Aplington–Parkersburg High School: A Rural Educational Institution in Iowa
Aplington–Parkersburg High School, located in Parkersburg, Iowa, is a public high school that serves the educational needs of the local community. Established in 1993, the school is part of the Aplington–Parkersburg Community School District, which was formed from the merger of two separate school districts. This article delves into the history of the school, its athletic program, notable alumni, and its impact on the community.
History of Aplington–Parkersburg High School
The origins of Aplington–Parkersburg High School can be traced back to 1992 when the high schools of Aplington and Parkersburg merged to form a single educational institution. This merger was prompted by the need for a more unified approach to education within the region. Although both districts maintained their distinct identities initially, they legally combined into a single district on July 1, 2004.
On May 25, 2008, disaster struck when an EF5 tornado devastated the school building. The tornado caused extensive damage, leading to a complete destruction of the facility. However, the community rallied together in the aftermath, and a new building was constructed. The rebuilt Aplington–Parkersburg High School opened its doors for the academic year beginning in 2009-2010, symbolizing resilience and commitment to education despite adversity.
Athletic Program
Aplington–Parkersburg High School boasts a vibrant athletic program that includes a variety of sports for students to participate in. The school’s mascot is the Falcons, and it competes as a Class 2A school within the North Iowa Cedar League Conference. The athletic offerings include football, volleyball, cross country, basketball, wrestling, tennis, soccer, golf, track and field, softball, and baseball.
The Falcons have a rich history of success in athletics, having won several state championships across different sports disciplines. In addition to championship victories, many athletes from Aplington–Parkersburg have excelled in their respective sports at higher levels. Numerous graduates have gone on to compete in Division I, Division II, and Division III athletics, showcasing the school’s commitment to fostering talent in young athletes.
Historical Athletic Associations
Before merging into one unified high school in 1992, both Aplington and Parkersburg had their own separate athletic programs. They were members of the Big Marsh Conference until the end of the 1976-77 school year when both schools transitioned to compete in the Mid Iowa Conference and later joined the Big Iowa Conference.
Tragic Events: The Ed Thomas Story
The legacy of Aplington–Parkersburg High School is also marked by tragedy. On June 24, 2009, Ed Thomas—who served as the football coach, track coach, and athletic director—was shot and killed inside the school’s weight room. This shocking event sent ripples through not only the school community but also across the nation. Ed Thomas was well-respected for his dedication to coaching and mentoring young athletes.
The impact of his death was profound; he was remembered not just as a coach but as an influential figure who inspired countless students and athletes throughout his career. His story garnered national attention when he was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated on July 6th, 2009. Following his death, Thomas’s family received recognition for their courage at the 2010 ESPN ESPYs when they were awarded the Arthur Ashe Courage Award.
Notable Alumni
Aplington–Parkersburg High School has produced several notable alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields. Some distinguished graduates include:
- Darian DeVries – Head men’s basketball coach at Indiana University
- Jared DeVries – Retired NFL player who played for the Detroit Lions
- Aaron Kampman – Retired NFL player primarily known for his time with the Green Bay Packers
- Brad Meester – Retired NFL player who spent his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars
- Chelsea Poppens – Professional basketball player who played for the San Antonio Stars in the WNBA
- Casey Wiegmann – Retired NFL player known for
Artykuł sporządzony na podstawie: Wikipedia (EN).