Sports, Friday, April 24th

By Nathan Bloechl · Friday, April 24th, 2020 at 11:35 am CDT

By: Nathan Bloechl — sports@kilj.com 

Contos Takes over Men’s and Women’s Programs:

Shawn Contos will take the reins of both the Men’s & Women’s Wrestling programs beginning May 1, 2020.

This announcement is made as Coach Robert Powell submits his resignation to pursue other professional opportunities.

“I am pleased to announce Coach Contos as our Head Wrestling Coach. His wealth of knowledge in freestyle and folk style wrestling, combined with his high energy and professionalism, make him an ideal candidate to lead both men’s and wrestling programs”, said Director of Athletics, Derek Zander.

Contos brings with him over 20 years of experience as a wrestling coach.

He has coached and competed alongside many notable wrestlers throughout his years. Contos coached at Iowa State with Cael Sanderson and at Penn State with both Cody Sanderson and Casey Cunningham.

While at Penn State, Contos helped lead the team to four NCAA National Championship Titles.

At Iowa State, he was with the team when they won the Big 12 Conference Championship, were third in the NCAA, and as they produced an NCAA National Champion.

Cyclones Add a Pair to 2020 Recruiting Class:

The Iowa State Cyclone was jumping for joy yesterday when a pair of player committed to the program.

First, Butler Community College tight end DeShawn Hanika announced he would be a late addition to the 2020 class, pledging his allegiance to the Cyclones.

At 6’6, 225, Hanika provides a big bodied red-zone threat at tight end for Matt Campbell’s bunch.

Hanika will take a redshirt this season after sitting out at Butler this past fall.

Iowa State secured his services over TCU, Michigan State and Oklahoma State.

In the 2021 class, the Cyclones made waves by picking up another commitment out of the state of Ohio, this time in the form of Myles Mendszoon.

Mendszoon was a high school defensive end, but at 6’4, 195, Iowa State is envisioning a transition to linebacker for the Chardon, Ohio native.

Mendszoon is the 10th commit in the Class of 2021 for Iowa State.

He chose the Cyclones over other reported offers from Bucknell and Georgetown.

Hawkeyes Dip Back Into Missouri Prep Ranks:

Not to be outdone, the Iowa football team — for the second straight day — dipped their recruiting toes into the Show-Me state, snagging a commitment from Missouri offensive lineman Beau Stephens.

The 6-foot-6, 320 pound mountain out of Blue Springs, Missouri announced his decision Thursday.

Stephens is ranked as the 37th best offensive tackle in the country and chose the Hawkeyes over offers from Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Louisville, LSU, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Oklahoma State and Texas A&M.

Stephens is the 11th commit in the Class of 2021 for the Hawkeyes.

Wirfs Heading to Tampa, Epenesa Still Waiting:

Iowa tackle Tristan Wirfs had to wait a bit longer than many expected, but the former Mount Vernon star couldn’t have landed in a better spot.

Wirfs was take 14th overall by the new look Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he’ll get to immediately protect future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady.

The Buccaneers traded up to secure Wirfs’ services with 14th overall selection.

The pick was widely panned as a home run by draft analysts.

Iowa’s A.J. Epenesa remains on the board as Round Two begins later tonight, where the defensive end is expected to go within the round’s first five-to-ten picks.

LSU quarterback Joe Burrow was the number one overall selection by the Cincinnati Bengals, followed up by Ohio State defensive end Chase Young to Washington, Ohio State corner Jeff Okudah to the Lions, offensive tackle Andrew Thomas of Georgia went fourth to the New York Football Giants, while Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was the fifth overall choice by the Miami Dolphins.

Sports, Thursday, April 23rd

By Nathan Bloechl · Thursday, April 23rd, 2020 at 11:08 am CDT

By: Nathan Bloechl — sports@kilj.com 

2020 Virtual Wesley’s Recap:

Female Honor Athlete of the Year – Allie Massner (SR/Mediapolis, IA)

Massner excelled on the women’s basketball and golf teams as well as in the classroom this year. She was able to earn a spot on the SLIAC All-Academic team for both the fall and winter seasons.

Male Honor Athlete of the Year – Jake Neubauer (SR/Amana, IA)

Neubauer was a dominant player for the men’s basketball team this winter, earning multiple mentions in the IW record books. Neubauer tied the IW record for assists per game (16), is now 5th in IW records for free throw percentage (79.55%), and 8th in IW career 3-pointers made (171). Neubauer also earned himself a spot on the SLIAC All-Academic team for the winter season.

Female Athlete of the Year – Lida Landre (SR/Loomis, CA)

Landre had an impressive volleyball season this fall, earning a spot as a member of the SLIAC 1st Team All-Conference and was a one-time SLIAC Offensive Player of the Week. Landre ended the season 2nd in the SLIAC for hitting percentage (.308) and 3rd in the SLIAC in both kills per set (3.42) and a total number of kills (349).

Male Athlete of the Year – Francisco Javier Saldana (SO/Madrid, Spain)

Saldana was a vital member of the Tiger men’s soccer team this fall. Saldana ended the season 3rd in the SLIAC for both goals and assists. He also finished 3rd in the SLIAC in total points, earning 25. For his efforts, Saldana earned 1st Team All-Conference honors.

Female Newcomer of the Year – Morgan McCrea (JR/Hattiesburg, MS) and Teresa Diez Dorta (FR/Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain)

McCrea, a transfer from Millsaps College, was named 1st Team All-Conference for the Tiger women’s basketball team after averaging 14.2 points on 40% shooting from the field.

Diez Dorta had an incredible first year as a Tiger on the women’s golf team. Not only did Diez Dorta earn a spot as a SLIAC 1st Team All-Conference member, but she was also named Newcomer of the Year. In the two-day SLIAC Tournament, Diez Dorta shot a 158, which allowed her to tie for fourth individually. She also earned herself two individual wins during the season, once at the Graceland Invitational and the other at the IW Tiger Classic. ​

Male Newcomer of the Year – Carlos Lopez (SR/El Masnou, Spain)

Lopez aided the men’s soccer team to earn a regular-season SLIAC championship, finishing 8-0-1 in the conference. The Tigers ended the season with an overall record of 9-8-2. Lopez was also named the SLIAC men’s soccer Newcomer of the Year and earned himself a spot on the 1st Team All-Conference team.

Tiger Service Award – Kayla Ford (SR/Washington, IL) and Jenna Murphy (JR/Pella, IA)

Ford was a member of the Tiger softball team, Vice President of the IW Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, and a member of the Southeast Iowa Spring Games Special Olympics committee. Ford has also volunteered with Midwest Old Threshers and the Old Threshers Festival of Lights Christmas display. ​

Murphy, a member of the Tiger volleyball team, is also president of the Iowa Wesleyan Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, a member of the Southeast Iowa Spring Games Special Olympics committee, treasurer of the IW Student Government, and the Junior Business Student of the Year.

Female Team of the Year– Softball

Although their season was cut short due to COVID-19, the Tiger softball team played exceptionally well in Myrtle Beach on their spring break trip. They undoubtedly would have had a tremendous season if allowed to continue. In just 10 games, the Tigers drove in 33 runs on 64 hits. Morgan Christner went 4-1 for the team in the circle.

Male Team of the Year – Men’s Soccer

The men’s soccer team had an incredible season on the pitch this year. The Tigers ended the regular season as SLIAC champions, with a SLIAC record of 8-0-1, and had 8 players who earned All-Conference honors.

Lori Williams Wright Award – Allie Massner

Massner earned the award after having a fantastic year with the Tigers.  She excelled both in the classroom, on the court, and on the golf course. On February 12th, the Tigers hosted the Greenville Panthers in what would be a momentous night for Massner. With a single free throw, she forever etched her name in the IW record books as she put in her 1,000th career point. She demonstrated the true meaning of being a Division III student-athlete, proving that you can be both an exceptional student and athlete.​

Hawkeyes Secure Commitment from In-State Prep:

The Iowa Hawkeye football team has landed an in-state commitment for the Class of 2021 in Urbandale’s Max Llewellyn.

The 6-foot-5 defensive end reportedly chose Iowa over offers from Iowa State, Penn State, Missouri, Michigan State, Northwestern, Kansas, Kansas State, Western Michigan, Northern Illinois and a handful of FBS schools.

Llewellyn, a three-star recruit, is the 15th ranked prospect in the state of Iowa and is the 10th known commit for the Hawkeyes’ Class of 2021.

Sports, Wednesday, April 22nd

By Nathan Bloechl · Wednesday, April 22nd, 2020 at 11:30 am CDT

By: Nathan Bloechl — sports@kilj.com

Iowa’s Kemerer Granted Extra Year:

Iowa wrestler Michael Kemerer will be back for next season.

Kemerer announced via social media that he has been granted a medical hardship after missing the 2018-2019 season with injury.

Kemerer was 15-1 this past season and finished second at the Big Ten Tournament.

Iowa coach Tom Brands said last month he was confident Kemerer would get an extra year.

“It’s a foregone conclusion everything that I’m understanding on it. I imagine there is more important things the NCAA has to do than these hardships. I think it’s a formality” Brands explained.

Kemerer will likely open next season as the top ranked wrestler at 174 pounds.

His return means the Hawkeyes will return nine of ten wrestlers from their post season line-up.

Cyclone’s Campbell Aims at Internal Improvement:

Iowa State football coach Matt Campbell says the Cyclones are still trying to get better, even at a different pace. Campbell says with the campus shut down they are using different forms of technology to try and maintain a routine for the players.

“We live in a world that goes 100 MPH. Right now, it’s like a sabbatical. It’s an opportunity to come back better and we can really improve. It’s been our mantra over the last few weeks” explained Campbell.

Without spring practices, Campbell has put the onus back on the players to keep up with weights and conditioning. And while everything else has seen a freeze, Campbell says recruiting must go on.

“We feel really good about where we are in terms of the 2021 class. I think we just continue to be creative and find ways to connect and engage and get both players and parent’s questions answered about our program” he said.

The Cyclones return quarterback Brock Purdy and running back Breece Hall from a team that went 7-6 one year ago.

NCAA Makes Several Rules Changes:

The NCAA has announced numerous rules changes ahead of the 2020-21 season.

Yesterday in a statement by the NCAA, the Playing Rules Panel announced that number “0” is now eligible number for players to wear.

They also made changes to the targeting protocol. Previously, players who were ejected for targeting must have left the field and returned to the locker room. Moving forward, that player would be able to remain on the sidelines with his teammates.

The panel also mentioned a continued emphasis on brevity of replay reviews, saying that reviews should not take more than two minutes, except for exceptionally challenging or end-of-game reviews.

 

 

On The Blog: The King Meets The Freak In NBA Finals Showdown We All Want

By Nathan Bloechl · Tuesday, April 21st, 2020 at 1:20 pm CDT

By: Nathan Bloechl — sports@kilj.com

KILJ — The NBA Playoffs were set to begin this past weekend and while we were robbed of that start due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we can still play out that postseason in our mind.

We’ll start in the Eastern Conference.

Eastern Conference First Round:

(1) Milwaukee Bucks vs. (8) Orlando Magic — Milwaukee wins series 4-0

  • The Bucks were historically good this season. Led by reigning Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks steamroll the helpless Magic in four games advancing to the Eastern Conference Semifinals. You could probably set your clock to Milwaukee sweeping this matchup.

(4) Miami Heat vs. (5) Indiana Pacers — Miami wins series 4-2

  • Miami, led by Jimmy Butler and a cast of other very good characters, took a huge leap forward this year — probably faster than many anticipated — and large part of that is due to Butler and the exploits of veteran head coach Erik Spoelstra. Here they get a feisty — albeit undermanned — Pacers team in round one. And while Indiana grabs a couple of games, the Heat are largely unchallenged, moving on to the Eastern Conference Semifinals once again.

(3) Boston Celtics vs. (6) Philadelphia 76ers — Boston wins series 4-3

  • What a fun first round series this would be. Many believed the Sixers would take the leap into the East’s best teams — they didn’t. Prized free agent acquisition Al Horford didn’t mesh with Joel Embiid. They have monster spacing issues, which led to the eventual benching of Horford, but with all that in mind, they’re still incredibly talented and push the Celtics to the brink. In the end, I think Brad Stevens is a much better coach than Brett Brown, so that’s why I give the Celtics the edge, even if I think on paper these two are fairly equal.

(2) Toronto Raptors vs. (7) Brooklyn Nets — Toronto wins series 4-1

  • The defending NBA champions took almost no steps backwards despite losing Kawhi Leonard this offseason. Brooklyn is a fine team, a team that would give Toronto a game or two, but not one that can legitimately take down the Raps. That might’ve been different had the Nets made Kevin Durant available after coming back from a surgically repaired Achilles tendon, but they didn’t. With Kyrie Irving already on the shelf, the Nets are undermanned and the playoff experience of Kyle Lowry, Pascal Siakam and Serge Ibaka move Toronto the second round.

Eastern Conference Semifinals:

(1) Milwaukee Bucks vs. (4) Miami Heat — Milwaukee wins series 4-2

  • Miami gave Milwaukee lots of trouble in the regular season this year, beating the Bucks twice — but the playoffs are a different beast and Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer makes some adjustments to make sure his team moves on to the Eastern Conference Finals for the second straight year. Make no doubt, the Heat can absolutely win this series. But their outside shooting doesn’t travel to Milwaukee very well as the Bucks use their homecourt advantage to move on.

(2) Toronto Raptors vs. (3) Boston Celtics — Boston wins series 4-3

  • Another beautiful series ends in drama as Boston closes out Toronto in the Air Canada Centre to move on to the Eastern Conference Finals. Toronto is good, actually they’re really good, they’re just not great without Kawhi Leonard. Third-year pro Jayson Tatum cements his ascension to stardom by averaging close to 30 points per game this series vaulting the C’s back to the East Finals.

Eastern Conference Finals: 

(1) Milwaukee Bucks vs. (3) Boston Celtics — Milwaukee wins series 4-1

  • Milwaukee and Boston split their regular season series this year, but I think Milwaukee — on paper — is much more talented. Boston has no one who can defend Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton and Eric Bledsoe. They’ll force Boston to take tough shoots as Tatum cools off. Kemba Walker is good, but he can’t do it alone. Milwaukee moves into the NBA Finals for the first time since 1974.

Let’s move to the Western Conference.

Western Conference First Round:

(1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (8) Memphis Grizzlies — Los Angeles wins 4-0

  • The Grizzlies were a fun story this year. Led by electric rookie Ja Morant and first-year head coach Taylor Jenkins, Memphis made huge strides. They’re just not ready to compete with West’s best. LeBron makes it look easy sweeping Memphis in four games.

(4) Utah Jazz vs. (5) Oklahoma City Thunder — Utah wins series 4-2

  • This would be a fun series pitting two organizations against each other who absolutely don’t get along. In the end, I think Utah’s length and defensive chops will be enough to propel them into the second round, but any team with Chris Paul on it has the ability to win when the lights are brightest. I just think Donovan Mitchell, Rudy Gobert and Mike Conley are little tougher for the Thunder to counter.

(3) Denver Nuggets vs. (6) Houston Rockets — Houston wins series 4-3

  • Under head coach Mike D’Antoni the Rockets were known for playing small ball. Now, they’re playing micro ball. After trading star center Clint Capela to the Hawks, the Rockets committed to playing 6’6′ forward P.J. Tucker at the pivot. Their up-tempo run and gun style works against a poor defensive team like Denver, as Houston shoots just well enough from the three-point line to dispatch the Nuggets.

(2) Los Angeles Clippers vs. (7) Dallas Mavericks — Los Angeles wins 4-1

  • Kawhi Leonard and Paul George were mothballed all season for this moment, as they collectively torch the Mavericks who struggle to defend the two All-Pro’s. Luka Doncic, who will finish runner-up in this year’s MVP voting, gets humbled by the two-way maestro Leonard. Both Los Angeles teams move on.

Western Conference Semifinals: 

(1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (4) Utah Jazz — Los Angeles wins series 4-1

  • Anthony Davis vs. Rudy Gobert is worth the price of admission, however the Jazz have nowhere near the fire power needed to knock off the Showtime Lakers Version 2.0. LeBron James is playing like a man possessed as he ethers the Jazz. Los Angeles is moving back to the Conference Finals.

(2) Los Angeles Clippers vs. (6) Houston Rockets — Los Angeles wins series 4-0

  • Micro ball doesn’t work against the defensive stalwarts of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George as a much anticipated series ends as a landslide. Russell Westbrook doesn’t perform as Clipper guard Patrick Beverly clamps down on the former MVP. James Harden is then forced to do it all — he can’t. The Battle of Los Angles is set up in a firecracker of a Western Conference Finals.

Western Conference Finals:

(1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (2) Los Angeles Clippers — Los Angeles Lakers win series 4-3

  • What an outstanding series that lives up to the hype and then some. The Clippers and Lakers are easily the two best teams in the West and they show why here. This series plays out like two heavyweight prize fighters duking it out round after round. In this scenario, LeBron channels his inner greatness and puts up a monster 43 point, 14 assist, 12 rebound triple-double in a Game 7 win, lifting the Lakers back to the NBA Finals — his first with the purple and gold.

NBA Finals:

Milwaukee Bucks vs. Los Angeles Lakers — Milwaukee wins series 4-2

  • The two best teams in the NBA. The two best players in the NBA. It couldn’t get any better. Giannis Antetokounmpo ends all doubt about winning the big one as the Bucks, for the first time since 1971, bring the NBA title back to Milwaukee. Now a two-time MVP, NBA Champion, and Finals MVP, the Greek Freak is on a path to be considered one of the best to ever do it. LeBron’s all-time finals record drops to 3-7. The Lakers give Milwaukee one heck of a series as every game is close but the Bucks close it out on the road at Staples Center.

 

Sports, Tuesday, April 21st

By Nathan Bloechl · Tuesday, April 21st, 2020 at 11:27 am CDT

By: Nathan Bloechl — sports@kilj.com 

Hawkeyes Prepare for NFL Draft Thursday:

During his time as Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz has had 70 players taken in the NFL Draft and that list will grow this week.

Several Hawkeyes are expected to be taken in the draft which begins Thursday night, including first-rounder’s Tristen Wirfs and A.J. Epenesa, mid-rounder’s Michael Ojemudia and Geno Stone and late-rounder Nate Stanley.

“Just about anyone who plays college football dreams about heading to the NFL career, we have a good senior class, several will get drafted. It’s an exciting time for them and we wish them all the best” said head coach Kirk Ferentz.

The aforementioned Menominee, Wisconsin native Nate Stanley has been projected anywhere from the 5th to 7th round this weekend.

He believes his time as a three-year starter with Iowa has prepared him for the next level.

“I definitely a lot more comfortable, a lot more confident, in all my abilities. You know, not only speaking to the media, but also on the field. Being a vocal a leader. I feel like that progressed a lot in my career. I feel really good where I’m at” explained Stanley.

First-round prospects Tristen Wirfs and A.J. Epenesa shouldn’t wait long to hear their names called on the draft’s opening night, this Thursday.

The draft will begin at 7:00 p.m. and the Cincinnati Bengals hold the number one pick.

They’re expected to take LSU quarterback Joe Burrow.

Drake Announces 2020 Football Schedule:

The Drake University football team unveiled its 11-game schedule for the 2020 season, the program’s second under head coach Todd Stepsis.

The 2020 campaign will feature five contests at Drake Stadium.

The Bulldogs kickoff the year Thursday, Sept. 3 at home against Hastings College.

Drake then hits the road for two-straight games with meetings against North Dakota State (Sept. 12) and Dixie State (Sept. 26).

The Bulldogs return to Drake Stadium Oct. 3 for their Pioneer Football League opener against Marist.

Drake travels two weeks in a row for games against PFL foes going to Dayton (Oct. 10) and Morehead State (Oct. 17).

The Bulldogs return to friendly confines three of the last five weeks of the season, including home contests against Davidson and San Diego Oct. 24 and Oct. 31, respectively.

Valparaiso hosts Drake Nov. 7, and the Drake Bulldogs face the Butler Bulldogs at home Nov. 14 before traveling to Stetson Nov. 21 to close out the regular season.

All kickoff times are TBA.

UNI Also Releases 2020 Football Schedule:

For the second consecutive year, the UNI Panther football team will take one on of the state’s big dogs to open the year.

A year after taking Iowa State to overtime, the Panthers will open up on the road at Iowa on Saturday, September 5th to begin their season.

The last time the teams squared off, it was a 38-14 Iowa victory on September 15th of 2018.

The next week will see UNI travel to Idaho State, before opening up their home schedule Saturday, September 19th against defending Big Sky champions, Weber State.

Their first Missouri Valley Football Conference contest will be the following week, Saturday, September 26th against defending FCS Champion North Dakota State.

UNI will close the season at home against Missouri State on Saturday, November 21st.

The Panthers finished the 2019 season ranked #5 in the country.

Drake Basketball Lands Big-Time Transfer:

Drake’s men basketball got a big boost over the weekend when former Seton Hall standout Darnell Brodie announced his intentions to transfer to Des Moines.

Brodie took to social media to solidify his commitment.

Brodie chose Drake over Monmouth, Saint Peter’s, Bryant and NAIA power Florida Memorial.

After losing Liam Robbins to Minnesota, Brodie, 6’9’, will be able to fill in for the Bulldog frontcourt.

A 3-star recruit out of elite basketball academy Montverde, Brodie will have to sit out one season before being eligible.

Brodie appeared in just three games last year after suffering a hand injury.

Sports, Monday, April 20th

By Nathan Bloechl · Monday, April 20th, 2020 at 11:38 am CDT

By: Nathan Bloechl — sports@kilj.com 

Iowa Wesleyan Names Wesley’s Finalists:

Last week Wesleyan announced the Male and Female Athlete of the Year finalists and now, the full list of award finalists has been released.

The Male Newcomer of the Year finalists are:

  • Carlos Lopez, Men’s Soccer
  • Cesar Arroyo, Men’s Soccer
  • Jaheem Hampton, Football and Track and Field
  • Sebastian Armenta, Football and Track and Field
  • Marvin Saintolien, Men’s Basketball

In order to be nominated for Newcomer of the Year, student-athletes must be in their first year at Iowa Wesleyan and have a standout season for their team or individually.

The finalists for Female Newcomer of the Year include:

  • De’Anna Houston, Track and Field
  • Maddie Williamson, Women’s Basketball
  • Morgan McCrea, Women’s Basketball
  • Teresea Diez Dorta, Women’s Golf
  • Ashley Pfadenhauer

The Tiger Service Award is the final award being presented.

In order to be nominated for the Tiger Service Award, student-athletes must be in good academic standing and highly involved in events, organizations, or leadership roles outside of athletics.

The finalists are:

  • Trevor Haasis, Men’s Soccer and Track and Field
  • Kayla Ford, Softball
  • Jenna Murphy, Volleyball

Members of the coaching staff, athletic department, and Student-Athlete Advisory Committee nominated student-athletes for each of the awards and narrowed down the finalists.

Award winners will be chosen based on voting by the athletic department and SAAC members.

The winners will be announced on April 22nd, 2020 over the Tiger Athletics’ social media accounts beginning at 7:00 pm.

Spring Sports Cancelled Indefinitely:

Following Friday’s recommendations to keep Iowa schools closed for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year due to the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), all spring activities of the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union and the Iowa High School Athletic Association are canceled.

The cancellation of all four boys’ and girls’ sports – golf, soccer, tennis, and track and field – was made by the IGHSAU and IHSAA in cooperation with the Iowa Department of Education and state officials. The decision was also approved by the IGHSAU and IHSAA boards.

Guidance from Governor Kim Reynolds, the Iowa Department of Education, and the Iowa Department of Public Health had previously suspended spring activities through April 12, then through April 30.

Governor Reynolds announced the extended closure of in-person schooling and school activities with Department of Education executive director Dr. Ann Lebo at a news conference Friday.

This cancellation is effective for all spring practices, competitions, and postseason events.

Summer sports — baseball and softball — are suspended pending an assessment made in collaboration with state officials before June. Practice, competition, and postseason dates will be announced when they become available.

Both organizations will continue to follow guidelines from health and government officials in determining when it is safe to resume school activities and mass gatherings.

Pemsl Lands with Virginia Tech:

Former Dubuque Wahlert standout Cordell Pemsl will transfer to Virginia Tech for his final season per reports.

Pemsl spent four seasons at Iowa, including a redshirt season before deciding to move on from the program this year.

Pemsl appeared in 96 games in his career, starting just 14 while averaging 6 points and 4 boards.

The Hokies finished 16-16 last year and went 7-13 in the ACC.

Doyle Goes to the Indiana Fever in WNBA Draft:

Iowa guard Kathleen Doyle is heading to Indianapolis.

The former Hawkeye star was selected 14th in the WNBA Entry Draft on Friday by the Indiana Fever.

The 5-9 Doyle was one of ten players named to the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association All-American team — also earning third-team All-American honors from the Associated Press and United States Basketball Writers Association.

Doyle helped guide the Hawkeyes to a 23-7 record this season.

Oregon’s Sabrina Ionescu was the number one overall pick, followed by her teammate Satou Sabally.

Sports, Saturday, April 18th

By Nathan Bloechl · Saturday, April 18th, 2020 at 5:52 am CDT

By: Nathan Bloechl — sports@kilj.com 

Spring Sports Cancelled Indefinitely:

Following Friday’s recommendations to keep Iowa schools closed for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year due to the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), all spring activities of the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union and the Iowa High School Athletic Association are canceled.

The cancellation of all four boys’ and girls’ sports – golf, soccer, tennis, and track and field – was made by the IGHSAU and IHSAA in cooperation with the Iowa Department of Education and state officials. The decision was also approved by the IGHSAU and IHSAA boards.

Guidance from Governor Kim Reynolds, the Iowa Department of Education, and the Iowa Department of Public Health had previously suspended spring activities through April 12, then through April 30.

Governor Reynolds announced the extended closure of in-person schooling and school activities with Department of Education executive director Dr. Ann Lebo at a news conference Friday.

This cancellation is effective for all spring practices, competitions, and postseason events.

Summer sports — baseball and softball — are suspended pending an assessment made in collaboration with state officials before June. Practice, competition, and postseason dates will be announced when they become available.

Both organizations will continue to follow guidelines from health and government officials in determining when it is safe to resume school activities and mass gatherings.

NCAA Grants Academic Waivers:

The NCAA Eligibility Center is waiving the standardized test score requirement for incoming freshman student-athletes in both Division I and Division II for the 2020-21 academic year because of the coronavirus pandemic, the governing body announced Friday.

High School student-athletes will be eligible if they meet ten core-course prerequisite classes with a 2.3 GPA in Division I institutions and 2.2 GPA in Division II programs.

The NCAA said the requirements will be automatic waivers for both Divisions I and II, meaning those students meeting these criteria will be academically eligible to receive an athletic scholarship — as well as practice and compete — in their first year at member schools.

Iowa’s Till Finds New Home:

Former Dubuque Wahlert standout and ex-Hawkeye Riley Till has found his next home.

Till, who announced his departure from the program earlier this spring, will play his final season at Cal Poly in San Luis, California.

The Mustangs finished this season 7-23 overall competing in the Big West.

The 6-foot-7 Till played sparingly for the Hawkeyes this season, appearing in just 18 games.

As a graduate transfer, Till will be immediately eligible for the upcoming season.

 

Governor Kim Reynolds: “Spring Sports Cancelled [Indefinitely], Summer Sports Decision by June 1st”

By Nathan Bloechl · Friday, April 17th, 2020 at 4:23 pm CDT

By: Nathan Bloechl — sports@kilj.com 

KILJ — In an unprecedented — albeit warranted — decision, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds announced Friday that all Iowa schools will remain closed for the remainder of the 2020 school year amidst COVID-19 concerns.

In prior press availabilities, Reynolds remained optimistic that Iowa schools could re-open in mid-May, but that tune changed significantly Friday when Reynolds confirmed that Iowa has yet to hit it’s “peak.”

Furthermore, Reynolds also confirmed that all spring sports competition has been cancelled.

Track and Field, soccer, and golf will not be participating this year.

A decision on summer sports will come on or before June 1st.