Proud father-son moment right after Buffalo called Spencer Brown. I sat next to Kurt for four hours as he patiently logged all the picks and saw his son rise among available offensive tackles. The payoff was sweet.
Today is Bud Legg's final day in the
@IHSAA
office. Bud has been serving Iowa students for more than 50 years as a teacher, counselor, coach, school administrator, game official, and finally, as IHSAA Information Director since 2001. A tremendous help to folks like us. Congrats!
The tone of
@IAGovernor
Kim Reynolds address last night was that our public schools are filled with vile materials poisoning the minds of our children. I’m in the middle school every day and all I see are selfless educators helping Creston kids on their journey to future success.
I wish I could show
@BillTaylor_SWCC
the turnout for his funeral. Something tells me he'd have a wisecrack about there being a better use of a basketball court. Estimates above 1,300.
We lost one of Creston's (and Diagonal's) all-time greats tonight.
@BillTaylor_SWCC
's influence on so many of us will never be forgotten. This photo I took at one of Jenna's games is how I remember him (red jacket), always there for his wonderful family. RIP good friend.
Took a deep breath in the parking lot and walked in to sign the final papers and turn over the key that I used nearly 30,000 times. Definitely makes it sink in. I'm now a former journalist. And, very proud to have been a part of that brotherhood.
Some know him as Dr. Shoe or “Magic,” but around southwest Iowa he’s the umpire or ref you’ve seen for generations. Honored to have the opportunity to tell the story of the late Steve McCann in Friday’s News Advertiser as a freelance contributor. Great guy, and great official.
A big reason why I retired. No coverage of sectional wrestling or basketball this weekend. Instead, meeting our first granddaughter, Willow Wren Peterson, born to Keith and Kelsey on Tuesday. She's the first girl in our Peterson family, after two sons and two grandsons.
#cutie
I’ve been interviewing Curt Bladt since my days in Atlantic in early ‘80s. You could tell last night he had been battling serious health issues. Glad that PA announcer Jack Davis paid tribute to him last night. Today’s kids may not realize just how huge Harlan football was/is.
We donated to
@IowaPublicTV
last night during the John Denver documentary. For one reason, to support their outstanding coverage of girls high school sports championships. Free streaming of early games and easy TV access to finals, so much better than this
@Watch_IHSSN
situation.
Every kid playing at this field from now on knows it's not an impossible dream. Congrats again
@TooTallo_o
. Thanks
@Jerekwolcott
for all of your help on a special local story.
Twelve hours ago I was laid out on the kitchen floor, lightheaded & nearly passed out. Deb’s hands were on the phone ready to call the ambulance. Now, feeling decent watching a Chris Stapleton concert on YouTube. COVID is a nasty bitch with waves of symptoms in and out. Avoid it!
That time that Kyle McCann stole it from Pella's Kyle Korver (still a pro with the Bucks at 39) and bolted downcourt for a two-handed slam in the 1997 state championship game. McCann scored 21 in 74-57 win. Steve McCann was one proud papa.
Reminder to those watching Bills-Steelers.
@TooTallo_o
Spencer Brown is No. 79 for Buffalo. Offensive tackle. This is the first time I’ve had the chance to talk about someone I covered in high school being in a regular season NFL game. Kind of cool after 41 years.
So, we have some heartwarming news on this frigid day. Born on Valentine’s Day in Des Moines was our second granddaughter in 12 days, Ellowyn Noelle, born to Brett and Shawna Peterson of Waukee. Their first child. 7 pounds, 10 ounces of joy!
Watch rounds 5 through 7 of the NFL draft on Saturday. Somewhere in there, Iowa State center Trevor Downing is expected to become the first player from Creston to be drafted by an NFL team. That will be a special moment for Creston football and coach Morrison.
Just got an official notice from News Advertiser/Shaw Media HR that a certain old guy will officially be back on duty at the News Advertiser on Nov. 16. Temporary layoff began March 31.
Giddy up!
Creston's Dylan Calvin, shortly after intercepting a Clarinda pass. Helmet decal is tribute to his father, former Panther great Joe Calvin, who died earlier this year.
A 220-pound tight end/defensive end at Lenox, Spencer Brown is now 6-9 and 313 pounds as the starting offensive right tackle for UNI, which opens 11 a.m. Aug. 31 at Iowa State on FS1.
It took 8 stitches to sew up the gash that
@Berg14Will
Seth Maitlen sustained when his headgear got tangled up with one from a Grand View offensive lineman on the second defensive play today. Like he did as a state runner-up wrestler, he took it in stride and got back in there.
Long pet peeve now experienced by my young colleagues: Coaches who don’t return calls after a defeat, or avoid us on-site after a loss. That’s small. Be better than that. We have a job, win or lose. And it’s teams we’ve spent A LOT of time on the road covering the good times.
Try to tell me sports are frivolous and unessential and I'll show you this. Bonds that last a lifetime. Coach Morrison and Creston/O-M seniors huddle after their final game together.
I failed to mention in the article that
@BillTaylor_SWCC
’s coaching record at SWCC was 156-63. With one of the lowest budgets in Region XI, and based 60 to 100 miles from urban recruiting clusters of schools. “We may not have the most talent, but nobody will outwork us,” he said.
This story meant a lot to me, as Bill was also a close friend of mine. Creston senior
@SydHartsock
is playing this year with some special inspiration from her neighbor and friend, the late Bill Taylor.
Thanks to this 11-1 Creston team for giving an old man some great memories and meaningful stories to tell during a historic season. It was fun to watch. You inspired a lot of young kids to try to reach high and be special someday. Well done.
I appreciate
@TooTallo_o
Spencer Brown of the Buffalo Bills taking some time during his visit back home to talk about his rookie season, giving our readers a glimpse of the NFL life. He appreciates the outpouring of support throughout SW Iowa. Story link -
On the birthday of his father, the late Bill Taylor, a 1982 Diagonal graduate, son
@ColbyTaylor23
is guest clinician at the Diagonal Basketball Camp dedicated to Bill's legacy in basketball instruction, organized by Buena Vista player Emily Newton. Story in CNA Wednesday.
One of the great things about my career was the people I got to meet. It would be nice to wish “Coach” a happy 58th birthday today. Cancer still sucks.
My update in today's News Advertiser on Iowa State guard
@TrevorDowning74
as the Cyclones begin camp today. He's overcome a serious foot injury from the first game in 2020 and ready to go for a 2021 season full of high expectations. -
A bit ironic, but on the day our new website is launched, my column on my Dec. 31 retirement is published. I had the opportunity to write my final game story on some kids I coached in 7th grade. That was perfect! The column on 36 wonderful years.-
Creston junior Brennan Hayes rushed for 433 yards and two touchdowns in Creston’s 39-0 win over Knoxville. Believed to be a school single-game record. O-line had itself a night!
What are you thankful for? I'm thankful I pushed aside first instinct that Atlantic was too small of a place to work. Took the job and interviewed this friendly young woman for a story on her new YMCA program. 40 years, 2 kids & 2 grandsons later, we still see the world together.
What hurts, Troy, is that people are under the impression we all operate that way. I don't give a rat's ass what some young man did at 16. I was an idiot then and my sister can confirm.
Basketball leadership (national tourney level), dedicated service to Southwestern, and devotion to family. Items on display at viewing that portray the legacy of
@BillTaylor_SWCC
.
One year ago, Kylan Smallwood was 3 weeks from his final Creston season opener on Glenwood’s court. Today,
@kylan_smallwood
is a starter for Midland University on a Division I court as the Warriors play at University of Nebraska-Omaha.
Last year, shortly after Deb’s Oct. 26 birthday, we both got COVID-19, and 11 months later she has long-term effects. Still no taste or smell, and some nerve issues in her neck. It’s been challenging. Happy birthday to Deb today. Hoping for a better year ahead!
Longtime Bridgewater-Fontanelle and Nodaway Valley coach Darrell Burmeister joined the IHSAA Basketball Hall of Fame tonight. Shown with sister Diane Osterkamp, brother Delbert Burmeister and longtime assistant coach Dr. Richard Kohler. Won over 600 games. State title in ‘06
Terry Hersom died from a massive heart attack in Chicago as he planned to go to the Bears game with his son. He retired one year before I did after writing sports for the Sioux City Journal for 38 years. We served on the same all-state committees for many years. Very sad news.
The fog has lifted. For the first time in more than a week I feel somewhat normal. Wife Deb is a few days behind me, but hopeful for her as well. That was a struggle I won’t risk again. Sign me up for the vaccine next spring!
Heres another remarkable coaching story involving Steve Forbes. When Forbes was SWCC coach here and Nick Nurse coached Grand View, they were friends and often met in Des Moines. Ran summer camps together. Now, one is an NBA champion, and the other is with Roy and Coach K in ACC.
True Steve McCann story. He was a ref for a SWCC basketball game. Coach Bill Krejci, frustrated at his team, not a call, saw a loose ball go OB near him. He kicked it, and it flew clear up to hit the scoreboard. Opposing coach wanted a T called. McCann: “He didn’t mean to do it."
East Tennessee State coach Steve Forbes has flown into Iowa and is in Creston tonight for Bill Taylor’s celebration of life service tomorrow at SWCC. Had a game Saturday night, and another on Thursday. To be here speaks of the impact of Bill Taylor, and the relationships he had.
Here’s something they don’t teach you in journalism school. How am I supposed to concentrate today writing Wednesday’s big feature on area spring sports collegians on the same day I got my layoff notice? Hopefully I’ll restored by late June, but no guarantees. 1/2
A first for me in 41 years. Someone I interviewed after an 8-man game in southern Iowa introduces himself to America on Sunday Night Football. (My wife the UNI grad offers the cheer in the background,
@TooTallo_o
.)
Former Lenox pitcher TJ Stoaks, with parents Kurt and Mandy, was honored at the state tournament for 100 career wins. Career record of 108-43 for the Tigers. Now plays at
@WarriorSoftball
.
Scott Giles is retiring after a long career as a respected basketball official. The Mount Ayr activities director worked the Class 1A state championship game, won by Grand View Christian over North Linn.
Coaches Schlapia and O'Daniels with Braelyn Baker, who now owns the best girls 5K cross country time in school history. Not bad for someone who underwent ACL reconstructive surgery right after 9th grade state XC race, with basketball injury.
Seth Maitlen with parents Steve and Sue after Morningside's 51-14 NAIA quarterfinal win over St. Xavier. A win next week sends Mustangs to national championship game in Daytona, Florida.
Coach Mike Gerleman surprised Kyle McCann and came up from Florida to attend Saturday's Hall of Fame induction. His Uber driver was Vic Belger, the assistant on '97 title team and longtime baseball & basketball coach in Creston. They let an old reporter stand with them!
Ethan Westphal announced on Instagram today his playing days are over. It was fun watching that funky delivery of breaking pitches from all angles baffle batters at every level, including Class A pro ball. Hell of a HS, college & pro run. Lenox, M-SM, SWCC, Central Mo. stud.
Probably the most unique character I've worked with in 38 years of sports journalism. There's only one "Fox." He brought Krejci and Schroeder to SWCC. Legends, all.
The passing of legendary Coach Ron “Fox” Clinton hit hard today. A huge influence and friend to myself, my wife, and my dad who he Coached at SWCC. Few people I admire more than Fox!
How about
@kolby_hulett23
? He could have been an absolute stud known throughout Iowa in wrestling and football, but doing so was a risk to his life when a spinal disorder was diagnosed. So, he took up golf and now he's good enough to often score third-best on a good varsity team.
Eight years ago we lost longtime Creston AD Curt Olson, just two days before I was supposed to interview him for the upcoming Creston High School Hall of Fame induction story. I treasure this picture of a moment with Oly and KSIB legend
@gary_bucklin
. He cared about ALL kids.
Sorry to hear about the passing of Judy Hulett. Thanks to
@terryfreeman53
for his photo that we ran in the paper when she and Jack were recognized for decades of support to Panther activities. Hulett kids (and grandkids) provided fans a lot of special memories for many years.
I don't think I've covered a Creston female golfer with more credentials over a career than Rylie Driskell. Finished 13th, 9th and 10th at state with the pandemic wiping out her junior season. Part of the 2018 state runner-up team. Next stop, the UNI golf team.