Author: marklongmainstream (Page 100 of 174)

Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area

Hiking with Shawn

Bell Smith Springs is one of the most beautiful recreation areas the Shawnee National Forest has to offer. The area features an abundance of strange and wonderful rock formations, such as Devil’s Backbone, Boulder Falls and a natural rock bridge. Hiking this system of trails is a favorite activity because of the rock features, scenic overlooks, hidden springs and lush flora and fauna. Bell Smith Springs is located at Bell Smith Springs Rd, Ozark, IL 62972

Mississippi Palisades State Park

This picture is owned by Derek Kessler.

This enchanting park is located in Savanna Illinois overlooking the mighty Mississippi River.  Caves, unique rock formations, twisting trails and  tall trees make this park incredible incredible anytime of year.  The park boasts an impressive trail system, with more than 15 miles of winding through rugged terrain. Mississippi Palisades State Park is located at 16327A IL-84, Savanna, IL 61074.

Garden Of The Gods

Easily the most popular attraction at Shawnee National Forest .  This garden of sandstone sculptures and vast untouched wilderness was fittingly named Garden of the Gods. The park contains a variety of plant and animal life, adding to the scenic beauty of the Shawnee Forest. There are also plenty of trails for backpacking and horseback riding, allowing nature lovers a welcome tour of what this rugged environment has to offer! Garden Of The Gods is located in the Shawnee National Forest in Hardin, Pope, Saline, and Gallatin counties of Illinois

Cave in Rock State Park

Cave in Rock State Park, is located in Cave in Rock, a sleepy town in southern Illinois. The park is located on the banks of the Ohio River, and is available for camping and hiking year round. Visitors can explore inside the cave on foot, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Ohio River from within! The cave has also been featured in popular culture, dating back to 1956, when Walt Disney Productions shot Davy Crockett and the river pirates.  Cave in Rock State Park is located at 1 New State Park Road, Cave in Rock Illinois.

Giant City State Park

This picture is owned by Michael Flavin

At Giant City State Park, you will be in awe of the incredible rock formations that were forged some 12,000 years ago. There are several trails here for you to explore. Other than the 12 mile Red Cedar Hiking Trail, the rest are fine for people of more limited abilities. Giant City Stone Fort Site is currently an abandoned pile of rocks that used to be a stone enclosure that was built around 600-900 AD. There are actually about 10 of these old structures in the area, and they are believed to have been either former military forts or ceremonial temples. Giant City State Park is located at 235 Giant City Rd, Makanda, IL 62958.

For more of Illinois Amazing Locations, click here.

Iowa has a rich history, of producing some of the nations best wrestlers. Year after year this tiny state of just over 3 million, produces some of the best college wrestlers in the  country. Have you ever stopped and wondered where all this top tier talent comes from?  Well it all starts in Iowa’s super peewee and peewee programs found all over the state.  Just about every elementary school in the state has some sort of youth program, and in more recent years elite kids clubs have been popping up all over the state. If that isn’t enough of an explanation, just check out the number of youth tournaments going on all year round within the Hawkeye state.  Iowa has a HUGE number of tournaments to choose from, everything from beginner tournaments, to local tournaments, to regional tournaments, and more recently there has been numerous national tournaments popping up all over the state.  If that wasn’t enough, there are dual tournaments and regular dual meets as well.  If your a rasslin fan, Iowa is a great place to be.

In this article we will take a look at some of Iowa’s most elite kids, anyone between first grade, and sixth grade will be considered.  I have done my best to review as many tournaments and results as possible, however I’m sure there will be numerous kids that slip thru the cracks on this list.  If you can think of anyone who deserves to be included, just leave me a message and I will be sure to check out your suggestion.  I’m breaking this list up into groups based on grade, instead of age.  Grouping will be done by 1st/2nd grade, 3rd/4th grade, and 5th/6th grade. This article will focus on the third/fourth grade level. This is part 2 of a 3 part series. These will be listed in no particular order in a top 10 list.  In some cases I may be adding an honorable mention  section as well.  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Third and Fourth Grade 

1 Jett Hines- of Pleasant Hill Jett is a third grader this year and is currently a 2x state champion, and also placed 2nd at state in first grade. Jett has quality wins over state champions, Rylan Gohn, Gunnar Atherton, Maddox Lennox, and Maverick Frazier. Jett is also a 6x All- American.

2 Beckett Loughren-of Independence Beckett is one of only a handful of kids that have won 4 pee-wee state titles. He also has a 2nd place medal from USA state, and a 4th place AAU medal as well. Beckett loves to score pins, in 6 state tournaments, he has won by pinfall 17x! I can’t seem to find much in the way of national experience, but he did win the Hammerin Hawks Christmas Classic, which is usually one of Iowa’s tougher tournaments and attracts kids from around the Midwest.  Beckett does have quality wins over state champions Asher Whitmer and Evan Kleitsch.

3 Bentley Jacobsen-of Independence Bentley is a 3x state champion, and has also placed in the top 4 on three other occasions. On the national level Bentley has won 4 national titles and has been an all- american at least 6 times. He has quality wins over 4x national champion Asher Thomas as well as a hard fought 4-2 victory over Rico Silvestre, who is a 3x Illinois state champion.

4 Brennen Kloser-of Marion is another 3x Iowa state champion, he has also placed 3rd, 7th, 2nd, and 2nd at state. He has quality wins over 2x Missouri state champion Cole Martin, and AAU National Champion Breckin Falb. He is also a 2x All-American.

5 Kai McDonald-of Atkins: Kai is a 3x state champion and as good as he’s always been, he has really turned a corner in the last 2 years. I first took notice of Kai’s improvement when he pinned 4x state champion Bo Hake in the state finals in 2021. Since then he has won two national titles and finished second at Super 32, and the Reno World Championships! Kai has impressive victories over state champions from Florida, Michigan, Iowa, Illinois, Ohio, and California.

6 Gavin McDermott-of Bettendorf: Gavin is a 4x state champion, who has also placed 2nd and 4th in the state tournament series. He has 3 AAU titles and 1 USA state title. Gavin’s level of dominance is what puts him on this list, at the state tournament he has scored 15 pins most of which have come in the first 60 seconds! He has also pinned his way to a national championship, spending a total of 2 minutes and 10 seconds on the mat to claim the title. Gavin has impressive wins over state champions Kai McDonald, Jett Hines, Beckett Loughren, and Ashur Whitmer.

7 Liam Miller-of West des moines: Is a 2x state champion, in his second grade year he pinned his way through the state tournament in just 41 seconds. He is also a 6x all-american and even claimed the championship at the Turkey Nationals in 2019. He has quality wins over state champions Dagin Modina, Arik Honnold. and 6x national champion Samuel Dagel.

8 Tracen Frain-of Treynor: Tracen is a 3x state finalist and 2x state champion.  He claimed both titles in 2021 winning the USA state title in January and the AAU state title in February! At the national level Tracen is an 8x all-american and 2x National Champion. He accomplished arguably his biggest feat, by winning 3rd/4th state as a 3rd grader. Something rarely seen in the Iowa state tournament.  He has quality wins over 4x state Nebraska state champ Elias Rhodes, and 4x Minnesota state champ Tucker McLennan. He has also defeated 4x Iowa state champ Gavin McDermott and 3x Iowa state champ Parker Rissman.

9 Esaias Koethe-of Bondurant: Esaias is a 2x Iowa state champion, and 8x state place winner. He is also a 2x All-American. One thing that really stuck out with Esaias, is his willingness to wrestle up. Its not uncommon to see him wrestle at a 10U tournament one day and a 12U tournament the next. Often time the results remain the same: Esaias leaving with his hand raised. He has quality wins over 4x state champion from Oklahoma, Dalton Perkins, and 2x Illinois state champion Cameron Ramp, as well as 2x Minnesota state champion Garrett Williams.

10 Beckett Moyer-of Oskaloosa: Beckett is a 4x state champion, and has also placed 6th, 3rd, and 2nd in the state tournament series. He is also a 6x all-american, and 3x national champion! One of his most impressive feats, was placing second the the 2021 AAU state tournament in the 3rd/4th grade division, when he was still in 2nd grade. Beckett has quality wins over 3x Iowa state champion Mac Heysinger, 3x Ohio state champion Braxton Sharples, and 7x Indiana state champion D Angelo` Lil D ` Chavez!

So there you have it, here is my list of the 10 best third and fourth graders in the state of Iowa. If I missed anyone, please let me know in the comments.

To see our list of the best first and second graders in Iowa, click here.

Iowa has a rich history, of producing some of the nations best wrestlers. Year after year this tiny state of just over 3 million, produces some of the best college wrestlers in the  country. Have you ever stopped and wondered where all this top tier talent comes from?  Well it all starts in Iowa’s super peewee and peewee programs found all over the state.  Just about every elementary school in the state has some sort of youth program, and in more recent years elite kids clubs have been popping up all over the state. If that isn’t enough of an explanation, just check out the number of youth tournaments going on all year round within the Hawkeye state.  Iowa has a HUGE number of tournaments to choose from, everything from beginner tournaments, to local tournaments, to regional tournaments, and more recently there has been numerous national tournaments popping up all over the state.  If that wasn’t enough, there are dual tournaments and regular dual meets as well.  If your a rasslin fan, Iowa is a great place to be.

In this article we will take a look at some of Iowa’s most elite kids, anyone between first grade, and sixth grade will be considered.  I have done my best to review as many tournaments and results as possible, however I’m sure there will be numerous kids that slip thru the cracks on this list.  If you can think of anyone who deserves to be included, just leave me a message and I will be sure to check out your suggestion.  I’m breaking this list up into groups based on grade, instead of age.  Grouping will be done by 1st/2nd grade, 3rd/4th grade, and 5th/6th grade. This article will focus on the first/ second grade level. These will be listed in no particular order in a top 10 list.  In some cases I may be adding an honorable mention  section as well.  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

First and Second Grade

1 Stone Helmrichs-of Shell Rock: Stone is a 3x state champion, winning AAU titles in both kindergarten and first grade, and also an 8U USA state title at 85 lbs. At USA state, Stone had 5 pins in 5 matches. In AAU state he has pinned 7 out of 8 opponents in the last two years. He also has quality wins over AAU state champion Carver Crippen, as well as Nebraska state champion Kayden Fox. Stone also regularly competes in national tournaments around the Midwest, and always reaches all-american status.

2 Karson Ellenberg-of Stockton: Karson is a second grader, who already has 2 state titles and a total of 4 state medals. He recently competed in the very tough Hammerin Hawks Christmas Classic, claiming first place and scoring 3 pins on his way to the title. Karson has quality wins over former state champion Beckett Rust and state runner-up Crew Shedek.

3 Carter Mason-of Polk City: Carter is a rare 5x state champion, winning 3 AAU state titles and 2 USA state titles. If that wasn’t enough, Carter is also a 5x all-american, as well as a 2019 Christmas National Champion. He has quality wins over Triple Crown winner Hunter Marx of South Dakota, as well as AAU state champion Cash Brock, as well as an 8-0 win over 2x state champion Karson Ellenberg. At the rate he is going, he has a chance to break a couple super peewee records!

4 John Thomas-of Boone: John has already earned 3 state titles, 2 AAU, and 1 USA title, as well as a 2nd place state medal to hang in his collection. He is also a 3x all-american, and has won national titles at Corn Cob Nationals, and Iron Elite Nationals. John has quality wins over Illinois state champion Liam Lane, and 3x Iowa state champion Stone Helmrichs, whom he defeated by a score of 10-0.

5 Ely Groom-of New Sharon: Ely doesn’t have the most impressive record on this list, but that’s because he continually wrestles up. It’s not uncommon to see Ely enter tournaments in the 1st/2nd division as well as the 3rd/4th division, and more often than not he holds his own against the older boys. Ely won his first state title last year as a first grader, but he’s also finished 3rd, 2nd, and 2nd, at three otherIowa state tournaments. Ely has a quality win over Minnesota state champion Luke Bartholomaus.

6 Rush Creason-of Indianola: Rush is a perfect 10-0 at the Iowa state tournament winning titles in kindergarten and  first grade! Along the way he has wins over state champions Ely Groom, Cash Brock, and Everett Murtha. Perhaps his biggest win came against 3rd grader Jaden Matthaidess, who also happens to be a former state champion. Rush doesn’t have any national tournament experience, that I can find, but solid wins over 4 different state champions speaks volumes on this kids ability.

7 Louis Taylor-of Fort Dodge:  Louis is a 2x  AAU state champion, as well as a 3rd place finisher at USA state. He has quality wins over Minnesota state champion Nash Jirele and girls state champion Kona Hughs, but his biggest win came against 5x national champion and 2x state champion, Crew Mohler. Louis has his share of national experience as well. He is a 3x all american, and even claimed a national title at the tough Iron Elite Nationals.

8 Crew Mohler-of Ankeny: Crew is one of the busiest wrestlers on this list with close to 100 matches under his belt before hitting first grade. Crew is also one of the youngest wrestlers on this list. Besides being young, he is also a 2x state champion, and a 5x national champion. One thing that really sticks out about Crew is the fact that he is always seeking out the toughest competition he can find. His resume includes competing at the King of the Mac, Legends of Gold Clash, Sparty, Strikezone, and several other of the Midwest’s most elite tournaments, and more often than not, he leaves with gold.

9 Everett Murtha-of West Des Moines: Everett is another kid that seems to seek out the toughest competition he can find. With that said he has really been on a roll as of late, winning 4 of the Midwest’s toughest tournaments all back to back to back to back. It started with the Iron Elite Nationals, than it was the always tough King of the Mac, than he won his first state title defeating the very tough Crew Shedek in the finals, and two weeks later he won Corn Cob Nationals. Along the way he even scored a win over Missouri state champion Ira Samm.

10 Auben Sweeting-of Riverside: Auben is a second grader and has 5 total state titles! That alone is amazing. Another thing that really stood out is the fact that Auben likes the pin. In 21 matches at state Auben won by pinfall 17x.  That is an impressive level of dominance. Auben is also a 6x All- American. Auben has quality wins over 2x Missouri state champion Annabelle Medina, as well as 3x Florida state champion John Petrovcik.

So there you have it, here is my list of the 10 best first and second graders in the state of Iowa. If I missed anyone, please let me know in the comments.

Palmquist Farm

This 800-acre farm, has a winter adventure you will never forget. Imagine dashing through the snow, as you embark on a winter sleigh ride tour of the farm. This country-style horse drawn sleigh ride  comes complete with soft hay and warm blankets. Our team of Belgian draft horses takes you on a winter sleigh ride tour through snow-covered forests and fields. Sing “Jingle Bells” or enjoy the quiet sound of hooves on snow. When you return from the sleigh ride,  you’ll be treated to your choice of hot apple cider, Russian tea, or hot chocolate in the Pickaroon. Palmquist Farm is located at N5136 River Road Brantwood, WI 54513. For more information, click here.

RS Ranch Trail Rides

Sleigh bells ring… is there anything that says winter more than the image of a horse-drawn sleigh gliding through the snow, the sound of sleigh bells ringing in the cold winter air? Winter provides plenty of opportunity for magical moments, helping to make the shorter days much more cheerful. Like an old-fashioned, horse-drawn sleigh ride. This sleigh ride in Missouri promises a picture-perfect winter adventure. And, in the winter, you can visit for a horse-drawn sleigh ride that will take you for a picturesque ride across the snow-covered countryside. RS Ranch Trail Rides is located at 1275 Smith Road Bourbon Missouri 65441. For more information, click here.

Jester Park Equestrian Center

Winter holiday rides will be either a sleigh ride or wagon ride depending on weather conditions. Our sleigh requires a minimum of 4-6″ of packed snow to operate. Rides will be available every half hour from 10am-11:30am and 1pm-3:30pm from early December through Mid-February. Our sleigh can accommodate up to 7 adults. Children are welcome and small children may sit on an adult’s lap if needed for space. Jester Park Equestrian Center is located at 11171 NW 103rd Ct, Granger, IA 50109. For more information, click here.

Kline Creek Farm

Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago hosts a magical winter sleigh ride and it’s one of the best winter outdoor activities in Ilinois! Select dates in late December and early January are available, enjoy a 20-minute journey through a winter wonderland. Entry is first come, first serve, though private arrangements can be made. Rides depart at 2 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 3 p.m. Stop by Friday through Sunday. Kline Creek Farm is located at 1N600 County Farm Rd., West Chicago, IL 60185. For more information, click here.

Loveberry’s Christmas Tree Farm

Bring your family to experience tradition at Loveberry’s Tree Farm. Take a horse drawn wagon to select your perfect holiday tree. Warm up at the bonfire surrounded by beautiful spruce trees and benches or head inside to the cabin to warm up by the fireplace. Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, mulled cider or coffee while enjoying the winter wonderland. Loveberry’s Christmas Tree Farm is located at 165 S. Ray Road Quincy , MI 49082. For more information, click here.

For more winter adventure, click here.

Sunburst Ski Hill

With over forty chutes to choose from,  Sunburst is home to the largest tubing facility in the world! Living up to its reputation, the tubing lanes rocket thrill-seekers down a 10-story drop at speeds of up to 40 mph!A quarter-mile run with a 90-foot drop.  Not one, but two magic carpet lifts that pull you back to the top so you can keep going again and again. Sunburst Ski Hill is located just thirty minutes northwest of Milwaukee, and five minutes north of West Bend with freeway access. For more information, click here.

Seven Oaks Recreation

Seven Oaks Recreation is a family-owned and operated year-round outdoor recreation facility. Seven Oaks offers guests a wide range of fun activities including, skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing during the winter months. A trip to Seven Oaks in Boone Iowa is the perfect weekend get away with fun for the whole family.  Seven Oaks Recreation is located at 1086 222nd Drive  Boone, IA. For more information, click here.

Perfect North Slopes

Come enjoy one of the largest tubing areas in the country, right here in the Tri-State! We have offered tubing for 19 years, and it is a “perfect” family activity. Experience the thrill of sliding down a snowy 1200′ long run and then effortlessly riding one of two Magic Carpet conveyor lifts back to the top…no hiking uphill here! You don’t need any experience or special equipment. Just hop in the tube we provide and enjoy the ride. Goggles, hats and gloves are available for purchase. We have snow boots, insulated ski pants and helmets for rent. Come have some fun on the snow! Perfect North Slopes is located at 19074 Perfect Lane, Lawrenceburg, IN  47025. For more information, click here.

Snowstar Ski Resort

Snowstar Ski Resort  is a family-owned and operated year-round outdoor sports facility. Snowstar offers guests a wide range of fun activities including, skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing during the winter months. Snowstar has 600 ski rentals, 120 snowboards and 500 snow tubes to outfit Adventure seekers of all ages. The winter park boasts 11 snow tubing lanes. Tubing is an excellent healthy and fun outdoor winter recreation activity for team-building, camaraderie or a family and friends activity for fun. Imagine the thrill of sliding down a snowy run and then effortlessly riding a magic carpet back to the top. Try different runs with varied levels of rollers and pitch. Snowstar Sports Complex is located at 9500 126th Street West, Andalusia, Il.  For more information, click here.

Mount Ski Gull

Snow tubing at Mount Ski Gull is winter fun for the whole family. You’ll spend the day with a smile on your face as the whole family races down four tubing lanes. At about 1,000 feet long according to WCCO, it is likely the longest snow tubing run in Minnesota. When you get to the bottom of the hill, just ride the tow rope back to the top. This snow tubing run is endless fun! Mount Ski Gull is located at 9898 County 77 SW Nisswa, MN  56468. For more information, click here.

For information on one of the Midwest’s best winter parks, click here.