KILJ Bracket Challenge- Only four teams remain in the 2024 men’s basketball National Championship bracket after starting the month of madness with 68. With that being said, the KILJ Bracket Challenge shares a Cinderella story as the standings have experienced quite a shakeup.
Before we dive into our specific standings, what happened this weekend? Two #1 seeds fell in the Sweet 16 as Alabama, trailing by one with less than a minute to go in the game, nailed a key and-one stunned North Carolina. Then Houston’s Jamal Shead left the game early against Duke and the Cougars’ offense struggled, falling 54-51 to the Blue Devils.
The trail to turn elite saw two other upsets as #11 NC State handled #2 Marquette 67-58 and #6 Clemson downed #2 Arizona 77-72. Additionally, Iowa State’s poor first half defense saw #3 Illinois punch their ticket to the Elite Eight.
Quick reminder: the KILJ Bracket Challenge handled the first two rounds with ease, guessing 65% of the games correct in round one and an astronomical 70% of games correct in round two. Allie Liechty-Hultman pulled off a nearly perfect second round going 15 of 16.
The Sweet 16 was not so kind as the average of correct games picked was a mere 2.7 out of 8 or 34.2%.
How about the Elite 8? UConn swiped Illinois in convincing fashion, 77-52, and Alabama outlasted Clemson, 89-82, to set up the Final Four matchup of Huskies versus the Crimson Tide. Overall, not surprising.
On the other side of the bracket, Zach Edey is playing basketball on a different plane than anyone else as the 7’4 center scored 40 points and grabbed 16 rebounds in the 72-66 victory over #2 Tennessee.
To quote Jim Valvano, the last head coach to led NC State to a national championship in 1983,
“Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up.”
The Wolfpack are in the Final Four for the first time since 1983 and tied for the lowest seed to have ever advanced to the Final Four. If they beat Purdue, then they would be the lowest seed to have ever advanced to the National Championship game.
NC State was a Cinderella story in 1983 as the #6-seed, back in a pool of 48 teams, managed to survive and advance a gauntlet of games that included a double overtime finish and four of five games decided by two points or less.
The reason I mention all of this is because we have a Cinderella story in our very own KILJ Bracket Challenge. Julie Leichty was in 25th place after the first two rounds with 82 points. She tied Rick Bunnell for guessing the most correct games in the Sweet 16 with five.
Then she guessed all four games correct in the Elite Eight, the only one of all 34 brackets to perform the feat. Julie Leichty is now in first place with a 20-point lead. Rick Bunnell went from 12th place to 2nd place due to a strong Sweet 16 and Elite Eight.
The Bunnell trio performed quite well as Lysha and Ellyanna are in third and fourth place, respectively, with 162 and 158 points.
The bracket that struggled the most experienced a drop of 19 places after losing their Final Four in the Sweet 16. Five brackets did not guess a game right in the Elite Eight as the field of 34 guessed only 33.8% of the games correctly.
The saving grace for most of the brackets was eight UConn or Purdue as the Huskies were in 91% of people’s Final Four and Purdue was in 56% of Final Fours.
Additionally, UConn was picked as the champion for 16 brackets and Purdue was picked in five brackets. Eight brackets picked UConn and Purdue to face off against one another in the championship game.
Important to note no one picked NC State or Alabama to be in the championship game. So, we wait until Saturday, April 6th, to see who will advance to play for the coveted National Championship.
Rankings:
Julie Liecthy: 186 points (Picked Purdue as the champion)
Rick Bunnell: 166 points (Picked UConn as the champion)
Lysha Bunnell: 162 points (Picked UConn as the champion)
Ellyanna Bunnell: 162 points (Picked UConn as the champion)
Sharon Menke: 150 points (Picked UConn as the champion)
Brent Broeker: 150 points (Cannot score anymore)
Allie Liecthy-Hultman: 148 points (Picked UConn as the champion)
Alan Buckert: 148 points (Picked UConn as the champion)
Jeff Broeg: 146 points (Picked UConn as the champion)
Linda Erikson: 144 points (Has Purdue making it to the championship game)
The Mt. Pleasant Fire Department had another very successful pancake and sausage breakfast this past weekend. They set a new record for themselves, after serving over 900 people in just 4 hours. People came from all over Mt. Pleasant and the surrounding communities.
On March 1, 2024, the Ottumwa Police Department initiated a Sex Abuse investigation after a juvenile victim reported being assaulted over an extended period of time.
On March 28, 2024, at approximately 3:30 p.m., the suspect in the case was arrested where he was living at 125 Joseph, in Ottumwa. The suspect is identified as Michael Alan Sherwood, age 39, of Ottumwa. Sherwood was charged with the following offenses:
Sex Abuse in the 2nd Degree (3 Counts), all Class “B” Felonies
Sex Abuse in the 3rd Degree (3 Counts), all Class “C” Felonies.
Distribution of a Schedule 1 Controlled Substance to a Person Under Age 18, a Class “B” Felony
Lascivious Acts with a Child, a Class “D” Felony
Indecent Exposure, an Aggravated Misdemeanor
Sherwood is currently being held without bond in the Wapello County Jail.
Louise Unkrich, 99, of Swedesburg, IA, died Monday, March 25, 2024, at the Sunrise Terrace Care Center in Winfield, IA.
Louise Elaine Tolander, was born August 11, 1924, in Washington, IA. She was the daughter of Harold Leslie Eugene and Prudence Irene (Abrahamson) Tolander. Her mother died when Louise was ten and her dad remarried Ruth Peterson. She attended Olds High School in Olds, IA, where she excelled in basketball and softball, graduating in 1943.
Louise intertwined her faith and talents throughout her life. She went to the American Institute Technical School in Des Moines, where she studied drafting and aircraft design. Being wartime, Louise answered the call to serve by working at the Glenn L. Martin Bomber Plant in Omaha, NE. A genuine “Rosie the Riveter,” she worked on the first B-29 Superfortress, riveting and bucking the ailerons. In her spare time, she played softball for the bomber plant team, the Bomberettes.
On October 15, 1944, at the Swedesburg Lutheran Church, Louise was united in marriage to Ensign Clarence Canby Unkrich, her high school sweetheart. Clarence was soon sent to the Pacific front in the Navy during WWII, but their love was anchored in shared dreams and commitment.
Following Clarence’s return, Louise worked alongside him on the family farm. They raised livestock and grew crops. Louise enjoyed being active outside, accomplishing any tasks needed for the farm operation. She was proud of her great-grandfather’s farm being recognized as a Heritage Farm, with over 150 years in the family.
Louise’s faith in her Savior, Jesus Christ, was the cornerstone of her life. She passionately followed Him and strived for her life to reflect His. Louise was a very active member of the Swedesburg Evangelical Lutheran Church. She was one of the first three women elected to the church council. She held various leadership roles in the church women’s group and committees plus sang in the church choir for 70 years. For 30 years, Louise served as the Smorgasbord Chair, an annual Swedish dinner event.
Louise and Clarence established the annual Midsummer Fest to celebrate the summer solstice in the Swedish tradition of singing and dancing around the May Pole. This festival led to the formation of the Swedish Heritage Society in 1986. These founders established the Swedish American Museum, with Louise as its sole director for 33 years. Her tireless efforts earned her a Merit Award from the Swedish Council of America in 2007. She was passionate about family genealogy, local history, and Swedish traditions.
Louise and Clarence loved to travel, including camping and cruises. They visited all fifty states as well as Europe, Canada, Mexico, and Africa. Louise visited Sweden ten times and traced the location of all eight great-grandparents who immigrated to the United States in the 1860’s. They wintered in Alamo Palms, TX, where Louise remained active in several groups at the retirement village. Louise continued to winter in Alamo Palms after Clarence’s passing, where she enjoyed her second family of friends.
Louise was a 97-year member of the American Legion Auxiliary where for 40 years, she co-chaired its former Pancake House at Midwest Old Threshers. She was a member of Chapter L of TTT for 77 years and a 15-year member of the Wayne Township Election Board. Louise and her daughters were active members of the American Rosie the Riveter Association. She was the Iowa Director of the organization, including organizing the 2019 National ARRA convention in Iowa. Louise was recognized for all her contributions by being named Iowan of the Day at the Iowa State Fair in 2011. On December 7, 2022, Louise was a VIP at the 81st Pearl Harbor Memorial Day in Honolulu, HI.
When Louise had free time, she loved to bake, especially Swedish cinnamon rolls, rye bread, and Swedish pancakes. Her culinary magic allowed delicious treats to appear, multiply, and then quickly disappear. Louise also enjoyed gardening, stamp collecting, photography, and woodworking. What didn’t she do?!
Louise was the steadfast pillar of her family who selflessly served her country and community and honored the Lord above all else. Psalms 23:5, “My cup overflows with blessings,” summarizes the inspiring life she lived – a riveting legacy! Louise riveted not only metal but also the bonds of love, resilience, and unwavering dedication. This legacy, like the rivets she set, remains etched in the hearts of those who love her, a true testament to the impact of our Rosie, Louise.
Those thankful for sharing in Louise’s life include her three beloved children – Trish (Warren) Woepking of Riverside, IA, Stan Unkrich (Valerie) of Winfield, IA, and Julia (Keith Granle) Unkrich of Aurora, CO; siblings – Bill (Marjorie) Tolander of Mt. Pleasant, IA, Joan Dawson of Estherville, IA, and Wayne (Nancy) Tolander of Burlington, IA; brother-in-law Merle Unkrich of Winfield, IA.
Grandma Lou adored her six grandchildren – James Woepking, Dr. Joanna (Jess) Settles, and Jason (Danielle) Woepking, Brendan (Brandelle) Unkrich, Angela (Alfonso) Ribeiro, and Tyson (Dr. Gabby) Unkrich. Louise’s pure joy was her 18 great-grandchildren, and she was anticipating the birth of her first great-great-grandchild.
Her husband Clarence, father Harold, mother Prudence, stepmother Ruth, and sister Donna Rae Zuk preceded Louise in death.
A funeral service for Louise will be held at 11:00 AM on FRIDAY, APRIL 12th, 2024, at the Swedesburg Evangelical Lutheran Church. Visitation will be held from 9 AM to 10:30 AM at the church prior to the funeral service. Burial will be in the Swedesburg Lutheran Cemetery. A luncheon will follow the service at the Swedesburg Parish Hall.
Those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to Swedesburg Evangelical Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 88, Swedesburg, IA 52652 or the Swedish American Museum, P.O. Box 74, Swedesburg, IA 52652.
The Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant, is caring for Louise and her family.
Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com.
Trevor Maurice Coughlin, 32, of Mt. Pleasant, died Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.
Trevor was born January 21, 1992 in Mount Pleasant. He was the sone of James Bryan Dugger and Diane Marie Cornell. He graduated from Mt. Pleasant Community High School in 2010. He furthered his education at WyoTech College in Wyoming.
For many years, Trevor was employed at the former Jerry’s Restaurant in Mt. Pleasant. A football devotee, he was a huge fan of the Los Angeles Rams and the Georgia University Bulldogs.
Survivors include his mother Diane of Mt. Pleasant; brother – Michael Sammons and wife Sheila and Juston Sammons, all of Mt. Pleasant; a nephew Tyler and a niece Shawna.
His father precedes in death.
A graveside funeral service will be held at 1 PM on Tuesday, April 2 at the Forest Home Cemetery, where interment will take place. The Rev. Gary Van Nyhuis, Associate Pastor, Faith Christian Outreach Church, will officiate. Visitation will be from 9 AM until 12:00 PM on Tuesday at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant.
Online condolences may be directed to wwwkimzeyfh.com
The Mediapolis girls’ team will host a meet tomorrow, April 2nd, with Danville and Winfield-Mt. Union also in attendance.
The Mt. Pleasant boys’ and girls’ teams will travel to Williamsburg for a meet tomorrow.
The Van Buren County girls’ and boys’ teams will participate in a meet tomorrow hosted by WACO.
The Central Lee girls’ team will travel to Fairfield for a meet tomorrow.
The Winfield-Mt. Union boys team will participate in a relay at Mediapolis tomorrow.
The New London girls’ team will travel to WACO for a meet tomorrow.
The New London boys’ team will travel to West Burlington for a meet on Thursday, April 4th.
High School Soccer
The WACO boys’ team will face off against Burlington Notre Dame on the road tonight at 5 pm.
The Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union versus Mt. Pleasant girls’ and boys’ games scheduled for tonight have been canceled due to weather.
Mediapolis will take on Wapello tonight in a road matchup with the girls’ playing first at 5 pm.
The Central Lee boys’ team will host Centerville tomorrow, April 2nd, and the girls’ team will travel to Mid-Prairie on the same day with both games starting at 5 pm.
The Danville boys’ team will battle Mediapolis in a road matchup on Thursday, April 4th, at 5 pm.
High School Tennis
Mt. Pleasant’s match against Keokuk today has been postponed to Friday, April 5th, for both the boys’ and girls’ teams.
High School Golf
The Central Lee boys’ team will take on Holy Trinity Catholic on Thursday, April 4th.
The WACO boys’ and girls’ teams will compete in a meet hosted by New London tomorrow, April 2nd.
The Winfield-Mt. Union boys’ and girls’ teams will travel to Columbus to participate in a meet on Thursday.
The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team had their meet at Washington today postponed to April 16th, while the boys’ had their meet at Fairfield postponed to Wednesday, April 3rd.
Southeastern Community College
For baseball, SCC pulled off the three-game weekend sweep of Southwestern Community College. Game one saw the offense put up eight runs in the first inning as the Blackhawks went on to win 11-1. Carter Gallagher and Connor Maiers each tabbed three RBIs in the contest as Eddy Eveland picked up the win on the mound with six strikeouts.
It took a bit longer for the offense to get going in game two as the Blackhawks piled on five runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to win 7-2. Gallagher continued swinging the hot bat as he knocked two doubles to finish with three RBIs. Mason Behn went 7.1 innings, striking out three to pick up the win.
Game three needed extra innings after the Spartans pushed across two runs in the 7th inning to knot the game at 3. The Blackhawks would go on to win in the bottom of the 10th inning on a walk-off 4-3 finish. Gallagher finished off his impressive weekend with another RBI to bring the total to 7 RBIs in the three games. The Blackhawks will face off against Marshalltown Community College on Wednesday, April 3rd, in a doubleheader on the road.
The SCC softball team will travel to take on Marshalltown Community College on Wednesday in a doubleheader.
College Basketball
The #1-seed Iowa women’s team’s potent offense punched their ticket to the Elite Eight, downing #5 Colorado 89-68. The Hawkeyes had all five starters finish in double figures and the team shot nearly 41% from three-point range. Caitlin Clark, 29 points and 15 assists, and Hannah Stuelke, 11 points and 10 boards, each finished with a double-double. In a rematch of last year’s championship, the Hawkeyes will take on the #3-seed LSU tonight at 6:15 pm.
March Madness
The KILJ bracket challenge, sponsored by The Press Box and Wiley’s Interior Furnishings and Design, is down to the final four and 21 of the 34 brackets still have a champion in the dance.
Standings will be updated today.
This Day in Sports History
1926 – Montreal Maroons’ Clint Benedict becomes the first NHL goalie to record 3 straight playoff shutouts, in a 3-0 win against the visiting Victoria Cougars in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Championship series.
1930 – Chicago Cubs catcher Leo Hartnett breaks the altitude record for a catch by gloving a baseball dropped from the Goodyear blimp 800 feet over Los Angeles, California.
1978 – New York Islanders right wing Mike Bossy becomes the first NHL rookie to score 50 goals in a season after scoring #50 and #51 in the closing moments of a 3-2 win over Washington.
