The HCHS volleyball team ran into a buzzsaw Thursday night losing three straight sets to the Lewis Central Titans; 25-14, 25-14 and 25-17.
“In any competition, there are things to grow upon, win or lose,” said Cyclones Head Coach Elle Crees. “I think it this specific competition, we just needed more of an urgency to win.”

After a tough outing in its previous matches against Boyer Valley and Exira-EHK in a triangular last Thursday, the IKM-Manning Wolves volleyball team got back in the win column with a clean sweep of the Ar-We-Va Rockets, earning their second win of the season.
“It does feel pretty good to have some energy and play good together,” said Senior Ella Richards.

After going 1-1 in two road games to open their season, the Cyclones return to Merrill Field Friday night to take on the undefeated Glenwood Rams.
“It’s great to be back in town,” said Cyclones Head Coach Todd Bladt. “Merrill Field has got a cool feel to it and everything that goes along with it. That’s what makes it special. We’re facing a tough team here, there’s no doubt. Glenwood is much improved from a year ago.”

Towards the end of the first quarter, the Cyclones finally got Senior wide receiver Cade Sears involved on a 77-yard touchdown catch and run on a pass from Senior quarterback Will Arkfeld en route to an eventual 48-20 Cyclone victory over Denison. It would be one of three touchdowns Sears would score along with 195 receiving yards.

In its first action of the year, Boyer Valley was crisp beating the Exira-EHK Spartans and the IKM-Manning Wolves in the triangular at IKM-Manning High School Thursday evening.

The HCHS girls cross country team is off to a dominating start this season with only two events in the books. The girls finished in second place to open their season at the Glenwood Invitational Aug. 26 and most recently Aug. 29 finished in first place at the Shenandoah Early Bird event.

Tuesday night, the Exira-EHK Spartans volleyball team participated in a triangular at CAM High School that featured them, along with the East Union Eagles and the CAM Cougars.

After a close 21-20 battle with the Lewis Central Titans last Friday night on the road, the Cyclones will head to Denison to take on the Monarchs looking for their first win of the season at 7 p.m. Friday night.

In a rivalry that’s proven to be one of the best in the state, you expect a close game and Friday night didn’t disappoint. With just under three minutes remaining in regulation, Sophomore Titan Jimmy Scott kicked a field goal giving the Titans their first lead of the night and ultimately the victory, 21-20.

Being named to the KMA Sports Hall of Fame for former AHST athlete Ann (Gramkow) Epler doesn’t mean as much as the relationships she’s maintained over the years with her former teammates.
“I kind of keep in touch through Facebook or when we go back for the Fourth of July parade back in Avoca, because my folks still live there,” she said.
However, Epler was very grateful when she got notified of her induction to the hall.

For the first time since Sept. 29 during a match against the Atlantic Trojans, the HCHS volleyball team was back in action at home welcoming the Carroll Tigers to town for a scrimmage.
“It is amazing to see how many parents and community members were there to support the teams,” said Cyclones Head Coach Elle Crees. “It feels good to get competition against a different team and see some other athletes compete as well.”

For the first time since the 2022 3A Quarterfinals Game against the Nevada Cubs, the Cyclones were back at Merrill Field hosting a scrimmage game against the Kuemper Catholic Knights.
“It was awesome,” said Cyclone Junior Bryce Van Baale. “I really enjoyed being out there with my team and playing well together, but we have some things we need to clean up.”

After a 9-25 finish in their 2022 campaign on a team that featured Senior Grace Porter, who registered 1,000 career digs, the AHSTW volleyball team is ready to get back on the floor and serve their opponents and fill the void with multiple players and a mix of experienced seniors.

After finishing their 2022 campaign with a 2-7 record, the IKM-Manning Wolves football team is ready to get back in action. They will open the season Aug. 25 at home against the East Sac County Raiders, who went 2-7 last season.

The Exira-EHK cross country team may be small in numbers, but they are working hard and gearing up for a big season set to begin in two weeks.