Articles by Matt Coss
More than tape and water
Muscatine High School athletic trainer Nicole Calvert works with sophomore football player Lucas Buss during a game earlier this season. Calvert is in her 16th football season as the school’s athletic trainer. Monday, Sept. 28, 2026 By Matt Coss, Director of Communications It is just after 3:30 p.m. on a Tuesday afternoon, and the door to Nicole Calvert’s athletic training room at the Van Hecke Center might as well be revolving. One football player needs an ankle taped. Another has a sore shoulder.
Beyond the pipes - Muscatine Community School District
Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025 By Matt Coss, Director of Communications Just before 8:30 on a recent Tuesday morning, Virgil Bierman and Steve Preston are sent to Room 117 at Jefferson Elementary to inspect a sink in a bathroom connected to Carissa Anderson’s kindergarten class. The faucet is producing only hot water. “Steve, we need a new (tankless) water heater,” Bierman tells his co-worker several minutes after lying underneath the sink and using a flashlight to examine the situation.
Renovations on the horizon for historic Central Auditorium in Muscatine
For more than a year, Muscatine Community School District’s Central Auditorium has been dormant. School musical programs are held in gymnasiums. Dance recitals have been relocated, some even out of Muscatine. The Muscatine Symphony Orchestra has moved to Wesley United Methodist Church. Community theatre has staged productions at Muscatine Community College.
Renovations on the horizon for historic Central Auditorium in Muscatine
For more than a year, Muscatine Community School District’s Central Auditorium has been dormant. School musical programs are held in gymnasiums. Dance recitals have been relocated, some even out of Muscatine. The Muscatine Symphony Orchestra has moved to Wesley United Methodist Church. Community theatre has staged productions at Muscatine Community College.
Davenport Assumption claws its way back to state wrestling duals
MOUNT VERNON, Iowa — Davenport Assumption’s wrestling team did not anticipate a ninth consecutive trip to the state duals would hang in the balance with one bout to go Tuesday night. Unlike previous seasons when the Knights have coasted through the Class 2A regional team duals, this required every ounce of determination and effort.
Knights make history with record 10th summer baseball crown
DES MOINES — When Trenton Wallace’s final pitch of the game was missed by Harlan’s Logan Klaassen and found the mitt of catcher Tavien Gillette, the southpaw launched his glove high into the air. A dogpile ensued. Davenport Assumption had completed a summer sweep in dominating fashion.
Under siege: High school coaches concerned about future of football
Rusty VanWetzinga has two young boys who are passionate about football. They watch it. They play it. When the Pleasant Valley football coach informed his oldest son that his upcoming junior high season would consist of only six games, it did not go over well. “He was mad at me because he wants to go out and play, and that’s good, but as his dad and a head football coach, six games is plenty for a junior high kid,” VanWetzinga said.
Muscatine holds off Bettendorf, remains undefeated Original
MUSCATINE — Perimeter shooting has not been the Muscatine High School boys basketball team’s specialty in the opening month of the season. But when the Class 4A sixth-ranked Muskies needed an offensive spark in the second quarter Tuesday night, the 3-point shot came to the rescue. Muscatine overcame an early deficit with five 3-pointers in the final 3 1/2 minutes of the first half as it staved off Bettendorf 58-53 in a Mississippi Athletic Conference tussle at MHS Fieldhouse.
Muscatine enjoying historic start, seek strong finish Original
MUSCATINE — Cade Daufeldt can vividly remember sitting in the bleachers as a fifth-grader watching Joe Wieskamp’s record-setting basketball career unfold at Muscatine High School. “It was special,” Daufeldt said of following the former Iowa Hawkeye and second-round NBA draft pick of the San Antonio Spurs. “All of us were like, ‘When we are older, we want that to be us.’” That time has arrived.
Davenport duo Argo and Sheedy become close friends and standouts for unbeaten Grand View Original
John Argo and Cade Sheedy knew very little about each other in high school. Despite being in the same grade and multiple-sport standouts at Davenport schools located just 3 miles apart, Argo and Sheedy did not cross paths other than the occasional wrestling meet. Sheedy was more familiar with two of Argo’s older siblings, Tommy and Joe. Tommy was the assistant wrestling coach at Davenport North for a couple of Sheedy’s seasons and Joe served as his freshman baseball coach.
Q-C pipeline helps power Grand View's success
Grand View University hasn’t lost a regular-season football game in six years. It has appeared in the NAIA FCS playoffs every season for the past 12 years. Much of that success can be traced to the Quad-Cities. Starting with Davenport Assumption graduate Derek Fulton, the quarterback on the Vikings’ national championship squad in 2013 and now the program’s offensive coordinator, to 15 players on this year’s roster, the private liberal arts school in Des Moines has a Q-C pipeline.
Q-C pipeline helps power Grand View's success
Grand View University hasn’t lost a regular-season football game in six years. It has appeared in the NAIA FCS playoffs every season for the past 12 years. Much of that success can be traced to the Quad-Cities. Starting with Davenport Assumption graduate Derek Fulton, the quarterback on the Vikings’ national championship squad in 2013 and now the program’s offensive coordinator, to 15 players on this year’s roster, the private liberal arts school in Des Moines has a Q-C pipeline.
Adam Link fills the void of his injured brother Nate at Wartburg
Nate Link has missed the majority of the football season for Wartburg College because of an undisclosed injury. His younger brother, Adam, has filled the void. Adam Link, a sophomore from North Scott High School, is the Knights’ fourth-leading tackler with 41 stops heading into Saturday’s NCAA Division III second-round playoff tilt against Wisconsin-Platteville. “Adam has been a huge asset for our team,” Wartburg coach Chris Winter said.
Dewitt's Kinney grows into premier D-III lineman at Wartburg
When Chris Winter crossed paths with Tucker Kinney for the first time, Kinney weighed around 200 pounds and was a wide receiver and defensive lineman for Central DeWitt High School. A lot has changed in six years. Kinney is 310 pounds and has established himself as one of the premier offensive tackles in NCAA Division III football.
IOWA PREP FOOTBALL: Smith finds football home with Lancers
ELDRIDGE — Thanaphat Chase Smith had one reason for moving to the United States. “Sports,” he said. “The decision purely was for me to come play sports.” Born in Thailand and raised on a U.S. military base in Okinawa, Japan, Smith made the move of more than 7,000 miles from the Far East to the Quad-Cities with his family almost six years ago. It has turned out extremely well for Smith and North Scott High School.
Chase Smith found his football home with North Scott
ELDRIDGE — Thanaphat Chase Smith had one reason for moving to the United States. “Sports,” he said. “The decision purely was for me to come play sports.” Born in Thailand and raised on a U.S. military base in Okinawa, Japan, Smith made the move of more than 7,000 miles from the Far East to the Quad-Cities with his family almost six years ago. It has turned out extremely well for Smith and North Scott High School.
IOWA PREP FOOTBALL: Smith funds football home with Lancers
ELDRIDGE — Thanaphat Chase Smith had one reason for moving to the United States. “Sports,” he said. “The decision purely was for me to come play sports.” Born in Thailand and raised on a U.S. military base in Okinawa, Japan, Smith made the move of more than 7,000 miles from the Far East to the Quad-Cities with his family almost six years ago. It has turned out extremely well for Smith and North Scott High School.
Wilton advances to semifinals, beats Regina in dramatic fashion Original
IOWA CITY — For the past four years, the Wilton High School football team has gone to the UNI-Dome for playoff games as spectators. When the Beavers visit the University of Northern Iowa campus on Friday, they can bring along their uniforms, helmets and shoulder pads. Thanks to a fourth-quarter comeback Friday night, sixth-ranked Wilton rallied past nemesis and fourth-ranked Iowa City Regina 21-14 in a Class 1A state quarterfinal at Regal Field.
Bowe, Lage form dynamic duo for North Scott
ELDRIDGE — Carson Lage is taller. Cash Bowe is quicker. Together, they form one of the most electrifying receiving tandems in the state. The North Scott High School seniors have combined for 118 receptions, 1,580 yards and 24 touchdowns this season heading into Friday night’s Class 4A quarterfinal at second-ranked Decorah (10-0). “It has to be a nightmare for defenses trying to get ready for us,” Bowe said.
Hayes leaves indelible mark with Lancers
ELDRIDGE — Taryn VanEarwage has been on the receiving end of a vicious right-arm swat from Abbey Hayes in practice. “You get a little nervous,” the North Scott High School volleyball coach admitted. “You don’t want to get hit by that because she can really get a hold of it.” When it comes to the physical characteristics of a dominant outside hitter, Hayes checks all the boxes. She’s 6-foot-3, explosive off the floor and possesses a fast arm swing that often produces a powerful and accurate attack.
Iowa City West knocks off Bettendorf
Bettendorf High School’s football team was on the cusp of a fourth-quarter comeback Friday night. In a second, it vanished. Campbell Janis intercepted a pass with less than 2½ minutes remaining to spur Iowa City West to a 21-16 upset win over third-seeded Bettendorf in an Iowa Class 5A playoff opener at TouVelle Stadium. “You have to grab opportunities in playoff games when you have them, you can’t turn the ball over and you can’t give up big plays,” Bulldogs coach Aaron Wiley said.
Hayes, Moeller power North Scott back to state
ELDRIDGE — Call them the dynamic duo. Outside hitters Abbey Hayes and McKenzie Moeller teamed for 37 kills as Class 4A third-ranked North Scott overpowered 14th-ranked Grinnell 25-13, 25-15, 25-19 in the Class 4A Region 3 final Tuesday night at The Pit. The Lancers (29-4) have an opportunity to defend their state championship next week at Xtream Arena in Coralville. North Scott faces seventh-ranked Glenwood (36-6) in a quarterfinal at 6:25 p.m. Monday.
Kremer, Pleasant Valley cruises in regional semifinal over Davenport North
Isabelle Kremer thrived as a middle hitter her first two seasons with the Pleasant Valley High School volleyball program. A position change has elevated the junior’s game to even greater heights this fall. The 6-foot-2 outside hitter unleashed a match-high 21 kills as Class 5A top-ranked PV cruised past Davenport North 25-11, 25-9, 25-7 in a regional semifinal Thursday night at PV High School. “(Outside) gives me more of a leadership role,” Kremer said.
Kremer, PV cruises in regional final
Isabelle Kremer thrived as a middle hitter her first two seasons with the Pleasant Valley High School volleyball program. A position change has elevated the junior’s game to even greater heights this fall. The 6-foot-2 outside hitter unleashed a match-high 21 kills as Class 5A top-ranked PV cruised past Davenport North 25-11, 25-9, 25-7 in a regional semifinal Thursday night at PV High School. “(Outside) gives me more of a leadership role,” Kremer said.
Davenport North quarterback Kaz Rebarcak makes 'leap' on and off the field
Even when it was uncomfortable, Kaz Rebarcak had no difficulties speaking up. During the Davenport North High School football program's two-win season last year, the starting quarterback pulled head coach Adam Hite aside after a practice and asked if he could address the team.
Davenport North quarterback Kaz Rebarcak makes 'leap' on and off the field
Even when it was uncomfortable, Kaz Rebarcak had no difficulties speaking up. During the Davenport North High School football program's two-win season last year, the starting quarterback pulled head coach Adam Hite aside after a practice and asked if he could address the team.
North Scott swimming team making strides in first season Original
ELDRIDGE — Winning is almost an afterthought for the North Scott High School girls’ swimming team this fall. For the Lancers, in the homestretch of their first season fielding a team, it is about laying a foundation and creating an identity. “Our whole thing this year has been about making history,” coach Joni Paulsen said.
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Second year head coach Merideth Gorman is pleased by her Pleasant Valley swimmers, with the sophomores a surprise emergence this season
Balanced attack leads Davenport North past Muscatine Original
Winning season? Guaranteed. Playoff qualifier? Still to be determined. Davenport North High School’s football team checked one goal off its list and kept another one alive with a 30-22 triumph over Muscatine on Thursday night at Brady Street Stadium. The Wildcats (5-3) assured themselves a winning season for the first time since 2019 and for only the third time in the past 20 years. “That’s huge,” North coach Adam Hite said.
Muscatine and Davenport North square off on Thursday night
Week 3 is in the books for high school football. The Quad-City Times/Dispatch-Argus is asking readers who had the best second week among Quad-…
Muscatine and Davenport North square off on Thursday night
Thursday night football in Davenport, with North hosting Muscatine at Brady Street Stadium. Check out this preview for the tilt.
Undersized Wilton volleyball team has tall goals Original
WILTON — Size is one of the biggest assets a team can have in volleyball. Without it, teams have to be creative and precise to succeed. Unlike most of the top-tier programs in Iowa Class 3A this season, Wilton is not tall. Mount Vernon, Western Christian, West Delaware, Davenport Assumption, Dubuque Wahlert and Mid-Prairie have multiple players in their rotation near or above 6-feet tall. The tallest player on Wilton’s roster is 5-8.
IOWA PREP FOOTBALL:
MUSCATINE — Jake Meier was never in the spotlight during his first three seasons for Muscatine High School’s football program. Listed at 5-foot-1 and 115 pounds as a freshman, Meier hardly saw the field for the ninth-grade squad. He earned some playing time on the junior varsity squad as a sophomore but was mostly a spectator on Friday nights last year as a junior. In an age when many seek instant gratification, Meier could have walked away.
IOWA PREP FOOTBALL:
MUSCATINE Jake Meier was never in the spotlight during his first three seasons for Muscatine High School's football program. Listed at 5-foot-1 and 115 pounds as a freshman, Meier hardly saw the field for the ninth-grade squad. He earned some playing time on the junior varsity squad as a sophomore but was mostly a spectator on Friday nights last year as a junior. In an age when many seek instant gratification, Meier could have walked away.
Confident and hungry: Seniors leading Wilton to strong start
WILTON — Experience? Check. A productive offense? Check. A stingy defense? Check. Motivation? Check. With 17 seniors, many of them in their third season as starters, Wilton High School has the ingredients of a football team poised for a deep November run. “We’ve got depth in a lot of different spots and have a well-balanced team in every position,” coach Ryan Hetzler said. “You’re not going to find too many holes and weaknesses on our offense, defense or special teams right now.
Senior-dominated Beavers confident this is their year
WILTON — Experience? Check. A productive offense? Check. A stingy defense? Check. Motivation? Check. With 17 seniors, many of them in their third season as starters, Wilton High School has the ingredients of a football team poised for a deep November run. “We’ve got depth in a lot of different spots and have a well-balanced team in every position,” coach Ryan Hetzler said. “You’re not going to find too many holes and weaknesses on our offense, defense or special teams right now.
Early scores hold up for Muskies in win over Davenport Central Original
MUSCATINE — As Davenport Central’s Joe Shook lined up a 37-yard field goal try in the closing seconds Friday night, Seth Reiland was on pins and needles. “My heart was racing,” the Muscatine junior tailback and linebacker said. Shook gave it a valiant try, but the attempt sailed wide left as Muscatine escaped with a 21-19 victory over Central at Muscatine Community Stadium. “I’m too old for this close of a game,” Muscatine coach Mike Truitt said of his first varsity victory.
BIX 7 HIGH SCHOOL CHALLENGE: Leitzen, Maloney top prep finishers
Keelee Leitzen had a decorated running career at Dubuque Hempstead High School. She led the program to multiple Iowa state cross country championships and claimed two state titles in track & field this spring. The 18-year-old gave a parting gift to Hempstead on Saturday morning. Leitzen navigated the 50th annual Quad-City Times Bix 7 road race in 44 minutes, 7 seconds to capture the eighth annual girls’ High School Challenge. Hempstead receives a $1,000 check for Leitzen’s victory.
BIX 7 HIGH SCHOOL CHALLENGE: Leitzen, Maloney top prep finishers
Keelee Leitzen had a decorated running career at Dubuque Hempstead High School. She led the program to multiple Iowa state cross country championships and claimed two state titles in track & field this spring. The 18-year-old gave a parting gift to Hempstead on Saturday morning. Leitzen navigated the 50th annual Quad-City Times Bix 7 road race in 44 minutes, 7 seconds to capture the eighth annual girls’ High School Challenge. Hempstead receives a $1,000 check for Leitzen’s victory.
BIX 7: Murphy nabs Newell Award; Gray takes Caldwell prize
Max Murphy was edged out in the final meters by Devin Allbaugh for the Gregg Newell Award at last year’s Quad-City Times Bix 7 road race. Murphy turned the tables Saturday morning. The former Pleasant Valley High School standout and Bettendorf resident was the fastest male Quad-Citian in the 50th edition of the Bix 7 in a blistering 34 minutes, 39 seconds. “This has been something I’ve wanted for a few years now,” Murphy said.
WWII veteran talks about parachuting behind enemy lines
The day his friends were set to graduate from Clinton High School nearly 80 years ago, Henry Langrehr was near the open door of a C-47 transport plane on his way to France. It was June 6, 1944 — a day that changed Langrehr’s life. It is known as D-Day. “When I was in that plane and looked down at all those ships and boats, I thought you could walk on them back to the United States,” Langrehr said. Langrehr was a guest of the John Deere Classic on Saturday at TPC Deere Run.
JOHN DEERE CLASSIC NOTEBOOK
Video Player is loading. Current Time 0:00 Duration -:- Remaining Time --:- Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. End of dialog window. SILVIS — There were 16 players to finish the week at 20 under par or better, the most in John Deere Classic history. It was the first time since Steve Stricker, Paul Goydos and Jeff Maggert finished at 20 or better in 2010 that more than two players eclipsed that mark.
JOHN DEERE CLASSIC: Clanton cashes in on history
SILVIS — Luke Clanton had to settle for a piece of history. The hotshot 20-year-old from Florida State University narrowly missed a trip to his first Open Championship on Sunday. And Clanton couldn’t accept a paycheck of more than $605,000 for his runner-up finish at the John Deere Classic because of his amateur status. If nothing else, Clanton has shown he’s ready to contend with the best in the world.
JOHN DEERE CLASSIC: Thompson gets first PGA win Original
SILVIS — After Davis Thompson putted out on the 18th green and shared a lengthy embrace with his wife, the magnitude of the accomplishment hit them. “It took me a second to truly understand what this moment means for him,” Holly Grace Robinson Thompson said. “I think when he put his head into my shoulder, it really became real to me that this is what he’s been working toward all along.” A potential superstar in golf was born Sunday afternoon at TPC Deere Run.
Thompson takes JDC lead
SILVIS — Call it the Trophy House. For the past two years, the champion of the John Deere Classic has resided during tournament week in a rural property located just west of Geneseo. J.T. Poston captured the bronze buck trophy in 2022. Sepp Straka followed a year ago. As the JDC gears up for the final round at TPC Deere Run on Sunday, 54-hole leader Davis Thompson is a newbie in the house this week. “Hopefully, I can make it three in a row,” Thompson said. “That would be pretty cool.
WWII veteran talks about parachuting behind enemy lines
SILVIS — The day his friends were set to graduate from Clinton High School nearly 80 years ago, Henry Langrehr was near the open door of a C-47 transport plane on his way to France. It was June 6, 1944 — a day that changed Langrehr’s life. It is known as D-Day. “When I was in that plane and looked down at all those ships and boats, I thought you could walk on them back to the United States,” Langrehr said. Langrehr was a guest of the John Deere Classic on Saturday at TPC Deere Run.
JOHN DEERE CLASSIC: Springer stays in the hunt
SILVIS – Mr. 59 is still in the hunt. Hayden Springer, who opened the John Deere Classic with a historic round of 59 on Thursday, finds himself still lurking near the top of the leaderboard in search of his first PGA Tour victory. On Saturday, the 27-year-old rebounded from Friday’s even-par 71 to card a 5-under 66 and stay in the hunt. After three rounds, the Tour rookie is tied for fourth, four shots behind 54-hole leader Davis Thompson.
Thompson takes JDC lead
SILVIS — Call it the Trophy House. For the past two years, the champion of the John Deere Classic has resided during tournament week in a rural property located just west of Geneseo. J.T. Poston captured the bronze buck trophy in 2022. Sepp Straka followed a year ago. As the JDC gears up for the final round at TPC Deere Run on Sunday, 54-hole leader Davis Thompson is a newbie in the house this week. “Hopefully, I can make it three in a row,” Thompson said. “That would be pretty cool.
JOHN DEERE CLASSIC: Spieth makes another Saturday move
SILVIS — When Jordan Spieth claimed the first of his two John Deere Classic titles in 2013, he entered the final round a half-dozen shots back of the lead. Spieth needs to drum up similar Sunday magic at TPC Deere Run to join D.A. Weibring and Steve Stricker as three-time champions of the 53-year tournament in the Quad-Cities. Thanks to a torrid opening 12 holes Saturday, the 30-year-old launched himself back into the picture with a season-low 8-under 63 on a sun-splashed moving day.
Rai, Pan share lead at JDC after Round 2
SILVIS — Less than a week after playing in the final pairing at the Rocket Mortgage Classic, Aaron Rai has another opportunity for a breakthrough on the PGA Tour. “There is always a fine balance between trying to want it a little bit too much to a point where it’s easy to get in the way of yourself and in the way of performance,” Rai admitted. Fresh off a runner-up finish in Detroit, the 29-year-old Englishman is the co-leader after 36 holes at the John Deere Classic.
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