Bulldogs make Iowa Games debut

AMES — The Mt. Pleasant based ‘Southeast Iowa Bulldogs’ Iowa Games team got their first taste of statewide action on the weekend on July 17.

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Led Mt. Pleasant coaches Kristine Haycock and Ron Carrillo, the Bulldogs, a team made up of Southeast Iowa players who practice at Mt. Pleasant’s East Lake Park, competed in the 12U 9 vs. 9 Male/Coed Rec tournament, taking third place.

The Bulldogs went 1-1 in pool play, beating the Iowa City Fire 10-0 before losing a heartbreaker, 3-2, against the Lee County Strikers to get eliminated from championship contention.

On Day 2 of the tournament, the Bulldogs won bronze medals with a 4-1 victory.

Coach Haycock, who along with Carrillo, put the team together just weeks in advance, said it was success all around despite the Game 2 loss.

“I've never been prouder of a team than I was in of this team,” said Haycock. “It was exactly what the team needed for a confidence booster.”

Haycock praised Iowa State University and former Iowa quarterback Chuck Long’s “Live Healthy Iowa” for putting together a great atmosphere.

The Bulldogs shared plenty of memories, including walking out to their very own theme song — “Who Let the Dogs Out?” by the Baha Men.

The Bulldogs weren’t the only local team to play at the Iowa Games. Just in soccer, Mt. Pleasant also sent a successful 16U team, which took silver in the 6-on-6 tournament. That team, named “Fortnite Prep” was coached by Rob White.

Washington had a team win the 13U 6-on-6 Male/Coed Rec tournament. Fairfield and Washington also had teams competing in the 19U 11-on-11 tournaments.