Postseason High School Baseball
All four championship matches have been set after Class 2A and Class 4A held their semifinal contests last night. Here’s how everything shook out.
In Class 2A, #1 Pleasantville continued to shower runs on their opponents, beating #4 Cascade, 8-5, as the Cougars scored three runs in the 7th inning to make things interesting.
Pulling off another upset was #7 Durant, as the Wildcats scored five runs in the 5th inning, to defeat #3 Unity Christian, 9-4. Colby Gast’s five RBIs led the Wildcats to their program’s first trip to the title game scheduled for 2:30 pm today.
For Class 4A, #1 Sioux City East and #5 Pleasant Valley needed 10 innings to decide who would go to the title game and it was the Spartans coming away with the upset victory, 5-4. Will Frederiksen tabbed two RBIs and a double in the win.
On the bottom half of the bracket, #2 Indianola’s Bryant Richie went the distance on the mound, striking out seven, to lead his squad to an 8-1 win over #6 Valley. The Class 4A championship will be played tonight at 7:30 pm.
The Class 1A championship between #3 Newman Catholic and #8 Moravia is scheduled for today at noon.
In Class 3A, #7 Assumption will take on #1 Wahlert Catholic tonight at 5 pm for the championship.
Postseason High School Softball
In their program’s first state tournament appearance, #1 Grand View Christian was able to fend off #3 Wapsie Valley to win the Class 2A championship, 7-6. Sophie Bird, who was named All-Tournament team captain, crushed a home run, as she led the Thunder with four RBIs.
In another program first, #1 ADM claimed the Class 4A championship over #2 Carlisle, 6-0, behind a complete-game, nine strikeout performance from Lauren Hagedorn in the circle. Kinzie Maxwell of ADM was named All-Tournament team captain.
The Class 1A championship is scheduled for today at 2:30 pm between #2 Clarksville and #8 Edgewood-Colesburg.
For Class 3A, #1 Williamsburg will be looking for the four-peat when they face off against #2 Wahlert Catholic at 5 pm tonight.
Lastly, #1 Waukee Northwest and #2 Ankeny Centennial will tangle for the Class 5A championship tonight at 7:30 pm.
Mt. Pleasant Cross Country
Summer runs are underway for the Mt. Pleasant Cross Country team. These runs are optional but a great way to run with others and get in shape for the fall season. The runs are available to anyone entering 7th through 12th grades. Coaches may not be present at every run, as they are often led by upperclassmen.
On Mondays, the runs will take place at 6:30 am at the Old Threshers Museum Theatre. Wednesdays will be high school speed day at 7 am at Mapleleaf and Tuesdays and Thursdays will take place at Saunders Park by the swimming pool at 7 pm.
The runs will continue through the middle of August until the Mt. Pleasant Cross County camp. If you have any questions, you can contact Coach Lyle Murray at 319-850-0867.
Local Athletic Camps
Wapello will be holding a youth football camp for students entering 3rd through 8th grade starting on August 3rd and running through the 6th from 4 to 5:30 pm. The camp will cost $25 and includes a t-shirt. If you have any questions, then email coach Tony Johnson at tony.johnson@wapellocsd.org.
Here’s the link to register: Wapello Football Camp Registration
New London will host their youth football camp from August 3rd through the 5th from 5 to 7 pm at the high school football field for 1st through 6th graders. The camp is free and participants can sign-up for a t-shirt on the first day of the camp.
Danville High School will be hosting the Soukup Basketball Camp August 7th, going from 5:30 to 8:30 pm, and August 8th and 9th from 2 to 5 pm, for boys and girls entering 3rd through 8th grades. The camp will cost $60 per camper. The registration deadline to receive a t-shirt is Saturday, July 26th.
Here’s a link to register: Soukup Basketball Camp
Southeastern Community College
The Blackhawks announced that Lindsay Wilhelm will be the next head coach of the softball program. Wilhelm, a graduate of SCC, served as the pitching coach this past season, as the team posted a 2.89 ERA and 13 shutouts.
“I’ve always loved coaching, and this is something I’ve always wanted to do,” Wilhelm said. “I’m excited for the opportunity to lead this program.”
As head coach, Wilhelm will oversee all aspects of the softball program, including recruiting, player development, practice planning, and game strategy. She hopes to build a program that competes with energy, represents the college well, and gives local student-athletes an opportunity to succeed close to home.
Prospect League
The Burlington Bees extended their win streak to 11 after dispatching the Clinton LumberKings last night, 9-2. Rowen Bergeron clobbered a home run for four RBIs in the winning effort, while Gavin Awbrey slapped a two-run homer in the loss. The LumberKings will host a rematch tonight at 6:30 pm.
This Day in Sports History
1958 – Ted Williams is fined $250 for spitting at Boston fans again.
1968 – Hoyt Wilhelm pitches in a record 907th major league game breaking Cy Young’s record for pitching appearances. He held the record for 30 years.
1978 – Billy Martin resigns as Yankee manager after “one is a born liar the other a convicted one” comment about George Steinbrenner and Reggie Jackson.