Recognizing the Dike-New Hartford Wolverines

Floor Speech

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Mr. GRASSLEY. Madam President, it is no secret this U.S. Senator for Iowa loves history. And I love rooting for our Iowa student-athletes who put in the work at practices and in the off-season to play hard and walk off the court as champions, whether or not they win or lose the game that day.

Today, I would like to toot the horn for my hometown team and its victorious, history-making season. The Dike-New Hartford Wolverines won the 2A State basketball title at the Iowa Girls State High School Basketball Tournament in Des Moines on Saturday, March 2, 2024. Getting to play in the historic and storied annual Iowa Girls State High School Basketball tournament is a privilege sought by 7,500 basketball players across Iowa every year. This was the team's fourth consecutive State basketball title, and with it, the Dike-New Hartford Wolverines became the second program in State five-on-five history to take that crown four times in a row, 2021-2024. The Dike-New Hartford Wolverines now tie with the Ankeny Hawks who won four State titles from 2002-2005. A century earlier, Audubon took home the title 4 years in a row at the six-on-six tournament, 1921-1924.

In an interview after the Wolverine's four-peat State title, the leading scorer in the championship game, Payton Petersen summed up the victory with a hot tip to her teammates and community. ``We worked so hard to get where we are. Sometimes you take things for granted, but just knowing you put blood, sweat, and tears into this, we're working hard every day in practice and every summer. That's a testament to what our team is, how our coaches coach and our community.''

March is Iowa History Month and National Women's Month, both fitting themes to honor the accomplishments of the Dike-New Hartford Wolverines. Over their career, Barbara and I had the chance to see the team play and enjoyed every minute of it. We congratulate the players, managers, trainers, coaches, cheerleaders, fans, and family members for their history-making season. It is a thrilling achievement that will bring these young student-athletes a lifetime of memories and lessons for years to come, from the pageantry of the tournament to the teamwork it takes to overcome obstacles, build confidence, and lead to succeed.

From the varsity starters to the bench players and fans in the stands, this was a team effort the entire community can take pride in celebrating. Congratulations to the coaches who devoted countless hours of time and preparation, led by head coach Bruce Dall and assistant coaches Matt Dove, Ashley Beninga, Craig Chapman, and Mandy Danner. Notably, Coach Dall has been named a finalist for the 2024 National High School Athletic Coaches Association Coach of the Year. To all the athletes on the roster, keep up the good work. #RollBlue: Players

Abby Jensen, Addy Joslin, Autumn Meester, Izzy Norton, Jadyn Petersen, Josey Syhlman, Joy Eilderts, Kailyn Meester, Keely Kauten, Kennedy Syhlman, Madde Buskohl, Mallory Petersen, Mariah Asche, Maryn Bixby, Miranda Tyler, Payton Foster, Payton Petersen, Rylee Reicks, Sophia Bennett, Seeri Smith, Silvey Fuller, Sydney Anema. Coaches

Bruce Dall, Matt Dove, Ashley Beninga, Craig Chapman, Mady Danner. Managers

Will Huck, Reedlynn Kannegieter, Zari Jones, Ashton Schmitz.

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