2011 STATE WRESTLING NOTESWells Fargo Arena, Des Moines Wednesday, Feb. 16 thru Saturday,February 19
WHO’S COUNTING? This is Iowa’s 91st high school state wrestling meet – the 86th under the auspices of the Iowa High School Athletic Association.
THE CROWDS: The 10-session meet has averaged nearly 77,000 fans the last eight years. Saturday’s championship round of 42 matches is sold out for the 22nd straight year, making it the toughest ticket to obtain in Iowa high school sports.
BACK TO DEFEND: Last year’s team champions have qualified well and seek to repeat. They are 3-A – Waverly-Shell Rock (163); 2-A – Denver-Tripoli (148) and 1-A – Don Bosco, Gilbertville (119).
RECORD POSSIBILITIES:  Don Bosco, Gilbertville is shooting for its sixth straight title, a feat that has never been accomplished by a coach (TomKettman) or team. The Dons have a total of nine team championships (fifth most in all classes). Waverly-Shell Rock is in search of its fifth title, with the previous four all since 2005.
HEY GIRLS: For the first time ever in 91 previous tournaments, the qualifiers have a new look with the inclusion of two girls. Cedar Falls freshman Cassy Herkelman (20-13) and Ottumwa sophomore Megan Black (25-13) each qualified at 112 lbs. as a runner-up. With that glass ceiling broken, the next step is for the girls to try and make the medal round. The opening rounds of Class 3A begin at 9 a.m. Thursday. Ms Herkelman’s first round foe is Linn-Mar sophomore Joel Northrup (35-4), a district champion while Bettendorf freshman Logan Ryan (26-7), another district champion, faces Ms.Black in an opening match. A total of 39 females wrestled in Iowa high school programs this winter. Iowa girls have participated on high school programs for over 20 years. State rules allow female students to participate in a boys sport when their school does not offer a comparable sport.
LEADING THE QUALIFYING: Following are the top three teams in each class from 2010 and the teams boasting the most qualifiers in this year’s tournament.3-A – 2010 Top 3: 1) Waverly-Shell Rock 163; 2) Bettendorf 138; 3) Urbandale 101.   Leading Qualifiers: 13 – Bettendorf; 12 – Waverly-Shell Rock; 11 –  Iowa City West; Southeast Polk, 10 – Valley, WDM ; 8 – Lewis Central; Mason City, Linn-Mar; 7 – Prairie, Cedar Rapids 2-A – 2010Top 3: 1) Denver-Tripoli 148; 2) Assumption, Davenport 109; 3) Ballard 103   Leading Qualifiers: 12 – Assumption, Davenport; 9 – Ballard; 8 – Atlantic; 7 – Creston/Orient-Macksburg; Denver-Tripoli; 6 – Independence; West Delaware, Manchester; New Hampton; and Spirit Lake Park 1-A – 2010 Top 3: 1) Don Bosco, Gilbertville 119; 2) Eddyville-Blakesburg 70.50; 3) Alburnett 57   Leading Qualifiers: 10 – Logan-Magnolia; 6 – Don Bosco, Gilbertville; Manson-Northwest Webster; 5 – Graettinger-Terril, Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn, Underwood, West Branch, Martensdale-St. Marys, Interstate 35, Truro; B-G-M, Brooklyn; Alburnett, Lisbon, Nashua-Plainfield
BETTENDORF TRYING TO END MAC DRAUGHT: Bettendorf, which leads the 3A teams with 13 qualifiers, will seek to end the Mississippi Athletic Conference’s 24-year absence of winning the Class 3A team throne. Since Clinton took home the gold trophy in 1987, the large school title has been won 10 times by Mississippi Valley Conference schools; five times by CIML teams, five times each by Waverly-Shell Rock; four by Lewis Central, and once by Oskaloosa. In that time span, another MAC king pin, Assumption Davenport, has recorded three Class 2A titles teams (1995, 1998 and 1999).
10 STRAIGHT TIMES THREE: Logan-Magnolia has one of the more successful programs in the state. This season the Panthers became the first team ever to win a tenth straight sectional and district tournament, and their tenth straight regional team tourney. They lead the Class 1A teams with 10 qualifiers. The Panthers with the 2005 title were the last Class 1A team to win top honors, other than Don Bosco which has reeled off five straight.
FOUR NOT:  Although the quality of this year’s field compares favorably with previous years, no wrestler will be going for a grueling fourth straight title
THREE-TIME AMIGOS: Seven wrestlers could win their third straight title. By class, those seeking to add their name to the list of 67 three-time kingsare: Class 3-A: John Meeks, Des Moines Roosevelt (130 lbs., 41-0); Cory Clark, Southeast Polk (119 lbs., 41-0); Cody Caldwell, Waverly-Shell Rock(152 lbs., 40-2); and Cody Krumwiede, Waverly-Shell Rock (285 lbs., 41-1).Class 2A: Tanner Weatherman, Ballard (171 lbs., 40-1) and Austin Blythe, Williamsburg (285 lbs., 45-1). Class 1A: Christopher Halblom, Alburnett (125 lbs., 40-0).
POSSIBLE TWO-TIME CHAMPS: Fifteen athletes will target securing a second state gold medal this weekend. By class they are as follow. 1-A (4): Jordan Bremer, Woodbury Central (103); Tyler Shulista, Alburnett (119); Logan Mulnix, North-Linn, Troy Mills (135); and Robert Walker, Martensdale-St.Marys (140); 2-A (6): Dylan Peters, Denver-Tripoli (112); Sawyer Farris, New London/Winfield-Mt. Union (119); Brandon Sorensen, Denver-Tripoli (130); Jake Marlin, Creston/Orient-Macksburg (135); Tanner Hiatt, Ballard (145) and Aaron Sorenson, Forest City (145); 3-A (5): Tyler Willers, Pleasant Valley (112); Eric DeVos, Waverly-Shell Rock (119); Adam Perrin, North Scott (130); Levi Peters, Fort Dodge (171 – champ last year at Twin River Valley); and Brody Berrie, Southeast Polk (285)
SEEKING PERFECTION: Twenty-eight wrestlers will start the tournament undefeated in their weight division. Class 1-A (11): Jordan Bremer, Woodbury Central, Moville (103 sophomore 41-0); Chris Halblom (125 senior, 40-0); Robert Walker, Martensdale-St.Marys (140 junior, 42-0); Matt Finch, Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn (145 senior, 29-0); Dallas Houchins, Interstate 35, Truro (152 senior,32-0); Kyle Soderblom, Lynnville-Sully (189 senior, 45-0); Dalton Peterson, Woodbine(189 senior, 47-0); Nate Howard, Graettinger-Terril (215 senior, 42-0); Trent Baker, Westwood, Sloan (215 senior, 40-0); Caleb White, Tri-Center, Neola (285 senior, 33-0); and Brendan Ter Wee, West Lyon, Inwood (285 senior, 34-0).Class 2A (12): Tyler Bartels, Riceville-Saint Ansgar (103 senior, 40-0); Dylan Peters, Denver-Tripoli (112 junior 46-0); Topher Carton, Assumption, Davenport (119 junior, 39-0); Chase Flack, JSPCEG (119 senior, 38-0); Jacob Conlon (125 senior, 32-0); Brody Grothus, Assumption, Davenport (145 senior, 45-0); Thomas Reyhons, Assumption, Davenport (160 senior, 12-0); Kyle Lux, South Tama County (160 senior, 36-0); Colton Vant Hof, Sioux Center (senior 171, 35-0); Blaize Cabell, Independence (189 senior, 41-0); Devin Lemke, Iowa Falls-Alden (215 senior, 23-0); and Kane Seeley, Perry (215 junior, 43-0).Class 3A (5): Cory Clark, Southeast Polk (119 junior, 41-0); Eric DeVos, Waverly-Shell Rock (119 junior, 42-0); John Meeks, Des Moines Roosevelt (130 junior, 41-0); Zach Witte, Prairie, Cedar Rapids (145 junior, 34-0); and Taylor Berger, Carroll (160 senior, 36-0).
BY THE NUMBERS: The 672 qualifiers blanket Iowa.  They hail from 224 programs representing 245 high schools. Eighty-six teams in Class 1-A have at least one qualifier while Class 2-A sports 79 teams and Class 3-A numbers 59.
GRAND MARCH ESCORTS:  In this year’s 42nd annual Grand March the honor of escorting the 336 medal winners into the arena on Saturday night is awarded to the team doctors and athletic trainers. Doctors have been an integral part of the tournament each year of its existence. Iowa State University has provided athletic trainers for the tournament since 1972. These professionals are emblematic of the many sports medicine people around our state who take a keen interest in students. Doctors Dennis Zachary and Timothy McCoy, both from Mercy South Medical Clinic in Des Moines and who are tournament doctors for the tenth year, along with athletic trainers Joshua Miley and Frank Randall, each from Iowa State University will lead this year’s 336 athletes into the arena Saturday night. Miley organizes and supervises the tournament athletic trainers while Randall launched an athletic trainers out-reach program for schools when he came to ISU in 1970.That program partnered with the IHSAA  for many of its events starting with the State Wrestling Tournament in 1972.
FIVE JOIN WRESTLING HALL OF FAME: Five new members of the IHSAA Wrestling Hall of Fame will be inducted Saturday night during the Awards Ceremony. A sketch of each follows.  KENNETH MEACHAM, Mason City: An outstanding athlete in an era when only eight athletes in each weight class could reach the State Tournament, Meacham was featured on strong Mason City teams. He was a three time state qualifier and place winner. Known for solid fundamentals, he finished third(118 lbs.) in the 1948 tourney and capped his career with back-to-back championships at 123 lbs. in 1949 and 1950. He lost just one match during his final two seasons and avenged that setback with a semifinal round victory in the 1950 State Tournament. He enlisted in the U.S. Marines following high school and continued to wrestle in the Armed Forces program.He recorded over 48 wins in two seasons and was often named the outstanding wrestler of many meets. He served gallantly in the Korean Conflict and won the Purple Heart for Bravery for his heroism. Severe injuries during the war ended his wrestling career. After returning home he married his wife Rosemarie and they raised daughters Kri  sti, Donna and Lori and a son Jay while creating an extensive cattle operation near Mason City. BRAD SMITH, Iowa City High: Smith was a two-time unbeaten Illinois state champion and a 1976 NCAA champion for the University of Iowa, where he lettered four seasons and wrestled on two national championship teams. He has become one of Iowa’s top prep coaches. In 13 seasons at Lisbon (132-26) and the previous 19 at Iowa City High (310-114), his teams have now won over 450 dual matches, which is third best all-time. His teams have also won a total of 10 traditional state titles, second highest in Iowa annals. They also have finished second nine times. A multiple winner of district coach-of-the-year honors, he was Iowa coach-of-the-year in 1986 and named national Coach-of-the-Year in 1990 when his Lisbon team won its third straight championship and seventh overall under his guidance. His teams have added five State Dual Team titles. In his previous 32 seasons, he has coached 216 state qualifiers with 121 medal winners including 41 state champions. A member of numerous halls of  fame, he and his wife Connie reside in Iowa City where they have raised three sons – Jacob, Cody and Colton. He still teaches and coach at City High.
MIKE LAND, Valley, WDM: He was a unique four time state qualifier at four different weight classes and a three-time place winner. He qualified in 1971 and came back to record a fourth in 1972 and fifth in 1973. In 1974 he finished off a perfect 29 match campaign with the 126 lbs. championship, giving him a 105-12 prep mark. He was a two time National Junior Freestyle Champion in 1973 and 1974 before heading to Iowa State University where he was a four-time NCAA All American. He was perfect in 48 matches in 1978 to win the national title at 126 lbs. and added an NCAA runner-up in 1979 at134 lbs. (34-1) when the Cyclones won the national title. He won 150 matches, an Iowa State record at the time, and still ranks second best.  He was a three-time Big Eight champion and also finished fifth in the world at136.5 lbs. He is a member of the Iowa State, Glen Brand and Iowa Chapter Halls of Fame. After running numerous instructional camps, he and his wife Kathy now live in Highlandv  ille, MO where he is in the housing industry.
MARK REILAND, Eagle Grove & Iowa City West: Reiland was a four-time state qualifier and place winner with back-to-back championships that led Eagle Grove to the 1986 and 1987 state titles. Those titles came on the heels of a runner-up finish in 1985 and a fifth place effort in 1984. His 125-14 prep record included a 70-1 mark his final two seasons with a perfect 38-0 ending in 1987, when he also helped the school to its first Dual Team title. That same year he won Junior National titles in Freestyle and Greco Roman. At the University of Iowa he was a two time All American and a 1991 NCAA champion.He started his coaching career at Solon for two seasons (25-12-1) then was an assistant at Iowa City West for five years before taking over the Trojans’ helm for the previous 12 years (247-30). This winter his squad boosted him over 300 career wins. His Iowa City West teams have won the State Dual Team Championship four times and have two traditional titles.Going into this season h e had coached 90 state qualifiers with 55 place winners including 18 state champions. He and his wife Michelle live in Iowa City, where he works as a real estate appraiser.
JESSE SUNDELL, Ogden: In 2001, he became the 12th Iowan to join the elite wrestling circle of four-time state champions. That accomplishment was punctuated by battling back from a broken leg in September to win his third crown as a junior. He won 99 career matches by pin, posted a streak of 127 wins and wound up with a 134-1 prep record. His sole loss during his freshman year came in the sectional which he later avenged in the district meet. In winning four straight crowns, Sundell became the second student from his school to do so – an accomplishment that includes Lisbon and Don Bosco, Gilbertville athletes in the elite fraternity. His final year he was the state’s winner of the Dave Schultz Award based on outstanding wrestling success, scholastic achievement and citizenship or community service. In 2001, he was the first recipient of the MVP and Scholarship Award at the State Tournament and a member of the Iowa Dream Team. He lettered four years at Iowa State and was a two  time NCAA qualifier. He is a math teacher and assistant wrestling coach at Ogden. He and his wife Kyndra have two children, Maliyah and Weston
OFFICIALS’ HALL OF FAME: Two veteran officials, Mike Braden of Oskaloosa and Bob Algoe from Anamosa, enter the IHSAA Officials’ Hall of Fame this winter.They are recently retired and collectively they officiated wrestling 69 years with 40 years in the traditional State Tournament, including 24 championship round appearances. Profiles of them follow:MIKE BRADEN, Oskaloosa: A 1972 Oskaloosa graduate, he competed in wrestling and track and took up the whistle at the encouragement of his coach. He received his license in 1972, and spent 36 years serving schools as a wrestling official. He worked 33 Sectional Tournaments and 32 Districts Meets. He was on the mat for 22 traditional State Tournaments with 14 championship nights. In addition, he worked the State Dual Team tournament five times. He is employed by Pella Corp. He has his wife Judy have raised a daughter and a son, Michelle and Justin.
Bob Algoe, Anamosa: After graduating from Fort Dodge in 1957, he received his teaching degree from St. Olaf College, where he also competed in track and football. He began as a teacher and coach in 1961 at Twin Rivers, Bode, where he started the wrestling program. Later at Anamosa he was an assistant wrestling coach and officiated junior high meets. At the urging of area coaches he worked varsity wrestling for 33 years. He logged 28 Sectional and District Tournaments. Before retiring he was in 18 traditional State Tournaments with 10 championship rounds. He and his wife Darla have raised three daughters.
IHSAA NEWS MEDIA AWARD:   A multiple national and state award winner forwrestling coverage, John Johnson’s 22-year career as a photo-journalist has earned him the IHSAA Media Award. He is an editor and photographer with Amateur Wrestling News and Wrestling USA magazines and has supplied photos to a variety of state and national wresting publications including The Predicament and USA Wrestler. Four times he has been earned national wrestling photographer of the year. In addition he has aired radio reports and contributes articles to various weekly and daily newspapers on wrestling and other sports. He is currently serving a two-year term as president of the National Wrestling Media Association. In addition, he helped with the Iowa Newspaper Association’s state meet wrestling photography pool. His passion for the sport also includes being an official and he has coached the high school and junior college level. A 1979 graduate of Clarion he participated in athletics and fine ar  ts programs. In 1981 he was a member of the Iowa Central Community College’s first national championship wrestling team. In 2008 he was inducted into the NJCAA Hall of Fame. Mr. Johnson is the Principal and Superintendent of Schools at West Central, Maynard and a member of the IHSAA Representative Council. He and his wife Lois have two children – Morgan and Travis.
ADDITIONAL AWARDS: The special Awards Ceremonies that begins at 5:45 p.m., Saturday will also feature the Iowa Wrestling Coaches and Official’s Association’s coaches-of-the-year, official-of- the-year, junior high coach recognition and their President’s Award.

2010-2011 Week 17 NFL Raffle Results

Highest

1^st Place      117 pts.      $350           Ryan O’Leary                         Belle Plaine, IA

2^nd Place      107 pts.      $125           Bill Fletcher                                      Muscatine, IA

2^nd Place      107 pts.      $125           Craig VanThournout               Urbandale, IA

4^th Place      103 pts.      $ 60            Matt Schwenn                         Atkins, IA

5^th Place      102 pts.      $ 36            Jim Vranek                              Belle Plaine, IA

5^th Place      102 pts.      $ 36            Nichole Swales                        Marion, IA

5^th Place      102 pts.      $ 36            Brandon Lessenger                  Fruitland, IA

5^th Place      102 pts.      $ 36            Ryan Cariveau                        Swisher, IA

5^th Place      102 pts.      $ 36            The Janss Family                    Belle Plaine, IA

Lowest

1^st Place      19 pts.       $ 20            Brad Allen                               Iowa City, IA

2^nd Place      20 pts.       $ 12.50       Julie Kehrli                              Alexandria, VA

2^nd Place      20 pts.       $ 12.50       The Alcott Family                             Belle Plaine, IA

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Macy DeMeullenaere

The Lady Plainsmen played their first conference game of the season at Keota on Friday, November 19.  Katie Croft, Junior, scored a total of 4 points for the ladies, 2 points from a basket and 2 points from the free throw line.  Macy DeMeulenaere, Junior, and Dani Coover, Senior, tied for the most points of the game with 9 points each.  Macy hit 3 baskets from the court, 2 points from the free throw line and 1 three-pointer.  Dani made her points with 4 baskets from the court and 1 point from the free throw line.  Julie Long, Sophomore, and Melissa Janss, Junior, each hit 1 basket from the court for a total of 26 points at the end of the game. Alex Gritton, Sophomore, Joy Cronbaugh, Senior, and Kameo Pope, Freshman, each played hard as well.  Although our girls played hard, they were not able to defeat Keota.  The game ended with the score of 26 to 49.

In another away game, this time against North Tama, on November 22, our girls were defeated 37 to 45.  Macy DeMeulenaere was the high scorer of this game with 16 total points made by sinking 4 baskets from the court, 1 three pointer, and 5 points from the free throw line.  Katie Croft made 1 point at the free throw line for the Lady Plainsmen, while Alex Gritton scored a total of 6 points by sinking 2 baskets, 1 three pointer, and 1 point from the free throw line.  Dani Coover  sunk 2 baskets for a total of 4 points, Melissa Janss made 1 three pointer to help up our score, and Kameo Pope scored 7 points by sinking 3 baskets and 1 shot from the free throw line.  Joy Cronbaugh and Julie Long played hard as well.

In a conference game against BGM at Brooklyn on November 23, the Ladies scored 49 points to BGM’s 38.  Dani Coover had the high score of the game with 19 points while Macy DeMeulenaere was right behind her with 18

Melissa Janss and Julie Long

points.  Alex Gritton and Melissa Janss each score 2 points for Belle Plaine while Kameo Pope scored 4 points,

Joy Cronbaugh scored 3 points, and Julie Long scored 1 point from the free throw line.  Katie Croft did not score but was still a vital part of the game.

At home on November 30, the Lady Plainsmen played a conference game against Lynnville-Sully.  Unfortunately, our girls lost 32 to 60.  Macy DeMeulenaere scored 16 points during the evening making her the high scorer.  Kameo Pope scored 8 points by sinking 4 baskets throughout the evening while Dani Coover scored 4 points.  Julie Long and Melissa Janss each made one shot for 2 points each.  Katie Croft, Joy Cronbaugh, and Alex Gritton also contributed to the game.  Sophomore Emily Coover and Freshman Tori Gritton suited up for varsity but were not utilized during this game.

Melissa Janss, Macy DeMeulenaere, Kameo Pope

Starting a new month, the Belle Plaine girls played a conference game against Iowa Valley in Marengo on December 3.  The final score for this game was BP 29 to Iowa Valley’s 42.  Dani Coover scored 11 points during this game to make her the high scorer.  Macy DeMeulenaere scored 8 points while Kameo Pope and Katie Croft each scored 4 points. Adding to the final score, Julie Long hit the basket once for a 2 point score.  Alex Gritton, Melissa Janss, and Joy Cronbaugh were instrumental in helping the others score.

Julie Long at the Free Throw Line - Dani Coover #40

On December 7, Belle Plaine went up against Tri-County in Thornburg.  With a score of BP 56 and Tri-County 16, the Lady Plainsmen definitely won this conference game.  Macy DeMeulenaere was the high scorer with 14 points, Dani Coover scored 11 points and Katie Croft was just behind them with 8 points scored.  Julie Long scored 6 points and Alex Gritton scored 5 points.  Miranda Pope, Sophomore, hit two baskets for a 4 point total.  Adding to the end result, Melissa Janss and Joy Cronbaugh each contributed 3 points to the total score. Sophomores Emily Coover and Cheyann Markham along with Freshman Tori Gritton suited up for varsity to help the Ladies out.

At home on December 10, the Lady Plainesmen went up against HLV in a conference game.  Macy DeMeulenaere scored 12 points making her the high scorer of the game.  Julie Long scored 9 points and Katie Croft scored 3.  The girls ended the game with BP scoring 24 points against HLV’s 33.  Miranda Pope and Alex Gritton also contributed greatly to the game.

The varsity girls are coached by head coach Andy Dahlquist and assistant coach Jon DeGraff.

*All of the pictures were taken at one game.  I seem to be having trouble with any and all things electronic!  A lot of my pictures just disapeared when I downloaded them from the camera to the computer.  I will try to get more pictures and keep working on my computer/camera skills, please be patient with me.   Kim

2010-2011 Week 15 NFL Raffle Results:

Highest

1^st Place       112 pts.       $350            Carma Hoskyn                          Cedar Rapids, IA

2^nd Place      110 pts.       $150            Matt Cunningham                      Polk City, IA

3^rd Place      109 pts.       $  80            Trent St. John                           Williamsburg, IA

3^rd Place      109 pts.       $  80            Kris Sherwood                         Atkins, IA

5^th Place      108 pts.       $  41.66       Julie Kehrli                                Alexandria, VA

5^th Place      108 pts.       $  41.66       Roger Wombacher                             Iowa City, IA

5^th Place      108 pts.       $  41.66       Bruce Robinson                        Belle Plaine, IA

8^th Place      106 pts.       $  30            Donald Walton                         Belle Plaine, IA

9^th Place      105 pts.       $   8.33        Bennett Stewart                         Belle Plaine, IA

9^th Place      105 pts.       $   8.33        Monte Preston                          Agoura Hills, CA

9^th Place      105 pts.       $   8.33        Quinn Rhamy                           Pella, IA

Lowest

1^st Place         33 pts.       $  17.50       Shari Wilken                             Clarksville, IA

1^st Place         33 pts.       $  17.50       Annette Toney

I recently had the opportunity to visit with Brandon Heying.  We talked about his new positions as wrestling coach and sixth grade teacher, and I asked him about his background and his thoughts as he starts his life in Belle Plaine.

Coach Heying was raised in the small community of Sumner, Iowa, where his parents still live.  The coach has 2 younger brothers, Cody and Ted.  His brother Ted is currently enrolled at Simpson College and on their track team.  Brother Cody works for UPS in the Cedar Falls area.  He mentions his parents frequently throughout the visit, and I can sense how close he is to them.

Iowa Central Junior College, Kirkwood College, UNI, and finally 2 ½ years at Upper Iowa College complete the list of schools Coach Heying attended to prepare for his life as a teacher and coach.  After receiving is AA degree, he took a little time away from school to consider his options.  It wasn’t long before he realized that factory work was not what he wanted to do for the rest of his life.  His dad was the person who first suggested teaching.  Mr. Heying knew he wanted to coach and did have his coaching certificate. Knowing this, his dad suggested that teaching may be the way he should go.  With this suggestion in mind, Mr. Heying went back to school and now here he is as a sixth grade teacher!

Mr. Heying did his student teaching in New Hampton, Iowa, at St. Joseph’s Catholic School.  His first teaching experience was with kindergarteners under the strict eye of a nun.  He was then able to experience working with fifth and sixth graders during his second student teaching assignment.  After graduation from Upper Iowa, Mr. Heying worked for two years in the admissions office at Upper Iowa.  After that, he spent 1 year as a substitute teacher while also coaching.  Starmont School System was his last stop before being hired by the Belle Plaine School System.  At Starmont, he was hired as a long term substitute teacher and a coach.

When asked about a favorite memory from college, Mr. Heying smiles and tells me about beating the number-one rated wrestler during a tournament at Central College in Missouri during his junior year.

Coach Heying first participated in wrestling his 7^th grade year.  Before then, his mom was a little leery of letting him wrestle, but he was able to talk her into it by 7^th grade. As a nurse, his mom was concerned about healthy eating habits and making weight.  She instilled in Coach Heying the importance of healthy eating and keeping a healthy weight. We talked at length about this subject, and he sets small goals for his wrestlers with daily weigh-ins and no more than 1 ½% of their body fat lost per week (if needed).

Mr. Heying enjoys motorcycles, movies, working out, and music in his spare time, although, this time of year, he has very little spare time.  During his summers off, he has been known to be found roofing, landscaping, or working as a carpenter. His father instilled in him the value of working rather than spending a lot of time “goofing” off.  He considers this a very valuable lesson.

One important question I asked during our visit was if he felt intimidated about coming into such a strong wrestling community.  Coach Heying answered, “I feel spoiled”.  “Bob’s (Yilek) influence is still in the room”.  He went on further to say, “You don’t replace somebody like that” (meaning Coach Yilek), “I’m not the same person he is”.  Coach Heying has a positive attitude that will take him and his wrestlers far.  He plans to take what Coach Yilek has put into the program and continue the hard work and love of the sport.

In closing, with Christmas being so close, I asked the coach what is his favorite Christmas memory is.  He tilted his head and thought for a moment and replied, getting a bike for Christmas when he was five.  He tells me that he plans to spend the holidays with his family and he looks forward to playing cribbage with his uncles.

I really enjoyed getting to know the coach a little bit; I wish him and his family a wonderful holiday season.

Welcome to Belle Plaine Coach Heying!

By Kim Blink

2010-2011 Week 14 NFL Raffle Results:

Highest

1^st Place       111 pts.       $350            Kim Jahlas                                Victor, IA

2^nd Place      110 pts.       $103.33       Trena Dodd                              Belle Plaine, IA

2^nd Place      110 pts.       $103.33       Shan Shea                                Monona, WI

2^nd Place      110 pts.       $103.33       Brian Corcoran                         Fairbank, IA

5^th Place      109 pts.       $  50            Mark Breja                                Chelsea, IA

6^th Place      108 pts.       $  40            Vanessa Sayers                         Belle Plaine, IA

7^th Place      105 pts.       $  18            Sally Slaven                              Chelsea, IA

7^th Place      105 pts.       $  18            Curtis Brown                            Belle Plaine, IA

7^th Place      105 pts.       $  18            Danny Breja                              Belle Plaine, IA

7^th Place      105 pts.       $  18            Susie Johnson                           Belle Plaine, IA

7^th Place      105 pts.       $  18            Benita & Gil Rodriguez             Chula Vista, CA

Lowest

1^st Place       10 pts.        $  20            Bob Longfellow                        Marengo, IA

2^nd Place      12 pts.        $  12.50       Matt Cunningham                      Polk City, IA

2^nd Place      12 pts.        $  12.50       Chris Tegeler                            Manchester, IA

2010-2011 Week 11 NFL Raffle Results:

Highest

1^st Place       115 pts.       $200            Chris Zumbach                         Belle Plaine, IA

1^st Place       115 pts.       $200            Sherry Webster                         Center Point, IA

1^st Place       115 pts.       $200            Janss Family                             Belle Plaine, IA

4^th Place      114 pts.       $ 60             Richard Johnson                       Belle Plaine, IA

5^th Place      113 pts.       $ 50             Randy Malloy                           Marion, IA

6^th Place      112 pts.       $ 40             Julie Croft                                 Luzerne, IA

7^th Place      111 pts.       $ 30             Craig Converse                         Manchester, IA

7^th Place      111 pts.       $ 30             Lance Hinschberger                  Belle Plaine, IA

7^th Place      111 pts.       $ 30             Richard Johnson                       Belle Plaine, IA

Lowest

1^st Place                          $ 15             Shawn Erger                             Norway, IA

1^st Place                          $ 15             Randy Northrop                       Carrollton, TX

1^st Place                          $ 15             Tracy Parizek                           Belle Plaine, IA