Former Des Moines Hoover Husky Jeremy Hellickson Gives Iowans a Thrill

By Mike Rickord, Iowa Sports Connection President

Even though his playoff debut was a loss and even though the Tampa Bay Devil Rays fell to the eventual American League Champions, the Texas Rangers, Jeremy Hellickson did all Iowans proud by pitching in the post-season.

Hellickson’s young career has been amazing to watch. From dominating late last year and stunning local and national media, to being named Baseball America’s 2011 MLB Rookie of the Year this season, it has truly been a pleasure to watch this young man show the country what he can do on a national stage.

With the rookie of the year nod, Hellickson added to achievements in sports by Iowans. If the award and the young hurler’s performances are any preview, the former Des Moines Hoover Husky could be setting milestones for Iowans for years to come.

Our friends at OverTime Neighborhood Hub put on a spectacular watch party for Hellickson’s playoff performance. Although it didn’t end as well as the fans might have hoped, Hellickson still delivered a thrilling show.

The young gun made the entire state of Iowa take notice. I think I speak for all Iowans when I say I am extremely proud of what Hellickson has accomplished so far in his young career in the Majors.

As well as a feature on Jeremy Hellickson, this issue of The Iowa Sports Connection magazine also features a new addition — the All-Iowa Team. This team is a collection of former Iowa preps who currently play for Iowa teams at the NAIA, NCAA Division II and NCAA Division III levels.

From Morningside to Wartburg, Iowa has plenty of pigskin tradition on the “smaller stages” of collegiate football. These smaller stages, however, have some “big-time performers” that make their alma mater high schools very proud.

There’s a lot of history in small college football in Iowa and the Iowa Sports Connection would like to salute these players for helping sustain traditions and create lasting memories for their surrounding communities and the entire state of Iowa.

I’d like to thank you for picking up a copy of The Iowa Sports Connection magazine. You can catch this and every issue of The Iowa Sports Connection magazine online at iowasportsconnection.com in digital format.

Also, as the high school football season winds down, I’d like to thank everyone for tuning in to the award-winning Friday Night Live and The Iowa Sports Connection Show, as we make the move from Friday night lights to the courts for the boys and girls high school basketball seasons.

You can catch Friday Night Live, The Iowa Sports Connection Show and On the Tee on The Iowa Sports Connection Radio Network, including our flagship station AM1700 in Des Moines and on TV on WHO Weather Plus 13.2 and KCRG 9.2.
The Iowa Sports Connection also offers an impressive stable of mobile options with Iowasportsconnection.com and 13now.com to deliver you coverage of all Iowa sports, “From the Pee Wees, to the Preps, to the Pros” and “From the Missouri to the Mississippi.”

Once again, thanks for picking up a copy of The Iowa Sports Connection magazine. God Bless You and God Bless America!