J.R. Ogden's stories

Cedar Rapids Marathon and Half Marathon Pace Team

Cedar Rapids Marathon Weekend draws double the expected field in first year

All it took was a simple call to Cedar Rapids Tourism and director of sports Jay Fanta. Laura Jass already knew Mr. Fanta from her time as director of sports tourism with Catch Des Moines, so the relationship was solid.…

Stow Sports Management focused on many things, including 2028 Olympics

Have you ever wondered what that person across the street, down the street, maybe living…

Olympic stadium Los Angeles CREDIT THOMAS PARKER VIA PEXELS

For the Heartlanders, the biggest opponent is the bottom line

Editor’s note: This is the second in a two-part series examining the Iowa Heartlanders professional…

Brian McKenna, president of the newly-named Iowa Heartlanders ECHL hockey club, unfurls a banner revealing the club's name and logo.

Mark Ironside is a busy man of many talents

Who is Mark Ironside? Well, Mr. Ironside was a two-time national champion wrestler at the…

Mark Ironside

Heartlanders to sit out a season, but owner vows return to Coralville ice

Editor’s note: This is the first in a two-part series looking at the Iowa Heartlanders…

Iowa Heartlanders hockey team

Two Kernels veterans find their next act at Prospect Meadows

Jack Roeder needed his “security blanket.” Doug Nelson needed to get as far away as…

Prospect Meadows drone photo. CREDIT DENOVO MARKETING

How the Iowa City Area Sports Commission turned wrestling into a $16M economic powerhouse

Luke Eustice was asked recently what sets the sports commission at the Iowa City/Coralville Area…

The Iowa City Area Sports Commission hosted the 2026 IGHSAU Girls State Wrestling Championships at the Xtream Arena in Coralville, Iowa. 448 wrestlers competed in this two day tournament. This was the fourth year the event was sanctioned and held in Coralville. CREDIT IOWA CITY AREA SPORTS COMMISSION

Tee time, any time: The indoor golf boom that’s taking over the Corridor

When Sean McCarty was growing up in West Branch, he had an advantage not every…

indoor golf pexels

Business of Sports: Paul Gavin and Mount Mercy University

Paul Gavin enjoyed his long career as the men’s basketball coach at Mount Mercy University.…

The sideline at Mount Mercy University's Robert W. Plaster Athletic Complex.

Business of Sports: Iowa City gym skips resolution rush

Adam Rees is not your typical fitness coach. And Grit Gym is not your typical…

Grit Gym

Game on: CBJ launches the Business of Sports column series

After more than a few weeks away from the grind of daily sports, sports editing…

Photo by Markus Spiske