<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721841522544.png" alt="Bracket A" />
 <figcaption>Bracket A</figcaption>
 </figure>

American Legion State Baseball bracket Class A

After running short of players in several games about midseason a year ago when injuries took their toll, Chadron State College women’s basketball coach Travis Brewster has worked hard to make sure that doesn’t happen again in 2024-25.

              Brewster said he’s signed 11 newcomers. He also noted that most, if not all, of the players who were sidelined at various times a year ago have recovered and plan play again this coming season.  There are nine of them, giving the Eagles a 20-player roster.

              “The signees are excited to be coming to Chadron State and we’re excited to have them,” Brewster said.  “I think we’ve got a good group that will help us play with great tenacity and make us a better team.  I’m also sure we’ll have competitive practice and I know we’ll have a lot more depth.”   

              The returnees will include the likes of leading scorer Shay Powers (12.3 ppg), along with fellow seniors Olivia Waufle and Kylie Krise, along with sophomores Megan Counts, Liberty Line and Allison Olsen.  All of them were in the team’s primary rotation and averaged at least seven points a game.     

              Injuries and illness kept some of them from reaching their potential. It was a long season. The final record was just 6-20. The Eagles would have won more games if they’d stayed healthy.

              One thing Brewster looked for was more height.  Much of last season, the Eagles’ tallest player on the court was 5-10.  

              His newcomers in the front court include 6-foot-2 McKenzie Peterson, who shot 54% from the field, averaged 15.2 points and 7 rebounds while earning First-Team All-Conference at Dawson Community College in Montana last season.  Brewster said he is impressed by how well she runs the floor and her team orientation.

              The coach also landed 6-1 Malorie Bryne from Arvada West in Colorado, where she averaged 10 points and was selected to play in the state’s all-star game.  Tyra Ericksson, a native of Sweden, also is 6-1 and has the strength and ability to create mismatches, Brewster said.

              The backcourt recruits include highly-regarded Allison Richards, a 5-6 graduate of the Red Cloud School at Pine Ridge, S.D., and a First-Team All-Region choice both of her seasons at Northeast Community College at Norfolk.

              Last season, Richards averaged 23.9 points, fifth highest in NJCAA II in the nation, despite being the target of what Brewster calls “junk defenses” in nearly every game. She shot 40.3% from 3-point range while nailing 92 of them and was 108-136 from the free throw line for 79.4%.

              “Both her high school and college coaches have nothing but praise for her and I can see why,” Brewster said. 

              Another guard with college experience is 5-6 Jordyn Stokes. She played the past two seasons at Iowa Lakes College at Estherville, where she averaged 10.6 points and was Third-Team All-Region last winter. 

              As Chadron State fans already know, the Eagles’ freshman class will include 5-10 Demi Ferguson, the leading scorer at Chadron High each of the past four years and a 1,000-point career scorer.  As a senior in 2023-24, she averaged 13.9 points and 7.7 rebounds and this week is playing in the Nebraska Coaches Association All-Star Game in Lincoln. 

              Brewster said Ferguson’s “mindset and grit” are impressive. 

              Another incoming freshman who signed early with the Eagles is Ryann Barry of Pierre, S.D.  One of the Riggs High School football coaches contacted Brewster about her the soon after the CSC coach accepted the Chadron State job late last summer.

              It turns out that Barry not only was a basketball standout and a soccer all-stater, she also was the football team’s placekicker and booted 54 extra points last fall. The tipster said “she’s tough and has a big-time motor.” 

              Barry started every game for the Class AA Riggs High basketball team her final three seasons. As a senior, she averaged 11.3 points, 4.6 rebounds. 4.0 assists and 3.1 steals while helping Riggs finish fifth at the state tournament with a 17-7 record.

              Not all of the recruits are mentioned in this article, but Brewster said each of them will have the opportunity to contribute this coming season and in the future.  

              “We went after players who their coaches said have a strong work ethic, are team-oriented, are athletic and are good students,” Brewster noted. “Of course, not all of them will start or probably even play this year.  Some of them will undoubtedly redshirt. But my staff and I are looking forward to working with them and helping them enjoy and benefit from their college experience at Chadron State.”

By: Con MarshallAfter running short of players in several games about midseason a year ago when injuries took their toll, Chadron State College women’s basketball coach Travis Brewster has worked hard to make sure that doesn’t happen again in 2024-25. Brewster said he’s signed 11 newcomers. He also noted that most, if not all, of the players who were sidelined at various times a year ago have recovered and plan play again this coming season. There are nine of them, giving the Eagles a 20-player roster. “The signees are excited to be coming to Chadron State and we’re excited to have them,” Brewster said. “I think we’ve got a good group that will help us play with great tenacity and make us a better team. I’m also sure we’ll have competitive practice and I know we’ll have a lot more depth.” The returnees will include the likes of leading scorer Shay Powers (12.3 ppg), along with fellow seniors Olivia Waufle and Kylie Krise, along with sophomores Megan Counts, Liberty Line and Allison Olsen. All of them were in the team’s primary rotation and averaged at least seven points a game. Injuries and illness kept some of them from reaching their potential. It was a long season. The final record was just 6-20. The Eagles would have won more games if they’d stayed healthy. One thing Brewster looked for was more height. Much of last season, the Eagles’ tallest player on the court was 5-10. His newcomers in the front court include 6-foot-2 McKenzie Peterson, who shot 54% from the field, averaged 15.2 points and 7 rebounds while earning First-Team All-Conference at Dawson Community College in Montana last season. Brewster said he is impressed by how well she runs the floor and her team orientation. The coach also landed 6-1 Malorie Bryne from Arvada West in Colorado, where she averaged 10 points and was selected to play in the state’s all-star game. Tyra Ericksson, a native of Sweden, also is 6-1 and has the strength and ability to create mismatches, Brewster said. The backcourt recruits include highly-regarded Allison Richards, a 5-6 graduate of the Red Cloud School at Pine Ridge, S.D., and a First-Team All-Region choice both of her seasons at Northeast Community College at Norfolk. Last season, Richards averaged 23.9 points, fifth highest in NJCAA II in the nation, despite being the target of what Brewster calls “junk defenses” in nearly every game. She shot 40.3% from 3-point range while nailing 92 of them and was 108-136 from the free throw line for 79.4%. “Both her high school and college coaches have nothing but praise for her and I can see why,” Brewster said. Another guard with college experience is 5-6 Jordyn Stokes. She played the past two seasons at Iowa Lakes College at Estherville, where she averaged 10.6 points and was Third-Team All-Region last winter. As Chadron State fans already know, the Eagles’ freshman class will include 5-10 Demi Ferguson, the leading scorer at Chadron High each of the past four years and a 1,000-point career scorer. As a senior in 2023-24, she averaged 13.9 points and 7.7 rebounds and this week is playing in the Nebraska Coaches Association All-Star Game in Lincoln. Brewster said Ferguson’s “mindset and grit” are impressive. Another incoming freshman who signed early with the Eagles is Ryann Barry of Pierre, S.D. One of the Riggs High School football coaches contacted Brewster about her the soon after the CSC coach accepted the Chadron State job late last summer. It turns out that Barry not only was a basketball standout and a soccer all-stater, she also was the football team’s placekicker and booted 54 extra points last fall. The tipster said “she’s tough and has a big-time motor.” Barry started every game for the Class AA Riggs High basketball team her final three seasons. As a senior, she averaged 11.3 points, 4.6 rebounds. 4.0 assists and 3.1 steals while helping Riggs finish fifth at the state tournament with a 17-7 record. Not all of the recruits are mentioned in this article, but Brewster said each of them will have the opportunity to contribute this coming season and in the future. “We went after players who their coaches said have a strong work ethic, are team-oriented, are athletic and are good students,” Brewster noted. “Of course, not all of them will start or probably even play this year. Some of them will undoubtedly redshirt. But my staff and I are looking forward to working with them and helping them enjoy and benefit from their college experience at Chadron State.”

CSC women's basketball: 11 newcomers joining key returners in '24-25

Story by NU Athletic Communications

Men's gymnast Asher Cohen became Nebraska's 11th Academic All-American of the 2023-24 season, when he captured third-team honors on the Men's At-Large Team announced by the College Sports Communicators on Wednesday, July 17.

Cohen, a sophomore from Lakewood, Colo., claimed Nebraska's 18th men's gymnastics Academic All-America award and the first since Anton Stephenson earned first-team honors in 2019. Cohen brought home his Academic All-America award after posting a perfect 4.0 GPA as a biological sciences major while earning All-America honors with a sixth-place NCAA finish on still rings in 2024. He also competed on parallel bars for the Huskers at the NCAA Championships, helping Coach Chuck Chmelka's squad to a fourth-place team finish.

Cohen, who earned Academic All-Big Ten honors and a spot on the Tom Osborne Citizenship Team in 2024, also played a key role in helping the Huskers capture their first Big Ten regular-season championship since joining the conference in 2011.

CSC Men's At-Large Academic All-Americans included gymnasts, wrestlers, golfers, skiers, ice hockey, lacrosse, volleyball and water polo players in 2023-24.

Cohen's CSC Academic All-America award was the eighth for the Huskers during the spring athletic season, pushing Nebraska's all-time total to 362. The 11 Academic All-America awards for the Huskers in 2023-24 marked their highest single-season total since 2010-11.

Nebraska All-Time Men's Gymnastics Academic All-Americans (18)

Nebraska 2023-24 CSC Academic All-Americans (11)

CSC Academic All-Americans, All-Time Division I Top Five

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsMen's gymnast Asher Cohen became Nebraska's 11th Academic All-American of the 2023-24 season, when he captured third-team honors on the Men's At-Large Team announced by the College Sports Communicators on Wednesday, July 17.Cohen, a sophomore from Lakewood, Colo., claimed Nebraska's 18th men's gymnastics Academic All-America award and the first since Anton Stephenson earned first-team honors in 2019. Cohen brought home his Academic All-America award after posting a perfect 4.0 GPA as a biological sciences major while earning All-America honors with a sixth-place NCAA finish on still rings in 2024. He also competed on parallel bars for the Huskers at the NCAA Championships, helping Coach Chuck Chmelka's squad to a fourth-place team finish.Cohen, who earned Academic All-Big Ten honors and a spot on the Tom Osborne Citizenship Team in 2024, also played a key role in helping the Huskers capture their first Big Ten regular-season championship since joining the conference in 2011.CSC Men's At-Large Academic All-Americans included gymnasts, wrestlers, golfers, skiers, ice hockey, lacrosse, volleyball and water polo players in 2023-24.Cohen's CSC Academic All-America award was the eighth for the Huskers during the spring athletic season, pushing Nebraska's all-time total to 362. The 11 Academic All-America awards for the Huskers in 2023-24 marked their highest single-season total since 2010-11.Nebraska All-Time Men's Gymnastics Academic All-Americans (18)<ul>
 <li>Asher Cohen, Third Team (2024)</li><li>Anton Stephenson, First Team (2019)</li><li>Ethan Lottman, Second Team (2015)</li><li>Stephen Tetrault, First Team (2008)</li><li>Stephen Tetrault, Third Team (2007)</li><li>Ryan Sneed, Second Team (2003)</li><li>Marshall Nelson, Second Team (2000)</li><li>Jim Koziol, Third Team (1999)</li><li>Ted Harris, Second Team (1997)</li><li>Jason Christie, Third Team (1996)</li><li>Rick Kieffer, First Team (1995)</li><li>Sumner Darling, First Team (1994)</li><li>Sumner Darling, First Team (1993)</li><li>Sumner Darling, Third Team (1992)</li><li>Mark Warburton, 1st Team (1990)</li><li>Patrick Kirksey, Third Team (1990)</li><li>Tom Schlesinger, First Team (1988)</li><li>Tom Schlesinger, Honorable Mention (1986)</li>
 </ul>Nebraska 2023-24 CSC Academic All-Americans (11)<ul>
 <li>Eleanor Dale, Soccer, First Team</li><li>Sarah Weber, Soccer, Second Team</li><li>Lexi Rodriguez, Volleyball, First Team</li><li>Billie Andrews, Softball, Second Team</li><li>Brett Sears, Baseball, Second Team</li><li>Axelina Johansson, Women's Track &amp; Field/Cross Country, First Team</li><li>Emanuela Casadei, Women's Track &amp; Field/Cross Country, Third Team</li><li>Till Steinforth, Men's Track &amp; Field/Cross Country, First Team</li><li>Tyus Wilson, Men's Track &amp; Field/Cross Country, First Team</li><li>Micaylon Moore, Men's Track &amp; Field/Cross Country, Second Team</li><li>Asher Cohen, Men's At-Large, Third Team</li>
 </ul>CSC Academic All-Americans, All-Time Division I Top Five<ol>
 <li>Stanford - 373</li><li>&nbsp;Nebraska - 362</li><li>&nbsp;Notre Dame - 278</li><li>&nbsp;Alabama - 230</li><li>&nbsp;Penn State - 229</li>
 </ol>

Cohen claims Academic All-America Award

Story by UNK Athletic Communications

Kearney, Neb. –&nbsp;Redshirt sophomore heavyweight&nbsp;Crew Howard&nbsp;has earned second-team&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://academicallamerica.com/news/2024/7/16/2023-24-academic-all-america-mens-at-large-teams-announced-for-all-ncaa-naia-and-college-divisions.aspx">Academic All-American honors as selected by the College Sports Communicators (CSC)</a>.&nbsp;

The NCAA Division I, II, III and NAIA At-Large Academic All-American teams were released today. The “At-Large” category includes a variety of sports including wrestling, lacrosse, men’s volleyball, skiing, and water polo.

To earn this honor, a student-athlete must first qualify for the Academic All-District team. That includes a 3.50 cumulative grade point average and, for wrestling, to have competed in 70% of a team’s scored events. Next, each school is limited to six At-Large nominees per gender with top candidates forwarded to the national committee where CSC member vote on the makeup of the Academic All-American squad.&nbsp;&nbsp;Howard (Creston, Ia.) was one of Division II’s top heavyweights in 2023-24, going 29-4 and finishing third at the NCAA Championships in March. Nationally ranked throughout the season, he recorded eight falls, four tech falls and five majors en route to also winning a region title and earning second-team All-MIAA honors.&nbsp;Off the mat, Howard maintains a 4.00 GPA in Business Administration and was the MIAA “A Game” winner for having the highest GPA/most credit hours this past season among league wrestlers. He also was a National Wrestling Coaches Assoc. (NWCA) Scholar All-American.

He is the fifth&nbsp;Loper&nbsp;wrestling CSC/CoSIDA Academic All-American, following current head coach Dalton Jensen (2012), Mark Fiala (2014), Matt Malcom (2019) and Josh Portillo (2019).

Story by UNK Athletic CommunicationsKearney, Neb. –&nbsp;Redshirt sophomore heavyweight&nbsp;Crew Howard&nbsp;has earned second-team&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://academicallamerica.com/news/2024/7/16/2023-24-academic-all-america-mens-at-large-teams-announced-for-all-ncaa-naia-and-college-divisions.aspx">Academic All-American honors as selected by the College Sports Communicators (CSC)</a>.&nbsp;The NCAA Division I, II, III and NAIA At-Large Academic All-American teams were released today. The “At-Large” category includes a variety of sports including wrestling, lacrosse, men’s volleyball, skiing, and water polo.To earn this honor, a student-athlete must first qualify for the Academic All-District team. That includes a 3.50 cumulative grade point average and, for wrestling, to have competed in 70% of a team’s scored events. Next, each school is limited to six At-Large nominees per gender with top candidates forwarded to the national committee where CSC member vote on the makeup of the Academic All-American squad.&nbsp;&nbsp;Howard (Creston, Ia.) was one of Division II’s top heavyweights in 2023-24, going 29-4 and finishing third at the NCAA Championships in March. Nationally ranked throughout the season, he recorded eight falls, four tech falls and five majors en route to also winning a region title and earning second-team All-MIAA honors.&nbsp;Off the mat, Howard maintains a 4.00 GPA in Business Administration and was the MIAA “A Game” winner for having the highest GPA/most credit hours this past season among league wrestlers. He also was a National Wrestling Coaches Assoc. (NWCA) Scholar All-American.He is the fifth&nbsp;Loper&nbsp;wrestling CSC/CoSIDA Academic All-American, following current head coach Dalton Jensen (2012), Mark Fiala (2014), Matt Malcom (2019) and Josh Portillo (2019).

Loper earns second-team Academic All-American honors

Story by NU Athletic Communications&nbsp;

The Nebraska women’s tennis team continues to build its roster with the addition of sophomore transfers Yuzu Miyoshi and Tiziana Rossini for the 2024-25 season.

Miyoshi competed at No. 1 singles and doubles as a freshman at Sophia University in Japan and was named the 2022 player of the year. From Kawasaki, Kagawa, Japan, Miyoshi joins the Big Red with three years of eligibility remaining. Prior to college, she competed in the Kanto Junior Tennis Championship and was named Japan Junior Tennis Tour Champions - Champion.

“I’m super excited to add Yuzu to our Husker family,” Head Coach German Dalmagro said. “She’s very talented and eager to get to work. Her best tennis is ahead of her, and we are very fortunate she chose us to help her with her development. She will be a great college player. She’s very motivated and works hard, and she’s an even better person. I know she will make our team better on and off the court. Looking forward to having her here this fall.”

“The coaches and the teammates are a great fit for me, and Nebraska has the best tennis facilities,” Miyoshi said. “I believe Nebraska would be the best environment where I can improve my tennis.”

Rossini joins the Huskers after a decorated freshman season at VCU. Named Atlantic 10 Freshman of the Year, the Argentinian also tallied a 14-4 singles record.&nbsp;

“I’m super excited to add Tizi to our Husker family,” Dalmagro said. “I have known her for a couple years now, and I know she will make an impact right away. She’s had a great freshman year, and I know she will continue to raise her level once she gets to Nebraska. She’s a great competitor and plays with a lot of passion. Looking forward to seeing that passion while competing with her teammates. We are fortunate she chose Nebraska to continue her education and her tennis.”

Rossini has reached WTA rankings as high as 1003 in singles, as well as 874 in doubles. She also achieved an Argentina National Ranking of No. 2 and earned various titles including Argentina National Champion, W15 doubles champion and W15 singles semifinalist.

“I chose Nebraska because I think it’s exactly what I was looking for,” Rossini said. “An ambitious team, hungry for more and a place where I can grow as a person, student and player.”

Story by NU Athletic Communications&nbsp;The Nebraska women’s tennis team continues to build its roster with the addition of sophomore transfers Yuzu Miyoshi and Tiziana Rossini for the 2024-25 season.Miyoshi competed at No. 1 singles and doubles as a freshman at Sophia University in Japan and was named the 2022 player of the year. From Kawasaki, Kagawa, Japan, Miyoshi joins the Big Red with three years of eligibility remaining. Prior to college, she competed in the Kanto Junior Tennis Championship and was named Japan Junior Tennis Tour Champions - Champion.“I’m super excited to add Yuzu to our Husker family,” Head Coach German Dalmagro said. “She’s very talented and eager to get to work. Her best tennis is ahead of her, and we are very fortunate she chose us to help her with her development. She will be a great college player. She’s very motivated and works hard, and she’s an even better person. I know she will make our team better on and off the court. Looking forward to having her here this fall.”“The coaches and the teammates are a great fit for me, and Nebraska has the best tennis facilities,” Miyoshi said. “I believe Nebraska would be the best environment where I can improve my tennis.”Rossini joins the Huskers after a decorated freshman season at VCU. Named Atlantic 10 Freshman of the Year, the Argentinian also tallied a 14-4 singles record.&nbsp;“I’m super excited to add Tizi to our Husker family,” Dalmagro said. “I have known her for a couple years now, and I know she will make an impact right away. She’s had a great freshman year, and I know she will continue to raise her level once she gets to Nebraska. She’s a great competitor and plays with a lot of passion. Looking forward to seeing that passion while competing with her teammates. We are fortunate she chose Nebraska to continue her education and her tennis.”Rossini has reached WTA rankings as high as 1003 in singles, as well as 874 in doubles. She also achieved an Argentina National Ranking of No. 2 and earned various titles including Argentina National Champion, W15 doubles champion and W15 singles semifinalist.“I chose Nebraska because I think it’s exactly what I was looking for,” Rossini said. “An ambitious team, hungry for more and a place where I can grow as a person, student and player.”

Huskers add Transfers Yuzu Miyoshi, Tiziana Rossini

Lincoln (July 16, 2024)— The opening weekend of the 2024 Cornhusker State Games wrapped up Sunday, with 36 sports taking place at venues in and around Columbus, Fremont, Grand Island, Lincoln, North Platte, Omaha, and several other communities.

A memorable performance Saturday came from Sun Valley Lanes &amp; Games where 17 year-old bowler Brennan Heck rolled a 300 game followed by a 298.&nbsp;His 779 series powered his team to a gold medal in adult-youth doubles. Heck, a senior-to-be at Papillion La Vista South High School, is the reigning Nebraska state high school individual champion.

Weeping Water Gun club played host to five-time Olympian John McNally and 23 other competitors in CSG Pistol Shooting Saturday. McNally, 68, who currently resides in Dallas, masterfully showcased his skills, winning gold medals in&nbsp;Standard Pistol, Centerfire Pistol, and his specialty, Olympic Rapidfire Pistol.&nbsp;McNally’s Olympic run ran from 1984 (Los Angeles) to 2000 (Sidney). His highest finish was 5th in 1992 (Atlanta).

Several youth swimmers amassed high medal counts in the CSG Swimming competition at the Dillon Family Aquatics Center inside the Fremont Family YMCA.&nbsp;Ten year-olds Elise Schnee of Lincoln and James Reed of Omaha each won eight gold medals. Reed also collected two silvers. Cady Spence, 12, of Omaha won seven gold medals, to go with one silver and one bronze.&nbsp;&nbsp;With 313 swimmers, including 250 youths and 63 masters, this was the CSG’s largest swim meet in 10 years.

Mitzi Filips and Scott Stopak took the coed gold medal in Adventure Race, which was held in Grand Island for the first time.&nbsp;The Omaha duo were also the overall winners, finding 39 checkpoints in 3:53:35. Former Lincoln Police Chief Jeff Bliemeister and current Lancaster County Deputy Sheriff Ben Houchin, long-time Adventure Race teammates, found 33 checkpoints in just over four hours, good enough for the male two-person bronze medal.

Pickleball, held at Woods Tennis Center, attracted a record 398 players, including Micah Ward from Lawrence, KS, who took the gold medal in men’s 4.5/5.0 singles and teamed up with Hunter Nelson, Lincoln, to win another gold in the top men’s doubles division.&nbsp;Not to be outdone, Laurel Derry of Blair also won two golds, one in women’s 4.0 with Shawn Hamilton from South Bend, and one in mixed doubles 4.5/5.0 with Mattew Reinig of Omaha. Meredith Starr of Omaha took the gold in the top women’s singles division.

Anthony McDill, 30, of Omaha, was the overall champion of the CSG Triathlon, with a time of 55:34. Samantha Scheffler, 42, of Hancock, IA, the top female overall, came in at 1:10:55. The Triathlon, which took place at Mallard Landing in Valley, attracted 173 participants, its largest turnout since 2019.

The second and final weekend of the Games features competition in 27 sports, beginning Friday with Golf, Hockey, Tennis and Volleyball.&nbsp;Several events remain open for registration at&nbsp;<a href="https://b8oyr9bab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0015v6czlTZCavyPaRB5m56NQblJRx8fwgMDa8nqPnPfg1_j8lpyYyJu1qTPqDH1udT-tLGLS4SEkSACCFLszVa9rF7hbbRqS-dDlbAypswOGiG9VkZ187TH9Eaml2U5WF2o1ybYFNdxtML--LtYupFf6mbFHhbSN99a6DprHV3Nds=&amp;c=c_-qwaSZSSuAFZwVf88WyLebLVa-P2A7EI3u2WQwNM9ki-JU_pBQOg==&amp;ch=smZw__9ewTS0mOp40j87VAlaycikRD0SnJR6cnwXBwU9SZAdYI83dQ==" target="_blank">CornhuskerStateGames.com</a>.&nbsp;Complete results, and the composite schedule of events for the final weekend, can be found at the same site under the Sports Info tab.

The Cornhusker State Games is conducted by the Nebraska Sports Council.&nbsp;Platinum partners include the Nebraska Medical Association, Pepsi-Cola of Lincoln, Nebraska Orthopaedic Center and Farmers Mutual of Nebraska.&nbsp;Learn more at&nbsp;<a href="https://b8oyr9bab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0015v6czlTZCavyPaRB5m56NQblJRx8fwgMDa8nqPnPfg1_j8lpyYyJu_NFvd_506TKrCsQ5SHFUKppq8Ckem2sZLRS3LP-BsL2kJnsvVajDgwolfPEWPCFJ9Q-WPZVvjDAmbbzw3ulfIG256q12oMvCFHzXMA7PYe9TKfNmVe2yU4=&amp;c=c_-qwaSZSSuAFZwVf88WyLebLVa-P2A7EI3u2WQwNM9ki-JU_pBQOg==&amp;ch=smZw__9ewTS0mOp40j87VAlaycikRD0SnJR6cnwXBwU9SZAdYI83dQ==" target="_blank">NebraskaSportsCouncil.com</a>.

Nebraska Sports CouncilLincoln (July 16, 2024)— The opening weekend of the 2024 Cornhusker State Games wrapped up Sunday, with 36 sports taking place at venues in and around Columbus, Fremont, Grand Island, Lincoln, North Platte, Omaha, and several other communities.A memorable performance Saturday came from Sun Valley Lanes &amp; Games where 17 year-old bowler Brennan Heck rolled a 300 game followed by a 298.&nbsp;His 779 series powered his team to a gold medal in adult-youth doubles. Heck, a senior-to-be at Papillion La Vista South High School, is the reigning Nebraska state high school individual champion.Weeping Water Gun club played host to five-time Olympian John McNally and 23 other competitors in CSG Pistol Shooting Saturday. McNally, 68, who currently resides in Dallas, masterfully showcased his skills, winning gold medals in&nbsp;Standard Pistol, Centerfire Pistol, and his specialty, Olympic Rapidfire Pistol.&nbsp;McNally’s Olympic run ran from 1984 (Los Angeles) to 2000 (Sidney). His highest finish was 5th in 1992 (Atlanta).Several youth swimmers amassed high medal counts in the CSG Swimming competition at the Dillon Family Aquatics Center inside the Fremont Family YMCA.&nbsp;Ten year-olds Elise Schnee of Lincoln and James Reed of Omaha each won eight gold medals. Reed also collected two silvers. Cady Spence, 12, of Omaha won seven gold medals, to go with one silver and one bronze.&nbsp;&nbsp;With 313 swimmers, including 250 youths and 63 masters, this was the CSG’s largest swim meet in 10 years.Mitzi Filips and Scott Stopak took the coed gold medal in Adventure Race, which was held in Grand Island for the first time.&nbsp;The Omaha duo were also the overall winners, finding 39 checkpoints in 3:53:35. Former Lincoln Police Chief Jeff Bliemeister and current Lancaster County Deputy Sheriff Ben Houchin, long-time Adventure Race teammates, found 33 checkpoints in just over four hours, good enough for the male two-person bronze medal.Pickleball, held at Woods Tennis Center, attracted a record 398 players, including Micah Ward from Lawrence, KS, who took the gold medal in men’s 4.5/5.0 singles and teamed up with Hunter Nelson, Lincoln, to win another gold in the top men’s doubles division.&nbsp;Not to be outdone, Laurel Derry of Blair also won two golds, one in women’s 4.0 with Shawn Hamilton from South Bend, and one in mixed doubles 4.5/5.0 with Mattew Reinig of Omaha. Meredith Starr of Omaha took the gold in the top women’s singles division.Anthony McDill, 30, of Omaha, was the overall champion of the CSG Triathlon, with a time of 55:34. Samantha Scheffler, 42, of Hancock, IA, the top female overall, came in at 1:10:55. The Triathlon, which took place at Mallard Landing in Valley, attracted 173 participants, its largest turnout since 2019.The second and final weekend of the Games features competition in 27 sports, beginning Friday with Golf, Hockey, Tennis and Volleyball.&nbsp;Several events remain open for registration at&nbsp;<a href="https://b8oyr9bab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0015v6czlTZCavyPaRB5m56NQblJRx8fwgMDa8nqPnPfg1_j8lpyYyJu1qTPqDH1udT-tLGLS4SEkSACCFLszVa9rF7hbbRqS-dDlbAypswOGiG9VkZ187TH9Eaml2U5WF2o1ybYFNdxtML--LtYupFf6mbFHhbSN99a6DprHV3Nds=&amp;c=c_-qwaSZSSuAFZwVf88WyLebLVa-P2A7EI3u2WQwNM9ki-JU_pBQOg==&amp;ch=smZw__9ewTS0mOp40j87VAlaycikRD0SnJR6cnwXBwU9SZAdYI83dQ==" target="_blank">CornhuskerStateGames.com</a>.&nbsp;Complete results, and the composite schedule of events for the final weekend, can be found at the same site under the Sports Info tab.The Cornhusker State Games is conducted by the Nebraska Sports Council.&nbsp;Platinum partners include the Nebraska Medical Association, Pepsi-Cola of Lincoln, Nebraska Orthopaedic Center and Farmers Mutual of Nebraska.&nbsp;Learn more at&nbsp;<a href="https://b8oyr9bab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0015v6czlTZCavyPaRB5m56NQblJRx8fwgMDa8nqPnPfg1_j8lpyYyJu_NFvd_506TKrCsQ5SHFUKppq8Ckem2sZLRS3LP-BsL2kJnsvVajDgwolfPEWPCFJ9Q-WPZVvjDAmbbzw3ulfIG256q12oMvCFHzXMA7PYe9TKfNmVe2yU4=&amp;c=c_-qwaSZSSuAFZwVf88WyLebLVa-P2A7EI3u2WQwNM9ki-JU_pBQOg==&amp;ch=smZw__9ewTS0mOp40j87VAlaycikRD0SnJR6cnwXBwU9SZAdYI83dQ==" target="_blank">NebraskaSportsCouncil.com</a>.

State Games Opening Weekend Highlights

Nebraska senior Brett Sears was selected in the seventh round of the Major League Baseball Draft by the Atlanta Braves on Monday afternoon. Sears, who became the fourth seventh-round selection in NU history, was the No. 221 pick overall in the draft.

Sears becomes the fifth Husker pitcher under head coach Will Bolt to be drafted in the first 10 rounds, joining Spencer Schwellenbach (2nd, 2021), Cade Povich (3rd, 2021), Emmett Olson (4th, 2023) and Jace Kaminska (10th, 2023).

The senior is the sixth Husker to be selected by the Braves in the draft after earning unanimous Second-Team All-American recognition from D1Baseball, Baseball America, ABCA/Rawlings, National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association and Perfect Game last month.

The Westphalia, Iowa, native was named a second-team Academic All-American by College Sports Communicators earlier this month, becoming the first NU baseball player to be an Academic All-American since 2016, and the first Husker to be an All-American and Academic All-American in the same season since Aaron Marsden in 2003.

Prior to the All-American accolades, Sears was a first-team all-region honoree and named District 6 Player of the Year.

A semifinalist for the Dick Howser Trophy and National Pitcher of the Year, Sears was the Big Ten’s Pitcher of the Year and a First-Team All-Big Ten selection while posting a 9-1 record with a 2.16 ERA and 101 strikeouts in 104 innings.

Sears ranked among the national leaders throughout the season, finishing the year ranked fourth with a 0.88 WHIP, fifth in ERA (2.16), 19th in strikeout-to-walk ratio (5.32), 20th in hits allowed/9 inn. (6.23) and 24th in walks allowed/9 inn. (1.64).

After Nebraska’s win against Purdue in the Big Ten Tournament, the senior became the first NU pitcher since at least 1999 to reach a 9-0 record on the mound.

Story by NU Athletic Communications&nbsp;Nebraska senior Brett Sears was selected in the seventh round of the Major League Baseball Draft by the Atlanta Braves on Monday afternoon. Sears, who became the fourth seventh-round selection in NU history, was the No. 221 pick overall in the draft.Sears becomes the fifth Husker pitcher under head coach Will Bolt to be drafted in the first 10 rounds, joining Spencer Schwellenbach (2nd, 2021), Cade Povich (3rd, 2021), Emmett Olson (4th, 2023) and Jace Kaminska (10th, 2023).The senior is the sixth Husker to be selected by the Braves in the draft after earning unanimous Second-Team All-American recognition from D1Baseball, Baseball America, ABCA/Rawlings, National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association and Perfect Game last month.The Westphalia, Iowa, native was named a second-team Academic All-American by College Sports Communicators earlier this month, becoming the first NU baseball player to be an Academic All-American since 2016, and the first Husker to be an All-American and Academic All-American in the same season since Aaron Marsden in 2003.Prior to the All-American accolades, Sears was a first-team all-region honoree and named District 6 Player of the Year.A semifinalist for the Dick Howser Trophy and National Pitcher of the Year, Sears was the Big Ten’s Pitcher of the Year and a First-Team All-Big Ten selection while posting a 9-1 record with a 2.16 ERA and 101 strikeouts in 104 innings.Sears ranked among the national leaders throughout the season, finishing the year ranked fourth with a 0.88 WHIP, fifth in ERA (2.16), 19th in strikeout-to-walk ratio (5.32), 20th in hits allowed/9 inn. (6.23) and 24th in walks allowed/9 inn. (1.64).After Nebraska’s win against Purdue in the Big Ten Tournament, the senior became the first NU pitcher since at least 1999 to reach a 9-0 record on the mound.

Sears taken in Seventh Round of MLB Draft by Atlanta Braves

Nebraska Swimming and Diving Head Coach Pablo Morales and Head Diving Coach Landon Marzullo announced the addition of Wyoming transfer Nettie Knapton to the 2024-25 roster on July 15.

In her sophomore season with the Cowgirls, Knapton posted a fifth-place finish on the platform at the 2024 Mountain West Championships with a score of 255.90. She added a ninth-place conference finish on the one-meter (267.85) and a 20th-place finish on the three-meter (211.00).

The junior from Omaha, Neb. will be returning to her home state and will have two years of eligibility remaining.

Knapton swam at Marian High School and was a top-five finisher at the 2022 Nebraska High School State Championships. With Nebraska Diving Club, she earned a 17th-place finish on the platform at nationals her freshman season.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsNebraska Swimming and Diving Head Coach Pablo Morales and Head Diving Coach Landon Marzullo announced the addition of Wyoming transfer Nettie Knapton to the 2024-25 roster on July 15.In her sophomore season with the Cowgirls, Knapton posted a fifth-place finish on the platform at the 2024 Mountain West Championships with a score of 255.90. She added a ninth-place conference finish on the one-meter (267.85) and a 20th-place finish on the three-meter (211.00).The junior from Omaha, Neb. will be returning to her home state and will have two years of eligibility remaining.Knapton swam at Marian High School and was a top-five finisher at the 2022 Nebraska High School State Championships. With Nebraska Diving Club, she earned a 17th-place finish on the platform at nationals her freshman season.

Knapton announced as Diving Addition

Nebraska junior catcher Josh Caron was selected in the fourth round of the Major League Baseball Draft by the Seattle Mariners on Monday afternoon. Caron, who became the seventh fourth-round selection in NU history, was the No. 121 pick overall in the draft, which is being held in Fort Worth, Texas.

With the fourth-round selection, Caron becomes the highest overall selection of a Husker catcher since 1985, when Bill McGuire was chosen No. 27 overall by the Seattle Mariners.

Caron, a product of Sun Prairie, Wis., is the 10th Husker to be selected by the Seattle Mariners in the draft. The NU junior was a Buster Posey National Collegiate Catcher of the Year Award semifinalist and was named Most Outstanding Player of the Big Ten Tournament.

The junior was one of two catchers nationally to hit at least .300 at the plate with 15-plus homers and 65 runs driven in this season after hitting .308 with 15 doubles, a triple, 16 home runs, 65 RBI and 46 runs for the Huskers in 2024.

Caron launched six home runs across the Big Ten Tournament, which passed Purdue’s Dan Black (5) in 2008 for the most home runs in a single Big Ten Tournament. Caron’s 28 total bases also set a new tournament record, surpassing Ohio State’s Steve Carvati’s 26 total bases in 2005.

Excluding the shortened draft in 2020 due to COVID-19, Nebraska has had at least one draft selection in 30 of the last 31 drafts since 1992.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsNebraska junior catcher Josh Caron was selected in the fourth round of the Major League Baseball Draft by the Seattle Mariners on Monday afternoon. Caron, who became the seventh fourth-round selection in NU history, was the No. 121 pick overall in the draft, which is being held in Fort Worth, Texas.With the fourth-round selection, Caron becomes the highest overall selection of a Husker catcher since 1985, when Bill McGuire was chosen No. 27 overall by the Seattle Mariners.Caron, a product of Sun Prairie, Wis., is the 10th Husker to be selected by the Seattle Mariners in the draft. The NU junior was a Buster Posey National Collegiate Catcher of the Year Award semifinalist and was named Most Outstanding Player of the Big Ten Tournament.The junior was one of two catchers nationally to hit at least .300 at the plate with 15-plus homers and 65 runs driven in this season after hitting .308 with 15 doubles, a triple, 16 home runs, 65 RBI and 46 runs for the Huskers in 2024.Caron launched six home runs across the Big Ten Tournament, which passed Purdue’s Dan Black (5) in 2008 for the most home runs in a single Big Ten Tournament. Caron’s 28 total bases also set a new tournament record, surpassing Ohio State’s Steve Carvati’s 26 total bases in 2005.Excluding the shortened draft in 2020 due to COVID-19, Nebraska has had at least one draft selection in 30 of the last 31 drafts since 1992.

Caron selected in Fourth Round of MLB Draft by Seattle Mariners

Max Buettenback and Case Sanderson have been chosen to represent the Great Plains Division in the Northwoods League All-Star Game on Tuesday, July 23 at ISG Field in Mankato, Minn., with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Buettenback is among the league leaders in the Northwoods League this summer, ranking in the top 10 of six offensive categories. In 30 games with the Willmar Stingers, Buettenback is the league leader with a .442 batting average while ranking second in the league in on-base percentage (.565), slugging percentage (.699) and OPS (1.264).

The Lincoln, Neb., native is tied for fourth with four homers and sits seventh with 38 RBI while recording eight doubles and scoring 29 runs this summer.

Sanderson is hitting .363 at the plate with six doubles and three home runs in 21 games with the La Crosse Loggers. The Nevada, Mo., native has accounted for 50 runs in the 21-game span, tallying 24 RBI and scoring 26 times.

Sanderson has posted nine multi-hit games and has accounted for four-plus runs in seven of the 21 games this summer with the Loggers.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsMax Buettenback and Case Sanderson have been chosen to represent the Great Plains Division in the Northwoods League All-Star Game on Tuesday, July 23 at ISG Field in Mankato, Minn., with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m.Buettenback is among the league leaders in the Northwoods League this summer, ranking in the top 10 of six offensive categories. In 30 games with the Willmar Stingers, Buettenback is the league leader with a .442 batting average while ranking second in the league in on-base percentage (.565), slugging percentage (.699) and OPS (1.264).The Lincoln, Neb., native is tied for fourth with four homers and sits seventh with 38 RBI while recording eight doubles and scoring 29 runs this summer.Sanderson is hitting .363 at the plate with six doubles and three home runs in 21 games with the La Crosse Loggers. The Nevada, Mo., native has accounted for 50 runs in the 21-game span, tallying 24 RBI and scoring 26 times.Sanderson has posted nine multi-hit games and has accounted for four-plus runs in seven of the 21 games this summer with the Loggers.

Buettenback, Sanderson selected to Northwoods League All-Star Game

Six Husker swimmers competed at the Speedo Summer Sectionals this week in Columbia, Mo., combining for seven titles and a school record.

Gena Jorgenson won four events and broke her seventh school record with a 2:14.39 in the 200m backstroke. The rising junior from Aberdeen, S.D. became the first Husker swimmer to be named a First-Team All-American with her eighth-place finish in the 1650 freestyle at the NCAA Championships this season. Jorgenson added wins in the 200m freestyle (2:03.66), 400m IM (4:54.38) and 400m freestyle (4:18.29), while also pitching in a fifth-place finish in the 200m IM (32.65). Giulia Marchi finished close behind Jorgenson in the 200m freestyle and 400m freestyle, taking second (2:04.00) and fourth (4:26.71).

Maia Hall and JoJo Randby each contributed a victory in the breaststroke, with Hall taking the 200m breaststroke in 2:33.15 and Randby winning the 100m breaststroke in 1:09.40. Randby, a rising senior from Omaha, Neb., took runner-up honors in the 200m breaststroke (2:34.13), finished third in the 50m breaststroke (32.17) and fourth in the 50m freestyle (26.79). From Whitby, England, Hall placed second in the 200m IM (2:19.94), third in the 100m breaststroke (1:11.07) and fifth in both the 50m breaststroke (32.65) and the 400m IM (5:05.78). Sydney McCracken added top finishes in the breaststroke and individual medley, placing fourth in the 200m breaststroke (2:38.20) and 200m IM (2:21.07) and sixth in the 100m breaststroke (1:12.17).

Caterina Bisiacchi cruised to a 200m butterfly win, clocking a 2:17.39. &gt;From Trieste, Italy, she also finished second in the 800m freestyle (9:03.80), 400m freestyle (4:21.66) and 1500m freestyle (17:18.39).

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsSix Husker swimmers competed at the Speedo Summer Sectionals this week in Columbia, Mo., combining for seven titles and a school record.Gena Jorgenson won four events and broke her seventh school record with a 2:14.39 in the 200m backstroke. The rising junior from Aberdeen, S.D. became the first Husker swimmer to be named a First-Team All-American with her eighth-place finish in the 1650 freestyle at the NCAA Championships this season. Jorgenson added wins in the 200m freestyle (2:03.66), 400m IM (4:54.38) and 400m freestyle (4:18.29), while also pitching in a fifth-place finish in the 200m IM (32.65). Giulia Marchi finished close behind Jorgenson in the 200m freestyle and 400m freestyle, taking second (2:04.00) and fourth (4:26.71).Maia Hall and JoJo Randby each contributed a victory in the breaststroke, with Hall taking the 200m breaststroke in 2:33.15 and Randby winning the 100m breaststroke in 1:09.40. Randby, a rising senior from Omaha, Neb., took runner-up honors in the 200m breaststroke (2:34.13), finished third in the 50m breaststroke (32.17) and fourth in the 50m freestyle (26.79). From Whitby, England, Hall placed second in the 200m IM (2:19.94), third in the 100m breaststroke (1:11.07) and fifth in both the 50m breaststroke (32.65) and the 400m IM (5:05.78). Sydney McCracken added top finishes in the breaststroke and individual medley, placing fourth in the 200m breaststroke (2:38.20) and 200m IM (2:21.07) and sixth in the 100m breaststroke (1:12.17).Caterina Bisiacchi cruised to a 200m butterfly win, clocking a 2:17.39. &gt;From Trieste, Italy, she also finished second in the 800m freestyle (9:03.80), 400m freestyle (4:21.66) and 1500m freestyle (17:18.39).

Huskers take seven titles at Speedo Summer Sectionals

Kearney, Neb. –&nbsp;Sophomore javelin thrower&nbsp;Rylan Basart&nbsp;has earned third-team&nbsp;<a href="https://academicallamerica.com/news/2024/7/9/2023-24-academic-all-america-mens-track-field-cross-country-teams-announced-for-all-ncaa-and-naia-divisions.aspx">Academic All-American honors as selected by the College Sports Communicators (CSC).</a>

The NCAA Division I, II, III and NAIA cross country/track &amp; field Academic All-American teams were released today. To earn this honor, a student-athlete must first qualify for the Academic All-District team. That includes a 3.50 cumulative grade point average and, for track, to rank in their region’s top 50 in any event during the indoor or outdoor season. Next, each school is limited to five nominees per gender with top candidates forwarded to the national committee where CSC member vote on the makeup of the Academic All-American squad.

Basart (Stockton, Kan.) was one of D2’s top jav throwers this spring, finishing eighth at the NCAA Championships in May and having the fifth best throw (233-11) during the regular season. He was the MIAA runner up and broke the previous school-record (212-0) five different times throughout the spring. The old UNK record was set by his uncle, Darren Grauerholz, back in 1992.

Off the track, Basart maintains a 3.95 GPA in Physics and was a kicker on the Loper football team the past two falls. He is just the sixth Loper men’s cross country/track &amp; field CSC/CoSIDA Academic All-American, following Todd Fuelberth (1996), Tanner Fruit (2013), Kevin Carder (2014), and Dillon Schrodt (2014 &amp; 2015).

Story by UNK Athletic CommunicationsKearney, Neb. –&nbsp;Sophomore javelin thrower&nbsp;Rylan Basart&nbsp;has earned third-team&nbsp;<a href="https://academicallamerica.com/news/2024/7/9/2023-24-academic-all-america-mens-track-field-cross-country-teams-announced-for-all-ncaa-and-naia-divisions.aspx">Academic All-American honors as selected by the College Sports Communicators (CSC).</a>The NCAA Division I, II, III and NAIA cross country/track &amp; field Academic All-American teams were released today. To earn this honor, a student-athlete must first qualify for the Academic All-District team. That includes a 3.50 cumulative grade point average and, for track, to rank in their region’s top 50 in any event during the indoor or outdoor season. Next, each school is limited to five nominees per gender with top candidates forwarded to the national committee where CSC member vote on the makeup of the Academic All-American squad.Basart (Stockton, Kan.) was one of D2’s top jav throwers this spring, finishing eighth at the NCAA Championships in May and having the fifth best throw (233-11) during the regular season. He was the MIAA runner up and broke the previous school-record (212-0) five different times throughout the spring. The old UNK record was set by his uncle, Darren Grauerholz, back in 1992.Off the track, Basart maintains a 3.95 GPA in Physics and was a kicker on the Loper football team the past two falls. He is just the sixth Loper men’s cross country/track &amp; field CSC/CoSIDA Academic All-American, following Todd Fuelberth (1996), Tanner Fruit (2013), Kevin Carder (2014), and Dillon Schrodt (2014 &amp; 2015).

First Loper in nine years earns Academic All-American honors

Former Army West Point assistant coach Richard Clark has been named head coach of the University of Nebraska rifle program, Athletic Director Troy Dannen announced Wednesday.

Clark, who helped Kentucky to a pair of NCAA team titles during his collegiate career, joins the Husker program after spending the 2023-24 season at Army West Point. The Cadets finished 14th in the final CRCA Rankings, while Anusha Pakkam captured All-Great American Rifle Conference honors and was Army's Scholar-Athlete of the Year recipient.&nbsp; In addition, Chris Jennings placed third in both smallbore and air rifle at the 2023 USA Shooting Junior Olympics, becoming the first Army shooter to make the finals at the event since 2019.

“I am extremely excited for the opportunity to coach at the University of Nebraska!” Clark said. “The University provides unmatched resources on the range, in the classroom and professional development, making it a one-of-a-kind experience for our student-athletes. I plan to build a championship winning culture that enables our athletes to reach their full potential on the range while building the necessary skills for a successful career upon graduation. Nebraska is like no other, I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish in the next few years.”

“Richard brings a strong background in competitive shooting as well as collegiate coaching experience,” Dannen said. “He was a part of two NCAA Championships while at Kentucky and understands what it takes to compete for championships at an elite level. Richard is poised to build on the success that Nebraska rifle has enjoyed in recent seasons.”

A member of the USA Shooting Development Team, Clark most recently represented Team USA at the 2023 ISSF World Cup in Rio de Janeiro. He was also the 2022 NRA National 3-Position Champion, while setting two national records in the process and was a 2022 Pershing Team Member, representing the highest-scoring American and highest scoring competitor in the annual match between the United States and Great Britain.&nbsp; Clark also won the 2022 Lones Wigger Iron Man Trophy, which recognizes the champion of the 14-day NRA National Smallbore Rifle Championship with over 100 competitors.

Clark, a native of Jackson, Mich., enjoyed a distinguished college career shooting at the University of Kentucky. He was a three-time All-American during his career, helping Kentucky to NCAA titles in 2021 and 2022. As a senior, he earned CRCA All-America honors in all three disciplines, earning second-team honors in both air rifle and smallbore while being a third-team honoree in aggregate.&nbsp; He averaged 585.538 in smallbore and 597.077 in air rifle for an aggregate average of 1179.615, while posting career highs in both smallbore (592) and air rifle (598).&nbsp; During his junior year, he earned honorable-mention All GARC honors while his scores of 585 (smallbore) and 594 (air rifle) helped Kentucky to an NCAA title.&nbsp; Clark was a five-year contributor for the Wildcats, earning honorable-mention All-America honors in 2020.

Clark graduated with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology with a minor in coaching from Kentucky in 2022 before completing a master’s in business administration in 2023.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsFormer Army West Point assistant coach Richard Clark has been named head coach of the University of Nebraska rifle program, Athletic Director Troy Dannen announced Wednesday.Clark, who helped Kentucky to a pair of NCAA team titles during his collegiate career, joins the Husker program after spending the 2023-24 season at Army West Point. The Cadets finished 14th in the final CRCA Rankings, while Anusha Pakkam captured All-Great American Rifle Conference honors and was Army's Scholar-Athlete of the Year recipient.&nbsp; In addition, Chris Jennings placed third in both smallbore and air rifle at the 2023 USA Shooting Junior Olympics, becoming the first Army shooter to make the finals at the event since 2019.“I am extremely excited for the opportunity to coach at the University of Nebraska!” Clark said. “The University provides unmatched resources on the range, in the classroom and professional development, making it a one-of-a-kind experience for our student-athletes. I plan to build a championship winning culture that enables our athletes to reach their full potential on the range while building the necessary skills for a successful career upon graduation. Nebraska is like no other, I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish in the next few years.”“Richard brings a strong background in competitive shooting as well as collegiate coaching experience,” Dannen said. “He was a part of two NCAA Championships while at Kentucky and understands what it takes to compete for championships at an elite level. Richard is poised to build on the success that Nebraska rifle has enjoyed in recent seasons.”A member of the USA Shooting Development Team, Clark most recently represented Team USA at the 2023 ISSF World Cup in Rio de Janeiro. He was also the 2022 NRA National 3-Position Champion, while setting two national records in the process and was a 2022 Pershing Team Member, representing the highest-scoring American and highest scoring competitor in the annual match between the United States and Great Britain.&nbsp; Clark also won the 2022 Lones Wigger Iron Man Trophy, which recognizes the champion of the 14-day NRA National Smallbore Rifle Championship with over 100 competitors.Clark, a native of Jackson, Mich., enjoyed a distinguished college career shooting at the University of Kentucky. He was a three-time All-American during his career, helping Kentucky to NCAA titles in 2021 and 2022. As a senior, he earned CRCA All-America honors in all three disciplines, earning second-team honors in both air rifle and smallbore while being a third-team honoree in aggregate.&nbsp; He averaged 585.538 in smallbore and 597.077 in air rifle for an aggregate average of 1179.615, while posting career highs in both smallbore (592) and air rifle (598).&nbsp; During his junior year, he earned honorable-mention All GARC honors while his scores of 585 (smallbore) and 594 (air rifle) helped Kentucky to an NCAA title.&nbsp; Clark was a five-year contributor for the Wildcats, earning honorable-mention All-America honors in 2020.Clark graduated with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology with a minor in coaching from Kentucky in 2022 before completing a master’s in business administration in 2023.

Richard Clark named Head Rifle Coach

&nbsp; CHADRON –&nbsp;Mannie Reinsch (pronounced Rhine-sh), an experienced and successful athletic administrator, was named Chadron State College's Athletic Director Monday, President Ron K. Patterson announced. Reinsch's first day at CSC will be July 29.

"We are thrilled to have someone like Mannie lead our athletic department," Patterson said. "Mannie has a wealth of experience, a passion for athletics, and is deeply committed to ensuring student-athletes succeed in and out of the classroom at Chadron State College. His knowledge of NCAA and Division II best practices, as well as a proven ability as a fundraiser, will position our athletic department and college well. The future is bright for CSC athletics."

Reinsch,&nbsp;a Kearney native and graduate of the University of Nebraska-Kearney, was most recently&nbsp;the Senior Associate Director of Athletics Championships Resources at Austin Peay State University, a Division I institution in Tennessee, and is excited to return to his home state and lead an NCAA Division II athletic department.

"My wife and I are excited to be back in Nebraska and join Chadron State College," Reinsch said. "What initially drew me to CSC was President Patterson's leadership and vision, but I have known about CSC my entire life and I knew of the athletic department's success as a student-athlete and competitor at UNK. It's an exciting opportunity to lead a department that has a lot of potential and infrastructure to take it to the next level."

Reinsch said he will focus on instilling three core values to the athletic department.

"We are going to focus on academic performance, competitive excellence, and community service and engagement. We're going to excel with all three things; and compete to win in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, in the classroom, and in the community. I can't wait to get started," he said.

Reinsch said he will focus on instilling a culture of success and excellence, increasing fan engagement, and involving the community and booster club, as well as hosting events. However, Reinsch said the most important thing is to take good care of student-athletes.

"I want our student-athletes at CSC to have a great experience and I want to ensure they have many fond memories, as well as a lot of success. Chadron State College and the community of Chadron is a great place, and I plan to continually reinforce that. I believe CSC can be very successful with its athletic programs. I believe the coaches have the ability to be successful and compete. The campus supports athletics and the community is bought in. All the people I met are tremendous and I can't wait to join the team."

While at Austin Peay, Reinsch and his staff hosted championship events and he assisted with multiple facility renovations. Additionally, he helped develop an endowment for the baseball program, created Austin Peay's Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) Collective, and oversaw record attendance numbers at football games.

Prior to working at Austin Peay, Reinsch spent three years as the Associate Athletic Director for External Relations and Development at Colorado State University-Pueblo. At Pueblo, Reinsch helped the athletic department raise close to $1 million annually with corporate partnerships and more than $200,000 through the booster club. He also developed a crowdfunding campaign that generated more than $150,000 for the 21 varsity sports, and in 2021-22, nearly half of Pueblo's teams qualified for NCAA postseasons. He was a proponent of community involvement and taught sports marketing and sports management courses.

Reinsch, a former baseball student-athlete who earned both of his degrees at UNK, began his career as a graduate assistant at his alma mater. Once he graduated, he was named the Facility and Event Manager and was promoted to the Assistant Athletic Director for Facilities and Events two years later. Reinsch helped the Lopers generate more than $160,000 in sponsorships and he was involved with several leadership and planning groups. While in Kearney, Reinsch benefited from a variety of experiences, including working within game operations, sports sales and services.

Reinsch and his wife, Shauna, have two daughters, Merritt and Navy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720553253679.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Chadron State Athletics&nbsp; CHADRON –&nbsp;Mannie Reinsch (pronounced Rhine-sh), an experienced and successful athletic administrator, was named Chadron State College's Athletic Director Monday, President Ron K. Patterson announced. Reinsch's first day at CSC will be July 29."We are thrilled to have someone like Mannie lead our athletic department," Patterson said. "Mannie has a wealth of experience, a passion for athletics, and is deeply committed to ensuring student-athletes succeed in and out of the classroom at Chadron State College. His knowledge of NCAA and Division II best practices, as well as a proven ability as a fundraiser, will position our athletic department and college well. The future is bright for CSC athletics."Reinsch,&nbsp;a Kearney native and graduate of the University of Nebraska-Kearney, was most recently&nbsp;the Senior Associate Director of Athletics Championships Resources at Austin Peay State University, a Division I institution in Tennessee, and is excited to return to his home state and lead an NCAA Division II athletic department."My wife and I are excited to be back in Nebraska and join Chadron State College," Reinsch said. "What initially drew me to CSC was President Patterson's leadership and vision, but I have known about CSC my entire life and I knew of the athletic department's success as a student-athlete and competitor at UNK. It's an exciting opportunity to lead a department that has a lot of potential and infrastructure to take it to the next level."Reinsch said he will focus on instilling three core values to the athletic department."We are going to focus on academic performance, competitive excellence, and community service and engagement. We're going to excel with all three things; and compete to win in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, in the classroom, and in the community. I can't wait to get started," he said.Reinsch said he will focus on instilling a culture of success and excellence, increasing fan engagement, and involving the community and booster club, as well as hosting events. However, Reinsch said the most important thing is to take good care of student-athletes."I want our student-athletes at CSC to have a great experience and I want to ensure they have many fond memories, as well as a lot of success. Chadron State College and the community of Chadron is a great place, and I plan to continually reinforce that. I believe CSC can be very successful with its athletic programs. I believe the coaches have the ability to be successful and compete. The campus supports athletics and the community is bought in. All the people I met are tremendous and I can't wait to join the team."While at Austin Peay, Reinsch and his staff hosted championship events and he assisted with multiple facility renovations. Additionally, he helped develop an endowment for the baseball program, created Austin Peay's Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) Collective, and oversaw record attendance numbers at football games.Prior to working at Austin Peay, Reinsch spent three years as the Associate Athletic Director for External Relations and Development at Colorado State University-Pueblo. At Pueblo, Reinsch helped the athletic department raise close to $1 million annually with corporate partnerships and more than $200,000 through the booster club. He also developed a crowdfunding campaign that generated more than $150,000 for the 21 varsity sports, and in 2021-22, nearly half of Pueblo's teams qualified for NCAA postseasons. He was a proponent of community involvement and taught sports marketing and sports management courses.Reinsch, a former baseball student-athlete who earned both of his degrees at UNK, began his career as a graduate assistant at his alma mater. Once he graduated, he was named the Facility and Event Manager and was promoted to the Assistant Athletic Director for Facilities and Events two years later. Reinsch helped the Lopers generate more than $160,000 in sponsorships and he was involved with several leadership and planning groups. While in Kearney, Reinsch benefited from a variety of experiences, including working within game operations, sports sales and services.Reinsch and his wife, Shauna, have two daughters, Merritt and Navy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kearney native selected as next AD at Chadron State College

by Shamus McKnight,&nbsp; Senior Associate Communications Director for&nbsp;Nebraska Athletics

Lincoln, Ne - The University of Nebraska Athletic Department and 1890 Nebraska announced a partnership today, making 1890 Nebraska the official Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) Collective of Nebraska Athletics and streamlining the process to make it easier for fans to support Husker Athletics among several options.

“Nebraska has always been an innovator in collegiate athletics, whether it is in strength and conditioning, nutrition, and athletics performance facilities, and NIL is the latest frontier,” said Nebraska Athletic Director Troy Dannen. “This partnership with 1890 Nebraska will make it convenient for fans and donors to directly support NIL for our student-athletes and provide 1890 donors many of the same benefits and privileges that our Huskers Athletic Fund members receive for their support of Nebraska Athletics.”

“We are excited to partner with the University of Nebraska as the Official NIL Collective of Nebraska Athletics,” said 1890 Nebraska CEO Carson Schott. “For the past couple of years, our ongoing work with the university has supported student-athletes and coaches, helping to recruit and retain top talent. This deepened commitment to a united front will enhance our efforts further and take our support to the next level.”

With this partnership, contributions to 1890 Nebraska are now eligible for Huskers Athletic Fund priority points and can be included in calculating Huskers Athletic Fund membership levels, including Nebraska Leadership Society annual and lifetime memberships. In addition, 1890 contributions are eligible to receive tax deductibility when directed to the 1890 Foundation and priority points are declined at the time of the donation. Every donor contribution

to 1890 goes directly to student-athletes, and 1890 contributions are also eligible for 1890-specific benefits and experiences.

Donations to the Huskers Athletic Fund are eligible to receive benefits such as priority seating, exclusive access, VIP experiences and more.&nbsp; Donations to the Huskers Athletic Fund can be directed to current funding priorities, including the Student-Athlete Experience Fund, the new track and field complex on Innovation Campus and the HAF Discretionary Fund.

by Shamus McKnight,&nbsp; Senior Associate Communications Director for&nbsp;Nebraska AthleticsLincoln, Ne - The University of Nebraska Athletic Department and 1890 Nebraska announced a partnership today, making 1890 Nebraska the official Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) Collective of Nebraska Athletics and streamlining the process to make it easier for fans to support Husker Athletics among several options.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720451511293.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“Nebraska has always been an innovator in collegiate athletics, whether it is in strength and conditioning, nutrition, and athletics performance facilities, and NIL is the latest frontier,” said Nebraska Athletic Director Troy Dannen. “This partnership with 1890 Nebraska will make it convenient for fans and donors to directly support NIL for our student-athletes and provide 1890 donors many of the same benefits and privileges that our Huskers Athletic Fund members receive for their support of Nebraska Athletics.”“We are excited to partner with the University of Nebraska as the Official NIL Collective of Nebraska Athletics,” said 1890 Nebraska CEO Carson Schott. “For the past couple of years, our ongoing work with the university has supported student-athletes and coaches, helping to recruit and retain top talent. This deepened commitment to a united front will enhance our efforts further and take our support to the next level.”With this partnership, contributions to 1890 Nebraska are now eligible for Huskers Athletic Fund priority points and can be included in calculating Huskers Athletic Fund membership levels, including Nebraska Leadership Society annual and lifetime memberships. In addition, 1890 contributions are eligible to receive tax deductibility when directed to the 1890 Foundation and priority points are declined at the time of the donation. Every donor contributionto 1890 goes directly to student-athletes, and 1890 contributions are also eligible for 1890-specific benefits and experiences.Donations to the Huskers Athletic Fund are eligible to receive benefits such as priority seating, exclusive access, VIP experiences and more.&nbsp; Donations to the Huskers Athletic Fund can be directed to current funding priorities, including the Student-Athlete Experience Fund, the new track and field complex on Innovation Campus and the HAF Discretionary Fund.

1890 Nebraska Named Official NIL Collective of Nebraska

Kearney, Neb. -&nbsp;Nebraska Kearney head men's basketball coach Marty Levinson&nbsp;announced today that three players from the 2023-24 National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II National Champions -- National Park College (Hot Springs, Ark.) -- have joined the&nbsp;Loper&nbsp;program. On June 10,&nbsp;Levison&nbsp;announced the&nbsp;<a href="https://lopers.com/news/2024/6/10/four-transfers-join-mens-basketball.aspx">first four recruits</a>&nbsp;of his tenure. The roster will continue to grow throughout the summer. The NPC Nighthawks went 31-1 this past season and won the national title after beating the top two seeds,&nbsp;Davidson-Davie&nbsp;(N.C.) and South Suburban (Ill.), in the Final Four and Championship game. The Nighthawks were the fifth seed in a tournament held in Danville, Ill. The transfers are post&nbsp;Taylor Harrell&nbsp;(Huntsville, Texas), guard&nbsp;Ja'Bryant&nbsp;Hill&nbsp;(Duncanville, Texas) and forward&nbsp;Anthony Swift&nbsp;(Las Vegas, Nev.). Each has two years of eligibility remaining .Harrell led NJCAA Division II in field goal percentage this season (76.7) as he averaged 10.3 points, 8.0 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game. Starting all 32 contests, he earned All-Region honors and was the MVP of the National Tourney. In the title game vs. South Suburban, he had 22 points on 10 of 12 shooting. In a regular season win, Harrell scored a season-best 25 points by going 11 of 12 from the floor." Taylor is a physical center who scores at a very efficient rate. At 6'11 and 280 pounds, he brings a presence and physicality that will instantly impact a game. He can use his physicality to dominate at times because he is very intelligent, instinctual, and uses his positioning to his advantage. When position and size meet skill, you have a real problem and that is exactly how Taylor plays," said Levinson. Having 19 double figure games, Harrell ended up at NPC after scoring 41 points against the Nighthawks a year prior. At Huntsville High, he hit a last second shot to help the Hornets win an area championship and was part of a conference winning squad a year later." He shot the ball a very impressive 77% rate from the floor and completely dominated the National Championship game. Taylor's productivity can be seen on a box score but perhaps his biggest impact is being the vocal leader that he naturally is.&nbsp;Loper&nbsp;fans are going to really enjoy that Taylor is on our side," said Levinson. A 5-10, 160-pound guard, Hill earned second-team All-American this year after averaging 17.3 points, 4.0 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game. He had seven 20-point efforts including a 50 burger in a win over North Arkansas. He made 15 of 25 shots (7 of 10) and went 13 of 15 at the line in a 108-66 victory."Ja'Bryant brings more positivity to a roster than maybe any player I have ever seen. JB can impact a game on both sides of the ball. His quickness and instincts are special, on and off the ball, as he will get into a ball handler as well as jump a passing lane that most others would never see," said Levinson. "Not only known as a defensive problem, JB can also score from all three levels, sets up his teammates at the right time, and rebounds especially well for his size." Setting a school-record for steals in a game (10) vs. nationally ranked Des Moines Area (Ia.) C.C., Hill shot 83% from the line and 45% from the floor. He leaves the Nighthawks as the all-time leader in both steals (125) and made free throws (234). After spending a redshirt season at Western Texas College, Hill averaged 14.5 points, 3.8 assists and 2.5 rebounds per game for NPC in 2022-23. Finally, he helped lead Duncanville High to its first state tourney appearance in 12 years." During his career, he is a Texas High School state champion and is now a NJCAA national champion; you can see why as he is not only a leader on the floor, in the locker room, on campus and around the community. I am really excited to add Ja'Bryant to our community and be around him every day," said Levinson.​Swift (6-7, 210 lbs.) took a redshirt season at Division I Southern Utah before spending his redshirt freshman campaign at the College of Southern Nevada. There, he was teammates with fellow Loper newcomer Kendrick Gilbert. Swift averaged 9.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.0 blocks a night that season in helping CSN go 23-10."Anthony gives us versatility, size, and skill as he has shown he can be productive and influence winning everywhere he has played. He can guard multiple positions and can score in the post as well as on the perimeter," said Levinson. "Growing up in Las Vegas and playing against a lot of high-level competition, Anthony has developed a very effective all-around game and knows how to compliment his teammates but can also take over at times." At NPC this year, Swift appeared in 31 games and was at 7.4 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game. He had nine games with at least 10 boards including a season-best 20 in a win over Southern Arkansas Tech. Posting two double doubles, Swift made 50% of his shots and 74% of his free throws. At Desert Pines High in Las Vegas, he was a double figure scorer who helped his team make two state appearances." The talents Anthony brings to a team are invaluable as he played a big part in helping National Park win the National Championship, but he was also a big part of these three wanting to play together. Relationships matter to Anthony, and I will lean on his perspective to help guide this team," said Levinson. The Levinson Era begins Nov. 8 (Friday) with a game at Southwest Minnesota State; the home opener is to be determined.

Kearney, Neb. -&nbsp;Nebraska Kearney head men's basketball coach Marty Levinson&nbsp;announced today that three players from the 2023-24 National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II National Champions -- National Park College (Hot Springs, Ark.) -- have joined the&nbsp;Loper&nbsp;program. On June 10,&nbsp;Levison&nbsp;announced the&nbsp;<a href="https://lopers.com/news/2024/6/10/four-transfers-join-mens-basketball.aspx">first four recruits</a>&nbsp;of his tenure. The roster will continue to grow throughout the summer. The NPC Nighthawks went 31-1 this past season and won the national title after beating the top two seeds,&nbsp;Davidson-Davie&nbsp;(N.C.) and South Suburban (Ill.), in the Final Four and Championship game. The Nighthawks were the fifth seed in a tournament held in Danville, Ill. The transfers are post&nbsp;Taylor Harrell&nbsp;(Huntsville, Texas), guard&nbsp;Ja'Bryant&nbsp;Hill&nbsp;(Duncanville, Texas) and forward&nbsp;Anthony Swift&nbsp;(Las Vegas, Nev.). Each has two years of eligibility remaining .Harrell led NJCAA Division II in field goal percentage this season (76.7) as he averaged 10.3 points, 8.0 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game. Starting all 32 contests, he earned All-Region honors and was the MVP of the National Tourney. In the title game vs. South Suburban, he had 22 points on 10 of 12 shooting. In a regular season win, Harrell scored a season-best 25 points by going 11 of 12 from the floor." Taylor is a physical center who scores at a very efficient rate. At 6'11 and 280 pounds, he brings a presence and physicality that will instantly impact a game. He can use his physicality to dominate at times because he is very intelligent, instinctual, and uses his positioning to his advantage. When position and size meet skill, you have a real problem and that is exactly how Taylor plays," said Levinson. Having 19 double figure games, Harrell ended up at NPC after scoring 41 points against the Nighthawks a year prior. At Huntsville High, he hit a last second shot to help the Hornets win an area championship and was part of a conference winning squad a year later." He shot the ball a very impressive 77% rate from the floor and completely dominated the National Championship game. Taylor's productivity can be seen on a box score but perhaps his biggest impact is being the vocal leader that he naturally is.&nbsp;Loper&nbsp;fans are going to really enjoy that Taylor is on our side," said Levinson. A 5-10, 160-pound guard, Hill earned second-team All-American this year after averaging 17.3 points, 4.0 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game. He had seven 20-point efforts including a 50 burger in a win over North Arkansas. He made 15 of 25 shots (7 of 10) and went 13 of 15 at the line in a 108-66 victory."Ja'Bryant brings more positivity to a roster than maybe any player I have ever seen. JB can impact a game on both sides of the ball. His quickness and instincts are special, on and off the ball, as he will get into a ball handler as well as jump a passing lane that most others would never see," said Levinson. "Not only known as a defensive problem, JB can also score from all three levels, sets up his teammates at the right time, and rebounds especially well for his size." Setting a school-record for steals in a game (10) vs. nationally ranked Des Moines Area (Ia.) C.C., Hill shot 83% from the line and 45% from the floor. He leaves the Nighthawks as the all-time leader in both steals (125) and made free throws (234). After spending a redshirt season at Western Texas College, Hill averaged 14.5 points, 3.8 assists and 2.5 rebounds per game for NPC in 2022-23. Finally, he helped lead Duncanville High to its first state tourney appearance in 12 years." During his career, he is a Texas High School state champion and is now a NJCAA national champion; you can see why as he is not only a leader on the floor, in the locker room, on campus and around the community. I am really excited to add Ja'Bryant to our community and be around him every day," said Levinson.​Swift (6-7, 210 lbs.) took a redshirt season at Division I Southern Utah before spending his redshirt freshman campaign at the College of Southern Nevada. There, he was teammates with fellow Loper newcomer Kendrick Gilbert. Swift averaged 9.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.0 blocks a night that season in helping CSN go 23-10."Anthony gives us versatility, size, and skill as he has shown he can be productive and influence winning everywhere he has played. He can guard multiple positions and can score in the post as well as on the perimeter," said Levinson. "Growing up in Las Vegas and playing against a lot of high-level competition, Anthony has developed a very effective all-around game and knows how to compliment his teammates but can also take over at times." At NPC this year, Swift appeared in 31 games and was at 7.4 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game. He had nine games with at least 10 boards including a season-best 20 in a win over Southern Arkansas Tech. Posting two double doubles, Swift made 50% of his shots and 74% of his free throws. At Desert Pines High in Las Vegas, he was a double figure scorer who helped his team make two state appearances." The talents Anthony brings to a team are invaluable as he played a big part in helping National Park win the National Championship, but he was also a big part of these three wanting to play together. Relationships matter to Anthony, and I will lean on his perspective to help guide this team," said Levinson. The Levinson Era begins Nov. 8 (Friday) with a game at Southwest Minnesota State; the home opener is to be determined.

UNK adds three from National Park College

Senior Brett Sears was named a second-team Academic All-American by College Sports Communicators on Tuesday.

Sears is the first Husker baseball player to be an Academic All-American since 2016 and is the first Husker to be an All-American and Academic All-American in the same season since Aaron Marsden in 2003.

The Westphalia, Iowa, native becomes the 19th player in program history to be named an Academic All-American, increasing Nebraska’s total to 22 all-time Academic All-Americans.

In the classroom, Sears carried a 3.65 cumulative grade-point average while earning a degree in child, youth and family studies in May.

A unanimous second-team All-American and semifinalist for the Dick Howser Trophy and National Pitcher of the Year, Sears picked up first-team all-region recognition and was tabbed the District 6 Player of the Year last month.

The Big Ten Pitcher of the Year and first-team All-Big Ten honoree posted a 9-1 record with a 2.16 ERA and 101 strikeouts in 104 innings this season.

Sears had a breakout 2024 campaign, ranking among the national leaders throughout the season. The senior finished the year ranked fourth with a 0.88 WHIP, fifth in ERA (2.16), 19th in strikeout-to-walk ratio (5.32), 20th in hits allowed/9 inn. (6.23) and 24th in walks allowed/9 inn. (1.64).

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsSenior Brett Sears was named a second-team Academic All-American by College Sports Communicators on Tuesday.Sears is the first Husker baseball player to be an Academic All-American since 2016 and is the first Husker to be an All-American and Academic All-American in the same season since Aaron Marsden in 2003.The Westphalia, Iowa, native becomes the 19th player in program history to be named an Academic All-American, increasing Nebraska’s total to 22 all-time Academic All-Americans.In the classroom, Sears carried a 3.65 cumulative grade-point average while earning a degree in child, youth and family studies in May.A unanimous second-team All-American and semifinalist for the Dick Howser Trophy and National Pitcher of the Year, Sears picked up first-team all-region recognition and was tabbed the District 6 Player of the Year last month.The Big Ten Pitcher of the Year and first-team All-Big Ten honoree posted a 9-1 record with a 2.16 ERA and 101 strikeouts in 104 innings this season.Sears had a breakout 2024 campaign, ranking among the national leaders throughout the season. The senior finished the year ranked fourth with a 0.88 WHIP, fifth in ERA (2.16), 19th in strikeout-to-walk ratio (5.32), 20th in hits allowed/9 inn. (6.23) and 24th in walks allowed/9 inn. (1.64).

Brett Sears named Academic All-American

Nebraska sophomores Bergen Reilly and Andi Jackson led the U.S. U21 National Team to the gold medal at the NORCECA U21 Continental Championship in Toronto, Canada on Sunday. Nebraska assistant coach Jaylen Reyes served as an assistant coach for the U21 National Team.

Team USA swept Puerto Rico 25-12, 25-16, 25-16 in the gold medal match to finish the tournament without dropping a set in five matches. Jackson finished with nine kills, three blocks and one ace, while Reilly set the U.S. to a .464 hitting percentage.&nbsp;

In other international competition, Nebraska seniors Merritt Beason, Taylor Landfair and Lexi Rodriguez took the silver medal at the NORCECA Final Six as the U.S. National Team fell to Dominican Republic in five sets, 14-25, 25-17, 25-23, 16-25, 11-15. The U.S. National Team - comprising only college players for this tournament - went toe to toe with the senior national team of the Dominican Republic. Beason had a team-high 14 kills in the final, while Rodriguez had 10 digs.&nbsp;

Women's NORCECA Final Six (Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic)FinalDominican Republic 3, USA 2 (25-14, 17-25, 23-25, 25-16, 15-11)Merritt Beason - 14 killsLexi Rodriguez - 10 digsSemifinalsUSA 3, Puerto Rico 0 (25-21, 21-25, 25-23, 25-16)Merritt Beason - 13 killsLexi Rodriguez - 19 digs

USA 3, Canada 0 (25-15, 25-21, 25-13)Merritt Beason - 4 kills, 3 digsTaylor Landfair - 5 kills, 6 digs, 1 block, 1 ace&nbsp;Lexi Rodriguez - 3 digs

USA 3, Mexico 0 (33-31, 27-25, 25-15)Lexi Rodriguez - 14 digs

U21 NORCECA Continental Championship (Toronto, Canada)FinalUSA 3, Puerto Rico 0 (25-12, 25-16, 25-16)Andi Jackson - 9 kills, 3 blocks, 1 aceBergen Reilly - Set Team USA to a .464 hitting percentage

SemifinalsUSA 3, Dominican Republic 0 (25-20, 25-13, 25-12)Andi Jackson - 8 kills, 1 block, 1 aceBergen Reilly - 6 digs, 3 aces, helped set U.S. to a .410 hitting percentage

Group StageUSA 3, Puerto Rico 0 (25-10, 25-17, 25-15)Andi Jackson - 8 kills, 2 blocks, 3 acesBergen Reilly - helped set U.S. to a .314 hitting percentage

USA 3, Suriname 0 (25-10, 25-5, 25-9)Andi Jackson - 5 killsBergen Reilly - 8 assists

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsNebraska sophomores Bergen Reilly and Andi Jackson led the U.S. U21 National Team to the gold medal at the NORCECA U21 Continental Championship in Toronto, Canada on Sunday. Nebraska assistant coach Jaylen Reyes served as an assistant coach for the U21 National Team.Team USA swept Puerto Rico 25-12, 25-16, 25-16 in the gold medal match to finish the tournament without dropping a set in five matches. Jackson finished with nine kills, three blocks and one ace, while Reilly set the U.S. to a .464 hitting percentage.&nbsp;In other international competition, Nebraska seniors Merritt Beason, Taylor Landfair and Lexi Rodriguez took the silver medal at the NORCECA Final Six as the U.S. National Team fell to Dominican Republic in five sets, 14-25, 25-17, 25-23, 16-25, 11-15. The U.S. National Team - comprising only college players for this tournament - went toe to toe with the senior national team of the Dominican Republic. Beason had a team-high 14 kills in the final, while Rodriguez had 10 digs.&nbsp;Women's NORCECA Final Six (Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic)FinalDominican Republic 3, USA 2 (25-14, 17-25, 23-25, 25-16, 15-11)Merritt Beason - 14 killsLexi Rodriguez - 10 digsSemifinalsUSA 3, Puerto Rico 0 (25-21, 21-25, 25-23, 25-16)Merritt Beason - 13 killsLexi Rodriguez - 19 digsGroup StageUSA 3, Canada 0 (25-15, 25-21, 25-13)Merritt Beason - 4 kills, 3 digsTaylor Landfair - 5 kills, 6 digs, 1 block, 1 ace&nbsp;Lexi Rodriguez - 3 digsUSA 3, Mexico 0 (33-31, 27-25, 25-15)Lexi Rodriguez - 14 digsU21 NORCECA Continental Championship (Toronto, Canada)FinalUSA 3, Puerto Rico 0 (25-12, 25-16, 25-16)Andi Jackson - 9 kills, 3 blocks, 1 aceBergen Reilly - Set Team USA to a .464 hitting percentageSemifinalsUSA 3, Dominican Republic 0 (25-20, 25-13, 25-12)Andi Jackson - 8 kills, 1 block, 1 aceBergen Reilly - 6 digs, 3 aces, helped set U.S. to a .410 hitting percentageGroup StageUSA 3, Puerto Rico 0 (25-10, 25-17, 25-15)Andi Jackson - 8 kills, 2 blocks, 3 acesBergen Reilly - helped set U.S. to a .314 hitting percentageUSA 3, Suriname 0 (25-10, 25-5, 25-9)Andi Jackson - 5 killsBergen Reilly - 8 assists

Reilly, Jackson lead U.S. U21 Team to Gold Medal

Story by Supernovas Communications&nbsp;

OMAHA, Neb.&nbsp;– The&nbsp;Omaha Supernovas&nbsp;are thrilled to officially announce&nbsp;Laura “Bird” Kuhn&nbsp;as head coach, dropping the interim title that she inherited from last season.&nbsp;

Kuhn continues her stay in Omaha after winning the first-ever Pro Volleyball Federation Championship on May 18 when the Supernovas swept the Grand Rapids Rise inside the&nbsp;CHI Health Center&nbsp;to cap off a storybook season. Originally hired as an assistant coach, Kuhn took over as Interim Head Coach on Feb. 6, only two matches into the inaugural season. Kuhn would lead Omaha to a 17-7 overall record under her watch, which includes the two postseason victories.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Omaha is a special place and truly is the volleyball capital of the world,” Kuhn said. “The Supernovas organization is full of amazing people who have invested in one another to establish a culture of success. Creating such an impact in a one-of-kind community has been a life-changing experience, making this a huge drawback for me. I’m looking forward to being back with NovasNation!”&nbsp;

Kuhn was the main voice in balancing and managing a roster, widely seen as one of the best in the first season of the PVF. That became even more important as the Supernovas were one of the most injury-riddled teams in the league, losing three key contributors for substantial parts of the season.&nbsp;

"We couldn’t be more excited for Bird to continue her tenure in Omaha,”&nbsp;Supernovas Team President Diane Mendenhall&nbsp;said. “She took the reins in February with this team and did a phenomenal job of guiding them to the championship. She fostered a championship culture with a united sense of purpose. We saw that play out in the championship semi-finals with the reserve sweep over San Diego and followed by the sweep of Grand Rapids to capture the inaugural championship.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kuhn isn’t new to this role, serving as the head volleyball coach for Texas A&amp;M from 2018 through 2022. Bird 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;&nbsp;

Kuhn will lead the coaching staff and collaborate with the front office in evaluating and signing talent for the 2025 Omaha Supernovas roster, which began with&nbsp;<a href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001kb0tKyzOBTfWcMNEoELvFYPFTQ8Cnl37Hsc5p-RCxR3aZOdQEBcw7JoX9GoXvNTtbYFVFhAMQjgxY7fDkkHYq0NbRzApEf-yDgQpKDvCz5ETlVguFufueSJkm8VUCn06fBUNigEF6dlouCHPFQPtSpMnXY6zbCvc6fzlFz_MxBskl-XK135c-FoT2KM9iSk_BlCP8hNqyYOy_W1YCmjysS5gDzjzrukkerobXVR4TsdTEDDwCbgWwDRGlPmiBgUYXh8BnVBqhPYTm3gN56vN4OJMxHniF84NCa7godXLsb-S1GkQ5J206g==&amp;c=9NjQRfHS_0tnygIYIR1DOGzbiD83i63UDTvNLBII3wmNEg-eGV3vmg==&amp;ch=r7lwjP9VTWca4VpEqtPioctwULYIBeFZRzaya-jl5egmsTbeLjSmSQ==">nine signees on the first day of the PVF Free Agency</a>&nbsp;period on June 30. Omaha will return to the CHI Health Center for the second season of the Pro Volleyball Federation, set to begin in January 2025.&nbsp;&nbsp;

To celebrate the first-ever PVF Championship, fans will be able to see the Supernovas and championship trophy as part of the Championship Trophy Tour. Please click this&nbsp;<a href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001kb0tKyzOBTfWcMNEoELvFYPFTQ8Cnl37Hsc5p-RCxR3aZOdQEBcw7LNoIC1RgVi9g6tMoVJqEo8CEZk0uuHLL-6U1Pt772K1ncNFSi84JCBBFuKwPB2ULwVXWCGmhsaYNdZcIZ1d1fhiIf92lzpgeIEuQ70x_bYi_6W62oOR8BKMthiNAguZDB_47ZuSmgs9&amp;c=9NjQRfHS_0tnygIYIR1DOGzbiD83i63UDTvNLBII3wmNEg-eGV3vmg==&amp;ch=r7lwjP9VTWca4VpEqtPioctwULYIBeFZRzaya-jl5egmsTbeLjSmSQ==">link</a>&nbsp;to see where the Supernovas are this summer!&nbsp;

Story by Supernovas Communications&nbsp;OMAHA, Neb.&nbsp;– The&nbsp;Omaha Supernovas&nbsp;are thrilled to officially announce&nbsp;Laura “Bird” Kuhn&nbsp;as head coach, dropping the interim title that she inherited from last season.&nbsp;Kuhn continues her stay in Omaha after winning the first-ever Pro Volleyball Federation Championship on May 18 when the Supernovas swept the Grand Rapids Rise inside the&nbsp;CHI Health Center&nbsp;to cap off a storybook season. Originally hired as an assistant coach, Kuhn took over as Interim Head Coach on Feb. 6, only two matches into the inaugural season. Kuhn would lead Omaha to a 17-7 overall record under her watch, which includes the two postseason victories.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Omaha is a special place and truly is the volleyball capital of the world,” Kuhn said. “The Supernovas organization is full of amazing people who have invested in one another to establish a culture of success. Creating such an impact in a one-of-kind community has been a life-changing experience, making this a huge drawback for me. I’m looking forward to being back with NovasNation!”&nbsp;Kuhn was the main voice in balancing and managing a roster, widely seen as one of the best in the first season of the PVF. That became even more important as the Supernovas were one of the most injury-riddled teams in the league, losing three key contributors for substantial parts of the season.&nbsp;"We couldn’t be more excited for Bird to continue her tenure in Omaha,”&nbsp;Supernovas Team President Diane Mendenhall&nbsp;said. “She took the reins in February with this team and did a phenomenal job of guiding them to the championship. She fostered a championship culture with a united sense of purpose. We saw that play out in the championship semi-finals with the reserve sweep over San Diego and followed by the sweep of Grand Rapids to capture the inaugural championship.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Kuhn isn’t new to this role, serving as the head volleyball coach for Texas A&amp;M from 2018 through 2022. Bird 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;&nbsp;Kuhn will lead the coaching staff and collaborate with the front office in evaluating and signing talent for the 2025 Omaha Supernovas roster, which began with&nbsp;<a href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001kb0tKyzOBTfWcMNEoELvFYPFTQ8Cnl37Hsc5p-RCxR3aZOdQEBcw7JoX9GoXvNTtbYFVFhAMQjgxY7fDkkHYq0NbRzApEf-yDgQpKDvCz5ETlVguFufueSJkm8VUCn06fBUNigEF6dlouCHPFQPtSpMnXY6zbCvc6fzlFz_MxBskl-XK135c-FoT2KM9iSk_BlCP8hNqyYOy_W1YCmjysS5gDzjzrukkerobXVR4TsdTEDDwCbgWwDRGlPmiBgUYXh8BnVBqhPYTm3gN56vN4OJMxHniF84NCa7godXLsb-S1GkQ5J206g==&amp;c=9NjQRfHS_0tnygIYIR1DOGzbiD83i63UDTvNLBII3wmNEg-eGV3vmg==&amp;ch=r7lwjP9VTWca4VpEqtPioctwULYIBeFZRzaya-jl5egmsTbeLjSmSQ==">nine signees on the first day of the PVF Free Agency</a>&nbsp;period on June 30. Omaha will return to the CHI Health Center for the second season of the Pro Volleyball Federation, set to begin in January 2025.&nbsp;&nbsp;To celebrate the first-ever PVF Championship, fans will be able to see the Supernovas and championship trophy as part of the Championship Trophy Tour. Please click this&nbsp;<a href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001kb0tKyzOBTfWcMNEoELvFYPFTQ8Cnl37Hsc5p-RCxR3aZOdQEBcw7LNoIC1RgVi9g6tMoVJqEo8CEZk0uuHLL-6U1Pt772K1ncNFSi84JCBBFuKwPB2ULwVXWCGmhsaYNdZcIZ1d1fhiIf92lzpgeIEuQ70x_bYi_6W62oOR8BKMthiNAguZDB_47ZuSmgs9&amp;c=9NjQRfHS_0tnygIYIR1DOGzbiD83i63UDTvNLBII3wmNEg-eGV3vmg==&amp;ch=r7lwjP9VTWca4VpEqtPioctwULYIBeFZRzaya-jl5egmsTbeLjSmSQ==">link</a>&nbsp;to see where the Supernovas are this summer!&nbsp;

Supernovas officially hire Laura “Bird” Kuhn as Head Coach, drops Interim Title

McCook, Neb. - Dillon Hargrove, who coached National Park College to a national championship in March, has been named the new coach of McCook Community College men's basketball program.

Hargrove has been the men's head basketball coach at the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II program in Hot Springs, Ark. since July of 2020.

He compiled an 82-27 coaching record while leading the Nighthawks to Region II regular season championships the past two years and a program best 31-1 record during the 2023-24 campaign.

He said there were two main things that attracted him to the McCook job.

"The Peter and Dolores Graff Events Center is top-notch. It is one of the best facilities in junior college," he said. "The other thing is that when I got to McCook, one of the first things I realized and felt is that strong sense of community."

He said that community pride was visible not only with athletics, and not just on campus but throughout the community.

"As a basketball coach that's huge," he said. "To make that move, you want to feel that sense of community and family and this is pretty obvious here in McCook."

During his fourth season, the Nighthawks rattled off 27 straight wins as the team spent seven weeks ranked No. 1 in the nation.

Following the team's lone loss in the NJCAA Region II Championship, NPC received an at-large bid to its first NJCAA National Tournament as the No. 5 seed, where the Nighthawks soared to the program's first NJCAA Division II Men's Basketball National Championship.

NPC averaged 91.1 points per game on the offensive side while giving up 74.0 points per game on defense. They complimented that with 5.6 blocks per game (seventh in the nation) and 11.8 steals per game (eighth in the nation).

In addition to being named NJCAA Region II Coach of the Year, Hargrove was named the 2023-24 NJCAA Division II Men's Basketball Championship Coach of the Tournament and the 2023-24 National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Two-Year College Coach of the Year.

In his time at NPC, Hargrove coached one championship MVP, three DII All-Americans, two Region II players of the year, six all-region players and five second-team all-region players.

MCC Athletic Director Jon Olsen said the last two times the men's basketball head coach has opened up, there have been between 50 to 80 applications. A seven-person Mid-Plains Community College search committee screened candidates and conducted the interviews. Hargrove will also have responsibilities as a Career Coach in the Learning Commons.

"His resume to me just stood out, he interviewed really well and we saw why he would be so successful," said Olsen. "I'm really excited for him to be here."

Hargrove said recruiting is one of his immediate priorities. He and assistant Drake Henderson, whom he brought with him from Arkansas, plan to meet with current players and begin the process of replacing nine sophomores.

"We like to develop teams that play really hard, and we'll expect that out of our team this year, good athletes as well as good people," he said.

He received his bachelor's degree in communications from Arkansas Tech University in August of 2016. Hargrove began his coaching career as an assistant with men's basketball program at Lyon College in Benton, Ark. in 2016. The following year he coached at Flippin High School before joining the staff in 2019 at Little Priest Tribal College in Winnebago, Neb.

MCC's new men's basketball coach comes from a family of basketball coaches and educators. His dad has been coaching in Arkansas and Missouri for 32 years and mom has been an educator. His twin sister is a basketball coach. Younger sister isn't a coach but is pursuing her master's degree in sports management.

He and his wife Brooke both come from small towns in Arkansas and met in high school seven years ago. They were married last summer. She is a certified speech pathologist.

Hargrove takes over for North Platte native Jacob Brandl, who left MCC last month to take over at his alma mater North Platte Community College. Brandl spent four years as MCC with a 47-72 record. In 2021 Brandl helped guide the Indians to a Region IX tournament championship appearance, their first since 1997. The Indians went 11-21 this past season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719332175959.jpeg" alt="(Photo from MPCC Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>(Photo from MPCC Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>MPCC AthleticsMcCook, Neb. - Dillon Hargrove, who coached National Park College to a national championship in March, has been named the new coach of McCook Community College men's basketball program.Hargrove has been the men's head basketball coach at the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II program in Hot Springs, Ark. since July of 2020.He compiled an 82-27 coaching record while leading the Nighthawks to Region II regular season championships the past two years and a program best 31-1 record during the 2023-24 campaign.He said there were two main things that attracted him to the McCook job."The Peter and Dolores Graff Events Center is top-notch. It is one of the best facilities in junior college," he said. "The other thing is that when I got to McCook, one of the first things I realized and felt is that strong sense of community."He said that community pride was visible not only with athletics, and not just on campus but throughout the community."As a basketball coach that's huge," he said. "To make that move, you want to feel that sense of community and family and this is pretty obvious here in McCook."During his fourth season, the Nighthawks rattled off 27 straight wins as the team spent seven weeks ranked No. 1 in the nation.Following the team's lone loss in the NJCAA Region II Championship, NPC received an at-large bid to its first NJCAA National Tournament as the No. 5 seed, where the Nighthawks soared to the program's first NJCAA Division II Men's Basketball National Championship.NPC averaged 91.1 points per game on the offensive side while giving up 74.0 points per game on defense. They complimented that with 5.6 blocks per game (seventh in the nation) and 11.8 steals per game (eighth in the nation).In addition to being named NJCAA Region II Coach of the Year, Hargrove was named the 2023-24 NJCAA Division II Men's Basketball Championship Coach of the Tournament and the 2023-24 National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Two-Year College Coach of the Year.In his time at NPC, Hargrove coached one championship MVP, three DII All-Americans, two Region II players of the year, six all-region players and five second-team all-region players.MCC Athletic Director Jon Olsen said the last two times the men's basketball head coach has opened up, there have been between 50 to 80 applications. A seven-person Mid-Plains Community College search committee screened candidates and conducted the interviews. Hargrove will also have responsibilities as a Career Coach in the Learning Commons."His resume to me just stood out, he interviewed really well and we saw why he would be so successful," said Olsen. "I'm really excited for him to be here."Hargrove said recruiting is one of his immediate priorities. He and assistant Drake Henderson, whom he brought with him from Arkansas, plan to meet with current players and begin the process of replacing nine sophomores."We like to develop teams that play really hard, and we'll expect that out of our team this year, good athletes as well as good people," he said.He received his bachelor's degree in communications from Arkansas Tech University in August of 2016. Hargrove began his coaching career as an assistant with men's basketball program at Lyon College in Benton, Ark. in 2016. The following year he coached at Flippin High School before joining the staff in 2019 at Little Priest Tribal College in Winnebago, Neb.MCC's new men's basketball coach comes from a family of basketball coaches and educators. His dad has been coaching in Arkansas and Missouri for 32 years and mom has been an educator. His twin sister is a basketball coach. Younger sister isn't a coach but is pursuing her master's degree in sports management.He and his wife Brooke both come from small towns in Arkansas and met in high school seven years ago. They were married last summer. She is a certified speech pathologist.Hargrove takes over for North Platte native Jacob Brandl, who left MCC last month to take over at his alma mater North Platte Community College. Brandl spent four years as MCC with a 47-72 record. In 2021 Brandl helped guide the Indians to a Region IX tournament championship appearance, their first since 1997. The Indians went 11-21 this past season.

National champion coach to head MCC men’s basketball

Kearney, Neb. –&nbsp;Nebraska-Kearney&nbsp;standout&nbsp;Wes Ferguson&nbsp;runs in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usatf.org/events/2024/2024-u-s-olympic-team-trials-%E2%80%94-track-field">2024 U.S. Olympic Trials</a>&nbsp;this Thursday (June 27) in Eugene, Oreg.

The men's 800-meter first round/quarterfinals are set for 6:30 p.m. Central and can be viewed on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.peacocktv.com/">Peacock</a>. The start list will be revealed closer to race day;&nbsp;<a href="https://results.usatf.org/2024trials/">live results</a>&nbsp;are available as well.&nbsp;

If Ferguson (Fremont) finishes in the top six of his heat or has one of the next three fastest times, he'll advance to Friday's semifinals (three heats of seven). That begins at 8:39 p.m. Central and can be seen on Peacock&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usanetwork.com/">USA</a>. Finally, to reach Sunday's finals at 6:51 p.m. Central, he'll have to finish in the top two of a heat or have one of the next three fastest times. Once again, the finals (nine qualifiers) will air on Peacock and NBC.&nbsp;

Unlike some other nations that have a wildcard spot available, the U.S. policy on making the Olympic team is straight forward; finish in the top three and head to Paris (July 26-Aug. 11).&nbsp;

Ferguson currently ranks eighth in the country this year with a time of 1:45.06. Bryce Hoppel (adidas/Kansas Alum; 1:43.68), Isaiah Jewett (NIKE/Southern Cal Alum; 1:44.02) and Brandon Miller (Brooks/Texas A&amp;M Alum; 1:44.24) lead the field. &nbsp;&nbsp;

A five-time NCAA Division II national champion and nine-time All-American, Ferguson is one of six declared runners with D2 ties. Before transferring to Power 5 schools, Shane Cohen (Tampa) and Abraham Alvarado (Cal State&nbsp;Stanislaus) were D2 student-athletes with Benjamin Allen (Concordia-St. Paul), Robert Downs (Texas A&amp;M-Kingsville) and Derek Holdsworth (Western Oregon) each being D2 standouts during their careers. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719244993599.png" alt="Wes Ferguson (Photo courtesy of UNK Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Wes Ferguson (Photo courtesy of UNK Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>UNK AthleticsKearney, Neb. –&nbsp;Nebraska-Kearney&nbsp;standout&nbsp;Wes Ferguson&nbsp;runs in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usatf.org/events/2024/2024-u-s-olympic-team-trials-%E2%80%94-track-field">2024 U.S. Olympic Trials</a>&nbsp;this Thursday (June 27) in Eugene, Oreg.The men's 800-meter first round/quarterfinals are set for 6:30 p.m. Central and can be viewed on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.peacocktv.com/">Peacock</a>. The start list will be revealed closer to race day;&nbsp;<a href="https://results.usatf.org/2024trials/">live results</a>&nbsp;are available as well.&nbsp;If Ferguson (Fremont) finishes in the top six of his heat or has one of the next three fastest times, he'll advance to Friday's semifinals (three heats of seven). That begins at 8:39 p.m. Central and can be seen on Peacock&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usanetwork.com/">USA</a>. Finally, to reach Sunday's finals at 6:51 p.m. Central, he'll have to finish in the top two of a heat or have one of the next three fastest times. Once again, the finals (nine qualifiers) will air on Peacock and NBC.&nbsp;Unlike some other nations that have a wildcard spot available, the U.S. policy on making the Olympic team is straight forward; finish in the top three and head to Paris (July 26-Aug. 11).&nbsp;Ferguson currently ranks eighth in the country this year with a time of 1:45.06. Bryce Hoppel (adidas/Kansas Alum; 1:43.68), Isaiah Jewett (NIKE/Southern Cal Alum; 1:44.02) and Brandon Miller (Brooks/Texas A&amp;M Alum; 1:44.24) lead the field. &nbsp;&nbsp;A five-time NCAA Division II national champion and nine-time All-American, Ferguson is one of six declared runners with D2 ties. Before transferring to Power 5 schools, Shane Cohen (Tampa) and Abraham Alvarado (Cal State&nbsp;Stanislaus) were D2 student-athletes with Benjamin Allen (Concordia-St. Paul), Robert Downs (Texas A&amp;M-Kingsville) and Derek Holdsworth (Western Oregon) each being D2 standouts during their careers. &nbsp;UNK has had two Olympic athletes in recent times in wrestler&nbsp;Tervel&nbsp;Dlagnev&nbsp;(2012 and 2016) and track team member Curtis Harry (two-man bobsleigh).&nbsp;Dlagnev&nbsp;eventually earned a bronze medal in 2016 with Harry representing Trinidad &amp; Tobago in the 1994 and 1998 Winter games. &nbsp;