DES MOINES — In the past several weeks, Jesup’s runners could be seen carving fresh routes through the town’s streets, or hopping in their cars to practice at nearby Independence.The J-Hawks roamed anywhere to run except their home track, which...“We don’t have a track, but ...

Area girls track teams to watch for 2013:CASCADECoach: Tim Frake2012 state finish: 1st in Class 2A, 82 points (68.5 return)Returning state placewinners: Mariah Kauder, sr. (1st, distance medley relay; Sydney Rickels, soph. (1st, distance medley relay); Abbey Meyer, jr. (1st, distance medley relay; 1st, 800 ...

 The weight of expectations can be a burden, but only if you let it.The Solon Spartans haven't let it."We don't talk about it," said Spartans Coach Ben Sorden. "We talk about controlling the controllable."Solon (32-6) has been the wire-to-wire No. 1 team in Class 3A ...

JESUP -- Bruce Wall was asked if he felt it all was worth it, now that there was the benefit of hindsight. There was a pause before he answered."Yes, I think it was worth the fight," he said. "There were a lot of good things that have ...

IOWA CITY -- The Regina Regals saw a lot of pitches Friday night.Hit a lot of them, too.Patient and powerful, 11th-ranked Iowa City Regina blasted 11 hits and handled Jesup, 7-1, in a Class 2A regional quarterfinal softball game at Regina High School."Our pitch selection is ...

Eight area softball teams to watch for the 2011 season:CEDAR RAPIDS JEFFERSONCoach: Larry Niemeyer (51st year, 2,021-415)2011 record and postseason: 34-7, Class 4A regional finalistReturning starters (5): P Hannah Petersen (jr.), P Katie Naber (sr.), C Carson Burgart (jr.), OF Rachel Sedlacek (jr.), OF Hannah ...

BY ROB GRAYDES MOINES — Lauren Smith stayed calm. Her dad, Mark, shouldered the anxiety. “He was more nervous than me this morning,” said Smith, who entered Thursday’s girls’ state track and field meet with one state title already in tow. “I was pretty chill coming in ...

FORT DODGE -- Mackenzie Clair singled home Kassie Marshall with no outs in the bottom of the eighth inning to give West Des Moines Dowling a 7-6 win over Cedar Rapids Xavier in the Class 4A seventh-place game at the state softball tournament Wednesday at ...

FORT DODGE -- She won't overpower you with her speed. She won't dazzle you with her strikeouts.But when she hits her location, keeps the ball low and lets her defense do the rest, Emily Stoner will drive you loopy with her effectiveness.Stoner scattered five hits ...