Getting to Know You: Ames Little Cyclones
After an 11-1 campaign in 2013, the Little Cyclones will rely on their defense to be the guiding force as they begin the 2014 season. Led by LBs Hank Swalla and Chris Halbur, and DB Gage Eller, Coach Bruce Vertanen feels that their experience and leadership will be crucial as they tackle on a challenging non-district docket before jumping into district play. Ames will have a new defensive line in the trenches as support to the LB and DB units.
On the offensive side of the ball, there are some key spots to fill after the graduations of three 1st All-Staters QB Sam Straub, WR Alex Brammer, and RB Clifford Kwaw-Mensah, among others. OL Michael Holtzbauer is the lone full-time returning starter, but he won’t be alone as WR Colby Hansen and OL Anthony Mooney will segue from their part-time starting positions last season to take on bigger roles.
Ames Stats
2013 Record: 11-1 overall, 5-0 Division 2
2014 Class & District: Class 4A, District 1
Coach: Bruce Vertanen, 14th season, 79-52 overall (all at Ames)
Returning Starters – Offense
Michael Holtzbauer, OL, 12, 6-2, 270
Colby Hansen, WR, 12, 6-1, 170
Sam Rathe, PK, 12, 6-0, 165
Anthony Mooney, OL, 12, 6-4, 285
Returning Starters – Defense
Hank Swalla, LB, 12, 60, 185
Gage Eller, DB, 12, 5-11, 180
Chris Halbur, LB, 12, 6-0, 180
Jacob Engelken, DB, 12, 5-8, 168
Michael Agbaje, LB, 11, 6-2, 190
Returning Letterwinners: 14
Coaching Staff: Vance Downs, Tracy Rial, Mike Shane, Kyle Van Winkle, Taylor Vanden Wynboom, Joel Sullivan
Offensive scheme: Multiple
Defensive scheme: 4-2-5
Interesting stories about the squad, players, or upcoming season: Vertanen feels that Southeast Polk is the favorite to win 4A-District 1, but stresses not to dismiss DM East, and SC North and Ankeny, the latter two Vertanen feels will be better teams this fall. Ames will play Cedar Falls and Iowa City High in non-district games. The Little Cyclones last faced Cedar Falls in the 1986 4A quarterfinals, and their last meeting with the Little Hawks was in the 1996 4A championship game.
2014 Schedule (District games in bold)
Aug. 29 Ankeny Centennial
Sept. 5 @ Cedar Falls
Sept. 12 @ Iowa City High
Sept. 19 Marshalltown
Sept. 26 @ Ankeny
Oct. 2 (Thursday) @ Sioux City North
Oct. 10 Southeast Polk
Oct. 17 @ Des Moines East
Oct. 24 Council Bluffs Jefferson
