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Meet the Teams: From new play clocks to new coaches
by Gregory R. Norfleet · News · August 25, 2016


Meet the Teams Night on Aug. 18 entertained with elementary and high school cheerleaders, a parking spot auction and a few bits of news this year:


• The crowd welcomed new Head Volleyball Coach John Walsh, who said he wants to the team to “manage chaos” on their side of the net, and “cause chaos” on the opponent’s side.

• The 25-second play clocks at either end of the Oliphant Street field came about by Bruce and Shelly Barnhart working out a deal with the football team. The team, parents and coaches agreed to help the Barnharts with “a couple hundred hours” of volunteer labor to lay down a 15-acre erosion blanket in Johnson County, the largest such mat in the county. In exchange, the Barnharts purchased the play clocks and then had them installed.

• Football Sports Information Director Jason Miller announced the football team will remember two top fans — Bill Kron and Tom Wall — who passed away during the past year, by placing their initials on helmets this season.

• During introductions of the West Branch “Bear-Hawks” who will run for City High’s cross country teams, Head Boys Coach Jayme Skay noted that West Branch High School 2012 graduate Michael Hart joined the coaching staff. Hart is a cross country and track standout.

• Iowa City High School Head Girls Swimming Coach Zane Hugo received some good-natured “boos” from the crowd after he mistakenly said West Branch sophomore swimmer Lauren Whaley was from Solon. He corrected himself.

• The All-Sports Booster Club auctioned off 10 prime parking spaces, with individual spots fetching between $350 and $900, and raising $5,665 total.