K.J. Pilcher
@kjpilcher.bsky.social
I am a multimedia sports reporter with The Gazette. I have been with the company for 26 years. I have been married for 22 years and have two amazing daughters. I cover high school, college, international and some professional sports.
Strange to think that Independence hadn't had a champion at its home tournament since it became a 2-day event in 2016. Freshman Adam Carey changed that Saturday & was joined by teammates Braylen Bieber, Carter Eddy as champs at the Cliff Keen Indee Invite. www.thegazette.com/wrestling/ca...
Carey wins first Mustang individual title at Cliff Keen Independence Invitational
Independence crowned three champions, receiving titles from Braylen Bieber and Carter Eddy to along with Carey's 126-pound championship and the Mustangs finished third in the team race with 307 points...
www.thegazette.com
December 7, 2025 at 4:02 AM
Strange to think that Independence hadn't had a champion at its home tournament since it became a 2-day event in 2016. Freshman Adam Carey changed that Saturday & was joined by teammates Braylen Bieber, Carter Eddy as champs at the Cliff Keen Indee Invite. www.thegazette.com/wrestling/ca...
Reposted by K.J. Pilcher
Matt Campbell to Penn State feels a lot like Kirk Ferentz to Jacksonville circa January 2003.
Iowa State's Jacksonville Moment
It's not like Iowa State has ever lost a talented, young coach to Penn State before, right?
open.substack.com
December 5, 2025 at 5:44 AM
Matt Campbell to Penn State feels a lot like Kirk Ferentz to Jacksonville circa January 2003.
Reposted by K.J. Pilcher
Iowa was 8-3-1 against the spread this season. www.teamrankings.com/ncf/trends/a...
College Football Team ATS Trends - All Games
Free college football team ats trends and splits in simple, easy to read tables. This page tracks all games results.
www.teamrankings.com
December 2, 2025 at 4:34 AM
Iowa was 8-3-1 against the spread this season. www.teamrankings.com/ncf/trends/a...
Starmont state champion Keaton Moeller might be the most mature, inspirational and faithful high school athlete I've talked to over the years. A knee injury prevented him from defending a state title last year. He's back and ready for his senior campaign. www.thegazette.com/wrestling/st...
Starmont's Keaton Moeller returns from knee injury, ready for senior wrestling season
Starmont's Keaton Moeller won the Class 1A 150-pound state title in 2024, but a torn ACL sidelined him last season. He has recovered and is ready for his senior campaign.
www.thegazette.com
December 2, 2025 at 2:00 AM
Starmont state champion Keaton Moeller might be the most mature, inspirational and faithful high school athlete I've talked to over the years. A knee injury prevented him from defending a state title last year. He's back and ready for his senior campaign. www.thegazette.com/wrestling/st...
Our Gazette-area boys' wrestlers and teams to watch for the 2025-26 season. www.thegazette.com/wrestling/20...
2025-26 boys' wrestling: Wrestlers and teams to watch
Here is a list of 20 wrestlers and seven teams to keep an eye on for the 2025-26 boys' wrestling season.
www.thegazette.com
December 2, 2025 at 1:57 AM
Our Gazette-area boys' wrestlers and teams to watch for the 2025-26 season. www.thegazette.com/wrestling/20...
ICYMI: Iowa State beat Iowa, 20-14, in men's wrestling dual Sunday at Hilton Coliseum in Ames.
Iowa State downs Iowa, 20-14, in Cy-Hawk Series men’s wrestling dual for 1st time since 2004
Iowa State beats Iowa in Cy-Hawk Series dual for first time since 2004
Yonger Bastida provided the spark, Evan Frost and M.J. Gaitan fanned the flames and Rocky Elam closed Iowa State's 20-14 victory over Iowa in the 89th meeting of the Cy-Hawk Series men's wrestling dual Sunday at Hilton Coliseum in Ames.
www.thegazette.com
December 1, 2025 at 6:12 AM
ICYMI: Iowa State beat Iowa, 20-14, in men's wrestling dual Sunday at Hilton Coliseum in Ames.
It could be electric inside Hilton Coliseum tomorrow.
Cy-Hawk Series Dual: Potential for heated, hard-fought men’s wrestling dual between Iowa, Iowa State
Cy-Hawk Series Wrestling Dual: Potential for heated, hard-fought between Iowa, Iowa State
Iowa has won the last 20 meetings and has a 19-0 record in the Cy-Hawk Series under Coach Tom Brands. Iowa State's last win in the rivalry was 2004 and has never won the Dan Gable Traveling Trophy in 14 tries.
www.thegazette.com
November 29, 2025 at 9:29 PM
It could be electric inside Hilton Coliseum tomorrow.
ICYMI
Cy-Hawk Series Dual: Weight by weight breakdown and predictions when Iowa wrestles at Iowa State
Cy-Hawk Series Dual: Weight by weight breakdown
The 89th meeting between Iowa and Iowa State wrestling will be Sunday at Hilton Coliseum in Ames, beginning at noon on ESPN. The Hawkeyes are ranked third, while the Cyclones are sixth.
www.thegazette.com
November 28, 2025 at 7:45 AM
ICYMI
Reposted by K.J. Pilcher
5 Iowa college football storylines: Coe faces Bethel in playoffs for 2nd straight year
5 Iowa small college football storylines: Coe returns to Bethel for playoff game
Coe advanced to the second round of the NCAA Division III playoffs for the first time since 2016 and return to Bethel for the second straight year. Wartburg opened with a bye and hosts Wheaton. Drake gets rematch with South Dakota in the FCS playoffs and more. Here are five small college football storylines.
www.thegazette.com
November 27, 2025 at 2:42 AM
5 Iowa college football storylines: Coe faces Bethel in playoffs for 2nd straight year
Will bigger lead to better for UNI's Wyatt Voelker? Well, the move to heavyweight is off to a strong start. @UNI_wrestling @wyattvoelker www.thegazette.com/panther-wres...
UNI heavyweight Wyatt Voelker hopes bigger leads to better
University of Northern Iowa's Wyatt Voelker has made the jump from Big 12 Conference champion and NCAA qualifier at 197 pounds last season to starting heavyweight this season.
www.thegazette.com
November 26, 2025 at 8:53 PM
Will bigger lead to better for UNI's Wyatt Voelker? Well, the move to heavyweight is off to a strong start. @UNI_wrestling @wyattvoelker www.thegazette.com/panther-wres...
Here is a basic and crude list of the Iowa-Iowa State Cy-Hawk Series Duals over the years. Officially, Iowa leads the series, 70-16-2, and has won two others deemed exhibitions. Here are year-by-year results and some other noteworthy items at the bottom. www.thegazette.com/hawkeye-wres...
Complete results from the Cy-Hawk Series wrestling duals
Iowa and Iowa State are set to meet for the 89th time Sunday at Hilton Coliseum in Ames. Here is a crude list of results from the first meeting during the 1911-12 season.
www.thegazette.com
November 25, 2025 at 7:27 PM
Here is a basic and crude list of the Iowa-Iowa State Cy-Hawk Series Duals over the years. Officially, Iowa leads the series, 70-16-2, and has won two others deemed exhibitions. Here are year-by-year results and some other noteworthy items at the bottom. www.thegazette.com/hawkeye-wres...
Wrestling Weekend that Was: Iowa men's wrestling's Gabe Arnold makes most of his opportunity; UNI handles NDSU in home opener; Iowa women's wrestling crowned 3 champs at Missouri Valley Open; Coe wins 5 titles, boast 8 finalists, at home tournament; Prairie wins Indee girls' tournament.
Iowa Wrestling Weekend That Was: Gabe Arnold made most of opportunity against Pitt
Iowa Wrestling Weekend That Was: Gabe Arnold made most of opportunity against Pitt
Iowa's Gabe Arnold made the most of his opportunity in Iowa's win over Pittsburgh. University of Northern Iowa squashed North Dakota State in its home opener Sunday. Coe crowned five champions at its annual Turkey Invitational and more in the Wrestling Weekend That Was.
www.thegazette.com
November 25, 2025 at 12:45 AM
Wrestling Weekend that Was: Iowa men's wrestling's Gabe Arnold makes most of his opportunity; UNI handles NDSU in home opener; Iowa women's wrestling crowned 3 champs at Missouri Valley Open; Coe wins 5 titles, boast 8 finalists, at home tournament; Prairie wins Indee girls' tournament.
Reposted by K.J. Pilcher
Massoma Endene’s long road leads to Iowa men’s wrestling lineup
Massoma Endene's long road leads to Iowa
A journey he started as more of a passenger along for the ride, following his best friend to Iowa Lakes Community College. But, when he earned All-American honors his freshman season, he took the wheel, altered course and has been driven to be the best.
www.thegazette.com
November 20, 2025 at 11:16 PM
Massoma Endene’s long road leads to Iowa men’s wrestling lineup
Reposted by K.J. Pilcher
Hlas column: The journey really does matter more than the destination, and the people are more important than the scoreboard. A personal story as the final football game I cover at Kinnick Stadium for the Gazette nears. www.thegazette.com/sports/my-fi...
My first football interview was with a hitchhiking receiver. Now my ride here ends.
The journey really does matter more than the destination, and the people are more important than the scoreboard.
www.thegazette.com
November 21, 2025 at 4:19 AM
Hlas column: The journey really does matter more than the destination, and the people are more important than the scoreboard. A personal story as the final football game I cover at Kinnick Stadium for the Gazette nears. www.thegazette.com/sports/my-fi...
Attendance figures from the National Duals Invitational. www.thegazette.com/hawkeye-wres...
National Duals Invitational attendance numbers
The National Duals Invitational drew more than 23,000 fans four the four-session, two-day event at the BOK Center in Tulsa, Okla.
www.thegazette.com
November 20, 2025 at 3:04 AM
Attendance figures from the National Duals Invitational. www.thegazette.com/hawkeye-wres...
Cedar Rapids Xavier @XavierSaints has some outstanding skill players. They are thriving behind effective, smart and tight-knit offensive linemen who play bigger than their frames.
www.thegazette.com/football/str...
www.thegazette.com/football/str...
Cedar Rapids Xavier's offense has thrived behind its line play
Cedar Rapids Xavier's offense is one of the best in class 4A, boasting the top passer in the class and a 1,000-yard rusher. An undersized but effective offensive line has helped lead the way to the st...
www.thegazette.com
November 20, 2025 at 2:02 AM
Cedar Rapids Xavier @XavierSaints has some outstanding skill players. They are thriving behind effective, smart and tight-knit offensive linemen who play bigger than their frames.
www.thegazette.com/football/str...
www.thegazette.com/football/str...
Iowa City Regina's Tate Wallace has done a little of everything on the field. The NCAA Division I prospect blends a mix of speed and strength to be a key contributor to the Regals' success in all phases of the game. www.thegazette.com/football/tat...
Tate Wallace serves as versatile force for Iowa City Regina football
Iowa City Regina linebacker and tight end Tate Wallace has become a major contributor in offense, defense and special teams. His effort has also garnered attention as an NCAA Division I recruit.
www.thegazette.com
November 14, 2025 at 3:54 PM
Iowa City Regina's Tate Wallace has done a little of everything on the field. The NCAA Division I prospect blends a mix of speed and strength to be a key contributor to the Regals' success in all phases of the game. www.thegazette.com/football/tat...
Solon football propelled by L.E.G.I.T. approach. The Spartans return to the Class 3A semifinals Saturday against Nevada. www.thegazette.com/football/sol...
L.E.G.I.T. philosophy propels Solon to Class 3A state semifinalist
Second-ranked Solon identified core values of love, effort, growth, integrity and trust during the offense. The theme has propelled that Spartans to an 11-0 record and the Class 3A state football semi...
www.thegazette.com
November 14, 2025 at 3:52 PM
Solon football propelled by L.E.G.I.T. approach. The Spartans return to the Class 3A semifinals Saturday against Nevada. www.thegazette.com/football/sol...
Is college wrestling on the verge of a new era with a sustainable dual championship event that could help grow popularity and exposure beyond the sports hardcore fans? We'll see with the start of the National Duals Invitational this weekend.
www.thegazette.com/hawkeye-wres...
www.thegazette.com/hawkeye-wres...
Iowa, UNI set to compete in inaugural National Duals Invitational
Iowa and University of Northern Iowa are part of the 16-team field of the National Duals Invitational. The two-day dual tournament could produce more exposure and fanfare for dual competition.
www.thegazette.com
November 14, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Is college wrestling on the verge of a new era with a sustainable dual championship event that could help grow popularity and exposure beyond the sports hardcore fans? We'll see with the start of the National Duals Invitational this weekend.
www.thegazette.com/hawkeye-wres...
www.thegazette.com/hawkeye-wres...
The Wrestling Weekend That Was has returned. Austin DeSanto won the Bill Farrell International; Marcus Coleman also won a title; Iowa women crowned 5 champs at Waldorf. Luther's McDonough went 4-0 with four technical falls to earn A-R-C honors. UNI has travel woes. www.thegazette.com/hawkeye-wres...
Iowa Wrestling Weekend That Was: Austin DeSanto win Farrell International
University of Iowa, Iowa State and University of Northern Iowa were represented in the Bill Farrell Open. Iowa women crowned 5 at Waldorf. Hawkeyes land notable recruits and travel woes prevent UNI fr...
www.thegazette.com
November 11, 2025 at 4:06 AM
The Wrestling Weekend That Was has returned. Austin DeSanto won the Bill Farrell International; Marcus Coleman also won a title; Iowa women crowned 5 champs at Waldorf. Luther's McDonough went 4-0 with four technical falls to earn A-R-C honors. UNI has travel woes. www.thegazette.com/hawkeye-wres...
ICYMI: Feature on Drake Ayala from Iowa men's wrestling media day.
“No-Brake Drake” Ayala ready for last ride for Iowa men’s wrestling
"No-Brake Drake" ready for last ride with Iowa wrestling
Drake Ayala earned the nickname "No-Brake Drake" for his pedal-to-the-metal" wrestling style fueled by a deep gas tank. He is a two-time NCAA finalist and three-time national finalist, embarking on his final college season with Iowa.
www.thegazette.com
October 31, 2025 at 4:16 PM
ICYMI: Feature on Drake Ayala from Iowa men's wrestling media day.
Reposted by K.J. Pilcher
Photos: Iowa Men’s Wrestling Media Day - (10/29/25)
Photos: Iowa Men's Wrestling Media Day - (10/29/25)
See photos from Iowa Wrestling Media Day in Iowa City.
www.thegazette.com
October 30, 2025 at 5:26 PM
Photos: Iowa Men’s Wrestling Media Day - (10/29/25)
Reposted by K.J. Pilcher
Video: Tom Brands press conference during Iowa Wrestling Media Day - 10/29/25
Video: Tom Brands press conference during Iowa Wrestling Media Day - 10/29/25
Video of the Tom Brands press conference during Iowa Hawkeyes Men's Wrestling Media Day Wednesday, October 29, 2025.
www.thegazette.com
October 30, 2025 at 7:41 PM
Video: Tom Brands press conference during Iowa Wrestling Media Day - 10/29/25
Stranger Things Season 5 trailer was cool. Can't wait.
October 31, 2025 at 4:15 PM
Stranger Things Season 5 trailer was cool. Can't wait.
Asking for followers to submit some high school football questions. We've had some real good ones. Time for you to contribute a query to our #Gazette4Downs feature and test the knowledge of @jtlinder @jeje66 and @ScottUnash. Together they have 1,770 years of experience. #iahsfb
October 12, 2025 at 9:10 PM
Asking for followers to submit some high school football questions. We've had some real good ones. Time for you to contribute a query to our #Gazette4Downs feature and test the knowledge of @jtlinder @jeje66 and @ScottUnash. Together they have 1,770 years of experience. #iahsfb