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*Big Ten Preview* Ohio State Buckeyes

Sports

August 22nd, 2023 by Asa Lucas

Today, we continue our preview of the upcoming Big Ten football season with a 14-team preview over 14 weekdays. Tanner Hoops previews the 2023 Ohio State Buckeyes:

Tomorrow, we’ll preview the Northwestern.

Hawkeyes Ranked 7th in NFHCA Preseason Poll

Sports

August 22nd, 2023 by Asa Lucas

IOWA CITY, Iowa – The University of Iowa field hockey team opens the 2023 season ranked seventh in the Penn Monto/National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) preseason poll, it was announced Tuesday by the association.

The Hawkeyes ended the 2022 season ranked 11th after advancing to their 21st Elite Eight in program history. The team has been ranked in 72 consecutive polls dating back to the 2016 season.

Iowa return seven starters and a total of 14 letterwinners from the 2022 team that finished 12-8 overall. The returnees include NFHCA All-West Region and All-America selection Esme Gibson.

The Hawkeyes open the 2023 season Friday, against No. 12 Wake Forest at 5 p.m. (CT) in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, in the B1G/ACC Challenge. The game will be broadcast on the ACCN. Iowa will face No. 1 North Carolina on Saturday at noon – that game will be streamed on ACCNX.

Iowa’s DeJean, Taylor Tabbed Sporting News Preseason All-America

Sports

August 22nd, 2023 by Asa Lucas

IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa junior defensive back Cooper DeJean and senior punter Tory Taylor have both been named Sporting News Preseason All-Americans. Taylor is recognized on the first team, while DeJean is on the second team. The announcement was made Tuesday by The Sporting News.

 

DeJean (6-foot-1, 209 pounds) was a first-team All-Big Ten selection by the media and second team by the coaches in 2022 after finishing with 75 tackles, five interceptions and eight pass breakups. He set Iowa’s single season record with three pick 6’s in 2022. He also averaged a team-best 16.5 yards on 10 punt returns a year ago.

 

Earlier this month, DeJean was named to the 2023 Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Chuck Bednarik Award (defensive player of the year), Jim Thorpe Award (defensive back) and Paul Hornung Award (versatility) watch lists. He has been recognized as a first-team All-American by The Associated Press, The Athletic and a second-team All-American by Athlon Sports and Phil Steele, as well as being voted to the Big Ten Conference Preseason Honors List and first-team All-Big Ten accolades by Phil Steele, Athlon and Pro Football Focus.

 

The Odebolt, Iowa, native was voted the 2022 Music City Bowl Most Valuable Player after notching seven tackles (six solo), including one for loss, and notching a 14-yard pick-6 against Kentucky. DeJean was named the Rose Bowl Defensive Player of the Week versus Wisconsin (Nov. 12, 2022) after totaling 10 tackles (seven solo), including one for loss, and returning an interception 32 yards for a score. He was the recipient of Iowa’s Reggie Roby Special Teams Award (overall) and Team Hustle Award (defense) last season.

 

Taylor (6-foot-4, 232 pounds) averaged 45.4 yards on 82 punts a season ago. He set the Iowa single season record for punting yards with 3,688 yards (80 punts, 46.1 average) in 2021 and increased that record to 3,725 yards in 2022. Taylor placed 39 and 38 punts inside the 20 in 2021 and 2022, respectively. He averaged a career-best 51.8 yards on eight punts at Purdue in 2022.

 

Taylor is a candidate for the 2023 Ray Guy Award, which is presented annually to the nation’s top collegiate punter. Taylor has been named a preseason first-team All-American by The Associated Press, CBS, The Athletic, Athlon and Phil Steele. The Australia native garnered first-team All-America honors by FWAA, Phil Steele and Pro Football Focus and was a second-team selection by the Associated Press in 2022.

 

Iowa’s first six home games of 2023 are sold out. A limited number of tickets are available for sale at hawkeyesports.com/tickets for the home finale against Illinois on Nov. 18.

 

The Hawkeyes open their season on Sept. 2 against Utah State. The sold-out game is set for an 11 a.m. (CT) kickoff.

Cooper DeJean 

Bronko Nagurski Trophy Preseason Watch List

Chuck Bednarik Award Preseason Watch List

Paul Hornung Award Preseason Watch List

Jim Thorpe Award Preseason Watch List

Big Ten Conference Preseason Honors List

Preseason first-team All-America by The Associated Press

Preseason first-team All-America by The Athletic

Preseason second-team All-America by The Sporting News

Preseason second-team All-America by CBS Sports

Preseason second-team All-America by Athlon Sports

Preseason first-team All-Big Ten by Phil Steele

Preseason first-team All-Big Ten by Athlon Sports

Preseason second-team All-Big Ten by Athlon Sports (special teams)

 

Tory Taylor 

Preseason first-team All-America by The Associated Press

Preseason first-team All-America by CBS Sports

Preseason first-team All-America by The Sporting News

Preseason first-team All-America by Phil Steele

Preseason first-team All-America by The Athletic

Walter Camp Award Preseason Watch List

Preseason first-team All-America by Athlon Sports

Preseason first-team All-Big Ten by Phil Steele

Preseason first-team All-Big Ten by Athlon Sports

Northern Iowa coach Ben Jacobson on Austin Phyfe’s decision to medically retire from basketball

Sports

August 21st, 2023 by Asa Lucas

Northern Iowa basketball coach Ben Jacobson says it was a difficult decision for Austin Phyfe to medically retire from basketball. Phyfe was limited two years ago by long COVID and missed all of last season due to blood clots in his lungs.

Jacobson says he supported Phyfe’s decision.

Jacobson says the former Waverly-Shell Rock standout will still be around the team.

Phyfe was a first team All-Missouri Valley selection in 2020.

Former Hawkeye Great and Super Bowl Champion Bryan Bulaga is 2023 America Needs Farmers Wall of Honor Recipient

Sports

August 21st, 2023 by Jim Field

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa— Iowa Farm Bureau and the University of Iowa Athletics Department announced former Hawkeye great and Super Bowl champion Bryan Bulaga as the 2023 America Needs Farmers (ANF) Wall of Honor recipient.  Bulaga marks the 11th former Hawkeye to join the ANF Wall of Honor at Kinnick Stadium.  The ANF Wall of Honor salutes past University of Iowa football players who exemplify the tenacity, work ethic and character of the Iowa farmer.

Bulaga’s path to success was defined by hard work and perseverance in the face of adversity, just like Iowa’s farm families who know all about overcoming challenges.  From earning a spot on Iowa’s football team as a freshman, to becoming a first-round NFL Draft pick and winning Super Bowl XLV, Bulaga has earned accolades for his play on the field and the work ethic that defines his character. Today, Bulaga recognizes the importance of instilling the work ethic that defines ANF to the next generation.

“As a father, I want to pass down that ANF mentality to my kids,” Bulaga said.  “Toughness, determination and the ability to face adversity and push through are things my wife and I try to pass down to our kids.”

Bulaga’s NFL career stretched over a decade with the Green Bay Packers and Los Angeles Chargers, and he was regularly recognized as one of the NFL’s top offensive linemen. Bulaga had a standout career for the Hawkeyes, culminating with an Orange Bowl win in 2010.  Bulaga persevered through multiple knee injuries and overcame thyroid disease during his football playing days, and the character Bulaga displayed to overcome his challenges earned his recognition on the ANF Wall of Honor.

“If I’ve learned anything in my football career, it’s that winners never give up, no matter the obstacles,” said Bulaga.  “To me, that’s what sets America’s farmers apart from others.  In no other country do so few people not only produce the food and fiber we need, but also help ensure national security and economic stability, while weathering many challenges along the way.  For that, I’m forever grateful.”

Previous ANF Wall of Honor recipients include Casey Wiegmann (2012), Jared DeVries (2013), Bruce Nelson (2014), Robert Gallery (2015), Dallas Clark (2016), Chad Greenway (2017), Aaron Kampman (2018), Matt Kroul (2019), Marshal Yanda (2021) and Tony Moeaki (2022).

A gold ANF decal was placed on players’ helmets during the Hawkeyes’ 1985 Rose Bowl season by head coach Hayden Fry to show support for farmers during the 1980’s Farm Crisis. This year marks the 38th anniversary of ANF and its longstanding tribute to America’s farmers.

“We look forward to the annual ANF game and the opportunity to celebrate the importance of agriculture and connect Hawkeye fans with Iowa farmers to learn about the diversity of Iowa ag and farmers’ commitment to sustainability,” says IFBF President Brent Johnson. “Bryan Bulaga is a great addition to the ANF Wall of Honor this year, and he reflects everything ANF stands for– strong work ethic, determination, a commitment to improving and doing things the right way.”

Fans can show their ANF and Hawkeye pride by purchasing ANF merchandise during game day, Oct. 21 vs. Minnesota, in shops around the stadium. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Iowa Food Bank Association, with more than $180,000 raised to feed hungry Iowans since the partnership began.

For more information about ANF and Game Day activity announcements in the coming weeks, visit www.americaneedsfarmers.org.

Trojan football is focused on the season ahead

Sports

August 21st, 2023 by Asa Lucas

 

(Atlantic) — Last year was a bittersweet ending to Trojan Football. Atlantic ending the season on a 3-game winning streak and won a closely contested game against Creston 26-21. The win gave Atlantic a respectable record of (5-4) and confidence into what seemed a playoff berth. Instead, the Trojans barely missed out on the playoffs and the season ended early in October.

Fast forward a year later and this Trojan Squad is excited for football to be back. Hard work has been put in over the summer and it went by in a flash.

This Atlantic team will have a different look with 22 seniors graduating last year. That brings in a lot of young players and Coach Brummer is aware of the challenge.

Colton Rasmussen a Senior and an all-state receiver last year is locked in for the upcoming season. One of the key contributors to the Trojan offense last year with 38 receptions, 762 receiving yards, and 12 touchdowns.  He has goals of playing at the same level he did a year ago.

Rasmussen also sees how discounted Atlantic has been with the loss of their core seniors. Yet, he has confidence in his younger teammates.

Confidence isn’t the only strength this Trojan team is bringing into the 2023 season. Senior, running back Dante Hedrington who played a massive role in the Trojan run game last year gaining over 600 yards on 131 carries likes the bond his team has.

When asked about goals, Senior, cornerback Nolan Waters commented on the focus for district play. Waters had a solid defensive year and accumulated 14 solo tackles.

Atlantic starts its season Friday August 25th at Clarke. Kickoff is at 7:30pm and KJAN will have full coverage.

Radio Iowa High School Football Poll 8/21/23

Sports

August 21st, 2023 by Asa Lucas

Four of last year’s champions are top ranked in the Radio Iowa High School Football Poll. Todd Kimm reports.

Iowa’s DeJean, Taylor Named AP Preseason All-America

Sports

August 21st, 2023 by Asa Lucas

IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa junior defensive back Cooper DeJean and senior punter Tory Taylor have both been named to the first team Associated Press Preseason All-America team. The announcement was made Monday by The Associated Press.

 

DeJean (6-foot-1, 209 pounds) was a first-team All-Big Ten selection by the media and second team by the coaches in 2022 after finishing with 75 tackles, five interceptions and eight pass breakups. He set Iowa’s single season record with three pick 6’s in 2022. He also averaged a team-best 16.5 yards on 10 punt returns a year ago.

 

Earlier this month, DeJean was named to the 2023 Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Chuck Bednarik Award (defensive player of the year), Jim Thorpe Award (defensive back) and Paul Hornung Award (versatility) watch lists. He has been recognized as a first-team All-American by The Athletic and a second-team All-American by Athlon Sports and Phil Steele, as well as being voted to the Big Ten Conference Preseason Honors List and first-team All-Big Ten accolades by Phil Steele, Athlon and Pro Football Focus.

 

The Odebolt, Iowa, native was voted the 2022 Music City Bowl Most Valuable Player after notching seven tackles (six solo), including one for loss, and notching a 14-yard pick-6 against Kentucky. DeJean was named the Rose Bowl Defensive Player of the Week versus Wisconsin (Nov. 12, 2022) after totaling 10 tackles (seven solo), including one for loss, and returning an interception 32 yards for a score. He was the recipient of Iowa’s Reggie Roby Special Teams Award (overall) and Team Hustle Award (defense) last season.

 

Taylor (6-foot-4, 232 pounds) averaged 45.4 yards on 82 punts a season ago. He set the Iowa single season record for punting yards with 3,688 yards (80 punts, 46.1 average) in 2021 and increased that record to 3,725 yards in 2022. Taylor placed 39 and 38 punts inside the 20 in 2021 and 2022, respectively. He averaged a career-best 51.8 yards on eight punts at Purdue in 2022.

 

Taylor is a candidate for the 2023 Ray Guy Award, which is presented annually to the nation’s top collegiate punter. Taylor has been named a preseason first-team All-American by CBS, The Athletic, Athlon and Phil Steele. The Australia native garnered first-team All-America honors by FWAA, Phil Steele and Pro Football Focus and was a second-team selection by the Associated Press in 2022.

 

Iowa’s first six home games of 2023 are sold out. A limited number of tickets are available for sale at hawkeyesports.com/tickets for the home finale against Illinois on Nov. 18.

 

The Hawkeyes open their season on Sept. 2 against Utah State. The sold-out game is set for an 11 a.m. (CT) kickoff.

2023 Preseason Iowa Volleyball Rankings

Sports

August 21st, 2023 by Asa Lucas

2023 Preseason Iowa Volleyball Rankings
Compiled by the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union
 
Class 1A
School
2022 Record
1
Ankeny Christian
39-3
2
Holy Trinity Catholic
29-16
3
Don Bosco
28-13
4
AGWSR
19-24
5
Riverside
33-6
6
Remsen St. Mary’s
20-7
7
Council Bluffs St. Albert
17-20
8
New London
28-10
9
St. Ansgar
16-12
10
BCLUW
19-20
11
Boyden-Hull
16-15
12
Central City
20-13
13
Gladbrook-Reinbeck
34-10
14
Edgewood-Colesburg
16-20
15
North Tama
39-5
 
Class 2A
School
2022 Record
1
Dike-New Hartford
45-3
2
Hinton
27-3
3
Grundy Center
31-13
4
Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont
31-6
5
Sumner-Fredericksburg
31-11
6
Kuemper Catholic
38-5
7
Ridge View
30-8
8
Pella Christian
25-15
9
Treynor
28-9
10
Denver
36-11
11
South Hardin
26-13
12
Wapsie Valley
41-5
13
Wilton
23-11
14
Central Lyon
17-13
15
South Central Calhoun
34-9
 
 
Class 3A
School
2022 Record
1
Des Moines Christian
46-6
2
Western Christian
43-5
3
Davenport Assumption
33-7
4
Union
42-10
5
Cherokee
25-12
6
Mount Vernon
35-6
7
West Liberty
31-8
8
West Delaware
29-15
9
Solon
26-13
10
Red Oak
22-15
11
Mid-Prairie
27-12
12
Wahlert Catholic
14-18
13
Forest City
20-12
14
Estherville Lincoln Central
22-16
15
Roland-Story
22-13
 
 
Class 4A
School
Record
1
Clear Creek-Amana
34-11
2
Indianola
37-7
3
North Scott
33-6
4
Cedar Rapids Xavier
33-4
5
Norwalk
24-11
6
Nevada
24-14
7
Lewis Central
26-8
8
Marion
35-7
9
Knoxville
26-13
10
Bondurant-Farrar
24-11
11
North Polk
29-10
12
ADM
19-10
13
Bishop Heelan
24-15
14
Charles City
27-13
15
Waverly-Shell Rock
30-19
 
Class 5A
 
School
Record
1
Waukee Northwest
28-13
2
Dowling Catholic
31-10
3
Johnston
26-11
4
West Des Moines Valley
22-21
5
Cedar Falls
33-7
6
Ankeny Centennial
30-10
7
Iowa City Liberty
33-8
8
Ankeny
35-5
9
Sioux City East
22-14
10
Pleasant Valley
29-7
11
Council Bluffs Abraham Lincoln
23-18
12
Muscatine
17-13
13
Sioux City North
22-15
14
Linn-Mar
18-17
15
Dubuque Senior
21-17

*Big Ten Preview* Michigan Wolverines

Sports

August 21st, 2023 by Asa Lucas

Today, we continue our preview of the upcoming Big Ten football season with a 14-team preview over 14 weekdays. Tanner Hoops previews the 2023 Michigan Wolverines:

Tomorrow, we’ll preview the Ohio State.