KANSAS CITY (AP) — Minutes after Kansas City Chiefs players vowed to go for a third-straight Super Bowl title Wednesday, shots were fired and multiple people were carried from the screen on stretchers.

Fire Department Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins said eight to 10 people were injured but declined further comment, saying only that additional information will be released soon.

Police said in a news release that two people were detained. Fans were urged to exit the area as quickly as possible.

The shooting broke the celebratory mood on Valentine's Day as Chiefs fans marked their third Super Bowl title in five seasons with a parade.

“We are stacking up trophies," linebacker Drue Tranquill said as he grabbed a reporter's mic during Wednesday’s festivities to mark the Chiefs’&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-2024-score-chiefs-49ers-49b5dca51c05ab0f259cef0d7da76c2d">come-from-behind, 25-22 overtime win over the San Francisco 49ers</a>.

Confetti cannons exploded from double-decker buses as players rolled through the crowd, DJs and drummers heralding their arrival. Throngs lined the route, with fans climbing trees and street poles, or standing on rooftops for a better view. Owner Clark Hunt was on one of those buses, holding the Lombardi Trophy. Former “Modern Family” star Eric Stonestreet was part of the mob.

“Best fans in the world,” exclaimed wide receiver Mecole Hardman, who caught the winning touchdown pass, as he walked along the route, with the players signing jerseys and at least one person’s head.

“Never stop," running back Isiah Pacheco added from the route.

Key on the minds of many fans is whether pop superstar Taylor Swift would join her boyfriend&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/travis-kelce">Travis Kelce</a>&nbsp;for the parade and victory speeches. Swift has not commented. She has a show in Melbourne, Australia, on Friday night, the first of three scheduled concerts on her Eras Tour.

She was nowhere to be seen early in the parade. Instead, Kelce was joined by his mom,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-kelce-vs-kelce-19a9a9ec7957b4647e48398a2d056acb">Donna Kelce,</a>&nbsp;the superstar of NFL moms (her oldest son,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/eagles-jason-kelce-retires-2a5cff3398a6413a52d0bb3fdc2eef22">Jason Kelce</a>, is a center for the Philadelphia Eagles).

Unseasonably warm temperatures in the 60s Fahrenheit (15-20 Celsius) had players stripping off shirts. The weather also helped generate a crowd that city officials estimate could top 1 million.

“I missed last year. I said, ‘I’m not missing this year,’” said longtime fan Charles Smith Sr., who flew from his home in Sicklerville, New Jersey, for the parade.

Known by friends as Kansas City Smitty, the 52-year-old first became a Chiefs fan when Christian Okoye played fullback for the team starting in the late 1980s.

“I got a history with this team,” he said, adding that he ran out of his home with a giant flag, screaming “Kansas City," when the Chiefs clinched the victory in overtime.

The city and the team each chipped in around $1 million for the event commemorating Kelce, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs becoming the first team since Tom Brady and the New England Patriots two decades ago to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/super-bowl-2024-updates">defend their title</a>.

Some fans camped overnight and others began to stake out spots before dawn to catch prime viewing spots. Bailey McDermott, 17, and Gracie Gilby, 16, of Lebanon, Missouri, got up at 3 a.m. to make the three-hour drive to the parade. They had a party to watch the game, confetti poppers erupting when the Chiefs won.

“Kind of freaking out at the end,” said Gilby, who wore a sequined Chiefs jerseys with Kelce's No. 87 on it. McDermott also had a sequined jersey, hers bearing Mahomes' No. 15.

Many of the largest school districts in the area canceled classes, and businesses along the parade path are turning the day into a viewing party for their workers. At least 600 Kansas City police officers will be stationed along the the 2-mile (3.22-kilometer) route, police Chief Stacey Graves said.

Teens and younger kids were everywhere, some tossing footballs, others watching replays of game highlights on giant TV screens.

Among them was Elysseah Buford and her friend, Devaun Burns, who watched the game in between taking orders at McDonald's. “We’re losing. We’re losing,” Buford recalled saying. But Burns scolded her, even as a manager declared that the game was a lost cause: “I said, ’Don’t speak it. Believe it.”

The 18-year-old high school seniors from Raymore joined the festivities with another friend, 17-year-old Mekiyzeion Williams, who dared to ask what would have happened if Hardman missed the TD catch. “Shut up,” Burns said.

After decades without a championship, the city is gaining experience with victory parades. Five seasons ago, the Chiefs defeated the 49ers for the team’s first Super Bowl championship in 50 years. That followed the Kansas City Royals winning the World Series in 2015, the city’s first baseball championship in 30 years. That year, fans abandoned their cars on the side of the highway so they could walk to the celebration.

Then, last year, the Chiefs&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-2023-kansas-city-chiefs-philadelphia-eagles-43a1fb387f63438c1eea23b6a4244d95">defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 38-35 and prophetically vowed they would be back for more</a>.

One big change this year is that the parade is getting started one hour earlier at 11 a.m. so the crowd will dissipate before the Valentine’s Day dinner crowd shows up.

After the massive cleanup, the team gets ready to try it again.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Minutes after Kansas City Chiefs players vowed to go for a third-straight Super Bowl title Wednesday, shots were fired and multiple people were carried from the screen on stretchers.Fire Department Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins said eight to 10 people were injured but declined further comment, saying only that additional information will be released soon.Police said in a news release that two people were detained. Fans were urged to exit the area as quickly as possible.The shooting broke the celebratory mood on Valentine's Day as Chiefs fans marked their third Super Bowl title in five seasons with a parade.“We are stacking up trophies," linebacker Drue Tranquill said as he grabbed a reporter's mic during Wednesday’s festivities to mark the Chiefs’&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-2024-score-chiefs-49ers-49b5dca51c05ab0f259cef0d7da76c2d">come-from-behind, 25-22 overtime win over the San Francisco 49ers</a>.Confetti cannons exploded from double-decker buses as players rolled through the crowd, DJs and drummers heralding their arrival. Throngs lined the route, with fans climbing trees and street poles, or standing on rooftops for a better view. Owner Clark Hunt was on one of those buses, holding the Lombardi Trophy. Former “Modern Family” star Eric Stonestreet was part of the mob.“Best fans in the world,” exclaimed wide receiver Mecole Hardman, who caught the winning touchdown pass, as he walked along the route, with the players signing jerseys and at least one person’s head.“Never stop," running back Isiah Pacheco added from the route.Key on the minds of many fans is whether pop superstar Taylor Swift would join her boyfriend&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/travis-kelce">Travis Kelce</a>&nbsp;for the parade and victory speeches. Swift has not commented. She has a show in Melbourne, Australia, on Friday night, the first of three scheduled concerts on her Eras Tour.She was nowhere to be seen early in the parade. Instead, Kelce was joined by his mom,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-kelce-vs-kelce-19a9a9ec7957b4647e48398a2d056acb">Donna Kelce,</a>&nbsp;the superstar of NFL moms (her oldest son,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/eagles-jason-kelce-retires-2a5cff3398a6413a52d0bb3fdc2eef22">Jason Kelce</a>, is a center for the Philadelphia Eagles).Unseasonably warm temperatures in the 60s Fahrenheit (15-20 Celsius) had players stripping off shirts. The weather also helped generate a crowd that city officials estimate could top 1 million.“I missed last year. I said, ‘I’m not missing this year,’” said longtime fan Charles Smith Sr., who flew from his home in Sicklerville, New Jersey, for the parade.Known by friends as Kansas City Smitty, the 52-year-old first became a Chiefs fan when Christian Okoye played fullback for the team starting in the late 1980s.“I got a history with this team,” he said, adding that he ran out of his home with a giant flag, screaming “Kansas City," when the Chiefs clinched the victory in overtime.The city and the team each chipped in around $1 million for the event commemorating Kelce, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs becoming the first team since Tom Brady and the New England Patriots two decades ago to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/super-bowl-2024-updates">defend their title</a>.Some fans camped overnight and others began to stake out spots before dawn to catch prime viewing spots. Bailey McDermott, 17, and Gracie Gilby, 16, of Lebanon, Missouri, got up at 3 a.m. to make the three-hour drive to the parade. They had a party to watch the game, confetti poppers erupting when the Chiefs won.“Kind of freaking out at the end,” said Gilby, who wore a sequined Chiefs jerseys with Kelce's No. 87 on it. McDermott also had a sequined jersey, hers bearing Mahomes' No. 15.Many of the largest school districts in the area canceled classes, and businesses along the parade path are turning the day into a viewing party for their workers. At least 600 Kansas City police officers will be stationed along the the 2-mile (3.22-kilometer) route, police Chief Stacey Graves said.Teens and younger kids were everywhere, some tossing footballs, others watching replays of game highlights on giant TV screens.Among them was Elysseah Buford and her friend, Devaun Burns, who watched the game in between taking orders at McDonald's. “We’re losing. We’re losing,” Buford recalled saying. But Burns scolded her, even as a manager declared that the game was a lost cause: “I said, ’Don’t speak it. Believe it.”The 18-year-old high school seniors from Raymore joined the festivities with another friend, 17-year-old Mekiyzeion Williams, who dared to ask what would have happened if Hardman missed the TD catch. “Shut up,” Burns said.After decades without a championship, the city is gaining experience with victory parades. Five seasons ago, the Chiefs defeated the 49ers for the team’s first Super Bowl championship in 50 years. That followed the Kansas City Royals winning the World Series in 2015, the city’s first baseball championship in 30 years. That year, fans abandoned their cars on the side of the highway so they could walk to the celebration.Then, last year, the Chiefs&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-2023-kansas-city-chiefs-philadelphia-eagles-43a1fb387f63438c1eea23b6a4244d95">defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 38-35 and prophetically vowed they would be back for more</a>.One big change this year is that the parade is getting started one hour earlier at 11 a.m. so the crowd will dissipate before the Valentine’s Day dinner crowd shows up.After the massive cleanup, the team gets ready to try it again.

8 to 10 people injured after shooting near Chiefs parade, official says

The Associated Press national player of the week in women's basketball for Week 14 of the season:

The 5-foot-9&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/season/2023-24/player/jaz-shelley">grad student</a>&nbsp;scored 10 of her season-high 23 points in the final five minutes to help the Huskers erase a 14-point fourth quarter deficit&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/basketball-score-iowa-nebraska-0c1860db366a14284fbfbb5fc3d9d689">and beat No. 2 Iowa</a>, tying the highest ranked team that Nebraska has ever beaten. She made all four of her free throws in the final 19 seconds to seal the victory. She also had five assists in the win. Shelley also had 10 points, six rebounds and four assists in a win over Michigan.

Raegan Beers,&nbsp;<a href="https://osubeavers.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/raegan-beers/9880">Oregon State</a>. The sophomore helped the Beavers get their first top five road win in school history with a victory over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oregon-state-colorado-basketball-score-535e08e4feeaddb7b4bc186cb9d2ce0d">then-No. 4 Colorado</a>. She had 12 points and 12 rebounds in that game. She also had 17 points in a win over then-No. 20 Utah.

Liz Kitley (Virginia Tech), Chloe Kitts (&nbsp;<a href="https://gamecocksonline.com/sports/wbball/roster/player/chloe-kitts/">South Carolina</a>&nbsp;), Savannah Wheeler (&nbsp;<a href="https://goblueraiders.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/savannah--wheeler/13044">Middle Tennessee</a>&nbsp;)

Claira McGowan,&nbsp;<a href="https://lipscombsports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/claira-mcgowan/5617">Lipscomb</a>. Scored a Division I program record 37 points in a double-overtime win over North Florida. Also had 17 points in a victory over Jacksonville. The junior guard averaged 27 points, 10 rebounds and 3.5 assists in the two victories.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707940709073.jpeg" alt="Nebraska's Jaz Shelley, left, drives against Iowa's Gabbie Marshall, center right, during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, in Lincoln, Neb. (AP Photo/Rebecca S. Gratz)" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska's Jaz Shelley, left, drives against Iowa's Gabbie Marshall, center right, during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, in Lincoln, Neb. (AP Photo/Rebecca S. Gratz)</figcaption>
 </figure>Associated PressThe Associated Press national player of the week in women's basketball for Week 14 of the season:JAZ SHELLEY, NEBRASKAThe 5-foot-9&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/season/2023-24/player/jaz-shelley">grad student</a>&nbsp;scored 10 of her season-high 23 points in the final five minutes to help the Huskers erase a 14-point fourth quarter deficit&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/basketball-score-iowa-nebraska-0c1860db366a14284fbfbb5fc3d9d689">and beat No. 2 Iowa</a>, tying the highest ranked team that Nebraska has ever beaten. She made all four of her free throws in the final 19 seconds to seal the victory. She also had five assists in the win. Shelley also had 10 points, six rebounds and four assists in a win over Michigan.RUNNER-UPRaegan Beers,&nbsp;<a href="https://osubeavers.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/raegan-beers/9880">Oregon State</a>. The sophomore helped the Beavers get their first top five road win in school history with a victory over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oregon-state-colorado-basketball-score-535e08e4feeaddb7b4bc186cb9d2ce0d">then-No. 4 Colorado</a>. She had 12 points and 12 rebounds in that game. She also had 17 points in a win over then-No. 20 Utah.HONORABLE MENTIONLiz Kitley (Virginia Tech), Chloe Kitts (&nbsp;<a href="https://gamecocksonline.com/sports/wbball/roster/player/chloe-kitts/">South Carolina</a>&nbsp;), Savannah Wheeler (&nbsp;<a href="https://goblueraiders.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/savannah--wheeler/13044">Middle Tennessee</a>&nbsp;)KEEP AN EYE ONClaira McGowan,&nbsp;<a href="https://lipscombsports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/claira-mcgowan/5617">Lipscomb</a>. Scored a Division I program record 37 points in a double-overtime win over North Florida. Also had 17 points in a victory over Jacksonville. The junior guard averaged 27 points, 10 rebounds and 3.5 assists in the two victories.

AP Player of the Week: Nebraska's Jaz Shelley leads team to comeback win over Iowa

North Platte, Neb. – Three North Platte players finished in double figures to aid in a 79-65 win over McCook Community College on Tuesday night.

Bryce Baez led the way with 22 points while Parker Baumann and Michael Cooper chipped in 19 and 10 points, respectively.&nbsp;

In the opening half a three from Zeki Cavli cut the deficit to 20-18, but the Knights countered with an 8-0 run to stretch their lead to double digits with 6:00 to play. Knights continued to hold the momentum down the stretch, while entering the halftime break with a 36-25 lead.

McCook slowly chipped away at the deficit until a 9-0 run cut the margin to 46-40 with 11:40 remaining. A corner three from Baez ignited the North Platte offense, as they countered with a 9-2 run to stretch the margin back into double digits.

In the final six minutes, McCook pulled back within seven but could not get any closer down the stretch. Back-to-back transition layups pushed the margin to 66-55, as North Platte continued to match the Indians down the stretch to close out the regular season sweep.

Knights (12-12, 3-5 Region IX) are back in action at home on Saturday against Northeastern Junior College. Tip is set for 7 p.m. inside the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium.

NPCCNorth Platte, Neb. – Three North Platte players finished in double figures to aid in a 79-65 win over McCook Community College on Tuesday night.Bryce Baez led the way with 22 points while Parker Baumann and Michael Cooper chipped in 19 and 10 points, respectively.&nbsp;In the opening half a three from Zeki Cavli cut the deficit to 20-18, but the Knights countered with an 8-0 run to stretch their lead to double digits with 6:00 to play. Knights continued to hold the momentum down the stretch, while entering the halftime break with a 36-25 lead.McCook slowly chipped away at the deficit until a 9-0 run cut the margin to 46-40 with 11:40 remaining. A corner three from Baez ignited the North Platte offense, as they countered with a 9-2 run to stretch the margin back into double digits.In the final six minutes, McCook pulled back within seven but could not get any closer down the stretch. Back-to-back transition layups pushed the margin to 66-55, as North Platte continued to match the Indians down the stretch to close out the regular season sweep.Knights (12-12, 3-5 Region IX) are back in action at home on Saturday against Northeastern Junior College. Tip is set for 7 p.m. inside the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium.

   Knights down McCook at home

North Platte, Neb. – Jada Grigsby and Mariah Gardner combined for 28 points in a 56-38 win over McCook Community College on Tuesday evening.

Grigsby scored 16 points on 4-of-9 shooting from the field, while Gardner chipped in 12 points in 32 minutes. North Platte won the rebounding battle 35-32, while forcing 28 McCook turnovers in the win.

North Platte improves to&nbsp;15-9 overall&nbsp;and 4-1 in Nebraska Community College Athletic Conference action, while McCook drops to 14-12 overall and 4-1 in conference play.

A tightly contested opening first ten minutes gave way to a back and forth second quarter. A five-point Knights lead was extended to 16-7 on a jumper by Jada Thompson with 4:40 remaining. McCook narrowed the margin to six, but a 6-2 run helped North Platte carry a 22-12 lead into the halftime break.

Knights extended their lead in the opening seconds of the third quarter on a corner three by Grigsby. McCook mounted a run late to cut the lead to nine, but a pair of free throws from Gardner stretched the lead back into double figures headed into the final ten minutes.

Knights continued to hold the double-digit lead in the fourth quarter, as Grigsby tallied nine points to help North Platte close out the home win.

North Platte returns to Region IX action on Saturday against Southeast Community College. Tip is set for 2 p.m. inside the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707940514633.jpeg" alt="Reece Halley completes the layup in the third quarter against McCook on Tuesday night. (Daniel Stinman, Mid-Plains Community College)" />
 <figcaption>Reece Halley completes the layup in the third quarter against McCook on Tuesday night. (Daniel Stinman, Mid-Plains Community College)</figcaption>
 </figure>NPCCNorth Platte, Neb. – Jada Grigsby and Mariah Gardner combined for 28 points in a 56-38 win over McCook Community College on Tuesday evening.Grigsby scored 16 points on 4-of-9 shooting from the field, while Gardner chipped in 12 points in 32 minutes. North Platte won the rebounding battle 35-32, while forcing 28 McCook turnovers in the win.North Platte improves to&nbsp;15-9 overall&nbsp;and 4-1 in Nebraska Community College Athletic Conference action, while McCook drops to 14-12 overall and 4-1 in conference play.A tightly contested opening first ten minutes gave way to a back and forth second quarter. A five-point Knights lead was extended to 16-7 on a jumper by Jada Thompson with 4:40 remaining. McCook narrowed the margin to six, but a 6-2 run helped North Platte carry a 22-12 lead into the halftime break.Knights extended their lead in the opening seconds of the third quarter on a corner three by Grigsby. McCook mounted a run late to cut the lead to nine, but a pair of free throws from Gardner stretched the lead back into double figures headed into the final ten minutes.Knights continued to hold the double-digit lead in the fourth quarter, as Grigsby tallied nine points to help North Platte close out the home win.North Platte returns to Region IX action on Saturday against Southeast Community College. Tip is set for 2 p.m. inside the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium.&nbsp;

Knights stretch win streak to three with win over McCook

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Jordy Bahl, the softball pitching star who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nebraska-jordy-bahl-98906a61b5c2c6917a7435097e7036d4">transferred to Nebraska</a>&nbsp;after winning two straight national championships at Oklahoma, will miss the rest of the season after injuring her knee during the Cornhuskers' opener last week.

Bahl announced the anterior cruciate ligament injury in her left knee on&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/jordybahl/status/1757487856459616542?s=20">X and Instagram</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday. She was hurt while delivering a pitch in the third inning against Washington at an event in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, on Feb. 8.

“With a heart thankful for God’s plan and timing, I will be red shirting this year, and looking forward to a season of growth and learning from a different point of view,” she wrote. “I’m thankful for the support of my family, friends, coaches, and staff. I’m truly blessed to have so many wonderful and loving people in my life. I’m not going anywhere. See you in 2025.”

Bahl will apply for a medical hardship for the 2024 season. Nebraska officials said they expect the hardship will be granted and that Bahl will have two seasons of eligibility.

The two-time All-America pitcher shocked the college softball world last June when, a week after she led Oklahoma to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ncaa-softball-oklahoma-florida-state-b9075d910505fdc6d4ddd11c35996972">third straight national championship</a>&nbsp;and was named Most Outstanding Player in the Women’s College World Series, she announced she would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nebraska-oklahoma-softball-jordy-bahl-e3a8f46d4a53f0c2f1af539a4f2652bc">transfer to her home-state school.</a>

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Jordy Bahl, the softball pitching star who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nebraska-jordy-bahl-98906a61b5c2c6917a7435097e7036d4">transferred to Nebraska</a>&nbsp;after winning two straight national championships at Oklahoma, will miss the rest of the season after injuring her knee during the Cornhuskers' opener last week.Bahl announced the anterior cruciate ligament injury in her left knee on&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/jordybahl/status/1757487856459616542?s=20">X and Instagram</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday. She was hurt while delivering a pitch in the third inning against Washington at an event in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, on Feb. 8.“With a heart thankful for God’s plan and timing, I will be red shirting this year, and looking forward to a season of growth and learning from a different point of view,” she wrote. “I’m thankful for the support of my family, friends, coaches, and staff. I’m truly blessed to have so many wonderful and loving people in my life. I’m not going anywhere. See you in 2025.”Bahl will apply for a medical hardship for the 2024 season. Nebraska officials said they expect the hardship will be granted and that Bahl will have two seasons of eligibility.The two-time All-America pitcher shocked the college softball world last June when, a week after she led Oklahoma to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ncaa-softball-oklahoma-florida-state-b9075d910505fdc6d4ddd11c35996972">third straight national championship</a>&nbsp;and was named Most Outstanding Player in the Women’s College World Series, she announced she would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nebraska-oklahoma-softball-jordy-bahl-e3a8f46d4a53f0c2f1af539a4f2652bc">transfer to her home-state school.</a>

Nebraska softball sensation Jordy Bahl announces she'll miss the rest of the season with knee injury

GOTHENBURG, NEB. - Postseason action is underway for Class C &amp; D in girls high school hoops and in the C1-11 girls subdistrict, we will have live coverage between the Ogallala Indians as they take on the Hershey Panthers. Live coverage will on Flatrock 100.7 or <a href="https://flatrock1007.com/" target="_blank">click here</a> to listen online.&nbsp;

It's a rematch as the two teams faced off back on December 16th, 2023, where Ogallala pulled late in the game to defeat Hershey 55-49. Hershey has a chance for redemption in the opening round of the C1-11 girls subdistricts as they are riding on a two-game winning streak. Ogallala, however, finished their regular season by defeating top-ranked Gothenburg 75-61 last week.&nbsp;

Join Canon Rath for tonight's subdistrict battle as #2 Ogallala (11-9) is taking on #3 Hershey (13-8).&nbsp;Our Kwik Stop Pregame coverage is set to begin 5:50pm MT/6:50pm CT with tip off scheduled for 6:00pm MT/7:00pm CT. Listen on Flatrock 100.7 or click here to listen online. &nbsp;

We will carry Fridays subdistrict championship game on Flatrock 100.7. Tip off for Friday is scheduled for 5:00pm MT/6:00pm CT. Follow along our POST SITES for more information regarding Friday's subdistrict final when it becomes available.&nbsp;

Sandhills/North Platte Post&nbsp;GOTHENBURG, NEB. - Postseason action is underway for Class C &amp; D in girls high school hoops and in the C1-11 girls subdistrict, we will have live coverage between the Ogallala Indians as they take on the Hershey Panthers. Live coverage will on Flatrock 100.7 or <a href="https://flatrock1007.com/" target="_blank">click here</a> to listen online.&nbsp;It's a rematch as the two teams faced off back on December 16th, 2023, where Ogallala pulled late in the game to defeat Hershey 55-49. Hershey has a chance for redemption in the opening round of the C1-11 girls subdistricts as they are riding on a two-game winning streak. Ogallala, however, finished their regular season by defeating top-ranked Gothenburg 75-61 last week.&nbsp;Join Canon Rath for tonight's subdistrict battle as #2 Ogallala (11-9) is taking on #3 Hershey (13-8).&nbsp;Our Kwik Stop Pregame coverage is set to begin 5:50pm MT/6:50pm CT with tip off scheduled for 6:00pm MT/7:00pm CT. Listen on Flatrock 100.7 or click here to listen online. &nbsp;We will carry Fridays subdistrict championship game on Flatrock 100.7. Tip off for Friday is scheduled for 5:00pm MT/6:00pm CT. Follow along our POST SITES for more information regarding Friday's subdistrict final when it becomes available.&nbsp;

C1-11 girls subdistricts high school hoops radio coverage: Ogallala vs Hershey

NORTH PLATTE, NE, February 12, 2024 - North Platte Public Schools is pleased to announce Aaron McCoy as its next Activities Director. Mr. McCoy graduated from the University of Nebraska at Kearney with his bachelor’s degree in a Social Science Field Endorsement and a music minor. He then continued his education as he finished his master’s degree for a 7-12 Principalship. 

Mr. McCoy comes to North Platte with plenty of experience. During the past year, Mr. McCoy has served as the Principal at Bertrand Community School. Previous to that, Mr. McCoy was at Overton where he taught, coached, served as Assistant Activities Director, and then Activities Director. 

Mr. McCoy has coached football, basketball, wrestling, and track from junior high remedial skills levels all the way to state champions. Welcome to North Platte Public Schools, Mr. McCoy! Bulldog Country can’t wait for you to get started!

North Platte Public SchoolsNORTH PLATTE, NE, February 12, 2024 - North Platte Public Schools is pleased to announce Aaron McCoy as its next Activities Director. Mr. McCoy graduated from the University of Nebraska at Kearney with his bachelor’s degree in a Social Science Field Endorsement and a music minor. He then continued his education as he finished his master’s degree for a 7-12 Principalship. Mr. McCoy comes to North Platte with plenty of experience. During the past year, Mr. McCoy has served as the Principal at Bertrand Community School. Previous to that, Mr. McCoy was at Overton where he taught, coached, served as Assistant Activities Director, and then Activities Director. Mr. McCoy has coached football, basketball, wrestling, and track from junior high remedial skills levels all the way to state champions. Welcome to North Platte Public Schools, Mr. McCoy! Bulldog Country can’t wait for you to get started!

NPPS Announces New Activities Director

GRAND RAPIDS, MI. –&nbsp;The&nbsp;Omaha Supernovas&nbsp;earned their first road win in franchise history with a 21-25, 33-31, 30-28, 25-21 four-set victory over the Grand Rapids Rise Monday night at Van Andel Arena.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Omaha (2-2) survived 10 Grand Rapids (2-1) set points to come away with a victory to hand Interim Head Coach&nbsp;Laura “Bird” Kuhn&nbsp;her first career win in the Pro Volleyball Federation. Playing in front of a crowd of 4,060, the Supernovas got major contributions from setter&nbsp;Natalia Valentin-Anderson&nbsp;in her first league start. The Puerto Rico Olympian dished out 50 assists, 19 digs and four kills which included the set-ending spike in set two.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Brooke Nuneviller&nbsp;led the Omaha attackers with 18 kills on a .240 clip that also included 10 digs and one ace.&nbsp;Jess Schaben-Lansman&nbsp;had another standout performance with 17 kills on a .260 hitting percentage and 15 digs. Outside hitter&nbsp;Bethania de la Cruz&nbsp;terminated eight balls with 12 digs, but she tortured the Rise from behind the service line with six aces which equals her own Pro Volleyball Federation record for most aces in a single match.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Libero&nbsp;Kendall White&nbsp;recorded 18 digs with five assists while serving substitution&nbsp;Paige Briggs&nbsp;hammered two aces. Middle blocker&nbsp;Hristina Vuchkova&nbsp;finished with eight kills, three blocks and one ace in her Omaha debut.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Former Louisville All-American Claire Chaussee had a match-high 19 kills to lead the Rise while opposite Emiliya Dimitrova totaled 16 and Simone Abbott finished with 15. Starting setter Ashley Evans handed out 43 assists while libero Sarah Sponcil finished with 23 digs.&nbsp;

Omaha hit .198 on the night with 12 blocks and 10 aces. Grand Rapids finished with a .201 hitting percentage, 13 blocks and three aces.&nbsp;&nbsp;

SET 1:&nbsp;The Supernovas shot out to a quick 3-1 behind the league-leading 11th ace of the season by de la Cruz as well as the first kill for Vuchkova in an Omaha uniform. The set escalated from there with Grand Rapids firing back with a 4-1 run to take a 9-6 lead. The Rise would hold an advantage for most of the set, eventually gaining a 19-15 edge with back-to-back kills from Symone and Kayla Caffey. However, Vuchkova found a groove from behind the service line, putting pressure on the Rise passers leading to a 4-0 run - including a Vuchkova ace - to pull within 22-21. After a Grand Rapids timeout, the Rise would close out the set with Marin Grote terminating a set-ending kill to make the final set score 25-21.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Grand Rapids offense rolled hitting .342 compared to Omaha’s .228. Nuneviller led the Supernovas with five kills while Abbott had a set-high six kills. Each team had two blocks with Omaha outpacing Grand Rapids in aces 2-0.&nbsp;

SET 2:&nbsp;In one of the most highly contested sets of the early season, Omaha and Grand Rapids exchanged blows throughout the entire set, not being separated by more than two points. The Supernovas grabbed the upper hand after a Briggs serving sub ace to go ahead 22-20. The Rise rallied behind an Omaha service error, a Scully Shannon ace and a Supernovas hitting error to retake the lead 23-22. After Nuneviller tied the set at 23 with a kill, each team exchanged points in the final stretch. Grand Rapids had five set points but couldn’t capitalize on any.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Following a Rise block to make it 31-30, Nuneviller came up clutch again with a kill to tie it at 31. De la Cruz followed up with a kill as Schaben-Lansman put the finishing touch on an endless second set with her fifth kill of the game to give Omaha a 33-31 set two win to tie the match.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Nuneviller recorded six of her 18 kills in that set while Omaha hit .180 with two blocks and three aces. Grand Rapids hit better at .191 with three blocks and two aces. Dimitrova led the way with eight kills in the set alone.&nbsp;&nbsp;

SET 3:&nbsp;The Supernovas set the tone in the third set following intermission, climbing out to an 8-2 lead thanks to serving runs from Valentín-Anderson and de la Cruz - who had two aces in that stretch. After a Rise timeout, Grand Rapids came back into the fold with a run of their own. Spearheaded by a front row that recorded four blocks, the Rise rallied off a 12-4 run to take the set lead at 14-12, which also included a pair of kills from former ACC Player of the Year Chaussee.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Valentín-Anderson and Schaben-Lansman combined to become the catalyst for a 5-1 Omaha run. Schaben-Lansman came up with a solo block and back-to-back kills to hand the Supernovas the lead back at 17-15. A 6-1 run by Grand Rapids gave the Rise a 21-18 advantage, but another Briggs serving sub ace tied the match at 22. The two teams would split the next 11 points to make it 28-all, which also included four Chaussee kills.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Team captain Nuneviller stepped up when needed most, combining on a block with&nbsp;Tori Dixon&nbsp;to give Omaha set point which was followed by a Valentín-Anderson overpass kill to make the set final 30-28 and give the Supernovas a 2-1 match lead.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Schaben-Lansman recorded seven of her kills in that set with Nuneviller earning five. Omaha had five blocks to go along with three aces. Chaussee led the Rise with five kills while Grand Rapids totaled six blocks and one ace.&nbsp;&nbsp;

SET 4:&nbsp;Omaha earned an early edge at 6-4 but extended that lead to 10-4 with a Nuneviller service run that consisted of a Dixon kill, Nuneviller ace and Dixon coming together with de la Cruz for a block. A consistent theme of the night were the comebacks of the Rise as Grand Rapids rallied from a 13-6 deficit with runs of 4-1 and 7-1 to get within one point at 18-17.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The two teams would exchange rallies as a Grote kill got the Rise to 21-20. Schaben-Lansman slammed down a kill which was followed by a Rise hitting error to make it 23-20. Vuchkova recorded her last of three blocks with a solo stuff to make it match point. Dixon terminated her fourth kill on her sixth swing to give Omaha its first road win in franchise history to secure a 25-21 set-four victory.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Supernovas continue their road trip with their second matchup against the Vegas Thrill on Thursday, February 15 as the Thrill host their first-ever home match. First serve is set for 9 p.m. CST with all the action on the Supernovas Radio Network that can be found on flagship station 93.7 The Ticket, 95.7 The Boss (Omaha), KRVN (Lexington), KOLT (Scottsbluff) and KTOC (West Point).&nbsp;&nbsp;

How it feels to beat Cathy George in her first career Pro Volleyball Federation win:&nbsp;"It was a fun match. We always joke that I think all of us coaches have known each other forever. It's very cool to be able to coach against someone that I've looked up to in my career and just such a legend here. I think this league is so special for so many reasons. The athletes are getting to compete at such a high level, but for us coaches, it's fun to coach a group like this. They're hungry to compete, and they know each other, so it's just like us coaches. That environment tonight and the way they were competing against each other, that was probably one of my favorite matches I've coached."&nbsp;&nbsp;

How Omaha continues its momentum:&nbsp;"I've said this. Our team has resilience but the way they fought back and the character they showed in those moments where we fought off set points that's a gut check for any team. To see them compete and even the Grand Rapids Rise, they were fighting too. Those were earned points and we have talked about that all the time in the gym. It's the way you earn points. To me, that's how you build character and how you build trust in each other. I'm proud of this team and how they fought, and we continue our road trip."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Natalia Valentin-Anderson Quotes&nbsp;

How it feels to play a four-set match that felt like a marathon:&nbsp;"I'm definitely feeling happy. I'm not going to say tired because we just got the win, and the time doesn't matter how long or how short it was. I thought it was a great game overall."&nbsp;

If she's looking forward to playing the Rise again:&nbsp;"For sure. Definitely. Any team that's across the net it's just an opportunity to compete and get better. They're a great team. If the level continues to rise in the league, it's amazing for any team and the future of this league."

Story by Supernovas CommunicationGRAND RAPIDS, MI. –&nbsp;The&nbsp;Omaha Supernovas&nbsp;earned their first road win in franchise history with a 21-25, 33-31, 30-28, 25-21 four-set victory over the Grand Rapids Rise Monday night at Van Andel Arena.&nbsp;&nbsp;Omaha (2-2) survived 10 Grand Rapids (2-1) set points to come away with a victory to hand Interim Head Coach&nbsp;Laura “Bird” Kuhn&nbsp;her first career win in the Pro Volleyball Federation. Playing in front of a crowd of 4,060, the Supernovas got major contributions from setter&nbsp;Natalia Valentin-Anderson&nbsp;in her first league start. The Puerto Rico Olympian dished out 50 assists, 19 digs and four kills which included the set-ending spike in set two.&nbsp;&nbsp;Brooke Nuneviller&nbsp;led the Omaha attackers with 18 kills on a .240 clip that also included 10 digs and one ace.&nbsp;Jess Schaben-Lansman&nbsp;had another standout performance with 17 kills on a .260 hitting percentage and 15 digs. Outside hitter&nbsp;Bethania de la Cruz&nbsp;terminated eight balls with 12 digs, but she tortured the Rise from behind the service line with six aces which equals her own Pro Volleyball Federation record for most aces in a single match.&nbsp;&nbsp;Libero&nbsp;Kendall White&nbsp;recorded 18 digs with five assists while serving substitution&nbsp;Paige Briggs&nbsp;hammered two aces. Middle blocker&nbsp;Hristina Vuchkova&nbsp;finished with eight kills, three blocks and one ace in her Omaha debut.&nbsp;&nbsp;Former Louisville All-American Claire Chaussee had a match-high 19 kills to lead the Rise while opposite Emiliya Dimitrova totaled 16 and Simone Abbott finished with 15. Starting setter Ashley Evans handed out 43 assists while libero Sarah Sponcil finished with 23 digs.&nbsp;Omaha hit .198 on the night with 12 blocks and 10 aces. Grand Rapids finished with a .201 hitting percentage, 13 blocks and three aces.&nbsp;&nbsp;SET 1:&nbsp;The Supernovas shot out to a quick 3-1 behind the league-leading 11th ace of the season by de la Cruz as well as the first kill for Vuchkova in an Omaha uniform. The set escalated from there with Grand Rapids firing back with a 4-1 run to take a 9-6 lead. The Rise would hold an advantage for most of the set, eventually gaining a 19-15 edge with back-to-back kills from Symone and Kayla Caffey. However, Vuchkova found a groove from behind the service line, putting pressure on the Rise passers leading to a 4-0 run - including a Vuchkova ace - to pull within 22-21. After a Grand Rapids timeout, the Rise would close out the set with Marin Grote terminating a set-ending kill to make the final set score 25-21.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Grand Rapids offense rolled hitting .342 compared to Omaha’s .228. Nuneviller led the Supernovas with five kills while Abbott had a set-high six kills. Each team had two blocks with Omaha outpacing Grand Rapids in aces 2-0.&nbsp;SET 2:&nbsp;In one of the most highly contested sets of the early season, Omaha and Grand Rapids exchanged blows throughout the entire set, not being separated by more than two points. The Supernovas grabbed the upper hand after a Briggs serving sub ace to go ahead 22-20. The Rise rallied behind an Omaha service error, a Scully Shannon ace and a Supernovas hitting error to retake the lead 23-22. After Nuneviller tied the set at 23 with a kill, each team exchanged points in the final stretch. Grand Rapids had five set points but couldn’t capitalize on any.&nbsp;&nbsp;Following a Rise block to make it 31-30, Nuneviller came up clutch again with a kill to tie it at 31. De la Cruz followed up with a kill as Schaben-Lansman put the finishing touch on an endless second set with her fifth kill of the game to give Omaha a 33-31 set two win to tie the match.&nbsp;&nbsp;Nuneviller recorded six of her 18 kills in that set while Omaha hit .180 with two blocks and three aces. Grand Rapids hit better at .191 with three blocks and two aces. Dimitrova led the way with eight kills in the set alone.&nbsp;&nbsp;SET 3:&nbsp;The Supernovas set the tone in the third set following intermission, climbing out to an 8-2 lead thanks to serving runs from Valentín-Anderson and de la Cruz - who had two aces in that stretch. After a Rise timeout, Grand Rapids came back into the fold with a run of their own. Spearheaded by a front row that recorded four blocks, the Rise rallied off a 12-4 run to take the set lead at 14-12, which also included a pair of kills from former ACC Player of the Year Chaussee.&nbsp;&nbsp;Valentín-Anderson and Schaben-Lansman combined to become the catalyst for a 5-1 Omaha run. Schaben-Lansman came up with a solo block and back-to-back kills to hand the Supernovas the lead back at 17-15. A 6-1 run by Grand Rapids gave the Rise a 21-18 advantage, but another Briggs serving sub ace tied the match at 22. The two teams would split the next 11 points to make it 28-all, which also included four Chaussee kills.&nbsp;&nbsp;Team captain Nuneviller stepped up when needed most, combining on a block with&nbsp;Tori Dixon&nbsp;to give Omaha set point which was followed by a Valentín-Anderson overpass kill to make the set final 30-28 and give the Supernovas a 2-1 match lead.&nbsp;&nbsp;Schaben-Lansman recorded seven of her kills in that set with Nuneviller earning five. Omaha had five blocks to go along with three aces. Chaussee led the Rise with five kills while Grand Rapids totaled six blocks and one ace.&nbsp;&nbsp;SET 4:&nbsp;Omaha earned an early edge at 6-4 but extended that lead to 10-4 with a Nuneviller service run that consisted of a Dixon kill, Nuneviller ace and Dixon coming together with de la Cruz for a block. A consistent theme of the night were the comebacks of the Rise as Grand Rapids rallied from a 13-6 deficit with runs of 4-1 and 7-1 to get within one point at 18-17.&nbsp;&nbsp;The two teams would exchange rallies as a Grote kill got the Rise to 21-20. Schaben-Lansman slammed down a kill which was followed by a Rise hitting error to make it 23-20. Vuchkova recorded her last of three blocks with a solo stuff to make it match point. Dixon terminated her fourth kill on her sixth swing to give Omaha its first road win in franchise history to secure a 25-21 set-four victory.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Supernovas continue their road trip with their second matchup against the Vegas Thrill on Thursday, February 15 as the Thrill host their first-ever home match. First serve is set for 9 p.m. CST with all the action on the Supernovas Radio Network that can be found on flagship station 93.7 The Ticket, 95.7 The Boss (Omaha), KRVN (Lexington), KOLT (Scottsbluff) and KTOC (West Point).&nbsp;&nbsp;Laura "Bird" Kuhn Quotes:&nbsp;How it feels to beat Cathy George in her first career Pro Volleyball Federation win:&nbsp;"It was a fun match. We always joke that I think all of us coaches have known each other forever. It's very cool to be able to coach against someone that I've looked up to in my career and just such a legend here. I think this league is so special for so many reasons. The athletes are getting to compete at such a high level, but for us coaches, it's fun to coach a group like this. They're hungry to compete, and they know each other, so it's just like us coaches. That environment tonight and the way they were competing against each other, that was probably one of my favorite matches I've coached."&nbsp;&nbsp;How Omaha continues its momentum:&nbsp;"I've said this. Our team has resilience but the way they fought back and the character they showed in those moments where we fought off set points that's a gut check for any team. To see them compete and even the Grand Rapids Rise, they were fighting too. Those were earned points and we have talked about that all the time in the gym. It's the way you earn points. To me, that's how you build character and how you build trust in each other. I'm proud of this team and how they fought, and we continue our road trip."&nbsp;&nbsp;Natalia Valentin-Anderson Quotes&nbsp;How it feels to play a four-set match that felt like a marathon:&nbsp;"I'm definitely feeling happy. I'm not going to say tired because we just got the win, and the time doesn't matter how long or how short it was. I thought it was a great game overall."&nbsp;If she's looking forward to playing the Rise again:&nbsp;"For sure. Definitely. Any team that's across the net it's just an opportunity to compete and get better. They're a great team. If the level continues to rise in the league, it's amazing for any team and the future of this league."

Supernovas upend Rise in four-set marathon 

Area Wrestling District results/State Qualifications 

GRAND ISLAND, NEB. - The best Nebraska boys basketball showcase is upon us as the Ogallala Indians (20-1, #7 C-1) will battle with the Crete Cardinals (19-0, #1 B) this afternoon in the Heartland Event Center in Grand Island.

Listen along with Canon Rath on Flatrock 100.7. Kwik Stop Pregame coverage is set to begin 1:20pm MT/2:20pm CT with tip off scheduled for 1:30pm MT/2:30pm CT. Listen on Flatrock 100.7 or online by <a href="https://flatrock1007.com/">clicking here.</a>

Sandhills PostGRAND ISLAND, NEB. - The best Nebraska boys basketball showcase is upon us as the Ogallala Indians (20-1, #7 C-1) will battle with the Crete Cardinals (19-0, #1 B) this afternoon in the Heartland Event Center in Grand Island.Listen along with Canon Rath on Flatrock 100.7. Kwik Stop Pregame coverage is set to begin 1:20pm MT/2:20pm CT with tip off scheduled for 1:30pm MT/2:30pm CT. Listen on Flatrock 100.7 or online by <a href="https://flatrock1007.com/">clicking here.</a>

2024 Heartland Hoops Classic Radio Coverage: Ogallala vs Crete

High School Basketball - Scottsbluff High School @ North Platte High School

The NSAA released the Girls Basketball sub-district brackets this week; among the favorites from the area this year will be Gothenburg girls team, (16-5) on the year in class C1. The Swedes will host either Chase County or Cozad on Tuesday, February 13. On the other side of that C1-11 sub-district sit's Ogallala (11-9) and Hershey (13-8). Flatrock 100.7 will carry the Ogallala/Hershey game on Tuesday. Maywood-Hayes Center &amp; Paxton are also #1 seeds from the area.&nbsp;

Here are the other brackets featuring teams from our POST area.

The NSAA released the Girls Basketball sub-district brackets this week; among the favorites from the area this year will be Gothenburg girls team, (16-5) on the year in class C1. The Swedes will host either Chase County or Cozad on Tuesday, February 13. On the other side of that C1-11 sub-district sit's Ogallala (11-9) and Hershey (13-8). Flatrock 100.7 will carry the Ogallala/Hershey game on Tuesday. Maywood-Hayes Center &amp; Paxton are also #1 seeds from the area.&nbsp;Here are the other brackets featuring teams from our POST area.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707497481979.png" alt="C2 10" />
 <figcaption>C2 10</figcaption>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707497082183.png" alt="Girls C2 12" />
 <figcaption>Girls C2 12</figcaption>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707497104734.png" alt="Girls D1 11" />
 <figcaption>Girls D1 11</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707497130334.png" alt="Girls D1 12" />
 <figcaption>Girls D1 12</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707497151846.png" alt="Girls D2 9" />
 <figcaption>Girls D2 9</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707497212205.png" alt="Girls D2 10" />
 <figcaption>Girls D2 10</figcaption>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707497184565.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Nebraska Girls Sub-District brackets released: Tournaments begin Monday

The Mid-Plains Community College Rodeo Team will host its annual spring fundraiser rodeo in McCook March 8-9.

Performances are open to the public. They will begin at 7 p.m. each night at the Kiplinger Arena at the Red Willow County Fairgrounds. Slack is scheduled for noon March 8 and at 10 a.m. March 9.

Admission for the regular performances is $10 per person with the exception of children 12 and younger – who will be admitted free.

Concessions and team merchandise will be for sale both days. Proceeds will go toward a combination of scholarships, practice equipment and travel expenses for rodeo team members.

The fundraiser is sanctioned by the Kansas Pro Rodeo Association and the Nebraska State Rodeo Association. It is sponsored in part by a grant from Red Willow County Tourism.

Phillips Rodeo Company is the stock contractor.

Entries can be submitted online at&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasprorodeo.com/" target="_blank">kansasprorodeo.com</a>&nbsp;beginning March 1. They can be called in March 3 to (620) 275-1655 or (620) 260-9845.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707409625951.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Heather JohnsonMPCCThe Mid-Plains Community College Rodeo Team will host its annual spring fundraiser rodeo in McCook March 8-9.Performances are open to the public. They will begin at 7 p.m. each night at the Kiplinger Arena at the Red Willow County Fairgrounds. Slack is scheduled for noon March 8 and at 10 a.m. March 9.Admission for the regular performances is $10 per person with the exception of children 12 and younger – who will be admitted free.Concessions and team merchandise will be for sale both days. Proceeds will go toward a combination of scholarships, practice equipment and travel expenses for rodeo team members.The fundraiser is sanctioned by the Kansas Pro Rodeo Association and the Nebraska State Rodeo Association. It is sponsored in part by a grant from Red Willow County Tourism.Phillips Rodeo Company is the stock contractor.Entries can be submitted online at&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasprorodeo.com/" target="_blank">kansasprorodeo.com</a>&nbsp;beginning March 1. They can be called in March 3 to (620) 275-1655 or (620) 260-9845.

MPCC Rodeo Team spring fundraiser rodeo will be March 8-9

OMAHA, Neb. –&nbsp;Supernovas rookie sensation&nbsp;Paige Briggs&nbsp;exploded for 14 kills and 19 digs in her first career professional start, but Omaha fell to the Vegas Thrill in a five-set thriller 25-19, 23-25, 20-25, 25-18, 12-15 Wednesday at the CHI Health Center.&nbsp;

Two-time Olympian&nbsp;Bethania de la Cruz&nbsp;posted an impressive six aces on the match and sparked numerous service runs for the Supernovas. De la Cruz now has a league-leading 10 aces on the season. She also notched 13 kills, with a .273 hitting percentage. Iowa native&nbsp;Jess Schaben-Lansman&nbsp;added 15 kills, but was also a force at the net with a team-leading four blocks. The Supernovas had 10 total blocks.&nbsp;

Omaha setter&nbsp;Sydney Hilley&nbsp;dished out 40 assists on the night along with a team-high 20 digs. The Supernovas hit .188 in the match with eight aces and 90 total digs.

Thrill middle blocker Molly McCage accounted for eight of the Thrill’s 15 blocks. She contributed offensively as well with 14 kills and a .375 hitting percentage. Hannah Maddux led Vegas with 18 kills and added three blocks.

Vegas setter Alisha Glass Childress completed a double-double with 46 assists and 16 digs. Thrill libero Kylie Murr led the defensive effort with a match-high 28 digs.&nbsp;

Set 1:&nbsp;After a back-and-forth opening set, Hilley pulled the Supernovas’ lead to 9-6 with a block. Omaha middle blocker&nbsp;Danielle Hart&nbsp;added a block of her own after a long rally to bring the score to 15-11. Briggs tallied the final three kills for the Supernovas to secure a 25-19 first-set win. The outside hitter from Ortonville, Mich. led the Supernovas with six kills and posted a .666 hitting percentage. The Supernovas out blocked the Thrill 5-2.

Set 2:&nbsp;Briggs continued her career night with her seventh kill of the match to get the Supernovas off to a 3-1 start. The Thrill forced an Omaha timeout at 15-17 after three consecutive points. A block and a kill by Schaben-Lansman evened the score at 18-18. The Thrill’s McCage contributed three kills to force an Omaha timeout at 23-21. The Thrill ended the set 25-23 off of McCage’s eighth kill of the match.&nbsp;

Set 3:&nbsp;After trailing early in the set, a 6-0 run sparked by a de la Cruz serving clinic forced a Thrill timeout at 12-8. De la Cruz dialed up three aces on the service run for the Supernovas. The Thrill mounted momentum of their own behind Saskia Hippe to force a Supernovas timeout at 17-16. Omaha opposite&nbsp;Nia Reed&nbsp;ended the run with a kill off the block. The Thrill took the 21-18 lead after a trio of Supernovas errors. McCage posted her fourth block of the match to get the Thrill to set point, and Maddux finished the set at 25-20 with a kill. Maddux led the Thrill with five kills and a .417 hitting percentage. McCage added three kills.

Set 4:&nbsp;De la Cruz served up back-to-back aces to give the Supernovas an early 7-3 lead. Briggs found the floor on a crafty second-ball kill to extend the Omaha lead. A 4-0 service run by Layne Van Buskirk forced a Supernovas timeout at 19-13. Up against set point, the Thrill committed a service error to give the Supernovas a 25-18 set win. De la Cruz totaled five kills on the set. Briggs and Schaben-Lansman each added three.

Set 5:&nbsp;Schaben-Lansman tallied her 13th kill of the match to put the Supernovas up 5-1. A block and a kill by McCage cut the lead to 8-7. A Maddux kill gave the Thrill their first lead of the set at 9-8. Another Maddux kill extended the Trill lead to 13-10. De La Cruz answered with her 13th kill of the match. An Omaha error brought the Thrill to match point and Hippe ended the match 15-12.

The Supernovas hit the road for their first away match of the season. They will face off with the Grand Rapids Rise at 6 p.m. (CT) at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Mich.

Geoff ExstromOmaha SupernovasOMAHA, Neb. –&nbsp;Supernovas rookie sensation&nbsp;Paige Briggs&nbsp;exploded for 14 kills and 19 digs in her first career professional start, but Omaha fell to the Vegas Thrill in a five-set thriller 25-19, 23-25, 20-25, 25-18, 12-15 Wednesday at the CHI Health Center.&nbsp;Two-time Olympian&nbsp;Bethania de la Cruz&nbsp;posted an impressive six aces on the match and sparked numerous service runs for the Supernovas. De la Cruz now has a league-leading 10 aces on the season. She also notched 13 kills, with a .273 hitting percentage. Iowa native&nbsp;Jess Schaben-Lansman&nbsp;added 15 kills, but was also a force at the net with a team-leading four blocks. The Supernovas had 10 total blocks.&nbsp;Omaha setter&nbsp;Sydney Hilley&nbsp;dished out 40 assists on the night along with a team-high 20 digs. The Supernovas hit .188 in the match with eight aces and 90 total digs.Thrill middle blocker Molly McCage accounted for eight of the Thrill’s 15 blocks. She contributed offensively as well with 14 kills and a .375 hitting percentage. Hannah Maddux led Vegas with 18 kills and added three blocks.Vegas setter Alisha Glass Childress completed a double-double with 46 assists and 16 digs. Thrill libero Kylie Murr led the defensive effort with a match-high 28 digs.&nbsp;Set 1:&nbsp;After a back-and-forth opening set, Hilley pulled the Supernovas’ lead to 9-6 with a block. Omaha middle blocker&nbsp;Danielle Hart&nbsp;added a block of her own after a long rally to bring the score to 15-11. Briggs tallied the final three kills for the Supernovas to secure a 25-19 first-set win. The outside hitter from Ortonville, Mich. led the Supernovas with six kills and posted a .666 hitting percentage. The Supernovas out blocked the Thrill 5-2.Set 2:&nbsp;Briggs continued her career night with her seventh kill of the match to get the Supernovas off to a 3-1 start. The Thrill forced an Omaha timeout at 15-17 after three consecutive points. A block and a kill by Schaben-Lansman evened the score at 18-18. The Thrill’s McCage contributed three kills to force an Omaha timeout at 23-21. The Thrill ended the set 25-23 off of McCage’s eighth kill of the match.&nbsp;Set 3:&nbsp;After trailing early in the set, a 6-0 run sparked by a de la Cruz serving clinic forced a Thrill timeout at 12-8. De la Cruz dialed up three aces on the service run for the Supernovas. The Thrill mounted momentum of their own behind Saskia Hippe to force a Supernovas timeout at 17-16. Omaha opposite&nbsp;Nia Reed&nbsp;ended the run with a kill off the block. The Thrill took the 21-18 lead after a trio of Supernovas errors. McCage posted her fourth block of the match to get the Thrill to set point, and Maddux finished the set at 25-20 with a kill. Maddux led the Thrill with five kills and a .417 hitting percentage. McCage added three kills.Set 4:&nbsp;De la Cruz served up back-to-back aces to give the Supernovas an early 7-3 lead. Briggs found the floor on a crafty second-ball kill to extend the Omaha lead. A 4-0 service run by Layne Van Buskirk forced a Supernovas timeout at 19-13. Up against set point, the Thrill committed a service error to give the Supernovas a 25-18 set win. De la Cruz totaled five kills on the set. Briggs and Schaben-Lansman each added three.Set 5:&nbsp;Schaben-Lansman tallied her 13th kill of the match to put the Supernovas up 5-1. A block and a kill by McCage cut the lead to 8-7. A Maddux kill gave the Thrill their first lead of the set at 9-8. Another Maddux kill extended the Trill lead to 13-10. De La Cruz answered with her 13th kill of the match. An Omaha error brought the Thrill to match point and Hippe ended the match 15-12.The Supernovas hit the road for their first away match of the season. They will face off with the Grand Rapids Rise at 6 p.m. (CT) at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Mich.

Paige Briggs Explodes in First Career Start as Omaha Falls to Vegas in Five-Set Thriller 

OGALLALA, NEB. - Family, friends, classmates, community members were all in attendance at the Ogallala High School Performing Arts Center to watch Ogallala Senior Harry Caskey to sign his national letter of intent to continue his football and academic career at Air Force.&nbsp;

Caskey, who was recruited as an athlete, will be playing outside linebacker for the Falcons. He committed to Air Force on September 8th, 2023, before the Cozad game. During his senior season, Caskey was a dominate force on both sides of the ball. 

Offensively, he would finish with 1,132 rushing yards while finding the endzone twelve times. He joined fellow senior Caden Rezac with over 1,000 rushing yards on the season. Defensively, Caskey led the team with 72 total tackles.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Brown, South Dakota, Dartmouth, Northwest Missouri State are just a few schools who offered scholarships. Caskey, who recently had hand surgery, is out for the basketball season but will be healed and ready to go by June.&nbsp;

Harry Caskey announces he will be signing with Air Force.

Harry Caskey talks with media about his decision to commit to Air Force.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707349740549.jpeg" alt="Harry Caskey, family, and Ogallala football head coach Brent Bauer. (Photo taken by Canon Rath/Sandhills Post)" />
 <figcaption>Harry Caskey, family, and Ogallala football head coach Brent Bauer. (Photo taken by Canon Rath/Sandhills Post)</figcaption>
 </figure>Sandhills Post&nbsp;OGALLALA, NEB. - Family, friends, classmates, community members were all in attendance at the Ogallala High School Performing Arts Center to watch Ogallala Senior Harry Caskey to sign his national letter of intent to continue his football and academic career at Air Force.&nbsp;Caskey, who was recruited as an athlete, will be playing outside linebacker for the Falcons. He committed to Air Force on September 8th, 2023, before the Cozad game. During his senior season, Caskey was a dominate force on both sides of the ball. Offensively, he would finish with 1,132 rushing yards while finding the endzone twelve times. He joined fellow senior Caden Rezac with over 1,000 rushing yards on the season. Defensively, Caskey led the team with 72 total tackles.&nbsp;&nbsp;Brown, South Dakota, Dartmouth, Northwest Missouri State are just a few schools who offered scholarships. Caskey, who recently had hand surgery, is out for the basketball season but will be healed and ready to go by June.&nbsp;<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uTLLTOH5bho?si=U-PIp7QUEEPCY27L" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Harry Caskey announces he will be signing with Air Force.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/c4YU1gGd-k0?si=TkWChGcl9Vkeoq8d" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Harry Caskey talks with media about his decision to commit to Air Force.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Signed. <a href="https://twitter.com/AF_Football?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AF_Football</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AF_FBRecruiting?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AF_FBRecruiting</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachTCalhoun?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachTCalhoun</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachWhit_AFA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachWhit_AFA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachAlexMeans?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachAlexMeans</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachKPearsonAF?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachKPearsonAF</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/OGIndians?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OGIndians</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/OgallalaFB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OgallalaFB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/KNOPNews2?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KNOPNews2</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MarkoJerkovicTV?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MarkoJerkovicTV</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/NEBHSFB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NEBHSFB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Falcon8fan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Falcon8fan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BrentBriggeman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BrentBriggeman</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AllenTrieu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AllenTrieu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/mikejschaefer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mikejschaefer</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkerThune?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ParkerThune</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/GregSmithRivals?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GregSmithRivals</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BryanMunson_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BryanMunson_</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Sean_Callahan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Sean_Callahan</a> ⚡️ <a href="https://t.co/FbViEntV2I">pic.twitter.com/FbViEntV2I</a>&mdash; Harry Caskey (@Harry7Caskey) <a href="https://twitter.com/Harry7Caskey/status/1755369344874209394?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Ogallala Senior Harry Caskey signs with Air Force to continue academic and football career

Kearney, Neb. –&nbsp;Nebraska Kearney head football coach&nbsp;Ryan Held&nbsp;announced that&nbsp;Tyler Harris&nbsp;is the Lopers new wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator. He replaces Moses Harper who was named head coach at Division II Lincoln (Mo.) University last month.&nbsp;

Harris, a native of Andover, Kan., is no stranger to the MIAA as he spent the last seven years at Emporia State as a player, graduate assistant coach, assistant coach and recruiting coordinator.

&nbsp; Beginning his playing career at Hutchinson (Kan.) C.C., Harris was an All-MIAA receiver in 2018 before transitioning to a GA role where he led the Hornet outside receivers for two years. He then was tabbed for a full-time role prior to the 2021 season, serving as receivers coach/recruiting coordinator. His recruiting territory was Southwestern Kansas, Wichita, Kansas junior colleges, Oklahoma City, and the Dallas Metroplex.

"I'm very excited to have Tyler and his wife, Kailey, join the UNK Football Family. Tyler is a very talented coach that has had a proven track record of developing wide receivers," said Held. "He understands the MIAA Conference and he will help us elevate on offense as we go into our second year as a staff. &nbsp;We fired up for him to be a Loper!"

&nbsp; Harris was an integral part of the Hornets quick and potent passing attack as he coached standout receivers Jaylen Varner, Tyler Kahmann, Corey Thomas and Cole Schumacher, among others. Each earned All-MIAA honors in their career with Varner, Kahmann and Thomas being first-team selections. In 2023 Varner and Thomas both went over 1,000 receiving yards and combined for 32 receiving touchdowns. Varner has since transferred to Minnesota with Kahmann earning Academic All-American honors.

Emporia is coming off back-to-back 9-3 seasons and has made three straight bowl games. As a player, Harris helped the Hornets win the 2018 Corsicana (Texas) Bowl. He finished the year with 57 catches for 829 yards and a MIAA-best 14 receiving TD's.

Harris graduated from Andover Central High School and received a Marketing degree from Emporia State in 2018.

UNK announced its Class of 2024 as part of Division II signing day. Spring practice starts at the end of March; a complete workout schedule is TBA.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707402697218.jpeg" alt="Tyler Harris (Photo from UNK Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Tyler Harris (Photo from UNK Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>Kearney, Neb. –&nbsp;Nebraska Kearney head football coach&nbsp;Ryan Held&nbsp;announced that&nbsp;Tyler Harris&nbsp;is the Lopers new wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator. He replaces Moses Harper who was named head coach at Division II Lincoln (Mo.) University last month.&nbsp;Harris, a native of Andover, Kan., is no stranger to the MIAA as he spent the last seven years at Emporia State as a player, graduate assistant coach, assistant coach and recruiting coordinator.&nbsp; Beginning his playing career at Hutchinson (Kan.) C.C., Harris was an All-MIAA receiver in 2018 before transitioning to a GA role where he led the Hornet outside receivers for two years. He then was tabbed for a full-time role prior to the 2021 season, serving as receivers coach/recruiting coordinator. His recruiting territory was Southwestern Kansas, Wichita, Kansas junior colleges, Oklahoma City, and the Dallas Metroplex."I'm very excited to have Tyler and his wife, Kailey, join the UNK Football Family. Tyler is a very talented coach that has had a proven track record of developing wide receivers," said Held. "He understands the MIAA Conference and he will help us elevate on offense as we go into our second year as a staff. &nbsp;We fired up for him to be a Loper!"&nbsp; Harris was an integral part of the Hornets quick and potent passing attack as he coached standout receivers Jaylen Varner, Tyler Kahmann, Corey Thomas and Cole Schumacher, among others. Each earned All-MIAA honors in their career with Varner, Kahmann and Thomas being first-team selections. In 2023 Varner and Thomas both went over 1,000 receiving yards and combined for 32 receiving touchdowns. Varner has since transferred to Minnesota with Kahmann earning Academic All-American honors.Emporia is coming off back-to-back 9-3 seasons and has made three straight bowl games. As a player, Harris helped the Hornets win the 2018 Corsicana (Texas) Bowl. He finished the year with 57 catches for 829 yards and a MIAA-best 14 receiving TD's.Harris graduated from Andover Central High School and received a Marketing degree from Emporia State in 2018.UNK announced its Class of 2024 as part of Division II signing day. Spring practice starts at the end of March; a complete workout schedule is TBA.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tyler Harris announced as Lopers new wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator

A Nebraska softball program that hasn't won a conference championship in 10 years enters this spring believing it can win a national championship.

A program that couldn't fill its stadium to even half of capacity last year is rushing to add seats and still won't be able to meet ticket demand.

A program that hasn't appeared in the preseason Top 25 since 2015 shows up in all four major polls, between Nos. 13-18, and is the highest-ranked in the Big Ten.

“I know there’s a lot of excitement; that’s not lost on us,” coach Rhonda Revelle said. “I mean, you can’t lie. We’re at practice, there’s construction going on, and they’re trying to accommodate more fans, so it’s not like it’s invisible to us.”

The Cornhuskers bring back all the top players from the 36-22 team that made an NCAA regional for a second straight year. But make no mistake: their sudden popularity is attributable to Bahl.

Bahl grew up in the Omaha suburb of Papillion and strongly considered going to Nebraska out of high school before picking the powerhouse Sooners. She went 44-2, won two national titles and was Big 12 pitcher of the year and a first-team All-American each year.

She cited homesickness and a desire to help grow the sport in the state of Nebraska when she announced her decision to leave OU after two years.

Bahl demurred when asked how she handles being in the spotlight in Lincoln.

“I don’t think I’ve ever looked at it that way,” she said. "It’s just our team, and we show up and we go to work every day, and that’s just how it is.”

In the days following her transfer, Nebraska received requests for more than 2,000 new season tickets. The Huskers, who averaged 1,000 fans per game at 2,530-seat Bowlin Stadium last season, immediately made plans to get capacity over 3,000 before the March 1 home opener.

“I think it makes us excited because it just shows how our game is growing, and it’s an awesome feeling to just know that the people of Nebraska are excited to come and watch softball," Bahl said. “And we’re all working really hard to try to make it a fun show to watch.”

Bahl has had no difficulty fitting in. There are six other native Nebraskans on the roster, she was a club teammate with standout shortstop Billie Andrews and knows other players from summer ball.

“She’s a great person off the field, and I think that just bleeds into who she is on the field,” Andrews said. “And we know when we go out there and play, we’ve got her back and she’s got ours. She’s a great addition to this team.”

The Huskers open at a tournament in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, on Thursday against Washington, which is ranked as high as No. 7. The pitching matchup could pit Bahl against a fellow Nebraskan in Ruby Meylan, a preseason second-team All-American from Omaha.

The Huskers will play another nationally ranked team in Duke on Friday, and they have nonconference games later this month against Top 25 opponents and future Big Ten members UCLA and Oregon.

It's a schedule designed to prepare the Huskers for conference play and beyond.

“Our goal," Bahl said, “is to be the last team standing."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707320241428.jpeg" alt="ebraska'Ns Jordy Bahl throws during softball practice Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023, at Bowlin Stadium in Lincoln, Neb. A Nebraska softball program that hasn't won a conference championship in 10 years enters this spring believing it can win a national championship. Call it the “Jordy Bahl Effect.” (Nikos Frazier/Omaha World-Herald via AP)" />
 <figcaption>ebraska'Ns Jordy Bahl throws during softball practice Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023, at Bowlin Stadium in Lincoln, Neb. A Nebraska softball program that hasn't won a conference championship in 10 years enters this spring believing it can win a national championship. Call it the “Jordy Bahl Effect.” (Nikos Frazier/Omaha World-Herald via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>Eric OlsonAssociated&nbsp;PressCall it the “Jordy Bahl Effect.”A Nebraska softball program that hasn't won a conference championship in 10 years enters this spring believing it can win a national championship.A program that couldn't fill its stadium to even half of capacity last year is rushing to add seats and still won't be able to meet ticket demand.A program that hasn't appeared in the preseason Top 25 since 2015 shows up in all four major polls, between Nos. 13-18, and is the highest-ranked in the Big Ten.“I know there’s a lot of excitement; that’s not lost on us,” coach Rhonda Revelle said. “I mean, you can’t lie. We’re at practice, there’s construction going on, and they’re trying to accommodate more fans, so it’s not like it’s invisible to us.”The Cornhuskers bring back all the top players from the 36-22 team that made an NCAA regional for a second straight year. But make no mistake: their sudden popularity is attributable to Bahl.The two-time All-America pitcher shocked the college softball world last June when, a week after she led Oklahoma to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ncaa-softball-oklahoma-florida-state-b9075d910505fdc6d4ddd11c35996972">third straight national championship</a>&nbsp;and was named Most Outstanding Player in the Women’s College World Series, she announced she would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nebraska-oklahoma-softball-jordy-bahl-e3a8f46d4a53f0c2f1af539a4f2652bc">transfer to her home-state school.</a>Bahl grew up in the Omaha suburb of Papillion and strongly considered going to Nebraska out of high school before picking the powerhouse Sooners. She went 44-2, won two national titles and was Big 12 pitcher of the year and a first-team All-American each year.She cited homesickness and a desire to help grow the sport in the state of Nebraska when she announced her decision to leave OU after two years.Bahl demurred when asked how she handles being in the spotlight in Lincoln.“I don’t think I’ve ever looked at it that way,” she said. "It’s just our team, and we show up and we go to work every day, and that’s just how it is.”The evidence suggests otherwise.In the days following her transfer, Nebraska received requests for more than 2,000 new season tickets. The Huskers, who averaged 1,000 fans per game at 2,530-seat Bowlin Stadium last season, immediately made plans to get capacity over 3,000 before the March 1 home opener.“I think it makes us excited because it just shows how our game is growing, and it’s an awesome feeling to just know that the people of Nebraska are excited to come and watch softball," Bahl said. “And we’re all working really hard to try to make it a fun show to watch.”Bahl has had no difficulty fitting in. There are six other native Nebraskans on the roster, she was a club teammate with standout shortstop Billie Andrews and knows other players from summer ball.“She’s a great person off the field, and I think that just bleeds into who she is on the field,” Andrews said. “And we know when we go out there and play, we’ve got her back and she’s got ours. She’s a great addition to this team.”The Huskers open at a tournament in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, on Thursday against Washington, which is ranked as high as No. 7. The pitching matchup could pit Bahl against a fellow Nebraskan in Ruby Meylan, a preseason second-team All-American from Omaha.The Huskers will play another nationally ranked team in Duke on Friday, and they have nonconference games later this month against Top 25 opponents and future Big Ten members UCLA and Oregon.It's a schedule designed to prepare the Huskers for conference play and beyond.“Our goal," Bahl said, “is to be the last team standing."

Jordy Bahl's move to Nebraska creates overwhelming softball ticket demand and national title hopes

North Platte, Neb. – North Platte dominates Central Community College in the second half for an 89-61 win inside the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium on Tuesday night.

Parker Baumann scored all 26 points in the second half, while knocking down four from long range to lead three North Platte players in double figures. Davion Evans chipped in 21 points off the bench, while Bryce Baez scored 13 points on 5-of-11 shooting from the floor.&nbsp;

Knights quickly erased the one-point deficit in the opening minutes of the second half, as Baumann tallied six points during the 8-3 run. North Platte continued to hold the momentum despite Central tying the game up at 50-50 with 12:31 remaining.

The margin stayed within two possessions for the next three minutes until a 16-2 run helped the Knights pull away for good. Baumann and Evans each scored eight points during the stretch, as stellar defense assisted in propelling North Platte out front.

Knights continued to add to their lead over the final five minutes as they put the finishing touches on their fourth Nebraska Community College Athletic Conference win of the season.

North Platte shot 39.3 percent (11-28) from the field in the first half but countered to shoot 22-of-36 (.611) over the final twenty minutes.&nbsp;

North Platte (11-11, 4-1 NCCAC) will return to Region IX action against Lamar Community College on Friday. Tip is set for 8 p.m. in Lamar, Colo.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707314841711.jpeg" alt="Parker Baumann turns the corner after receiving a screen from Bryce Baez in the second half against Central Community College on Tuesday. (Daniel Stinman, Mid-Plains Community College)" />
 <figcaption>Parker Baumann turns the corner after receiving a screen from Bryce Baez in the second half against Central Community College on Tuesday. (Daniel Stinman, Mid-Plains Community College)</figcaption>
 </figure>NPCCNorth Platte, Neb. – North Platte dominates Central Community College in the second half for an 89-61 win inside the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium on Tuesday night.Parker Baumann scored all 26 points in the second half, while knocking down four from long range to lead three North Platte players in double figures. Davion Evans chipped in 21 points off the bench, while Bryce Baez scored 13 points on 5-of-11 shooting from the floor.&nbsp;Knights quickly erased the one-point deficit in the opening minutes of the second half, as Baumann tallied six points during the 8-3 run. North Platte continued to hold the momentum despite Central tying the game up at 50-50 with 12:31 remaining.The margin stayed within two possessions for the next three minutes until a 16-2 run helped the Knights pull away for good. Baumann and Evans each scored eight points during the stretch, as stellar defense assisted in propelling North Platte out front.Knights continued to add to their lead over the final five minutes as they put the finishing touches on their fourth Nebraska Community College Athletic Conference win of the season.North Platte shot 39.3 percent (11-28) from the field in the first half but countered to shoot 22-of-36 (.611) over the final twenty minutes.&nbsp;North Platte (11-11, 4-1 NCCAC) will return to Region IX action against Lamar Community College on Friday. Tip is set for 8 p.m. in Lamar, Colo.&nbsp;

Big second half aids in Knights win over Raiders

North Platte, Neb. – North Platte Community College to host National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) on Saturday, Feb. 10.

National Girls and Women in Sports Day honors the achievements of girls and women in sports by acknowledging the power of sports that unlock their limitless potential.

The athletic department will offer free admission to the women’s basketball game at 2 p.m. for youth and high school girl’s teams and coaches, while concluding all festivities with a special autograph signing with the women’s basketball team following the game.

Reserve your tickets by calling Jeff Thurman at 308-535-3756.

NPCCNorth Platte, Neb. – North Platte Community College to host National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) on Saturday, Feb. 10.National Girls and Women in Sports Day honors the achievements of girls and women in sports by acknowledging the power of sports that unlock their limitless potential.The athletic department will offer free admission to the women’s basketball game at 2 p.m. for youth and high school girl’s teams and coaches, while concluding all festivities with a special autograph signing with the women’s basketball team following the game.Reserve your tickets by calling Jeff Thurman at 308-535-3756.

Knights to celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day

Collier Becomes Advisor to the Organization, Kuhn Named Interim Head Coach, Schmidt Joins as Assistant Coach and Operations Assistant

OMAHA, Neb.&nbsp;– Today, the Omaha Supernovas announced head coach Shelton Collier will serve as an Advisor to the Organization, and named assistant coach, Laura “Bird” Kuhn, as the interim Head Coach. Additionally, former Creighton volleyball standout, Jazz Schmidt, joins the Supernovas’ impressive coaching staff as an assistant coach and operations assistant.&nbsp;

“With the Supernovas off to a tremendous start, we need to expand our operations in preparations for our immediate future needs. We are fortunate to have Coach Collier’s experience in moving into this role as Advisor to the Organization,” Supernovas President,&nbsp;Diane Mendenhall, said. “As Head Coach, Shelton has been a vital part of the formation of this team; helping us recruit a world-class roster that Omaha and our state have embraced. He also assembled an extremely talented coaching staff, whose collective skill sets, experience and dynamics, will continue to elevate the momentum in building a championship franchise.”&nbsp;

This coaching staff expansion comes at a vital time for the Supernovas as the franchise operationalizes the next phase of the organization’s growth. In his new role, Collier will be evaluating players throughout the nation and internationally as Omaha prepares for the upcoming free agency and the Pro Volleyball Federation Draft. With Kuhn serving as interim head coach, a national search is underway for a permanent head coach.&nbsp;

Collier&nbsp;said, “I am appreciative of the opportunity to have been the head coach for the Supernovas. I am proud of the talented roster we assembled and am very proud of the teams' development and performance. The players receive tremendous support from the ownership group, the staff, the media, and the incredible fans, and they are well-positioned for a championship run this season and, in the future, as well. I have great confidence and respect for Bird. I am also extremely excited about the short term and long-term success of the Pro Volleyball Federation and am looking forward to seeing this league grow and expand this year and for years to come.”&nbsp;

On Kuhn,&nbsp;Mendenhall&nbsp;shared, “We are thrilled Coach Kuhn has agreed to step into the interim Head Coach position, allowing us to internally grow the structure of our organization for this next phase. She has been a vital part of our team as our lead Assistant Coach and along with her coaching duties, she has served in the key role as the player relations coach building our tremendous team culture. Her valuable experience as a highly respected head coach and collegiate player has been a vital element in the launch of the Supernovas. Additionally, we have tremendous assistants in place, allowing us the time and opportunity to conduct a national search."

Kuhn brings valuable leadership experience to the Supernovas as she steps into the new role, serving as the head coach for the Texas A&amp;M volleyball program from 2018-2022. Kuhn was named the 2019 SEC Coach of the Year after leading the Aggies to a Sweet 16 appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Prior to Texas A&amp;M, Kuhn established herself as one of the top assistants in the country, winning the 2015 AVCA National Assistant of the Year, as the Associate Head Coach at the University of Kansas where she helped the team reach its first Final Four in school history.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kuhn&nbsp;shared, “I am beyond grateful for the opportunity Coach Collier has created for me and the mentorship he will continue to provide as we trailblaze the path for our sport.&nbsp;He put his time and talents into building this team and has set this organization up for success.&nbsp; We have some of the best athletes in the world playing here in Omaha, and we are making history in the United States in this inaugural season of the Pro Volleyball Federation. There are very few times in life that we are able to do something for the first time, and I am pleased to be able to continue supporting this historic effort as interim head coach.”&nbsp;

Kuhn is assisted by talented, veteran coaches who, together, form one of the top coaching staffs in the Pro Volleyball Federation. Assistant coaches John Xie, John Corbelli and Technical Coordinator Thomas Robson are volleyball veterans with vast international and collegiate experience.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Additionally, former Creighton star Jazz Schimdt has joined the Supernovas as assistant coach and operations assistant. Schmidt was an All-American opposite and setter during her time at Division II Palm Beach Atlantic University before transferring to Creighton for her final collegiate season in 2022.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kuhn&nbsp;said, “Jazz is a natural connector and has seamlessly made her presence felt within this organization.&nbsp; She has been an absolute joy to have in the gym and will serve as a great player-coach moving forward.&nbsp; Her energy and insights will only make our organization stronger.”&nbsp;

Schmidt&nbsp;shared, “I am beyond grateful and honored to have the opportunity to be part of the Supernovas organization in the inaugural pro volleyball season. I have found so much joy in this team from the beginning of Minicamp though Training Camp, and I am excited to continue working with this talented group of athletes and people that we have here in Omaha! Especially as a Bluejay, it is incredibly special to be a part of bringing professional volleyball to Nebraska.”&nbsp;

Xie has worked with USA Volleyball for more than 20 years and serves as the Director of Operations and Assistant Coach, which includes multiple roles on the gold-medal winning 2020 Tokyo Olympic team.&nbsp;

Corbelli has been coaching volleyball since 1981 serving as an assistant coach at the University of Nebraska, USA Volleyball and Associate Head Coach at Texas A&amp;M. That also includes a stint as Head Coach for San Jose State University.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Robson currently serves as the Technical Coordinator for the Supernovas and brings his expertise from his time with the University of Wisconsin Volleyball program, and then leading the NAIA volleyball powerhouse, Viterbo University.&nbsp;

The Supernovas earned their first win in franchise history against the San Diego Mojo on Saturday, February 3, while setting U.S. pro volleyball attendance records of over 11,000 in attendance for each of their first two matches. The Supernovas will return to the court on Wednesday, February 7, hosting the Vegas Thrill at the CHI Health Center with first serve set for 7:00 p.m. CST.&nbsp;

The Supernovas are one of seven U.S. teams for the 2024&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001tHihknoo4bCsngXJn8UgfiyBJSUCjyQvQ90vd06Iq-kY0DbvwvVoGbH-GaNy2aQeFp_EJOd3FHiB7FHVF-crFET4TkzrSYWEawOv4TzYc4nNcOeIW_2djdds2HEZsyRBVht0KHbAmsnPNEz3sjSjVg==&amp;c=p3C_O7E1oP-zYQnWmj9nQoe2y4BduVvZG30JAYZyY25hawjw-Qa57A==&amp;ch=Is1df7iIzR99_cnW_jku1Z_RPn5OxwRXSSk6n9g2iA2BXzxMgIY60A==" target="_blank">Pro Volleyball Federation</a>&nbsp;inaugural season: Omaha Supernovas, Atlanta Vibe, Columbus Fury, Grand Rapids Rise, Orlando Valkyries, San Diego Mojo and Vegas Thrill. Three expansion teams, Dallas Pro Volleyball, Indianapolis Pro Volleyball and Kansas City Pro Volleyball, have been announced for 2025. This year, the Supernovas have 12 home and 12 away matches as part of a 24-match schedule across a 16-week regular season.&nbsp;&nbsp;

When the regular season concludes, the Supernovas are aiming to be in the top four teams competing for the Pro Volleyball Federation National Championship in May. The location of the championship will be determined and announced later this season.&nbsp;

The Omaha Supernovas aims to be the premier home of professional volleyball throughout the world. The team is owned by global music sensation Jason Derulo, as well as business leaders and entrepreneurs Danny White and Chris Erickson, co-founders of City+Ventures, an investment and business acceleration organization headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska. More team information is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001tHihknoo4bCsngXJn8UgfiyBJSUCjyQvQ90vd06Iq-kY0DbvwvVoGbH-GaNy2aQeFp_EJOd3FHiB7FHVF-crFET4TkzrSYWEawOv4TzYc4nNcOeIW_2djdds2HEZsyRBVht0KHbAmsnPNEz3sjSjVg==&amp;c=p3C_O7E1oP-zYQnWmj9nQoe2y4BduVvZG30JAYZyY25hawjw-Qa57A==&amp;ch=Is1df7iIzR99_cnW_jku1Z_RPn5OxwRXSSk6n9g2iA2BXzxMgIY60A==" target="_blank">Supernovas.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Pro Volleyball Federation is REAL PRO VOLLEYBALL and the premier women’s professional volleyball league in North America. Pro Volleyball Federation began play in January 2024 with world class players and coaches, including some of America’s greatest volleyball players and elite players from around the world. Our focus is on ensuring that the level and quality of play, treatment of players, quality of event presentations and the daily fan experience is world class and the best offered in North America. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001tHihknoo4bCsngXJn8UgfiyBJSUCjyQvQ90vd06Iq-kY0DbvwvVoGbH-GaNy2aQelBK-i7CjzDALy3MEHGKE2fvc5Q_PhbJLY9TRpWR601s_AHOuiiLT3hUuxMLGLvazV-H-UHoayD3Tojphw07_MQ==&amp;c=p3C_O7E1oP-zYQnWmj9nQoe2y4BduVvZG30JAYZyY25hawjw-Qa57A==&amp;ch=Is1df7iIzR99_cnW_jku1Z_RPn5OxwRXSSk6n9g2iA2BXzxMgIY60A==" target="_blank">ProVolleyball.com</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707247138007.jpeg" alt="Laura “Bird” Kuhn" />
 <figcaption>Laura “Bird” Kuhn</figcaption>
 </figure>Geoff ExstromOmaha SupernovasCollier Becomes Advisor to the Organization, Kuhn Named Interim Head Coach, Schmidt Joins as Assistant Coach and Operations AssistantOMAHA, Neb.&nbsp;– Today, the Omaha Supernovas announced head coach Shelton Collier will serve as an Advisor to the Organization, and named assistant coach, Laura “Bird” Kuhn, as the interim Head Coach. Additionally, former Creighton volleyball standout, Jazz Schmidt, joins the Supernovas’ impressive coaching staff as an assistant coach and operations assistant.&nbsp;“With the Supernovas off to a tremendous start, we need to expand our operations in preparations for our immediate future needs. We are fortunate to have Coach Collier’s experience in moving into this role as Advisor to the Organization,” Supernovas President,&nbsp;Diane Mendenhall, said. “As Head Coach, Shelton has been a vital part of the formation of this team; helping us recruit a world-class roster that Omaha and our state have embraced. He also assembled an extremely talented coaching staff, whose collective skill sets, experience and dynamics, will continue to elevate the momentum in building a championship franchise.”&nbsp;This coaching staff expansion comes at a vital time for the Supernovas as the franchise operationalizes the next phase of the organization’s growth. In his new role, Collier will be evaluating players throughout the nation and internationally as Omaha prepares for the upcoming free agency and the Pro Volleyball Federation Draft. With Kuhn serving as interim head coach, a national search is underway for a permanent head coach.&nbsp;Collier&nbsp;said, “I am appreciative of the opportunity to have been the head coach for the Supernovas. I am proud of the talented roster we assembled and am very proud of the teams' development and performance. The players receive tremendous support from the ownership group, the staff, the media, and the incredible fans, and they are well-positioned for a championship run this season and, in the future, as well. I have great confidence and respect for Bird. I am also extremely excited about the short term and long-term success of the Pro Volleyball Federation and am looking forward to seeing this league grow and expand this year and for years to come.”&nbsp;On Kuhn,&nbsp;Mendenhall&nbsp;shared, “We are thrilled Coach Kuhn has agreed to step into the interim Head Coach position, allowing us to internally grow the structure of our organization for this next phase. She has been a vital part of our team as our lead Assistant Coach and along with her coaching duties, she has served in the key role as the player relations coach building our tremendous team culture. Her valuable experience as a highly respected head coach and collegiate player has been a vital element in the launch of the Supernovas. Additionally, we have tremendous assistants in place, allowing us the time and opportunity to conduct a national search."Kuhn brings valuable leadership experience to the Supernovas as she steps into the new role, serving as the head coach for the Texas A&amp;M volleyball program from 2018-2022. Kuhn was named the 2019 SEC Coach of the Year after leading the Aggies to a Sweet 16 appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Prior to Texas A&amp;M, Kuhn established herself as one of the top assistants in the country, winning the 2015 AVCA National Assistant of the Year, as the Associate Head Coach at the University of Kansas where she helped the team reach its first Final Four in school history.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kuhn&nbsp;shared, “I am beyond grateful for the opportunity Coach Collier has created for me and the mentorship he will continue to provide as we trailblaze the path for our sport.&nbsp;He put his time and talents into building this team and has set this organization up for success.&nbsp; We have some of the best athletes in the world playing here in Omaha, and we are making history in the United States in this inaugural season of the Pro Volleyball Federation. There are very few times in life that we are able to do something for the first time, and I am pleased to be able to continue supporting this historic effort as interim head coach.”&nbsp;Kuhn is assisted by talented, veteran coaches who, together, form one of the top coaching staffs in the Pro Volleyball Federation. Assistant coaches John Xie, John Corbelli and Technical Coordinator Thomas Robson are volleyball veterans with vast international and collegiate experience.&nbsp;&nbsp;Additionally, former Creighton star Jazz Schimdt has joined the Supernovas as assistant coach and operations assistant. Schmidt was an All-American opposite and setter during her time at Division II Palm Beach Atlantic University before transferring to Creighton for her final collegiate season in 2022.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kuhn&nbsp;said, “Jazz is a natural connector and has seamlessly made her presence felt within this organization.&nbsp; She has been an absolute joy to have in the gym and will serve as a great player-coach moving forward.&nbsp; Her energy and insights will only make our organization stronger.”&nbsp;Schmidt&nbsp;shared, “I am beyond grateful and honored to have the opportunity to be part of the Supernovas organization in the inaugural pro volleyball season. I have found so much joy in this team from the beginning of Minicamp though Training Camp, and I am excited to continue working with this talented group of athletes and people that we have here in Omaha! Especially as a Bluejay, it is incredibly special to be a part of bringing professional volleyball to Nebraska.”&nbsp;Xie has worked with USA Volleyball for more than 20 years and serves as the Director of Operations and Assistant Coach, which includes multiple roles on the gold-medal winning 2020 Tokyo Olympic team.&nbsp;Corbelli has been coaching volleyball since 1981 serving as an assistant coach at the University of Nebraska, USA Volleyball and Associate Head Coach at Texas A&amp;M. That also includes a stint as Head Coach for San Jose State University.&nbsp;&nbsp;Robson currently serves as the Technical Coordinator for the Supernovas and brings his expertise from his time with the University of Wisconsin Volleyball program, and then leading the NAIA volleyball powerhouse, Viterbo University.&nbsp;The Supernovas earned their first win in franchise history against the San Diego Mojo on Saturday, February 3, while setting U.S. pro volleyball attendance records of over 11,000 in attendance for each of their first two matches. The Supernovas will return to the court on Wednesday, February 7, hosting the Vegas Thrill at the CHI Health Center with first serve set for 7:00 p.m. CST.&nbsp;The Supernovas are one of seven U.S. teams for the 2024&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001tHihknoo4bCsngXJn8UgfiyBJSUCjyQvQ90vd06Iq-kY0DbvwvVoGbH-GaNy2aQeFp_EJOd3FHiB7FHVF-crFET4TkzrSYWEawOv4TzYc4nNcOeIW_2djdds2HEZsyRBVht0KHbAmsnPNEz3sjSjVg==&amp;c=p3C_O7E1oP-zYQnWmj9nQoe2y4BduVvZG30JAYZyY25hawjw-Qa57A==&amp;ch=Is1df7iIzR99_cnW_jku1Z_RPn5OxwRXSSk6n9g2iA2BXzxMgIY60A==" target="_blank">Pro Volleyball Federation</a>&nbsp;inaugural season: Omaha Supernovas, Atlanta Vibe, Columbus Fury, Grand Rapids Rise, Orlando Valkyries, San Diego Mojo and Vegas Thrill. Three expansion teams, Dallas Pro Volleyball, Indianapolis Pro Volleyball and Kansas City Pro Volleyball, have been announced for 2025. This year, the Supernovas have 12 home and 12 away matches as part of a 24-match schedule across a 16-week regular season.&nbsp;&nbsp;When the regular season concludes, the Supernovas are aiming to be in the top four teams competing for the Pro Volleyball Federation National Championship in May. The location of the championship will be determined and announced later this season.&nbsp;ABOUT OMAHA SUPERNOVAS&nbsp;&nbsp;The Omaha Supernovas aims to be the premier home of professional volleyball throughout the world. The team is owned by global music sensation Jason Derulo, as well as business leaders and entrepreneurs Danny White and Chris Erickson, co-founders of City+Ventures, an investment and business acceleration organization headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska. More team information is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001tHihknoo4bCsngXJn8UgfiyBJSUCjyQvQ90vd06Iq-kY0DbvwvVoGbH-GaNy2aQeFp_EJOd3FHiB7FHVF-crFET4TkzrSYWEawOv4TzYc4nNcOeIW_2djdds2HEZsyRBVht0KHbAmsnPNEz3sjSjVg==&amp;c=p3C_O7E1oP-zYQnWmj9nQoe2y4BduVvZG30JAYZyY25hawjw-Qa57A==&amp;ch=Is1df7iIzR99_cnW_jku1Z_RPn5OxwRXSSk6n9g2iA2BXzxMgIY60A==" target="_blank">Supernovas.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;ABOUT PRO VOLLEYBALL FEDERATION&nbsp;Pro Volleyball Federation is REAL PRO VOLLEYBALL and the premier women’s professional volleyball league in North America. Pro Volleyball Federation began play in January 2024 with world class players and coaches, including some of America’s greatest volleyball players and elite players from around the world. Our focus is on ensuring that the level and quality of play, treatment of players, quality of event presentations and the daily fan experience is world class and the best offered in North America. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001tHihknoo4bCsngXJn8UgfiyBJSUCjyQvQ90vd06Iq-kY0DbvwvVoGbH-GaNy2aQelBK-i7CjzDALy3MEHGKE2fvc5Q_PhbJLY9TRpWR601s_AHOuiiLT3hUuxMLGLvazV-H-UHoayD3Tojphw07_MQ==&amp;c=p3C_O7E1oP-zYQnWmj9nQoe2y4BduVvZG30JAYZyY25hawjw-Qa57A==&amp;ch=Is1df7iIzR99_cnW_jku1Z_RPn5OxwRXSSk6n9g2iA2BXzxMgIY60A==" target="_blank">ProVolleyball.com</a>.&nbsp;