WYOMING— It’s been the vision for many people in and outside of the Wyoming community for many years now, and after an emotional dedication ceremony Saturday, November 24, the stunning Paul Petersen Fitness Center was unveiled in awe to hundreds in attendance with rave reviews.

Located directly across from the Midland High School campus, the facility will be not only readily available to local students, but also members of the community as well.

“This is a very special day,” said foundation president Joel Jacobs, who stepped to the microphone and was overcome with emotion at the sight of what he and many have worked so long and hard for over several years in the memory of his friend Paul Petersen, a 1984 Midland High School graduate who passed away after suffering from cancer in January of 2004. “We got together as Paul's friends and family and tried to figure out what was the best way we could keep Paul’s name and memory and everything he stood for alive in this community.

ANAMOSA — Knowing they were going to have to give their best effort if they wanted to walk off the floor with a win in their season-opener Monday, November 19, the Anamosa girls basketball team used a late rally and shook off nine months worth of rust in posting a thrilling 43-41 win over Olin.

“The first half of this game was pretty rough with both teams really trying to find their games,” said Leighty who hosted the Lions in the first game of the Anamosa Shootout tournament that also featured Cedar Rapids Xavier, North Cedar and Monticello all taking the court at the two-day event. “We knew coming in that Olin was a quality opponent and we would have to be at our best to win. For a while there, it looked like we weren’t going to get the job done, but the girls made the plays down the stretch when they had to.”

Anamosa (1-0) led 7-5 after one quarter and took a narrow 16-12 advantage into the locker room at the halftime break.
“The first half was just a defensive battle with both teams missing shots and playing a physical brand of basketball,” said Leighty. “Then in the second half, it was the exact opposite and we started falling behind.”

After holding the Lions to just 12 first half points, Anamosa saw the visitors explode for 18 points in the third quarter alone and entered the fourth and final frame on the short end of a 30-27 score.

“When the game turned into a track meet, we got into some trouble,” said Leighty. “Kalli Hansen was singlehandedly breaking our press and not only attacking the rim and getting layups, but also setting up her teammates for open shots too. That really hurt us.”

Anamosa trailed by seven points with a little more than four minutes to play before a huge Kayla Sanborn three-point sparked a last-gasp Raider rally.