ALEX HALSTED
PORTFOLIO
This enterprise takes a look at why there has been an increase in regional affiliations for professional organizations. Many organizations, including ones around the state of Iowa, have seen benefits.
The following is a sample of work. Places of publication include the Des Moines Register, USA Today, Iowa State Daily, Triumph Books, Maple Street Press and 247Sports. A small description follows each thumbnail. To read in full in a PDF or to download the file, click the image or publication name.
From Little League to high school to college and professional baseball, pitchers are typically groomed to be starting pitchers. This story examines what happens when they must face the move to relief.
NASCAR driver Trevor Bayne was married on a Tuesday, and that weekend found himself in Newton, Iowa for an unexpected honeymoon. Prior to the weekend's race he talked about it for a mini feature.
In 2009, Jeff Woody was just another walk-on for Iowa State. Two years later he scored the biggest touchdown in ISU history. From walk-on to that touchdown, to a mid-field proposal, Woody has seen it all. Welcome to Jeff Woody's world.
By the end of his Iowa State career, Hakeem Butler had transformed into one of the best wide receivers in program history. But it almost didn't happen. This is the story of how Butler ended up in Ames, Iowa, and how he almost never made it.
For a short period of time, Le Mars, a high school in Iowa, was on its way to the state baseball tournament for the first time ever. Then, it was revealed the team had broken an innings limit rule and was instead forced to forfeit.
Coming out of high school, Iowan Josh Knipfel had hardly any college interest. So the in-state offensive lineman made his way to Iowa Western C.C. In a sudden change of events, he spent just one year there. The story on how his career quickly blossomed.
Anthony Booker, for a period of time, considered quitting the Iowa State men's basketball team. His mother was always there to show her support and encouraged him to push forward and continue his career.
Nate Loenser was born with a partial left arm, but it didn't slow him down or alter his athletic aspirations. How he inspired young kids by tying his shoes and became an athlete en route to a successful coaching career.
During his senior season at Iowa State, wrestler Jerome Ward was faced with a juggling act. He had to balance school with hopes of making the NCAA tournament. And, most importantly, he had to find time to raise his son, Trey.
When Bert Blyleven was younger, he would wait for his father to return home from work to play a game of catch in the backyard. Many years later he found himself in Cooperstown, those games of catch paying off. This magazine feature tells his story.
From Kirby Puckett to Torii Hunter, centerfielders in Minnesota often became longtime placeholders. Denard Span found himself in a similar spot after Hunter's departure. This magazine feature shows the centerfield connection.
Minnesota Twins centerfielder Kirby Puckett's story is told in this first chapter of "100 Things Twins Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die," which was published by Triumph Books in March 2011.
When forward Royce White arrived is Ames, Iowa, he was looking for a fresh start. He found that and more as he helped Iowa State to the NCAA tournament before leaving after his lone season for the NBA. Along the way he found a second home.
Iowa State Athletic Director Jamie Pollard's son was born with a tumor and battled it through his childhood. This feature tells the story of his battle with the cancer and how the family made it through the difficult times.