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Good Luck To All Area Athletes For A Great 2026 Season!

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Friday, August 28, 2026

The Daily Freeman Journal, Webster City, Iowa

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The Daily Freeman-Journal, Webster City, Iowa

W E B S T E R

C I T Y

Thursday, August 27, 2026

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F O O T B A L L

DFJ photo by Patrick Coons

MEMBERS OF THE WEBSTER CITY FOOTBALL TEAM are, front row (left to right): John Wilwerding, Grant Arends, Coyce Bertran, Alex Staley, Luke Blake, Kaleb Hansen and Zack Lahr. Second: Yerik Vasquez, Ayden Elliott, Efrain Calles-Arnaiz, Tristan Bohl, Gryffan Stevens and Israel Torres. Third: Peyton Weisberg, Briggs Peppel, Gordon Bargfrede, Malachi Streigle, Boston Farley, Zakiah Christensen and Grayson Simonton. Fourth: Winston Cheyne, Brandon Burney, Henry Ehn, Reed Larson, Jax Olson and Brandon Law. Fifth: Jesus Tello Meendering, Easton Hector, Wyatt Orton, Royce Mora, Ethan Mulligan, Connor Smothers and AJ Sexe. Back: Ivan Tello Meendering, Zander Christensen, Remy Benshoof, Dax Peppel, Graham Petersen, Landon Hejlik, Cam Toftee and Alexander Eberle. Not pictured: Mavryk Ahrens.

Lynx ready to get back on top

By DANA BECKER

sports@freemanjournal.net

Following back-to-back three-win seasons, the Webster City football team enters 2026 looking for more.

The Lynx return 10 letterwinners, with eight of those having starting experience from a year ago.

Seven of the 10 form a strong senior class for third-year head coach Andy Brim,

who spent nearly two decades prior on the sidelines as an assistant for Webster City.

Coyce Bertran, Grant Arends, Luke Blake, Israel Torres, Kaleb Hansen, John Wilwerding and Zack Lahr are all seniors looking to get the program back into the playoffs in their final season on the gridiron together.

They are flanked by junior veterans Boston Farley and Peyton Weisberg, along with sophomore Grayson Simonton.

“These kids spend hours together bettering themselves as all-around athletes in our weight raining and speed programs,” Brim said. “They have bonded there and worked hard together to get where they are.”

Hansen was part of a rushing attack last fall that racked up nearly 2,200 yards and scored 24 touchdowns. He did his part, carrying the ball 130 times for 562 yards and four TDs, adding two receptions as

well.

Bertran is the only player returning for Brim who attempted a pass last year, as both Aiden Hrnicek and Jaxon Griffith must be replaced. Hrnicek threw for 160 yards and ran for nearly 700 yards, while Griffith led Webster City with 894 yards on the ground, 145 yards receiving and 15 total touchdowns.

See WC FOOT, Page 15

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Thursday, August 27, 2026

The Daily Freeman-Journal, Webster City, Iowa

W E B S T E R

www.freemanjournal.net

C I T Y

Submitted photo

FOOTBALL COACH ANDY BRIM (above) speaks last season during Homecoming week for Webster City.

Submitted photo

FALL SPORTS CHEERLEADERS (left) for Webster City include, front row (left to right): Gabbie Sebert, Kierra Eide and Greenlee Williams. Back: Greta Kenville, Breckyn Eide, Kali Hartnett, Izzy Weinschenk and Ava Gose.

LYNX AT A GLANCE

WEBSTER CITY Returning letterwinners (10): Coyce Bertran, sr.; Grayson Simonton, soph.; Grant Arends, sr.; Luke Blake, sr.; Israel Torres, sr.; Kaleb Hansen, sr.; Boston Farley, jr.; John Wilwerding, sr.; Peyton Weisberg, jr.; Zack Lahr, sr.

2025 record: 3-6 overall, 2-3 in the district.

Coach: Andy Brim begins his third season as head coach of the Lynx after spending 17 years as an assistant.

LYNX SCHEDULE Aug. 28 ..................................................... at Iowa Falls-Alden Sept. 4 ...............................................................at Fort Dodge Sept. 11 ................................................................... Clear Lake Sept. 18 .................................................................... at Gilbert Sept. 25 .....................................................................Humboldt Oct. 2 ...............................................................at Sioux Center Oct. 9 ...........................................................Sioux City Heelan Oct. 16 ........................................................................ at Algona Oct. 23 ........................................................ MOC-Floyd Valley

DFJ file photo

WEBSTER CITY’S KALEB HANSEN runs the ball last season. Hansen is returning for his senior season at both running back and linebacker for the Lynx.

www.freemanjournal.net

The Daily Freeman-Journal, Webster City, Iowa

Thursday, August 27, 2026

CLASS 3A, DISTRICT 1 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Friday, Aug. 28 Humboldt at...................................... Spencer Spirit Lake at ....................................... Algona Webster City at..................Iowa Falls-Alden Central Lyon/G-LR at ... MOC-Floyd Valley Bishop Heelan at ....... Sergeant Bluff-Luton Unity Christian at .................. Sioux Center

MOC-Floyd Valley at ......................... Algona Humboldt at ............................ Webster City Sioux Center at .................... Bishop Heelan Friday, Oct. 2 Algona at ........................................ Humboldt Webster City at ..................... Sioux Center Bishop Heelan at ............ MOC-Floyd Valley

Friday, Sept. 4 Humboldt at ................................. Clear Lake Algona at ............................Carroll Kuemper Webster City at.......................... Fort Dodge MOC-Floyd Valley at ..........Unity Christian Le Mars at .............................. Bishop Heelan Sheldon at ................................ Sioux Center Friday, Sept. 11 Carroll at ....................................... Humboldt Forest City at ...................................... Algona Clear Lake at ........................... Webster City MOC-Floyd Valley at .................Storm Lake Bishop Heelan at ................. Sioux City East Sioux Center at ................................ Le Mars

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Friday, Oct. 9 Algona at .................................. Sioux Center MOC-Floyd Valley at ................... Humboldt Bishop Heelan at .................... Webster City

DFJ file photo

WEBSTER CITY’S GRANT ARENDS makes a tackle against Iowa Falls-Alden last season in Webster City.

Friday, Sept. 18 Ballard at ........................................ Humboldt Algona at ....................... Waverly-Shell Rock Webster City at .................................Gilbert

DFJ file photo

LYNX CHEERLEADERS perform a routine during last year’s Webster City Homecoming week.

Le Mars at ........................ MOC-Floyd Valley Sioux City North at ............ Bishop Heelan Spencer at ................................ Sioux Center Friday, Sept. 25

Friday, Oct. 16 Webster City at ................................. Algona Humboldt at .......................... Bishop Heelan Sioux Center at .............. MOC-Floyd Valley Friday, Oct. 23 Algona at ................................ Bishop Heelan MOC-Floyd Valley at ............. Webster City Sioux Center at ............................ Humboldt

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The Daily Freeman-Journal, Webster City, Iowa

W E B S T E R

C I T Y

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V O L L E Y B A L L

DFJ photo by Patrick Coons

MEMBERS OF THE WEBSTER CITY VOLLEYBALL TEAM are, front row (left to right): Allison Arends, Kaitlyn Winkler, Charlee Olson, Elsie Pruismann, Amanda Lahr, Tessa Hansen and Izzy Weinschenk. Back: Hayden McCoy, Tristyn Wright, Avery Poppen, Evie Davis, Lovie Pruismann, Briley VanDeer and Jaylyn Bahrenfuss.

Lynx feel confident at the net

By DANA BECKER sports@freemanjournal.net

Entering her 20th season as head coach of the Webster City volleyball program, Jess Howard will lean on a strong group of returning players to lead the Lynx into the competitive North Central Conference.

Webster City finished with a 21-14 record last season, tying for third overall in

the league race. That marked the sixth time they have won at least 20 matches since 2010, and the third time in five years.

Returning athletes for the Lynx include Avery Poppen, Kaitlyn Winkler, Tristyn Wright, Jaylyn Bahrenfuss and Evie Davis.

Poppen, Winkler and Wright are seniors.

Bahrenfuss and Davis are juniors.

“We have a strong nucleus of girls coming back this season offensively and are

looking to capitalize on their experience to lead those that haven’t been on the varsity court yet,” said Howard, who has been with the WCHS program for 22 years. “We have 45 girls in the program this year, and all of them are pushing each other to get better.

“The competition within the program is continuing to develop the girls into strong volleyball players.”

Wright led the Lynx last year with 282

kills, as Davis tallied 125. Bahrenfuss had 105 and Poppen 82. They ranked as the Top-4 players in kills for Webster City last year, as Winkler chipped in 28.

Wright also had 200 digs, which placed her second behind only Morgan Hackbarth, with 32 blocks. Davis led Webster City with 105 total blocks, including 30 solos, See WC VOLLEYBALL, Page 15

www.freemanjournal.net

The Daily Freeman-Journal, Webster City, Iowa

W E B S T E R

Thursday, August 27, 2026

7

C I T Y

DFJ photo by Patrick Coons

MEMBERS OF THE WEBSTER CITY GIRLS TENNIS SQUAD are, front row (left to right): Gabbie Sebert, Delaney Lyons, Olivia Bergman, Perla Andrade-Murillo, Sarahi Terazi, Natalie Segar, Ava Campbell, Miley Mason and Haylee Ades. Back: Lizzie Westrum, Paisyn Bare,Vanessa Waldo Blas, Grace Andrews, Emily Carpenter, Kairi Toney, Ava Ely, Abby Heckert, Ava Otteros, Brielle Burgin, Harper Taylor, Hilary Worden, Paisley Jorgensen and Chloe Bakken.

Not pictured: Greenlee Williams, Elizabeth Van Demark and Maddex Lehman.

DFJ photo by Patrick Coons

FOOTBALL LETTTERWINNERS back for the Lynx in 2026 include, front row (left to right): John Wildwerding, Grant Arends, Coyce Bertran, Alex Staley, Kaleb Hansen and Zack Lahr. Back: Peyton Weisberg, Grayson Simonton, Boston Farley and Israel Torres.

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Thursday, August 27, 2026

W E B S T E R

The Daily Freeman-Journal, Webster City, Iowa

C I T Y

C R O S S

www.freemanjournal.net

C O U N T R Y

DFJ photo by Patrick Coons

MEMBERS OF THE WEBSTER CITY GIRLS AND BOYS CROSS COUNTRY SQUADS are, front row (left to right): Hayden Soesbe, McKenna Buakham, Victorious Mirembe and Quynn Pruismann. Second: Megan VanDeer, Izzy Grossoehme, Rubi Andrade-Murillo, Lilly Mourlam, Marlene Saavedra-Mendoza and Lyla Brookshire. Third: Matthew Lammers, Max Barrick, Tariq Burton, Enrique Brito-Leto, Frankie Bernal, Danny Morales, Kade Kruger and Ben Barner. Back: Jordan Betts, Owen Anderson, Kaleb Draeger, Daniel Murillo-Delfin, Greyson Henderson, Braxton Plain and Tanner Lenning. Not pictured: Aiden Wardell and Collin Wardell.

THE CREDITS The annual Fan Fall Sports Preview Edition was a combined effort of the DFJ sports staff and advertising department.

Sports Editor Eric Pratt and Assistant Sports Editor Chris Johnson designed, assembled and edited the tab. Staff members Dana Becker, Pratt and Johnson gathered information and wrote stories. Michelle Colshan designed the cover, which spotlights Webster City seniors Grant Arends and Tristyn Wright and South Hamilton senior Jesus Garcia.

We would like to take this time to thank each and every coach for their cooperation during the summer months. Best of luck this season!

www.freemanjournal.net

The Daily Freeman-Journal, Webster City, Iowa

W E B S T E R

C I T Y

C R O S S

Thursday, August 27, 2026

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C O U N T R Y

Strong group back for lynx

By DANA BECKER sports@freemanjournal.net

The name of the game for Webster City cross country head coach Derek Turner this fall is competition.

Even with a strong number of returning runners, Turner feels his program will have plenty of battles for varsity positions thanks to a large number of incoming talent.

Webster City returns Daniel MurilloDelfin, Kaleb Draeger and Aiden Wardell for the boys, with Izzy Grossoehme back to pace the girls.

“They all have previous experience at the varsity level and have spent a lot of time this summer preparing for the upcoming season,” Turner said. “Along with Izzy, we return almost all of our varsity runners from last year, which should be helpful for us.”

Dany Morales is the lone senior for the Webster City boys, while Grossoehme is joined by classmate Megan Van Deer.

Juniors include Murillo-Delfin, Draeger, Will Ruby, Grayson Henderson, Tariq Burton, Victorious Mirembe, Rubi-Andrade-Murillo, Mckenna Buakham and Haedyn Soesbee.

Wardell and Marlene Saavedra Mendoza are the sophomores, with freshmen Kade Kruger, Braxton Plain, Ben Barner, Enrique Brito Ceto, Matthew Lammers, Collin Wardell, Tanner Lenning, Lilly Mourlam and Quynn Pruismann comprising the largest class.

“Our middle school team had a ton of success in part because of these kids,” Turner said. “They have stepped up and (a lot of them) have a great shot at making a spot on the varsity roster.

“That competition should serve us well.”

Wardell placed eighth last year at a Class 3A state-qualifying meet. Draeger was 11th.

Justin Callahan, Gabe Thumma and Jack Barner have all graduated for the Lynx, who were third at the North Central Conference championships.

“Though we have a good core returning, a few (newcomers) will be joining the varsity roster this year (for the boys),” Turner said.

“We will have some bumps along the way, as they get used to high school competition, but I have high hopes that we can have a very competitive squad.

“Our girls team is ready to take the next step. Izzy has been a staple of the team since her freshman year along with the rest of the upperclassmen. We have expereince, but we just need to find a way to score better as a team and continue to improve throughout the course of the season.”

Grossoehme, a state track and field qualifier this past spring, was 13th at the state-qualifying race last year. Mendoza, Buakham and Soesbe each finished in the Top-35.

“I think our biggest goal this year is simply to compete,” Turner said. “We have the talent to score well in meets. We will have some learning to do with our younger athletes, but I am excited to see how the season unfolds.

“I like the commitment and dedication that the kids are showing as we get underway

DFJ file photos

WEBSTER CITY’S IZZY GROSSOEHME (top photo) and Kaleb Draeger (bottom photo) return for Lynx cross country squads this season.

and have nothing but confidence that we will Marshalltown. They follow with their home have a great year.” invitational on Sept. 1.

Webster City opens the season on Aug. The NCC race is scheduled for Oct. 13 in 27 at the Bobcat Early Bird hosted by Hampton at Maynes Grove.

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Thursday, August 27, 2026

The Daily Freeman-Journal, Webster City, Iowa

S O U T H

H A M I L T O N

www.freemanjournal.net

F O O T B A L L

DFJ photo by Angela Hewitt

MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH HAMILTON FOOTBALL TEAM are, front row (left to right): Maddux Becker, Spencer Davis, Kaden Dean, Lyndon Johnson, Ryan Oskvig, Davien Henderson and John Sandgren. Second: Trenton Popp, Garrett Rogers, Wyatt Gelder, Cooper Stuck, Garrett Johnson, Kyler Ziesman, Ben Swenson and Hayden Jones; Third: Weston Uttecht, Kash Northrop, Lane Widick, Owen Ealy, Miguel Martinez and Nathan Friest; Fourth: Cooper Neuberger, Joshua Bare, Isaiah Pergande, Reggie Williams, Desmond Hill, Max Sogard, Brant Barquist and Colton Hill. Back: Will Nibe, Jack Richardson, Caleb Popp and Braylen Simmons.

Key pieces ready to fuel hawks first-year head coach Cole Billerbeck, who replaces Paul Skartvedt. sports@freemanjournal.net Among those is Wyatt Gelder, who is one of the leading There is reason for optimism around the South Hamilton returning rushers after piling up 1,423 yards and 16 touchdowns on 192 carries as a sophomore. football program this fall.

Joining Gelder in the run-first attack will be senior Maddux After missing out on the playoffs for the first time since 2019 last fall, the Hawks return a number of key players for Becker, as he had 386 yards and a TD on 108 attempts.

By DANA BECKER

Garrett Johnson attempted 15 passes as a sophomore for the Hawks, throwing for 96 yards while rushing in two scores. He will have Lyndon Johnson, Kaden Dean and Liam Ealy to work with, as all three are back after catching passes a year ago.

See SH FOOT, Page 15

www.freemanjournal.net

The Daily Freeman-Journal, Webster City, Iowa

S O U T H

H A M I L T O N

Thursday, August 27, 2026

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F O O T B A L L

CLASS 1A, DISTRICT 2 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Friday, Aug. 28 Sioux Central at ....... Pocahontas Area Emmetsburg at ..............Estherville-LC South Central Calhoun at ...... Earlham IKM-Manning at .........East Sac County Manson NW at ...........Southeast Valley South Hamilton at ................ St. Ansgar Friday, Sept. 4 Pocahontas Area at .. Lawton-Bronson

Southeast Valley at ...........Emmetsburg Ridge View at ......................SC Calhoun East Sac County at ............Alta-Aurelia MVAOCOU at .................Manson NW Panorama at ................South Hamilton Friday, Sept. 11 Alta-Aurelia at .......... Pocahontas Area Okoboji at .........................Emmetsburg SC Calhoun at................. IKM-Manning

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK: Eric Pratt, Chris Johnson, Dana Becker TWITTER: @ByEricPratt @ChrisJohnson_17 @DanaBecker

East Sac County at ........... MVAOCOU Manson NW at ........................... Ogden Southeast Valley at .....South Hamilton Friday, Sept. 18 Emmetsburg at ......... Pocahontas Area South Hamilton at ............SC Calhoun Manson NW at East Sac County Friday, Sept. 25 Pocahontas Area at .........Manson NW SC Calhoun at ..................Emmetsburg East Sac County at South Hamilton Friday, Oct. 2 Pocahontas Area at ....South Hamilton

Emmetsburg at ................Manson NW SC Calhoun at ...........East Sac County Friday, Oct. 9 East Sac County at ... Pocahontas Area South Hamilton at ...........Emmetsburg Manson NW at ..................SC Calhoun Friday, Oct. 16 Pocahontas Area at ...........SC Calhoun Check out The Daily Freeman Journal every Monday for Friday’s highlights

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The Daily Freeman-Journal, Webster City, Iowa

H A M I L T O N

www.freemanjournal.net

V O L L E Y B A L L

DFJ photo by Angela Hewitt

MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH HAMILTON VOLLEYBALL TEAM are, front row (left to right): Adelyn Trask, Emma Lammers and Emma Ammerman. Middle: Winny Herrick, Allie Neuberger, Riah VanDePol, Aliya Erickson, Ellie Beaune and Grace Larson. Back: Cambrie Sloan, Rebekah Swenson, Stella Martensen, Taryn Swanson, Jillian Hesse and Tessa Skartvedt.

Veterans eager to pace hawks

By DANA BECKER sports@freemanjournal.net

The South Hamilton volleyball team looks to build off a 19-win season in 2025, as the Hawks return four key players from that rotation.

Seniors Aliya Erickson, Tessa Skartvedt and Riah Van De Pol are joined by junior

Emma Lammers.

“We have six seniors and whether they will be starting varsity or not, they have been tremendous in the gym with working hard and being great examples for the underclassmen,” South Hamilton head coach Shannon Skartvedt said. “Given we graduated several starting seniors in key positions, team chemistry will be key.

“We also have some good size and our blocking/defense has been looking good.”

Skartvedt led the Hawks with 294 kills a year ago, adding 102 digs, 23 blocks and 56 serving aces. Van De Pol added 65 kills with 49 digs and 25 aces, as she served at over 87 percent, and Lammers had a teamhigh 335 digs and Erickson contributed 78 digs.

“Tessa has started since she was a freshman and will contribute with her hitting and blocking on the outside,” Skartvedt said. “Emma has started since she was a freshman at libero and is excellent at reading the ball and playing defense.

“Aliya has started since her sophomore See SH VOLLEY, Page 11

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S O U T H

H A M I L T O N

The Daily Freeman-Journal, Webster City, Iowa

V O L L E Y B A L L

S O U T H

Thursday, August 27, 2026

H A M I L T O N

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C H E E R L E A D I N G

DFJ photo by Angela Hewitt

FALL CHEERLEADERS FOR SOUTH HAMILTON are, front row (left to right): Kimber Maakestad, Ember Valle, Grace Worth and Christina Babcock; Back: Carly Clawson, Juanita Olvera, Bella Sogard, Lucia Valerio and Scarlett Valle.

In Business since 1976 DFJ file photo

THE SOUTH HAMILTON VOLLEYBALL SQUAD huddles up during a match last season.

SH VOLLEY, Continued from Page 10 year and is our most seasoned setter and does a nice job getting the ball to our hitters. Riah has started since she was a sophomore and will also give us consistency on the outside.”

Skartvedt added that junior Stella Martensen “has looked great in practice hitting and blocking well from the right side.”

South Hamilton will need to replace the likes of Claire Hewitt, Sara Scheller,

Daytona Ferrie, Lillie Ammerman and Fiona Rott.

“We need to be more consistent in getting the ball to our hitters for kills, including serve receive, which always seems to be our biggest hurdle,” Skartvedt said. “We will be young in some positions and just need to get some experience and games under our belt.”

The 19 wins marked the most for the Hawks since

they went 24-8 in 2018, which was also the last time they had a winning record.

“Goals for our team include having a winning season and to continue to improve each game,” Skartvedt said. “We would also like to build women who are ready to move into life with a good work ethic, mindset and a confidence in who they were created to be.”

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The Daily Freeman-Journal, Webster City, Iowa

H A M I L T O N

G I R L S

C R O S S

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C O U N T R Y

DFJ photos by Angela Hewitt

MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH HAMILTON BOYS CROSS COUNTRY TEAM (above) are, front row (left to right): Kaden Greenlee, Hagen Klein, Jacob Lutjen, Denver Reisetter, Evan Gibson and Blake Main. Back: Sterling Dietzel, Hayden Hill, Jackson Olmstead, Caden Christensen, Trevor Zanker and Jesus Garcia.

MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH HAMILTON GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY TEAM (left) are, front row (left to right): Laurel Johnson, Cici Herrick and Rosemary Chamness. Back: Hayley Gibson, Alexis Matthes and Jillian Bentley.

HAWK COMPOSITE FALL SPORTS SCHEDULE Friday, Aug. 28 Football: Hawks at St. Ansgar, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 29 Volleyball: Hawks at Invitational, 9 a.m.

Cowgirl

Tuesday, Sept. 1 Cross Country: Hawks at Lynx Invitational, 5 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 4 Football: Hawks vs. Panorama, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 5 Volleyball: Hawks at SCC Early Bird Tournament, 9 a.m.

Thursday, Sept. 10

Cross Country: Hawks at Gilbert Invitational, 5 p.m.

Volleyball: Hawks at PCM, 5 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 22 Cross Country: Hawks at West Marshall, 5 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 11 Football: Hawks vs. Southeast Valley, 7 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 24 Cross Country: Hawks at RolandStory, 5 p.m.

Volleyball: Hawks at WoodwardGranger, 5 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 25 Football: Hawks vs. East Sac County, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 15 Cross Country: Hawks at ColoNesco, 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 17 Volleyball: Hawks vs. Grand View Christian, 5 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 18 Football: Hawks at South Central Calhoun, 7 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 28 Volleyball: Hawks host a triangular vs. Forest City, Madrid, Panorama, 5 p.m.

Cross Country: Hawks at Ogden, 5 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 1 Cross Country: Hawks at Perry, 4:30 p.m.

Volleyball: Hawks at Saydel, 6:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 2 Football: Hawks vs. Pocahontas Area, 7 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 5 Volleyball: Hawks at Ogden, 5 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 8 Cross Country: Hawks host Jim Klein Invitational, 4:30 p.m.

Volleyball: Hawks at Perry, 7 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 9

Football: Hawks at Emmetsburg, 7 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 12 Cross Country: Hawks at HOIAC in Perry, 4 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 13 Volleyball: Hawks vs. ClarionGoldfield/Dows, Southeast Valley, 5 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 15 Volleyball: Hawks vs. West Marshall, 6:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 16 Football: Hawks at Manson NW, 7 p.m.

www.freemanjournal.net

The Daily Freeman Journal, Webster City, Iowa

S O U T H

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Thursday, August 27, 2026

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Hawk harriers hit another gear

By DANA BECKER sports@freemanjournal.net

Year two under the guidance of Robyn Reisetter starts with plenty of optimism surrounding the South Hamilton boys cross country team.

Reisetter and the Hawks return top runners Jesus Garcia and Hayden Hill, along with several other key returning athletes.

“We will have strong leadership from our upperclassmen,” Reisetter said. “Another strength we have is our numbers. We have nearly doubled our roster size, so we will have athletes competing for a varsity spot.”

Joining Garcia and Hill will be Jackson Olmstead, Caden Christensen, Sterling Dietzel, Kaden Greenlee and Evan Gibson.

“We got a taste of state last year by sending Jesus, and Hayden just missed out,” Reisetter said. “Another strength is our collective goal of scoring well as a team each meet.”

Garcia placed 41st in the Class 1A race at state in Fort Dodge from Lakeside Golf Course and Kennedy Park last fall. The senior clocked a time of 17:21.5 on the course.

In addition to competing at that race, Garcia qualified for the 2A state track and field championships in the spring. He ran in the 3200, placing 19th overall.

“As a continued area to improve, we will be working on running more as a pack, utilizing that pack mentality to improve our scoring outcomes,” Reisetter said. “We also have a lot of new athletes out this season, so there will be many opportunities for improvement throughout the season with our new runners.

“The chemistry is there with this group of athletes; they hold each other accountable, support each other well and collectively believe in the goals we have set for the season. The leadership with this upperclassman group of athletes is that of

quiet leaders; leading by example.”

Cici Herrick, Rosemary Chamness and Laurel Johnson return for the Hawk girls, as they will also look to Jillian Bentley and Hayley Gibson on the course.

“Our bond as a team and willingness to put in the work to achieve our goals is one of our biggest strengths,” South Hamilton girls head coach Emily Bochmann said.

“These girls work hard every single day and give their best.

“They are positive and supportive of each other and the goals of each individual.”

The Hawks are replacing key senior runners Olivia Beaune, Bianca Seaton, Isabel Swenson and Kayley Zanker. Herrick was ninth at the state-qualifying meet that the team hosted last year while Johnson finished 22nd.

“Our seniors are great leaders who lead by example,” Bochmann said. “Our team is willing to do anything to help each other out.

“Our main goals revolve around improving times and places throughout the season. We also want to enjoy the season

DFJ file photos

SOUTH HAMILTON’S HAYDEN HILL (top photo) and Jesus Garcia (bottom photo) return for the Hawks in 2026. and have fun.”

South Hamilton opens the season at the Iowa Falls-Alden Cadet Invitational on Thursday. They will run in meets hosted by Webster City, Gilbert, Colo-Nesco, West Marshall, Roland-Story, Ogden and Perry

before welcoming teams to the Jim Klein Invitational at Jewell Golf and Country on Oct. 8.

The Heart of Iowa Athletic Conference championships are set for Perry on Oct. 12.

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The Daily Freeman Journal, Webster City, Iowa

W E B S T E R

Thursday, Sept. 10 Girls Tennis: Lynx vs. HamptonDumont/CAL, 4:15 p.m.

16

C I T Y

LYNX COMPOSITE FALL SPORTS SCHEDULE

Friday, Aug. 28 Thursday, Sept. 17 Football: Lynx at Iowa Falls-Alden, 7 Cross Country: Lynx at Clear Lake p.m.

Invitational, 5 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 29 Volleyball: Lynx vs. Algona, 7 p.m.

Volleyball: Lynx at St. Edmond Invitational, 8:30 a.m.

Friday, Sept. 18 Football: Lynx at Gilbert, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 1 Girls Tennis: Lynx at Charles City, Saturday, Sept. 19 4:30 p.m.

Volleyball: Lynx at Forest City Cross Country: Lynx host Webster Tournament, 9 a.m.

City Invitational, 5 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 22 Thursday, Sept. 3 Cross Country: Lynx at Riverhawk Girls Tennis: Lynx vs. Nevada, 4:30 Invitational, 4:30 p.m. p.m.

Volleyball: Lynx at Humboldt, 7 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 24 Volleyball: Lynx vs. Garner-Hayfield/ Friday, Sept. 4 Ventura, Hampton-Dumont/CAL, Football: Lynx at Fort Dodge, 7 p.m. Forest City, 5 p.m.

Girls Tennis: Lynx at St. Edmond, 4:30 p.m.

Cross Country: Lynx at Dick Pollitt Invitational, 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, August 27, 2026

Tuesday, Oct. 6 Thursday, Oct. 15 Cross Country: Lynx at Dick Bell Volleyball: Lynx at Clear Lake, 7 p.m.

Invitational, 5 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 8 Volleyball: Lynx at HamptonDumont/CAL, Eagle Grove, St. Edmond, 5 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 16 Football: Lynx at Algona, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 17 Volleyball: Lynx at Winterset Tournament, 9 a.m.

Friday, Oct. 9 Football: Lynx vs. Bishop Heelan, 7 Friday, Oct. 23 p.m.

Football: Lynx vs. MOC-Floyd Valley, Tuesday, Oct. 13 Cross Country: Lynx at NCC in 7 p.m.

Hampton, 3:30 p.m.

Volleyball: Lynx at Fort Dodge, 7:15 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 25 Football: Lynx vs. Humboldt, 7 p.m.

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Monday, Sept. 28 Cross Country: Lynx at Algona Invitational, 4 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 1 Cross Country: Lynx at HamptonFriday, Sept. 11 Dumont/CAL Invitational, 4 p.m.

Football: Lynx vs. Clear Lake, 7 p.m.

Volleyball: Lynx vs. Charles City, 7 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 14 Friday, Oct. 2 Cross Country: Lynx at Mike Carr Football: Lynx at Sioux Center, 7 p.m.

Invitational, 5 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 3 Wednesday, Sept. 16 Volleyball: Lynx at Madrid Girls Tennis: Lynx at NCC Tournament, 8 a.m.

Tournament in Fort Dodge, 9 a.m.

GO LYNX!

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The Daily Freeman Journal, Webster City, Iowa

W E B S T E R

www.freemanjournal.net

C I T Y

DFJ file photo

THE WEBSTER CITY DEFENSE makes a tackle last season. The Lynx finished the 2025 campaign with a 3-6 record.

They picked up wins over Iowa Falls-Alden, Humboldt and Sioux Center.

“We are looking for Kaleb to have a big year as our tailback,” Brim said.

“Coyce will be a key on both sides of the ball, as well as Grant.”

In addition to Wilwerding and Lahr up front, Weisberg and Ayden Elliott will help form a strong unit.

“We are really excited about the development of our offensive line,” Brim said. “That is key for what we do offensively and those guys have worked their butts off the entire offseason.

“They will be key to the rushing attack.”

Bertran will anchor the defense after recording 44 tackles a season ago.

Arends finished with 42 stops, with 10 of those coming for loss.

Farley made 11 tackles, including a pair for loss while registering two turnovers.

Plenty of opportunity will be available on the defensive side of the ball after Webster City graduated leading tacklers

WC FOOT, Continued from Page 1

DFJ file photo

COYCE BERTRAN (3) breaks up a pass for Webster City against Algona.

Dawson Bertran, Hrnicek, Gavin Wynkoop, Griffith, Carter Mickelson, Jamey Stansfield, Cael Alexander and Eli Estlund.

“We will have plenty of new faces,” Brim said. “And we don’t have a lot of depth, so we will need to get guys up to speed quickly and stay healthy.”

DFJ file photo

Both Bertran and Arends had five passes defended and an interception in 2025. The Lynx forced nine turnovers on the season, had 43 tackles for loss and four quarterback sacks.

Torres was effective on special teams, making 21 extra-point attempts, a field goal and recording 25 touchbacks on his 36 kickoffs. He also averaged over 32 yards per punt attempt in earning first team all-district honors.

“Our goals remain consistent from year to year,” Brim said. “We want to compete with the best talent in this part of the state on a weekly basis.”

The schedule will once again be a tall task for the Lynx, as they play three of four on the road, including trips to playoff qualifiers (Class 4A) Fort Dodge and (3A) Clear Lake.

From there, the district slate includes rivals Humboldt and Algona, along with defending state runner-up Sioux City Heelan.

WEBSTER CITY’S JAYLYN BAHRENFUSS hits the ball over the net last season in the Lynx gym. Bahrenfuss returns for her junior season this fall.

WC VOLLEY, Continued from Page 4 while Poppen finished with 58 digs and 22 blocks.

Poppen was one of the top servers for the Lynx, connecting on 154 of 164 for 94 percent with 17 aces.

Wright hit on 88 percent of her serves last fall and had 12 aces.

“We have a lot of power this year and experience at the net,” Howard said. “We will be putting a lot of new faces on the floor, so we will consistently be working on team chemistry and getting a feel for the person playing next to each other.

“The focus of many

of our drills are to build trust in each other and understanding range. We will continually be focusing on communication.”

Webster City remains focused on working towards a top finish in the league and putting together an extended postseason run.

“The girls have been working hard in the offseason,” Howard said.

“They are motivated to get better every single day.

“I am looking for them to do great things both on and off the court.”

www.freemanjournal.net

The Daily Freeman Journal, Webster City, Iowa

S O U T H

H A M I L T O N

Thursday, August 27, 2026

18

F O O T B A L L

SH FOOT, Continued from Page 8 Lyndon Johnson, a senior, had a teamhigh three receptions for 50 yards in 2025.

Dean added 46 yards and Early 12.

“The preseason has gone very well,” Billerbeck said. “The guys have put in a lot of work in the weight room during and it is paying off.

“We have had a good first few weeks of practice, with the seniors and juniors doing a great job of leading the younger guys and showing them how things are done.”

Several key faces return for South Hamilton on the defensive side of the ball, led by leading tackler Benjamin Swenson.

As just a sophomore last fall, Swenson recorded 70 tackles, with nine going for loss including five quarterback sacks.

Gelder had 52 tackles, Dean 32, Kash Northrop and Lyndon Johnson each had 25, Davien Henderson 16 and Becker 15.

The Hawks will look to boost their turnover total from a year ago, as they forced just five in all. Northrop had two interceptions.

Gelder is also dangerous in the return game, averaging over 18 yards per kickoff.

Billerbeck previously worked as an assistant football coach at Collins-Maxwell, where he was also the head track and field coach. He is in his fourth season at South

Hamilton, having previously worked with the junior high program before becoming an assistant last fall.

“I think the strength of our team will be how much we have returning,” Billerbeck said. “We’ve got a lot of guys that have a year or even two under their belt at the varsity level.

“Throughout the preseason and our scrimmage, you could tell they are more comfortable with the offense and defense, and they are playing faster with more confidence.”

South Hamilton won at least six games six times between 2017-24, including four seasons with eight victories.

The schedule will be a difficult one, as the DFJ file photo Hawks open with state contender St. Ansgar SOUTH HAMILTON’S WYATT GELDER runs the ball for the Hawks last season. in a non-district affair before home games Gelder returns for his junior season. vs. Panorama and Southeast Valley.

A trip to returning playoff qualifier South Central Calhoun is followed up by home games vs. East Sac County and Pocahontas Area before closing out the regular season at 2025 playoff qualifiers Emmetsburg and defending district champion Manson Northwest Webster.

Billerbeck will be assisted by Kyle Galetich, Trev Houck and Carlton Ness.

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DFJ file photo

SOUTH HAMILTON’S LYNDON JOHNSON blocks for the Hawks last season.

Johnson is back for his senior campaign in 2026.

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• General Contracting • Design Build • Project Development

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