It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Brandon Historical Society gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Brandon, IA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Paul Sanders Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Allegria Italiana, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Brandon, IA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Brandon, IA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Brandon, IA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Hawk-Item – – Set Iowa freshman record with eight rushing touchdowns . . . ranks third in rushing yards (641) among Iowa freshmen and fourth in all-purpose yards (967) . . . for all games, tied for eighth in the Big Ten in scoring (4.0) and ranked 10th in rushing yards (53.4) . . . one of three true freshmen to see action in 2009 . . . recorded first 100-yard rushing game in second game of career (15-101-1 TD) at Iowa State and had career-bests (25-118-3 TDs) in win over Indiana in first career start.2010 –...
Hawk-Item – – Set Iowa freshman record with eight rushing touchdowns . . . ranks third in rushing yards (641) among Iowa freshmen and fourth in all-purpose yards (967) . . . for all games, tied for eighth in the Big Ten in scoring (4.0) and ranked 10th in rushing yards (53.4) . . . one of three true freshmen to see action in 2009 . . . recorded first 100-yard rushing game in second game of career (15-101-1 TD) at Iowa State and had career-bests (25-118-3 TDs) in win over Indiana in first career start.
2010 – – Listed as second team running back following spring practice.
2009 Honors – – Next Man In Award, Offense. 2009 – – Saw action in 12 games, with two starts . . . first action of career in 17-16 win over Northern Iowa, recording one assisted tackle on special teams . . . saw action in 35-3 win at Iowa State as offense gained 426 yards total offense . . . led rushing attack with 15 attempts for 101 yards and one touchdown at ISU . . . first career score came on one-yard run in the third period . . . also had two pass receptions for 17 yards at ISU . . . saw action in 27-17 win over Arizona as offense maintained 37:56 in time of possession . . . rushed 17 times for 46 yards vs. Arizona, scoring final Iowa touchdown on a one-yard run . . . also had two pass receptions for seven yards . . . saw action in 21-10 win at Penn State . . . rushed 14 times for 73 yards at Penn State, with a career-best 28 yard run . . . also had career-best 25-yard KO return . . . saw action in 24-21 win over Arkansas State as offense gained 420 yards total offense . . . rushed 11 times for 49 yards and had two pass receptions for 12 yards . . . saw action at running back in 30-28 win over Michigan . . . gained 21 yards on 13 carries and had two receptions for 12 yards vs. Wolverines . . . scored second period touchdown on a one-yard run . . . also had two KO returns for 57 yards, including a season-best 34-yard return . . . saw action at running back in 20-10 win at Wisconsin . . . had one yard rushing and two pass receptions vs. Badgers . . . also had 57 yards on two KO returns, including 39-yard return to start the game . . . saw action at running back in 15-13 win at Michigan State . . . rushed six times for 30 yards vs. MSU . . . also had one reception for 23 yards and 36 yards on two KO returns . . . 23-yard reception led to field goal in second period and is career-long . . . started at running back in 42-24 win over Indiana as offense gained 480 yards total offense . . . led rushing attacking with career-best of 25 carries for 118 yards and three touchdowns . . . scored on four-yard run in first half . . . added touchdown runs of six and 27 yards in fourth period as Iowa pulled away for the win . . . also had one reception for eight yards . . . started at running back in 17-10 loss to Northwestern . . . rushed 19 times for 63 yards vs. Wildcats and had 14 yards on one reception . . . had 66-yard scoring run called back due to penalty . . . did not see action in 27-24 overtime loss at Ohio State due to injury . . . saw action in 12-0 win over Minnesota . . . rushed 15 times for 26 yards vs. Gophers, with a one-yard scoring run in the second period . . . saw action at running back in 24-14 Orange Bowl win over Georgia Tech as offense gained 403 yards total offense . . . led team with 16 carries for 113 yards and one touchdown vs. Georgia Tech, surpassing 100 yards for third time . . . 32-yard touchdown run in fourth quarter sealed Iowa win and was his longest run from scrimmage . . . also had two KO returns for 39 yards.
High school honors – – 2008 EA SPORTS second team all-American running back… three time all-state selection, including elite all-state pick as a junior and senior… named captain of the Iowa Class 3A all-state team as a senior… three-time all-district selection and was named captain of all-district team twice… named MVP of the Class 3A state championship game… led team to state championship in 2008. Career – – Rushed for 6,825 yards on 792 carries with 105 touchdowns, including 3,238 yards on 362 carries with 54 touchdowns as a senior… added 50 catches for 837 yards and four touchdowns… also had 87 tackles, nine interceptions, 18 passes defended and three sacks… served as the team[apos]s kicker, connecting on 5-9 field goals, including two from over 40 yards and 90-98 PAT’s… holds every school rushing and scoring school record… team captain as a senior… also lettered in track.
Personal – – Born 12/9/90… Open major… parents are Cathy and Rick Wegher… high school coach: Roger Jansen.
Career Rushing BestsAttempts: 25 vs. Indiana, 10/31/09 Yards: 118 vs. Indiana, 10/31/09 Touchdowns: 3 vs. Indiana, 10/31/09 Long: 32 vs. Georgia Tech, 1/05/10 100-yard Games: 3, last vs. Georgia Tech, 1/05/10
Career Receiving Bests Catches: 2, five times, last at Wisconsin, 10/17/09 Yards: 19 at Wisconsin, 10/17/09 Long: 23 at Michigan State, 10/24/09
Career KO Return Bests Returns: 2, four times, last vs. GA Tech, 1/05/10 Yards: 57, twice, last at Wisconsin, 10/17/09 Long: 39 vs. Wisconsin, 10/17/09
Career Statistics
| Rushing | No. | Yds. | Avg. | TD | Lng |
| Freshman | 162 | 641 | 4.0 | 8 | 32 |
| Receiving | No. | Yds. | Avg. | TD | Lng |
| Freshman | 13 | 112 | 8.6 | 0 | 23 |
| KO Returns | No. | Yds. | Avg. | TD | Lng |
| Freshman | 9 | 214 | 23.8 | 0 | 39 |
Hawk-Item – – Established career-highs in receptions (34) and yards (441) in 2008.2008 Honors – – First team all-Big Ten by league coaches . . . honorable mention all-Big Ten by league media . . . second team all-Big Ten by Phil Steele’s College Football . . . Coaches Appreciation Award, offense.2008 – – Ranked third on the team in receptions (34) and yards (441) and tied for team lead with four touchdown receptions . . . listed as co-first team tight end following ...
Hawk-Item – – Established career-highs in receptions (34) and yards (441) in 2008.
2008 Honors – – First team all-Big Ten by league coaches . . . honorable mention all-Big Ten by league media . . . second team all-Big Ten by Phil Steele’s College Football . . . Coaches Appreciation Award, offense.
2008 – – Ranked third on the team in receptions (34) and yards (441) and tied for team lead with four touchdown receptions . . . listed as co-first team tight end following spring practice started at tight end in 46-3 opening win over Maine as offense rushed for 245 yards and gained 457 yards total offense . . . led team with four receptions for 47 yards vs. Maine, with a long of 17 yards . . . had four-yard scoring reception in the opening period . . . started at tight end in 42-0 win over Florida International as offense rushed for 241 yards and gained 512 yards total offense . . . had three receptions for career-best 60 yards vs. FIU, including a 23-yard touchdown catch, the longest of his career , , , also had career-best 28 yard reception . . . started at tight end in 17-5 win over Iowa State, but had no statistics . . . started at tight end in 21-20 loss at Pittsburgh . . . four receptions for 35 yards at Pitt, with a long of 16 yards . . . started at tight end in 22-17 loss to Northwestern as offense gained 407 yards total offense . . . two receptions for 26 yards vs. Northwestern, with a long of 15 yards . . . started at tight end in 16-13 loss at Michigan State . . . three receptions for 38 yards, with a long of 26 yards at MSU . . . started at tight end in 45-9 win at Indiana as offense rushed for 227 yards and gained 422 yards total offense . . . four receptions for career-best 64 yards, including 20-yard touchdown catch, vs. Hoosiers . . . started at tight end in 38-16 win over Wisconsin as offense rushed for 254 yards . . . one reception for 25 yards vs. the Badgers, and key block on two of Iowa’s scoring plays in the third period . . . started at tight end in 27-24 loss at Illinois, recording one pass reception for 13 yards . . . started at tight end in 24-23 win over third-ranked Penn State . . . four receptions for 42 yards vs. Penn State, with a long of 18 yards . . . two receptions for 17 yards, both to convert a first down, on game-winning drive at the end of the game . . . started at tight end in 22-17 win over Purdue, but had no receptions as offense gained 248 net rushing yards . . . started at tight end in 55-0 win at Minnesota as offense rushed for 222 yards and gained 483 yards total offense . . . four receptions for 46 yards at Minnesota, including including three-yard scoring reception in second period to give Iowa a 20-0 advantage . . . started at tight end in 31-10 Outback Bowl win over South Carolina as offense gained 328 yards total offense . . . led Iowa receivers with four catches for 49 yards vs. South Carolina, including three third down receptions for 38 yards on Iowa’s touchdown drive to start the game.
2007 Honors – – Next Man in Award, offense . . . 2007 – – Listed as second team tight end following spring practice . . . saw action in opening win over Northern Illinois as offense rushed for 250 yards and gained 383 yards total offense . . . two receptions for 12 yards vs. Northern Illinois, including a five-yard scoring reception for first career touchdown . . . saw action in win over Syracuse as offense gained 408 yards total offense . . . collected two receptions for 13 yards vs. Syracuse, along with one assisted tackle . . . saw action in loss at Iowa State, but had no statistics . . . saw action in loss at Wisconsin, but had no statistics . . . started at tight end in loss to Indiana as offense gained 428 yards total offense . . . three receptions for 44 yards vs. Indiana, including a 10-yard touchdown reception . . . started at tight end in loss at Penn State, but had no statistics . . . started at tight end in win over 18th-ranked Illinois as offense rushed for 141 yards and gained 323 yards total offense . . . three receptions for 38 yards vs. Illinois, including a 20-yard scoring reception in the third quarter for the only touchdown in a 10-6 win . . . started at tight end in loss at Purdue, recording one reception for four yards . . . started at tight end in double OT win over Michigan State as offense gained 230 yards rushing . . . one reception for four yards vs. MSU . . . started at tight end in win at Northwestern, recording one reception for six yards as offense gained 299 passing yards and 369 yards total offense . . . started at tight end in win over Minnesota . . . collected two receptions for 28 yards and one touchdown vs. Minnesota . . . grabbed deflected pass for eight-yard scoring catch to give Iowa 7-0 first quarter lead and added a 20-yard reception in the second half . . . started at tight end in loss to Western Michigan as offense gained 397 yards total offense . . . collected career-best six receptions for career-best 59 yards vs. Western Michigan, including three-yard touchdown reception in fourth quarter.
2006 – – Not listed on depth chart following spring practice . . . saw action in 41-7 win over Montana as offense gained 416 yards total offense . . . recorded one assisted tackle on special teams vs. Montana . . . saw action in double overtime win at Syracuse, but had no statistics . . . saw action in win over Iowa State, but had no statistics . . . saw action in win at Illinois, but had no statistics . . . saw action in loss to top-ranked Ohio State, recording one solo tackle on special teams . . . saw action in win over Purdue, recording one solo tackle on special teams . . . saw action in loss at Indiana, but had no statistics . . . saw action in loss at Michigan, but had no statistics . . . saw action in win over Northern Illinois, but had no statistics . . . saw action in loss to Northwestern, but had no statistics . . . saw action in loss to Wisconsin, but had no statistics . . . saw action in loss at Minnesota, but had no statistics . . . saw action vs. Texas in Alamo Bowl, but had no statistics.
2005 Honors – – Next Man In Award, special teams . . . 2005 – – Saw action in opening win over Ball State, recording one reception for 16 yards . . . saw action at Iowa State, but had no statistics . . . saw action in win over Northern Iowa, recording one solo tackle and one assist on special teams . . . saw action at Ohio State, but had no statistics . . . saw action in win over Illinois, but had no statistics . . . saw action in win at Purdue, recording one assisted tackle on special teams . . . saw action in win over Indiana, recording one solo tackle and one assisted tackle on special teams . . . saw action vs. Michigan, recording one assisted tackle on special teams . . . saw action at Northwestern, recording one solo tackle on special teams . . . saw action in win at Wisconsin, but had no statistics . . . saw action in win over Minnesota, recording one solo tackle on special teams as defense held top rushing team in the nation to 129 net rushing yards . . . saw action in Outback Bowl vs. Florida, with one kickoff return for six yards and one assisted tackle on special teams.
2004 – – Redshirted.
High School honors – – Class 2A first team all-state selection by the Des Moines Register and first team all-conference selection as a senior . . . was also a first team all-conference and all-state player as a junior . . . second team all-conference as a sophomore . . . Career – – ended prep career holding nine Prairie City-Monroe records, including receptions in a season (33) and career (82); touchdowns in a game (5), season (19) and career (29); points in a game (30) season (116) and career (186); and rushing touchdowns in a game (5) . . . recorded 992 career rushing yards and 1,237 career receiving yards . . . averaged 10.6 yards per carry as a senior while rushing for 932 yards and 15 touchdowns . . . member of prep basketball team that posted a perfect 27-0 season record during senior year, winning Class 2A state championship . . . named to Class 2-A all-state first team by the Des Moines Register . . . named captain of all-tournament team at state tournament after averaging 30 points and 14.3 rebounds in three games . . . had 31 points and 18 rebounds in double-overtime win in state title contest . . . completed prep basketball career with 2,198 points to become 26th player in Iowa prep history to score over 2,000 career points . . . helped team advance to state basketball tournament in four consecutive seasons.
Personal – – Born 9/4/85 . . . Health and Sport Studies major . . . parents are Phrana and Dan Myers… high school coach was Todd Jones.
Career Receiving Bests Catches: 6 vs. Western Michigan, 11/17/07 Yards: 64 at Indiana, 10/11/08 TDs: 1, nine times, last at Minnesota, 11/22/08 Long: 28 vs. FL International, 9/06/08
| Receiving | No. | Yds. | Avg. | TD | Lng |
| Freshman | 1 | 16 | 16.0 | 0 | 16 |
| Sophomore | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | – – |
| Junior | 21 | 208 | 9.9 | 5 | 22 |
| Senior | 34 | 441 | 13.0 | 4 | 28 |
| Career | 56 | 665 | 11.9 | 9 | 28 |
2017-18 — placed fifth at NCAA Championships at 149 pounds to earn his fourth career All-America honor… Iowa’s 20th four-time All-American in school history… placed second at Big Ten Championships… won Midlands Championships title, earning spot in 20-in-4 Midlands club… posted a 27-4 record, going 14-1 in dual competition and 8-1 in Big Ten duals… scored six pins, six major decisions and three technical falls… ended Hawkeye career with 127 career wins, which ranks 12th in school hi...
2017-18 — placed fifth at NCAA Championships at 149 pounds to earn his fourth career All-America honor… Iowa’s 20th four-time All-American in school history… placed second at Big Ten Championships… won Midlands Championships title, earning spot in 20-in-4 Midlands club… posted a 27-4 record, going 14-1 in dual competition and 8-1 in Big Ten duals… scored six pins, six major decisions and three technical falls… ended Hawkeye career with 127 career wins, which ranks 12th in school history, and a 35-3 mark in Carver-Hawkeye Arena… led team in overall wins (27), dual wins (14), Big Ten dual wins (8), dual meet team points scored (63) and major decisions (6)… started the season on an 18-match winning streak… Academic All-Big Ten… John and Dorothy Sill Award winner for most dedicated wrestler… NWCA All-American team… letterwinner.
2016-17 — placed third at the NCAA Championships at 149 pounds to earn his third career All-America honor… placed third at the Big Ten Championships… won the Midlands Championships for the second year in a row, and became the 24th wrestler in the history of the tournament to join the 20-in-4 club, which requires a wrestler win 20 matches in their first four years of tournament competition… reached as high as No. 2 in the national rankings… won his first 17 matches of the season… his final win of the season was the 100th of his career… overall record of 31-5… started 15 duals at 149 pounds, posting a 12-3 dual mark and an 8-1 record in the Big Ten… career-high 12 major decisions tied for the team lead… career-high seven pins ranked third on the team… matched his career best with three technical falls, fifth on the team… Academic All-Big Ten… NWCA All-Academic team… letterwinner.
2015-16 — All-American, placing runner-up at NCAA Championships… placed second at Big Ten Championships… won the Midlands Championships… was 29-2 overall with both losses to eventual NCAA champion Zain Retherford… won his first 25 matches of the season… reached as high as No. 1 in the national rankings… started all 17 of Iowa’s duals, winning all 17, including a 9-0 mark in Big Ten duals… 29 wins led the team… 10 wins over ranked opponents… had seven major decisions, three technical falls and three falls.. letterwinner.
2014-15 — placed fourth at NCAA Championships to earn All-America honors… placed second at Big Ten Championships to earn automatic bid to national tournament… 40-6 overall record… 40 wins were a team high, and one shy of matching Ed Banach’s single-season freshman record… first Hawkeye since 1999 to win 40 matches in a single season… owned a 13-1 dual record, including an 8-0 mark in Big Ten duals and a 7-1 record inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena… six falls tied for fourth on the team… his nine major decisions ranked second and his three technical falls tied for third most… won titles at the Joe Parisi Open and Maryville Kaufman Brand… placed third at the Midlands Championships… had an 11-6 record against ranked opponents… reached as high as No. 2 in national rankings… John and Dorothy Sill award winner for most dedicated wrestler… named to Amateur Wrestling News All-Rookie team… letterwinner.
2013-14 — redshirted… posted a 24-4 record at 149 and 157 pounds while competing unattached… ended season on a 13-match winning streak… placed third at Midlands Championships… won titles at Grand View, Pat “Flash” Flanagan and Jim Fox Opens… placed second at Luther Open… recorded five major decisions, three pins and two technical falls.
High School — four-time Iowa high school state champion from 2010-13… finished his career tied for the most career wins in the history of the Iowa High School Athletic Association… led Denver High School to team titles at the 2010 and 2012 state tournament… four-time conference champion and first team honoree… 2013 USA Wrestling folkstyle national runner-up… placed fifth at 2013 USA Wrestling freestyle nationals… 2012 USA Wrestling high school preseason national champion… team captain on 2013 cross country team, placing second as a team at state championship.
Personal — born August 22, 1994… son of Dwight and Julie Sorensen… siblings include brothers Blake and Brock, and one sister, Brenna… brother Blake wrestles at Upper Iowa… business major… high school coaches were Dwight Sorensen, Chris Krueger, Shane Miller and Rod Wolfensperger… coaching and sport promotion major.
| Overall | Dual | Big Ten Dual | Dual Pts. | Big Ten | NCAA | OT | MD | TF | Pins | Fastest | |
| Year | Record | Record | Record | Scored | Place | Place | W-L | W-L | W-L | W-L | Pin |
| 2014-15 | 40-6 | 13-1 | 8-0 | 46 | 2nd | 4th | 2-1 | 9-0 | 3-0 | 6-0 | 0:47 |
| 2015-16 | 29-2 | 17-0 | 9-0 | 70 | 2nd | 2nd | 2-0 | 7-1 | 3-0 | 3-0 | 2:18 |
| 2016-17 | 31-5 | 12-3 | 8-1 | 49 | 3rd | 3rd | 0-3 | 12-0 | 3-0 | 7-1 | 0:37 |
| 2017-18 | 27-4 | 14-1 | 8-1 | 63 | 2nd | 5th | 2-0 | 6-0 | 3-0 | 6-0 | 1:20 |
| Career | 127-17 | 56-5 | 33-2 | 228 | 6-4 | 34-1 | 12-0 | 22-1 | 0:37 |
Hawk Item – – Surpassed 1,000 career receiving yards in 35-21 win at Illinois . . . career totals include 91 receptions for 1,046 yards and nine touchdowns . . . one of nine seniors named to 2020 Leadership Group . . . one of 10 true freshmen to see action in 2017.2020 – – Started at wide receiver in all eight games . . . ranked third on the team in receptions and yards with 23 receptions for 231 yards and two touchdowns . . . started at wide receiver in 24-20 loss at Purdue as...
Hawk Item – – Surpassed 1,000 career receiving yards in 35-21 win at Illinois . . . career totals include 91 receptions for 1,046 yards and nine touchdowns . . . one of nine seniors named to 2020 Leadership Group . . . one of 10 true freshmen to see action in 2017.
2020 – – Started at wide receiver in all eight games . . . ranked third on the team in receptions and yards with 23 receptions for 231 yards and two touchdowns . . . started at wide receiver in 24-20 loss at Purdue as offense gained 460 yards total offense . . . three receptions for 34 yards at Purdue, with a long of 16 yards . . . started at wide receiver in 21-20 loss to Northwestern . . . three receptions for 19 yards vs. Northwestern . . . seven-yard scoring reception vs. Northwestern for Iowa’s first score of the game . . . one of three wide receivers in starting line-up in 49-7 win over Michigan State as offense rushed for 226 yards and gained 405 yards total offense . . . three receptions for 35 yards vs. MSU, including 145-yard scoring reception for second touchdown of the season . . . started at wide receiver in 35-7 win at Minnesota, but had no statistics as offense rushed for 235 yards . . . started at wide receiver in 41-21 win at Penn State as offense gained 175 net rushing yards . . . three receptions for 27 yards at PSU, with a long of 11 yards . . . started at wide receiver in 26-20 win over Nebraska . . . three receptions for 28 yards vs. Nebraska, with a long of 13 yards . . . started at wide receiver in 35-21 win at Illinois as offense gained 242 yards total offense . . . led team with season-best five receptions for58 yards at Illinois, with a long of 19 yards . . . started at wide receiver in 28-7 win over #25 Wisconsin . . . three receptions for 30 yards vs. the Badgers, with a long of 14 yards.
2019 – – Saw action in nine games, missing four full games and majority of one additional game due to injury, with seven starts . . . 37 receptions for 439 yards and five touchdowns . . . started at wide receiver in 38-14 win over Miami as offense gained 213 net rushing yards and 465 yards total offense . . . three receptions for 26 yards vs. Miami, including a nine-yard scoring reception for the first touchdown of the season . . . started at wide receiver in 30-0 win over Rutgers, recording two receptions for 22 yards as offense gained 438 yards total offense . . . started at wide receiver in 18-17 win at Iowa State . . . four receptions for 51 yards at Iowa State . . . started at wide receiver in 48-3 win over Middle Tennessee as offense gained 644 yards total offense . . . reached career-bests with six receptions for 71 yards and two touchdowns vs. MTSU . . . scored on receptions covering18 and 10 yards for first multiple touchdown game of career . . . started at wide receiver in 10-3 loss at #18 Michigan . . . two receptions for 45 yards at Michigan, with a career-long of 34 yards . . . started at wide receiver in 17-12 loss to #9 Penn State . . . career-best seven receptions for 86 yards and one touchdown vs. PSU . . . scoring reception covered 33 yards and was featured as one of the Plays of the Week in college football . . . 86 yards also ranks as career-best . . . started at wide receiver in 26-20 win over Purdue . . . career-bests with nine receptions for 106 yards vs. Purdue, with a long of 30 yards . . . suffered injury on his final reception vs. Purdue and is out of action indefinitely . . . did not see action in 20-0 win at Northwestern due to injury . . . did not see action in 24-22 loss at #16 Wisconsin due to injury . . . saw action for one play only in 23-19 win over #7 Minnesota . . . did not see action in 19-10 win over Illinois due to injury . . . did not see action in 27-24 win at Nebraska due to injury . . . returned to action in 49-24 Holiday Bowl win over #22 USC . . . four receptions for 32 yards vs. USC, including a six-yard scoring reception.
2018 Honors – – Coaches Appreciation Award, offense . . . 2018 – – Started all 12 games in which he played, missing one game due to injury . . . 28 receptions for 361 yards and two touchdowns . . . started at wide receiver in 33-7 win over Northern Illinois, but had no statistics as offense gained 209 net rushing yards . . . started at wide receiver in 13-3 win over Iowa State . . . one reception for 30 yards vs. ISU, which led to the only touchdown of the game . . . started at wide receiver in 38-14 win over Northern Iowa as offense gained 545 yards total offense . . . career-best two receptions for 24 yards vs. UNI, with a long of 16 yards . . . started at wide receiver in 28-17 loss to #18 Wisconsin . . . two receptions for 24 yards vs. the Badgers, with a long of 14 yards . . . started at wide receiver in 48-31 win at Minnesota as offense gained 420 yards total offense . . . career-best five receptions for 68 yards, with a long of 26 yards . . . started at wide receiver in 42-16 win at Indiana as offense gained 479 yards total offense . . . three receptions for 43 yards at Indiana, with a long of 23 yards . . . started at wide receiver in 23-0 win over Maryland as offense gained 224 net rushing yards . . . one reception for 10 yards vs. Maryland, resulting in first career touchdown to extend lead to 13-0 just before halftime . . . started at wide receiver in 30-24 loss at #17 Penn State . . . four receptions for 42 yards at Penn State, with a long of 14 yards . . . started at wide receiver in 38-36 loss at Purdue . . . two receptions for 12 yards at Purdue, with a long of 10 yards . . . did not see action in 14-10 loss to Northwestern due to injury . . . started at wide receiver in 63-0 win at Illinois as offense gained 400 yards total offense . . . three receptions for 39 yards at Illinois, with a long of 15 yards . . . started at wide receiver in 31-28 win over Nebraska as offense rushed for 226 yards and gained 419 yards total offense . . . two receptions for 36 yards and a touchdown, with a long of 21 yards . . . 15-yard scoring reception on Iowa’s first drive of the game . . . started at wide receiver in 27-22 Outback Bowl win over #18 Mississippi State . . . three receptions for 33 yards vs. MSU.
2017 – – Did not see action in 24-3 win over Wyoming . . . saw first action of career in 44-41 OT win at Iowa State as offense gained 497 yards total offense, but had no statistics . . . saw action in 31-14 win over North Texas as offense gained 435 yards total offense . . . first career reception for two yards in win over North Texas . . . saw action in 21-19 loss to #4 Penn State, but had no statistics . . . saw action in 17-10 loss at Michigan State, recording one reception for eight yards . . . saw action in 45-16 win over Illinois, but had no statistics as offense gained 441 yards total offense . . . saw action in 17-10 OT loss at Northwestern, recording one reception for five yards . . . saw action in 17-10 win over Minnesota, but had no statistics . . . saw action in 55-24 win over #3 Ohio State, but had no statistics as offense gained 487 yards total offense . . . did not see action in 38-14 loss at #6 Wisconsin . . . saw action in 24-15 loss to Purdue, but had no statistics . . . saw action in 56-14 win at Nebraska, but had no statistics as offense rushed for 313 yards and gained 505 yards total offense . . . did not see action in 27-20 Pinstripe Bowl win over Boston College.
High school honors – – Earned first-team all-state honors as a junior and senior . . . named 5A Region I Most Valuable Offensive Player of the Year as a junior and senior . . . named a Dandy Dozen selection as one of top 12 players in the state as a senior . . . selected to Benard Blackwell All-Star game . . . earned first-team all-conference honors as a sophomore . . . Career – – Three-year letterman as wide receiver and punter . . . helped team reach state playoffs as a junior and senior with combined record of 17-10 . . . holds school records for career receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns . . . high school totals include 206 receptions for 3,672 yards and 41 receiving touchdowns . . . 80 receptions for 1,509 yards and 19 touchdowns as a senior, with one rushing touchdown . . . totaled 1,382 yards and 15 touchdowns on 78 receptions as a junior, with one passing touchdown . . . recorded 47 receptions for 750 yards and seven touchdowns as a sophomore . . . team captain as a senior . . . also four-year track letterman . . . career best high jump of 6-8 as a senior . . . won state championship in high jump (6-6) as a senior after placing second as a junior.
Personal – – Born 12/10/98 . . . open major . . . Honors graduate . . . parents are Tyjauna and Roy Smith . . . high school coach was Nick Nester.
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