Category: Uncategorized (Page 66 of 174)

Iowa State returns a solid team after an impressive 15-1 season last year. The team is led by NCAA Champion David Carr and all-americans Marcus Coleman, and Yonger Bastida. I expect another outstanding year for the Cyclones as they carry a ton of momentum into the new season. In this article we will take a look at the starters at each weight class and maybe even give a prediction of where they might finish in March.

125

Kysen Terukina is back for his junior season after an impressive sophomore campaign. Last season he finished with a 15-8 record with 3 of those being bonus point victories. He finished 8th at the Big 12 tournament making him a 2x NCAA qualifier. He also won tournaments at  the Grand View Open and Warren Williamson Daktronics Open. I look for Kysen to improve on last season and finish the year an all-american.

133

Ramazan Attasauov also had an outstanding sophomore season. Ramazan brings and overall record of 46-18 into his junior year. Last season he had a solid 16-8 record with 4 wins by bonus points. He placed 3rd at the Big 12 tournament and qualified for the NCAA tournament. Unfortunately he suffered an injury in the first round of the tournament and had to medical default. Ramazan is another Cyclone wrestler with a serious chance of landing on the podium in March!

141

Freshamn Casey Swiderski will enter the line up a true blue chip recruit from Michigan. Casey had an unbelievable high school career going 166-3, and winning 3 state titles.

Also competing for the starting spot is Zach Redding. Zach, is another talented junior on the Cyclone roster. He was a 2021 NCAA qualifier, after finishing 3rd in a loaded Big 12 tournament featuring 11 ranked wrestlers. Last season he wrestled in a back-up roll, and went 6-2 while winning a title at the Warren Williamson Daktronics Open.

I could see either of these wrestlers qualifying for the national tournament and maybe even landing on the podium.

149

Junior Andrew Flora is the front runner at 149, he has a 14-17 overall record in his college career. I expect someone from 141 or maybe even 157 to change weight classes and challenge him for the starting spot.

Freshman Paniro Johnson is another option as well. This weight class seems to be a bit thin, but they may change as the season progresses.

157

Isaac Judge and Davis Carr have decided to switch weight classes this year, and I expect this move to benefit both of them greatly! Isaac has always been a solid competitor, and he has spent his college career wrestling at 165, with mixed results. Back at his natural weight class I expect much better results for him. He brings a wealth of experience into his senior season with an overall 55-43 record. Last season he finished 6th at the Big 12 tournament. This year at a more suitable weight class I expect a strong showing from him, and he should be able to qualify for the NCAA tournament in March.

165

David Carr is back for his senior year, and is up a weight class to 165 pounds. I feel this weight class is better suited for his body, and should help his energy levels not having to cut down to 157. David is already a 3x all-american, an NCAA champion, and a Junior World Champion. He will be looking to add to this impressive resume in his senior season. 165 is a loaded weight class and the addition of Carr makes it even more interesting. I have no doubt he will once again reach the podium in March, but will he be able to reclaim the top spot? Only time will tell. David has an incredible 88-3 college record.

174

Senior Joel Devine is back and looking to improve on an impressive 2022 season that saw him finish 7th an the Big 12 tournament and qualify for the NCAA tournament. With an overall college record of 52-32, Joel is a battle tested leader and is another solid weight class for the Cyclones. I look for Joel to have another outstanding year and again qualify for the NCAA tournament.

184

Senior Marcus Coleman is one of the three returning all-americans on this loaded Iowa State team. Already a 4x NCAA qualifier, Marcus will be looking to make history this season by becoming a rare 5x NCAA qualifier and barring injury he should also pick up his 100th college victory. His record currently stands at an impressive 95-40. Last season he scored 11 wins over ranked opponents, and laid a 13-2 beating on 6th ranked Trey Munoz of Oregon State at the NCAA Championships. I look for an impressive senior year for Marcus and I expect him to return to the podium one last time.

197

Yonger Bastida

Youger brings a 29-11 career record into his Junior year He is also a returning NCAA qualifier and all-american finishing 5th at the national tournament. The thing about Youger is that he is still adjusting to folkstyle wrestling, as he continues to make the necessary adjustments to transition from freestyle the sky is the limit. He already has a win over NCAA runner-up Jacob Warner. This guy is a real dark horse contender for a NCAA title in March. At the very least, I expect another top 5 finish.

Heavyweight

Senior Sam Schuyler is another returning NCAA qualifier, and looks to improve on his 17-8 record from last season. Sam is also a very talented freestyle wrestler, in 2019 he won the UWW Junior Nationals Freestyle Championships. The heavyweight division is again very deep with talent but I expect Sam to have a  solid season and again qualify for the NCAA tournament.

This years Iowa State wrestling team, much like last season, is loaded from top to bottom. with the only real weak spot being at 149. I see the team finishing with 5 All-Americans and 9 NCAA qualifiers! Will that be enough to bring home a team trophy? Only time will tell. But I can say for sure this team is rock solid.

Papa Bear’s Swimming Hole is the Ultimate Vacation Cabin the ENTIRE family can enjoy! Located in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. For more information, or to check pricing or availability, click here.

The breathtaking cabin has 6 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms and can sleep up to 20 guests! Everything in this vacation  home is of the highest quality and and is sure to WOW everyone in your party!

The highlight of this cabin is of course the indoor heated swimming pool, but the outstanding amenities don’t stop there. There is also a HUGE outdoor hot-tub, and an incredible game room!

This is the perfect place for bachelor/bachelorette parties, or your next family reunion! The cabin is just over 5,000 square feet of living space!

The cabin is brand new and has virtually every amenity you could imagine, including its own elevator. The bedrooms come with top of the line mattresses, (no sleeper sofas) with each room uniquely designed.

Papa Bears Swimming Hole is sure to deliver the most unique experience you can find in the Smoky Mountains.

The cabin is situated on the back side of a large 6.5 acre wooded lot, with ample parking and jaw dropping views from every room!

The entire unit is handicap accessible ,bedrooms and bathrooms on each level with roll in showers and handicap chairs and assists.

Guests are also provided free admissions to some of the most popular attractions in and around Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

One of the most amazing features of this cabin is the unbelievable views of the Smokey Mountains from the wrap around deck.

For more information, or to check pricing or availability, click here.

Villisca Axe Murder House

On a quiet residential street in this small town sits an old white frame house. On a dark evening, the absence of lights and sounds are the first indication to visitors that this house is different from the other homes that surround it. Upon closer inspection, you’ll notice the doors and windows are tightly closed and covered. An outhouse in the backyard suggests that this house does not occupy a place in the 21st century but somehow belongs in another era or another story. A weather-beaten sign warns rather than welcomes. This is the “Murder House”. Visits by paranormal investigators have provided audio, video and photographic proof of paranormal activity. Tours have been cut short by children’s voices, falling lamps, moving ladders and flying objects. Psychics have confirmed the presence of spirits dwelling in the home and many have actually communicated with them, and skeptics have left believers. Both daytime and overnight tours are available. For more information, click here.

Spook Cave Campground

Located just west of McGregor, lies the Spook Cave Campground. This scenic campground has been providing cave tours since 1955, and remains a popular destination for tourists today. The campground has 95 sites, 90 of which have electric, water, and sewer hookups, and each site is furnished with a picnic table and fire ring. This unique campground also rents some of the most charming cabins in the entire state. Whether your looking for a little Adventure, or just a relaxing weekend away, Spook Cave Campground has exactly what your looking for. For more information, click here.

Field Of Dreams

We have all seen the movie, and we all know the story.  In the summer of 1989, ghosts of famous baseball players showed up in Iowa to play one last game. This now famous site is open to the public. Plan your visit to the Fields of Dreams movie site and see this historic location for yourself. There are two different tours available, the overnight Kinsella Experience or the farmhouse tour.  For more information, click here.

Oakland Cemetery

The Black Angel monument has cast an eerie presence over the once quite cemetery. This dark monument has fueled stories and legends all over Iowa. Soon, the angel attracted the attention of ghost seekers and kids looking for a cheap thrill. Legends and lore started popping up everywhere—touch or kiss the statue and you’ll be struck dead. Head north on Governor Street in Iowa City. Turn right at Brown Street and proceed east into the Oakland Cemetery. Follow the road, sticking mostly to the right, as she will appear about halfway back in the cemetery under a street lamp. For your own safety, DO NOT KISS THE BLACK ANGEL! For more information, click here.

Stony Hallow Road

Stony Hollow Road in Burlington, Iowa has been named one of the scariest/haunted roads in all of Iowa. Legend has it that a woman by the name of Lucinda committed suicide off of a cliff nearby after learning that her husband had left her. The cliff was nearby this gravel road which has led to many stories of hauntings. In fact locals avoid this road at all costs! You see the lore goes that if you are on the road and say Lucinda’s name three times, then her ghost will appear at the top of the cliff. For more information, click here.

Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort is a family friendly campground packed with amenities! Campers can choose from water and electricity or full hook-up RV and tent sites.  Each of those has its own fire ring and a picnic table. Park trailer rentals are available too. The campground is located at 32223 N US Hwy 12, in Volo, Illinois. For more information, click here.

This is a perfect location for fishing enthusiasts, as the lake is packed with bluegill, crappie, bass, northern pike, catfish, stripped bass, and many more species. Bait and boat rentals are available on site.

Sports lovers can engage in softball, volleyball, basketball, or mini-golf.

Or you could relax in the heated pool or hot tub.

The lake offers various water activities, such as swimming, boating, kayaking, and paddle boarding. The beach features swings, picnic areas, playgrounds, and grills.

There is also a leash-free dog park.

Kids will like the kiddie pool and themed activities organized on a weekend basis.

No matter how you slice it. Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort has everything you need for a perfect family vacation.

For more great campgrounds and lodging options in Illinois, click here. For a listing of nearby parks and amazing locations, click here. For a list of local family activities, click here.

It may be in Santa Claus, Ind., but Splashin’ Safari’s about as far from the North Pole as you can get, offering a myriad of thrills to cool guests off in the summer heat. Splashin’ Safari is located at 452 E Christmas Blvd in Santa Claus, Indiana. For more information, click here.

In 2017, 10 Best listed Splashin Safari as the best Outdoor Water-Park In the country. With more than 1,200 water-parks in the country that’s quite impressive!

When it comes to water-parks there are no shortage of amazing attractions around the country. So maybe your asking why Splashin Safari? Well there are a couple reasons that come to mind.

First off its the value. Your general admission ticket also includes FREE soft drinks, sunscreen, parking, and WIFI.

In addition to the great value, guests can also ride MAMMOTH, the worlds longest water coaster! Families who thrill-ride together will revel catching actual air on Mammoth – a water coaster so massive its seven-story bulk takes up more than three acres! Multiple drops employ cutting edge technology, lifting up to six passengers to plunge again and again and again. Mammoth covers an unbelievable space of 7 acres in size.

Splashin Safari boasts a wide array of attractions, including water-slides, and a world class wave pool called Bahari. Bahari is a giant family wave pool featuring geysers, sprays, and jets.

The lazy river is called Bahari River! There’s nothing like taking an inner-tube ride on a long, lovely river it includes currents and waterfalls making a fantastic experience the entire family will love.

If that wasn’t enough Splashin Safari is attached to Holiday World, a world class attraction by itself, together these make up the perfect family vacation destination!

Need lodging? For a listing of hotels/motels and campgrounds in the area, click here.