Fort Dodge graduate Loghen Schnetzer

In a year like no other, one thing remained the same.

Make that two, actually.

Iowa Central Community College was awarded both the Daktronics Cup and Learfield Director’s Cup, honors which are given yearly to the top two-year athletic department in the nation.

The Daktronics title marked the 12th time in the last 13 years Iowa Central has been awarded the title, while the Learfield crown was the fifth consecutive given to the school — a first in the history of the award.

During the 2020-21 school year, which was altered by COVID-19 and new protocols for student-athletes, coaches and others, Iowa Central won national titles in men’s cross country, men’s half marathon and women’s bowling. They also scored runner-up finishes in men’s bowling, men’s indoor track, men’s swimming and women’s half marathon.

“What a consistent display of excellence and what a tribute to our outstanding coaches, athletic training staff, and most of all our student-athletes,” said Kevin Twait, Director of Athletics at Iowa Central. “To once again be named winners of the Daktronics Trophy and Learfield Cup — during a COVID year when nothing was ‘normal’ — is a true testimony of the daily grit and resolve displayed by our coaches and student-athletes during the 2020-21 school year. There were bumps in the road. There were occasional setbacks (COVID related) that were difficult to control.

“However, at the end of the day, our student-athletes once again found a way to excel at the highest level both in the athletic and academic arenas. The leadership from our board of trustees and school administration, the expertise of our faculty and the ‘student first’ approach displayed by our student services department on a daily basis were huge factors in the success of our athletic program.

“We don’t take these trophies and awards for granted and cherish being high on the podium. However, we all know that others will be trying to dethrone us. We need to enjoy success but take nothing for granted. Better is for today and best is for tomorrow.”

Both the Triton wrestling and volleyball programs placed third, while men’s outdoor track and field and golf were fourth. Women’s indoor track and field added a fifth with football and both men’s and women’s tennis placing 10th.

In addition to the incredible success on the playing fields, Iowa Central also had more than 400 academic all-region awards and over 130 individual NJCAA All-Academic team honors. The Iowa Central men’s and women’s half marathon teams were named NJCAA Academic Teams of the Year.

Iowa Central was awarded the titles in the scholarship division.