American record holder KC Lightfoot kicked off Drake Relays week by winning the pole vault at Jordan Creek Town Center in West Des Moines. Lightfoot cleared 19-feet, four and a quarter inches. It was the second best vault of the year, second only to a world record mark set over the weekend by Sweden’s Mondo DuPlantis at a meet in China. For Lightfoot it was his first competition in two months.

Lightfoot on the unique setting of competing in a mall.

Bridget Williams won the women’s pole vault. The 2023 Pan American Games gold medalist cleared 15-feet, four and a quarter inches.

Williams feels its a good way to promote the sport.

The Atlantic Trojan soccer team lost in overtime over Penalty Kicks to East Sac County on Monday night 2-1. The match started even for both teams with neither team managing to move ball down past the defensive back lines. Then halfway through the first half Tucker Freese managed to slip through and have a shot go in to put the Raiders up 1-0. Coming out of halftime, the Trojans committed to their attack continually putting pressure on East Sac County. Their new strategy finally paid off when Kyler Edie had a strong kick to even things up at 1-1. Both overtime halves saw respectable saves by each keeper and the night would end with penalty kicks. Atlantic’s Caleb Andersen would be the first one to shoot for the Trojans and his shot went in. Yet, he would be the only Trojan to score as Atlantic would go on to miss three consecutive shots and the Raiders made their last three. The nail for the Trojans was an impressive quick shot from Sam Schmitt. The final penalty kick score would be 3-1.

Atlantic Head Coach Mark Andersen was proud of the defensive effort he saw from his squad throughout the match.

Even with a loss, Coach Andersen explained how the defeat gave his team more confidence.

East Sac County bumps up t0 3-2 with the victory and head to Carroll on Thursday. The Trojans fall to 3-6 and will stay at home to take on St. Albert in Atlantic.

In windy conditions, the Atlantic Trojans girls soccer team lost 3-0 at home against the East Sac County Raiders on Monday evening. The game stayed relatively completive throughout the initial kick in midfield. Then five minutes in Kenna Meyer managed to find the net and put her team up 1-0. After that shot, the Atlantic defense tightened up and headed into halftime only being down one goal. Midway through the second half, Meyer found herself in Trojan territory and connected on another shot to put her team up 2-0. Still the Raiders weren’t done there as they had one last goal come in at the fourteenth minute from Chloe Bieret to solidify their win and make the final score 3-0.

Atlantic Head Coach Jesse McCann noted that while the loss stung, the Trojans can still take away a few positives from the match.

Heading into their next match, Coach McCann wants his team to focus on communicating with one another more.

With the win East Sac County improves to 4-4 and head to Carroll on Thursday. The Trojans now sit at 1-7 and travel  to St. Albert on Tuesday afternoon.

Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht says an experienced Iowa State defense made it tough on the offense during spring drills. The Cyclones take high hopes into next season and return 18 starters from a team that finished 7-6.

Becht leads an experienced offense and is coming off a season where he had 23 touchdowns and just eight interceptions. He was named the Big 12 freshman offensive player of the year. The Cyclones wrapped up spring drills on Saturday.

ISU opens at home on August 31st against North Dakota.

IOWA CITY, Iowa – Junior RHP Brody Brecht has been named the Big Ten Co-Pitcher of the Week, it was announced Monday. The honor is the third Big Ten weekly honor of his career and second for the Hawkeyes this season. Brecht shares the award with Jacob Denner of Michigan.

The Ankeny, Iowa, native threw a career high 7 2/3 innings against Rutgers and allowed just one hit and three walks. He struck out 12 and allowed just one unearned run as the Hawkeyes swept the three-game series against the Scarlet Knights.

Brecht has a 4.12 ERA and a 1-2 record. He has recorded 84 strikeouts in 48 innings pitched. He leads the Big Ten in strikeouts and ranks eighth in the nation, and he is first in the Big Ten and third in the nation in strikeouts per nine innings (15.75).

The Hawkeyes finish up a five-game homestand on Tuesday at 6:05 p.m. (CT) against Milwaukee.

IOWA CITY, Iowa — Long-time University of Iowa football color analyst Ed Podolak is transitioning out of the Hawkeye football radio booth as color commentator.

“I have decided that this is a good time for me to step back from my role as color commentator for the Hawkeye football radio broadcasts,” said Podolak. “I believe there is no greater honor than to be part of the Iowa Hawkeye Football team. I have loved watching these young men and coaches compete for the past 42 years. Sharing my perspective for the incredible Hawkeye fans from coast to coast has been a thrill.

“I look forward to my new role this fall, providing analysis during the pregame shows and on podcasts.”

Podolak has been a part of nearly 500 Hawkeye football games as a radio analyst, spanning 42 seasons. Following a lengthy playing career, Podolak moved to the announcing booth, joining WHO radio broadcasts of Iowa football games in 1982 after initially serving as an NFL color commentator for NBC, and college football commentator at ESPN. He worked for WHO radio until joining with Learfield Sports in 1997.

“I have said it often across 27 years that Ed Podolak is the best I’ve ever worked with in the broadcast booth,” said play by play voice Gary Dolphin. “One of the game’s great competitors, Ed’s ability to explain plays was unparalleled. Football mentalities of all ages understood and enjoyed the humor each Saturday. I look forward to Eddie’s continued involvement on game day.”

Podolak played quarterback and running back for the Hawkeyes. He was named first-team All-Big Ten and team MVP in 1968. He ranks in the top 20 in school history in career rushing yards, passing yards and total offense. In 1968, he set a then-school and Big Ten record, rushing for a record 286 yards on 17 attempts against Northwestern. Podolak currently ranks 20th in passing (172-398, 2,316 yards, 8 TDs), 22nd in career rushing (407-1,710-14 TDs) and 14th in total offense (4,026 yards) in Iowa history.

“Ed Podolak has had an incredible impact on Hawkeye fans for 40 years,” said Moon Family University of Iowa Head Football Coach Kirk Ferentz. “He was one of the greatest college football players of his era, leaving his mark all over the Big Ten record books. He followed that with an outstanding professional career in Kansas City. And since his retirement from football, he has been the voice that Iowa fans have counted on for decades. Knowledgeable and passionate – always entertaining the fans across our state and across the country. There will never be another Ed Podolak. I hope Hawkeye fans will join all of us in wishing Ed the very best as he steps away from the broadcast booth.”

He was selected in the second round of 1969 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs and won Super Bowl IV in 1970. Podolak continues to hold the NFL record for all-purpose yards in an NFL playoff game, totaling 350 yards against Miami on Christmas Day, 1971.

A native of Atlantic, Iowa, Podolak is a member of Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Honor, the Iowa Letterwinners Club Hall of Fame, and the University of Iowa Media Hall of Fame.

Hawkeye Sports Properties, in conjunction with the UI Athletics Department, will begin a search for Podolak’s replacement this spring.

DES MOINES – Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has released a video message announcing a proclamation in celebration of Iowa Hawkeyes Women’s Basketball historic 2023-2024 season. The proclamation declares today, April 22, 2024, as Iowa Hawkeyes Women’s Basketball Appreciation Day in Iowa.

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds

(Transcript below):

Her message said “The Iowa women’s basketball team made dreams come true this season. From sold-out arenas and record viewership to continuing their reign as Big 10 Champions, returning to the NCAA tournament. And earning a place in the national title game for the second consecutive year.  They captivated fans nationwide, from lifelong Hawkeyes to Hollywood celebrities. Their star power was undeniable and they demonstrated the very best of our state in every way.   

I want to congratulate and thank coaches Lisa Bluder, Jan Jensen, the entire coaching and support staff. And, of course, the team. Caitlin, Kate, Gabbie, Hannah, Molly, Taylor, Sydney, Kylie, Kennise, Jayda, AJ, Ava, Sharon, and Addison, you transformed women’s basketball and inspired young girls and boys to dream big, work hard, and believe that they can do anything. Most importantly, you showed all of us what a true champion is.   

In appreciation of all you’ve accomplished and everything you represent, it’s my privilege to declare today, Monday, April 22nd Iowa Women’s Basketball Appreciation Day.   

Congratulations to the Hawkeye women and coaches on an incredible season.  We are so proud of you.”

DES MOINES, Iowa —[KCCI]  New royalty was crowned in Des Moines on Sunday afternoon. The 45th ‘Beautiful Bulldog’ was crowned at Drake University. An English bulldog named Pumpkin took the crown at the pageant at the Knapp Center. She very gracefully took her throne during the festivities. The event, part of the festivities during Drake Relays week, saw Pumpkin donning a royal red cape trimmed in a white edging with black polka dots and pearls.

As the winner, Pumpkin traded her red cape for a blue one and a crown.

Pumpkin, who hails from Oakland, and is owned by Shawna Anderson, will serve a year-long reign as the Drake Relays mascot and the Most Beautiful Bulldog.

Iowa State closed out spring drills with most of the regulars sitting out the scrimmage. ISU has high hopes after finishing 7-6 last season.

That’s ISU coach Matt Campbell who says spring was another step toward building to next season.

Campbell says there is a ways to go for this team to reach its potential.

The offense is experienced and Campbell feels the Cyclones are getting better at the line of scrimmage.

The Cyclones open next season at home against North Dakota on August 31st.