Christmas Favorites

                                                         By Paige Wiese

            It’s time to start putting up decorations, Christmas is almost here!

Christmas is a time to celebrate and be with family. Some of the Students at Belle Plaine

School shared their Christmas favorites…

            Nettie Miller, 10^th grade said, “My favorite thing about Christmas is the lights, music, potatoes and gravy, and Christmas cookies.”

            Nikki Miller, 11^th grade said, “I like being out of school for a long time. I also like the decorations, and the Christmas food. I love pumpkin pie!”

            Kaley Hamilton, 10^th grade said, “I like the presents, being out of school, seeing my family, and food!”

            Hannah Bean, 10^th grade said, “My favorite thing about Christmas is presents, food, and being out of school, and also four-wheeling with a sled behind the four-wheeler.”

            Austin Vranek, 9^th grade said “I like the Cranberry Jell-O, the money, and all of the food!”

            Kameo Pope, 9^th grade said, “My favorite part of Christmas is getting presents! I LOVE EGGNOG , I like when it snows, I like the food, and the cookies.”

            Miranda Pope, 11^th grade, “I like looking at the Christmas lights, the yummy eggnog, the good food, the presents, and a break from school.

            Cody Chekal, 11^th grade said, “Well, pie is delicious! Definitely not going to school for a long time, and I like the presents and stuff.”

            Mikayla Mason, 10^th grade said, “My favorite things about Christmas are the Christmas tree. I also love eggnog and the mistletoe.”

            There are a lot of things about Christmas that make a joyous and fun-filled holiday season. Enjoy your holiday and stay safe this season! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Dear Santa,     

            This year I have been a good kid. I have gotten good grades and I’ve obeyed my parents and I’ve also stayed out of trouble. I feel I deserve a few good things for Christmas this year.

            For Christmas this year I would like several things, but here are a few things that I would really like. I would love some seat covers for my car. Having a new, bigger T.V. would also be amazing! One thing that I really hope comes true is that I can spend more time with my sister Shelby like we use to.

            If you could give me at least one of those presents that I would like, that’d be wonderful.

                                                            Sincerely,

                                                                        Cheyann Markham

Dear Santa,

            I don’t know if you remember me from last year or the year before or the year before or any of the other previous years, but my name is Alexandria Sarah Mikell Brown.  I’m 16 and I’ve been waiting for that pony for five years, now.  I really want that pony.  I think I really deserve that pony!  And when you give me the pony, I’m going to name it horse.  Because my dad says I can’t have a horse until I’m like 50, so I decided I want a pony to name horse.

            I really, really, really deserve the pony because it’s my life long dream to drink milk shakes with my pony named horse. Plus, I’ve been doing pretty well in school and doing all my chores at home.

Sincerely,

Alexandria Sarah Mikell Brown

Ps…I want a new tooth brush and some of that minty toothpaste too! And don’t for the Jonas Bros. CD!

Resolutions for 2011

By Josh McGrane

            It is tradition for people to make yearly New Years’ Resolutions, but they rarely stick to them.  Belle Plaine Junior-Senior High School students have goals for 2011 that they plan to follow through with.

David Dietze, senior, “Graduate in May”

Tucker Gerard, senior, “To get my truck fixed and get promoted in the National Guard.”

Sam Brennecke, senior, “To read 100 books”

Nick Bachelder, junior, “To read the daily paper cover to cover”

Nikki Miller, junior, “Have good grades by the end of the school year.”

Sasha Embry, sophomore, “To get through 10^th grade.”

Josh McGrane, sophomore, “My New Year’s resolution is to master playing the bag pipes.”

Austin Beck, sophomore, “Lift weights on a regular basis.”

Logan Phillippe, freshman, “To pass all my classes.”

Elizabeth Papesh, freshman, “I want to get better grades.”

Jacob Miller, 8^th grade, “Stay in shape and improve on my wrestling skills.”

RJ Northup, 8^th grade, “Change my bad habits into good ones.”

Dane Blocker, 7^th grade, “To master the next Xbox 360 game that is released.”

            2011 can be a new beginning or just another year.  What will you do differently this year?

A Little Christmas History

By Austin Brown

            A holiday is a day set apart each year for religious or patriotic observance, or in memory of a special event or famous person.  Legal holidays in the United States are decided by the individual states and the states have approved these days for celebration.  Banks, many businesses, and schools are often closed on legal holidays. Christmas would be one such holiday.

            Religiously Christmas is the day set aside to celebrate the birthday of Jesus Christ.  For children in the United State, Christmas is trees with ornaments, holiday food, Christmas carols, Santa Claus, and presents. 

            Many legends and customs surround the Christmas celebration.  The tale of Saint Nicholas, whose bulging bag overflows with gifts for good children, is a favorite.  The original Saint Nicholas was a bishop who lived in what is now Turkey about 1,700 years ago.  He spent his life doing good deeds.  The Dutch people called his Sinterklass.  His fame spread to America, where his name was changed to Santa Claus. 

            Today children think of him as a plump, jolly fellow who travels in a reindeer-drawn sled, slides down the chimney when they’re asleep, and leaves them gifts under their tree.   So, be good little children and Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Coach Yilek

Coach Yilek

By Chase Bryant 

Coach Bob Yilek has retired as Belle Plaine head wrestling coach. After twenty-five years of coaching, he leaves a legacy behind.

Some of Yilek’s accomplishments were a 4^th place state title during his high school career. Yilek has coached at Belle Plaine for twenty-five years and was an assistant coach for four years. Under Coach Yilek, Belle Plaine has won seventeen conference championships. Coach Yilek has also been awarded National Wrestling Coach of the Year. Many students have been influenced by Coach Yilek.  8^th graders, Caleb Morrow and Josh Long, are two athletes that have had the privilege of getting to know Yilek and have commented on their experiences.

Caleb Morrow commented…

What did you participate in that he coached?

“I participated in 7^th and 8^th grade football, and 7^th grade wrestling.”

What is your most memorable moment with coach?

 “When we play football, he makes up nicknames for people. Tristan Cecak’s nickname is JUNEBUG.”

What is the best thing about coach?

“That he is a very good coach, and he teaches his students very well.”

 Josh Long stated…

What did you participate in that he coached?

 “Jr. high football and weightlifting”

What is your most memorable moment with coach?

 “All the funny things he would say at football practice, or when he took a kickoff to the chest from Vance Bohlen.”

What is the best thing about coach?

“He helped me always get better and stronger. He pushed me to do my best in everything I did.”

Coach Yilek has had many accomplishments in his wrestling career. After the 2009-2010 season, Yilek has decided to hang up his wrestling shoes. The new wrestling coach of Belle Plaine is Brandon Heying, Belle Plaine 6^th grade teacher.  Best wishes to both Coach Yilek and Coach Heying.

Coach Yilek

By Lance Hinschberger

Coach Yilek or as others say Mr. Yilek resigned as the head wrestling coach last year. He is and was a big part of the Belle Plaine School District. He has influenced many people throughout his life. Coach Yilek reveals a few things about his life.

Where were you born and raised?

 “I was born and raised in Luzerne until I was seven years old and then I lived in the Belle Plaine area.”

Who are all in your immediate family?

“Emil and Lucille are my parents, my brother Roger, and my four sisters Barb Martin, Diane Lennie, Linda Meyer, and Julie Fisher.”

What sports were you involved in high school and college?

“In high school I was involved in football, wrestling, track, and baseball. I wrestled for Coe College.”

Who influenced you in your life?

“My mother, brother, and sisters have all had an influence on me, along with my wife. Also, many coaches, teachers, and friends have made an impact in my life. I have had so much support. It has been awesome!”

Where did you go to college?

“I went to Coe College.”

What did you earn your degree in at Coe College?

“I have a teaching degree in physical education and health.”

When and how did you meet your wife?

“Barb and I met in my sophomore year in 1977 at a Keystone dance.”

When did you get married?

“We were married in 1986.”

What is the best thing about Mrs. Yilek?

 “Barb is a very thoughtful and caring person that always has a positive attitude about life.”

When and where did you start your first coaching job?

“I was an assistant wrestling coach at Vinton in 1984-1985. My first head coaching position was at Woodbine High School in the 1986-1987 school year.”

What are some of your greatest accomplishments as a head wrestling coach?

“I think back about the state trophies and big wins, but the biggest accomplishments I have are having the opportunity to work with so many great people and helping them try and reach their goals. Also, it is an accomplishment to see people I’ve coached become successful as adults in our society.”

How many state qualifiers have you had, how many of them were state place winners, and how many were state champions while you were the head coach?

“There were 120 state qualifiers, 68 place winners, and I coached 10 state champions.”

What is/are one of your favorite quote(s) to live by?

“The harder I work, the luckier I get!” and “Today is going to be a great day!”

What would you like people and the community to know about you?

 “That I care about people and will help them in anyway I can! Also, I love M&M’s!!”

Coach Yilek has helped out so many people. Teachers, students, athletes, community members, and pretty much about anyone he could. He is a very hard worker and will do a lot to help you reach your daily, long-term, or any goal you may have. So, if you see Mr. Yilek around at school, downtown, or anywhere he might be, give him a smile, hello, and a thank you for everything he has done for this school district and community and don’t forget to buy him some M&M’s in appreciation!

Coach Yilek

By Shayla Hinschberger

Mr. Yilek is a big part of the Belle Plaine Community Schools. Lance Hinschberger is a student at Belle Plaine High School, who has been influenced by Mr. Yilek as a teacher and coach. Here are a few questions Lance answered about Coach Yilek.

When did you first meet Mr. Yilek?

“My first year of wrestling when I was 5 years old.”

What would you say Mr. Yilek is like?

“He is an honest, noble, and hard working man.”

What has he done to help you through out the years?

“He has not only made me a better wrestler but a better person.”

What was your most memorable moment with Coach Yilek?

“When he coached me in the conference finals when I pulled an upset my freshman year.”

What is the biggest thing Coach Yilek has ever taught you?

“When you get into tough situations, never give up and to believe in myself.”

What is something about Mr. Yilek that you are really going to miss this wrestling season?

“His intensity and love for the sport.”

Coach Yilek resigned after last season as the head wrestling coach. The wrestlers will definitely miss him this year and for years to come.

Thoughts from Zakk Buch

Class of 2010

Yilek has been the most influential and caring wrestling coach I have ever had the privilege of working with.  He put in hours upon hours of extra time and effort into turning every individual on the wrestling team into the young adults and men we have become today.  He saw a potential in each and every one of us that sometimes we couldn’t see ourselves.  And he didn’t let us give up on our teammates or on ourselves until we reached our potential.  Coach Yilek instilled a sense of hard work and persistence in me that I will never forget and that will continue to shape who I am and who I will become.

Coach Yilek

Parents Commend Yilek

By Dani Chilcote

During Mr. Yilek’s years at Belle Plaine as a student and a teacher, he has grown up with some of the students parents. He has also met parents through coaching the students.

Rick Chilcote is a parent/school mate that has answered some questions about Mr. Yilek.

How do you know Mr. Yilek?

“Mr. Yilek and I went to school together.”

What are some memories you have of Mr. Yilek?

“I remember participating in track and football with him.”

How do you think coach Yilek has effected BP wrestling over the years?

“He has kept a good BP wrestling tradition and through his commitment to the sport has helped others do their best also.”

What do you think Yilek wants best for the students?

“I think he wants them to do their best or do the best they can do.”

Bonny Chilcote is also a parent of one of the BP students?

How do you know Mr. Yilek?

“I went to school and the same college with Mr. Yilek.”

How do you think coach Yilek has effected BP wrestling over the years?

“I think he has lead by example and expects the students to put the same effort and commitment that he has.”

What do you think Mr. Yilek wants best for the students?

“I think he wants the students to do their best and put all their effort into doing their best and to have pride in doing their best.”

Never Forgotten

By: Melissa Stull

Coach Bob Yilek has been a tremendous part of Belle Plaine’s Wrestling Program for the many years that he had coached here. I believe he has made an impact on every athlete that has ever been coached by him or even just worked out with him. Coach Yilek is a very determined man who always gives his best effort.

As a manager for the wrestling team, Coach Yilek gives you much appreciation and makes you feel like part of the team. As a team “we are all one big family,” as Coach always said. Everyone encourages everyone. We have many memories together from the wrestling trip to the rock climbing walls to little jokes during practice.

Coach Yilek has not only inspired his athletes and managers from the last few years he coached, but his past athletes and managers also.

Former manager, Michelle Stull says, “That he is not only a good coach in athletics, but he would also teach the boys manners. The boys would always have to say please and thank you when we would refill there water bottles.”

Former manager Megan Foley says, “He molded me in to the best person I could possibly be. He made an enormous impact on my life in just four years, and I feel truly blessed that I had the chance to learn from him.”

Although Coach Yilek has resigned from his head coaching job at Belle Plaine High School, he will never be forgotten as a coach and as a person. There will always be fond memories of him in the wrestling room. He is a historical coach and a great friend.

His Biggest Fan… Mrs. Yilek!

By Connor Roth

There is no doubt that Mr. Yilek is an inspiration to his students and athletes. His determination and self-discipline make us all look up to him, but he’s not superman, somebody has to be helping. That’s where Mrs. Yilek comes in!

Born in Marengo and raised on a farm near Blairstown, Mrs. Yilek grew up with six brothers and three sisters—there couldn’t have been a dull moment in that house!

She graduated from Benton Community High School and went on to Central College for two years. She later attended the University of Northern Iowa for two years and Northwest Missouri State for one year, all in pursuance of a degree in elementary education with an early childhood endorsement. After her college education, she taught at Madison Elementary and Greenwood Elementary in Des Moines before she came to Longfellow in Belle Plaine, where she currently teaches kindergarten.

Mr. Yilek came into the picture long before then, though.

“He attended Belle Plaine High School, and I went to Benton Community. We met during a high school dance where my best friend, who was dating his best friend, introduced us,” she recalled. They’ve been with each other ever since!

Together, they enjoy spending time with their families. Between them they have 52 nieces and nephews! They also like riding bike trails, watching the Iowa Hawkeyes and Northern Iowa Panthers, yard work, and traveling with their friends. Much of their time is also spent at Mrs. Yilek’s brother’s house.

“My brother and his wife have an awesome go-cart track!” she mentioned.

We can’t forget about his coaching season though! Mrs. Yilek could never forget all the young men’s lives her husband has influenced throughout the years. They often hear from former wrestlers about how the sport has taught them hard work and dedication which significantly helped them in their work and family life. Her most unforgettable memory though, was at 2001 State Team Duals against Don Bosco. The last match would decide the champions. The wrestler, Derek Beal, was on his back, about to be pinned, when he suddenly reversed his opponent and pinned him!

“The U.S. Cellular center erupted into cheers for Belle Plaine!” she remembers.

It is obvious that she greatly enjoys the sport just like her husband does.

“He has a sense of dedication to whatever he does, that’s one of the best things about him,” she told me.

Millions of memories, some sad losses, some unforgettable wins, great success, and a whole lot of heart were in all of those years of coaching and it is easy to see just how proud of her husband Mrs. Yilek is for all of that.

A Man Who Made His MarkBy Elizabeth Papesh

             Belle Plaine High School has benefited from a man who has been around coaching and teaching for many years.  People who have met him or know him have good things to say about him.  Mr. Bob Yilek is a man who has made his mark in Belle Plaine, Iowa.

            Mrs. Maxwell, BPHS English teacher, has known Mr. Yilek for four years.  She said that Mr. Yilek is very friendly and caring and that he always has a smile on his face and says “hello” to everyone.

            Mrs. Drexler, BPHS paraprofessional, has also known Mr. Yilek for four years and has worked with Mr. Yilek in Health class with modifications and accommodations of materials.  She commented that Mr. Yilek is a dedicated man who is always willing to go the extra mile to help a student or staff member.

            Ms. Daily, BP Schools Counselor, has known Mr. Yilek for several years and has taught with him for ten years.  As a youngster she remembers hearing about this “awesome wrestler” named Bob Yilek.  She said Mr. Yilek has many admirable qualities. One is intensity because he doesn’t settle for anything less that the best, and he gives 110 percent to everything he does.  Mr. Yilek completely follows through and accomplishes his goals. Another admirable quality Daily mentioned was DEDICATION. She said Mr. Yilek is whole-heartedly dedicated to so many aspects of life…to students, to athletes, to family, and to friends.

            Daily also comments on other memories, “As a new teacher to the BP district, I really wanted to add some new pizzazz to my classes and student experiences.  Two traditions we tried to start were a speech class pep rally/skit and the Homecoming Shin-dig.  I’ll never forget how helpful Mr. Yilek was with these two developments.  He was eager to contribute any way he could and didn’t’ hesitate to support our efforts to bolster Plainsmen Pride…whether it was helping us design an All-Star Wrestling ring or forfeiting gym time so we could practice…he was always very supportive.  He didn’t have to be so flexible or helpful…but he was.  Mr. Yilek is a great team player and really wants what’s best for students and staff.  I’ve always been able to count on him for any help needed in any situation.”

            Mr. Yilek has been around for a long time and knows many people in the school and community.  He continues to be an asset to Belle Plaine Schools and the community of Belle Plaine.

Tough as Nails

By Alexis C Wilson

Physical education is not my best subject, just ask Mr.Yilek. That doesn’t mean he doesn’t push me any harder than the rest of the student body. No matter what, he always tries his hardest to motivate kids that don’t care for much exercise.

Sasha Embry, ’13, explains how understanding coach is when it comes to altering P.E and making it work for the individual.

Christina Brake, ’13, elaborates on how important physical education is, and if you miss a day, it’s vital to make it up to get a good grade and to be active!

Philip Farr, ’13, says he expects students to do their best and a little bit more in physical activities.

James Johnson, ’13, says Mr. Yilek always has a positive attitude and is full of encouragement.

Cheyenne Robison, ’11, reveals that Yilek is willing to help students not only with athletics, but with class work, too.

Mr. BobYilek is an inspiration to family, friends, faculty as well as students. He will be missed as Belle Plaine Wrestling head coach.

Saying Good-Bye to a Champion

By: Sterling Formanek

As many of you know and have had the opportunity to watch Bob Yilek coach our youth, he has been a great mentor at Belle Plaine Community School District. Mr. Yilek has been nominated and voted coach of the year; it has set him apart from most coaches.  He has been an inspiration to our students, not only as a wrestling coach, but also as a teacher and colleague.              

Yilek is a big believer in starting with high standards and raising the bar to the next level.  As he strives for a higher level of performance from his wrestlers and students, to be the best that they can be, it requires a proper mentality from within. This gives students the ability and drive to work on the things necessary to go to the next level. If wrestlers and students don’t progress, they backslide into bad habits, laziness, and poor attitude.       

Yilek has given and still gives his all, which comes from the heart. Mr. Yilek gave his wrestlers an amazing picture of what it takes to win–in life and on the mat. Belle Plaine High School, they only had great things to say,

Mr. Allen~ “Mr. Yilek is a great coach who has pushed kids beyond limits they thought they could achieve.”

Dawn Stull~ “Mr. Yilek is not only a great coach, he is an awesome person. He is a great example for all students and staff.”

Kris Baburek~ “Mr. Yilek is a great coach and teacher. He always has a positive attitude and is always willing to help out. He is a great asset to our community.”

Mrs. Coleman~ “Bob Yilek is a phenomenal person. He is not only a great teacher and coach, but he is a role model for students. He has high expectations but doesn’t expect anything he couldn’t do himself.”                                                                                                   

Mr. Prather~ “Bob Yilek has always been very welcoming and energetic.”

Mr. Dahlquist~ “Mr. Yilek is a great coach who could always get the most out of kids.”

Mrs. Mantz~ “Bob Yilek is very energetic. He takes great pride in what he does and lives what he teaches as in eating healthy, exercising, and being positive.”

Mrs. Ridout~ “Mr. Yilek is a man of his word, a dedicated coach and teacher.”

Mrs. Brown~ “Mr. Yilek is a very positive influence for the staff and students at Belle Plaine High School.”

Yilek has touched many people over the years as a coach and colleague. Yilek will continue to grab your attention and always be part of the student’s life even though he has retired as BP head wrestling coach. No matter the audience, he will leave you motivated, inspired, and ready to take on the world, much like he has done with his wrestling teams at Belle Plaine High School.

Coach Yilek