By: Nathan Bloechl — sports@kilj.com
College Golf: Mount Pleasant’s Wilson Commits to Iowa Wesleyan:
Mount Pleasant senior golfer Brevin Wilson is keeping his roots nearby.
Yesterday, the standout senior committed to golf collegiately at Iowa Wesleyan University, a huge get for Kurt Moon’s men’s team.
Wilson, who has the ability to dominate the circuit this spring, was a decorated member of the 2019 State Qualifying Team and is eager to get back onto the course after the COVID cancelled spring of 2020.
Wilson said the decision to golf at the next level in his hometown was an easy one.
“Well I’ve known Coach Moon, for all my life. When they went to NAIA I was all ears. Staying in your hometown, keeping all your connections and playing at courses you’ve played before with friends. That checked a lot of boxes for me.” Wilson said.
Now with his commitment out of the way, Wilson’s focus returns to his senior season, where he will be the unquestioned leader of Rob Zeglen’s group.
Wilson says the Panthers should be in the mix for the top spot in the Southeast Conference — with good infusion of young talent and holdover pieces from that 2019 State Qualifying group.
“I think we can have a good run for the conference title and the sectional team title. The year we went to state, we had six guys that could really hit it hard and straight.” Wilson explained.
Weather permitting, the Panthers will get their season underway this afternoon in a home varsity triangular against both Keokuk and Washington.
Other tennis around the area tonight:
- Winfield-Mount Union vs. Lone Tree at Blue Top Ridge
- Wapello vs. Mediapolis at Heritage Oaks
Prep Track: Panther Boys, Girls at Washington:
Weather permitting the Mount Pleasant Panther boys’ and girls’ track teams will be competing at Washington today at the Washington Relays.
There the Panthers will compete against Columbus, Fairfield, Fort Madison, Highland, Iowa City Liberty, Keokuk, Mid-Prairie, WACO and Washington.
Both the boys’ and girls’ are coming off 5th place finishes at the Williamsburg Invite earlier this week.
Events today will begin at 3:30 p.m. at Case Field in Washington.
Other area track tonight:
- Danville, Lone Tree, Mediapolis and New London all travel to West Burlington/Notre Dame. Events will begin at 4:30 p.m.
Prep Tennis: Mount Pleasant Boys’ Host, Girls’ Travel to Fort Madison:
The Mount Pleasant boys’ and girls’ tennis teams are in action tonight when the boys’ host Fort Madison, while the girls’ while travel to Fort Madison for a Southeast Conference tilt.
Both matches will begin at 4:30 p.m.
The Panther boys’ are coming off a Monday loss to Keokuk.
Other area tennis tonight:
- Notre Dame/West Burlington boys’ at Keokuk
- Notre Dame/West Burlington girls’ host Keokuk
Boys’ Soccer: Panther Boys’ Host Keokuk:
Following a 4-0 loss to Columbus on Monday, the Mount Pleasant boys’ soccer team will be back on their home pitch tonight when they host Keokuk.
This will be the Southeast Conference opener for the Panthers, who were blanked in their first fixture of the season.
Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m. this afternoon.
The Panther boys’ play their home tilts at East Lake Park.
Women’s College Basketball: Wesleyan Women Lose in Quarterfinals:
The Iowa Wesleyan women’s basketball team fell in the quarterfinals of the SLIAC Conference Tournament yesterday to Westminster, dropping 85-69 — ending their season.
Westminster, the No. 2 seed, used a 30-18 third quarter run to spring the game open after leading by just seven at recess.
Morgan McCrea paced the Tiger attack with 20 points, while Hannah Sykora chipped in with 13 points.
Avylina Powell-Qualo led the Lady Jays with 20 points.
Wesleyan ends their season with a record of 2-13.
Steve Williamson resumes control of the program moving forward, effective immediately.
Men’s College Basketball: Wesleyan Against Blackburn in SLIAC Semis:
The Iowa Wesleyan men’s basketball team will take on Blackburn tonight in the SLIAC Conference Tournament semifinals just days after upsetting Webster University on the road in the quarterfinals.
This will be the third meeting between Wesleyan and Blackburn, with the Beavers taking the first game 81-61, then coming from behind for a 77-76 win over Wesleyan at Ruble Arena on March 27th.
Should Wesleyan win, the Tigers would advance to the Conference Tournament championship.
Tonight’s game will tip at 7:00 p.m.
You can watch the game here.