CEDAR RAPIDS — Cory Connell has helped elevate the Eddyville-Blakesburg wrestling program to new heights.
In just his fourth year as their head coach, Connell led the Rockets to a runner-up finish at last weekend’s Class 1A traditional state meet in Des Moines. The season was capped with the school’s first ever appearance in the Iowa High School Athletic Association State Duals tournament Saturday at the U.S. Cellular Center.
“It’s a big step for the program to make it here,” Connell said. “But, we expected it.”
The Rockets entered the 1A field as …

DES MOINES — Nick Moore was approached by former Iowa City West teammate Dylan Carew in a tunnel exiting the Wells Fargo Arena floor.
Though neither recalls the exact words spoken during last year’s state tournament finals, Carew offered motivational words concerning Moore’s future, reminding the Trojans standout he would soon be experiencing what Don Bosco’s Bart Reiter did when he completed his quest to be the Iowa’s latest four-time state champion.
Now, top-ranked Moore attempts to become just the 19th four-time state champion in state history as the Iowa High School Athletic …

STANWOOD — Even their coach admits there may have been a few haters out there. But in the case of the North Cedar Knights, don’t player hate — congratulate.
The Knights are 13-1 and have won 12 games in a row, including four last week. Among the victims was highly regarded Mid-Prairie, which North Cedar beat at Wellman, 66-63.
“I think there may have been some people questioning us. Saying things like ‘Who is North Cedar?’” said head coach Scott Jackson. “That was a big win for us. The kids played with …

IOWA CITY — Virginia Johnson’s voice quivered, but her choice never wavered.
An all-state junior forward at Iowa City High, Johnson orally committed to play women’s basketball at the University of Iowa Sunday night at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
“I was really nervous telling Coach (Lisa) Bluder,” Johnson said moments after being mobbed by her future teammates. “My voice was shaking.
“I was raised here. I have a picture of me (wearing) a Hawkeye shirt when I was 2 years old.”
Johnson, who stands 6-foot-1, is averaging 23.6 points and 10.2 rebounds per game for City …

Cedar Rapids Washington opened wrestling practice along with prep programs all across the state. The season has officially begun and a sense of optimism should be emanating from the Warriors. After a few medalists and state finalists the last few years, Washington crowned its first state champion in more than 20 years. Former Warrior heavyweight Brandon Burrell captured the Class 3A state crown in February, the first since Jamie Byrne won in 1988.
It hasn’t resulted in higher numbers, but for the wrestlers dedicated to the program, it’s provided clarity to …

Iowa City West Nick Moore sat down to the table and didn’t say much other than asking for a pen. He then began the ceremony of signing a National Letter of Intent to wrestle next year at the University of Iowa and coach Tom Brands.
Moore, ranked second in the nation at 160 pounds by InterMat, will attempt to become just the 19th 4-time state champion. He has been one of the top preps since he stepped foot in the Trojans wrestling room. He has amassed a 131-1 career mark, winning …

IOWA CITY — Solon made a big statement last night.
The distance between the top-ranked and third-ranked teams in Class 3A is further than the drive it takes to reach each other.
Top-ranked Solon handled No. 3 Iowa City Regina, 42-7, in a Class 2A District 5 battle last night at Regina High School.
Solon seemed to have a little more adrenaline pumping and wanted to put its stamp on a game that determined the district champion and increased the Spartans win streak to 35 games.
“To a certain extent,” Solon Coach Kevin Miller …

University of Iowa NCAA national runner-up Joey Slaton was charged with fifth-degree theft Sunday morning at 10:43 a.m., according to Iowa City Police Department online records.
The 22-year-old Slaton was cited at 424 Highway 1 West for a charge that is classified as a simple misdemeanor. Fifth-degree theft is theft of property not exceeding two hundred dollars in value. The penalty is up to 30 days in jail and a mandatory fine ranging from $50 to $500.
Slaton declined comment when contacted about the situation.
Slaton, a four-time state finalist and two-time champion for …

IOWA CITY — A.J. Derby will hold a press conference Friday, presumably to announce his intention to play football at the University of Iowa.
Derby, a senior quarterback at Iowa City High, would neither confirm nor deny multiple reports by sources that he has committed to Iowa.
“There’s going to be a press conference (today),” Derby said.
Iowa City High Coach Dan Sabers said the press conference is scheduled this afternoon at City High mainly because Derby’s father, former all-Big Ten linebacker John Derby, was out of town Thursday.
“I’ve got be fair to …

TULSA, Okla. — Former University of Iowa two-time All-American wrestler and Tama native Paul Bradley won by unanimous decision at the Strikeforce Challengers Series event Saturday.
Bradley, 26, improved to 12-1, winning all three rounds against Levi Avera at 170 pounds. Bradley was a three-time state finalist and a 2001 Class 2A 171-pound state champ for South Tama High School.
Lisbon native and two-time state wrestling champ (1991-92) Zach Light also competed. Light, one of the top wrestling trainers in the sport, lost by armbar submission to undefeated Tyron Woodley (6-0) in the …