EDITOR'S NOTE: Plenty of big stories broke between the lines and on the playing fields, courts and tracks of the Heartland in 2009. Wins and losses aside, certain moments transcended the game themselves and stuck out as the top stories of the year. ...more

December 31, 2009

Springstead's 2009 state qualifier, senior Kenny Cox, is at a crossroads. He's benched for 'multiple violationsof team rules.' ...more

December 30, 2009

The Avon Park wrestling team, which graduated two state champions and a state qualifier off last year's outstanding team, continues to gain valuable experience with each meet the Red Devils compete in this season. ...more

December 22, 2009

Wharton captured the title at the Western Conference National Division Championships, going 8-0 in the dual meet tournament held at Middleton. ...more

December 20, 2009

When a host school puts together a major wrestling meet, the idea generally is to have a strong field of teams - but not so strong that winning the event is unlikely. ...more

December 16, 2009

Sebring wrestling coach Josh Miller kept waiting for his team to turn the corner. He wanted to see the Blue Streaks win matches with technique, not just talent. ...more

December 15, 2009

Tianna Perry was glad to get back to pumping iron in competition. ...more

December 13, 2009

It's probably a bit much to expect the Robinson wrestling team to deliver a performance similar to the one turned in last season. After all, Knights coach Tommy Montero, now in his eighth seasons, says this season's squad is among the youngest he's had during his tenure. ...more

December 9, 2009

After having an injury end her season at last year's girls Class 1A sectional weightlifting meet, Lake Placid junior Taquesha Hawthorne is determined to end her high school career on a better note. ...more

December 9, 2009

After reaching the second round of last year's Class 1A state wrestling finals, Avon Park's Charles Hubbard is determined to improve on that performance this season. ...more

December 8, 2009