George Rinker has dedicated his entire life to serving others.

For the past 15 years, area residents have known Rinker as the face of the annual Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast. They also might have purchased a car from him at Deery Brothers, where he has worked as a salesman for 30 years.

Before that, Rinker retired from a 20-year career in law enforcement, capped off by an eight-year stint as the West Burlington police chief. He upheld the law and sold cars during his past few years in law enforcement, working upwards of 90 hours a week.

“There’s a lot of similarities between police work and selling cars,” Rinker said. “You have to be able to listen to people and try to get a perspective on what they want to tell you and understand it. Then help the situation.”

Of course, there are some prime differences that Rinker has come to appreciate more as he gets older.

“I don’t get called out in the middle of the night for some criminal action or some disaster,” Rinker said. “When people leave my desk here (at Deery Bros.), they’re pretty happy. When I was police chief, that didn’t happen a lot.”

Rinker wanted to be a cop from an early age, participating in a Boy Scout explorer post in high school that gave him hands-on experience with law enforcement.&nbsp;

A Burlington native and Burlington High School graduate, Rinker began his career at the Burlington Police Department almost immediately.

His first day was devastating — far rougher than a typical rookie officer.

“I started on Sept. 16, 1974, and I was to report in at 2:30 p.m. in the afternoon for the second shift,” Rinker said.

Rinker had an argument with his father shortly before leaving the house for work and was irritated. He responded to his first call 45 minutes later. The address was his house.

Rinker’s father had died of a heart attack. The story made local headlines. It wasn’t easy, but Rinker is glad that he was the one who responded.

“I always thought that was an omen. That I was doing what I’m supposed to be doing,” Rinker said.

Rinker claims he doesn’t have time for hobbies. But then he starts talking about his work with the Kiwanis Club and his desire to help children.

Then there is his Santa gig. Every year, Rinker dons his Santa Claus costume, giving gifts to local families.&nbsp;

He even rides in the annual Holiday Parade as Santa, waving from the back of a massive sleigh.

“I guess that would be my other hobby,” he said.

Rinker first portrayed Santa Claus on Christmas Eve in 1981, handing out presents to families before rushing back to his reindeer-driven sleigh.

“I have a family here in town that I have done presents for, I’m gonna say at least 20 years. And when I started doing it, they had 6 to 10 kids. And there were little boys in their suits and bow ties. The girls were in their princess dresses, and they would sing carols.”

Since then, those kids have become adults and had their own kids. Rinker has handed them presents, too.

This year, Rinker will be giving presents to the grandchildren of the kids he first dressed up as Santa for in 1981.

“It’s a big deal to me, and it’s a big deal to them,” he said. “I love doing that. Because there’s nothing better than seeing the smiles on kids’ faces. It’s just a great joy to me.”

Rinker realizes the community is already familiar with the good deeds of the Kiwanis Club. The organization is 100 members strong, and celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.

But what many don’t realize, outside of the membership, is the strong camaraderie that exists between the members. Aside from the free lunch, the weekly meetings feature skits, guest speakers, and plenty of laughter.

“It’s a refuge from everyday work life,” Rinker said.

As a longtime leader in the organization, Rinker is usually behind the podium at the meetings, updating members on finances, and future plans between jokes. He is a constant fixture, which becomes somewhat of an in-joke in the club.

“Hello, my name is George,” Rinker says every time he takes the podium.

“Hi George,” the members always respond, wearing grins.

The Kiwanis Club has always donated its fundraising dollars to helping area children, spending quite a few years focusing on funding new playgrounds.

On June 1, the club will vote on a measure to donate $75,000 to the Dankwardt Playground Project. Rinker has been pushing hard for it, talking about how his late disabled son never got to experience a playground.

“This will be a legacy for our children,” Rinker said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/5/1685462962370.jpeg" alt="Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast Chairman George Rinker has donated countless hours to community service. Photo/William Smith" />
 <figcaption>Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast Chairman George Rinker has donated countless hours to community service. Photo/William Smith</figcaption>
 </figure>By William SmithGeorge Rinker has dedicated his entire life to serving others.For the past 15 years, area residents have known Rinker as the face of the annual Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast. They also might have purchased a car from him at Deery Brothers, where he has worked as a salesman for 30 years.Before that, Rinker retired from a 20-year career in law enforcement, capped off by an eight-year stint as the West Burlington police chief. He upheld the law and sold cars during his past few years in law enforcement, working upwards of 90 hours a week.“There’s a lot of similarities between police work and selling cars,” Rinker said. “You have to be able to listen to people and try to get a perspective on what they want to tell you and understand it. Then help the situation.”Of course, there are some prime differences that Rinker has come to appreciate more as he gets older.“I don’t get called out in the middle of the night for some criminal action or some disaster,” Rinker said. “When people leave my desk here (at Deery Bros.), they’re pretty happy. When I was police chief, that didn’t happen a lot.”Rinker wanted to be a cop from an early age, participating in a Boy Scout explorer post in high school that gave him hands-on experience with law enforcement.&nbsp;A Burlington native and Burlington High School graduate, Rinker began his career at the Burlington Police Department almost immediately.Heart-breaking first dayHis first day was devastating — far rougher than a typical rookie officer.“I started on Sept. 16, 1974, and I was to report in at 2:30 p.m. in the afternoon for the second shift,” Rinker said.Rinker had an argument with his father shortly before leaving the house for work and was irritated. He responded to his first call 45 minutes later. The address was his house.Rinker’s father had died of a heart attack. The story made local headlines. It wasn’t easy, but Rinker is glad that he was the one who responded.“I always thought that was an omen. That I was doing what I’m supposed to be doing,” Rinker said.Santa GeorgeRinker claims he doesn’t have time for hobbies. But then he starts talking about his work with the Kiwanis Club and his desire to help children.Then there is his Santa gig. Every year, Rinker dons his Santa Claus costume, giving gifts to local families.&nbsp;He even rides in the annual Holiday Parade as Santa, waving from the back of a massive sleigh.“I guess that would be my other hobby,” he said.Rinker first portrayed Santa Claus on Christmas Eve in 1981, handing out presents to families before rushing back to his reindeer-driven sleigh.“I have a family here in town that I have done presents for, I’m gonna say at least 20 years. And when I started doing it, they had 6 to 10 kids. And there were little boys in their suits and bow ties. The girls were in their princess dresses, and they would sing carols.”Since then, those kids have become adults and had their own kids. Rinker has handed them presents, too.This year, Rinker will be giving presents to the grandchildren of the kids he first dressed up as Santa for in 1981.“It’s a big deal to me, and it’s a big deal to them,” he said. “I love doing that. Because there’s nothing better than seeing the smiles on kids’ faces. It’s just a great joy to me.”“Hello, my name&nbsp;is George”Rinker realizes the community is already familiar with the good deeds of the Kiwanis Club. The organization is 100 members strong, and celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.But what many don’t realize, outside of the membership, is the strong camaraderie that exists between the members. Aside from the free lunch, the weekly meetings feature skits, guest speakers, and plenty of laughter.“It’s a refuge from everyday work life,” Rinker said.As a longtime leader in the organization, Rinker is usually behind the podium at the meetings, updating members on finances, and future plans between jokes. He is a constant fixture, which becomes somewhat of an in-joke in the club.“Hello, my name is George,” Rinker says every time he takes the podium.“Hi George,” the members always respond, wearing grins.The Kiwanis Club has always donated its fundraising dollars to helping area children, spending quite a few years focusing on funding new playgrounds.On June 1, the club will vote on a measure to donate $75,000 to the Dankwardt Playground Project. Rinker has been pushing hard for it, talking about how his late disabled son never got to experience a playground.“This will be a legacy for our children,” Rinker said.

In service of others

Rylee McMullen had a lonely ride in Saturday’s Women’s 1-2-3 Pro race at the Snake Alley Criterium.

McMullen dominated the race, leading by a full straightaway for most of the final laps, to take her second win of the weekend.

It might have seemed like an hour-long race would be about patience, but McMullen had other ideas.

“It was a little bit different than what I’m used to,” McMullen said. “Usually I just wait for the sprint, but I really wanted to win today.”

McMullen, who won the Friday Night Fever race to open the weekend, struck early in this race and quickly extended the margin.

“There was a big gap at the top of one of the early climbs, so the next lap I just went to the top again and took off,” McMullen said.

McMullen, who races for the InstaFund Racing team, duplicated the move teammate Maddy Ward used to win last year’s race.

“Last year, my teammate did what I did today,” McMullen said. “I wanted to make today hard.”

McMullen said she didn’t mind being alone.

“I just set a nice pace,” she said. “It’s kind of nice being by yourself because you can set your own pace and not have to surge or anything.”

Elizabeth Dixon, who finished second behind McMullen on Friday, finished second again, leading the large pack that couldn’t mount a challenge.

“To be honest, I started out the first couple of laps pretty far back, so I was just trying to make up space, pass people one at a time,” Dixon said. “I didn’t realize until the last lap that I had been closing the gap. Rylee, I could kind of see her on the last lap. I knew I couldn’t catch her, but it would have been nice to try. It’s nice to have that goal, like, ‘Oh, I can catch one more person.’”

Dixon was making her first appearance in the Criterium. She worked with Dahlia Kissel, who finished third, early in the race.

“She taught me how to take downhill corners, which was nice,” Dixon said. “I live in Chicago, so we don’t have many opportunities to go downhill. So I learned how to stay low. I also want to brake going downhill, which is something you don’t want to do in a race. It was helpful to follow some wheels, and get some pointers, because it’s not a strong suit of mine.”

Dixon also learned how to attack Snake Alley.

“I pre-rode it once before the race,” she said. “I knew it was steep, but it was more technical than I was expecting. Because it’s so steep, you do have to put in an effort to get up it. I actually tried to stay calm on the climb, and then push it after that, because people are tired. So that helped.”

Amy McClintock finished fourth. Jane Tullis, third on Friday night, finished fifth in this race.

Olivia Reeve won the Category 3-4 race. Camille Wirkus was second

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/5/1685243539625.jpeg" alt="Rylee McMullen is shown on her way to winning the Women's Snake Alley Criterium Cat 1-2-3 Pro race on Saturday, May 27, in Burlington. Photo/John Lovretta" />
 <figcaption>Rylee McMullen is shown on her way to winning the Women's Snake Alley Criterium Cat 1-2-3 Pro race on Saturday, May 27, in Burlington. Photo/John Lovretta</figcaption>
 </figure>By John BohnenkampRylee McMullen had a lonely ride in Saturday’s Women’s 1-2-3 Pro race at the Snake Alley Criterium.She didn’t seem to mind.McMullen dominated the race, leading by a full straightaway for most of the final laps, to take her second win of the weekend.It might have seemed like an hour-long race would be about patience, but McMullen had other ideas.“It was a little bit different than what I’m used to,” McMullen said. “Usually I just wait for the sprint, but I really wanted to win today.”McMullen, who won the Friday Night Fever race to open the weekend, struck early in this race and quickly extended the margin.“There was a big gap at the top of one of the early climbs, so the next lap I just went to the top again and took off,” McMullen said.McMullen, who races for the InstaFund Racing team, duplicated the move teammate Maddy Ward used to win last year’s race.“Last year, my teammate did what I did today,” McMullen said. “I wanted to make today hard.”McMullen said she didn’t mind being alone.“I just set a nice pace,” she said. “It’s kind of nice being by yourself because you can set your own pace and not have to surge or anything.”<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/5/1685243672333.jpeg" alt="Riders make their way up Snake Alley during the Women's Snake Alley Criterium Cat 1-2-3 Pro race. Photo/John Lovretta" />
 <figcaption>Riders make their way up Snake Alley during the Women's Snake Alley Criterium Cat 1-2-3 Pro race. Photo/John Lovretta</figcaption>
 </figure>Elizabeth Dixon, who finished second behind McMullen on Friday, finished second again, leading the large pack that couldn’t mount a challenge.“To be honest, I started out the first couple of laps pretty far back, so I was just trying to make up space, pass people one at a time,” Dixon said. “I didn’t realize until the last lap that I had been closing the gap. Rylee, I could kind of see her on the last lap. I knew I couldn’t catch her, but it would have been nice to try. It’s nice to have that goal, like, ‘Oh, I can catch one more person.’”Dixon was making her first appearance in the Criterium. She worked with Dahlia Kissel, who finished third, early in the race.“She taught me how to take downhill corners, which was nice,” Dixon said. “I live in Chicago, so we don’t have many opportunities to go downhill. So I learned how to stay low. I also want to brake going downhill, which is something you don’t want to do in a race. It was helpful to follow some wheels, and get some pointers, because it’s not a strong suit of mine.”Dixon also learned how to attack Snake Alley.“I pre-rode it once before the race,” she said. “I knew it was steep, but it was more technical than I was expecting. Because it’s so steep, you do have to put in an effort to get up it. I actually tried to stay calm on the climb, and then push it after that, because people are tired. So that helped.”Amy McClintock finished fourth. Jane Tullis, third on Friday night, finished fifth in this race.Olivia Reeve won the Category 3-4 race. Camille Wirkus was second<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/5/1685243790024.jpeg" alt="Rylee McMullen dominated&nbsp; Saturday’s Women’s 1-2-3 Pro race. Photo/John Lovretta" />
 <figcaption>Rylee McMullen dominated&nbsp; Saturday’s Women’s 1-2-3 Pro race. Photo/John Lovretta</figcaption>
 </figure>

McMullen Dominates Saturday’s Women’s 1-2-3 Pro Race

Rylee McMullen is a sprinter, so the Women’s Category 1-2-3 Pro Race of the Friday Night Fever event in Burlington was perfect for her.

McMullen got the best of the field in the closing stretch of the race down North Fifth Street, edging Elizabeth Dixon in a photo finish.

The 45-minute event came down to the final seconds, and McMullen was just a bit faster.

“I knew it was going to be a fast sprint,” said McMullen, who is from Vancouver, British Columbia. “I wanted to go a little bit early, but I ended up going late and I wasn’t sure I was going to make it to the line.”

The field consisted of only 11 entrants, but that pack stayed together throughout the race.

“I’m a sprinter, so I wasn’t too worried if it came down to a sprint,” McMullen said. “I tried to get away a few times, but it’s windier than it looks.”

It was McMullen’s second time in Burlington for the Snake Alley Criterium weekend, and she said the experience gained in the last season helped her.

“As a sprinter, I’ve learned a lot in the last year, just how to position and what to do in the different scenarios,” she said.

Dixon, from Chicago, was making her first appearance in Burlington.

“I didn’t pre-ride the course, but I knew it was a fairly straightforward course,” Dixon said.

Dixon said the key for her was staying patient, and conserving energy because it’s a busy weekend of racing in the area, with Saturday’s Snake Alley Criterium, Sunday’s event in Muscatine, and Monday’s racing in the Quad Cities.

“I’ve been trying a few new things this year, so I thought I would make a move earlier,” Dixon said. “But I’m like everyone else, we’re racing tomorrow and then Sunday and Monday, so I just tried to stay calm and just follow other people’s moves. And it worked out, and I was pleased with it. I wanted to ride, stay on people’s wheels until we came around (for the last lap).”

Dixon said there were certain areas of the course where there was plenty of action.

“They’re all really strong women in the field,” she said. “I know you couldn’t see it from here, but on the back side there were really strong attacks throughout the race, but we always seemed to come back together for the most part. It was a testament to the field, but I think we were all saving our legs a little bit for tomorrow. So I didn’t want to burn out on a big move or a breakaway.”

Jane Tullis finished third. Dahlia Kissel was fourth.

Camille Wirkus of Madison, Wisconsin won the Category 3-4 event. Jordan Gwyen Austin of Orland Park, Ill., was second. Isabelle Jensen of Leavenworth, Kansas was second.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/5/1685168354625.jpeg" alt="Rylee McMullen, left, finishes first while Elizabeth Dixon, right, finishes second during the Friday Night Fever Criterium Womens Cat 1/2 and Pro race, Friday, May 26, in Burlington. The Friday Night Fever Criterium was a new event in 2022 that replaced the previous Burlington Road Race.&nbsp; Photo/John Lovretta" />
 <figcaption>Rylee McMullen, left, finishes first while Elizabeth Dixon, right, finishes second during the Friday Night Fever Criterium Womens Cat 1/2 and Pro race, Friday, May 26, in Burlington. The Friday Night Fever Criterium was a new event in 2022 that replaced the previous Burlington Road Race.&nbsp; Photo/John Lovretta</figcaption>
 </figure>By John BohnenkampRylee McMullen is a sprinter, so the Women’s Category 1-2-3 Pro Race of the Friday Night Fever event in Burlington was perfect for her.McMullen got the best of the field in the closing stretch of the race down North Fifth Street, edging Elizabeth Dixon in a photo finish.The 45-minute event came down to the final seconds, and McMullen was just a bit faster.“I knew it was going to be a fast sprint,” said McMullen, who is from Vancouver, British Columbia. “I wanted to go a little bit early, but I ended up going late and I wasn’t sure I was going to make it to the line.”The field consisted of only 11 entrants, but that pack stayed together throughout the race.“I’m a sprinter, so I wasn’t too worried if it came down to a sprint,” McMullen said. “I tried to get away a few times, but it’s windier than it looks.”It was McMullen’s second time in Burlington for the Snake Alley Criterium weekend, and she said the experience gained in the last season helped her.“As a sprinter, I’ve learned a lot in the last year, just how to position and what to do in the different scenarios,” she said.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/5/1685168690931.jpeg" alt="Jordan Gwyen Austin finished second during the Friday Night Fever Criterium Women's Category 3/4 race. Photo/John Lovretta" />
 <figcaption>Jordan Gwyen Austin finished second during the Friday Night Fever Criterium Women's Category 3/4 race. Photo/John Lovretta</figcaption>
 </figure>Dixon, from Chicago, was making her first appearance in Burlington.“I didn’t pre-ride the course, but I knew it was a fairly straightforward course,” Dixon said.Dixon said the key for her was staying patient, and conserving energy because it’s a busy weekend of racing in the area, with Saturday’s Snake Alley Criterium, Sunday’s event in Muscatine, and Monday’s racing in the Quad Cities.“I’ve been trying a few new things this year, so I thought I would make a move earlier,” Dixon said. “But I’m like everyone else, we’re racing tomorrow and then Sunday and Monday, so I just tried to stay calm and just follow other people’s moves. And it worked out, and I was pleased with it. I wanted to ride, stay on people’s wheels until we came around (for the last lap).”Dixon said there were certain areas of the course where there was plenty of action.“They’re all really strong women in the field,” she said. “I know you couldn’t see it from here, but on the back side there were really strong attacks throughout the race, but we always seemed to come back together for the most part. It was a testament to the field, but I think we were all saving our legs a little bit for tomorrow. So I didn’t want to burn out on a big move or a breakaway.”Jane Tullis finished third. Dahlia Kissel was fourth.Camille Wirkus of Madison, Wisconsin won the Category 3-4 event. Jordan Gwyen Austin of Orland Park, Ill., was second. Isabelle Jensen of Leavenworth, Kansas was second.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/5/1685168469836.jpeg" alt="Camille Wirkus leads a pack of riders on her way to winning the Friday Night Fever Criterium Women's Category 3/4 race. Photo/John Lovretta" />
 <figcaption>Camille Wirkus leads a pack of riders on her way to winning the Friday Night Fever Criterium Women's Category 3/4 race. Photo/John Lovretta</figcaption>
 </figure>

Rylee McMullen Wins Friday's Women’s Category 1-2-3 Pro Race 

Cade Bickmore’s yell of victory could be heard over the crowd, and the roar of the speeding pack coming to the finish line of Saturday’s Snake Alley Criterium Men’s 1-2-Pro race.

Bickmore timed his sprint perfectly, getting to the line first for his second win of the two-day event in Burlington.

“It’s just pure ecstasy,” Bickmore said. “Such a rush.”

The hour-long race was a cat-and-mouse game that Bickmore had sort of anticipated, and once “Plan B,” as he called it, was instituted, it gave a large pack of riders a chance as they raced down North Fourth Street toward the finish line.

Bickmore won the Friday Night Fever race with a sprint, so he was confident if given the opportunity again, he would be successful. It’s why he didn’t push the pace early.

“I got the job done yesterday, so that was a big motivator for me to wait for a sprint, and not use too much energy to whittle down the field,” Bickmore said. 

&nbsp;&nbsp;On a day when a lot of winners broke away early and controlled their respective races, it was a little nerve-wracking for this field of 61 riders when Kyle Perry of the Texas Roadhouse team surged to an early lead that had everyone — well, everyone except his Roadhouse teammates — working together to chase him down.

“There was a Roadhouse rider out in front early in the race, and that was looking a little bit dangerous, so I had to do a little more work with the pack to help close that down,” Bickmore said. 

“It put Texas Roadhouse in the driver’s seat. I was on that team last year, and we did the same thing, so I kind of expected that from them. I knew what their game plan was. The goal was not to let one of the solo riders from that team go away like that. It definitely made us have to go to Plan B.“Once we got more tired, it was looking more dangerous, because he already had time on us, and everybody was getting tired at the same rate. So I think we started working together a little bit, across teams, because it was in our best interest.”

Perry did come back to the field — he ended up finishing 20th — and Bickmore was the fastest at the end.

“There was a rider out front, and everybody was kind of looking at each other because they didn’t want to be the first one to lead the sprint,” Bickmore said of the turn onto North Fourth Street. “I took a gamble, waited and waited, knew someone else was going to bite the beat and lead out the sprint. I think I timed it perfectly and was able to get the job done.”

“I tried to be more patient this time, but Cade just had a better sprint,” said Jeremiah Stoller, who finished second to Bickmore on Friday. “It was more about survival, making sure no one got too big of a gap. The end was just a big washing machine.

“It’s just trying to not miss opportunities when people jump. Cade’s pretty good at timing his sprint right.”

Elias Saigh and Harry Lasker put on their own show in the Category 3 race, pulling away from the field early and then putting on a sprint at the end that Saigh won.

Saigh and Lasker had a big lead right away and alternated between first and second place throughout the race to save energy.

The original plan was for the two Adapt ChemStation teammates to cross the finish line together, arms raised at the same time.

“We came through the last corner, and Harry was like, ‘What should we do?’” Saigh said, smiling. “I was like, let’s both post up (celebrating at the line). So we were halfway down the straight, and he was like, ‘I can win, right?’ So I was like, ‘Let’s sprint.’ Then he said, ‘Let’s not sprint,’ and started sprinting.”Caden Budd finished third, giving Adapt ChemStation a sweep of the podium spots.

• Joseph Tabor won the Category 5 race.

• Kash Adamski was the Junior 15-16 winner.

•Jonathan Meyer won the Junior 17-18 winner.

• Cormac Leary won the Junior 9-12 race.

• Jonathan Card won the Masters 40-plus race.

• Aaron Drevlow won the Masters 50-plus race.

• Ron Hagen won the Masters 60-plus race.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/5/1685242499786.jpeg" alt="Cade Bickmore sprints to win the Men's Snake Alley Criterium Cat 1/2 and Pro race, Saturday, May 27, in Burlington. Photo/John Lovretta&nbsp;&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Cade Bickmore sprints to win the Men's Snake Alley Criterium Cat 1/2 and Pro race, Saturday, May 27, in Burlington. Photo/John Lovretta&nbsp;&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By John BohnenkampCade Bickmore’s yell of victory could be heard over the crowd, and the roar of the speeding pack coming to the finish line of Saturday’s Snake Alley Criterium Men’s 1-2-Pro race.Bickmore timed his sprint perfectly, getting to the line first for his second win of the two-day event in Burlington.“It’s just pure ecstasy,” Bickmore said. “Such a rush.”The hour-long race was a cat-and-mouse game that Bickmore had sort of anticipated, and once “Plan B,” as he called it, was instituted, it gave a large pack of riders a chance as they raced down North Fourth Street toward the finish line.Bickmore won the Friday Night Fever race with a sprint, so he was confident if given the opportunity again, he would be successful. It’s why he didn’t push the pace early.“I got the job done yesterday, so that was a big motivator for me to wait for a sprint, and not use too much energy to whittle down the field,” Bickmore said. “And it worked out pretty well.”<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/5/1685242667437.jpeg" alt="Riders make their way up Snake Alley during the Men's Snake Alley Criterium Cat 1/2 and Pro race. Photo/John Lovretta" />
 <figcaption>Riders make their way up Snake Alley during the Men's Snake Alley Criterium Cat 1/2 and Pro race. Photo/John Lovretta</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;&nbsp;On a day when a lot of winners broke away early and controlled their respective races, it was a little nerve-wracking for this field of 61 riders when Kyle Perry of the Texas Roadhouse team surged to an early lead that had everyone — well, everyone except his Roadhouse teammates — working together to chase him down.“There was a Roadhouse rider out in front early in the race, and that was looking a little bit dangerous, so I had to do a little more work with the pack to help close that down,” Bickmore said. “It put Texas Roadhouse in the driver’s seat. I was on that team last year, and we did the same thing, so I kind of expected that from them. I knew what their game plan was. The goal was not to let one of the solo riders from that team go away like that. It definitely made us have to go to Plan B.“Once we got more tired, it was looking more dangerous, because he already had time on us, and everybody was getting tired at the same rate. So I think we started working together a little bit, across teams, because it was in our best interest.”Perry did come back to the field — he ended up finishing 20th — and Bickmore was the fastest at the end.“There was a rider out front, and everybody was kind of looking at each other because they didn’t want to be the first one to lead the sprint,” Bickmore said of the turn onto North Fourth Street. “I took a gamble, waited and waited, knew someone else was going to bite the beat and lead out the sprint. I think I timed it perfectly and was able to get the job done.”“I tried to be more patient this time, but Cade just had a better sprint,” said Jeremiah Stoller, who finished second to Bickmore on Friday. “It was more about survival, making sure no one got too big of a gap. The end was just a big washing machine.“It’s just trying to not miss opportunities when people jump. Cade’s pretty good at timing his sprint right.”Elias Saigh and Harry Lasker put on their own show in the Category 3 race, pulling away from the field early and then putting on a sprint at the end that Saigh won.Saigh and Lasker had a big lead right away and alternated between first and second place throughout the race to save energy.The original plan was for the two Adapt ChemStation teammates to cross the finish line together, arms raised at the same time.“We came through the last corner, and Harry was like, ‘What should we do?’” Saigh said, smiling. “I was like, let’s both post up (celebrating at the line). So we were halfway down the straight, and he was like, ‘I can win, right?’ So I was like, ‘Let’s sprint.’ Then he said, ‘Let’s not sprint,’ and started sprinting.”Caden Budd finished third, giving Adapt ChemStation a sweep of the podium spots.Other winners on the day:• Cory Flood won the Category 4 race.• Joseph Tabor won the Category 5 race.• Henry Flentye won the Junior 13-14.• Kash Adamski was the Junior 15-16 winner.•Jonathan Meyer won the Junior 17-18 winner.• Cormac Leary won the Junior 9-12 race.• Jonathan Card won the Masters 40-plus race.• Aaron Drevlow won the Masters 50-plus race.• Ron Hagen won the Masters 60-plus race.

 Bickmore Sprints to Snake Alley 1-2 Pro Race Victory

Notre Dame's varsity baseball team scored on a pair of RBI singles by Spencer Brent and Caden Schwenker in the bottom of the sixth to end its South Division game at home with Central Lee early, 14-4.

The Nikes are off a 5-0 start but play in a tough two-game tournament at Dyversville Beckman Saturday.

The Nikes opened the season with a 10-0, five-inning victory over Fort Madison at home May 18. Notre Dame then won the Cedar Valley Classic in Waterloo Saturday, May 20, by downing Mount Vernon 7-1 and then getting past Gilbertville Don Bosco 8-5.

On Tuesday, Notre Dame hit four home runs against West Burlington in a 16-0, four-inning game, at the Falcons' diamond.

Against Central Lee, Dylan Kipp hit a pair of two-run home runs for Notre Dame. Logan Brent went 3-for-4 with a double and an RBI, and his courtesy runner, Jack Drew, scored twice for the catcher.

Schwenker and Spencer Brent each drove in two runs. Eli Oleson hit an RBI single.

Landry Haberichter has had the hottest bat so far. The freshman went 7-for-10 in the first three games and 2-for-4 against West Burlington. He walked twice, was hit once, reached on a fielder's choice, and scored all four times against Central Lee.

Payne Prottsman pitched the victory but left early to keep his pitch count from getting too high. Isaiah Crow, Jeremiah Crow, and Habericther followed him in relief.

Against West Burlington, Notre Dame hit four home runs, including two by Schwenker and one each by Kipp and Isaiah Crow. Spencer Brent went 3-for-3. Isaiah Crow was 2-for-3. Haberichter went 2-for-4 with a double. Logan Brent and Hunter Shipley added singles. Jeremiah Crow added a run.

Brock Thuleen took the loss. He and Kody Allen had the Falcons' only hits.

Of the Nikes' blazing start, it didn't hurt that the Nikes played in a 25-game spring league, so beginning-of-the-season kinks have been well ironed out already.

“I won't say we're in mid-season form,” Coach Chris Chiprez said, “but we're close.

“We've got a bunch of guys that eat, sleep, drink the game,” Chiprez said of his Nikes, who went 15-11 last year and lost Carson Chiprez and Jackson Brent to graduation.

West Burlington's varsity baseball team lost to Van Buren 8-3 Friday, May 26, in Keosauqua.

Hayden Vandenberg went 2-for-3 with a double and two RBIs. Jace Figuereo singled in a run.

Brock Thuleen was the losing pitcher. He struck out two and walked two.

The Falcons beat Winfield-Mount Union 7-2 Thursday, May 25.

Bo Begner pitched the victory. He struck out six and walked six. Conner Bush pitched in relief and struck out two batters in the one inning he threw.

Vandenberg went 3-for-4 with a double and two RBIs. Figuereo was 2-for-2 with a double. Brady Diewold had the other hit for the Falcons.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/5/1685168952425.jpeg" alt="Dylan Kipp of Notre Dame's varsity baseball team watches the first of his two home runs go over the fence in left field Friday night in a South Division home game against Central Lee. Each blast drove in two runs as Kipp helped the Nikes beat the Hawks 14-4 in six innings. Photo/Chris Faulkner" />
 <figcaption>Dylan Kipp of Notre Dame's varsity baseball team watches the first of his two home runs go over the fence in left field Friday night in a South Division home game against Central Lee. Each blast drove in two runs as Kipp helped the Nikes beat the Hawks 14-4 in six innings. Photo/Chris Faulkner</figcaption>
 </figure>By Chris FaulknerNotre Dame's varsity baseball team scored on a pair of RBI singles by Spencer Brent and Caden Schwenker in the bottom of the sixth to end its South Division game at home with Central Lee early, 14-4.The Nikes are off a 5-0 start but play in a tough two-game tournament at Dyversville Beckman Saturday.The Nikes opened the season with a 10-0, five-inning victory over Fort Madison at home May 18. Notre Dame then won the Cedar Valley Classic in Waterloo Saturday, May 20, by downing Mount Vernon 7-1 and then getting past Gilbertville Don Bosco 8-5.On Tuesday, Notre Dame hit four home runs against West Burlington in a 16-0, four-inning game, at the Falcons' diamond.Against Central Lee, Dylan Kipp hit a pair of two-run home runs for Notre Dame. Logan Brent went 3-for-4 with a double and an RBI, and his courtesy runner, Jack Drew, scored twice for the catcher.Schwenker and Spencer Brent each drove in two runs. Eli Oleson hit an RBI single.Landry Haberichter has had the hottest bat so far. The freshman went 7-for-10 in the first three games and 2-for-4 against West Burlington. He walked twice, was hit once, reached on a fielder's choice, and scored all four times against Central Lee.Payne Prottsman pitched the victory but left early to keep his pitch count from getting too high. Isaiah Crow, Jeremiah Crow, and Habericther followed him in relief.Against West Burlington, Notre Dame hit four home runs, including two by Schwenker and one each by Kipp and Isaiah Crow. Spencer Brent went 3-for-3. Isaiah Crow was 2-for-3. Haberichter went 2-for-4 with a double. Logan Brent and Hunter Shipley added singles. Jeremiah Crow added a run.Brock Thuleen took the loss. He and Kody Allen had the Falcons' only hits.Of the Nikes' blazing start, it didn't hurt that the Nikes played in a 25-game spring league, so beginning-of-the-season kinks have been well ironed out already.“I won't say we're in mid-season form,” Coach Chris Chiprez said, “but we're close.“We've got a bunch of guys that eat, sleep, drink the game,” Chiprez said of his Nikes, who went 15-11 last year and lost Carson Chiprez and Jackson Brent to graduation.West Burlington is 2-2West Burlington's varsity baseball team lost to Van Buren 8-3 Friday, May 26, in Keosauqua.Hayden Vandenberg went 2-for-3 with a double and two RBIs. Jace Figuereo singled in a run.Brock Thuleen was the losing pitcher. He struck out two and walked two.The Falcons beat Winfield-Mount Union 7-2 Thursday, May 25.Bo Begner pitched the victory. He struck out six and walked six. Conner Bush pitched in relief and struck out two batters in the one inning he threw.Vandenberg went 3-for-4 with a double and two RBIs. Figuereo was 2-for-2 with a double. Brady Diewold had the other hit for the Falcons.

Nikes off to 5-0 start in baseball; West Burlington falls Friday

Burlington native Dugan Thye was all smiles when he pulled into his pit area right after taking the checkers at 34 Raceway on Saturday night, May 6.

(Victory Lane celebration was omitted in each class due to threatening skies promising rain).

The high fives were flying with his congratulatory pit crew beside his machine even before Thye exited his cockpit.

His father, Darin, was no exception sporting a proud smile from ear to ear.

The party was starting for Thye, his father, crew, and fans in their pit area of the number 11T.

It was evident when Thye took the lead on the fourth circuit keeping the second place at bay until the checkered flag flew, that a party in their pit area was brewing soon.

The 20-lap feature was nonstop from green to checkered.

Thye was thrilled about what he had just accomplished for the first time at 34 Raceway as a sprinter.

"The car felt really good. Had my whole crew here — my dad, step-dad, Ryan, Jhudd (Jordan), Spencer ... everybody was here to help. Got lucky enough to start towards the front and drove it to victory lane," voiced an elated Thye. 

Thye pointing at his father stated, "That's the one who does all the helpin' ... right here, is Dad!"

Darin responded, "Yeah, I'm the crew chief. Dugan does all his own, but I help him out."

Darin has been an asset to his son by coaching him, as he has had his share of victory lane appearances earning him a 2001 Modifieds season championship at 34 Raceway.

Before that, the veteran raced Pro-Stocks before changing to the Modifieds. Also, to his credit, he won a special tour event.

He has witnessed the same adrenaline rush which his son is experiencing.

The younger Thye originally raced hobby stocks and then modifieds which he has won in both classes.

They explained, "Then, toward the end of 2018, I was asked by Nick Breuer of Gladstone if I'd be interested in driving his 305 sprint car. That is how I got into racing sprint cars. I had three feature wins in Jacksonville, Illinois since 2021."

1) Thye 2) Nick Guernsey 3) Cody Wehrle 4) Tanner Gebhardt 5) Nathan Murders 6) McCain Richards 7) Noah Samuel (all from Burlington) 8) Cole Helmerson, New London

1) Jed Freiburger 2) Jarrett Brown 3) Charlie Mohr 4) Dustin Wilwert 5) Jadin Fuller 6) Dennis LaVeine, West Burlington 7) Dustin Smith 8) Garrett Wilson 9) Adam Shelman 10) Jonathon Olmscheid

1) Adam Birck 2) Sean Wyett, Danville 3) Quinton Shelton 4) John Oliver, Jr., West Burlington 5) Tom Bowling, Jr., Burlington 6) Trayton Buckallew 7) Bob Cowman 8) Matt Thomas, Danville

1) Kirk Kinsley, Wapello 2) Jim Redmann 3) Leo Blakley 4) Chad Kroegmeier, Burlington 5) Clay Hookaday 6) Jack Hookaday

1) Justin Stevenson 2) Noah Kayser 3) T.J. Weyls (all three Burlington) 4) Spencer Roggentien 5) Shane Vancil 6) Wesley Talley 7) Wayne Chamblee, Burlington 8) Myranda Weiss

1) Jeff Guengerich 2) Andy Nezworski 3) C.J. Horn 4) Matt Strassheim, Morning Sun 5) Jay Johnson, West Burlington 6) Ed Hollenbeck, Burlington 7) Jeremy Pundt, Donnellson 8) Nick Proehl 9) Dekota Job, Burlington 10) Ray Raker, Danville

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/5/1684776669793.jpeg" alt="Joyce Kuntz-Hetrick can be reached at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:35wingedsprint@gmail.com" target="_blank">35wingedsprint@gmail.com</a>." />
 <figcaption>Joyce Kuntz-Hetrick can be reached at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:35wingedsprint@gmail.com" target="_blank">35wingedsprint@gmail.com</a>.</figcaption>
 </figure>By Joyce Kuntz-HetrickBurlington native Dugan Thye was all smiles when he pulled into his pit area right after taking the checkers at 34 Raceway on Saturday night, May 6.(Victory Lane celebration was omitted in each class due to threatening skies promising rain).The high fives were flying with his congratulatory pit crew beside his machine even before Thye exited his cockpit.His father, Darin, was no exception sporting a proud smile from ear to ear.The party was starting for Thye, his father, crew, and fans in their pit area of the number 11T.It was evident when Thye took the lead on the fourth circuit keeping the second place at bay until the checkered flag flew, that a party in their pit area was brewing soon.The 20-lap feature was nonstop from green to checkered.Thye was thrilled about what he had just accomplished for the first time at 34 Raceway as a sprinter."The car felt really good. Had my whole crew here — my dad, step-dad, Ryan, Jhudd (Jordan), Spencer ... everybody was here to help. Got lucky enough to start towards the front and drove it to victory lane," voiced an elated Thye. Thye pointing at his father stated, "That's the one who does all the helpin' ... right here, is Dad!"Darin responded, "Yeah, I'm the crew chief. Dugan does all his own, but I help him out."Darin has been an asset to his son by coaching him, as he has had his share of victory lane appearances earning him a 2001 Modifieds season championship at 34 Raceway.Before that, the veteran raced Pro-Stocks before changing to the Modifieds. Also, to his credit, he won a special tour event.He has witnessed the same adrenaline rush which his son is experiencing.The younger Thye originally raced hobby stocks and then modifieds which he has won in both classes.They explained, "Then, toward the end of 2018, I was asked by Nick Breuer of Gladstone if I'd be interested in driving his 305 sprint car. That is how I got into racing sprint cars. I had three feature wins in Jacksonville, Illinois since 2021."BIG RIVER RESOURCES NIGHT RESULTS305 WINGED SPRINTS: Top eight finishers1) Thye 2) Nick Guernsey 3) Cody Wehrle 4) Tanner Gebhardt 5) Nathan Murders 6) McCain Richards 7) Noah Samuel (all from Burlington) 8) Cole Helmerson, New LondonHeat winners: Gebhardt and MurdersMODIFIEDS: Top 10 finishers1) Jed Freiburger 2) Jarrett Brown 3) Charlie Mohr 4) Dustin Wilwert 5) Jadin Fuller 6) Dennis LaVeine, West Burlington 7) Dustin Smith 8) Garrett Wilson 9) Adam Shelman 10) Jonathon OlmscheidHeat winners: Mohr and BrownSPORT MODS: Top eight finishers1) Adam Birck 2) Sean Wyett, Danville 3) Quinton Shelton 4) John Oliver, Jr., West Burlington 5) Tom Bowling, Jr., Burlington 6) Trayton Buckallew 7) Bob Cowman 8) Matt Thomas, DanvilleHeat winner: WyettSTOCKS: Top six finishers1) Kirk Kinsley, Wapello 2) Jim Redmann 3) Leo Blakley 4) Chad Kroegmeier, Burlington 5) Clay Hookaday 6) Jack HookadayHeat winner: John Oliver, Jr.SPORT COMPACTS: Top eight finishers1) Justin Stevenson 2) Noah Kayser 3) T.J. Weyls (all three Burlington) 4) Spencer Roggentien 5) Shane Vancil 6) Wesley Talley 7) Wayne Chamblee, Burlington 8) Myranda WeissHeat winner: StevensonDIRT LATE MODELS: 1) Jeff Guengerich 2) Andy Nezworski 3) C.J. Horn 4) Matt Strassheim, Morning Sun 5) Jay Johnson, West Burlington 6) Ed Hollenbeck, Burlington 7) Jeremy Pundt, Donnellson 8) Nick Proehl 9) Dekota Job, Burlington 10) Ray Raker, DanvilleHeat winner: Guengerich

COLUMN: Dugan Thye Wins Sprint Car Feature 

Above: Burlington High School's Noah Nixon (24) attempts to tag out DJ Hodges (19) on May 18 during their game against the Iowa City High Little Hawks at Community Field in Burlington. Iowa City High won 13-9.

Above: Burlington High School's Gabe Robinson (10) gets under the ball for an out during their game against Iowa City High.

Burlington High School's Josh Zahner (9) gets the out against DJ Hodges (19) during their game against Iowa City High.

Photos by John Lovretta<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/5/1684512531133.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Above: Burlington High School's Noah Nixon (24) attempts to tag out DJ Hodges (19) on May 18 during their game against the Iowa City High Little Hawks at Community Field in Burlington. Iowa City High won 13-9.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/5/1684512684901.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Above: Burlington High School's Gabe Robinson (10) gets under the ball for an out during their game against Iowa City High. <figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/5/1684512769870.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Burlington High School's Josh Zahner (9) gets the out against DJ Hodges (19) during their game against Iowa City High.

PHOTOS: BHS boys fall to Iowa City High

Notre Dame-West Burlington/Danville’s girls soccer team took three times as many shots as Burlington High School did at Bracewell Stadium Tuesday night, but&nbsp; Grayhounds took the shot that counted.

Burlington’s Kevynn Siefken took a pass from Lily Newell and scored in overtime to give the Grayhounds a 1-0 victory. The Nikes took 31 shots to Burlington’s 10.

&nbsp;Siefken saw the game-winner coming. “It was a beautiful pass,” she said. Newell “sent it right through there and I beat the defenders.”

But a scoreless game for over 80 minutes can be “mind-boggling,” Siefken said. “We haven’t beaten them in three years, so coming out in overtime we knew we had a chance to win.”

Burlington improved to 12-4; the Nikes are 8-8.

Burlington goalkeeper Jenna Hentzel earned the shutout with 11 saves. The only other team to blank the Nikes this season was Dyersville Beckman, also a 1-0 score.

Yasmin Sorensen had four saves for ND-WB/D.

The Grayhounds completed an undefeated season in Southeast Conference play with a win at Washington on Monday, May 8.

BHS won the conference with a 10-0 mark, followed by Fort Madison (7-3), Mount Pleasant (6-4), Washington (5-5), Keokuk (2-8), and Fairfield (0-10).

Hunter Pender scored the only goal, assisted by Kevynn Siefken. Jenna Hentzel earned the shutout with four saves. The Grayhounds took 16 shots, 10 of them on goal.

Notre Dame-West Burlington/Danville topped Central Lee at Tackleson Field on May 8. The Nikes les 4-1 at the half.

Hadley Augustine and Aviana West each finished with two goals and an assist for the Nikes. Lexi Korschgen had a goal and an assist. Julianna Hill had two assists and Emma Harris had one. Yasmin Sorensen had three saves.

Notre Dame-West Burlington/Danville fell on a penalty kick in overtime at Davenport North on May 4. Hill scored for the Nikes, assisted by West. Sorensen had nine saves.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/5/1683846719329.jpeg" alt="Notre Dame-West Burlington/Danville’s Lexi Korschgen (at left) shoots past Burlington’s Traeh Pender (25) in the second half at Bracewell Stadium Tuesday night. Burlington won the match, 1-0, in overtime. Photo/Joe Geren" />
 <figcaption>Notre Dame-West Burlington/Danville’s Lexi Korschgen (at left) shoots past Burlington’s Traeh Pender (25) in the second half at Bracewell Stadium Tuesday night. Burlington won the match, 1-0, in overtime. Photo/Joe Geren</figcaption>
 </figure>By Joe GerenNotre Dame-West Burlington/Danville’s girls soccer team took three times as many shots as Burlington High School did at Bracewell Stadium Tuesday night, but&nbsp; Grayhounds took the shot that counted.Burlington’s Kevynn Siefken took a pass from Lily Newell and scored in overtime to give the Grayhounds a 1-0 victory. The Nikes took 31 shots to Burlington’s 10.&nbsp;Siefken saw the game-winner coming. “It was a beautiful pass,” she said. Newell “sent it right through there and I beat the defenders.”But a scoreless game for over 80 minutes can be “mind-boggling,” Siefken said. “We haven’t beaten them in three years, so coming out in overtime we knew we had a chance to win.”Burlington improved to 12-4; the Nikes are 8-8.Burlington goalkeeper Jenna Hentzel earned the shutout with 11 saves. The only other team to blank the Nikes this season was Dyersville Beckman, also a 1-0 score.Yasmin Sorensen had four saves for ND-WB/D.&nbsp;BHS 1,&nbsp;Demons 0The Grayhounds completed an undefeated season in Southeast Conference play with a win at Washington on Monday, May 8.BHS won the conference with a 10-0 mark, followed by Fort Madison (7-3), Mount Pleasant (6-4), Washington (5-5), Keokuk (2-8), and Fairfield (0-10).Hunter Pender scored the only goal, assisted by Kevynn Siefken. Jenna Hentzel earned the shutout with four saves. The Grayhounds took 16 shots, 10 of them on goal.Nikes 5, Hawks 2Notre Dame-West Burlington/Danville topped Central Lee at Tackleson Field on May 8. The Nikes les 4-1 at the half.Hadley Augustine and Aviana West each finished with two goals and an assist for the Nikes. Lexi Korschgen had a goal and an assist. Julianna Hill had two assists and Emma Harris had one. Yasmin Sorensen had three saves.North 2, Nikes 1 (OT)Notre Dame-West Burlington/Danville fell on a penalty kick in overtime at Davenport North on May 4. Hill scored for the Nikes, assisted by West. Sorensen had nine saves.

BHS Girls Nip Nikes in Overtime

There were less than three minutes left to play and Burlington High School’s boys soccer team needed a flurry in a hurry.

The Grayhounds scored twice in the last two minutes and 39 seconds to edge Notre Dame-West&nbsp; Burlington at Bracewell Stadium&nbsp; Tuesday night. Braden Schoene scored the game-winner with 1:04 left.

BHS improved to 11-5; the Nikes slipped to 9-5.

ND-WB controlled the first half, taking a 1-0 lead on Hunter Lillie’s goal in the 20th&nbsp;minute. Burlington’s Aidan Pfeiffer tied it with a goal less than four minutes into the second half.&nbsp; But a goal by Lyblie Christofferson returned the lead to the Nikes, 2-1, with 13 minutes left to play.

Matthew Mercer’s goal with 2:39 left put the Grayhounds into the 2-2 deadlock, paving the way for Shoene’s clincher.

Pfeifer had an assist. The Grayhounds took 27 shots, 12 on goal.

ND-WB took eight shots, three on goal. Caeden Ott had an assist.

On Monday, the Grayhounds edged Washington at Bracewell Stadium to end the Southeast Conference season. BHS finished second in the conference with an 8-2 mark, a game behind Fort Madison (9-1). Washington finished third at 6-4 and was followed by Fairfield (4-6), Mount Pleasant (2-8), and Keokuk (1-9).

On May 6, BHS split two matches at the Muscatine Invitational, beating Benton 2-1 and falling to Muscatine 4-0. Braden Schoene and Brennen Winke scored the goals against Benton.

On May 4, they handed Fort Madison its only conference loss, 1-0, at Bracewell Stadium. Schoene scored the goal, assisted by Eddy Valdez. Cayden Lowary had six saves for the shutout.

Notre Dame-West Burlington edged Central Lee, on May 8, in an SEI Superconference match at Tackleson Field. The Nikes are the superconference champion with a 9-0 league mark. Mediapolis is second at 7-1.&nbsp; Lillie scored both goals against Central Lee. Zach Wilke had an assist and goalkeeper Taylor Lundgreen had two saves.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/5/1683846370573.jpeg" alt="Burlington High School’s Braden Schoene (at left) battles Notre Dame-West Burlington’s Hunter Lillie for possession of the ball in the second half Tuesday night at Bracewell Stadium. Schoene scored the game-winning goal with 1:04 left in the Grayhounds’ 3-2 win. Photo/Joe Geren" />
 <figcaption>Burlington High School’s Braden Schoene (at left) battles Notre Dame-West Burlington’s Hunter Lillie for possession of the ball in the second half Tuesday night at Bracewell Stadium. Schoene scored the game-winning goal with 1:04 left in the Grayhounds’ 3-2 win. Photo/Joe Geren</figcaption>
 </figure>By Joe GerenThere were less than three minutes left to play and Burlington High School’s boys soccer team needed a flurry in a hurry.They got it.The Grayhounds scored twice in the last two minutes and 39 seconds to edge Notre Dame-West&nbsp; Burlington at Bracewell Stadium&nbsp; Tuesday night. Braden Schoene scored the game-winner with 1:04 left.BHS improved to 11-5; the Nikes slipped to 9-5.ND-WB controlled the first half, taking a 1-0 lead on Hunter Lillie’s goal in the 20th&nbsp;minute. Burlington’s Aidan Pfeiffer tied it with a goal less than four minutes into the second half.&nbsp; But a goal by Lyblie Christofferson returned the lead to the Nikes, 2-1, with 13 minutes left to play.Matthew Mercer’s goal with 2:39 left put the Grayhounds into the 2-2 deadlock, paving the way for Shoene’s clincher.Pfeifer had an assist. The Grayhounds took 27 shots, 12 on goal.ND-WB took eight shots, three on goal. Caeden Ott had an assist.BHS 2, Demons 1On Monday, the Grayhounds edged Washington at Bracewell Stadium to end the Southeast Conference season. BHS finished second in the conference with an 8-2 mark, a game behind Fort Madison (9-1). Washington finished third at 6-4 and was followed by Fairfield (4-6), Mount Pleasant (2-8), and Keokuk (1-9).On May 6, BHS split two matches at the Muscatine Invitational, beating Benton 2-1 and falling to Muscatine 4-0. Braden Schoene and Brennen Winke scored the goals against Benton.On May 4, they handed Fort Madison its only conference loss, 1-0, at Bracewell Stadium. Schoene scored the goal, assisted by Eddy Valdez. Cayden Lowary had six saves for the shutout.Nikes 2, Hawks 1Notre Dame-West Burlington edged Central Lee, on May 8, in an SEI Superconference match at Tackleson Field. The Nikes are the superconference champion with a 9-0 league mark. Mediapolis is second at 7-1.&nbsp; Lillie scored both goals against Central Lee. Zach Wilke had an assist and goalkeeper Taylor Lundgreen had two saves.

Late BHS Flurry Sinks Nike Boys Soccer

Above: Notre Dame-West Burlington's Julianna Hill (22) scores a goal during their game against Pella Christian, Saturday, April 29, at Notre Dame High School. Notre Dame-West Burlington lost 8-5.&nbsp;

Above: Notre Dame-West Burlington goalkeeper Yazmin Sorensen (4) goes after Lexi Terpstra (20) who missed her shot on the goal during their game against Pella Christian, Saturday, April 29, at Notre Dame High School. Notre Dame-West Burlington lost 8-5.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Above: Notre Dame-West Burlington's Aviana West (12) is congratulated by teammates after scoring a goal.

Above:&nbsp;Notre Dame-West Burlington's Abby Korschgen (13) kicks the ball down the field during their game against Pella Christian.

Above:&nbsp;Notre Dame-West Burlington's Lexi Korschgen (9) throws the ball inbounds during their game against Pella Christian.

Photos by John Lovretta<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/4/1682823096989.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Above: Notre Dame-West Burlington's Julianna Hill (22) scores a goal during their game against Pella Christian, Saturday, April 29, at Notre Dame High School. Notre Dame-West Burlington lost 8-5.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/4/1682823373587.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Above: Notre Dame-West Burlington goalkeeper Yazmin Sorensen (4) goes after Lexi Terpstra (20) who missed her shot on the goal during their game against Pella Christian, Saturday, April 29, at Notre Dame High School. Notre Dame-West Burlington lost 8-5.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/4/1682823466653.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Above: Notre Dame-West Burlington's Aviana West (12) is congratulated by teammates after scoring a goal.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/4/1682823555971.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Above:&nbsp;Notre Dame-West Burlington's Abby Korschgen (13) kicks the ball down the field during their game against Pella Christian.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/4/1682823619469.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Above:&nbsp;Notre Dame-West Burlington's Lexi Korschgen (9) throws the ball inbounds during their game against Pella Christian.

PHOTOS: ND-WB Fall to Pella Christian 

Burlington High School’s girls tennis team won four individual titles and finished second in three others to win its own rain-shortened Burlington Invitational at the Dankwardt Park courts on Saturday.

The Grayhounds scored 13 team points for the win, two better than runner-up Maharishi. Fairfield finished third with three points and Notre Dame-West Burlington and Fort Madison tied for fourth with two points each.

Burlington’s Hannah Wegmann won at No. 4 singles, beating Maharishi’s Daira Valls, 2-1, in the rain-shortened championship match. Wegmann beat ND-WB’s Emily Stutsman, 8-3, in the semifinals.

Burlington won all three doubles titles. At No. 1 doubles, Burlington’s Emily Mosley and Macy&nbsp; McGinity defeated Maharishi’s Ishita Mukadam and Poojita Mukadam, 8-2, in the championship match. In the semifinals, Mosley and McGinity topped Fort Madison’s Molly Knipe and Lauren Otte, 8-3. Knipe and Otte won the consolation match for third place.

Burlington High School's Mallory Krow serves the ball during her doubles match against Notre Dame-West Burlington's Breck McVey and Isabella Callison at the Grayhound Invite.

At No. 2 doubles, Burlington’s Anna Buxton and Wegmann defeated Maharishi’s Sara Valls and Daira Valls, 8-3, in the finals. Buxton and Wegmann beat ND-WB’s Elizabeth Hamma and Emily Stutsman, 8-4, in the semifinals.

At No. 3 doubles, the Grayhounds’ Mady Taeger and Mallory Krow won their championship match, 9-7, over Maharishi’s Bella Castle and Jolie Gaguer.

Maharishi’s Ishita Mukadam won No. 1 singles, 8-4, over Mosley, and Poojita Makadam beat McGinity 5-3 (rain) in the finals at No. 2 singles. Taeger was second at No.5 singles, falling to Castle, 1-0 (rain).

Championship matches at Nos. 3 and 6 were canceled due to rain before they started. At No. 3, Burlington’s Buxton and Maharishi’s Sara Valls reached the finals. Buxton beat Fairfield’s Emma Wendland, 9-7 in the semifinals.

At No. 6 singles, Burlington’s Lorelei Weaver and Notre Dame-West Burlington’s Izzy Callison were set to face off in the finals. Callison advanced with an 8-5 win over Gaguer in the semifinals. Weaver topped Fairfield’s Lola Hatchette, 8-4, in the semifinal round.

The Grayhounds, 7-1 in dual meets, will play at Dankwardt Park three times in the next five days. They host Mount Pleasant at 4:30 p.m. Monday and will face Notre Dame-West Burlington Tuesday at Dankwardt. Thursday, BHS hosts the Southeast Conference tournament at 9 a.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/4/1682822266488.jpeg" alt="NotreDame-West Burlington's Emily Stutsman returns the ball during her doubles match against Burlington High School's Annalise Buxton and Hannah Wegmann, during BHS's Grayhound Invite, Saturday, April 29, at the Dankwardt Park tennis courts. Photo/John Lovretta" />
 <figcaption>NotreDame-West Burlington's Emily Stutsman returns the ball during her doubles match against Burlington High School's Annalise Buxton and Hannah Wegmann, during BHS's Grayhound Invite, Saturday, April 29, at the Dankwardt Park tennis courts. Photo/John Lovretta</figcaption>
 </figure>Beacon SportsBurlington High School’s girls tennis team won four individual titles and finished second in three others to win its own rain-shortened Burlington Invitational at the Dankwardt Park courts on Saturday.The Grayhounds scored 13 team points for the win, two better than runner-up Maharishi. Fairfield finished third with three points and Notre Dame-West Burlington and Fort Madison tied for fourth with two points each.Burlington’s Hannah Wegmann won at No. 4 singles, beating Maharishi’s Daira Valls, 2-1, in the rain-shortened championship match. Wegmann beat ND-WB’s Emily Stutsman, 8-3, in the semifinals.Burlington won all three doubles titles. At No. 1 doubles, Burlington’s Emily Mosley and Macy&nbsp; McGinity defeated Maharishi’s Ishita Mukadam and Poojita Mukadam, 8-2, in the championship match. In the semifinals, Mosley and McGinity topped Fort Madison’s Molly Knipe and Lauren Otte, 8-3. Knipe and Otte won the consolation match for third place.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/4/1682822384872.jpeg" alt="Burlington High School's Mallory Krow serves the ball during her doubles match against Notre Dame-West Burlington's Breck McVey and Isabella Callison at the Grayhound Invite. Photo/John Lovretta" />
 <figcaption>Burlington High School's Mallory Krow serves the ball during her doubles match against Notre Dame-West Burlington's Breck McVey and Isabella Callison at the Grayhound Invite. Photo/John Lovretta</figcaption>
 </figure>Burlington High School's Mallory Krow serves the ball during her doubles match against Notre Dame-West Burlington's Breck McVey and Isabella Callison at the Grayhound Invite.At No. 2 doubles, Burlington’s Anna Buxton and Wegmann defeated Maharishi’s Sara Valls and Daira Valls, 8-3, in the finals. Buxton and Wegmann beat ND-WB’s Elizabeth Hamma and Emily Stutsman, 8-4, in the semifinals.At No. 3 doubles, the Grayhounds’ Mady Taeger and Mallory Krow won their championship match, 9-7, over Maharishi’s Bella Castle and Jolie Gaguer.Maharishi’s Ishita Mukadam won No. 1 singles, 8-4, over Mosley, and Poojita Makadam beat McGinity 5-3 (rain) in the finals at No. 2 singles. Taeger was second at No.5 singles, falling to Castle, 1-0 (rain).Championship matches at Nos. 3 and 6 were canceled due to rain before they started. At No. 3, Burlington’s Buxton and Maharishi’s Sara Valls reached the finals. Buxton beat Fairfield’s Emma Wendland, 9-7 in the semifinals.At No. 6 singles, Burlington’s Lorelei Weaver and Notre Dame-West Burlington’s Izzy Callison were set to face off in the finals. Callison advanced with an 8-5 win over Gaguer in the semifinals. Weaver topped Fairfield’s Lola Hatchette, 8-4, in the semifinal round.The Grayhounds, 7-1 in dual meets, will play at Dankwardt Park three times in the next five days. They host Mount Pleasant at 4:30 p.m. Monday and will face Notre Dame-West Burlington Tuesday at Dankwardt. Thursday, BHS hosts the Southeast Conference tournament at 9 a.m.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/4/1682822494122.jpeg" alt="Burlington High School's Annalise Buxton serves the ball during her doubles match against Notre Dame-West Burlington's Elizabeth Hanma and Emily Stutsman, during BHS's Grayhound Invite. Photo/John Lovretta" />
 <figcaption>Burlington High School's Annalise Buxton serves the ball during her doubles match against Notre Dame-West Burlington's Elizabeth Hanma and Emily Stutsman, during BHS's Grayhound Invite. Photo/John Lovretta</figcaption>
 </figure>

BHS Girls Capture Invitational Title

Above: Don Kuechmann, an Army veteran salutes during the playing of the National Anthem by the Burlington Municipal Band, during a Memorial Day service hosted by the Burlington Area Veterans Council on Monday, May 29, at Memorial Auditorium. Marine Recruiter Sgt. Steven Touhy was the guest speaker.&nbsp;

Above: Richard C Bell, a Navy Korean War veteran bows his head during the invocation given by Mike McCullough during a Memorial Day service hosted by the Burlington Area Veterans Council.

Above: Mike McCullough gives the invocation during a Memorial Day service hosted by the Burlington Area Veterans Council.

Above: Guest speaker Marine Recruiter Sgt. Steven Touhy gives his remarks  during Monday's Memorial Day service.&nbsp;

Photos by John Lovretta<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/5/1685387269627.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Above: Don Kuechmann, an Army veteran salutes during the playing of the National Anthem by the Burlington Municipal Band, during a Memorial Day service hosted by the Burlington Area Veterans Council on Monday, May 29, at Memorial Auditorium. Marine Recruiter Sgt. Steven Touhy was the guest speaker.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/5/1685387583631.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Above: Richard C Bell, a Navy Korean War veteran bows his head during the invocation given by Mike McCullough during a Memorial Day service hosted by the Burlington Area Veterans Council.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/5/1685387748913.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Above: Mike McCullough gives the invocation during a Memorial Day service hosted by the Burlington Area Veterans Council.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/5/1685387820527.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Above: Guest speaker Marine Recruiter Sgt. Steven Touhy gives his remarks during Monday's Memorial Day service.&nbsp;

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