Columbus Wildcat Football - Columbus Community High School

05/03/2026

Team photos of the 1911 Columbus Football team! Unfortunately I don't have information on names of players or coaches. Very cool photos from 115 years ago!

So without information to share about this specific team, let's look at some important info about Iowa high school football around that time:

1890: Some Iowa high schools begin playing football, however many of these teams were more "club" or "town" teams often using players not enrolled at the high school.

1894: Game time reduced to 70 minutes

1895: Intentional offsides - opponent awarded 1 point; Slugging - opponent awarded 2 points

1898: Five points awarded for a touchdown and one point for a successful point after try

1905: After numerous deaths and serious injuries due to brutal play in college games, US President Theodore Roosevelt called upon college leaders to "save the sport". In the same year, the newly formed IHSAA voted to ban member schools from playing football(some non-IHSAA member schools continued playing)

1908: IHSAA lifts ban, allowing member schools to resume playing in 1909

1910: Game is played in 4 quarters of 15 minutes each

1912: Field length is reduced to 100 yards with 10 yard "end zones". Teams were given four downs to advance the ball 10 yards and receive a new series

1922: The down for the try after a touchdown was moved to the 5 yard line(previously was at the 10)

An interesting time for Iowa high school football!

04/04/2026

Where were you, 45 years ago this coming fall? If you answered Cedar Falls, specifically the UNI-Dome, you aren't alone! Today we look back at Columbus Wildcat Football's lone Championship game appearance, the 1981 Wildcat Football team!

The 1980's got off to a great start for Warren Woepking's football program. A semi-final appearance in 1980(a 1 point loss to #1 ranked Hudson) lifted the Wildcats to new heights. As the fall of 1981 rolled around, anticipation and expectations were high. The Wildcat defense only gave up 38 total points during their undefeated regular season, while the offense scored less than 34 pts only once during those games! When the dust settled on the regular season, Columbus were Conference Champs, and the playoffs awaited. The Wildcats drew #1 ranked Mt. Vernon in the 1st round, blanking the Mustangs 13-0. Next up: a rematch with the Hudson Pirates, with the Wildcats getting revenge in a 27-21 victory, propelling Columbus to the 2A state championship game! Roland-Story would be the opponent, and after a hard fought game the Wildcat season ended with a 21-22 loss.

A season for the ages.

Seniors on the 1981 squad: Todd Forbes, Kevin Gray, Terry Gregan, Ryan Hartsock, DJ Conaway, Duane Orr, Kevin Wilson, Don Turner, Derreck Woodruff, Jon Austin, Mark Messer, DJ Murry, Tim Sands, Marty Shuetze, Jason Morrison, Tim Milder, Tony Morrison

03/16/2026

Wildcat Football picture trivia answer:

This is the 1963 roster! The Wildcats went 6-3 that fall, under head coach Everett Hidlebaugh. His two assistants: John Currie, Dick Harbison.

🏈🏈 Wildcat Football picture trivia time! 🏈🏈

This roster was from what season? Bonus points for naming the 3 coaches whose names are hidden. Double bonus for the Wildcats record that fall!

03/15/2026

🏈🏈 Wildcat Football picture trivia time! 🏈🏈

This roster was from what season? Bonus points for naming the 3 coaches whose names are hidden. Double bonus for the Wildcats record that fall!

03/08/2026

Wildcat Football picture trivia answer: Shown here is the 1979 team. They finished with a 5-4 record, as Coach Woepking won his 50th career game as head coach that fall.

🏈🏈 Wildcat Football picture trivia time!

Tell me what season this was? Bonus points for the Wildcats record that fall. Double bonus points for how many neck rolls are seen here! 😁

03/08/2026

🏈🏈 Wildcat Football picture trivia time!

Tell me what season this was? Bonus points for the Wildcats record that fall. Double bonus points for how many neck rolls are seen here! 😁

03/01/2026

Today's anniversary look-back takes us back 20 years, to celebrate the 2006 Wildcat Football team. It was Head Coach Jeff Martin's second season leading the Wildcats, and with 11 seniors on the roster there was optimism. A huge week 5 thumping of Mediapolis highlighted the season. Playoff teams Durant and Wilton provided stiff competition, while a close loss to rival Wapello showed the Wildcats' toughness. The '06 Wildcats ended the season at 2-7, with a win over Central Lee providing another fun Friday night.

Seniors on the 2006 team: Danny Heindel, Jay Meyerholz, Raul Amigon, Ivan Gonzalez, Jonathan Huston, Josh Awe, Brandon Smith, Jon Jay, Michael Van Heiden, Michael Milder, Mitch Finke

02/14/2026

We are saddened to hear of the passing of former Wildcat Football assistant coach Bob Curtis. Coach Curtis was a former Wildcat football player, to go along with his 20+ years as a high school assistant and junior high coach. Of course, his contributions as our Softball Coach are second to none as well. Bob was also recently the CCHS Distinguished Graduate at 2025's graduation. I've shared a few pictures of him as a player, young coach-seasoned coach, as well as Bob delivering his speech at last May's graduation. His impact in the classroom for over 30 years was just as influential. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. Rest easy, Coach Curtis 😢

02/08/2026

Today we celebrate the golden anniversary of the Wildcat Football team of 50 years ago, the 1976 team!

Coming off a superb '75 season, the Wildcats entered the fall of 1976 with plenty of optimism. It was Coach Warren Woepking's 4th season, and the winning tradition was now well established. The '76 team would continue that tradition. Huge wins over Lone Tree, Danville, Morning Sun, and New London, showcased the Wildcats powerful offense and equally efficient defense. The season finished with a 6-3 record.

Seniors on the 1976 squad: Reuben Deese, Tom Podaril, Tim Heindel, Dave Storm, Jeff Clark, Scott Gentzler, Kyle Morgan

01/29/2026

Wildcat Football picture trivia answer: Shown here in the fall of 1992, are players Mike Rupe( #16), and Nick Pugh( #38), along with team manager Joanne Woepking.

Wildcat Football picture trivia time! Who are the two Football players in this picture, along with the team manager? Bonus points for what season this was.

01/28/2026

Wildcat Football picture trivia time! Who are the two Football players in this picture, along with the team manager? Bonus points for what season this was.