their Cyclone Club donation by June 12, 2020 will not be provided the opportunity to attend any games this fall until it is later decided that we can safely exceed the 50% capacity restriction.

Pollard also admitted that Cyclone officials do not anticipate selling single-game tickets this year.

National Hockey League Inching Closer to Return:

The NHL has announced its Return to Play Plan with 24 teams in competition for the Stanley Cup, the league said on Tuesday..

The tournament will begin with a 16-team, eight-series Qualifying Round and a Seeding Round Robin tournament among the top four teams in each conference to determine seeds for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The NHL put its regular season on pause on March 12 due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus and its remaining 189 games will not be completed.

The 12 qualifying teams from the Eastern and Western conferences were determined by points percentage as of that date.

Seven teams did not qualify.

The Qualifying Round and Seeding Round Robin will be held at two hub cities to be identified — one for the 12 participating Eastern Conference teams and one for the 12 Western Conference teams – and begin at a date to be determined.

Candidates for the hub cities include Chicago, Columbus, Dallas, Edmonton, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Pittsburgh, Toronto and Vancouver.

By: Nathan Bloechl — sports@kilj.com 

KILJ — The Iowa High School Athletic Association and the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union have announced their guidelines and template for summer sports to start by June 1st (practice) and June 15th (first games).

We’ll cover the high points here:

First and foremost, while the state and both athletic governing bodies have given the green light to play, it is up to each individual school district whether to play or not.

No area schools — but some statewide have already decided the risks are too much to play this summer.

For districts who decide to opt out, they must have written correspondence to the Association or Girls’ Union by June 8th.

With the biggest kicker being the health of players, coaches and umpires, the release indicates that ALL players and coaches must have their temperatures taken prior to arriving at the ballpark.

This means tests must be administered at home.

If a player or coach has temperature of 100.3 or more, they will be forced to stay home.

The same guidelines are in place for fans — per guidance from the Department of Education and the Department of Public Health, spectators should have their temperature checked at home before attending practices or games. If a spectator has a temperature of 100.3 or above, he or she should not attend games.

In a continued effort to maximize social distancing, no dugouts will be used during practice. Players’ items should be lined up against a fence at least six feet apart.

While fans will be allowed to attend games, the Association and Girls’ Union are encouraging them to continue social distancing by bringing their own chairs and respecting distance between other spectators. There will also be NO concession stands open during this summer.

Furthermore, masks are not required to be worn by players, umpires,coaches or spectators. If an individual would like to wear a mask on the playing field, in the dugout, or in the stand, he/she may do so. It is recommended that if worn, players and coaches where a mask that is a solid color. There is no prohibition on the color of the mask. It is optional for spectators, workers, and others to wear masks, but they are expected to follow social
distancing guidelines.

By: Nathan Bloechl — sports@kilj.com

Weesner Named Iowa’s Athletic Trainer of the Year:

The Iowa Athletics Trainer Society announced its annual award winners and Iowa State’s Tim Weesner has been honored as the College/University Athletic Trainer of the Year.

It’s the second time that a Cyclone athletic trainer has received the award, as Mark Coberley earned the recognition in 2012.

The award is given annually to the athletic trainer employed in the college/university setting that distinguishes him or herself in the profession of athletic trainer through their work with athletes, pre-professional students, and contributions to Iowa Athletics Trainer Society.

Weesner’s award comes just after the Iowa State athletic training staff was named the 2020 Big 12 Athletic Training Staff of the Year, earlier this month.

Weesner first came to Iowa State in 2004 as a graduate assistant and later joined the athletic training staff full time in 2008.

Throughout his career, he’s worked with the soccer, softball, track and field, gymnastics, swimming and diving and spirit squads.

He now primarily works with the Iowa State wrestling team, a position he’s served in for the past nine years.

Drake, Des Moines Move Forward on New Soccer Pitch:

Drake University and Des Moines Public Schools partnership to construct a new, on-campus stadium took another step toward becoming a reality last week when the Des Moines school board unanimously approved the project by a 7-0 vote.

Drake and Des Moines Public Schools initially announced the partnership Nov. 13, 2019, to construct a $19.5 million athletic stadium located along Forest Avenue, adjacent to the Shivers Basketball Practice Facility in Des Moines.

Preliminary plans call for the project to be completed by the summer of 2021.

The venue will seat 4,000 fans and provide an on-campus home for the Bulldogs’ men’s and women’s soccer teams, in addition to hosting Des Moines Public Schools high school football and soccer games.

Big 12 Conference OK’s Voluntary Workouts:

The Big 12 Conference made a giant leap to resuming play this fall when their Board of Directors approved a “phased in approach” which would student-athletes to take part in voluntary activities respective to their sport.

For example, football athletes can begin workouts at on-campus facilities as well as being able to work directly with strength and conditioning coaches.

They’ll be able to begin on-campus work, June 15^th.

Per the Big 12, volleyball, soccer and cross country athletes can start voluntary workouts on July 1^st.

The Big 12 wasn’t the only school approving on-campus work, last Friday — the SEC announced that voluntary workouts can begin on campus June 8^th.

Wesleyan Great, Long-Time Coach Passes Away:

Former Burlington High and Notre Dame basketball coach — as well as distinguished Iowa Wesleyan alum — Don Gibbs passed away at the age of 84 on Friday.

Following his time at Wesleyan, Gibbs was named the head boys’ coach at Burlington High School in 1968 where he held that title until 1975.

In 1977 Gibbs took the head coaching position at Notre Dame, where he led the Nikes to state tournament appearances in 1980, 1982, 1984 and 1985.

Gibbs was the first ‘triple crown’ alumni to receive every honor Iowa Wesleyan bestows on alumni and was also inducted into the Iowa Wesleyan Athletics Hall of Fame in 2005.

By: Nathan Bloechl — sports@kilj.com 

IGHSAU Reveals Truncated Postseason Softball Schedule: 

Just days after announcing that prep sports in Iowa are back on this summer, the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union has revealed the 2020 postseason play dates for all classes.

Class 1A and 2A begin their playoff action on July 13th while 3A and 4A get underway on July 15th.

The 2020 State Tournament will open on July 27th and conclude July 31st — all at Harlan Rogers Park in Fort Dodge.

Here’s the full round-by-round breakdown:

• Monday, July 13 – 1A/2A Regionals
• Wednesday, July 15 – 1A/2A/3A Regionals
• Thursday, July 16 – 4A/5A Regionals
• Friday, July 17 – 1A/2A/3A Regionals
• Saturday, July 18 – 4A/5A Regionals
• Monday, July 20 – 1A/2A/3A Regional Finals
• Tuesday, July 21 – 4A/5A Regional Finals
• Monday, July 27-Friday, July 31 – State Softball Tournament at Rogers Sports Complex in Fort Dodge

Big Ten Finally Postpones Football Media Days:

Following discussions with their member universities, the Big Ten Conference announced yesterday that the 2020 Big Ten Football Media Days and Kickoff Luncheon scheduled to take place July 22-23 in Chicago will not be held as scheduled.

The conference is postponing in order to ensure the health, safety and wellness of our student-athletes, coaches, administrators, fans, partners and media.

The Conference will continue to monitor developing information and continue to consult with medical experts to determine the appropriate dates and format for our annual event.

The NCAA is still moving forward with plans to resume activity for football and men’s and women’s basketball in July and have hopes to play a full season this fall.

Iowa State’s Mitchell Transferring to Temple: 

Once ballyhooed quarterback recruit Re-Al Mitchell has announced his intentions to leave the Iowa State Cyclone football team to take his talents to Philadelphia — enrolling to play at Temple University.

Mitchell starred as a prep at suburban San Jose national power St. John Bosco High School.

His high school career was so decorated, Mitchell was subject to a Netflix documentary chronicling his senior season.

However, things just did not work for the right-handed signal-caller in Ames.

Mitchell struggled to see action while watching classmate Brock Purdy ascend into stardom.

Mitchell tallied 11 carries for 100 yards and one score last year in backup role.

Out of high school, Mitchell chose Iowa State over schools from nearly every Power-5 conference in America, including Utah, Arizona, South Carolina and Kansas State.

He will sit out this season and maintain two years of eligibility beginning in the 2021 season.

By: Nathan Bloechl — sports@kilj.com 

Iowa Picks Up Another Grad Transfer:

The Iowa Hawkeye football team secured another recruit when former Northern Illinois defensive tackle Jack Heflin announced he would be transferring into the program.

Heflin was named a 2019 All-MAC Conference second team choice and was a third-team selection in 2018.

The 6’4, 319-pound Prophetstown, Illinois native was also a honorable mention All-American selection by Pro Football Focus.

In his time with the Huskies he has recorded nine sacks and 72 tackles, including 17 for loss.

Because he is a grad transfer, he will be immediately eligible along Iowa’s defensive front.

Drake Women Add In-State Stud:

The Drake women’s basketball team got a huge lift yesterday when Ames star Ashley Iiams announced her commitment to the Bulldogs.

The 6-foot-1 guard averaged over 13 points, 6 boards and 3 assists this season for the Little Cyclones, who finished 11-12 in the Central Iowa Metro League.

The Drake women finished 22-8 last season, including going 13-1 at the Knapp Center and 14-4 in conference action.

UNI Swimmer Named Academic All-District:

UNI’s Katie Taylor has been named a CoSIDA Academic All-District honoree as announced by the organization on Thursday afternoon.

Taylor earned MVC All-Conference first-team honors after she won the 200 backstroke title and finished in the top-eight in six other events at the MVC Championships.

She’s also maintained a 3.97 GPA in Financial Management and was named the 2019-20 MVC Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

ESPN Following Up the Last Dance With?

Following the monumental success that was The Last Dance, ESPN and Netflix have announced that in 2021 the media moguls will drop “The Man in the Arena” a nine-episode biopic on former New England Patriot quarterback Tom Brady.

The series will focus on Brady’s first-hand account of the most iconic moments of his NFL career, including each of his 9 Super Bowl appearances with the New England Patriots, along with the smaller, seemingly insignificant instances that became pivotal events and paved the path for Brady’s journey.

Brady opted to leave Foxborough this offseason, signing a free-agent contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

He will be 43 years old at the start of this season.

By: Nathan Bloechl — sports@kilj.com 

Play Ball! Summer Sports on in Iowa:

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds announced Wednesday that summer athletic seasons may be conducted for high school baseball and softball following a two-month activities suspension due to COVID-19.

The announcement approved the reopening of school facilities and the start of practices for Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union and Iowa High School Athletic Association sanctioned summer sports starting on Monday, June 1.

Per the Iowa Department of Education, first contests may occur as early as Monday, June 15 and fans will be permitted at games.

The IGHSAU Board of Directors and IHSAA Board of Control met after the announcement and both groups voted to approve resuming the 2020 summer seasons under Iowa Department of Education guidelines.

Spring sports seasons never began and were ultimately canceled on April 17 following the cancellation of in-person K-12 schooling for Iowa’s 2019-20 academic year.

The IGHSAU and IHSAA plan to issue further sport-specific guidance and FAQ lists early next week.

Both organizations currently plan to conduct their state tournaments at their previously announced venues, with IGHSAU softball at Harlan Rogers Sports Complex in Fort Dodge and IHSAA baseball at Principal Park in Des Moines.

Iowa State Officially Announces Addition of Ross, Two Other Transfers:

Iowa State head football coach Matt Campbell announced today three additions to his roster who will be eligible to compete in 2020.

The new Cyclones include defensive back Greg Ross, a graduate transfer from North Carolina, kicker Alex Probert, a graduate transfer from Liberty and tight end DeShawn Hanika, a transfer from Butler Community College.

Probert, a native of Andover, Minnesota, will enter his final season with a career 73.0 percentage on field goals (46-of-63).

Hanika, who hails from Topeka, Kan., was a two-sport all-state selection (football and basketball) as a prep at Hayden High School.

He led his team to the Class 4A semifinals as a senior, catching 60 passes for over 1,000 yards.

At 6-6, 225 pounds, Hanika also led his team to a state title in hoops as a senior.

Hanika redshirted in his only season at Butler Community College and will be a redshirt freshman for the Clones in 2020.

Hawkeye Volleyball Put on Probation:

The Iowa Hawkeye volleyball team is on probation for one year and will vacate 33 wins over two seasons as part of the program’s penalty for violations by former coach Bond Shymansky.

Shymansky admitted to making two cash payments, totaling $2,000 to a recruit in 2017.

He was fired in the early parts of June 2019.

The university’s athletic department will also pay a $5,000 fine to the NCAA as a part of their punishment.

NCAA Votes to Lift Moratorium:

The NCAA voted to lift the moratorium on athletics for three major sports, Wednesday. The vote approved voluntary activity for football and men’s and women’s basketball during the month of June.

The moratorium that restricted activity was set to expire on May 31^st.

The next step will be conferences voting to resume athletic activities among their member school’s campuses.