By: Nathan Bloechl — sports@kilj.com
College Wrestling: Former Mediapolis Standout Swafford Moving to Iowa:
Former Mediapolis Bulldog and two-time NAIA National Champion wrestler Brennan Swafford is on his way back to southeast Iowa.
Swafford took to social media Wednesday afternoon to announce that he will be moving from Graceland University to wrestle in black and gold of the University of Iowa.
Swafford is fresh off a terrific campaign that saw him clinch his second national title in as many years for the Yellowjackets, coming from behind to defeat Asher Eichert of Life University by 10-7 decision.
He has won 33 consecutive matches.
At Mediapolis, Swafford helped guide the Bulldogs to the Class 2A team title in 2015.
He won 184 matches as a prep and was a four-time place winner at the state tournament.
A three-time All-American at Graceland, Swafford is now 72-13 as a collegiate.
Prep Wrestling: Marcel Lopez Named Dan Gable Mr. Wrestler:
Fresh off winning his third straight state title New London junior Marcel Lopez is adding to his sterling resume.
Tuesday, Lopez was awarded the Dan Gable Mr. Wrestler of the Year in Class 1A.
In this year’s title reign, Lopez defeated fellow 2020 state champion Brandon Paez for the title.
He also defeated three ranked wrestlers to win the bracket including shutout victories over the No. 2 and No. 3 ranked wrestlers in the class.
He has a chance to be Iowa’s 30th four-time state champion.
Boys’ Soccer: Mount Pleasant to Host Fairfield:
Coming off a 6-nil win earlier in the week, the Mount Pleasant boys’ soccer team will seek to stack success this afternoon when they welcome in the Trojans of Fairfield High School.
Fairfield enters tonight’s fixture with a record of 5-2, they’ve won two straight by a combined margin of 15-1 over bother Burlington and Keokuk.
The Trojans are led by senior forward Xavier Kapijimpanga who has tallied 15 scores this year.
Mount Pleasant senior Dillon Malone, an Iowa Wesleyan recruit, has scored four goals this year to lead the Panthers.
Fairfield won the only other matchup with Mount Pleasant this year, taking an 8-nil result.
Tonight’s fixture will begin at 4:30 p.m. at East Lake Park.
In other soccer tonight:
- Notre Dame/West Burlington at Highland
- Mediapolis at Hillcrest Academy
- Columbus Community/Winfield-Mount Union at West Liberty
Girls’ Soccer: Panthers, Trojans Lock Horns:
For the first time in a week the Mount Pleasant girls’ soccer team will be back on the pitch tonight when they battle Fairfield in a Southeast Conference fixture.
The Panthers, 5-0 on the year, took down Fairfield 7-0 in their previous meeting this year.
The Trojans have lost five straight.
Andrea Lopreato leads the Panthers with 14 goals, while sophomore Elly Manning is the team leader in assists with three.
Emma Pieper has two clean sheets on the season and has made 33 saves.
This evening’s game will begin at 5:00 p.m. at Fairfield High School.
Prep Track: Mount Pleasant Boys, Girls at Pella:
The lead up to the Iowa High School State Track and Field Championships continues on tonight when the Mount Pleasant Panther boys’ and girls’ track and field teams will travel to Pella for a nonconference invite.
Joining the Panthers in Pella is Centerville, Newton, Oskaloosa, Ottumwa, Pella Christian and of course, host Pella.
Action tonight will begin at 4:45 p.m. at Pella High School.
In other prep track tonight:
- WACO will host their home boys’ and girls’ invite in Wayland. Several area schools will be attending including New London, Winfield, Central Lee, Danville, Fort Madison and Mediapolis. Events will get started at 4:30 p.m.
Prep Tennis: Panthers, Fairfield Play Home and Home:
The Mount Pleasant boys’ and girls’ tennis teams will play in a home and home series tonight against the Fairfield Trojans.
The Panther boys’ will be at home at East Lake Park, while the girls’ will travel to Fairfield.
Action will get underway at 4:30 p.m. for both matches.