Getting to Know You: Cedar Rapids Xavier Saints
The Saints of Cedar Rapids Xavier have been a force in the Mississippi Valley Conference. Xavier were runner-ups in two consecutive Class 4A championship games, losing to both Ankeny (2012) and Dowling Catholic (2013). A month after the season ended, Xavier, along with Dubuque Wahlert and Davenport Assumption, opted to move down to Class 3A.
So, as Xavier prepares for a new era in 3A, they have some unfinished business to take care of first: exact revenge against Dowling Catholic to kick off the 2014 season. Coach Duane Schulte’s bunch, never one to shy away from big games, have some questions to answer. Will their seniors lead, and will their juniors follow suit? Returning starters Jay Kortemeyer will take over at RB, as Tim Otting and Louis Hasley will anchor the offensive line. On defense, LB Nic Ekland is the only returning defensive starter.
Johnston Stats
2013 Record: 12-2 overall, 5-1 Mississippi Valley Conference (Valley Division)
2014 Class, District: Class 3A, District 4
Coach: Duane Schulte, 21st season, 136-73 overall (111-59 at Xavier)
Returning Starters – Offense
Jay Kortemeyer, RB
Tim Ottig, OL
Louis Hasley, OL
Returning Starters – Defense
Nic Ekland, LB
Returning Letterwinners: 3
Coaching Staff: Jim O’Connell, Dave Sullivan, Craig Jelinek, John Tursi, Eric Gilmour, Nick Garland, Stu Ballinger, Tom Ekland, Michael Freeman
Interesting stories about the squad, players, or upcoming season: After 16 years as members of the Mississippi Valley Conference, Xavier is moving down to Class 3A and will play in District 4, with Wahlert and perennial power Solon. The Saints will also play Davenport Assumption and 4-time Class 1A state champions Iowa City Regina in non-district games.
Schulte coached Cedar Rapids LaSalle before the Lancers and Cedar Rapids Regis merged to become Xavier. Assistant coach Craig Jelinek was the head coach at Cedar Rapids Prairie for 25 seasons, with a 106-96 career record for the Hawks.
2014 Schedule (District games in bold)
Aug. 29 @ West Des Moines Dowling Catholic
Sept. 4 (Thurs.) @ Davenport Assumption
Sept. 12 Solon
Sept. 19 @ Dewitt Central (Clinton)
Sept. 26 Maquoketa
Oct. 3 Western Dubuque (Epworth)
Oct. 10 @ Dubuque Wahlert
Oct. 17 Iowa City Regina
Oct. 24 Marion
