Author: Nathan Bloechl

By: Nathan Bloechl — sports@kilj.com 

New London’s Christner Named Wesleyan Student Athlete of the Month:

The Iowa Wesleyan athletic department has named Morgan Christner (SR/New London, IA) as the March Student-Athlete of the Month.

Although her season was cut short, Christner was absolutely dominant for the Wesleyan softball team while in Myrtle Beach.

Christner went 4-1 in the five contests she started, all in Myrtle Beach.

She also led the SLIAC in total strikeouts, strikeouts per game, batting average against, and earned run average.

The right-hander pitched two shutouts and racked up 57 total strikeouts, averaging 12.21 strikeouts per game.

Wesleyan’s season was cancelled after compiling a 5-5 record.

Garza Tabbed Center of the Year:

University of Iowa junior Luka Garza has been named the recipient of the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Center of the Year Award.

The announcement was made by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on Tuesday.

Named after Hall of Famer and three-time NCAA Champion Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the annual honor in its sixth year recognizes the top center in Division I men’s college basketball.

He is the first Hawkeye to win the award and the third Big Ten player to earn the honor.

Last week, the 6-foot-11 center was the recipient of the NABC Pete Newell Big Man of the Year Award.

Garza (740 points and 305 rebounds) is one of three Big Ten players to ever to total 740+ points and 300+ rebounds in a single-season (Purdue’s Glenn Robinson in 1994 and Purdue’s Joe Barry Carroll in 1979).

He ranked second nationally with 12 20-point/10-rebound performances, 20-point games (25); third in total field goals made (287) and points per 40 minutes played (29.8), fifth in scoring (23.9), 10th in 30-point games (5), 19th in double-doubles (15) and offensive rebounds per game (3.58), and 34th in rebounding (9.8).

His 15 double-doubles are third most in a single-season by a Hawkeye in three decades and the most since 2002 (Reggie Evans, 18).

Garza is the only Big Ten player to register seven 25-point/10-rebound performances in the same season in more than 17 years.

Iowa State Picks Up Commitment:

Iowa State has landed a commitment from Michigan prep athlete Robert Army.

The 3-star prospect is ranked 19th in the state of Michigan and 95th at wide receiver, according to 247Sports Composite Rankings, although he could fit in for ISU at defensive back.

Army had other reported offers from the likes of Cincinnati, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Pitt, Purdue and Syracuse.

Army is the sixth known commitment for Iowa State in the Class of 2021.

By: Nathan Bloechl — sports@kilj.com

IHSAA, IGHSAU Release New Spring Schedules:

The Iowa High School Athletic Association and Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union have released new spring sports schedules.

The new schedules are contingent upon a May 1 return to schools and is subject to change.

Track and field would have their first practice on May 1st, first competition on May 4th, district meets on May 28th and the state meet June 4th through 6th.

The other sports are as follows:

Girls Golf: May 1st (first practice), May 4th (first competition), May 26th and June 1st (pre-state postseason), June 8-9 (state meets)

Boys Golf: May 1st (first practice), May 4th (first competition), May 29th & June 5th (pre-state postseason), June 11-12 (state meets)

Girls Tennis-Team: May 1st (first practice), May 4th (first competition), May 23, 30 and June 1st (pre-state postseason), June 1-2, 13 (state competition)

Girls Tennis-Individual: May 1st (first practice), May 4th (first competition), May 27th (pre-state postseason), June 10-11 (state competition)

Boys Tennis-Team: May 1st (first practice), May 4th (first competition), May 23, 30 (pre-state postseason), June 9th (state competition)

Boys Tennis-Individual: May 1st (first practice), May 4th (first competition), May 20th (pre-state postseason), June 5-6 (state competition)

Girls Soccer: May 1st (first practice), May 8th (first competition), June 4, 5, 9, 11 (pre-state postseason), June 16, 18, 20 (state tournament)

Boys Soccer: May 1st (first practice), May 8th (first competition), June 8, 10, 12 (pre-state postseason), June 15, 17, 19 (state tournament)

Postseason host sites and state championship event venues are currently set as previously announced.

Any changes or updates will be announced as they become available.

The IGHSAU and IHSAA have not set a maximum or minimum number for competition dates within this adjusted schedule.

Previously stated competition limits apply for each sport.

Member schools may determine their own regular seasons which are best suited to their school schedules and activities.

Golf postseason dates may vary due to course availability.

Virtual NFL Draft:

This year’s version of the NFL Draft will look different.

In a memo sent to league owners and general managers, league commissioner Roger Goodell announced that this year’s draft will be “entirely” virtual” and coaching and personnel staffs will conduct the draft from their homes.

League offices have been closed since March 26^th due to the Coronavirus pandemic, but the league has remained steadfast in wanting to continue the draft as planned.

Originally scheduled to be held in Las Vegas, the location of the announcement of picks is yet to be determined.

The draft is scheduled to begin on April 23^rd.

Iowa’s Till to Transfer:

Former Dubuque Wahlert standout and Iowa Hawkeye men’s basketball player Riley Till has announced his intentions to transfer from the program.

Till joins ex-teammate Cordell Pemsl has two Hawkeyes to leave in the last three days.

Till appeared in just 18 games this winter for Fran McCaffrey’s club, registering just 12 points and 14 boards.

He appeared in 42 total games in his career with the Hawkeyes.

His transfer plans were not made immediately available.

IGHSAU, IHSAA Announce Delays until April 30th:

Events for Iowa’s high school Unified Activities partners will remain prohibited through April 30 as Governor Kim Reynolds announced an extension of school closures through that date last Thursday afternoon.

This continued response to the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) moves the previously announced potential return date from April 13 to May 1 for the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union, the Iowa High School Athletic Association, the Iowa High School Music Association, and the Iowa High School Speech Association.

The IGHSAU and IHSAA are still working to offer spring and summer sports opportunities, provided they can be done safely and follow CDC, state, and local guidelines.

An updated schedule for activities will be provided today.

The dates will provide for a May 1 return to school.

Drake’s Robbins’ Announces Transfer, Plans to Attend Minnesota:

All-Missouri Valley Conference standout Liam Robbins has announced a transfer from Drake.

The 7-foot, 235-pound sophomore averaged a team-high 14.1 points and 7.1 rebounds per game during his sophomore year.

He was also fifth in the nation in blocks with 2.91 per game and broke a single-season school record with 99 swats.

Yesterday, Robbins went to social media to announce his plans to transfer to the University of Minnesota.

There Robbins will play for his uncle Ed Conroy, who is the longest-tenured assistant on Richard Pitino’s staff.

The Gophers had a gigantic frontcourt hole after losing their star center, Daniel Oturu, to the NBA Draft.

Iowa’s Pemsl to Transfer:

University of Iowa redshirt junior forward Cordell Pemsl announced on Friday that he has submitted his name in the NCAA transfer portal and will depart the Hawkeye basketball program.

Pemsl (6-foot-9, 248 pounds) played in 96 career games on teams that averaged 19 victories over the last four seasons. The native of Dubuque, Iowa, averaged 5.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists.

The big man was a valuable teammate on one NIT and two NCAA Tournament teams, all while overcoming three major surgeries over the last six years.

Unlike Robbins’ Pemsl’s transfer plans were not immediately available.

Latest Round of NBA Mocks as Iowa State’s Haliburton Safely in Top 10:

With Tyrese Haliburton announcing his intentions to enter the NBA Draft, most analysts have the Cyclones star safely inside the lottery.

The 6’5, 185-pound sophomore from Oshkosh, Wisconsin is ranked amongst draft analysts as the 12^th best player in this year’s class.

Most mocks have him selected anywhere between 8^th and 12^th overall.

ESPN has him being selected #11 by the Sacramento Kings.

Haliburton is compared in NBA circles to Lonzo Ball and Dante Exum, both of which are tall and rangy point guards with high end court vision.

Haliburton averaged 15.2 points, 5.9 boards, and 6.5 assists per game this season for the Clones in 22 games.

By: Nathan Bloechl — sports@kilj.com

IGHSAU, IHSAA Announce Delays Until April 30th: 

Events for Iowa’s high school Unified Activities partners will remain prohibited through April 30 as Governor Kim Reynolds announced an extension of school closures through that date  Thursday afternoon.

This continued response to the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) moves the previously announced potential return date from April 13 to May 1 for the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union, the Iowa High School Athletic Association, the Iowa High School Music Association, and the Iowa High School Speech Association.

Gov. Reynolds announced the extension of school closures alongside representatives from the Iowa Department of Public Health and the Iowa Department of Education. While the Department of Education and executive director Dr. Ann Lebo have announced provisions for continued learning during this period, guidance continues to prohibit mass gatherings and keep school facilities closed across Iowa.

The primary concern of all four Unified Activities organizations is the health and safety of students, schools, and their communities during this pandemic.

The IGHSAU and IHSAA are still working to offer spring and summer sports opportunities, provided they can be done safely and follow CDC, state, and local guidelines. The IHSMA and IHSSA are collaborating with member schools to provide up-to-date guidance for teachers and participants through this prohibited period.

However, schedules will continue to be assessed as this crisis develops and further announcements from the Unified Activities partners will follow recommendations of state and public health officials.

The IDPH continues to advise individuals to stay at home as much as possible and avoid gatherings of more than 10 people.

An updated schedule for activities will be provided Monday, April 6.

The dates will provide for a May 1 return to school.

Iowa Forward Pemsl to Enter Transfer Portal:

Iowa men’s basketball player Cordell Pemsl has entered the transfer portal per the university.

Pemsl, who will be a senior next year, is set to graduate with one year eligibility.

Pemsl played in 96 games during his stint with the Hawkeyes, averaging 5.9 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game — but played only sparingly for Fran McCaffery’s squad this year.

Pemsl’s transfer plans were not announced Friday night.

Kobe Bryant Headlines NBA’s 2020 Hall of Fame Inductees:

Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett will be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame per several news outlets, Friday evening.

Bryant was an 18-time All-Star, five-time NBA champion, two-time Finals MVP and one-time regular season MVP.

He tragically passed away earlier this year in a helicopter accident outside his suburban Los Angeles home, along with daughter Gigi and several others.

Meanwhile, Duncan won three Finals MVPs and five championships and was an All-NBA team member 15 times.

Garnett, was a 15-time All-Star, a one-time MVP, a Defensive Player of the Year winner and a one-time NBA champion.

Former Houston Rockets head coach Rudy Tomjanovich is also in the class, according to several sports and news outlets.

By: Nathan Bloechl — sports@kilj.com 

Iowa’s Doyle Named WBCA All-American:

Iowa’s Kathleen Doyle has been named a Women’s Basketball Coaches Association All-American.

Doyle, a senior this past season, averaged 18.1 points, 6.3 assists and 4.6 rebounds per game — all career-highs.

Drake’s Becca Hittner and Ashley Joens of Iowa State were also named honorable mentions All-Americans by the WBCA.

Hittner averaged 18.9 points and 6.4 rebounds in her senior season for the Bulldogs while Joens put in 20.5 points and grabbed 10.9 rebounds per contest.

Sabrina Ionescu, of The University of Oregon, was awarded the 2020 Wade Trophy and headlines the 2020 WBCA NCAA Division I Coaches’ All-America team, announced yesterday by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association.

The prestigious Wade Trophy, regarded as “The Heisman of Women’s Basketball,” is presented annually to the NCAA Division I Player of the Year by the WBCA.

Ionescu, the 2019 Wade Trophy recipient, became the first player in men’s or women’s college basketball history to record 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds and 1,000 assists in her career.

Eligibility Relief for Division III Athletes:

Spring athletes at all levels of college athletics are getting eligibility relief following action by an NCAA Division I council this week.

The move comes after spring seasons were cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Chuck Yrigoyen is commissioner of the Division III American Rivers Conference and says with no athletic scholarships budgetary considerations are not as much of a factor.

“There’s also a last semester exception where if the only class work that you have to be completed is towards your degree, Division III lets you be a less than full time enrolled student” Yrigoyen explained.

Yrigoyen also says while outdoor track and field is considered a spring sport indoor track and field is not.

“There could be an individual that had exhausted his or her eligibility in the indoor season and could not compete in the indoor season, but the outdoor portion since that’s considered a spring sport that could be lumped in to things going on right now.”

Yrigoyen’s current national service work includes being the President of the Division III Commissioners Association.

Iowa State Announces Cuts in Coaches’ Salaries:

Iowa State athletic director Jamie Pollard says the loss of the Big 12 basketball tournament and the NCAA Tournament is just the first part of the financial challenges the athletic department faces in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Pollard announced a pay cut and the elimination of performance bonuses for coaches and some staff for the next year.

“The Big 12 Basketball Tournament and the NCAA Tournament were cancelled, and those things aren’t coming back. That’s nearly a five million dollar hit to our Athletics Department. That’s money that’s gone.”

Pollard says the financial challenges will continue even when the coronavirus scare is over.

“We are naïve if we don’t think that it’s going to be hard to sell tickets, it’s going to be hard for people to donate, it’s going to be hard for students to come back to school, there’s going to be future financial things we all have to deal with.”

Pollard did explain that cutting coaches’ salaries was clearly a better option — rather than dropping sports in their entirety.

By: Nathan Bloechl — sports@kilj.com

NCAA Extends Recruiting Moratorium:

The NCAA has extended the current recruiting dead period to May 31st.

On March 13, two days after the NBA suspended its season, the NCAA announced that it would institute a recruiting dead period through at least April 15.

The statement from the NCAA, yesterday: “The Division I Council Coordinator Committee and Division II Administrative Committee extended the recruiting dead period through May 31. The committees will continue to be guided by experts to determine whether the date needs to be extended.”

College coaches may not meet face-to-face with college-bound student-athletes or their parents during the dead period.

Only writing, calling, texting, direct messaging, emailing, Skype, FaceTime, Zoom, etc. communication are permissible at this time.

Garza named Wooden All-American:

Iowa’s Luka Garza picked up yet another All-American honor yesterday, when the junior center was named a John R. Wooden All-American.

Garza is joined by Kansa’s Udoka Azubuike and Devon Dotson, Marquette’s Markus Howard, San Diego State’s Malachi Flynn, Dayton’s Obi Toppin, Michigan State’s Cassius Winston and Myles Powell of Seton Hall.

Winston was the lone returning Wooden Award All-American.

Voting took place from March 16-23, 2020.

As insisted upon by Coach Wooden at the Award’s creation 44 years ago, all players were certified by their universities as meeting or exceeding the criteria of the John R. Wooden Award.

The 44th annual presentation of the John R. Wooden Award to the men’s most outstanding college basketball player will take place Tuesday, April 7.

Drake Hooper to Transfer:

Drake’s Antonio Pilipovic has reportedly entered the transfer portal with one year of eligibility remaining.

The Cologne, Germany native played in 33 games this past season, averaging 2.7 points, 1.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 10.7 minutes per game.

Pilipovic is a graduate transfer with immediate eligibility.

Transfer plans for the 6’7’ forward were not mentioned yet.

NFL Votes to Expand Postseason:

The National Football League owners have voted to expand the postseason by two teams, beginning in the 2020 season.

The total playoff teams will expand from 12 to 14, adding two wild card teams with one each from the AFC and NFC.

Wild Card weekend for the 2020 season will have a trio of games on both January 9th and January 10th, 2021.

By: Nathan Bloechl — sports@kilj.com 

UMAC Seeking Answers Following Closure of MacMurray:

The Upper Midwest Athletic Conference is dealing with the loss of one of its associate members, which will impact the football schedule for teams in that league.

MacMurray College of Jacksonville, Illinois is closing its doors — meaning the U-MAC will be a team short for football.

UMAC commissioner Corey Borchardt says he feels for MacMurray and what they are going through in shutting down.

He says the biggest impact the departure will have on his conference is scheduling, which is traditionally done a few years in advance.

“Football is typically done six, seven, years in advance. We are going through contingency plans to get schedules modified to position our schools to move forward. We’ll get through it, we’re already making progress” Borchardt explained.

The UMAC had been a nine-member league for football, including permanent members Crown, Martin Luther, Minnesota-Morris, Northwestern, and St. Scholastica.

Three associate members will remain part of the league, including Westminster (MO), Greenville (IL), and Iowa Wesleyan.

UNI Makes Big Time Coaching Splash:

UNI head football coach Mark Farley rounded out his coaching staff for the 2020 season.

Farley, entering his 20th season as the head coach of UNI football, tabbed college football veteran Shawn Watson as an offensive assistant coaching quarterbacks and former Nebraska quarterback and Youngstown State assistant Joe Ganz as the wide receivers coach.

Watson is especially a strong hire after spending last year as an offensive assistant at the University of Georgia.

Before his time in Athens, Watson was the offensive coordinator at Pitt.

He had also been the offensive coordinator at Colorado, Nebraska and Louisville — where he helped coach Teddy Bridgewater.

Meanwhile, Ganz comes to Cedar falls after spending the last two seasons at Youngstown State where he was quarterbacks coach.

Prior to coaching QBs, Ganz guided the tight ends for the Penguins, a unit that was key in their trip to the FCS National Title game.

Former Hawkeye Scherff Signs Franchise Tag with ‘Skins:

Former Iowa Hawkeye standout lineman Brandon Scherff is heading back to the Redskins on a one-year deal after signing his franchise tender.

A three-time Pro Bowler, Scherff will earn $15 million plus this year.

Agreeing to sign the Franchise Tag requires Scherff to report to training camp on time — that of course contingent on the NFL holding training camps as scheduled.

Scherff missed five games last season due to elbow and shoulder injuries.

Both Washington and Scherff will have until July of this year to continue hammering out the finer details in a long-term extension.