DECORAH – The goals may not be exactly what you expect from a program that’s one the verge of being among the state’s top teams for the first time.
The Decorah Viking girls swim team is determined to have fun, make new friends and improve their ability. The goal is to achieve those basics and reap the rewards in competition.
“We kind of lay those down as priorities first,” Decorah Coach Stephanie Huber said. “It’s neat that some of the other successes fall in line after that.”
Decorah …

The goals may not be exactly what you expect from a program that’s one the verge of being among the state’s top teams for the first time.
The Decorah Viking girls swim team is determined to have fun, make new friends and improve their ability. The goal is to achieve those basics and reap the rewards in competition.
“We kind of lay those down as priorities first,” Decorah Coach Stephanie Huber said. “It’s neat that some of the other successes fall in line after that.”
Decorah have accomplished plenty …

The girls swimming and diving season is upon us with Monday being the opening day for competition. Take a look at some of the key dates for the 2010 girls swimming and diving season.
Aug. 23: First day of competition
Aug. 24: First day of Mississippi Valley Conference action.
Oct. 14: Mississippi Valley Conference diving meet at Holmes Junior High School in Cedar Falls
Oct. 16: Mississippi Valley Conference swim meet at Holmes Junior High School in Cedar Falls
Oct. 28: IGHSAU Regional diving meet
Oct. 30: IGHSAU Regional swimming meet
Nov. 5: IGHSAU State diving meet at Horne …

-Female Finalists-

Karly Cochrane:
School: Mount Vernon High School.
High school highlights: Key member of a talented troop of girls that claimed state championships in volleyball, basketball and track in the 2009-10 school year. Competed in four state track meets, three state volleyball tournaments, two state softball tournaments and one state basketball tournament. A member of 10 state-championship relays in track. The starting shortstop for five years, she earned first-team all-state honors in 2009. Softball team placed fourth in 2010.
Future plans: Will …

Iowa High School Athletic Association Executive Director Rick Wulkow was kind enough to sit down for a short chat during last week’s state baseball tournament in Des Moines.
Wulkow has been with the IHSAA since 1980, including five years as executive director. A Lytton native, Wulkow was recently appointed president-elect of the National Federation of High School Associations.
Here’s the interview with Wulkow in its entirety.
Q: Tell me about the national appointment and how you feel about it?
A: It’s one of those things that you kind of dream …

The deadline for nominations for 2010 Gazette Athletes of the Year is Thursday.
E-mail resumes to jeff.linder@gazcomm.com. Only seniors are eligible. Finalists will be announced Aug. 1; the winners will be announced Aug. 8.
Here’s a list of those nominated so far, plus some that we have added to the list:
MALE
Kyle Thoreson, Alburnett
Joby Frey, Cedar Rapids Jefferson
Max Martino, Cedar Rapids Kennedy
Andre Dawson, Cedar Rapids Washington
Ryan Sander, Cedar Rapids Xavier
Justin Hoffman, East Buchanan
John Chelf, Iowa City High
A.J. Derby, Iowa City High
Nick Moore, Iowa City West
Will Roth, Linn-Mar
Dalton Combs, Marion
Tanner …

Iowa City High senior Beth Eyanson will sign a national letter of intent Wednesday to swim at Truman State University.
Eyanson was the 2006 100-yard backstroke state champion. She holds three school records – 100 butterfly, 100 backstroke and 400 freestyle relay.

CEDAR RAPIDS — There are few certainties in this world, but among those you can count on are death, taxes and Cedar Rapids Washington boys’ district swimming titles.
The Warriors roared to their 47th consecutive district crown Saturday, whipping second-place Dubuque Senior by 38 points at the Washington pool.
There were five other district meets Saturday. All district winners and the next 18 fastest times from across the state automatically qualify for this week’s state meet at the Marshalltown YMCA. Another entry could be added if a district winner’s time is the …

Cedar Rapids Kennedy senior Michael Rusch comes up for air during the 100-yard butterfly last night during a dual meet against Cedar Rapids Jefferson at Kennedy. Rusch placed first in the event. Kennedy won the dual meet, 106-64.
Stephen Mally photos/Freelance

CEDAR RAPIDS — Cedar Rapids Washington’s Joseph Gallet wants to conclude his prep career in explosive fashion.
That finish would be deafening, considering the noise the Warrior senior made last year.
Gallet returns as the most decorated swimmer from last season’s state meet where he won three gold medals, including the 100 breaststroke title.
“I’m extremely excited for the season,” Gallet said. “Being it my last year, my senior year, I kind of want to go out with a bang.”
The fuse for Gallet’s boom is lit by a tremendous competitive steak. Gallet takes …