Hawkettes co-captain Christina Odir returns to Dowling as a senior.
As the Iowa High School 7s league prepares for its first round Thursday, it brings some momentum with it from the summer. The Iowa Hawkettes, the state all-star 7s program, won all three of its tournaments and injects some excellent talent into league play this year.
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Coincidentally, all three tournament titles were awarded in dramatic fashion. When the team traveled to Eagan, Minn., for games against state 7s champion Hopkins (17-10 win), Armstrong (31-12 win) and Eagan (31-0), the Minnesota teams combined for the final against the Hawkettes. Hawkettes head coach Kelsie McDowell was impressed how tuned-in all of the players were during the final, and her side came away with a 22-15 title win.
The Iowa side then traveled to the Lakefront 7s in Milwaukee and went undefeated into the final for a 2016 rematch against Wisconsin. With no time left on the clock, captain Hannah Fultz bolted to the corner before a last-ditch tackle temporarily prevented a game-tying try. Support was quick, the Hawkettes won their ruck, and the ball moved wide to Sydney Julich – whom McDowell compares to Fultz during her first year of rugby – for the try and five points. It was up to Madison VanSickel, and her conversion sailed through the posts for the game-ending points, 14-12.
What was supposed to be the end of the summer all-star season for Iowa turned into an invite to the high school 7s invitational, which was being held in conjunction with the club 7s national championship in Minnesota.
“It was a little stressful,” McDowell remembered the late addition. “I was supposed to be in Ireland for the World Cup during the tournament but got an early flight back so I could see the girls have one more go-around. The tournament ended up being much smaller than the participants would have hoped for, but the facilities and accommodations made by Minnesota were amazing!”
Iowa went 3-0 before heading to the championship against the Minnesota Tundra. The Hawkettes trailed early in the second half, that is, until captain Fultz scored off a scrum and then co-captain Christina Odir set up Fultz for a second try. In the end, the difference was VanSickel’s conversion kicks. When the Tundra scored at the death, the conversion attempt hit the uprights before bouncing out, 21-20 to Iowa.
Fultz was named tournament MVP and is one of several players who have graduated out of the all-star program. She is currently a freshman at McDowell’s alma mater, DI Midwest’s University of Northern Iowa.
There are several Hawkettes, however, who will inject their next-level experience back into the state league. Coach McDowell, who has stepped away as development director for the girls’ league but will remain in the high-performance sector, described the returners:
Sydney Julich on a breakway. The senior returns to Ankeny this season.
CARDENAS, Lejla: Dowling. This young lady was really an amazing surprise this summer! Her teammates awarded her the “Silent Hulk” award. Her physicality on defense is another reason Dowling will be a team to watch. She may not say much but when she does, she speaks with passion and importance.
FOREST, Emmersyn: Southeast Polk. Emmersyn is a spunky young lady with no fear. I saw this coaching her at SEP last fall. This summer she only cemented this in my mind. It does not matter how big the player or how fast; Em will go after them with everything she has.
HUNT, Savannah: Valley. Savannah has come a long way in one season. She had become aggressive and unafraid in a very intimidating upper-level atmosphere. I think she will excel returning to her team at Valley.
JULICH, Sydney: Ankeny. She is a player looking to continue upper-level play and is planning on participating in a national evaluation camp. She is a player to watch. She has an amazing attitude, speed, and a desire to absorb all the game has to offer. I can’t wait to see what this young lady does. Ankeny has a real shot to dive deep in the playoffs with this leader.
KRAUSE, Cali: Valley. This very young player has so much power. She has a desire to learn and as a second-year player and sophomore, I cannot wait to see what she does for her team this year. I see her becoming a leader for the Valley squad.
ODIR, Christina: Dowling, Co-captain of the Hawkettes. The senior has a fiery personality that is both challenging and respectful. She knows the exact questions that need to be asked to benefit her team, even if it does challenge the coach. Her speed and physicality is something any coach would dream for. Dowling, with their current experience and leadership, will be a team to watch.
Grace Estes is from Davenport, Iowa, but unable to play in the state 7s league due to distance. She is a senior this year and has already put in time with the Tiger Cubs at the Lupus Intus Women’s Elite 7s Tournament, a scouting event for USA Women’s 7s coach Richie Walker.
The state’s contact league (there is also a non-contact league) is divided into Varsity East and Varsity West, and teams will compete against each other during five rounds of tournaments. Unlike previous years, only six teams will advance to the state championship in late October. For all of the results and standings, visit www.iayra.org.
