A look back at the top sports photos of 2009

(Sentinel photo by Roy Tucker) Photo #1 Hinton's Josh Schreck hauls in a 36-yard reception from Joe Popken to jump-start the Blackhawks' game-winning drive in the fourth quarter of the Blackhawks' Week 2 matchup with Gehlen Catholic.

Looking back over the past year, the Daily Sentinel sports staff has selected what they believe to be the most exciting, important and meaningful sports photos of 2009. Turn to page 10 for pictures six through 10.

Visit the Daily Sentinel online at www.lemarssentinel.com/sports to cast your vote for what you believe to be the best picture from 2009.

Results from your votes, along with your picks for the top game and individual performance of 2009, will be revealed in Tuesday's edition of the Daily Sentinel.

(Sentinel photo by Roy Tucker) Photo #4 Akron-Westfield senior Joe Sievert won the 160-pound state title by defeating Guthrie Center's Blake Faucher by a 14-9 decision at the state wrestling meet in Des Moines in February. A-W coach Mark Van Oort awarded the senior grappler his medal as the top eight wrestlers at 160 pounds in Class 1A were recognized following competition on Saturday, Feb. 21.

Voting in all three polls will close at 4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 4.

Which is your pick for the top sports photo of 2009?
 Josh Schreck's catch
 Gehlen track fans
 Tanner Dowling's grand slam
 Joe Sievert & Coach Van Oort
 Sean Bainbridge at state wrestling
 Tara Lehner and Alyssa Louison's hug
 Ashton Moody after basketball loss
 Tasha Johnson's home run trot
 Jordan Sitzmann celebrates
 A-W baseball in the rain

Your comments about the poll question: (Optional)

(Sentinel photo by Bethany Kroeze) Photo #10 A-W head coach Gordy Johnson, far right, claps his approval as the Westerners score a run during their 8-7 win over RSM in the district baseball opener in Le Mars in July.

(Sentinel photo by Bethany Kroeze) Photo #10 Gehlen's Jordan Sitzmann celebrates in the end zone after the Jays' defense stopped an Akron-Westfield offensive series in the red zone during a 20-9 district victory on September 26 in Le Mars.

(Sentinel photo by Roy Tucker) Photo #8 A-W's Tasha Johnson is congratulated by coach Todd Colt after hitting her first career home run in the Lady Westerners' 10-2 win over Southeast Warren in the state softball quarterfinal in July. The home run was the first of Johnson's career.

(Sentinel photo by Roy Tucker) Photo #7 Hinton's Ashton Moody hides her face in her hands after unranked Cascade blemished Hinton's record with a 56-43 season-ending loss in the semifinal round of the state tournament in Des Moines in March.

(Sentinel photo by Bethany Kroeze) Photo #6 Le Mars' Alyssa Louison hugs fellow senior Tara Lehner after fouling out of the Lady Bulldogs' season-ending loss at Storm Lake in February.

(Sentinel photo by Roy Tucker) Photo #5 K-P's Sean Bainbridge celebrates after pinning English Valley's Lee Phillips in 1:36 in the consolation bracket at February's state wrestling tournament. Bainbridge bested ranked opponents en route to a sixth place finish at 152 pounds.

(Sentinel photo by Roy Tucker) Photo #3 Tanner Dowling (21) celebrates with teammates (from left) Aaron Fischer, Tyler Candor and Keaton Rowe after belting a grand slam in Le Mars' 11-6 win over Class 2A No. 3 Cherokee on July 2.

(Sentinel photo by Roy Tucker) Photo #2 The loyal Gehlen Catholic fan base leans out of their seats in eager anticipation during the shuttle hurdle relay finals at the state track meet in Des Moines in May. The Lady Jays shuttle hurdle relay team of Kayla Hatting, Kayla Holtgrewe, Steph Rohe and Nicole Ryan captured the state title in Class 1A.