(Le Mars, IA) – In the state where the late New York Yankee scout Joe McDermott discovered Bill ‘Moose’ Skowron (New York Yankees, LA Dodgers, Chicago White Sox, LA Angels) when the latter was barnstorming in Iowa, there’s a ritual that takes place every year. It takes place in the spring, summer and fall (and sometimes during the winter months). It’s a try-out camp, and it’s held at high schools, colleges, and anywhere a baseball diamond exists. Being there is seeing what few people, including baseball fans, see. It’s baseball’s cream of the crop, make no mistake about it.

(Le Mars, IA) – On the mound, senior Jay Penning of Le Mars Community (LCHS), reminds baseball fans of Orel Hershiser – the 6’3,” 190-pounder, the LA Dodgers ace from 1983-2000. Like Hershiser, Penning is a right-hander and like for the former Dodger hurler, Penning tops the height chart at 6’3.”

(Le Mars, IA) – When Joe Dickman played football for the Le Mars Community Bulldogs (1996-1999), the son of Stan and Marsha Dickman of Le Mars, knew one thing for sure: he was going head for the mountains after graduation.      
     
     

(LeMars, IA) – Entering the 2008 football season LeMars High School Head Football Coach Jim Boyd knew what to expect from his defense. That is nothing new at LeMars High as the school sports a proud tradition of strong defensive teams. The heart and soul of this season’s defense is its linebacking corp led by captain Nick Plueger.