When you think of Iowa you probably don’t think of Super Bowls, Olympics, or The Masters. The truth is that many great athletes, that are still active in their sport today, came from the state of Iowa and represent us quite well.

Shawn Johnson, Iowa’s Golden Girl, increased her star power by winning ‘Dancing with the Stars’ after returning from the 2008 Beijing Summer Games. Shawn continues to capture the attention of fans around the world.
Casey Blake, a slugger for the Los Angeles Dodgers, grew up in West Des Moines, Iowa. In the 2009 season Blake and the Dodgers won their division but lost to the Philadelphia Phillis in the League Championship Series.
Arizona Cardinals Quarterback, Kurt Warner, won the harts of football fans everywhere in 1999 when the previously unknown player took the St. Louis Rams to a Super Bowl victory. In early 2010 Warner retired from the NFL with a solid place in the hall of fame.
Even people that don’t like watching the sport of golf remember where they were the day that Zach Johnson, of Cedar Rapids, marched up the fairway to take down the most famous golfer in history, Tiger Woods. Johnson is known for his humble demeanor and attributes his skill in golf to his faith in Jesus Christ.
Lori “Lolo” Jones was favored at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in the 100 meter hurdles. Unfortunately Lolo tripped on a hurdle and was unable to fulfill the fan expectations of gold. Lolo has been very philanthropic in the Des Moines area including donating to her former high school, Roosevelt, and making special appearances at the Drake Relays.
Dallas Clark, a former non-scholarship walk-on tight end for the Iowa Hawkeyes has gone on to one of the most successful careers for a tight end in the NFL with the Indianapolis Colts. Already a Super Bowl and Pro Bowl regular, Clark reminds non-scholarship athletes everywhere that hard work will lead to success.
These, and many other professional athletes from this state, continue to paint Iowans in a great light. With their high quality of character and positive attitude they are sure to be role models for years to come.
@dsmhomes

Ryne Sandberg

With more than a foot of snow on the ground it’s hard to think about Springtime and baseball is certainly not top of mind but recent news from the Cubs organization has baseball fans all abuzz. Earlier this month the Chicago Cubs announced that former Cubs infielder and hall-of-famer Ryne Sandberg will be the next manager for the Iowa Cubs (AAA affiliate of the Chicago Cubs) starting with the 2010 season.
Principal Park, the home of the Iowa Cubs, has proven to be a favorite summertime venue of both Des Moines locals and visitors. The team, posting a winning record over the last 4 seasons, has played incubator for some of the MLB greats. Players like 2008 National League Rookie of the Year award winner, Geovany Soto, and pitcher Kerry Wood, famous for his record 20 strikeout game, have helped fill the stands.
For more information on the Iowa Cubs visit their site HERE.

@dsmhomes