Mt. Pleasant Athletics
The Mapleleaf Athletic complex was buzzing last night as the high school hosted a football camp for 1st graders through 8th graders that will continue tonight. New Head Coach John Bowlin takes over the squad this season after spending 15 years at Iowa Valley Community High School teaching and coaching.
Coach Bowlin talked about how exciting it is to see a large turnout from the younger kids in the community.
Culture is a big teaching point with Bowlin in his first season as the former Panther graduate looks for his team to give maximum effort with the first official practice starting August 7th.
Volleyball also started their camp yesterday at the high school as they start their journey with new head coach Logan Wall.
Volleyball starts their season on Monday, August 21st, against Burlington and football hosts Fairfield on August 25th to ring in the new season.
Mt. Pleasant Cross Country
On Mondays and Wednesdays, runs will begin at the Old Threshers Museum Theatre at 6:30 am.
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, runs will start at 7 pm at Saunders Park by the swimming pool.
The runs will continue throughout the summer until the middle of August. If you have any questions, reach out to Coach Murray at 319-850-0867.
College Football Rankings
The NCAA released their “way-too-early” rankings for the 2023 season and the list featured five Big Ten teams. The highest ranking belonged to Michigan as the Wolverines were ranked #2 overall. Iowa’s offense should see some improvement this season with senior transfer Cade McNamara taking over the quarterback position as he is on the Maxwell Award watch list this season. This projected improvement has them sitting at #21 as the college football season is three weeks away from starting.
Prospect League
The Burlington Bees fell in both games of their doubleheader last night to the Thrillville Thrillbillies, 17-6 in game one and 8-5 in game two. Keanu Spenser led the charge in game one with a three-run homer in the 5th inning with Corey Boyette adding two RBIs of his own.
Not done showing off his power, Spenser proceeded to knock another baseball over the fence in game two for two more RBIs in the losing effort. The Bees have tonight off and will take on the LumberKings tomorrow on the road.
The Clinton LumberKings had their own doubleheader against the Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp last night and won both of their matchups: 13-8 in game one and 9-4 in game two. Will MacLean was a man possessed at the plate in game one, clobbering two home runs on his way to a team leading three RBIs. Eight members of the LumberKings had at least one RBI in game one.
MacLean notched two more RBIs in the game two win with Brandon Vicko showing off the power with a home run of his own and 3 RBIs to the winning effort. The LumberKings will host the Normal CornBelters tonight.
This Day in Sports History
1945 – NY Giants outfielder Mel Ott hits historic 500th MLB home run off Braves Johnny Hutchings, joins Babe Ruth and Jimmy Foxx as only the players to reach the milestone.
1957 – Gil Hodges hits his 13th MLB career grand slam, a National League record, and the last ever by a Brooklyn Dodgers player.
1994 – Baltimore shortstop Cal Ripken Jr. becomes only the second player after Lou Gehrig to appear in 2,000 consecutive MLB games, in a 1-0 win vs Twins.