As a long-time band instructor for the Burlington school system and conductor for the Burlington Municipal Band, Jim&nbsp;Priebe&nbsp;has left an indelible mark in the musical world in southeast Iowa.

Whether through the school system, private lessons, or a brief tenure as an adjunct professor for a few years at Iowa Wesleyan University,&nbsp;Priebe&nbsp;taught the following band instructors: Burlington High School’s Derek Murphy, West Burlington Elementary’s Jennifer Hexom, Holy Trinity’s Emily Otte, Mount Pleasant junior high’s Adam Creager and Central Lee’s Tracy and Heather Madsen.

That’s not counting the number of past students who have participated in the Municipal Band’s summer concert series. For a long time, he was the only conductor, but that duty is now shared over the 10-concert season.

“I have to say that I have a real sense of satisfaction for having taught so many students over the years,”&nbsp;Priebe&nbsp;said. “Many are still my friends.”

Priebe&nbsp;started as an instructor at Oak Street and Horace Mann junior high schools.

In the 1970s, long-time Burlington High School instructor and Municipal Band conductor Maury Wright retired, and&nbsp;Priebe&nbsp;took over in both positions.

But not long after that, “I realized my true calling was at the middle school level. I went back and finished my teaching career at James Madison Middle School.”

Even then, he wasn’t done. He taught part-time at Notre Dame’s elementary and middle school bands for three more years.

Priebe&nbsp;was president of the Burlington Municipal Band Foundation for 10 years, and Jen Arnold, also one of his former students, has been the current president for the past three years.

However,&nbsp;Priebe&nbsp;still serves on the Southeast Iowa Symphony band board, and he and his wife, Mary, have been playing for the symphony for 50 years.

Priebe&nbsp;still plays in different bands around the area, having started with a nightclub band in Quincy, Ill., while still in high school.

“Like almost all kids, the band director came around and said, ‘You can sign up and play an instrument,’”&nbsp;Priebe&nbsp;said of when he was in fourth grade. He chose the trombone.

The first instrument his parents bought him “was terrible,”&nbsp;Priebe&nbsp;said, and in high school, he purchased a professional instrument.

Priebe&nbsp;wanted to play in Quincy’s park band, so he joined the musician’s union.

A local band member, seeing&nbsp;Priebe’s name on the union list, called him up to see if he would play in his band and he would get paid.

“I found out much later that the trombone player that had been playing in his band was in jail for drunk and disorderly,”&nbsp;Priebe&nbsp;said.

The band played two nights a week at a nightclub. “It was a wonderful experience,” he said. “To me, it was a big-time deal.”

It also marked the beginning of a lifetime of playing in bands, such as back in the mid-1960s, when he and Mary drove from their home in Blandinsville, Ill., to play in a jazz band in Iowa City.

“He kept seeing the bridge and the nice city laid out and said, ‘Wouldn’t that be a nice place to live in,’” Mary said.

They moved here in 1965 and have played in the city band ever since.

When&nbsp;Priebe&nbsp;graduated in 1960, rock and roll was in its infancy, and Bill Haley and the Comets were one of the groups&nbsp;Priebe&nbsp;liked.

But, he said, “Because I was involved in playing the trombone, I was more focused on Big Band music.”

Jazz and classical music are two different styles, and,&nbsp;Priebe&nbsp;said, back then, people tended to lean toward one or the other.

“I’ve been one of those people who straddle the divide,” he said.

“I love classical music, having played in an orchestra for so many years. It’s wonderful music. But I also love jazz, having done that for so many years,”&nbsp;Priebe&nbsp;said.

“I probably would love rock and roll if I were younger and had been exposed to it.”

The closest most young people come to hearing classical music is through movie-themed composers such as John Williams and Hans Zimmer.

“The symphony does a Masterworks series” of the traditional composers,&nbsp;Priebe&nbsp;said.&nbsp;

“The movie themes are in the pops concerts in the Symphonic Blast,” which will be performed on July 6 at the bandshell.

“A lot of people think of the Municipal band as maybe patriotic music on the Fourth of July,”&nbsp;Priebe&nbsp;said. “It really plays some ‘serious’ music.”

But, he said, “We try to have a balance. A typical concert might include pieces that kids would recognize, such as Disney music and SpongeBob SquarePants.

“Also, there are serious band pieces that composers write for the art of writing music. We’ll typically try to play something on that line,”&nbsp;Priebe&nbsp;said.

“The hope is, for symphony musicians and classical musicians, that we pull in listeners for that music, and they may come to a classical concert, a masterworks concert, and find out, ‘Wow! That music is great too,’ ”&nbsp;Priebe&nbsp;said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/burlington-beacon-media-bucket/public/2025/6/1749996925567.jpeg" alt="Photo by John Lovretta" />
 <figcaption>Photo by John Lovretta</figcaption>
 </figure>By Chris FaulknerAs a long-time band instructor for the Burlington school system and conductor for the Burlington Municipal Band, Jim&nbsp;Priebe&nbsp;has left an indelible mark in the musical world in southeast Iowa.Whether through the school system, private lessons, or a brief tenure as an adjunct professor for a few years at Iowa Wesleyan University,&nbsp;Priebe&nbsp;taught the following band instructors: Burlington High School’s Derek Murphy, West Burlington Elementary’s Jennifer Hexom, Holy Trinity’s Emily Otte, Mount Pleasant junior high’s Adam Creager and Central Lee’s Tracy and Heather Madsen.That’s not counting the number of past students who have participated in the Municipal Band’s summer concert series. For a long time, he was the only conductor, but that duty is now shared over the 10-concert season.“I have to say that I have a real sense of satisfaction for having taught so many students over the years,”&nbsp;Priebe&nbsp;said. “Many are still my friends.”Priebe&nbsp;started as an instructor at Oak Street and Horace Mann junior high schools.In the 1970s, long-time Burlington High School instructor and Municipal Band conductor Maury Wright retired, and&nbsp;Priebe&nbsp;took over in both positions.But not long after that, “I realized my true calling was at the middle school level. I went back and finished my teaching career at James Madison Middle School.”Even then, he wasn’t done. He taught part-time at Notre Dame’s elementary and middle school bands for three more years.Priebe&nbsp;was president of the Burlington Municipal Band Foundation for 10 years, and Jen Arnold, also one of his former students, has been the current president for the past three years.However,&nbsp;Priebe&nbsp;still serves on the Southeast Iowa Symphony band board, and he and his wife, Mary, have been playing for the symphony for 50 years.Priebe&nbsp;still plays in different bands around the area, having started with a nightclub band in Quincy, Ill., while still in high school.The Early Years“Like almost all kids, the band director came around and said, ‘You can sign up and play an instrument,’”&nbsp;Priebe&nbsp;said of when he was in fourth grade. He chose the trombone.“I was good at it and kept going.”The first instrument his parents bought him “was terrible,”&nbsp;Priebe&nbsp;said, and in high school, he purchased a professional instrument.Priebe&nbsp;wanted to play in Quincy’s park band, so he joined the musician’s union.A local band member, seeing&nbsp;Priebe’s name on the union list, called him up to see if he would play in his band and he would get paid.“I found out much later that the trombone player that had been playing in his band was in jail for drunk and disorderly,”&nbsp;Priebe&nbsp;said.The band played two nights a week at a nightclub. “It was a wonderful experience,” he said. “To me, it was a big-time deal.”It also marked the beginning of a lifetime of playing in bands, such as back in the mid-1960s, when he and Mary drove from their home in Blandinsville, Ill., to play in a jazz band in Iowa City.“He kept seeing the bridge and the nice city laid out and said, ‘Wouldn’t that be a nice place to live in,’” Mary said.They moved here in 1965 and have played in the city band ever since.Styles of MusicWhen&nbsp;Priebe&nbsp;graduated in 1960, rock and roll was in its infancy, and Bill Haley and the Comets were one of the groups&nbsp;Priebe&nbsp;liked.But, he said, “Because I was involved in playing the trombone, I was more focused on Big Band music.”Jazz and classical music are two different styles, and,&nbsp;Priebe&nbsp;said, back then, people tended to lean toward one or the other.“I’ve been one of those people who straddle the divide,” he said.“I love classical music, having played in an orchestra for so many years. It’s wonderful music. But I also love jazz, having done that for so many years,”&nbsp;Priebe&nbsp;said.“I probably would love rock and roll if I were younger and had been exposed to it.”The closest most young people come to hearing classical music is through movie-themed composers such as John Williams and Hans Zimmer.“The symphony does a Masterworks series” of the traditional composers,&nbsp;Priebe&nbsp;said.&nbsp;“The movie themes are in the pops concerts in the Symphonic Blast,” which will be performed on July 6 at the bandshell.“A lot of people think of the Municipal band as maybe patriotic music on the Fourth of July,”&nbsp;Priebe&nbsp;said. “It really plays some ‘serious’ music.”But, he said, “We try to have a balance. A typical concert might include pieces that kids would recognize, such as Disney music and SpongeBob SquarePants.“Also, there are serious band pieces that composers write for the art of writing music. We’ll typically try to play something on that line,”&nbsp;Priebe&nbsp;said.“The hope is, for symphony musicians and classical musicians, that we pull in listeners for that music, and they may come to a classical concert, a masterworks concert, and find out, ‘Wow! That music is great too,’ ”&nbsp;Priebe&nbsp;said.

52 Faces: Symphony  of service

<figure>
 <img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/burlington-beacon-media-bucket/public/2025/4/1745866962885.jpeg" alt="Burlington High School's Anna Buxton returns the ball during her singles match against Keokuk High School's Neveah Logan on April 21 at Burlington's tennis courts. Photo/John Lovretta&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Burlington High School's Anna Buxton returns the ball during her singles match against Keokuk High School's Neveah Logan on April 21 at Burlington's tennis courts. Photo/John Lovretta&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/burlington-beacon-media-bucket/public/2025/4/1745867045285.jpeg" alt="Burlington High School's Anna Buxton returns the ball during her singles match against Keokuk High School's Neveah Logan on April 21 at Burlington's tennis courts. Photo/John Lovretta&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Burlington High School's Anna Buxton returns the ball during her singles match against Keokuk High School's Neveah Logan on April 21 at Burlington's tennis courts. Photo/John Lovretta&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/burlington-beacon-media-bucket/public/2025/4/1745867087316.jpeg" alt="Burlington High School's Josie Newell returns the ball during her singles match against Keokuk High School's Aubrey Dade on April 21 at Burlington's tennis courts. Photo/John Lovretta&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Burlington High School's Josie Newell returns the ball during her singles match against Keokuk High School's Aubrey Dade on April 21 at Burlington's tennis courts. Photo/John Lovretta&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/burlington-beacon-media-bucket/public/2025/4/1745867145293.jpeg" alt="Burlington High School's Ava Moffett (2) returns the ball during her singles match against Keokuk High School's Sophia Rule, on April 21 at Burlington's tennis courts. Photo/John Lovretta" />
 <figcaption>Burlington High School's Ava Moffett (2) returns the ball during her singles match against Keokuk High School's Sophia Rule, on April 21 at Burlington's tennis courts. Photo/John Lovretta</figcaption>
 </figure>

BHS Girls Tennis Vs. Keokuk

The YMCA Xcel&nbsp;gymnastics&nbsp;competition team returned from the state meet with a couple of strong team finishes.

The bronze-level team earned a fifth- and a third-place trophy.

All 24 members of the Xcel team qualified for the state meet, and 12 of 14 eligible&nbsp;gymnasts&nbsp;qualified for the USAG Region 4 Xcel Regionals competition on April 25-27 in Madison, Wis. That ends the season, which started in November.

But&nbsp;gymnastics&nbsp;is a year-round program for the Y, and it’s been going on for at least 40 years, according to current Xcel coach Alaina Mathews.

It even outgrew the Y facility 11 years ago; the YMCA&nbsp;Gymnastics&nbsp;and Cheer Center is at 2830 Mount Pleasant Street. It’s Door No. 8 in the series of warehouses.

Mathews started the Xcel competition program in 2019 and became the head coach, with just four girls on the squad. The team has 31 ready to compete next year.

Mathews started&nbsp;gymnastics&nbsp;when she was six. She competed until she was 14, and three years later, she was working in the recreational portion of the program and giving private lessons. A year later, she was working with head coach Tasha Prickett.

Prickett coached the Junior Olympic/Development team for the majority of the 30 years she was with the Y program.

“I love the sport of&nbsp;gymnastics,” said Mathews, who also manages the facility.

“Gymnastics&nbsp;can teach so many things: strength training, determination, dedication. It helps develop a great work ethic. It teaches them grit and, self-motivation and confidence.”

There are multiple levels based on age and skill level. Nine were on the gold team, five on the silver team, and 10 on the bronze.

“Pre-team is an invited group of athletes from our other group of athletes that are looking for that next step to get them ready to compete,” Mathews said.

“They show they have the work ethic and desire to go forward in&nbsp;gymnastics. They work on strength training, body shaping, and flexibility.”

The youngest member of the pre-team is five, and an invitation is based on the child’s level of maturity and physical stamina.

To participate in the competitive portion, a girl must be a Y member, but anyone can sign up for the recreational program or get private lessons.

Next year’s roster is full, but there is space on the recreational side for those wanting to learn the sport and improve their skills.

Matthews said they have boys in the recreational program, but there aren’t enough apparatuses for boys to try out for the Xcel team.

“They can work on floor skills and strength skills,” Mathews said.

One of the sites for a meet is in a club’s gym, but the other meets are in sports complexes or convention centers, with between 50 and 100 gymnasts&nbsp;competing.

Mathews said that can be stressful for new competitors.

“It’s really fun to be able to see them start their first (meet) and be absolutely terrified, and then by the end of their season, they’re comfortable in the competition setting,” Mathews said.&nbsp;

“They’re less guarded. Their true ability steps out, and they start to shine out there.”

So even though it is a competitive team looking to score high and win medals, Mathews said, “It’s more than just a sport for us. It teaches them so much about themselves. They learn to be confident and trust in themselves. They learn to push themselves outside their comfort zone and truly see what they are capable of.”

The recreational sessions are held on Mondays, Tuesdays, some Thursdays, and Saturdays.

To sign up for the program, email Mathews at&nbsp;alaina@burlingtony.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/burlington-beacon-media-bucket/public/2025/4/1745783466349.jpeg" alt="Photo by John Lovretta" />
 <figcaption>Photo by John Lovretta</figcaption>
 </figure>By Chris FaulknerThe YMCA Xcel&nbsp;gymnastics&nbsp;competition team returned from the state meet with a couple of strong team finishes.The bronze-level team earned a fifth- and a third-place trophy.All 24 members of the Xcel team qualified for the state meet, and 12 of 14 eligible&nbsp;gymnasts&nbsp;qualified for the USAG Region 4 Xcel Regionals competition on April 25-27 in Madison, Wis. That ends the season, which started in November.But&nbsp;gymnastics&nbsp;is a year-round program for the Y, and it’s been going on for at least 40 years, according to current Xcel coach Alaina Mathews.It even outgrew the Y facility 11 years ago; the YMCA&nbsp;Gymnastics&nbsp;and Cheer Center is at 2830 Mount Pleasant Street. It’s Door No. 8 in the series of warehouses.Mathews started the Xcel competition program in 2019 and became the head coach, with just four girls on the squad. The team has 31 ready to compete next year.A Lifelong PursuitMathews started&nbsp;gymnastics&nbsp;when she was six. She competed until she was 14, and three years later, she was working in the recreational portion of the program and giving private lessons. A year later, she was working with head coach Tasha Prickett.Prickett coached the Junior Olympic/Development team for the majority of the 30 years she was with the Y program.“I love the sport of&nbsp;gymnastics,” said Mathews, who also manages the facility.“Gymnastics&nbsp;can teach so many things: strength training, determination, dedication. It helps develop a great work ethic. It teaches them grit and, self-motivation and confidence.”There are multiple levels based on age and skill level. Nine were on the gold team, five on the silver team, and 10 on the bronze.The Y also has a pre-team of 22 girls.“Pre-team is an invited group of athletes from our other group of athletes that are looking for that next step to get them ready to compete,” Mathews said.“They show they have the work ethic and desire to go forward in&nbsp;gymnastics. They work on strength training, body shaping, and flexibility.”The youngest member of the pre-team is five, and an invitation is based on the child’s level of maturity and physical stamina.To participate in the competitive portion, a girl must be a Y member, but anyone can sign up for the recreational program or get private lessons.Next year’s roster is full, but there is space on the recreational side for those wanting to learn the sport and improve their skills.Matthews said they have boys in the recreational program, but there aren’t enough apparatuses for boys to try out for the Xcel team.“They can work on floor skills and strength skills,” Mathews said.One of the sites for a meet is in a club’s gym, but the other meets are in sports complexes or convention centers, with between 50 and 100 gymnasts&nbsp;competing.Mathews said that can be stressful for new competitors.“It’s really fun to be able to see them start their first (meet) and be absolutely terrified, and then by the end of their season, they’re comfortable in the competition setting,” Mathews said.&nbsp;“They’re less guarded. Their true ability steps out, and they start to shine out there.”So even though it is a competitive team looking to score high and win medals, Mathews said, “It’s more than just a sport for us. It teaches them so much about themselves. They learn to be confident and trust in themselves. They learn to push themselves outside their comfort zone and truly see what they are capable of.”The recreational sessions are held on Mondays, Tuesdays, some Thursdays, and Saturdays.To sign up for the program, email Mathews at&nbsp;alaina@burlingtony.org.<figure>
 <img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/burlington-beacon-media-bucket/public/2025/4/1745783498606.jpeg" alt="Photo by John Lovretta" />
 <figcaption>Photo by John Lovretta</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/burlington-beacon-media-bucket/public/2025/4/1745783517806.jpeg" alt="Photo by John Lovretta" />
 <figcaption>Photo by John Lovretta</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/burlington-beacon-media-bucket/public/2025/4/1745783556726.jpeg" alt="Photo by John Lovretta" />
 <figcaption>Photo by John Lovretta</figcaption>
 </figure>

Sticking the landing 

The “War on 34” isn’t just a slogan, Southeastern Community College men’s basketball coach Lorenzo Watkins will tell you.

Watkins should know. He’s been a combatant on both sides.

As any Blackhawk fan can tell you, “The War on 34” is the basketball rivalry between SCC and Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa. Both schools are located near U.S. Highway 34. It has been heralded as the fiercest rivalry in junior college basketball.

This year’s battles will ignite on the western front. The Blackhawks will deploy to Indian Hills on Jan. 18. The Warriors invade SCC’s Loren Walker Arena on Feb. 15.

Indian Hills head coach Terry Carroll, who later coached at SCC, found Watkins at Craddock High School in Portsmouth, Va., in 1991 and lured him to Ottumwa. Watkins became a two-time All-Region XI guard and played on the Warriors’ first team to qualify for the national tournament, finishing fourth.

“My mom and dad were in the military,” Watkins said. “They got stationed in Korea, so I stayed in Virginia and graduated from high school. My mom, dad, and two sisters went to Seoul, Korea. Coach Carroll came out to Portsmouth, Va., and watched me play. I got recruited to play at Indian Hills.”

After Indian Hills, Watkins played two seasons at Idaho State, averaging 14.1 points a game. As a player, however, he had no plans to enter coaching.

“Did I want to get into coaching?” he asked. “Nope. I was always in criminal justice programs and really wanted to work in like a juvenile detention center to try to help kids get through some stuff. Pat Lacy, who is with the detention center in Mount Pleasant and with the one here in Burlington, was my college roommate (at Indian Hills). We always talked about doing it and he’s been doing it for 30-plus years now. We played basketball together at Indian Hills.”

Lacy is currently the division manager for the Eighth Judicial District Department of Correctional Services.

Watkins’ coach at Idaho State muddled the plans.

“My head coach, Herb Williams, said, ‘Hey, what do you think about staying on, helping us out (as a graduate assistant) and see how you like it?’&nbsp; I did it, liked it, and then got an opportunity to come back to Indian Hills to work with Coach Carroll” as his assistant.

He also worked as an assistant at some four-year programs and as Carroll’s assistant at SCC.

Watkins was head coach at Indian Hills four years, posting a 94-16 record, and is now in his eighth season as head coach at SCC. His Blackhawk teams have gone 171-56. His current team is 14-1 at the holiday break.

To some die-hard fans, going from Indian Hills to SCC may be heresy.

“I’ve been here 16 years,” Watkins said, “and it was probably the hardest thing to do as a player, as an assistant coach, as a head coach at Indian Hills. Now you come to the biggest rival. It was tough. I have life-long friends still over there, some that I went to school with over there, some that helped me get my career going.

“Once I got over here,” Watkins continued, “the thing with Coach Carroll, they looked at him and said, ‘We’ve been rooting against you for ages. Not just rooting, we’ve been hating you.’ That War on 34, that was for real. That wasn’t just a slogan. It was real.”

“I really, really appreciate the open arms of people here,” Watkins said. “That’s what Burlington’s about. I have life-long friends here now, and that’s why we continue to stay here.”

Watkins is looking for more than just basketball skills on the recruiting trail.

“Everybody talks about you’ve got to get the most talented kids,” Watkins said. “I think a lot of it is looking at the kid as a person. How are you going to fit into the community? I want a kid who will sacrifice.”

He added: “They’ve got to come from a winning program. Everybody is teaching these kids about being offensive-minded. So then, when I get them, some of them shut down. Some of them can’t understand that you’ve got to sacrifice one end of the floor for the other. If you want to have success, you’ve got to change a little bit, your mindset. Some things have to be a little bit more important, defending, rebounding the ball, taking care of the ball. Those things don’t need any talent. It’s commitment and determination.”

“It’s about sacrifices,” Watkins said. “The guy to the right of you and the guy to the left of you is as good or better than you. Now, you have to coexist. So, what are you going to sacrifice to win? That’s what it’s about. I have to get these guys to understand that.”

The most important victory for the basketball players is the diploma.

“To me, to see our guys graduate and move on, that’s my gratification,” Watkins said. “We’re going to win games. Yep. I’d love to win every game and the national championship every year. Nothing’s going to change my work ethic, but my success comes from going into these kids’ homes and seeing where they come from and where they have an opportunity to go. We’re going to give you every opportunity to be successful on and off the floor.”

He continued: “If I ever get to a point where it’s just win, win, win, win, then I’m going to find something else to do.”

Watkins and his wife Sara have four sons and a daughter. Their son Mason is in the midst of a successful high school basketball career at West Burlington High School. Since SCC and the high school normally have games on different days, Watkins is able to follow Mason’s career.

Sara, a native of Eldon, played softball for Indian Hills.

Watkins has had offers to coach elsewhere.

“But why?” Watkins asked. “I love coaching here. I love the town. I love raising our kids here, and I have great friends. I don’t need anything else.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/burlington-beacon-media-bucket/public/2025/1/1736010152652.jpeg" alt="Photo by John Lovretta" />
 <figcaption>Photo by John Lovretta</figcaption>
 </figure>By Joe GerenThe “War on 34” isn’t just a slogan, Southeastern Community College men’s basketball coach Lorenzo Watkins will tell you.“It’s real,” he said.Watkins should know. He’s been a combatant on both sides.As any Blackhawk fan can tell you, “The War on 34” is the basketball rivalry between SCC and Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa. Both schools are located near U.S. Highway 34. It has been heralded as the fiercest rivalry in junior college basketball.This year’s battles will ignite on the western front. The Blackhawks will deploy to Indian Hills on Jan. 18. The Warriors invade SCC’s Loren Walker Arena on Feb. 15.Indian Hills head coach Terry Carroll, who later coached at SCC, found Watkins at Craddock High School in Portsmouth, Va., in 1991 and lured him to Ottumwa. Watkins became a two-time All-Region XI guard and played on the Warriors’ first team to qualify for the national tournament, finishing fourth.“My mom and dad were in the military,” Watkins said. “They got stationed in Korea, so I stayed in Virginia and graduated from high school. My mom, dad, and two sisters went to Seoul, Korea. Coach Carroll came out to Portsmouth, Va., and watched me play. I got recruited to play at Indian Hills.”After Indian Hills, Watkins played two seasons at Idaho State, averaging 14.1 points a game. As a player, however, he had no plans to enter coaching.“Did I want to get into coaching?” he asked. “Nope. I was always in criminal justice programs and really wanted to work in like a juvenile detention center to try to help kids get through some stuff. Pat Lacy, who is with the detention center in Mount Pleasant and with the one here in Burlington, was my college roommate (at Indian Hills). We always talked about doing it and he’s been doing it for 30-plus years now. We played basketball together at Indian Hills.”Lacy is currently the division manager for the Eighth Judicial District Department of Correctional Services.Watkins’ coach at Idaho State muddled the plans.“My head coach, Herb Williams, said, ‘Hey, what do you think about staying on, helping us out (as a graduate assistant) and see how you like it?’&nbsp; I did it, liked it, and then got an opportunity to come back to Indian Hills to work with Coach Carroll” as his assistant.He also worked as an assistant at some four-year programs and as Carroll’s assistant at SCC.Watkins was head coach at Indian Hills four years, posting a 94-16 record, and is now in his eighth season as head coach at SCC. His Blackhawk teams have gone 171-56. His current team is 14-1 at the holiday break.To some die-hard fans, going from Indian Hills to SCC may be heresy.“I’ve been here 16 years,” Watkins said, “and it was probably the hardest thing to do as a player, as an assistant coach, as a head coach at Indian Hills. Now you come to the biggest rival. It was tough. I have life-long friends still over there, some that I went to school with over there, some that helped me get my career going.“Once I got over here,” Watkins continued, “the thing with Coach Carroll, they looked at him and said, ‘We’ve been rooting against you for ages. Not just rooting, we’ve been hating you.’ That War on 34, that was for real. That wasn’t just a slogan. It was real.”But all is well now.“I really, really appreciate the open arms of people here,” Watkins said. “That’s what Burlington’s about. I have life-long friends here now, and that’s why we continue to stay here.”Watkins is looking for more than just basketball skills on the recruiting trail.“Everybody talks about you’ve got to get the most talented kids,” Watkins said. “I think a lot of it is looking at the kid as a person. How are you going to fit into the community? I want a kid who will sacrifice.”He added: “They’ve got to come from a winning program. Everybody is teaching these kids about being offensive-minded. So then, when I get them, some of them shut down. Some of them can’t understand that you’ve got to sacrifice one end of the floor for the other. If you want to have success, you’ve got to change a little bit, your mindset. Some things have to be a little bit more important, defending, rebounding the ball, taking care of the ball. Those things don’t need any talent. It’s commitment and determination.”“It’s about sacrifices,” Watkins said. “The guy to the right of you and the guy to the left of you is as good or better than you. Now, you have to coexist. So, what are you going to sacrifice to win? That’s what it’s about. I have to get these guys to understand that.”The most important victory for the basketball players is the diploma.“To me, to see our guys graduate and move on, that’s my gratification,” Watkins said. “We’re going to win games. Yep. I’d love to win every game and the national championship every year. Nothing’s going to change my work ethic, but my success comes from going into these kids’ homes and seeing where they come from and where they have an opportunity to go. We’re going to give you every opportunity to be successful on and off the floor.”He continued: “If I ever get to a point where it’s just win, win, win, win, then I’m going to find something else to do.”Watkins and his wife Sara have four sons and a daughter. Their son Mason is in the midst of a successful high school basketball career at West Burlington High School. Since SCC and the high school normally have games on different days, Watkins is able to follow Mason’s career.Sara, a native of Eldon, played softball for Indian Hills.Watkins has had offers to coach elsewhere.“But why?” Watkins asked. “I love coaching here. I love the town. I love raising our kids here, and I have great friends. I don’t need anything else.”

52 Faces: Former rival  molds SCC  program

Southeastern Community College’s men’s soccer team rallied from a two-goal deficit and ousted Iowa Central, 4-3, in overtime in the Division 2, Region 11 quarterfinals at Bracewell Stadium Saturday afternoon.

Juan Lagares scored in the 98th&nbsp;minute off a pass from Felix Martin for the sudden victory.

SCC (11-7-2), the tournament’s No. 4 seed, advances to Tuesday’s semifinal round at Norfolk, Neb., facing top-seeded Northeast (17-1-1). Western Iowa Tech (10-6-3) plays No. 2 seed Iowa Lakes (12-1-3) at Estherville in the other semifinal. The Region 11 championship match is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 2, to be hosted by the higher seed.

“It was a really difficult game,” SCC head coach Jorge Sierra said. “It was a good opponent coming in so it was whoever wanted it more. Thankfully for is we wanted it more. We just have to be ready for Northeast Nebraska on Tuesday.

“I feel they (the Tritons) really wanted to advance,” Sierra said. “They wanted to win, same way we wanted to win. This conference is the best one in the country and any team can beat the other on a given day. Thankfully, today it went for us.”

The Blackhawks struck first with a goal by Timeo Cordiez in the 14th&nbsp;minute, Diego Lozano assisting, but Iowa Central tied the score two minutes later. The Tritons scored twice more in the first 23 minutes of the second half for a 3-1 cushion.

Cordiez scored, this time unassisted, in the 80th&nbsp;minute, and Lagares added the tying goal in the 87th minute, assisted by Javier Hernandez. That set up overtime and Lagares's game-winner.

Sierra is expecting pressure from Northeast in Tuesday’s semifinal. “They just beat the No. 1 team (Iowa Lakes) in the country,” Sierra said, “so it’s going to be a difficult game for us. But we’ll be ready for it.”

No. 1 ranked Iowa Lakes fell at home to Northeast, 3-2, on Oct. 23. On Sept. 28, the Lakers visited Bracewell Stadium and tied with the Blackhawks, 3-3.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2024/10/1730041733126.jpeg" alt="Photo by John Lovretta" />
 <figcaption>Photo by John Lovretta</figcaption>
 </figure>By Joe GerenSoutheastern Community College’s men’s soccer team rallied from a two-goal deficit and ousted Iowa Central, 4-3, in overtime in the Division 2, Region 11 quarterfinals at Bracewell Stadium Saturday afternoon.Juan Lagares scored in the 98th&nbsp;minute off a pass from Felix Martin for the sudden victory.SCC (11-7-2), the tournament’s No. 4 seed, advances to Tuesday’s semifinal round at Norfolk, Neb., facing top-seeded Northeast (17-1-1). Western Iowa Tech (10-6-3) plays No. 2 seed Iowa Lakes (12-1-3) at Estherville in the other semifinal. The Region 11 championship match is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 2, to be hosted by the higher seed.Iowa Central ended its season at 4-11-2.“It was a really difficult game,” SCC head coach Jorge Sierra said. “It was a good opponent coming in so it was whoever wanted it more. Thankfully for is we wanted it more. We just have to be ready for Northeast Nebraska on Tuesday.“I feel they (the Tritons) really wanted to advance,” Sierra said. “They wanted to win, same way we wanted to win. This conference is the best one in the country and any team can beat the other on a given day. Thankfully, today it went for us.”The Blackhawks struck first with a goal by Timeo Cordiez in the 14th&nbsp;minute, Diego Lozano assisting, but Iowa Central tied the score two minutes later. The Tritons scored twice more in the first 23 minutes of the second half for a 3-1 cushion.Cordiez scored, this time unassisted, in the 80th&nbsp;minute, and Lagares added the tying goal in the 87th minute, assisted by Javier Hernandez. That set up overtime and Lagares's game-winner.Sierra is expecting pressure from Northeast in Tuesday’s semifinal. “They just beat the No. 1 team (Iowa Lakes) in the country,” Sierra said, “so it’s going to be a difficult game for us. But we’ll be ready for it.”No. 1 ranked Iowa Lakes fell at home to Northeast, 3-2, on Oct. 23. On Sept. 28, the Lakers visited Bracewell Stadium and tied with the Blackhawks, 3-3.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2024/10/1730041771982.jpeg" alt="Photo by John Lovretta" />
 <figcaption>Photo by John Lovretta</figcaption>
 </figure>

SCC rallies for regional win

Notre Dame struggled against No. 3 Holy Trinity in volleyball action on Thursday, and the Nikes' late surge down the stretch of the third game wasn't enough to avoid a sweep at Shottenkirk Gymnasium in Fort Madison.

The Nikes trailed the third set 15-9, but over the next five servers cut the lead to 18-17. The Nikes then took the lead at 20-19 and soon led 22-20. After trading side outs, Notre Dame led 23-21, but Adalyn Kruse for the Crusaders made a kill to return the serve. Presley Myers served out the set and the match, with Kruse making another kill to end it.

It didn't help that Notre Dame missed six serves in the first two sets. But Holy Trinity missed six serves in the final set.

Notre Dame drops to 18-10 overall, 4-2 in the South and plays in the New London Tournament Saturday.

Holy Trinity remains unbeaten at 5-0 in the South and is 19-5 overall. The Crusaders host Central Lee next Thursday.

“We've got some young players, and we couldn't get in system some times,” Notre Dame coach Susan Reid said.

“We had a pretty good game plan, and when we're in system, that game plan works.”

It's never easy taking on HTC on its home court.

“It's a big environment to play in,” Reid said. “They have some good players, and they're a tough team to play.”

HTC coach Melissa Freesmeier said, “We were doing the little things we've been working on in practice.

But in the third set, Freesmeier said there were “a lot of mistakes on our end that shouldn't have happened. But we still overcame it. We still stayed in the set, and we were able to pull it off.”

Freesmeier said that Notre Dame is a “great ball club. They continue to have a good season.”

So even though it was a three-and-out&nbsp;match, “you know it was a better match than that,” Freesmeier said.

Notre Dame had a balanced hitting attack. Addi Brockway made nine kills, Madelyn Knapp eight and Chloe Wenzel seven. McKenna Kipp added two.

Mallory Lily had 23 digs, Brockway 11, Knapp nine, Elmore five and Bella Drew and Addison Reid two each.

Wenzel made two blocks and also served an ace.

For Holy Trinity, Kruse had 14 kills and Myers 13 to lead the team. Anna Bendlage made 16 assists, and Elizabeth Griffith had 12.

Myers served four aces, and Olivia Bendlage three. Kruse led in digs with 12. Myers had three blocks.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2024/10/1728060843131.jpeg" alt="Photo by Chris Faulkner" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Chris Faulkner</figcaption>
 </figure>By Chris FaulknerNotre Dame struggled against No. 3 Holy Trinity in volleyball action on Thursday, and the Nikes' late surge down the stretch of the third game wasn't enough to avoid a sweep at Shottenkirk Gymnasium in Fort Madison.Holy Trinity 25-12, 25-20, 25-23.The Nikes trailed the third set 15-9, but over the next five servers cut the lead to 18-17. The Nikes then took the lead at 20-19 and soon led 22-20. After trading side outs, Notre Dame led 23-21, but Adalyn Kruse for the Crusaders made a kill to return the serve. Presley Myers served out the set and the match, with Kruse making another kill to end it.It didn't help that Notre Dame missed six serves in the first two sets. But Holy Trinity missed six serves in the final set.Notre Dame drops to 18-10 overall, 4-2 in the South and plays in the New London Tournament Saturday.Holy Trinity remains unbeaten at 5-0 in the South and is 19-5 overall. The Crusaders host Central Lee next Thursday.“We've got some young players, and we couldn't get in system some times,” Notre Dame coach Susan Reid said.“We had a pretty good game plan, and when we're in system, that game plan works.”It's never easy taking on HTC on its home court.“It's a big environment to play in,” Reid said. “They have some good players, and they're a tough team to play.”HTC coach Melissa Freesmeier said, “We were doing the little things we've been working on in practice.But in the third set, Freesmeier said there were “a lot of mistakes on our end that shouldn't have happened. But we still overcame it. We still stayed in the set, and we were able to pull it off.”Freesmeier said that Notre Dame is a “great ball club. They continue to have a good season.”So even though it was a three-and-out&nbsp;match, “you know it was a better match than that,” Freesmeier said.Notre Dame had a balanced hitting attack. Addi Brockway made nine kills, Madelyn Knapp eight and Chloe Wenzel seven. McKenna Kipp added two.Emma Elmore made 23 assists.Mallory Lily had 23 digs, Brockway 11, Knapp nine, Elmore five and Bella Drew and Addison Reid two each.Wenzel made two blocks and also served an ace.For Holy Trinity, Kruse had 14 kills and Myers 13 to lead the team. Anna Bendlage made 16 assists, and Elizabeth Griffith had 12.Myers served four aces, and Olivia Bendlage three. Kruse led in digs with 12. Myers had three blocks.

ND falls to HTC

Southeastern Community College's Taryn Havener took on  Northeast Community College on Wednesday at  SCC's Loren Walker Arena. SCC defeated Northeast 3-1. First set 25-20, second set 23-25, third set 25-15, and fourth set 25-21.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2024/9/1726806669986.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Photos by John LovrettaSoutheastern Community College's Taryn Havener took on Northeast Community College on Wednesday at SCC's Loren Walker Arena. SCC defeated Northeast 3-1. First set 25-20, second set 23-25, third set 25-15, and fourth set 25-21.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2024/9/1726806701714.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2024/9/1726806721915.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2024/9/1726806741338.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2024/9/1726806766603.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

SCC vs. Northeast Community College

West Burlington's ninth-ranked (Class 2A) volleyball team rallied from a 2-0 deficit at No. 5 (1A) Holy Trinity Catholic and sent the match into a fifth set.

But the host Crusaders defeated the Falcons 15-11 in the deciding set to win the two-hour, 10-minute match at Shottenkirk Gymnasium in Fort Madison.

West Burlington (14-2) plays Saturday in the Williamsburg Tournament. Holy Trinity improves to 3-2.

HTC won the first set 25-17 and had West Burlington down 20-11 and 22-15 in the second set. But the Falcons stormed back with five service points from Jayonna Hiley – including two from aces – to make it 22-20. West Burlington was serving match point, but Holy Trinity managed to stay alive and finally won 27-25.

West Burlington won the next two sets, 26-24, 25-17, getting big help from Brenna Beggs, who had 11 kills and a couple of big blocks in those two sets.

In the fifth set, through the first five rotations, West Burlington led 6-4. But HTC soon led 10-8 and pulled out the victory.

There were a number of long rallies in the two-hour night. West Burlington finished with 139 digs and Holy Trinity 124.

“I'm very, very pleased with the way they battled,” West Burlington coach Maureen Heath said of the Falcons. “That was a very good match. It didn't go our way, but that's going to make our team grow and grow.

“Everybody got their money's worth, that's for sure.”

Coach Heath praised Beggs for her contribution on the night. Beside Beggs' team-high 17 kills and six blocks, she also served 20 of 20 with two aces and added 15 digs.

Beggs' strength as a middle hitter is her swift windmill motion on her attacks that are hard for opposing defenses to dig up.

“No, I taught myself,” Beggs said. “It's just something I caught on.”

Taryn Snodgrass plays a big part in that as her setter. “We've been playing togther since like the sixth grade,” Beggs said. “We have a good connection.”

Coach Heath praised Snodgrass for her abilities.

“Snodgrass is like a workhorse out there,” Heath said. “You know you're going to get every maximum effort from that girl. She tries to move the ball around, running things down, but with control.”

Jayonna Hiley had 12 kills and served 14 of 14 with five aces, Mady Hamelton had 10 kills, Isabella Callison five and freshman Kaylee Webb four.

Webb came into the game as a middle hitter, “trying to mix things up,” Coach Heath said. “In this big of a game, she was very in tune, she was asking questions, the girls were helping her, I thought she did a great job.”

Hiley had a block and Webb and Snodgrass had one each.

Carli Cline led in digs with 42, Hiley had 31, Hamelton 20 and Snodgrass 15. Baylee Woodsmall added 12.

Cline served 21 of 22 with an ace, Hamelton was 16 of 16 with an ace, Snodgrass 11 of 12 with an ace and Woodsmall 12 of 12.

The Falcons served 94 of 96 on the night.

Holy Trinity is tough to beat at home, especially in the fifth set, but Crusaders coach Melissa Freesmeier didn't take anything for granted.

“When you play a team like West Burlington, and they're going to dig the ball, and they're going to keep the ball in play, they're not going to make a lot of mistakes, we're just going to have to go at them. Our hitters did that in set 5.”

HTC's 6-2 standout in the middle, Presley Myers, had a career high 23 kills and six blocks. Adalyn Kruse had 21 kills and Olivia Bendlage 13. Anna Bendlage made 38 assists. Teagan Snaadt had 33 digs and Elizabeth Griffin 32.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2024/9/1726584171021.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Falcons rallied from 2-0 deficitBy Chris FaulknerWest Burlington's ninth-ranked (Class 2A) volleyball team rallied from a 2-0 deficit at No. 5 (1A) Holy Trinity Catholic and sent the match into a fifth set.But the host Crusaders defeated the Falcons 15-11 in the deciding set to win the two-hour, 10-minute match at Shottenkirk Gymnasium in Fort Madison.West Burlington (14-2) plays Saturday in the Williamsburg Tournament. Holy Trinity improves to 3-2.HTC won the first set 25-17 and had West Burlington down 20-11 and 22-15 in the second set. But the Falcons stormed back with five service points from Jayonna Hiley – including two from aces – to make it 22-20. West Burlington was serving match point, but Holy Trinity managed to stay alive and finally won 27-25.West Burlington won the next two sets, 26-24, 25-17, getting big help from Brenna Beggs, who had 11 kills and a couple of big blocks in those two sets.In the fifth set, through the first five rotations, West Burlington led 6-4. But HTC soon led 10-8 and pulled out the victory.There were a number of long rallies in the two-hour night. West Burlington finished with 139 digs and Holy Trinity 124.Falcons can grow from this“I'm very, very pleased with the way they battled,” West Burlington coach Maureen Heath said of the Falcons. “That was a very good match. It didn't go our way, but that's going to make our team grow and grow.“Everybody got their money's worth, that's for sure.”Coach Heath praised Beggs for her contribution on the night. Beside Beggs' team-high 17 kills and six blocks, she also served 20 of 20 with two aces and added 15 digs.Beggs' strength as a middle hitter is her swift windmill motion on her attacks that are hard for opposing defenses to dig up.Did someone teach her to do it that way?“No, I taught myself,” Beggs said. “It's just something I caught on.”Taryn Snodgrass plays a big part in that as her setter. “We've been playing togther since like the sixth grade,” Beggs said. “We have a good connection.”Snodgrass had 40 assists.Coach Heath praised Snodgrass for her abilities.“Snodgrass is like a workhorse out there,” Heath said. “You know you're going to get every maximum effort from that girl. She tries to move the ball around, running things down, but with control.”Jayonna Hiley had 12 kills and served 14 of 14 with five aces, Mady Hamelton had 10 kills, Isabella Callison five and freshman Kaylee Webb four.Webb came into the game as a middle hitter, “trying to mix things up,” Coach Heath said. “In this big of a game, she was very in tune, she was asking questions, the girls were helping her, I thought she did a great job.”Hiley had a block and Webb and Snodgrass had one each.Carli Cline led in digs with 42, Hiley had 31, Hamelton 20 and Snodgrass 15. Baylee Woodsmall added 12.Cline served 21 of 22 with an ace, Hamelton was 16 of 16 with an ace, Snodgrass 11 of 12 with an ace and Woodsmall 12 of 12.The Falcons served 94 of 96 on the night.HTC shines in Set 5Holy Trinity is tough to beat at home, especially in the fifth set, but Crusaders coach Melissa Freesmeier didn't take anything for granted.“When you play a team like West Burlington, and they're going to dig the ball, and they're going to keep the ball in play, they're not going to make a lot of mistakes, we're just going to have to go at them. Our hitters did that in set 5.”HTC's 6-2 standout in the middle, Presley Myers, had a career high 23 kills and six blocks. Adalyn Kruse had 21 kills and Olivia Bendlage 13. Anna Bendlage made 38 assists. Teagan Snaadt had 33 digs and Elizabeth Griffin 32.

HTC outlasts West Burlington in five sets

Notre Dame swept Van Buren County 25-9, 25-17, 25-22 in volleyball Thursday night at Father Minett Gym.

Madelyn Knapp made 13 kills, and Addi Brockway 11 to lead the winners. Chloe Wenzel added six kills, McKenna Kipp five, Addison Reid four, and Emma Elmore three.

Knapp made 13 digs, Mallory Lillie and Brockway 12 each, and Bella Drew 10.

Elmore served 13 of 14 with an ace, Brockway was 12 of 12 with an ace, Reid was 12 of 13 with two aces, Lillie was 11 of 12 with three aces, and Lexi Korschgen served an ace on her only attempt.

The team plays at Central Lee next Tuesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2024/9/1726252360221.jpeg" alt="Photo by John Lovretta" />
 <figcaption>Photo by John Lovretta</figcaption>
 </figure>Beacon SportsNotre Dame swept Van Buren County 25-9, 25-17, 25-22 in volleyball Thursday night at Father Minett Gym.Madelyn Knapp made 13 kills, and Addi Brockway 11 to lead the winners. Chloe Wenzel added six kills, McKenna Kipp five, Addison Reid four, and Emma Elmore three.Emma Elmore made 36 assists.Knapp made 13 digs, Mallory Lillie and Brockway 12 each, and Bella Drew 10.Wenzel made four blocks and Reid two.Elmore served 13 of 14 with an ace, Brockway was 12 of 12 with an ace, Reid was 12 of 13 with two aces, Lillie was 11 of 12 with three aces, and Lexi Korschgen served an ace on her only attempt.The team plays at Central Lee next Tuesday.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2024/9/1726253414166.jpeg" alt="Photo by John Lovretta" />
 <figcaption>Photo by John Lovretta</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2024/9/1726253276370.jpeg" alt="Photo by John Lovretta" />
 <figcaption>Photo by John Lovretta</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2024/9/1726253175312.jpeg" alt="Photo by John Lovretta" />
 <figcaption>Photo by John Lovretta</figcaption>
 </figure>

NDHS Volleyball vs. Van Buren 

Indian Hills spoiled Southeastern Community College’s soccer home openers, sweeping the Blackhawks at the Burlington Regional RecPlex Monday afternoon.

Indian Hills won the women’s match 5-1 and the men’s game 6-0. Indian Hills is an NJCAA Division I school; SCC is Division II.

In the women’s match, Kevynn Siefken scored SCC’s lone goal on the rebound of a Myah Rehman shot in the 50th minute. Rehman was awarded an assist. It was the first goal scored this season by SCC, now 0-4.

Siefken and Rehman were freshmen and teammates at Burlington High School last spring.

“We’ve been struggling with injuries the past couple of weeks,” Siefken said, “but we’re slowly getting those girls back, and we know we deserve it. We worked hard, that’s for sure.”

On her goal, she said, “It was good. It was well deserved. That first half was hard-fought, and that second half, we wanted it, and we got it.” 

          In the men’s game, SCC managed just five shots, three on goal. The defense held Indian Hills scoreless for the first 33 minutes. SCC fell to 1-4. 

It was the first time former SCC coach Zac Newton coached against the Blackhawks. He coached SCC to its spring 2021 national championship. Newton is currently in his first year as head coach at Indian Hills. 

“It’s a weird experience,” Newton said of his return to West Burlington, “and then to have the sort of result we had was tough because this place always has a special place in my heart. It’s very, very weird, but it does bring back a lot of good memories.”

The Indian Hills men improved to 5-0; the women are 3-1.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2024/9/1725582340335.jpeg" alt="Photo by John Lovretta" />
 <figcaption>Photo by John Lovretta</figcaption>
 </figure>Beacon SportsIndian Hills spoiled Southeastern Community College’s soccer home openers, sweeping the Blackhawks at the Burlington Regional RecPlex Monday afternoon.Indian Hills won the women’s match 5-1 and the men’s game 6-0. Indian Hills is an NJCAA Division I school; SCC is Division II.In the women’s match, Kevynn Siefken scored SCC’s lone goal on the rebound of a Myah Rehman shot in the 50th minute. Rehman was awarded an assist. It was the first goal scored this season by SCC, now 0-4.Siefken and Rehman were freshmen and teammates at Burlington High School last spring.“We’ve been struggling with injuries the past couple of weeks,” Siefken said, “but we’re slowly getting those girls back, and we know we deserve it. We worked hard, that’s for sure.”On her goal, she said, “It was good. It was well deserved. That first half was hard-fought, and that second half, we wanted it, and we got it.” In the men’s game, SCC managed just five shots, three on goal. The defense held Indian Hills scoreless for the first 33 minutes. SCC fell to 1-4. It was the first time former SCC coach Zac Newton coached against the Blackhawks. He coached SCC to its spring 2021 national championship. Newton is currently in his first year as head coach at Indian Hills. “It’s a weird experience,” Newton said of his return to West Burlington, “and then to have the sort of result we had was tough because this place always has a special place in my heart. It’s very, very weird, but it does bring back a lot of good memories.”The Indian Hills men improved to 5-0; the women are 3-1.

Warriors sweep SCC soccer teams

The Southeastern Community College volleyball team scrimmaged against three other teams on Saturday, and the optimism in the Blackhawk camp is sky-high. 

“I expect us to take it all the way to nationals,” said McKenna Marlow, a sophomore from West Burlington.“I expect us to take it all the way to nationals.,” said Taryn Stephens, a freshman who played for Burlington’s Notre Dame High School last season. 

“That just seems like so much fun. We all want to go so bad. We’ve been working for it.”Read Joe Geren's story in this Friday's print edition of The Beacon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2024/8/1724023610717.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Photos by John LovrettaThe Southeastern Community College volleyball team scrimmaged against three other teams on Saturday, and the optimism in the Blackhawk camp is sky-high. “I expect us to take it all the way to nationals,” said McKenna Marlow, a sophomore from West Burlington.“I expect us to take it all the way to nationals.,” said Taryn Stephens, a freshman who played for Burlington’s Notre Dame High School last season. “That just seems like so much fun. We all want to go so bad. We’ve been working for it.”Read Joe Geren's story in this Friday's print edition of The Beacon.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2024/8/1724023643334.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2024/8/1724023665773.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2024/8/1724023689710.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Spike in Optimism

Joan Wail may be the fastest barber in Iowa.

Wail, who owns and operates His Place Barber at 160 S. Central Ave., is celebrating 43 years of haircutting this year.

When she started, the parking meter required a penny for 12 minutes of parking time. Wail’s efficiency with the clippers made it possible to come in, get a haircut, and get out before that 12 minutes was up.

That resulted in an unintended promotion around Joan’s speed, complete with promo T-shirts with a quick draw cowboy on the front.

To be honest, Wail found the attention to be a bit embarrassing. But it brought in customers.

“I never tried to be fast. But people kept commenting on it,” she said.

Wail is just as efficient and detailed as she was back then, resulting in a massive customer base over the past four decades. She recently shut the shop down due to health problems and returned to work a few months ago, fearing she wouldn’t have any customers left.

That anxiety turned out to be unjust. Before she closed the shop, Wail had 560 customers. So far, she has brought back around 450 of them.

“With the amount of customers I have, they work in my schedule. I’m so blessed,” she said.

God means everything to Joan and her husband, Jack Wail. They’ve been married for 42 years, and she credits Jack with bringing her back to God. They met in a church, but Joan wasn’t conducting herself in a godly way at the time.

“We met in a prayer group. I was struggling at that time with drugs, and he offered to befriend me. I was struggling with wanting to go out and get loaded, and I’d call him, and he’d pray with me, and I would calm down,” she said.

That friendship turned into a marriage, and Joan hasn’t touched drugs or alcohol since. They went on to have three children, and Jack is still her biggest supporter. But she credits her brother for giving her the idea of cutting hair for a living.

“My older brother was a barber, and when I graduated, he said I should get into this,” Wail said.

Stereotypes were changing even then. Once a male-dominated industry, the barbershop profession was increasingly open to women.

“Back then, some men weren’t comfortable with a woman cutting their hair,” Wail said.

Wail saw it as an opportunity and was hooked when she started cutting hair. An Illinois native, Wail moved to Keokuk with her husband before coming to Burlington. She cut hair at an often-forgotten barbershop inside the Hotel Burlington.

After the barbershop closed, Wail stumbled across a business opportunity — a chance to own and operate her own shop.

Wail wasn’t too keen on the idea at first. But her husband was, which was enough to make Wail ask God if she should start her own business.

His plan soon became apparent to her. It wasn’t her idea to open a barbershop. It was His.

That’s how the barbershop earned the moniker “His Place.”

“I felt like God was telling me that He wanted to give me this gift. I didn’t like the gift. I said, ‘No, thank you. That’s not my plan.’ But He won, so that’s why it’s called ‘His Place,’” Wail said.

Wail has come a long way since starting her business in downtown Burlington — spiritually and physically. She’s in the fourth building and has been there for the past 10 years.

“The buildings kind of go out from under me,” Wail said with a laugh. “The first one, the backside of it caved in.&nbsp; So then I went out to Mount Pleasant Street, near the Lincolnville. I was there nine years, and the landlord’s son wanted to put a business in there. So then I moved across the driveway over to this place where Lincolnville Square is. I was there for 15 years. And then the furnace went out,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/burlington-beacon-media-bucket/public/2025/5/1748448951989.jpeg" alt="Photo by John Lovretta" />
 <figcaption>Photo by John Lovretta</figcaption>
 </figure>By William SmithJoan Wail may be the fastest barber in Iowa.She’s also the most humble.Wail, who owns and operates His Place Barber at 160 S. Central Ave., is celebrating 43 years of haircutting this year.When she started, the parking meter required a penny for 12 minutes of parking time. Wail’s efficiency with the clippers made it possible to come in, get a haircut, and get out before that 12 minutes was up.That resulted in an unintended promotion around Joan’s speed, complete with promo T-shirts with a quick draw cowboy on the front.To be honest, Wail found the attention to be a bit embarrassing. But it brought in customers.“I never tried to be fast. But people kept commenting on it,” she said.Wail is just as efficient and detailed as she was back then, resulting in a massive customer base over the past four decades. She recently shut the shop down due to health problems and returned to work a few months ago, fearing she wouldn’t have any customers left.That anxiety turned out to be unjust. Before she closed the shop, Wail had 560 customers. So far, she has brought back around 450 of them.“With the amount of customers I have, they work in my schedule. I’m so blessed,” she said.God means everything to Joan and her husband, Jack Wail. They’ve been married for 42 years, and she credits Jack with bringing her back to God. They met in a church, but Joan wasn’t conducting herself in a godly way at the time.“We met in a prayer group. I was struggling at that time with drugs, and he offered to befriend me. I was struggling with wanting to go out and get loaded, and I’d call him, and he’d pray with me, and I would calm down,” she said.That friendship turned into a marriage, and Joan hasn’t touched drugs or alcohol since. They went on to have three children, and Jack is still her biggest supporter. But she credits her brother for giving her the idea of cutting hair for a living.“My older brother was a barber, and when I graduated, he said I should get into this,” Wail said.Stereotypes were changing even then. Once a male-dominated industry, the barbershop profession was increasingly open to women.“Back then, some men weren’t comfortable with a woman cutting their hair,” Wail said.Wail saw it as an opportunity and was hooked when she started cutting hair. An Illinois native, Wail moved to Keokuk with her husband before coming to Burlington. She cut hair at an often-forgotten barbershop inside the Hotel Burlington.After the barbershop closed, Wail stumbled across a business opportunity — a chance to own and operate her own shop.Wail wasn’t too keen on the idea at first. But her husband was, which was enough to make Wail ask God if she should start her own business.His plan soon became apparent to her. It wasn’t her idea to open a barbershop. It was His.That’s how the barbershop earned the moniker “His Place.”“I felt like God was telling me that He wanted to give me this gift. I didn’t like the gift. I said, ‘No, thank you. That’s not my plan.’ But He won, so that’s why it’s called ‘His Place,’” Wail said.Wail has come a long way since starting her business in downtown Burlington — spiritually and physically. She’s in the fourth building and has been there for the past 10 years.“The buildings kind of go out from under me,” Wail said with a laugh. “The first one, the backside of it caved in.&nbsp; So then I went out to Mount Pleasant Street, near the Lincolnville. I was there nine years, and the landlord’s son wanted to put a business in there. So then I moved across the driveway over to this place where Lincolnville Square is. I was there for 15 years. And then the furnace went out,” she said.Joan and her husband have been longtime volunteers at several organizations, focusing mainly on food pantries. Both are active in the St. Vincent De Paul Food Pantry.It’s that volunteer work that caused Joan’s health problems. While she was cleaning out an old building, exposure to hidden mold created breathing problems and other health issues that lasted nearly a year.But she knows it’s all part of God’s plan. Wail returned to her barber chair this past February after a nearly three-month hiatus and has never been happier to be there.She has no plans to retire. Not anytime soon.“I would miss my customers too much,” she said.His Place is open Tuesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to noon.

News

Sports

Obituaries