PHOTO: Tanner Felton connects on a three-run homer for Monticello in the Ed-Co doubleheader June 10. (Photo by Pete Temple)
BASEBALL
By Pete Temple, Express Sports Editor
Fifteen straight.
Monticello continued its impressive roll through the 2013 schedule last week, winning six more games, including four in the Tri-Rivers Conference, to extend its streak to 15.
Included were lopsided sweeps of Edgewood-Colesburg, by scores of 11-0 and 16-1; and East Buchanan, 16-0 and 9-0.
Two non-conference wins also were included, and proved to be the closest of the games. Monticello beat Midland 9-5 June 11 in Monticello, and edged Calamus-Wheatland 3-0 in a June 14
PHOTO: Lael Lubben of Monticello bunts for a hit during the Springville doubleheader June 10. (Photo by Pete Temple)
SOFTBALL
By Pete Temple, Express Sports Editor
While learning that they can be a dominant force in the Tri-Rivers Conference this season, the sixth-ranked Monticello Panthers also proved their ability against stronger competition.
It was a nine-game week for the Panthers (8-0, 15-2), who won eight of those games. While
JUNE 19 HOME STRETCH COLUMN — PETE TEMPLE, SPORTS EDITOR
Monticello baseball coach Josh Soper supplied me with several individual state rankings involving his 15-1 team, which has now won 15 straight games.
All of these are statewide Class 2A rankings, except where noted. I can take no credit for these, other than relaying them here, but here goes:
• Sam Boyd is tied for sixth in with 25 total hits, and is second in runs scored with 25.
PHOTO: New Monticello head football coach Jon Kyte is excited to be back at his alma mater. (Photo by Pete Temple)
By Pete Temple, Express Sports Editor
Jon Kyte, new head football coach for Monticello High School, is setting his goals high.
“My ultimate goal – it’s not going to happen next year, but a five-year plan, is to go back to the days when I was here
PHOTO: Cody Menster winds and delivers while pitching a no-hitter for Monticello June 4 against West Liberty. (Photo by Emily Burds)
BASEBALL
By Pete Temple, Express Sports Editor
No-hitters thrown by Matt Holmes and Cody Menster were the highlights as the Monticello baseball team won six games in a span of five days last week. The wins, which included opening the Tri-Rivers Conference schedule 4-0, upped the Panthers’ overall winning streak to nine, making the team
PHOTO: Despite a coach’s efforts, Monticello’s Sonya McCormick tags out a Wilton runner at third base June 4 in Wilton. (Photo courtesy of Ryan Stonebraker, Tipton Conservative)
SOFTBALL
By Pete Temple, Express Sports Editor
Four victories in two days, including a pair of key Tri-Rivers Conference wins, extended the Monticello softball team’s winning streak to seven.
The week opened with a pair of conference battles June 3 at North-Linn.
Jordan Williams completed his outstanding discus career with the University of Northern Iowa by earning second team All-American status.
The senior from Monticello finished 12th overall in the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships June 7 in Eugene, Ore.
Williams threw for a distance of 190-foot-2, surpassing 190 feet for the third time this season.
JUNE 12 HOME STRETCH COLUMN — PETE TEMPLE, SPORTS EDITOR
Kirk Park has learned a great deal in 30 years as Midland High School’s athletic director.
One of the biggest things he learned was the value of being surrounded by helpful, supportive people.
“I’ve had a good run here,” said Park, who resigned from his post as of May 31. “Not only the kids have been good, but I’ve been really, really fortunate to have a group of community members that
JUNE 12 OFF THE MARK COLUMN — MARK SPENSLEY, CO-PUBLISHER
As much as I get all hyped up for the NFL draft, I am the polar opposite when it comes to the MLB draft. I usually have no idea when it even happens, as there isn’t near the amount of hype associated with it.
But that changed for me this year, because television and the Internet seemed to make it a point to get the first-year player draft out in the limelight.
PHOTO: Panther shortstop Paxtyn Keleher is about to tag out an East Buchanan runner on a steal attempt May 29 in Monticello. (Photo by Pete Temple)
SOFTBALL
By Pete Temple, Express Sports Editor
It took three days, but the Monticello softball team finished out a sweep of East Buchanan to open the Tri-Rivers Conference portion of the schedule.
The Panthers (2-0 conference, 3-1 overall) started the doubleheader Wednesday, May
GIRLS TRACK
By Pete Temple, Express Sports Editor
GIRLS GOLF
By Pete Temple, Express Sports Editor
MAY 15 OFF THE MARK COLUMN — MARK SPENSLEY, CO-PUBLISHER
Is no sporting event sacred anymore where gentlemanly traits are as pure as the sport
BOYS GOLF
By Pete Temple, Express Sports
GIRLS GOLF
By Pete Temple, Express Sports Editor