Story by NU Athletic Communications

Lincoln – The Nebraska men's basketball program added another showcase non-conference matchup Thursday morning, as the Huskers will square off against Auburn in the 2021 Holiday Hoopsgiving event. 

The matchup will take place at the State Farm Center in Atlanta on Saturday, Dec. 11, with the start time and broadcast info announced at a later date. Tickets for the Holiday Hoopsgiving will go on sale later this summer. 

The matchup with Auburn is another highlight of the Huskers' 2021-22 non-conference schedule which also includes tilts with NC State, Kansas State and Creighton. The Tigers are receiving preseason recognition, ranking No. 20 by Gary Parrish of CBS in his most recent Top 25-and-1 rankings released last week. 

"This is a great opportunity for our program to play a potential top-25 team in an NBA arena," Nebraska Coach Fred Hoiberg said. "Auburn has been one of the best programs in the SEC in recent seasons under Bruce Pearl, and they will in contention again this year. The Holiday Hoopsgiving event will a marquee showcase for our team, and I think our players and staff will look forward to the challenge."

Auburn returns a pair of starters for Bruce Pearl, who begins his eighth season at the school. The returnees are led by Allen Flanigan, who averaged 14.3 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, and Jaylin Williams, who averaged 10.9 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. The Tigers also add five-star recruit Jabari Smith, who was fourth in the ESPN100, as well as transfers Walker Kessler (North Carolina), K.D. Johnson (Georgia), Zep Jasper (Charleston) and Wendell Green Jr. (Eastern Kentucky). 

Under third-year Head Coach Fred Hoiberg, Nebraska returns four starters (Trey McGowens, Dalano Banton, Lat Mayen and Derrick Walker) and five of its top six scorers from last season, although Banton declared for the NBA Draft and will have until early July to either return to school or stay in the draft.  The Huskers also add a five-member recruiting class which is ranked as a high as 13th nationally by ESPN and features five-star recruit Bryce McGowens, Wilhelm Breidenbach, a top-100 recruit, and junior college All-American Keisei Tominaga.  NU also adds a pair of former top-100 recruits in transfers CJ Wilcher (Xavier) and Keon Edwards (DePaul).

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsLincoln – The Nebraska men's basketball program added another showcase non-conference matchup Thursday morning, as the Huskers will square off against Auburn in the 2021 Holiday Hoopsgiving event. The matchup will take place at the State Farm Center in Atlanta on Saturday, Dec. 11, with the start time and broadcast info announced at a later date. Tickets for the Holiday Hoopsgiving will go on sale later this summer. The matchup with Auburn is another highlight of the Huskers' 2021-22 non-conference schedule which also includes tilts with NC State, Kansas State and Creighton. The Tigers are receiving preseason recognition, ranking No. 20 by Gary Parrish of CBS in his most recent Top 25-and-1 rankings released last week. "This is a great opportunity for our program to play a potential top-25 team in an NBA arena," Nebraska Coach Fred Hoiberg said. "Auburn has been one of the best programs in the SEC in recent seasons under Bruce Pearl, and they will in contention again this year. The Holiday Hoopsgiving event will a marquee showcase for our team, and I think our players and staff will look forward to the challenge."Auburn returns a pair of starters for Bruce Pearl, who begins his eighth season at the school. The returnees are led by Allen Flanigan, who averaged 14.3 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, and Jaylin Williams, who averaged 10.9 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. The Tigers also add five-star recruit Jabari Smith, who was fourth in the ESPN100, as well as transfers Walker Kessler (North Carolina), K.D. Johnson (Georgia), Zep Jasper (Charleston) and Wendell Green Jr. (Eastern Kentucky). Under third-year Head Coach Fred Hoiberg, Nebraska returns four starters (Trey McGowens, Dalano Banton, Lat Mayen and Derrick Walker) and five of its top six scorers from last season, although Banton declared for the NBA Draft and will have until early July to either return to school or stay in the draft. The Huskers also add a five-member recruiting class which is ranked as a high as 13th nationally by ESPN and features five-star recruit Bryce McGowens, Wilhelm Breidenbach, a top-100 recruit, and junior college All-American Keisei Tominaga. NU also adds a pair of former top-100 recruits in transfers CJ Wilcher (Xavier) and Keon Edwards (DePaul).

Huskers to Face Auburn in Holiday Hoopsgiving

North Platte, NE- The North Platte Chamber Ambassadors are pleased to host the Junior Ambassador Golf Classic. On Monday and Tuesday, July 26-27, the 2021 Junior Ambassador Classic Two Day Golf Tournament will take place at our local Rivers Edge and Lake Maloney Golf Courses. Many junior golf entrants ages 7 to 18, from around the state, will participate in one of the most prominent junior golf tournaments in Nebraska. This year’s tournament will include an optional Team Scoring Competition for Teams of Four High-School Aged Golfers. The Players self-select their 4-person team with entry into the tournament.

The North Platte Chamber Ambassadors include the infamous “Junior Slugfest” and BBQ on the evening of July 26th at Rivers Edge. Junior Golfers are randomly grouped into Scramble teams that compete in&nbsp; Sudden Death scramble playoff for trophies. This event is unique to this youth tournament and has become a very prominent feature of this event.

Day 1: July 26th, play will start at Rivers Edge Golf Club 9:00am – 4:30pm.

Slugfest: July 26th, River’s Edge Golf Club 6:00pm-8:00pm

Day 2: July 27th, play will start at Lake Maloney Golf Course 9:00am – 3:00pm.

Golf Academy: July 26th, Instructional Clinic 1:00pm-4:00pm. (for newer golfers)

All participants will receive a special signature event memento. Big Trophies will be awarded for the top performers in all flights and divisions for the two-day tournament as well as trophies for lowest team scores for kids who sign up for the team component. The trophy presentations will be held at the end of play on July 27th at Lake Maloney Golf Club from 1:00pm to 3:00pm.&nbsp;

North Platte, NE- The North Platte Chamber Ambassadors are pleased to host the Junior Ambassador Golf Classic. On Monday and Tuesday, July 26-27, the 2021 Junior Ambassador Classic Two Day Golf Tournament will take place at our local Rivers Edge and Lake Maloney Golf Courses. Many junior golf entrants ages 7 to 18, from around the state, will participate in one of the most prominent junior golf tournaments in Nebraska. This year’s tournament will include an optional Team Scoring Competition for Teams of Four High-School Aged Golfers. The Players self-select their 4-person team with entry into the tournament.The North Platte Chamber Ambassadors include the infamous “Junior Slugfest” and BBQ on the evening of July 26th at Rivers Edge. Junior Golfers are randomly grouped into Scramble teams that compete in&nbsp; Sudden Death scramble playoff for trophies. This event is unique to this youth tournament and has become a very prominent feature of this event.The Tournament Schedule:Day 1: July 26th, play will start at Rivers Edge Golf Club 9:00am – 4:30pm.Slugfest: July 26th, River’s Edge Golf Club 6:00pm-8:00pmDay 2: July 27th, play will start at Lake Maloney Golf Course 9:00am – 3:00pm.Golf Academy: July 26th, Instructional Clinic 1:00pm-4:00pm. (for newer golfers)All participants will receive a special signature event memento. Big Trophies will be awarded for the top performers in all flights and divisions for the two-day tournament as well as trophies for lowest team scores for kids who sign up for the team component. The trophy presentations will be held at the end of play on July 27th at Lake Maloney Golf Club from 1:00pm to 3:00pm.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625145088018.png" alt="21 jr ambassador classic.png" />
 <figcaption>21 jr ambassador classic.png</figcaption>
 </figure>

2021 Junior Ambassador Classic Two-Day Golf Tournament

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Mississippi State’s first national championship had been building since 1985, when “Thunder and Lightning” — Will Clark and Rafael Palmeiro — were the stars on what’s known as the best team to not win a College World Series.

The 2021 Bulldogs got the job done. Finally.

Will Bednar and Landon Sims combined on a one-hitter, the Bulldogs scored early and built on their lead, and at the end they were in a dogpile celebrating a 9-0 victory over Vanderbilt in the deciding third game of the College World Series finals Wednesday night.

There to see it was Ron Polk, the godfather of Mississippi State baseball and the coach of that ’85 team.

“Coach Polk is the one who built this and started it,” coach Chris Lemonis said. “We run out there and play in front of the big crowds, but Polk was a big reason why, and our former players, too. This is a lot of years in the making, and a lot of fun. And I know our fans will enjoy this.”

Oh, they enjoyed it. It seemed the whole town of Starkville, Mississippi, was at TD Ameritrade Park — loud and proud — for all three games of the finals.

When third baseman Kamren James threw to first for the final out, the Bulldogs’ dugout emptied and about 100 fans jumped out of the stands to celebrate. The players walked the warning track and reached up to high-five the fans.

“I couldn’t be more happy for a team, a town, a fan base, the whole state of Mississippi, except Oxford, of course,” SEC player of the year Tanner Allen said. “Those guys are always on my back. So I had to take a shot at them.

“This team overcame everything, man. From getting swept at home in front of 10,000 versus Arkansas to Missouri coming in and taking a series from us and then getting embarrassed at the SEC Tournament. We just kept playing and playing. You blink an eye, we’re national champions.”

Bednar, working on three days’ rest, walked three of the first five batters he faced before retiring 15 in a row. He turned the game over to Sims to start the seventh, and Vandy broke up the no-hitter when Carter Young singled into center field with one out in the eighth.

“I’ll probably bust his chops tomorrow,” a laughing Bednar said of Sims losing the no-no. “Win a national championship, I don’t really care about that. I’m on cloud nine.”

It was the first one-hitter at the CWS since 2014 and the climax of an Omaha run that seemed to get easier for the Bulldogs the longer they were here. The three wins they needed to reach the finals were all decided by one run.

“When you’re going to do something legendary for the first time, it was going to have to be tough,” Lemonis said. “The reason we are champions is we just have a really tough, resilient group. It’s been built over time. It’s the accumulation of the last three years.”

Bednar (9-1), whose 15 strikeouts in his Omaha debut against Texas on June 20 were the most here in 25 years, fanned four against Vandy (49-18) and was named the CWS Most Outstanding Player.

“Just every time he’s taken the ball here in the postseason, he’s just been a champ,” Lemonis said. “You need somebody to get hot for you in the postseason, and we had that with Will tonight.”

The national championship is the first in a team sport for Mississippi State (50-18) and it came in the Bulldogs’ 12th CWS appearance. Only Florida State (23) and Clemson (12) have been to Omaha at least as many times without winning a title.

Logan Tanner and Kellum Clark homered in the four-run seventh inning to put the game out of reach against a Vanderbilt offense that managed just seven hits and three runs over the last 25 innings of the finals.

“We didn’t play our best baseball toward the end,” Vanderbilt coach Tim Corbin said. “Getting through regionals was emotional, getting through the super regional was emotional, and this wasn’t easy here. And then there was the groundswell of momentum on the other side. You could feel it and it was real.”

Mississippi State knocked out Kumar Rocker (14-4) in the fifth. It was the second time in three CWS starts that the projected top-10 draft pick wasn’t at his best, in part because of more shaky defense behind him.

The Commodores committed six errors in the second and third games of the finals and 13 in seven CWS games. The Bulldogs were error-free in their seven games.

Wednesday’s game ended a CWS unlike any other since it began in 1947. There was no CWS last year because of the pandemic, and COVID-19 was never out of mind during the event’s return even though the stadium was at full fan capacity.

Positive COVID-19 tests and contact tracing left North Carolina State with only half its roster available in a 3-1 loss to Vanderbilt last Friday. By that night, a total of eight players had tested positive and prompted the NCAA to remove the Wolfpack from the tournament because of COVID-19 protocols.

A second bracket final between NC State and Vandy was declared a no-contest, and the Commodores were advanced to the finals to go for a second straight title and third since 2014.

They won the opener 8-2 after scoring seven runs in the first inning, but they didn’t do much the rest of the series.

Mississippi State won 13-2 in Game 2 and then, thanks to Bednar, was able to coast to its title-clinching victory.

“Great comeback for them,” Corbin said. “They realized they weren’t out of this when we beat them in the first game.”

The ’85 MSU team included four future major league All-Stars and won its first two games in Omaha, then dropped two in a row and was gone. The next four MSU teams to make the CWS won no more than one game here.

The 2013 Bulldogs got to the finals and flamed out, swept by UCLA and scoring only one run in the two games. The 2018 team didn’t put up much fight in the bracket finals against Oregon State, and the 2019 blew a ninth-inning lead in an elimination game against Louisville.

“All the former players own a part of this,” Lemonis said.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Mississippi State’s first national championship had been building since 1985, when “Thunder and Lightning” — Will Clark and Rafael Palmeiro — were the stars on what’s known as the best team to not win a College World Series.The 2021 Bulldogs got the job done. Finally.Will Bednar and Landon Sims combined on a one-hitter, the Bulldogs scored early and built on their lead, and at the end they were in a dogpile celebrating a 9-0 victory over Vanderbilt in the deciding third game of the College World Series finals Wednesday night.There to see it was Ron Polk, the godfather of Mississippi State baseball and the coach of that ’85 team.“Coach Polk is the one who built this and started it,” coach Chris Lemonis said. “We run out there and play in front of the big crowds, but Polk was a big reason why, and our former players, too. This is a lot of years in the making, and a lot of fun. And I know our fans will enjoy this.”Oh, they enjoyed it. It seemed the whole town of Starkville, Mississippi, was at TD Ameritrade Park — loud and proud — for all three games of the finals.When third baseman Kamren James threw to first for the final out, the Bulldogs’ dugout emptied and about 100 fans jumped out of the stands to celebrate. The players walked the warning track and reached up to high-five the fans.“I couldn’t be more happy for a team, a town, a fan base, the whole state of Mississippi, except Oxford, of course,” SEC player of the year Tanner Allen said. “Those guys are always on my back. So I had to take a shot at them.“This team overcame everything, man. From getting swept at home in front of 10,000 versus Arkansas to Missouri coming in and taking a series from us and then getting embarrassed at the SEC Tournament. We just kept playing and playing. You blink an eye, we’re national champions.”Bednar, working on three days’ rest, walked three of the first five batters he faced before retiring 15 in a row. He turned the game over to Sims to start the seventh, and Vandy broke up the no-hitter when Carter Young singled into center field with one out in the eighth.“I’ll probably bust his chops tomorrow,” a laughing Bednar said of Sims losing the no-no. “Win a national championship, I don’t really care about that. I’m on cloud nine.”It was the first one-hitter at the CWS since 2014 and the climax of an Omaha run that seemed to get easier for the Bulldogs the longer they were here. The three wins they needed to reach the finals were all decided by one run.“When you’re going to do something legendary for the first time, it was going to have to be tough,” Lemonis said. “The reason we are champions is we just have a really tough, resilient group. It’s been built over time. It’s the accumulation of the last three years.”Bednar (9-1), whose 15 strikeouts in his Omaha debut against Texas on June 20 were the most here in 25 years, fanned four against Vandy (49-18) and was named the CWS Most Outstanding Player.“Just every time he’s taken the ball here in the postseason, he’s just been a champ,” Lemonis said. “You need somebody to get hot for you in the postseason, and we had that with Will tonight.”The national championship is the first in a team sport for Mississippi State (50-18) and it came in the Bulldogs’ 12th CWS appearance. Only Florida State (23) and Clemson (12) have been to Omaha at least as many times without winning a title.Logan Tanner and Kellum Clark homered in the four-run seventh inning to put the game out of reach against a Vanderbilt offense that managed just seven hits and three runs over the last 25 innings of the finals.“We didn’t play our best baseball toward the end,” Vanderbilt coach Tim Corbin said. “Getting through regionals was emotional, getting through the super regional was emotional, and this wasn’t easy here. And then there was the groundswell of momentum on the other side. You could feel it and it was real.”Mississippi State knocked out Kumar Rocker (14-4) in the fifth. It was the second time in three CWS starts that the projected top-10 draft pick wasn’t at his best, in part because of more shaky defense behind him.The Commodores committed six errors in the second and third games of the finals and 13 in seven CWS games. The Bulldogs were error-free in their seven games.Wednesday’s game ended a CWS unlike any other since it began in 1947. There was no CWS last year because of the pandemic, and COVID-19 was never out of mind during the event’s return even though the stadium was at full fan capacity.Positive COVID-19 tests and contact tracing left North Carolina State with only half its roster available in a 3-1 loss to Vanderbilt last Friday. By that night, a total of eight players had tested positive and prompted the NCAA to remove the Wolfpack from the tournament because of COVID-19 protocols.A second bracket final between NC State and Vandy was declared a no-contest, and the Commodores were advanced to the finals to go for a second straight title and third since 2014.They won the opener 8-2 after scoring seven runs in the first inning, but they didn’t do much the rest of the series.Mississippi State won 13-2 in Game 2 and then, thanks to Bednar, was able to coast to its title-clinching victory.“Great comeback for them,” Corbin said. “They realized they weren’t out of this when we beat them in the first game.”The ’85 MSU team included four future major league All-Stars and won its first two games in Omaha, then dropped two in a row and was gone. The next four MSU teams to make the CWS won no more than one game here.The 2013 Bulldogs got to the finals and flamed out, swept by UCLA and scoring only one run in the two games. The 2018 team didn’t put up much fight in the bracket finals against Oregon State, and the 2019 blew a ninth-inning lead in an elimination game against Louisville.“All the former players own a part of this,” Lemonis said.

Mississippi St shuts down Vandy again for 1st national title

The FNBO Nationals improved to 24-12 on the season with a 6-5 victory over Rival Kearney last night.&nbsp;

Will Coe pitched a complete game for the Nationals in which he gave up those five runs on eight hits. Coe also struck out five.&nbsp;

The Nationals took an early 3-0 lead but let Kearney tie it in the third inning with some hot hitting.&nbsp;

North Platte was able to get back on top after that, scoring on an error by Kearney but again let the Runza tie it in the bottom of the 4th.

A three run 7th inning put North Platte back in the lead and they held on after a rally by Kearney in the bottom of the 7th.&nbsp;

The seniors head to Cheyenne to play in a holiday tournament over the weekend.&nbsp;

The Juniors lost their game against Kearney 2-7, they will be heading to the GI/Hastings tournament over the holiday weekend.&nbsp;

The FNBO Nationals improved to 24-12 on the season with a 6-5 victory over Rival Kearney last night.&nbsp;Will Coe pitched a complete game for the Nationals in which he gave up those five runs on eight hits. Coe also struck out five.&nbsp;The Nationals took an early 3-0 lead but let Kearney tie it in the third inning with some hot hitting.&nbsp;North Platte was able to get back on top after that, scoring on an error by Kearney but again let the Runza tie it in the bottom of the 4th.A three run 7th inning put North Platte back in the lead and they held on after a rally by Kearney in the bottom of the 7th.&nbsp;The seniors head to Cheyenne to play in a holiday tournament over the weekend.&nbsp;The Juniors lost their game against Kearney 2-7, they will be heading to the GI/Hastings tournament over the holiday weekend.&nbsp;

Will Coe and First nationals hold off late Kearney rally to win 6-5

DALLAS (AP) — The NCAA Board of Directors approved one of the biggest changes in the history of college athletics Wednesday, clearing the way for nearly a half-million athletes to start earning money based on their fame and celebrity without fear of endangering their eligibility or putting their school in jeopardy of violating amateurism rules that have stood for decades.

The decision, expected for months as state after state passed laws intended to render NCAA rules moot on the topic, came on the eve of the market opening Thursday for athletes in a dozen states, including giants like Texas and Florida.

“This decision by the NCAA to adopt interim rules to allow college athletes to profit from the use of their name, image and likeness is a step in the right direction as states begin enacting their own student athlete compensation laws," said Kansas Senator Jerry Moran. 

"However, this is not a long-term solution and further demonstrates that Congress must act to establish a consistent, federal standard on NIL. Creating a level playing field regarding student athlete protection and compensation through federal legislation will empower amateur athletes while maintaining the integrity of college sports that we all know and love.”

In February, Sen. Moran introduced the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2021/2/sen-moran-introduces-bill-to-establish-a-federal-standard-for-student-athletes-to-receive-compensation-for-their-name-image-and-likeness" target="_blank">Amateur Athletes Protection and Compensation Act of 2021</a>&nbsp;to establish a consistent, federal standard to allow student athletes greater control of their NIL.

“This is an important day for college athletes since they all are now able to take advantage of name, image and likeness opportunities,” NCAA President Mark Emmert said.

The decision effectively suspends NCAA restrictions on payments to athletes for things such as sponsorship deals, online endorsements and personal appearances. it applies to all three divisions or some 460,000 athletes.

The NCAA will also allow athletes to enter into agreements with agents, though all athletes are expected to keep their school informed of any and all NIL arrangements. The NCAA said schools are responsible “for determining whether those activities are consistent with state law.”

The NCAA had hoped to have broad NIL rules in place months ago, but that process bogged down, as did efforts on Capitol Hill to have Congress pass a law addressing the issue. Emmert said the NCAA will continue to push for a federal law to “provide clarity on a national level.”

The NCAA was forced to seek a temporary solution rather than have athletes in some states eligible for compensation while others were not.&nbsp;<a href="https://businessofcollegesports.com/tracker-name-image-and-likeness-legislation-by-state/" target="_blank">More than 10 states have laws set to go into effect</a>&nbsp;Thursday that would have undercut or simply declared inert existing NCAA rules regarding NIL earnings.

Without NCAA action, athletes in some states could be making money without putting their college eligibility in jeopardy while their counterparts in other states could be in danger of breaking NCAA rules.

The NCAA’s stopgap measure comes less than two weeks after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against the association in a case involving education-related benefits. That 9-0 ruling is expected to impact issues related to compensation for athletes.

While the NCAA has been fighting court battles and debating rules for compensation for years, the sudden pivot is jarring, if not perfectly clear on how it will affect recruiting and competitive balance.

For now, the NCAA has largely left the issue in the hands of more than 1,100 member schools.

“The current environment — both legal and legislative — prevents us from providing a more permanent solution and the level of detail student-athletes deserve,” Emmert said.

In a letter to member schools last week, Emmert stressed the high court still puts authority to govern college sports in the hands of the association. However, he warned schools that “existing and new rules are subject to antitrust analysis and we should expect continued litigation., particularly in the area of ‘play for pay.’”

The NCAA said the temporary policy addresses “play for pay” and the continued ban on improper inducements tied to choosing a school.

“The new policy preserves the fact college sports are not pay-for-play,” said Division II Presidents Council chair Sandra Jordan, chancellor at the University of South Carolina-Aiken. “It also reinforces key principles of fairness and integrity across the NCAA and maintains rules prohibiting improper recruiting inducements.”

DALLAS (AP) — The NCAA Board of Directors approved one of the biggest changes in the history of college athletics Wednesday, clearing the way for nearly a half-million athletes to start earning money based on their fame and celebrity without fear of endangering their eligibility or putting their school in jeopardy of violating amateurism rules that have stood for decades.The decision, expected for months as state after state passed laws intended to render NCAA rules moot on the topic, came on the eve of the market opening Thursday for athletes in a dozen states, including giants like Texas and Florida.“This decision by the NCAA to adopt interim rules to allow college athletes to profit from the use of their name, image and likeness is a step in the right direction as states begin enacting their own student athlete compensation laws," said Kansas Senator Jerry Moran. "However, this is not a long-term solution and further demonstrates that Congress must act to establish a consistent, federal standard on NIL. Creating a level playing field regarding student athlete protection and compensation through federal legislation will empower amateur athletes while maintaining the integrity of college sports that we all know and love.”In February, Sen. Moran introduced the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2021/2/sen-moran-introduces-bill-to-establish-a-federal-standard-for-student-athletes-to-receive-compensation-for-their-name-image-and-likeness" target="_blank">Amateur Athletes Protection and Compensation Act of 2021</a>&nbsp;to establish a consistent, federal standard to allow student athletes greater control of their NIL.“This is an important day for college athletes since they all are now able to take advantage of name, image and likeness opportunities,” NCAA President Mark Emmert said.The decision effectively suspends NCAA restrictions on payments to athletes for things such as sponsorship deals, online endorsements and personal appearances. it applies to all three divisions or some 460,000 athletes.The NCAA will also allow athletes to enter into agreements with agents, though all athletes are expected to keep their school informed of any and all NIL arrangements. The NCAA said schools are responsible “for determining whether those activities are consistent with state law.”The NCAA had hoped to have broad NIL rules in place months ago, but that process bogged down, as did efforts on Capitol Hill to have Congress pass a law addressing the issue. Emmert said the NCAA will continue to push for a federal law to “provide clarity on a national level.”The NCAA was forced to seek a temporary solution rather than have athletes in some states eligible for compensation while others were not.&nbsp;<a href="https://businessofcollegesports.com/tracker-name-image-and-likeness-legislation-by-state/" target="_blank">More than 10 states have laws set to go into effect</a>&nbsp;Thursday that would have undercut or simply declared inert existing NCAA rules regarding NIL earnings.Without NCAA action, athletes in some states could be making money without putting their college eligibility in jeopardy while their counterparts in other states could be in danger of breaking NCAA rules.The NCAA’s stopgap measure comes less than two weeks after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against the association in a case involving education-related benefits. That 9-0 ruling is expected to impact issues related to compensation for athletes.While the NCAA has been fighting court battles and debating rules for compensation for years, the sudden pivot is jarring, if not perfectly clear on how it will affect recruiting and competitive balance.For now, the NCAA has largely left the issue in the hands of more than 1,100 member schools.“The current environment — both legal and legislative — prevents us from providing a more permanent solution and the level of detail student-athletes deserve,” Emmert said.In a letter to member schools last week, Emmert stressed the high court still puts authority to govern college sports in the hands of the association. However, he warned schools that “existing and new rules are subject to antitrust analysis and we should expect continued litigation., particularly in the area of ‘play for pay.’”The NCAA said the temporary policy addresses “play for pay” and the continued ban on improper inducements tied to choosing a school.“The new policy preserves the fact college sports are not pay-for-play,” said Division II Presidents Council chair Sandra Jordan, chancellor at the University of South Carolina-Aiken. “It also reinforces key principles of fairness and integrity across the NCAA and maintains rules prohibiting improper recruiting inducements.”___

History: NCAA clears way for student athlete compensation

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Mississippi State’s first three wins in the College World Series were one-run games. The Bulldogs’ fourth was a blowout, and it was well-timed.

Houston Harding and Preston Johnson combined on a four-hitter and MSU capitalized on struggling Vanderbilt pitching in a 13-2 victory Tuesday night that forced a deciding third game in the College World Series finals.

The easy win allowed Bulldogs coach Chris Lemonis to hold back rested pitchers, including star reliever Landon Sims, for the winner-take-all Game 3 on Wednesday night.

“We’re ecstatic because, one, we’re still playing, and, two, we used two arms tonight,” Lemonis said. “We have an opportunity to use some different guys tomorrow now because of the score. It was nice after the game. I grabbed Landon, I said, ‘Man, it was sure nice not having to pitch you tonight’ because I feel like in every win for the last month he has been out there.”

The Commodores (49-17) will be going for their second straight national title and third since 2014 after their most lopsided loss in their 29 all-time CWS games.

“Just got to have a short memory,” Vandy’s CJ Rodriguez said. “I think we need to wash it out as fast as we can and get it done tomorrow.”

The Bulldogs (49-18) will be playing for their first championship.

“This game is done, and we’re going to remain cool, calm and collected and bring the same energy out tomorrow,” MSU’s Scotty Dubrule said. “Tomorrow is a new day and we’re going to have to face some tough arms.”

The start in this one was delayed two hours because of rain, but that didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of another pro-MSU crowd that included Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott in a pinstriped “State” baseball jersey and former NFL QB Jay Cutler and basketball coach Jerry Stackhouse representing Vandy.

Like Game 1, when Vanderbilt scored seven first-inning runs on its way to an 8-2 win, this one was over early as Mississippi State broke things open with a four-run third inning.

“Big bounce-back game from our guys, just a resilient group,” Lemonis said after MSU’s biggest winning margin in Omaha since beating Georgia Southern 15-1 in 1990. “We’ve had our back against the wall feels like all year long and they just keep responding.”

The Commodores issued a season-high 10 walks, including three in a row by 17-year-old starter Christian Little (3-2) that fueled Mississippi State’s big fourth inning.

The Bulldogs turned an error into a run in the first, and the decisive third inning started with shortstop Carter Young fielding Tanner Allen’s grounder but unable to get the ball out of his glove. It was scored a hit, but probably should have been an out — and was a sign of things to come.

Little’s three straight walks forced in a run and brought on reliever Patrick Reilly. Dubrule’s hard comebacker deflected off Reilly’s leg and scored two runs, and the Bulldogs got another on a bases-loaded wild pitch.

Mississippi State scored five times in the seventh to push its lead into double digits.

“We haven’t played a game like that, but whether it’s 13-1 or 2-1 — if you lose 2-1 it might have more of an effect than a 13-1 game,” Vandy coach Tim Corbin said, shorting his team a run in his comment. “It’s embarrassing.”

The Bulldogs finished with 14 hits, with light-hitting shortstop Lane Forsythe leading them with three hits out of the No. 9 spot after going 1 for 11 in his first five CWS games.

Johnson (4-0) allowed two hits and struck out seven in five innings of relief of Harding.

Prescott, MSU’s two-time All-SEC quarterback in 2014-15, got big cheers during an in-stadium interview when he gushed over a Bulldogs’ fan following that far exceeds Vandy’s in numbers and volume. When an MSU fan caught a foul ball and tossed it up to the section behind him where Prescott was sitting, Prescott signed it and tossed it back.

The all-SEC finals could come down to a pitching matchup between stars Kumar Rocker of Vanderbilt and Will Bednar of Mississippi State.

Rocker, the 2019 CWS Most Outstanding Player, is coming off four days’ rest. Bednar, who struck out 15 against Texas in his CWS debut June 20, would have three days’ rest since throwing 97 pitches in the bracket final against the Longhorns.

By Eric Olson - Associated PressOMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Mississippi State’s first three wins in the College World Series were one-run games. The Bulldogs’ fourth was a blowout, and it was well-timed.Houston Harding and Preston Johnson combined on a four-hitter and MSU capitalized on struggling Vanderbilt pitching in a 13-2 victory Tuesday night that forced a deciding third game in the College World Series finals.The easy win allowed Bulldogs coach Chris Lemonis to hold back rested pitchers, including star reliever Landon Sims, for the winner-take-all Game 3 on Wednesday night.“We’re ecstatic because, one, we’re still playing, and, two, we used two arms tonight,” Lemonis said. “We have an opportunity to use some different guys tomorrow now because of the score. It was nice after the game. I grabbed Landon, I said, ‘Man, it was sure nice not having to pitch you tonight’ because I feel like in every win for the last month he has been out there.”The Commodores (49-17) will be going for their second straight national title and third since 2014 after their most lopsided loss in their 29 all-time CWS games.“Just got to have a short memory,” Vandy’s CJ Rodriguez said. “I think we need to wash it out as fast as we can and get it done tomorrow.”The Bulldogs (49-18) will be playing for their first championship.“This game is done, and we’re going to remain cool, calm and collected and bring the same energy out tomorrow,” MSU’s Scotty Dubrule said. “Tomorrow is a new day and we’re going to have to face some tough arms.”The start in this one was delayed two hours because of rain, but that didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of another pro-MSU crowd that included Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott in a pinstriped “State” baseball jersey and former NFL QB Jay Cutler and basketball coach Jerry Stackhouse representing Vandy.Like Game 1, when Vanderbilt scored seven first-inning runs on its way to an 8-2 win, this one was over early as Mississippi State broke things open with a four-run third inning.“Big bounce-back game from our guys, just a resilient group,” Lemonis said after MSU’s biggest winning margin in Omaha since beating Georgia Southern 15-1 in 1990. “We’ve had our back against the wall feels like all year long and they just keep responding.”The Commodores issued a season-high 10 walks, including three in a row by 17-year-old starter Christian Little (3-2) that fueled Mississippi State’s big fourth inning.The Bulldogs turned an error into a run in the first, and the decisive third inning started with shortstop Carter Young fielding Tanner Allen’s grounder but unable to get the ball out of his glove. It was scored a hit, but probably should have been an out — and was a sign of things to come.Little’s three straight walks forced in a run and brought on reliever Patrick Reilly. Dubrule’s hard comebacker deflected off Reilly’s leg and scored two runs, and the Bulldogs got another on a bases-loaded wild pitch.Mississippi State scored five times in the seventh to push its lead into double digits.“We haven’t played a game like that, but whether it’s 13-1 or 2-1 — if you lose 2-1 it might have more of an effect than a 13-1 game,” Vandy coach Tim Corbin said, shorting his team a run in his comment. “It’s embarrassing.”The Bulldogs finished with 14 hits, with light-hitting shortstop Lane Forsythe leading them with three hits out of the No. 9 spot after going 1 for 11 in his first five CWS games.Johnson (4-0) allowed two hits and struck out seven in five innings of relief of Harding.Prescott, MSU’s two-time All-SEC quarterback in 2014-15, got big cheers during an in-stadium interview when he gushed over a Bulldogs’ fan following that far exceeds Vandy’s in numbers and volume. When an MSU fan caught a foul ball and tossed it up to the section behind him where Prescott was sitting, Prescott signed it and tossed it back.The all-SEC finals could come down to a pitching matchup between stars Kumar Rocker of Vanderbilt and Will Bednar of Mississippi State.Rocker, the 2019 CWS Most Outstanding Player, is coming off four days’ rest. Bednar, who struck out 15 against Texas in his CWS debut June 20, would have three days’ rest since throwing 97 pitches in the bracket final against the Longhorns.

Mississippi St beats Vandy 13-2 to send CWS finals to Game 3

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Mississippi State had the crowd. Vanderbilt had a big lead and Jack Leiter on the mound, and that was plenty Monday night.

The Commodores rode a seven-run first inning to an 8-2 victory in Game 1 of the College World Series finals to move within a win of a second straight national championship.

Fans in Mississippi State maroon overwhelmingly outnumbered Commodores supporters in the crowd of 24,052, many showing up early for tailgating and ringing cowbells in the parking lots.

Inside TD Ameritrade Park, some of the MSU faithful taunted the superfan known as the “Vandy Whistler” by chanting “Let’s Go State” after each of his series of three quick whistles between pitches.

“I think we had an idea what the stadium environment was going to be like,” Leiter said. “Our fans were amazing all night. Of course, the Mississippi State fans, you’ve got to tip your cap to that fanbase because it’s pretty awesome the support they give their team. Our offense came out of the chute really hot, so that quieted them down a little bit.”

The Commodores (49-16) scored their seven first-inning runs off Christian MacLeod and Chase Patrick after Mississippi State (48-18) had taken a 1-0 lead in the top half on Kamren James’ homer into the left-field bleachers.

McLeod struggled for a second straight CWS start and got only two outs. The redshirt freshman left-hander walked two of the first three batters and hit two in a row to bring in Vandy’s first run. CJ Rodriguez’s two-run single and Isaiah Thomas’ RBI double brought on Patrick. Jayson Gonzalez greeted him with a three-run homer.

McLeod (6-6) lasted only 1 1/3 innings against Virginia last Tuesday in what at the time was his shortest outing of the season.

“Tough first inning. We just couldn’t get out of it,” Bulldogs coach Chris Lemonis said. “We gave them too many freebies there in the first. When you give Jack Leiter seven runs in the first — a great pitcher, which he is — he just took it and ran with it.”

Leiter (11-4), the national strikeouts leader and a projected top-five pick in the Major League Baseball draft next month, allowed two runs and three hits and fanned eight in six innings. Nick Maldonado pitched three innings of shutout relief for his ninth save.

“Jack certainly set the tone tonight,” Vandy coach Tim Corbin said. “He pitched very well. It was tough pitching, too. That team does not give in. They fight you on every pitch. They make it very difficult. He was able to kill momentum at several points.”

The Commodores didn’t do much offensively after the first inning. Three MSU relievers held them hitless over the next five innings.

“I’m not a big moral victory guy, but I did tell our kids I was proud of them afterwards because after the first inning, we locked in and played great baseball,” Lemonis said. “They should feel confident in some ways in the fact when we did go out there and execute pitches and make plays, man, we’re right there.”

Vandy won the 2019 title and is trying to become the first back-to-back national champion since 2011, when South Carolina won the second of two straight. There was no CWS last year because of the pandemic.

The Commodores won two of three in the regular-season series against Mississippi State in Nashville.

They advanced to the finals without completing bracket play. North Carolina State was removed from the tournament early Saturday because of COVID-19 protocols and the winner-take-all bracket final matching those teams was declared a no-contest.

Since the best-of-three finals started in 2003, 11 of the 17 Game 1 winners have claimed the national title.

Those raucous Bulldogs fans will be back Tuesday night, and Corbin said his team will be ready for more of the same atmosphere.

Corbin said the last time he had been in a CWS game with so many people rooting against his team, and so loudly, was 2002 when he was an assistant at Clemson. The Tigers were playing Nebraska, and Corbin said it seemed like everyone in the state was in the stands.

“I think the thing that’s helped us in some regards is we have played well on the road,” he said, “and we’ve played well in tough environments. So this was a tough environment, too. And we appreciate the fans that we had, too, because they were loud.”

By Eric Olsen - Associated PressOMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Mississippi State had the crowd. Vanderbilt had a big lead and Jack Leiter on the mound, and that was plenty Monday night.The Commodores rode a seven-run first inning to an 8-2 victory in Game 1 of the College World Series finals to move within a win of a second straight national championship.Fans in Mississippi State maroon overwhelmingly outnumbered Commodores supporters in the crowd of 24,052, many showing up early for tailgating and ringing cowbells in the parking lots.Inside TD Ameritrade Park, some of the MSU faithful taunted the superfan known as the “Vandy Whistler” by chanting “Let’s Go State” after each of his series of three quick whistles between pitches.“I think we had an idea what the stadium environment was going to be like,” Leiter said. “Our fans were amazing all night. Of course, the Mississippi State fans, you’ve got to tip your cap to that fanbase because it’s pretty awesome the support they give their team. Our offense came out of the chute really hot, so that quieted them down a little bit.”The Commodores (49-16) scored their seven first-inning runs off Christian MacLeod and Chase Patrick after Mississippi State (48-18) had taken a 1-0 lead in the top half on Kamren James’ homer into the left-field bleachers.McLeod struggled for a second straight CWS start and got only two outs. The redshirt freshman left-hander walked two of the first three batters and hit two in a row to bring in Vandy’s first run. CJ Rodriguez’s two-run single and Isaiah Thomas’ RBI double brought on Patrick. Jayson Gonzalez greeted him with a three-run homer.McLeod (6-6) lasted only 1 1/3 innings against Virginia last Tuesday in what at the time was his shortest outing of the season.“Tough first inning. We just couldn’t get out of it,” Bulldogs coach Chris Lemonis said. “We gave them too many freebies there in the first. When you give Jack Leiter seven runs in the first — a great pitcher, which he is — he just took it and ran with it.”Leiter (11-4), the national strikeouts leader and a projected top-five pick in the Major League Baseball draft next month, allowed two runs and three hits and fanned eight in six innings. Nick Maldonado pitched three innings of shutout relief for his ninth save.“Jack certainly set the tone tonight,” Vandy coach Tim Corbin said. “He pitched very well. It was tough pitching, too. That team does not give in. They fight you on every pitch. They make it very difficult. He was able to kill momentum at several points.”The Commodores didn’t do much offensively after the first inning. Three MSU relievers held them hitless over the next five innings.“I’m not a big moral victory guy, but I did tell our kids I was proud of them afterwards because after the first inning, we locked in and played great baseball,” Lemonis said. “They should feel confident in some ways in the fact when we did go out there and execute pitches and make plays, man, we’re right there.”Vandy won the 2019 title and is trying to become the first back-to-back national champion since 2011, when South Carolina won the second of two straight. There was no CWS last year because of the pandemic.The Commodores won two of three in the regular-season series against Mississippi State in Nashville.They advanced to the finals without completing bracket play. North Carolina State was removed from the tournament early Saturday because of COVID-19 protocols and the winner-take-all bracket final matching those teams was declared a no-contest.Since the best-of-three finals started in 2003, 11 of the 17 Game 1 winners have claimed the national title.Those raucous Bulldogs fans will be back Tuesday night, and Corbin said his team will be ready for more of the same atmosphere.Corbin said the last time he had been in a CWS game with so many people rooting against his team, and so loudly, was 2002 when he was an assistant at Clemson. The Tigers were playing Nebraska, and Corbin said it seemed like everyone in the state was in the stands.“I think the thing that’s helped us in some regards is we have played well on the road,” he said, “and we’ve played well in tough environments. So this was a tough environment, too. And we appreciate the fans that we had, too, because they were loud.”

Big 1st inning sends Vandy past MSU 8-2 in CWS finals opener

Nebraska incoming freshman swimmer Beatriz Padron is headed to Tokyo to compete in the XXXII Summer Olympiad as part of the Costa Rican Olympic Team.

Padron, an 18-year-old from Belen, Costa Rica, will represent her home country as the lone female swimmer at the games and will compete in the 200-meter freestyle. She owns a lifetime best time of 2:06. A Costa Rican National Team member since 2015, Padron owns the Costa Rican national record in the 50-meter butterfly (27.65) and was part of another national record swim in the 4x100-meter medley relay (4:27.09).

In 2018, Padron advanced to the semifinals of the Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires.

Padron signed with Nebraska in the fall of 2020 and will arrive on campus following the Olympics. She was ranked as the No. 46 international recruit and No. 153 recruit in the world in the Class of 2021 by CollegeSwimming.com.

"Beatriz has certainly not rested on her laurels since signing with the Huskers," Nebraska Head Coach Pablo Morales said. "We could not be happier that she will be making a little side-trip to Tokyo on her way to Lincoln. Competing for Costa Rica against the best in the world at the Olympic Games will be an invaluable experience and will be a great launching point for her Husker career."

While Padron will be Costa Rica's lone female swimmer at the Tokyo Games, she will be joined by men's swimmer Arnoldo Herrera. Costa Rica's full Olympic Team across all sports currently consists of 10 members. The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games will take place July 23-Aug. 8, 2021 in Japan.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsNebraska incoming freshman swimmer Beatriz Padron is headed to Tokyo to compete in the XXXII Summer Olympiad as part of the Costa Rican Olympic Team.Padron, an 18-year-old from Belen, Costa Rica, will represent her home country as the lone female swimmer at the games and will compete in the 200-meter freestyle. She owns a lifetime best time of 2:06. A Costa Rican National Team member since 2015, Padron owns the Costa Rican national record in the 50-meter butterfly (27.65) and was part of another national record swim in the 4x100-meter medley relay (4:27.09).In 2018, Padron advanced to the semifinals of the Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires.Padron signed with Nebraska in the fall of 2020 and will arrive on campus following the Olympics. She was ranked as the No. 46 international recruit and No. 153 recruit in the world in the Class of 2021 by CollegeSwimming.com."Beatriz has certainly not rested on her laurels since signing with the Huskers," Nebraska Head Coach Pablo Morales said. "We could not be happier that she will be making a little side-trip to Tokyo on her way to Lincoln. Competing for Costa Rica against the best in the world at the Olympic Games will be an invaluable experience and will be a great launching point for her Husker career."While Padron will be Costa Rica's lone female swimmer at the Tokyo Games, she will be joined by men's swimmer Arnoldo Herrera. Costa Rica's full Olympic Team across all sports currently consists of 10 members. The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games will take place July 23-Aug. 8, 2021 in Japan.

Padron Headed to Tokyo

The North Platte legion team was 18-11 going into the long weekend tournament in Omaha and ready to show the metro area teams that they could compete.&nbsp; And boy did they. They started off the tournament with a game called after 2 innings because of lightning, but that wouldn't slow them down.&nbsp; The First nationals ripped off two impressive victories, 19-2 over a Wisconsin team then a 8-7 win over a Sioux Falls squad.&nbsp; A 4-1 win over a Kansas team would wrap up a perfect 3-0 record through pool play and put them on a path to the championship.&nbsp;

Harrisburg, SD would be the next team to face the First Nationals hot bats and good pitching as the North Platte team got their first shutout of the tournament: 14-0. That win would put them into the Semi-Finals.

The hit parade kept going for the First Nationals as they put up a 9-6 win over a scrappy Lincoln Pius team in the Semi's.&nbsp;

In the championship the First Nationals just could not figure out Bellevue West's pitcher who went 5 2/3 innings and only allowed one hit. The Thunderbirds would take the championship 3-1 over North Platte giving the First Nationals a second place finish.&nbsp; North platte is back in action on Wednesday against Kearney in Kearney.&nbsp;

The North Platte legion team was 18-11 going into the long weekend tournament in Omaha and ready to show the metro area teams that they could compete.&nbsp; And boy did they. They started off the tournament with a game called after 2 innings because of lightning, but that wouldn't slow them down.&nbsp; The First nationals ripped off two impressive victories, 19-2 over a Wisconsin team then a 8-7 win over a Sioux Falls squad.&nbsp; A 4-1 win over a Kansas team would wrap up a perfect 3-0 record through pool play and put them on a path to the championship.&nbsp;Harrisburg, SD would be the next team to face the First Nationals hot bats and good pitching as the North Platte team got their first shutout of the tournament: 14-0. That win would put them into the Semi-Finals.The hit parade kept going for the First Nationals as they put up a 9-6 win over a scrappy Lincoln Pius team in the Semi's.&nbsp;In the championship the First Nationals just could not figure out Bellevue West's pitcher who went 5 2/3 innings and only allowed one hit. The Thunderbirds would take the championship 3-1 over North Platte giving the First Nationals a second place finish.&nbsp; North platte is back in action on Wednesday against Kearney in Kearney.&nbsp;

FNBO First Nationals take 2nd in Battle for Omaha tournament

The west team rolled to a straight-set win Sunday at McCook Community College’s Wild West All-Star Volleyball Classic. The west team won by the scores of 25-12, 25-20-, 25-19.

Peyton Neff of North Platte was the west team’s most valuable player. She had four kills, 25 assists, two solo blocks, one assist block, three aces and eight digs.

Jaycee Slade Widener, an MCC commit from Maywood-Hayes Center, had nine kills three solo blocks and five digs.

Jenna Curtis of Ogallala had eight kills, one solo lock, five digs and one ace serve.

Haylee Sandman of Wauneta-Palisade High School had seven kills two solo blocks, one assist block, six digs and two aces.

Milan Coggins of Ogallala was credited with five kills, eight digs, one ace, one assist block and one solo.

Hershey High School Coach Samantha Kennedy coached the west team that also included: Brooklyn Douglas, North Platte; Payton Yearous, Wauneta-Palisade; Carly Sexson, Hershey, and Hope Brosius, Chase County.

Acelyn Klein of Medicine Valley High School was named the east team most valuable player. She had six kills. five digs and one ace.

Aleya Danae Huftle of Bertrand had four kills and four digs. Kennedy Brell of Elwood had four kills and one ace sere. Alivia Knoerzer of Elwood had 13 assists, three digs, two aces and one kill.

Lori Knoerzer of Elwood, coached the east team and was assisted by Diana Klein, Medicine Valley assistant coach. Other players on the ast included: Tiara Matson, Narissa Fawver and Charity Malleck, McCook; Macie Steinbrink, Bertrand; and Allison Rae Rippe of Southwest.

The west team rolled to a straight-set win Sunday at McCook Community College’s Wild West All-Star Volleyball Classic. The west team won by the scores of 25-12, 25-20-, 25-19.Peyton Neff of North Platte was the west team’s most valuable player. She had four kills, 25 assists, two solo blocks, one assist block, three aces and eight digs.Jaycee Slade Widener, an MCC commit from Maywood-Hayes Center, had nine kills three solo blocks and five digs.Jenna Curtis of Ogallala had eight kills, one solo lock, five digs and one ace serve.Haylee Sandman of Wauneta-Palisade High School had seven kills two solo blocks, one assist block, six digs and two aces.Milan Coggins of Ogallala was credited with five kills, eight digs, one ace, one assist block and one solo.Hershey High School Coach Samantha Kennedy coached the west team that also included: Brooklyn Douglas, North Platte; Payton Yearous, Wauneta-Palisade; Carly Sexson, Hershey, and Hope Brosius, Chase County.Acelyn Klein of Medicine Valley High School was named the east team most valuable player. She had six kills. five digs and one ace.Aleya Danae Huftle of Bertrand had four kills and four digs. Kennedy Brell of Elwood had four kills and one ace sere. Alivia Knoerzer of Elwood had 13 assists, three digs, two aces and one kill.Lori Knoerzer of Elwood, coached the east team and was assisted by Diana Klein, Medicine Valley assistant coach. Other players on the ast included: Tiara Matson, Narissa Fawver and Charity Malleck, McCook; Macie Steinbrink, Bertrand; and Allison Rae Rippe of Southwest.

West team rolls to straight-set win in MCC Wild West all-star game

By Mari Yamaguchi - Associated Press

TOKYO (AP) — Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga pledged Monday to strengthen health controls at airports after a Ugandan Olympic team member tested positive for COVID-19 at the town hosting their training camp, triggering concerns that the upcoming games will spread infections.

A Ugandan team member, reportedly a coach, tested positive on Saturday at Tokyo’s Narita airport and was quarantined there. But the rest of the nine-person team was allowed to travel more than 500 kilometers (300 miles) on a chartered bus to their pre-Olympics camp in the western prefecture of Osaka.

Three days later, a second Ugandan also tested positive for the virus, forcing seven town officials and drivers who had close contact with the team to self-isolate. The team members were quarantined at a local hotel.

Concerns escalated after it was announced that both Ugandans had the delta variant of the virus, which is believed to spread more easily.

In response to criticism of the case, Suga rushed to Tokyo’s Haneda international airport to inspect virus testing for arrivals and vowed to ensure appropriate border controls as growing numbers of Olympic and Paralympic participants enter Japan ahead of the July 23 opening of the games.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato later Monday said Japan plans to step up quarantine requirements for Olympic athletes and other participants from areas where the delta strain has been detected by requiring daily virus tests for seven days prior to departure to Japan — extended from the current four days —and up to 14 days after entry and training in isolation in the first three days.

The Uganda case illustrated that Japan’s border health controls can be easily breached, Tokyo Medical Association Chairman Haruo Ozaki said Sunday on NHK public television.

“Apparently the border controls are not adequate, even though there has been plenty of time to work on them,” he said.

Osaka Gov. Hirofumi Yoshimura said the entire team should have been quarantined at Narita airport.

Government officials initially defended the airport health controls as having properly detected and isolated the positive case, and said that contact tracing and isolation of those suspected of having had close contact was not their job but that of local health officials.

“No matter what measures you take, infected people would come in and it is unavoidable,” Japanese Olympic Committee President Yasuhiro Yamashita said at a news conference in Tokyo.

“Strict border control at airports is extremely important,” Yamashita said, urging the government to do more instead of pushing all the responsibility of contact tracing on local authorities.

Experts have noted a significant increase in the movement of people in Tokyo and other metropolitan areas since the easing of a state of emergency on June 21 and warned of signs of a resurgence of infections in the Tokyo region.

Tokyo on Monday reported 317 new cases, up from 236 from a week earlier, the ninth consecutive day of week-on-week increases, with an increase in cases of the delta variant. That could accelerate the resurgence to levels that might require another state of emergency during the Olympics, experts said.

By Mari Yamaguchi - Associated PressTOKYO (AP) — Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga pledged Monday to strengthen health controls at airports after a Ugandan Olympic team member tested positive for COVID-19 at the town hosting their training camp, triggering concerns that the upcoming games will spread infections.A Ugandan team member, reportedly a coach, tested positive on Saturday at Tokyo’s Narita airport and was quarantined there. But the rest of the nine-person team was allowed to travel more than 500 kilometers (300 miles) on a chartered bus to their pre-Olympics camp in the western prefecture of Osaka.Three days later, a second Ugandan also tested positive for the virus, forcing seven town officials and drivers who had close contact with the team to self-isolate. The team members were quarantined at a local hotel.Concerns escalated after it was announced that both Ugandans had the delta variant of the virus, which is believed to spread more easily.In response to criticism of the case, Suga rushed to Tokyo’s Haneda international airport to inspect virus testing for arrivals and vowed to ensure appropriate border controls as growing numbers of Olympic and Paralympic participants enter Japan ahead of the July 23 opening of the games.Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato later Monday said Japan plans to step up quarantine requirements for Olympic athletes and other participants from areas where the delta strain has been detected by requiring daily virus tests for seven days prior to departure to Japan — extended from the current four days —and up to 14 days after entry and training in isolation in the first three days.The Uganda case illustrated that Japan’s border health controls can be easily breached, Tokyo Medical Association Chairman Haruo Ozaki said Sunday on NHK public television.“Apparently the border controls are not adequate, even though there has been plenty of time to work on them,” he said.Osaka Gov. Hirofumi Yoshimura said the entire team should have been quarantined at Narita airport.Government officials initially defended the airport health controls as having properly detected and isolated the positive case, and said that contact tracing and isolation of those suspected of having had close contact was not their job but that of local health officials.“No matter what measures you take, infected people would come in and it is unavoidable,” Japanese Olympic Committee President Yasuhiro Yamashita said at a news conference in Tokyo.“Strict border control at airports is extremely important,” Yamashita said, urging the government to do more instead of pushing all the responsibility of contact tracing on local authorities.Experts have noted a significant increase in the movement of people in Tokyo and other metropolitan areas since the easing of a state of emergency on June 21 and warned of signs of a resurgence of infections in the Tokyo region.Tokyo on Monday reported 317 new cases, up from 236 from a week earlier, the ninth consecutive day of week-on-week increases, with an increase in cases of the delta variant. That could accelerate the resurgence to levels that might require another state of emergency during the Olympics, experts said.

Japan ups health controls as Olympic athlete tests positive

By Scott Carlson-North Platte Post

GRAND ISLAND, Neb.-Organizers of the Hall County Fair at Grand Island's Fonner Park have announced a new twist to their entertainment package in the form of nationally-televised boxing bouts.

Showtime Television Network has announced that it will bring its Showbox 20th Anniversary fights to the Heartland Events Center in Grand Island to be featured as part of the 2021 Hall County Fair Entertainment lineup.

Nationally televised boxing will feature two of the nation's top super middleweight prospects as undefeated Isaiah Steen takes on fellow undefeated fighter Kalvin Henderson. 

The Worlds Top Undefeated Welterweight prospect Janelson Bocachica takes on Shinard Bunch.

Also featured on the world class bare is undefeated featherweights meeting for the fight of their lives, 10-0 Martino Jules vs 10-0 Aram Avagyan.

In addition to four televised bouts, there will be multiple undercard fights including 2016 Olympic Bronze Medalist Niko Hernandez.

The event will take place on July 23, with tickets on sale beginning July 1 at 10 a.m.&nbsp;Special family 4-pack rates will be available for the first two days.&nbsp;

They are available at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001bKqQ102oQ_yxL5gk8ICPBsdaTfZ8lkVsfzCl8uwnxQLTTLw-ENu0WRgM7skohkSHxSV9I_y2hV1fjTbRCBLT1AX4s5FV-1LGW1GrN_GczYj6CA0GVRgqNTiW0CjCoVjOVRQIlUmvr40=&amp;c=9ArIHhVgPX7juL1hSuUsnEyFP6baVJCiJppXZPM-88fR0cG8pRPt4w==&amp;ch=9FVse4HDGuRbCpAVRX65W9Urezkl3EiS3YOyO8ECPJIWBbujVtCAdQ==" target="_blank">Etix.com</a>&nbsp;or the Heartland Events Center Box office.&nbsp; &nbsp;

“The Hall County Fair is proud to bring in a different kind of entertainment to Grand Island this year," said Hall County Fair Director Corby Flagle. "Not only will it feature Grand Island and Hall County to a national viewing audience….. but it will also provide hotels, restaurants, and the rest of the community with thousands of visitors. We are proud to bring this world-class sporting event to our community.”

For information on this event and more at the Hall County Fair, click <a href="http://hallcountyfair.com/concerts/">HERE</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624798724748.png" alt="shobox.png" />
 <figcaption>shobox.png</figcaption>
 </figure>By Scott Carlson-North Platte PostGRAND ISLAND, Neb.-Organizers of the Hall County Fair at Grand Island's Fonner Park have announced a new twist to their entertainment package in the form of nationally-televised boxing bouts.Showtime Television Network has announced that it will bring its Showbox 20th Anniversary fights to the Heartland Events Center in Grand Island to be featured as part of the 2021 Hall County Fair Entertainment lineup.Nationally televised boxing will feature two of the nation's top super middleweight prospects as undefeated Isaiah Steen takes on fellow undefeated fighter Kalvin Henderson. The Worlds Top Undefeated Welterweight prospect Janelson Bocachica takes on Shinard Bunch.Also featured on the world class bare is undefeated featherweights meeting for the fight of their lives, 10-0 Martino Jules vs 10-0 Aram Avagyan.In addition to four televised bouts, there will be multiple undercard fights including 2016 Olympic Bronze Medalist Niko Hernandez.The event will take place on July 23, with tickets on sale beginning July 1 at 10 a.m.&nbsp;Special family 4-pack rates will be available for the first two days.&nbsp;

They are available at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001bKqQ102oQ_yxL5gk8ICPBsdaTfZ8lkVsfzCl8uwnxQLTTLw-ENu0WRgM7skohkSHxSV9I_y2hV1fjTbRCBLT1AX4s5FV-1LGW1GrN_GczYj6CA0GVRgqNTiW0CjCoVjOVRQIlUmvr40=&amp;c=9ArIHhVgPX7juL1hSuUsnEyFP6baVJCiJppXZPM-88fR0cG8pRPt4w==&amp;ch=9FVse4HDGuRbCpAVRX65W9Urezkl3EiS3YOyO8ECPJIWBbujVtCAdQ==" target="_blank">Etix.com</a>&nbsp;or the Heartland Events Center Box office.&nbsp; &nbsp;“The Hall County Fair is proud to bring in a different kind of entertainment to Grand Island this year," said Hall County Fair Director Corby Flagle. "Not only will it feature Grand Island and Hall County to a national viewing audience….. but it will also provide hotels, restaurants, and the rest of the community with thousands of visitors. We are proud to bring this world-class sporting event to our community.”For information on this event and more at the Hall County Fair, click <a href="http://hallcountyfair.com/concerts/">HERE</a>.

Hall County fair to feature 4 nationally televised boxing bouts

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — North Carolina State was missing four starting position players and had only 13 available for its College World Series game against Vanderbilt because of a COVID-19 issue on the team. 

The game was delayed an hour before NC State said that several players had entered the COVID-19 protocol. 

The Wolfpack opened the game with nine position players and four pitchers available. 

Freshman pitcher Garrett Payne, who had six appearances this season, made his first start. 

Several others were at different positions than they are used to.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624651695179.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — North Carolina State was missing four starting position players and had only 13 available for its College World Series game against Vanderbilt because of a COVID-19 issue on the team. The game was delayed an hour before NC State said that several players had entered the COVID-19 protocol. The Wolfpack opened the game with nine position players and four pitchers available. Freshman pitcher Garrett Payne, who had six appearances this season, made his first start. Several others were at different positions than they are used to.

COVID-19 scare leaves Wolfpack with 13 players for CWS game

University of Nebraska Athletic Director Bill Moos announced today that he will retire from his position effective June 30, 2021. Moos has led the Nebraska Athletic Department since October of 2017, and will conclude a 40-year career in collegiate athletics, including more than 25 years as a Division I athletic director.

"To understand just how special Nebraska is, you need to spend time here, meet our people, visit our cities and towns and sit in Memorial Stadium in a sea of red on a Saturday afternoon in the fall," Moos said. "I step away completely content, knowing that our athletic program is reborn and rebuilt and that it has a solid, stable foundation."

Since being hired as the 15th athletic director in Nebraska history, Moos has served the athletic program by following his mantra of Honor the Past; Live the Present; Create the Future. While in Lincoln, Moos has built on his impressive track record of success in building outstanding programs, developing long-standing relationships and doing what is best for his schools, its fans, and most importantly, its student-athletes.

In nearly four years at Nebraska, Moos has hired 12 Husker head coaches, including high-profile hires in football, men's basketball and baseball. Moos has also spearheaded numerous Nebraska facility projects, most notably the Go B1G project, which began construction this spring and will provide a new home for the Husker football program and resources for all Nebraska student-athletes.

"Much of our work over the last four years is hard to quantify and even harder for our passionate fans and supporters to see—reorganizing the department to ensure efficiencies; hiring incredibly talented men and women to lead our department and our sports programs; polishing and sharing our iconic brand worldwide; and, most importantly, enhancing the student-athlete experience. These necessary changes have laid the groundwork for success that will soon be evident on the scoreboards.

Moos also navigated Nebraska Athletics through an unprecedented time in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The incredible challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic were numerous and widespread, yet our staff never wavered, never shied away from our fundamental responsibilities to protect health and safety and then to ensure the long-term stability of our Department. I am grateful for our staff's service and commitment to our work and I have no doubt that great things lie ahead for Husker Athletics."

During Moos' time at Nebraska, Husker Athletics continued to rank among the national leaders in attendance in numerous sports, and continued nation-leading sellout streaks in football and volleyball.

"I have been so fortunate to work as the Director of Athletics at four wonderful schools and have seen a lot but I have never witnessed and experienced the passion of fans like we have at Nebraska. The unflinching support of our programs and of our university is inspiring and unmatched. I have visited every part of our great state and engaged with thousands of Husker fans over the years, and there truly is No Place like Nebraska."

In addition to his time at Nebraska, Moos has served as the Athletic Director at Montana (1990-95), Oregon (1995-2007) and his alma mater Washington State (2010-17). Moos began his athletic career as an athletic administrator in 1982 as assistant athletic director at Washington State. He also served as the school's associate athletic director (1988-90). He was co-captain on the Cougars' 1972 squad and garnered first-team All-Pac-8 Conference honors. 

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsUniversity of Nebraska Athletic Director Bill Moos announced today that he will retire from his position effective June 30, 2021. Moos has led the Nebraska Athletic Department since October of 2017, and will conclude a 40-year career in collegiate athletics, including more than 25 years as a Division I athletic director."To understand just how special Nebraska is, you need to spend time here, meet our people, visit our cities and towns and sit in Memorial Stadium in a sea of red on a Saturday afternoon in the fall," Moos said. "I step away completely content, knowing that our athletic program is reborn and rebuilt and that it has a solid, stable foundation."Since being hired as the 15th athletic director in Nebraska history, Moos has served the athletic program by following his mantra of Honor the Past; Live the Present; Create the Future. While in Lincoln, Moos has built on his impressive track record of success in building outstanding programs, developing long-standing relationships and doing what is best for his schools, its fans, and most importantly, its student-athletes.In nearly four years at Nebraska, Moos has hired 12 Husker head coaches, including high-profile hires in football, men's basketball and baseball. Moos has also spearheaded numerous Nebraska facility projects, most notably the Go B1G project, which began construction this spring and will provide a new home for the Husker football program and resources for all Nebraska student-athletes."Much of our work over the last four years is hard to quantify and even harder for our passionate fans and supporters to see—reorganizing the department to ensure efficiencies; hiring incredibly talented men and women to lead our department and our sports programs; polishing and sharing our iconic brand worldwide; and, most importantly, enhancing the student-athlete experience. These necessary changes have laid the groundwork for success that will soon be evident on the scoreboards.Moos also navigated Nebraska Athletics through an unprecedented time in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic."The incredible challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic were numerous and widespread, yet our staff never wavered, never shied away from our fundamental responsibilities to protect health and safety and then to ensure the long-term stability of our Department. I am grateful for our staff's service and commitment to our work and I have no doubt that great things lie ahead for Husker Athletics."During Moos' time at Nebraska, Husker Athletics continued to rank among the national leaders in attendance in numerous sports, and continued nation-leading sellout streaks in football and volleyball."I have been so fortunate to work as the Director of Athletics at four wonderful schools and have seen a lot but I have never witnessed and experienced the passion of fans like we have at Nebraska. The unflinching support of our programs and of our university is inspiring and unmatched. I have visited every part of our great state and engaged with thousands of Husker fans over the years, and there truly is No Place like Nebraska."In addition to his time at Nebraska, Moos has served as the Athletic Director at Montana (1990-95), Oregon (1995-2007) and his alma mater Washington State (2010-17). Moos began his athletic career as an athletic administrator in 1982 as assistant athletic director at Washington State. He also served as the school's associate athletic director (1988-90). He was co-captain on the Cougars' 1972 squad and garnered first-team All-Pac-8 Conference honors.

Moos to Retire from Athletic Director Position

Story by Heather Johnson&nbsp;Area Public Information Specialist

North Platte Community College honored nine part-time employees Tuesday for their service to NPCC’s athletics department.

Recognitions were made during an award luncheon on the NPCC North Campus.

Together, the employees contributed a total of 155 years of part-time service to the college. All are from North Platte with the exception of Todd Hanneman, who is from Sutherland.

Story by Heather Johnson&nbsp;Area Public Information SpecialistNorth Platte Community College honored nine part-time employees Tuesday for their service to NPCC’s athletics department.Recognitions were made during an award luncheon on the NPCC North Campus.Together, the employees contributed a total of 155 years of part-time service to the college. All are from North Platte with the exception of Todd Hanneman, who is from Sutherland.Those recognized were:<ul>
 <li>55 years – Doris Howard</li><li>15 years – Deb Wurl, Linda Guenin, Jason Jensen, Jason Trosper and Brad Nixon</li><li>10 years – Gary White and Todd Hanneman</li><li>Five years – Mary Collins</li>
 </ul>Doris HowardNPCC’s longest serving part-time employee, Howard, started working at the college at its inception in 1965. At that time, it was the North Platte Junior College and was housed primarily in the old 1913 Post Office – currently the Prairie Arts Center in North Platte.Howard was the college’s first physical education instructor. The job was two mornings a week.Howard taught archery and volleyball at the armory, tennis at Cody Park, bowling at the Cedar Bowl, softball in a vacant lot at the North Platte High School and a fitness class for non-traditional students at the Cody Elementary gymnasium.She also taught a Health and Elementary Education class and remained an instructor at the college until 1974.“About that time, a woman named Barb Reifler, who had graduated from North Platte High School, had come back to do student teaching under Linda Carlson,” said Howard in an interview in 2016. “[Barb] and I started a volleyball team at the college, and I paid her out of my paycheck to coach it because with little kids, I didn’t have time for that.”Howard did, however, manage a concession stand at home games. Prior to use of the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium, when basketball was still played at North Platte High School, she and her husband, Jack, would pop popcorn in the basement of the old post office and carry it to the games to sell.Doris also took on the role of scorekeeper for both volleyball and basketball – something she continued for 42 years.In addition to being recognized in front of their peers Tuesday, Doris and the other honorees received pins and certificates as a thank you for their service throughout the years.

Sports