IOWA CITY, Iowa — Senior Luka Garza became the University of Iowa’s first winner of the John R. Wooden Player of the Year Award. The announcement was made Tuesday evening by the Los Angeles Athletic Club during ESPN SportsCenter.

Garza, the most dominant player in men’s college basketball, swept all the major postseason awards (Wooden, Naismith, Associated Press, Oscar Robertson, NABC, Lute Olson, Sporting News) to become the consensus unanimous national player of the year for 2021. Garza

“Winning the Wooden Award means so much to myself and my family,” said Garza. “John Wooden was someone my grandfather was friends with, and someone who I was taught a lot about growing up. I studied the Pyramid, and many of his books to try and become the teammate and player that could win a championship. I can’t thank Coach McCaffery and his staff enough for their role in helping me develop on and off the floor. I have had amazing teammates along the way, and I would not be here without them. I want to thank my family for their undying support of me throughout my career. Lastly, thank you to the University of Iowa for changing my life. I am so proud to bring this award to the University of Iowa for the first time.”

Voting took place from March 15-22, 2021. As insisted upon by Coach Wooden at the Award’s creation 45 years ago, all players were certified by their universities as meeting or exceeding the criteria of the John R. Wooden Award.

2021 LUKA GARZA HONORS

• •  John R. Wooden Player of the Year Award & All-American
• •  Naismith Trophy
• •  Lute Olson National Player of the Year Award
• •  Associated Press College Basketball Player of the Year
• •  Oscar Robertson Trophy
• •  NABC Division I Player of the Year
• •  Senior CLASS Award
• •  Sporting News, Basketball Times, The Athletic National Player of the Year
• •  Big Ten Men’s Basketball Player of the Year
• •  USBWA District VI Player of the Year
• •  NABC Pete Newell Big Man of the Year
• •  First Team All-America (NABC, Associated Press, Sporting News, USBWA)
• •  Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Center of the Year Award Finalist
• •  Big Ten All-Tournament Team honoree
• •  Three-time Big Ten Player of the Week

AMES, Iowa – Iowa State head men’s basketball coach T.J. Otzelberger has announced his complete support staff.

Otzelberger has named Nate Schmidt as the Cyclones’ recruiting and player development coordinator, Pete Link as the head strength and conditioning coordinator and Blake Wetherington as the recruiting and scouting coordinator. Julie Voss also returns for her 44^th year as the administrative specialist for men’s basketball.

Otzelberger previously announced he was retaining director of basketball operations Micah Byars.

Nate Schmidt returns to Iowa State where he spent three seasons under Fred Hoiberg and Steve Prohm as a graduate assistant and coordinator of player development from 2014-2017, helping the Cyclones to a 72-32 record, three NCAA Tournament appearances and a pair of Big 12 Tournament titles.

“Nate takes a tremendous amount of pride in the development of student-athletes and will be an important member of our staff,” Otzelberger said.

After leaving Iowa State, Schmidt was an assistant coach at Indian Hills Community College for two seasons, before spending the summer of 2019 in Las Vegas training former Cyclone greats Georges Niang, Nazareth Mitrou-Long and Will Clyburn.

Schmidt then spent the 2019-20 season as video coordinator for the Wisconsin Herd of the NBA G-League. The Ypsilanti, Michigan native followed that with a stint on Otzelberger’s staff at UNLV and served as the director of player development last season.

Pete Link, a Farley, Iowa native, returns to Iowa State to serve as Otzelberger’s head strength and conditioning coordinator after spending last season in the same role at UNLV. Prior to his time in Las Vegas, Link was the Iowa State men’s basketball strength and conditioning coach from 2016-20, the women’s basketball strength and conditioning coach from 2012-16 and assistant director of strength and conditioning for Olympic sports from 2008-12.

“Pete’s work ethic, expertise and ability to connect with student-athletes will impact our program immediately,” Otzelberger said.

In his previous role with the ISU men’s basketball program, Link helped the Cyclones win 72 games and a pair of Big 12 Tournament titles. He assisted in the development of NBA lottery pick Tyrese Haliburton and future professionals Monte Morris, Naz Mitrou-Long, Deonte Burton, Matt Thomas, Marial Shayok and Talen Horton-Tucker, among others.

BlaKe Wetherington, who has served as a graduate assistant the last three seasons, will continue on Otzelberger’s staff as a recruiting and scouting coordinator. In his role he will assist the staff with developing and maintaining the Iowa State men’s basketball brand, as well other recruiting and scouting duties.

“In my time back here, Blake has demonstrated his talent, creativity and attention to detail in bettering our program each day,” Otzelberger said.

The Mayfield, Kentucky native was key in the development of three future NBA players in Marial Shayok, Talen Horton-Tucker and Tyrese Haliburton. He was also the creative mind behind all recruiting graphics for the Cyclones and in 2021 was selected as one of 22 graduate assistants across all levels to be a part of the inaugural GA Top Connect GALA.

In his seven years working in college basketball as a manager (Murray State) and graduate assistant, Wetherington has been a part of four team championships (regular season and tournament).

Otzelberger also said that Julie Voss continues in her role as basketball office assistant for the 44^th year. Voss has worked for nine Cyclone head coaches and plays a vital role in the day-to-day operations of the program. She has been in the program for 19 of Iowa State’s 20 NCAA Tournament appearances.

“Julie has an unparalleled passion and enthusiasm for Iowa State basketball and the Ames community and has been a valued member of our program for many years,” Otzelberger said.

(Radio Iowa) – There is an in-state softball contest in Cedar Falls Wednesday when Northern Iowa hosts Iowa State. The Cyclones are 23-11 overall and beat the Panthers 12-2 back in early February. UNI coach Ryan Jacobs.

Jacobs says the Cyclones are good in all phases.

UNI is 15-13.

(Radio Iowa) – Northern Iowa football coach Mark Farley says bouncing back from having a game canceled is tougher than rebounding from a loss. The Panthers had last Friday’s game at South Dakota canceled and will close out their spring season at home on Saturday against second ranked North Dakota State.

Farley says it is frustrating for everyone involved.

Farley says that is just part of what has been a series of difficult things to deal with.

With so many games being made up Farley says there are no options to make up a game next week.

UNI is 3-3.

With Jim Field.

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Audubon got wins from Hannah Thygesen (800M), Grace Slater (3000M), Kodie Sporrer (400M Hurdles), and 4x400M Relay, Sprint Medley, and Distance Medley. Maddax DeVault of Nodaway Valley won the 200M and 400M. The Wolverines also got a win from Maddie Fry in the Long Jump and they won the 4x100M Relay. CAM’s Jade Jackson won the 100M Hurdles and the High Jump. Molly Ventiecher picked up a title in the Shot Put as well for the Cougars.

Full results HERE.

Team Scores

1. Glenwood 171
2. Clarinda 132
3. Atlantic 118
4. Red Oak 70
5. CB Thomas Jefferson 38
6. CB Abraham Lincoln 31
7. Creston 26

Silas Bales won the 100M and 200M to get Glenwood started hot and the Rams coasted their way to the team title. Atlantic got a win from Craig Alan Becker in the 800M, Colin Mullenix won the 400M Hurdles and Drew Engler won the 3,200M Run.

Full results HERE.

BOYS TENNIS

Glenwood 5, Clarinda 4

GIRLS GOLF

Boyer Valley 212, Coon Rapids-Bayard 215, CAM 227, Woodbine 249, Glidden-Ralston 297. Medalist: Alexia Miller, Boyer Valley (48)

Griswold NTS, Nodaway Valley NTS. Medalist: Jenna Reynolds, Griswold (54)

Logan-Magolia 232, Tri-Center 242. Medalist: Kali Collins, Logan-Magnolia (52)

BOYS GOLF

ACGC 180, Pleasantville 193, Madrid 232, West Central Valley 276. Medalist: Grant Caltrider, WCV (39), Runner-Up: Gunnar Larsen, ACGC (39).

Boyer Valley 175, Exira-EHK 197, Coon Rapids-Bayard 198, CAM 206, Woodbine 212, Glidden-Ralston 230. Medalist: Tyler Petersen, Exira-EHK (41)

Clarinda 176, Glenwood 183. Medalist: Xander Pullen, Clarinda (40)

Nodaway Valley 227, Griswold 233. Medalist: Caleb Oakleaf, Griswold (48)

Tri-Center 193, Fremont-Mills 196, Logan-Magnolia 196. Medalist: Jacob Fetter, Logan-Magnolia (43)

GIRLS SOCCER

Atlantic 4, Kuemper Catholic 1. (Jada Jensen 2 goals for Atlantic.)
Bondurant-Farrar 10, Carroll 0
Glenwood 3, Sioux City West 2 (OT)
Lewis Central 10, Denison-Schleswig 0
St. Albert 8, Creston 1
Treynor 7, Tri-Center 3
Underwood 4, Missouri Valley 1

BOYS SOCCER

Bondurant-Farrar 9, Carroll 0
St. Albert 5, Creston 2
Treynor 7, Tri-Center 0
Underwood 5, Missouri Valley 1

ATLANTIC—Officials with the Atlantic Golf and Country Club (AGCC) report, Sheryl Dusenberry, AGCC General Manager, was recently recognized by the Iowa Golf Association as the 2020 Club Manager of the Year. Bill Eby, IGA President, presented the award at the IGA annual banquet in Des Moines on March 26th. Lucas Mosier, 2020 AGCC President, said “We are so pleased for Sheryl to be honored with this award. She does an outstanding job every day keeping AGCC running smoothly, and we all truly appreciate her dedication!”

Sheryl Dusenberry, AGCC Manager

Dusenberry was nominated for the award by AGCC members. In their announcement of her selection, IGA shared some of the comments that brought her nomination to the top. Dusenberry has been praised by the members and AGCC for her attention to detail, selfless service, and her people skills. This past spring, she stepped up to find innovative ways to safely serve their members during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dusenberry coordinated with the kitchen staff to provide takeout dining services to members, many times delivering the meals herself. Additionally, she coordinated with all other club personnel to implement safety protocols and make sure all club functions were in accordance with public health proclamations to ensure the safety of their members and guests.

Annually, AGCC hosts the Tournament of Champions, an event where golfers flock to Atlantic from across the state. IGA veteran Ron Peterson spoke highly of the way Dusenberry represents the club while hosting the event. “You can tell she takes great pride in presenting and representing the Atlantic Golf & Country Club in the best way possible,” Peterson said. “She works tirelessly before and after the event to ensure the participants have the best experience possible.”

One member noted that Dusenberry exemplifies the attributes of an excellent manager. “If a golf course were to hire a new manager, I would recommend they spend a week or two with Sheryl to see how a course should be run,” said member Allan Hjelle.

Bottom row left to right- Letty McSorely, Carson, IA, Colton Krueger, Carson, IA, Cody Swank, Harlan, IA, Colton Anderson, Atlantic, Braxton Hass, Atlantic, Hunter Quist, Atlantic, Adien Smith, Elliott, Brentyn Hoover, Anita, IA, Jake Wailes, Wiota, IA, Grant Petty, Atlantic, Holden DeVore, Atlantic, Hade DeVore, Atlantic, Garret Stezel, Atlantic, Gavin Doughtery, Lewis. Top row left to right Conner Britten, Red Oak, Braden Smith, Atlantic, Drey Newell, Atlantic, Dylan Comes, Atlantic, Cooper Jipsen, Atlantic, Owen Hoover, Anita, Korben Brunt, Anita, Vicente Butcher, Corning, Joaquin Wailes, Wiota, Joey Oathoudt, Corning, Colton Rudy, Atlantic, Colin Rudy, Atlantic, Jake Oathoudt, Corning, Dakota Breaud, Corning, Mason McCready, Macedonia, IA, Caden Foristall, Carson.

Atlantic, IA. – The duo of Vicente Butcher of Corning, Iowa and Conner Britten from Red Oak took home the top spot in the Powerade High School Series at the Olsen BP SAF SWIFT tournament at Prairie Rose Lake on Saturday. The teams total of 5 bass weighing 11 pounds, 11 ounces, gave them a mere 2-ounce-margin victory over the second-place team of Drey Newell of Atlantic and Braden Smith of Atlantic who brought 5 bass to the stage weighing 11-09. Third went to Dylan Comes and Cooper Jipsen both from Atlantic with 5 bass, 11-2.

Hunter Quist of Atlantic and Adien Smith from Elliott scored the win in the Fairlire Yup Junior Series with 5 bass weighing 11-7. Quist/Smith had to overcome some early adversity when their boat would not start once it was backed into the water. The only way they could maneuver their boat was by using the remote on the trolling motor, but kept fishing and with a little divine intervention perhaps they were still able to weigh-in the biggest 5 bags of fish. Second place went to Cody Swank of Harlan and Braxton Hass of Atlantic hauled in 4 bass at 6-15, rounding out the field in third place was the team of Jake Wailes of Wiota, IA and Brentyn Hoolver of Anita, IA. their total was 3 bass 5-12.

It was a perfect sunny spring day with temperature in the low 70’s and extraordinarily little wind for thirty student anglers and their boat captains who launched from the docks at 7:30am on the hunt to put a 5 bass limit in the boat. The teams navigated across 173-acre Prairie Rose Lake for seven in half hours making history for the first SAF High School and Junior Fishing tournament to be held in the state of Iowa. At the official weigh-in there were a total of 46 were caught with a combined weight of 99lbs 8oz., all bass were safely returned to the lake. Seven teams caught a 5 bass full bad limit and the average bass weighed one pound seven once.

Jake Wailes a 6th grader from Atlantic earned the AM Cohron & Sons Big Fish of the tournament with his bass weighing in at three pounds.

Powerade High School Boat Series results from the Olsen BP SAF SWIFT tournament at Prairie Rose Lake on Saturday.

1st: Vicente Butcher, Corning, IA., and Conner Britten, Red Oak, IA., 5 bass, 11.11
2nd: Drey Newell, Atlantic, IA and Braden Smith, Atlantic, IA, 5 bass, 11.09
3rd: Cooper Jipsen, Atlantic, IA and Braden Smith, Atlantic, IA, 5 bass, 11.02
4th: Mason McCready, Macedonia, IA and Caden Forristall, Carson, IA, 5 bass, 11.01
5th: Korben Brunt, Anita, IA and Owen Hoover, Anita, IA, 5 bass, 10.6
6th: Colton Rudy, Atlantic, IA and Colin Rudy, Atlantic, IA, 5 bass, 9.9
7th: Joey Oathoudt, Corning, IA and Joaquin Wailes, Wiota, IA, 2 bass, 4.1
8th: Jake Oathoudt, Corning, IA and Dakota Breaud, Corning, IA, 1 bass, 2.11

Fairlire Yup Junior Boat Series results from the Olsen BP SAF SWIFT tournament at Prairie Rose Lake on Saturday.

1st: Hunter Quist, Atlantic, IA., and Adien Smith, Elliot, IA., 5 bass, 11.7
2nd: Cody Swank, Harlan, IA and Braxton Hass, Atlantic, IA, 4 bass, 6.15
3rd: Jake Wailes, Wiota, IA and Brentyn Hoover, Anita, IA, 3 bass, 5.12
4th: Gavin Dougherty, Lewis, IA and Garrett Stetzel, Atlantic, IA, 1 bass, 2.3
5th: Hade DeVore, Atlantic, IA and Holden DeVore Atlantic, IA, 0 bass, 0
6th: Letty McSorely, Carson, IA and Colton Krueger, Carson, IA, 0 bass, 0
7th: Grant Petty, Atlantic, IA and Colton Anderson, Atlantic, IA, 0 bass, 0

The next event for SWIFT will be a Lake Anita on April 17th.
For complete details and updated information visit www.southwestiowafishingteam.teamapp.com.
For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow on SWIFT’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.