In one of the most intense rivalries in Iowa high school football, the HCHS Cyclones will host the Lewis Central Titans at Merrill Field for the first time in three seasons after opening the last two seasons in their house.

Even though teams weren’t keeping score, the HCHS Cyclones football team was back in action at Merrill Field Friday night hosting the Kuemper Catholic Knights.
“It feels great,” said Senior Jozef Reisz. “Coming back from last year after a tough game against Creston, feels good to get the boys out there. It’s definitely a confidence booster for next week, and we’re going to need it.”

Under Exira-EHK head football coach Drew Buckholdt in his first year as head coach, the Spartans managed to earn a 6-4 record, earning an 8-Player – First Round 30-16 victory over the Glidden Ralston Wildcats, but ending their season 44-28 against Bedford in the 8-Player – Second Round.

With just five students out for cross country for the AHSTW Vikings, head coach Jackson Renberg is excited and eager to see what his team could be capable of accomplishing.
Ava Paulsen, Makenna Paulsen, Yana Lander, and Bella Lamp are returning students, while Emery Brockhoff is joining the team for the first time as an incoming freshman.

With a new cross country season right around the corner, the Exira-EHK Spartans are gearing up for their first meet set to take place Sept. 5 at the Wildcat Classic, where they will be one of 13 schools competing at West Central Valley.

The HCHS Cyclones cross country team has been working hard as they prepare for their first event Aug. 27 at the Shenandoah Early Bird where they will be one of 15 schools in attendance.

It was a struggle for the IKM-Manning Wolves volleyball team last season with just four wins, but with a new season right around the corner, the team is excited for a new journey.

The AHSTW Vikings faced bumps in the road during its 2023 season finishing with a 6-4 record, taking an early exit in the 1A – Second Round Game 42-0 to the Underwood Eagles.
Despite a tough ending to last season, the Vikings are ready to get back to work as they open this season on the road Aug. 30 against the Tri-Center Trojans. Last season, the Trojans finished 3-6, eliminated in the A – First Round Game 35-0 by Akron-WestField.

The Exira-EHK Spartans volleyball team is ready to get back to work after coming off a season where they finished 10-13 making it to the Class 1A – Region 4 Quarterfinal Game Oct. 18, losing in four sets to the CAM Cougars.
During the 2023 season, the Spartans were led by Brooklyn Flathers with 220 assists, Taryn Petersen with 105 digs, and Jaelynn Petersen with 171 kills, 39 blocks, and 34 serve aces.

The HCHS Cyclones volleyball team finished their 2023 season going 9-24, including losing their final eight matches. However, with a new year and roster in front of them, they are ready to get back to work and play hard.
“I’m excited to start this upcoming volleyball season to see what we can, do as a team, on the volleyball court,” said Sophomore Avery Manz.

After a 2023 campaign in which the AHSTW Vikings volleyball team finished 11-22, including losing their final two matches of the season, they are ready to dig deep and play strong this season.
“We are extremely excited to get things started this year,” said Vikings Head Coach Kelsey Fraher. “We have a solid group of hard working girls, and are looking forward to seeing what we can do this season.”

After a season in which the HCHS Cyclones football team dealt with injuries and an uncharacteristic 35-27 playoff loss in the first round, the Cyclones are ready to get back to business.

Incoming IKM-Manning Junior Grace Carroll is excited to open the volleyball season starting with a scrimmage at Atlantic High School where they will be one of 16 schools in attendance.
“I’m very excited,” Carroll said. “I think our team is going to do really well this year. I think we’re more prepared for this season, and we’re so excited to get started with our new teammates and just have a blast this year.”

HCHS’s multi-sport athlete Aubree Wegner just wrapped up her freshman year with the biggest smile on her face, starting off slow with volleyball and basketball, but finishing strong with track and field and softball.

HCHS’s multi-sport athlete Macy Mueller is only steps away from her senior season getting underway.
“Being a senior is your last of firsts,” Mueller said. “It’s a different perspective, but I’m super excited to step out and be a leader this season.”