TigerHawk VB open season

By Jerry Wadian
jwadian@thefayettecountyunion.com

After Thursday’s game in Calmar was postponed due to the high heat and humidity, the North Fayette Valley volleyball team had to wait until Saturday, Sept. 5, to open its season.

The match against SW was made up Tuesday, Sept. 8, in Calmar.

The official opening match came Saturday at the North Tama Tournament, where the TigerHawks won one of three games.

TigerHawk XC Sept. 12

By Jerry Wadian
jwadian@thefayettecountyunion.com

The Third Annual TigerHawk Cross Country Meet on Saturday, Sept. 12, will be sure to see new records set for the girls’ races.

Starting this year, the Iowa Girls’ High School Athletic Union (IAGHSAU) has changed the length of races from the traditional 4K to a full 5K, making it the same distance as the boys’ race.

While the change has caused some controversy, North Fayette Valley head coach Tracy Nuss said, “Our girls have taken to the idea with ease.”

South Winn senior Logan Schweinefus prepares to throw the ball early in Friday night’s 30-6 loss to Class 2A Waukon. Schweinefus and the Warrior offense struggled offensively through the rainy conditions, accumulating only 200 yards. (Zakary Kriener photo)

Warriors slip out of gates, fall to Waukon

Zakary Kriener

News Writer
zkriener@fayettepublishing.com

Warriors slip out of gates, fall to Waukon

By: Zakary Kriener

A determined Waukon Indian team paired with a relentless downpour proved to be a losing recipe for the South Winneshiek Warrior football team as it fell, 30-6, in the 2015 season-opening football game.

“We made too many mistakes on offense early and put ourselves in tough field position the entire first half,” admitted head coach Jason Ohrt following the game. “Waukon made some good plays in the passing game to capitalize on our mistakes.”

West Central’s Justin Michels tackles Clarkville’s Zach Sommerfelt in action Friday night. The Blue Devils were tied with the Indians at 26 before a 30-minute lightning delay with 44.3 seconds left in the third quarter. The Blue Devils went on to score 21 unanswered points after the delay to claim the 47-26 victory.

Blue Devils surge past Clarksville

After a 30-minute lightning delay with 44.3 seconds left on the clock and the game tied at 26, it was evident who came out hungrier, more prepared and ready to grab a hold of victory.

The West Central Blue Devils outscored the Clarkville Indians, 21-0, in the final quarter for a 47-26 win in their home opener on Friday, Aug. 28.

More and more high school athletes from the UIC are making an impact at Upper Iowa University. These six former UIC players hope to make a significant contribution for Peacock football season. The six (front, l-r) Vincent Otdoerfer( RB - Starmont) and Josh Johnston (TE - WC); (back) Dalton Lape (C - NFV), Josh Mackey (LB - NFV, Jordan Rommes (DB - SW) and Kris Ihde (LB - Clayton Ridge. (Jerry Wadian photo)

Upper Iowa hopes for 3rd straight winning season

By Jerry Wadian
jwadian@thefayettecountyunion.com

Upper Iowa University is coming off back-to-back winning seasons for the first time in 50 years. Now, the task is to go three for three, which hasn’t been done since 1961-63 when Eb Eischeid had three straight 6-3 seasons.

However, it will be a tall task for a club that lost 20 seniors and most of its offensive firepower last year, including, a record-setting QB, running back, TE and two receivers.

Tanner Kuhens (20) sails through the air to get more real estate for the NFV offense Friday against Decorah. Kuhens ran for 92 yards on 16 carries in the 22-7 win. (Jerry Wadian photo)

NFV wins rematch of 'Rain Bowl'

By Jerry Wadian
jwadian@thefayettecountyunion.com

Last year in West Union, the game against Decorah was played in heavy rain and the contest was delayed twice by lightning before the TigerHawks prevailed, 14-0.

This year in Decorah, the Vikings were hoping to take the rematch of what seems to be the annual “Rain Bowl,” played this year in a driving rain.

Even with at least eight players not suited up due to injury, including several starters, the Columbia blue, black and silver dominated the line of scrimmage in a 22-7 victory that was nowhere as close as the score might indicate.

West Central running back Tyson Decker is tackled by Riceville’s Tommy Bauer and Tyler Christensen for a short gain on Friday night at Riceville. Decker rushed for 142 yards on 25 attempts with two touchdowns. He had  28-yard and 54-yard rushes for touchdowns against the Wildcats.  Chris DeBack photos

West Central falls in opener to Riceville

By Chris Deback
cdeback@thefayettecountyunion.com

Missed blocks. That’s what West Central’s head coach Steve Milder believes was the biggest factor in the Blue Devil’s 30-12 nondistrict loss to the Riceville Wildcats Friday night.

“We are going to watch the film and see that the difference between being successful tonight was one block,” Milder explained. “The plays we were running, if everyone makes their block, it should work. I saw many, many times where we missed a block here or there, and it was never the same guy. It is just something we can correct.”

Freedom 5K to show American spirit

By Jerry Wadian
jwadian@thefayettecountyunion.com

The Freedom 5K is an event for runners and walkers to show off their American spirit as well as aid a 2-year-old stricken with leukemia.

Participants will be asked to dress in American-themed clothing to show their pride in and love of America, and the spirit of neighbors helping neighbors as all profits from the Freedom 5K will go to help with the medical expenses of Nalla Billmeyer, the local 2-year-old stricken with leukemia.

Runners and walkers will enjoy music and America-themed party favors at each mile marker. Afterwards, there will be cool refreshments as well as a variety of treats and awards.

The Freedom 5K will begin and end in the Clermont City Park on Saturday, Sept. 12. The starting time will be 5:30 p.m., with check-in starting at 5 p.m.