Sports

The 8th grade girls track team ended their season with their home meet on May 12, finishing second in the team scoring.  For the season they brought home 4 team championships, including the WaMaC championship, and two second place finishes with one meet being cancelled.  The meets consisted of 8 teams competing in 4 field events, 3 hurdle events, 6 relays and 5 individual running events.

The Vinton-Shellsburg boys and girls track teams are sending more athletes to the State Track Meet than at any time in recent school history. The boys left after the pep assembly; the girls attended a reception in their honor at Ehlinger's Express, where they painted windows and enjoyed hot chocolate before leaving for Des Moines. See more photos HERE.

Jordan Yessak, the son of Jason and Anita Yessak, of Vinton is among the qualifiers for the State Track Meet which begins Thursday.  Jordan qualified for the Class 1A 3200 run as a member of the Dunkerton track team; his father is the Activities Director as well as varsity girls basketball and assistant varsity baseball coach for that district; Jordan open-enrolls there.

Along with the old-time traditions like pep rallies, the Vinton-Shellsburg track teams are celebrating their state qualification with a new tradition that began in the past year: A gathering at Ehlinger's Express.  The boys met there last night, where Mel Davis, manager (and Vikette track mom) welcomed the team. After a complimentary meal, the boys received a carnation and painted some of the windows.

This spring I had the privilege of coaching the Vinton-Shellsburg 7th grade girl’s track team. The girls did a fantastic job and were a great group to be around. They worked hard at practice and tried their best during meets. The combination of working hard and trying their best, as well as a lot of natural talent led to this team having a wonderful season.

The Vinton Community Swimming Pool will officially open to the public for the season on Saturday, May 23rd. Some modifications have been made to next week’s hours since school will still be in session.   Saturday, May 23 – Regular Hours Sunday, May 24 – Regular Hours Monday, May 25 – Regular Hours (Memorial Day) Tuesday, May 26 – 6-7 AM Lap Swim;  4–8 PM General Swim Wednesday, May 27 - 6-7 AM Lap Swim;  2–8 PM General Swim Regular hours will follow   Regular hours are: General Swim - 1-5 PM, 7-8 PM All days Family Swim - 6-7 PM All days Lap Swim – Monday – Saturday    Noon – 1 PM, 5-6 PM Morning Lap Swim – Tuesdays & Thursdays   6-7 AM No lap swim on Sundays   Also, just a reminder that the opportunity to save a little cash by snatching up discounted family or single swim passes is almost over.

The IMCA Hawkeye Dirt Tour opens for the fourth time in five years at Benton County Speedway, when the green flag flies on Tuesday, May 19.  Traveling IMCA Xtreme Motorsports Modifieds race for $1,000 to win and a minimum of $150 to start. If not already qualified, the winner will be added to the 2015 Fast Shafts All-Star Invitational ballot.

The Vikings played Friday at Pin Oak Links in Manchester at sectionals trying to advance to district play for the second consecutive year.  The Vikings placed third shooting 316 and will advance to districts on Wednesday at the Amana Colonies Golf Course. Daniel Janssen led the way shooting 76 and placing fifth as an individual.  Tyler Stueck, Austin Bohnsack and Brandan Geiger all came in at 80 for the Vikings.

Lauren Tandy led the V-S girls golf team, finishing third in the 18-hole South Tama Invitational. The Vikettes finished in third in team scoring. Coach's report: May 16, 2015 So. Tama Invititational Tama-Toledo Country Club, par 70 Overcast and warm; mid 60s   Team Results: Newton                       372 Nevada                        381 V-S                              390 Benton                                    403 Grinnell                       431 So.

Michael Neal has decided to continue his wrestling career at the University of Dubuque, where he will study criminal justice. Neal, the son of Todd and Gena Neal, earned 5th in the 2015 State meet.  His parents joined coach James Locke in a signing event on Thursday.  Neal said he chose Dubuque because of its strong criminal justice program, as well as for how much he felt at home with his future teammates.