A year off didnt stop the NPHS Girls soccer team from becoming one of the last 8 teams standing in the state. As a young team they came together and put up an impressive season leading to hosting the A-4 District tournament, snagging a District win and a third straight birth to the state tournament.&nbsp;

A big part of that success were two seniors whos names will go down as some of the greatest in Bulldog history: Gracie Haneborg and Abby Orr.&nbsp;

Their play this year was recognized by those in the Urban areas as well, as Haneborg and Orr have been selected to the Super State team put together by the Lincoln Journal Star.&nbsp;

Gracie Haneborg goes down as the school leader in career goals (75) and goals in a game (6).&nbsp;

Abby Orr only spent two years in goal for the Dawgs but ties the school record for career shutouts (26).

Karsen Morrison, Kaitlyn Evans and Clancy Brown were the other Bulldogs mentioned as they all made the Class A Honorable Mentions list.

By Kyle LaBoria Sports DirectorA year off didnt stop the NPHS Girls soccer team from becoming one of the last 8 teams standing in the state. As a young team they came together and put up an impressive season leading to hosting the A-4 District tournament, snagging a District win and a third straight birth to the state tournament.&nbsp;A big part of that success were two seniors whos names will go down as some of the greatest in Bulldog history: Gracie Haneborg and Abby Orr.&nbsp;Their play this year was recognized by those in the Urban areas as well, as Haneborg and Orr have been selected to the Super State team put together by the Lincoln Journal Star.&nbsp;Gracie Haneborg goes down as the school leader in career goals (75) and goals in a game (6).&nbsp;Abby Orr only spent two years in goal for the Dawgs but ties the school record for career shutouts (26).Karsen Morrison, Kaitlyn Evans and Clancy Brown were the other Bulldogs mentioned as they all made the Class A Honorable Mentions list.

NPHS Soccer: Haneborg and Orr Snag Super State honors, 3 other Dawgs named

Story by NU Athletic Communications

Lincoln - The Nebraska baseball (31-12) has been selected as the No. 2 seed at the Fayetteville NCAA Regional in Fayetteville, Ark. and will play No. 3 seed Northeastern (36-10) on Friday, June 4, at 7 PM (CT) on ESPN3.

The Arkansas Razorbacks (46-10) are the tournament's No. 1 overall seed and will play No. 4 seed NJIT (26-22).

Friday will be the first-ever meeting between Nebraska and Northeastern. The Huskies won the 2021 CAA Tournament title.

Monday's selection marks Nebraska's 17th NCAA Tournament appearance in program history, and the 14th appearance in the last 21 seasons (the 2020 season isn't included as it was cut short due to COVID-19). This is Nebraska's first NCAA Tournament appearance under Head Coach Will Bolt.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsLincoln - The Nebraska baseball (31-12) has been selected as the No. 2 seed at the Fayetteville NCAA Regional in Fayetteville, Ark. and will play No. 3 seed Northeastern (36-10) on Friday, June 4, at 7 PM (CT) on ESPN3.The Arkansas Razorbacks (46-10) are the tournament's No. 1 overall seed and will play No. 4 seed NJIT (26-22).Friday will be the first-ever meeting between Nebraska and Northeastern. The Huskies won the 2021 CAA Tournament title.Monday's selection marks Nebraska's 17th NCAA Tournament appearance in program history, and the 14th appearance in the last 21 seasons (the 2020 season isn't included as it was cut short due to COVID-19). This is Nebraska's first NCAA Tournament appearance under Head Coach Will Bolt.

Huskers Tabbed at No. 2 Seed at Fayetteville Regional

His work is always heard at a rodeo, but the man behind the music is rarely seen.

From rock and roll to country, from zydeco to techno beat, Benje Bendele works his magic in the sound booth at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo in North Platte, Neb.

A more-than 25 year veteran of the rodeo industry, Bendele, from Dublin, Texas, has been making fans tap their toes to the tunes for years.

He started as a tie-down roper and bull rider, but competing didn’t pay the bills, although it was fun.

He wanted to stay in the industry, so he began announcing, with his wife at the time doing the music, using cassette tapes, which was the latest technology in the 1990s.

Bendele bought a computer and a sound system, providing it for rodeos that didn’t have good sound systems. Committees began calling and asking for Bendele to bring his sound system and music to their rodeos.

Then he got hired to work the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, the biggest stage in the rodeo world.

He was the first to be what is now called a “music director,” playing snippets of popular songs and using sound effects at a rodeo. Prior to then, some rodeos were using live bands.

At the National Finals Rodeo, his work was heard by rodeo committees from all over the nation, and Bendele’s phone began ringing.

His focus switched from announcing to being a music director, and he’s been in high demand ever since.

He’s worked the most prestigious rodeos on the continent: Rodeo Houston, the Calgary (Alberta) Stampede, the Buffalo Bill Rodeo, and he’s been the only music director to ever work the National Finals Rodeo.

He’s the “invisible” accompaniment to the announcer, the clown and the specialty act, providing the tunes and sound effects that pair with what’s going on in the arena.

Rodeo music isn’t all country, Bendele points out. He plays plenty of rock and roll and stays on top of what is currently popular.&nbsp; “I play all genres,” he said, including techno beat.

“I can see if they’re tapping their toes, playing with their kids to the beat of the music. If they’re digging it, I’ll keep it going. If they’re not digging it, I’ll play something else.”

He also plays music that matches a cowboy’s ethnicity or home. For example, while a Louisiana or Brazilian cowboy competes, he might play Cajun or Tejano music.

It keeps him on the road 45 weekends a year, putting 30,000-40,000 miles on his motorhome, which he lives in while on the road.

It’s a rewarding occupation, Bendele said. “It’s making people enjoy a rodeo, whether they’re a long-time fan or a first-time rodeo spectator.

“I want the people leaving the rodeo to say, ‘I really enjoyed that.’ Not specifically the music, but feeling the whole experience of it.

“I’m a piece of the entertainment pie at my rodeos. I want to be part of the experience.”

The annual Buffalo Bill Rodeo, held in North Platte, will run June 16-19 with performances starting at 8 pm each night. The rodeo is an inductee into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame.

Tickets range from $7 for children to $20 for adults and can be purchased online at NebraskalandDays.com, at the ticket office at the Wild West Arena (2801 Charlie Evans Drive), and at the gate.

For more information, visit the website or call&nbsp;the office at 308.532.7939.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622549108528.png" alt="Benje Bendele with two of his laptops behind him, in the announcer’s stand at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo in North Platte. Bendele is the rodeo’s music director, playing music and sound effects to enhance the entertainment at the rodeo. Photo by Don Christner. " />
 <figcaption>Benje Bendele with two of his laptops behind him, in the announcer’s stand at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo in North Platte. Bendele is the rodeo’s music director, playing music and sound effects to enhance the entertainment at the rodeo. Photo by Don Christner. </figcaption>
 </figure>By Ruth Nicklaus-Buffalo Bill RodeoHis work is always heard at a rodeo, but the man behind the music is rarely seen.From rock and roll to country, from zydeco to techno beat, Benje Bendele works his magic in the sound booth at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo in North Platte, Neb.A more-than 25 year veteran of the rodeo industry, Bendele, from Dublin, Texas, has been making fans tap their toes to the tunes for years.He started as a tie-down roper and bull rider, but competing didn’t pay the bills, although it was fun.He wanted to stay in the industry, so he began announcing, with his wife at the time doing the music, using cassette tapes, which was the latest technology in the 1990s.Bendele bought a computer and a sound system, providing it for rodeos that didn’t have good sound systems. Committees began calling and asking for Bendele to bring his sound system and music to their rodeos.Then he got hired to work the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, the biggest stage in the rodeo world.He was the first to be what is now called a “music director,” playing snippets of popular songs and using sound effects at a rodeo. Prior to then, some rodeos were using live bands.At the National Finals Rodeo, his work was heard by rodeo committees from all over the nation, and Bendele’s phone began ringing.His focus switched from announcing to being a music director, and he’s been in high demand ever since.He’s worked the most prestigious rodeos on the continent: Rodeo Houston, the Calgary (Alberta) Stampede, the Buffalo Bill Rodeo, and he’s been the only music director to ever work the National Finals Rodeo.He’s the “invisible” accompaniment to the announcer, the clown and the specialty act, providing the tunes and sound effects that pair with what’s going on in the arena.Rodeo music isn’t all country, Bendele points out. He plays plenty of rock and roll and stays on top of what is currently popular.&nbsp; “I play all genres,” he said, including techno beat.He takes his cues from the crowd.“I can see if they’re tapping their toes, playing with their kids to the beat of the music. If they’re digging it, I’ll keep it going. If they’re not digging it, I’ll play something else.”He also plays music that matches a cowboy’s ethnicity or home. For example, while a Louisiana or Brazilian cowboy competes, he might play Cajun or Tejano music.It keeps him on the road 45 weekends a year, putting 30,000-40,000 miles on his motorhome, which he lives in while on the road.It’s a rewarding occupation, Bendele said. “It’s making people enjoy a rodeo, whether they’re a long-time fan or a first-time rodeo spectator.“I want the people leaving the rodeo to say, ‘I really enjoyed that.’ Not specifically the music, but feeling the whole experience of it.“I’m a piece of the entertainment pie at my rodeos. I want to be part of the experience.”The annual Buffalo Bill Rodeo, held in North Platte, will run June 16-19 with performances starting at 8 pm each night. The rodeo is an inductee into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame.Tickets range from $7 for children to $20 for adults and can be purchased online at NebraskalandDays.com, at the ticket office at the Wild West Arena (2801 Charlie Evans Drive), and at the gate.For more information, visit the website or call&nbsp;the office at 308.532.7939.

Rodeo sound man part of fans' experience at Buffalo Bill Rodeo 

NPHS Activities wants to welcome new Bulldog High School Science teacher, Keith Lloyd, as the new head coach of the Lady Dawgs Track &amp; Field program!! Mr. Lloyd brings with him to NPHS an extensive background in track and field as an athlete and as a coach. We are excited to have Mr. Lloyd leading the Lady Dawgs Track &amp; Field team here at NPHS! 

Story by NPHS Communications&nbsp;NPHS Activities wants to welcome new Bulldog High School Science teacher, Keith Lloyd, as the new head coach of the Lady Dawgs Track &amp; Field program!! Mr. Lloyd brings with him to NPHS an extensive background in track and field as an athlete and as a coach. We are excited to have Mr. Lloyd leading the Lady Dawgs Track &amp; Field team here at NPHS! #WTMBCongratulations Mr. Lloyd!!

NPHS Hires new Girls Track and Field coach

Margaret Ann “Marge” Fagot, age 71, of Lexington, Nebraska, passed away on Monday, May 24, 2021 at Lexington Regional Health Center.

Marge was born September 9, 1949 in Norfolk, Nebraska to Peter P. and Charlotte R. (Morris) Feik. She grew up in Spalding, Nebraska and moved to Cozad, Nebraska when she was fourteen years old.

Marge graduated from Cozad High School with the Class of 1968. After graduation she worked at Ben Franklin’s, Hellman’s and Hennek’s in Lexington before attending Queen Ann’s Beauty School in 1982. After graduating from Beauty school she worked at Marty’s Beauty Salon for ten years until she was diagnosed with MS in 1992 and was forced to retire.

Marge was united in marriage to Mel Block, and on May 26, 1979 she was united in marriage to John Fagot.

Marge enjoyed cross-stitching, genealogy, and spending time on her computer. She loved attending her children’s and grandchildren’s activities.

She is survived by her husband, John of Lexington, Nebraska; two sons Jeff (Kylee Hoffmaster) Block and Jason (Tonya) Fagot both of Lexington, Nebraska; mother-in-law Anita Fagot of Lexington, Nebraska; brother, Charles Feik of Phillipsburg, Kansas; sisters-in-law, Marsha Feik of Cozad, Nebraska, Theresa (Terry) Puls of Holdrege, Nebraska&nbsp; and Becky Fagot of Elwood, Nebraska; brothers-in-law; Mark (Eunice) Fagot of Lexington, Nebraska and Dave (Mag) Fagot of Johnson Lake, Nebraska; six grandchildren, Tyson (Maleigh Camp) Block, Kobe Block, Trey Fago, Brady Fago, Ashley Fago and Chayden Hoffmaster; great grandchildren, Phoenix and Phoebe; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Marge was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers; Edward Feik and Michael Feik, father-in-law, Paul Fagot, brother-in-law Alan “Buck" Fagot, and a nephew, J.D. Puls.

A Memorial Mass will be held Thursday, June 3, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Lexington, Nebraska with Father Matt Koperski, officiating.

Inurnment of her cremains will be at a later date in the St. Ann’s Cemetery in Lexington, Nebraska.

Memorials are suggested to Multiple Sclerosis Society or The Lexington Lions Club.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington, Nebraska is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefunerahome.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622230758731.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Margaret Ann “Marge” Fagot, age 71, of Lexington, Nebraska, passed away on Monday, May 24, 2021 at Lexington Regional Health Center.Marge was born September 9, 1949 in Norfolk, Nebraska to Peter P. and Charlotte R. (Morris) Feik. She grew up in Spalding, Nebraska and moved to Cozad, Nebraska when she was fourteen years old.Marge graduated from Cozad High School with the Class of 1968. After graduation she worked at Ben Franklin’s, Hellman’s and Hennek’s in Lexington before attending Queen Ann’s Beauty School in 1982. After graduating from Beauty school she worked at Marty’s Beauty Salon for ten years until she was diagnosed with MS in 1992 and was forced to retire.Marge was united in marriage to Mel Block, and on May 26, 1979 she was united in marriage to John Fagot.Marge enjoyed cross-stitching, genealogy, and spending time on her computer. She loved attending her children’s and grandchildren’s activities.She is survived by her husband, John of Lexington, Nebraska; two sons Jeff (Kylee Hoffmaster) Block and Jason (Tonya) Fagot both of Lexington, Nebraska; mother-in-law Anita Fagot of Lexington, Nebraska; brother, Charles Feik of Phillipsburg, Kansas; sisters-in-law, Marsha Feik of Cozad, Nebraska, Theresa (Terry) Puls of Holdrege, Nebraska&nbsp; and Becky Fagot of Elwood, Nebraska; brothers-in-law; Mark (Eunice) Fagot of Lexington, Nebraska and Dave (Mag) Fagot of Johnson Lake, Nebraska; six grandchildren, Tyson (Maleigh Camp) Block, Kobe Block, Trey Fago, Brady Fago, Ashley Fago and Chayden Hoffmaster; great grandchildren, Phoenix and Phoebe; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.Marge was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers; Edward Feik and Michael Feik, father-in-law, Paul Fagot, brother-in-law Alan “Buck" Fagot, and a nephew, J.D. Puls.A Memorial Mass will be held Thursday, June 3, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Lexington, Nebraska with Father Matt Koperski, officiating.Inurnment of her cremains will be at a later date in the St. Ann’s Cemetery in Lexington, Nebraska.Memorials are suggested to Multiple Sclerosis Society or The Lexington Lions Club.Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington, Nebraska is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefunerahome.com

Margaret Ann "Marge" Fagot  (1949-2021)

UNDATED (AP) — Heart inflammation is rare in Big Ten Conference athletes who’ve had COVID-19 and in most cases it causes no obvious symptoms. That's according to the first data published from the Big Ten COVID-19 Cardiac Registry. Data published Thursday in JAMA Cardiology show that 37 of nearly 1,600 athletes, or about 2%, had evidence of heart inflammation on imaging tests. Follow-up testing showed clear scans a month later in some athletes, but about 40% of the 37 had scarring. The researchers don't know whether these athletes face substantial health risks, although heart inflammation is a leading cause of sudden death in athletes. It is not known if inflammation found was caused by COVID-19 or something else.

UNDATED (AP) — College athletes would have the right to organize and collectively bargain with schools and conferences under a bill introduced Thursday by Democrats in the House and Senate. Senators Chris Murphy and Bernie Sanders announced the College Athletes Right to Organize Act. A companion bill was introduced in the House. The bill would amend the National Labor Relations Act to define college athletes who receive direct grant-in-aid from their schools as employees. A movement at Northwestern to unionize college football players was rejected by the National Labor Relations Board in 2015. The NCAA has turned to Congress for help as it tries to reform its rules to allow athletes to be paid for endorsements, personal appearances and autographs.

UNDATED (AP) — After the pandemic cut the college football bowl season in half last year, a full lineup of 44 postseason games is scheduled for 2021-22. The Bowl Season begins on Dec. 17, with Bahamas Bowl kicking off at noon ET and the Cure Bowl in Orlando later in the day. Two new bowl games are set to be played this season after canceling their scheduled debuts last year. The LA Bowl at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, is slated for Dec. 18 and the Boston Bowl at Fenway Park is scheduled for Dec. 29.&nbsp;

UNDATED (AP) — Heart inflammation is rare in Big Ten Conference athletes who’ve had COVID-19 and in most cases it causes no obvious symptoms. That's according to the first data published from the Big Ten COVID-19 Cardiac Registry. Data published Thursday in JAMA Cardiology show that 37 of nearly 1,600 athletes, or about 2%, had evidence of heart inflammation on imaging tests. Follow-up testing showed clear scans a month later in some athletes, but about 40% of the 37 had scarring. The researchers don't know whether these athletes face substantial health risks, although heart inflammation is a leading cause of sudden death in athletes. It is not known if inflammation found was caused by COVID-19 or something else.UNDATED (AP) — College athletes would have the right to organize and collectively bargain with schools and conferences under a bill introduced Thursday by Democrats in the House and Senate. Senators Chris Murphy and Bernie Sanders announced the College Athletes Right to Organize Act. A companion bill was introduced in the House. The bill would amend the National Labor Relations Act to define college athletes who receive direct grant-in-aid from their schools as employees. A movement at Northwestern to unionize college football players was rejected by the National Labor Relations Board in 2015. The NCAA has turned to Congress for help as it tries to reform its rules to allow athletes to be paid for endorsements, personal appearances and autographs.UNDATED (AP) — After the pandemic cut the college football bowl season in half last year, a full lineup of 44 postseason games is scheduled for 2021-22. The Bowl Season begins on Dec. 17, with Bahamas Bowl kicking off at noon ET and the Cure Bowl in Orlando later in the day. Two new bowl games are set to be played this season after canceling their scheduled debuts last year. The LA Bowl at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, is slated for Dec. 18 and the Boston Bowl at Fenway Park is scheduled for Dec. 29.&nbsp;

News from the Big 10

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) — Oklahoma athletic director Joe Castiglione said he is “bitterly disappointed” in the 11 a.m. Central starting time Fox announced Thursday for the Sooners’ home game against Nebraska. 

The teams are set to meet September 18, nearly 50 years after the “Game of The Century.” 

Back in 1971, No. 1 Nebraska beat No. 2 Oklahoma 35-31 in Norman on its way to the national title. 

Castiglione had hoped for a later start time to better showcase the matchup of historic programs. 

The 1971 Thanksgiving Day game set a record at the time with more than 55 million television viewers.

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) — Oklahoma athletic director Joe Castiglione said he is “bitterly disappointed” in the 11 a.m. Central starting time Fox announced Thursday for the Sooners’ home game against Nebraska. The teams are set to meet September 18, nearly 50 years after the “Game of The Century.” Back in 1971, No. 1 Nebraska beat No. 2 Oklahoma 35-31 in Norman on its way to the national title. Castiglione had hoped for a later start time to better showcase the matchup of historic programs. The 1971 Thanksgiving Day game set a record at the time with more than 55 million television viewers.

Oklahoma AD dislikes early Fox starting time vs. Nebraska

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-The North Platte St. Patrick's Irish are the 2021 Boys State Golf champions in Class D.

The Irish entered the tournament at North Platte's Lake Maloney Golf Course as the favorite and they didn't disappoint.&nbsp;

The Irish finished with a tournament-low 316 on Wednesday and took the championship by more than 52 strokes with a 645.

Connor Hasenauer, Teegan Sonneman and Matt Phelps all won individual medals as well.

Mullen's Brendan Walker was the Class D individual champion with a 146.

In Class A, North Platte High's Blake Barner was the only medalist, finishing in 13th place with a&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622115698457.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Scott Carlson-North Platte PostNORTH PLATTE, Neb.-The North Platte St. Patrick's Irish are the 2021 Boys State Golf champions in Class D.The Irish entered the tournament at North Platte's Lake Maloney Golf Course as the favorite and they didn't disappoint.&nbsp;The Irish finished with a tournament-low 316 on Wednesday and took the championship by more than 52 strokes with a 645.Connor Hasenauer, Teegan Sonneman and Matt Phelps all won individual medals as well.Mullen's Brendan Walker was the Class D individual champion with a 146.In Class A, North Platte High's Blake Barner was the only medalist, finishing in 13th place with a&nbsp;

St. Pat's Irish win boys state golf, NPHS's Barner medals

By Kyle LaBoria, Sports Director - North Platte Post

Put North Platte on the map for golf in Nebraska. Both high schools in town now have bragging rights as the top golfers in the state. After North Platte Girls captured a Class A state title in the fall, the Irish boys did the same this spring.&nbsp;

The Irish had a 12 stroke lead after the first day, shooting a 329 as a team. Day two would see the Irish dominated with a 316 round, 30 strokes better than the next team on day two, and cruise to a huge victory.&nbsp;

In the win, the Irish also capture the 2nd and 3rd place individual medals, Connor Hasenauer and Teegan Sonneman respectively. Hasenauer had the best day two of all golfers with a 71 (he shot an 83 day one). Sonneman had two strong rounds as well, 74 and 82.

By Kyle LaBoria, Sports Director - North Platte PostPut North Platte on the map for golf in Nebraska. Both high schools in town now have bragging rights as the top golfers in the state. After North Platte Girls captured a Class A state title in the fall, the Irish boys did the same this spring.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622076864373.jpeg" alt="Irish boys team.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Irish boys team.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>The Irish had a 12 stroke lead after the first day, shooting a 329 as a team. Day two would see the Irish dominated with a 316 round, 30 strokes better than the next team on day two, and cruise to a huge victory.&nbsp;In the win, the Irish also capture the 2nd and 3rd place individual medals, Connor Hasenauer and Teegan Sonneman respectively. Hasenauer had the best day two of all golfers with a 71 (he shot an 83 day one). Sonneman had two strong rounds as well, 74 and 82.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622076922300.jpeg" alt="Irish individuals.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Irish individuals.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>Team scores:&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622076723958.jpeg" alt="2021 Class D state golf.JPG" />
 <figcaption>2021 Class D state golf.JPG</figcaption>
 </figure>Individual top 10:&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622076756626.jpeg" alt="2021 Class D state golf top 10 individual.JPG" />
 <figcaption>2021 Class D state golf top 10 individual.JPG</figcaption>
 </figure>

NPSP Captures state title in Boys Golf

Mid-Plains Community College has a new rodeo team coach.

Wyatt Clark, of McCook, has been hired to lead the timed events, joining roughstock coach Aukai Kaai. Clark takes over the role of former MPCC rodeo team coach Garrett Nokes who passed away in February.

“I’m excited for the opportunity,” Clark said. “It’s a big gap to fill, but I’m going to do my best for the college, the kids and the community to keep the winning traditions going forward.”

Those at the college are looking forward to having Clark on board as well.

“We have been blessed with amazing coaches, athletes and community support for the MPCC Rodeo Team,” said Mike Steele, MPCC area vice president of administrative services. “The accomplishments of the team these past seven years have set a standard and an expectation that Aukai and Wyatt are ready to continue and build on to take us to the next level. We are glad to have another talented Southwest Nebraska cowboy join our team to help mold and mentor the next generation of rodeo champions and leaders.”

Originally from Wellfleet, Clark has spent more than 20 years competing in the rodeo arena. The sport, itself, has been part of his life for as long as he can remember - some might say it’s in his blood.

“Rodeo has paved a course in my family’s lives since birth,” Clark said. “It’s helped us develop our careers and compete at the professional level, and has helped me, specifically, go on to earn three degrees, including a master’s. It allowed me to build a network of good friends across the country, helped develop me as an athlete and gave me drive, purpose and the ambition to take on any challenge.”

His family’s rodeo tradition began with his grandfather, Dell Clark, a calf roper, team roper and bareback rider at the state level.

It continued with Wyatt’s father, J.R., who competed at the high school, college and professional levels and secured the reserve National High School Rodeo Association all-around title. J.R. was also a National Little Britches Rodeo World Champion all-around cowboy in the ’70s.

J.R.’s wife, Julie, was a barrel racer at the high school level, and together, she and J.R. passed their love of rodeo onto their children: Wyatt, Jaden, and Madison.

Like his father before him, Wyatt went on to become student president of the NHSRA and Jaden served as vice president.

Wyatt competed in calf roping, team roping and bareback riding in high school – earning the state championship in bareback riding as well as a National Little Britches Rodeo All-Around Cowboy title.

After high school, in 2009, Wyatt headed to Eastern Wyoming College in Torrington, Wyo. where his uncle, Jake Clark, is the rodeo team coach. It was there that Wyatt added saddle bronc riding to his list of events.

He qualified for the College National Finals Rodeo in bareback riding in 2010 as a freshman then was temporarily sidelined because of a shoulder injury.

After three years at EWC, Wyatt transferred to the University of Wyoming, in Laramie, Wyo. He returned to the CNFR in the bareback riding in 2013 and finished fourth in the nation.

Wyatt made a final trip to the collegiate finals in bareback riding in 2014 – that time representing Chadron State College, in Chadron, where he was pursuing a master’s degree in Organizational Management. Wyatt went on to spend two years as the assistant rodeo team coach at CSC.

He got his Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association permit in 2009 and his card in 2015. In 2014, Wyatt qualified for the PRCA Permit Holder of the Year Challenge, finishing fourth in the bareback riding. He also ended up fourth in the bareback riding at the Chisholm Trail Ram Prairie Circuit Finals Rodeo that same year.

While he continues to team rope at jackpots, Wyatt has left most of the professional competitions behind. He currently works as a vice president at First Central Bank McCook but stays involved with the rodeo world as a judge for the PRCA, National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association, Mid-States Rodeo Association - and now as a coach for the MPCC Rodeo Team.

“Garrett [Nokes] helped me as a young athlete,” Wyatt said. “Growing up, I got to spend a lot of time with him, and he was a positive influence as I started my career and later on as I competed alongside of him. When we lost Garrett, there was a big hole in world of rodeo, in the community and at the college. I felt like I had a calling to step up and use the skills, involvement and connections I’ve developed over the years to help fill that gap and coach students through their academic and athletic careers. I want to help MPCC students have positive and successful experiences in the rodeo arena, the classroom and in our communities.”

To do that, Wyatt plans to draw on the influence of his college coaches. Those include his uncle Jake at EWC, George Howard at UW and Dustin Luper from CSC.

“I think combining the positives from each of those programs will help me develop into a great leader at MPCC,” Wyatt said. “I’m looking forward to working alongside Aukai. I think with our talents, skills and knowledge that we have a strong coaching base. The programs and facilities at Mid-Plains are top-notch, and the community support is amazing. I will work hard to give the students the best possible opportunities, to honor Garrett and his legacy and to continue to bring home championships.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621967621780.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Heather Johnson-MPCCMid-Plains Community College has a new rodeo team coach.Wyatt Clark, of McCook, has been hired to lead the timed events, joining roughstock coach Aukai Kaai. Clark takes over the role of former MPCC rodeo team coach Garrett Nokes who passed away in February.“I’m excited for the opportunity,” Clark said. “It’s a big gap to fill, but I’m going to do my best for the college, the kids and the community to keep the winning traditions going forward.”Those at the college are looking forward to having Clark on board as well.“We have been blessed with amazing coaches, athletes and community support for the MPCC Rodeo Team,” said Mike Steele, MPCC area vice president of administrative services. “The accomplishments of the team these past seven years have set a standard and an expectation that Aukai and Wyatt are ready to continue and build on to take us to the next level. We are glad to have another talented Southwest Nebraska cowboy join our team to help mold and mentor the next generation of rodeo champions and leaders.”A lifetime of rodeoOriginally from Wellfleet, Clark has spent more than 20 years competing in the rodeo arena. The sport, itself, has been part of his life for as long as he can remember - some might say it’s in his blood.“Rodeo has paved a course in my family’s lives since birth,” Clark said. “It’s helped us develop our careers and compete at the professional level, and has helped me, specifically, go on to earn three degrees, including a master’s. It allowed me to build a network of good friends across the country, helped develop me as an athlete and gave me drive, purpose and the ambition to take on any challenge.”His family’s rodeo tradition began with his grandfather, Dell Clark, a calf roper, team roper and bareback rider at the state level.It continued with Wyatt’s father, J.R., who competed at the high school, college and professional levels and secured the reserve National High School Rodeo Association all-around title. J.R. was also a National Little Britches Rodeo World Champion all-around cowboy in the ’70s.J.R.’s wife, Julie, was a barrel racer at the high school level, and together, she and J.R. passed their love of rodeo onto their children: Wyatt, Jaden, and Madison.Like his father before him, Wyatt went on to become student president of the NHSRA and Jaden served as vice president.Wyatt competed in calf roping, team roping and bareback riding in high school – earning the state championship in bareback riding as well as a National Little Britches Rodeo All-Around Cowboy title.After high school, in 2009, Wyatt headed to Eastern Wyoming College in Torrington, Wyo. where his uncle, Jake Clark, is the rodeo team coach. It was there that Wyatt added saddle bronc riding to his list of events.He qualified for the College National Finals Rodeo in bareback riding in 2010 as a freshman then was temporarily sidelined because of a shoulder injury.After three years at EWC, Wyatt transferred to the University of Wyoming, in Laramie, Wyo. He returned to the CNFR in the bareback riding in 2013 and finished fourth in the nation.Wyatt made a final trip to the collegiate finals in bareback riding in 2014 – that time representing Chadron State College, in Chadron, where he was pursuing a master’s degree in Organizational Management. Wyatt went on to spend two years as the assistant rodeo team coach at CSC.He got his Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association permit in 2009 and his card in 2015. In 2014, Wyatt qualified for the PRCA Permit Holder of the Year Challenge, finishing fourth in the bareback riding. He also ended up fourth in the bareback riding at the Chisholm Trail Ram Prairie Circuit Finals Rodeo that same year.Looking aheadWhile he continues to team rope at jackpots, Wyatt has left most of the professional competitions behind. He currently works as a vice president at First Central Bank McCook but stays involved with the rodeo world as a judge for the PRCA, National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association, Mid-States Rodeo Association - and now as a coach for the MPCC Rodeo Team.“Garrett [Nokes] helped me as a young athlete,” Wyatt said. “Growing up, I got to spend a lot of time with him, and he was a positive influence as I started my career and later on as I competed alongside of him. When we lost Garrett, there was a big hole in world of rodeo, in the community and at the college. I felt like I had a calling to step up and use the skills, involvement and connections I’ve developed over the years to help fill that gap and coach students through their academic and athletic careers. I want to help MPCC students have positive and successful experiences in the rodeo arena, the classroom and in our communities.”To do that, Wyatt plans to draw on the influence of his college coaches. Those include his uncle Jake at EWC, George Howard at UW and Dustin Luper from CSC.“I think combining the positives from each of those programs will help me develop into a great leader at MPCC,” Wyatt said. “I’m looking forward to working alongside Aukai. I think with our talents, skills and knowledge that we have a strong coaching base. The programs and facilities at Mid-Plains are top-notch, and the community support is amazing. I will work hard to give the students the best possible opportunities, to honor Garrett and his legacy and to continue to bring home championships.”

Clark named Mid-Plains Community College rodeo team coach

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Iowa basketball player Jordan Bohannon is recovering after sustaining a serious head injury while being assaulted. The university athletic department says the assault occurred early Sunday. Iowa City police did not immediately respond to a request for details. Coach Fran McCaffery says Bohannon is recovering well after being attacked by an individual he did not see coming at him. McCaffery says friends who were with Bohannon at the time kept the incident from escalating. Bohannon announced in April he would return to the Hawkeyes for his sixth season in 2021-22.&nbsp;

UNDATED (AP) — Automatic bids for the NCAA Tournament are on the line as conference baseball tournaments begin in earnest this week. The 16 NCAA regional hosts will be announced Sunday and the rest of the 64-team field next Monday. There are 30 automatic qualifiers instead of 31 this year because the Ivy League canceled its season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Top seeds in Power Five conferences are Notre Dame in the ACC, Texas in the Big 12, and Arkansas in the SEC. The Big Ten's Nebraska and Pac-12's Arizona locked up bids by winning regular-season titles.

PISCATAWAY, N.J. (AP) — Rutgers has moved its football season-opener against Temple to a Thursday night so the game can be seen on prime time television. The Big Ten Conference school made the announcement Monday. The game will be played on Sept. 2, two days earlier than previously announced. Game times and network designations will be announced at a later date. Rutgers will play five other games at SHI Stadium this season, including Delaware, and Big Ten members Ohio State, Michigan State, Wisconsin and Maryland. The Scarlet Knights posted a 3-6 record in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Greg Schiano’s first year back as coach.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Shannan Lum has been hired as recruiting coordinator for the Nebraska men’s basketball program. Lum will be the second woman to hold the title at a Power Five school. The other is Bailey Bachamp. She's been Kansas State's recruiting coordinator and assistant to the head coach for four years. Nebraska coach Fred Hoiberg created the recruiting coordinator job after last season. Lum will monitor the NCAA transfer portal, implement and manage the team’s recruiting database and assist with recruiting research. She also will help the staff with scouting and game preparation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597173408062.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>From the Associated PressIOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Iowa basketball player Jordan Bohannon is recovering after sustaining a serious head injury while being assaulted. The university athletic department says the assault occurred early Sunday. Iowa City police did not immediately respond to a request for details. Coach Fran McCaffery says Bohannon is recovering well after being attacked by an individual he did not see coming at him. McCaffery says friends who were with Bohannon at the time kept the incident from escalating. Bohannon announced in April he would return to the Hawkeyes for his sixth season in 2021-22.&nbsp;UNDATED (AP) — Automatic bids for the NCAA Tournament are on the line as conference baseball tournaments begin in earnest this week. The 16 NCAA regional hosts will be announced Sunday and the rest of the 64-team field next Monday. There are 30 automatic qualifiers instead of 31 this year because the Ivy League canceled its season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Top seeds in Power Five conferences are Notre Dame in the ACC, Texas in the Big 12, and Arkansas in the SEC. The Big Ten's Nebraska and Pac-12's Arizona locked up bids by winning regular-season titles.PISCATAWAY, N.J. (AP) — Rutgers has moved its football season-opener against Temple to a Thursday night so the game can be seen on prime time television. The Big Ten Conference school made the announcement Monday. The game will be played on Sept. 2, two days earlier than previously announced. Game times and network designations will be announced at a later date. Rutgers will play five other games at SHI Stadium this season, including Delaware, and Big Ten members Ohio State, Michigan State, Wisconsin and Maryland. The Scarlet Knights posted a 3-6 record in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Greg Schiano’s first year back as coach.LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Shannan Lum has been hired as recruiting coordinator for the Nebraska men’s basketball program. Lum will be the second woman to hold the title at a Power Five school. The other is Bailey Bachamp. She's been Kansas State's recruiting coordinator and assistant to the head coach for four years. Nebraska coach Fred Hoiberg created the recruiting coordinator job after last season. Lum will monitor the NCAA transfer portal, implement and manage the team’s recruiting database and assist with recruiting research. She also will help the staff with scouting and game preparation.

(AP)-Automatic bids for the NCAA Tournament are on the line as conference baseball tournaments begin in earnest this week. 

The 16 NCAA regional hosts will be announced Sunday and the rest of the 64-team field next Monday. 

There are 30 automatic qualifiers instead of 31 this year because the Ivy League canceled its season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 Top seeds in Power Five conferences are Notre Dame in the ACC, Texas in the Big 12, and Arkansas in the SEC. 

The Big Ten's Nebraska and Pac-12's Arizona locked up bids by winning regular-season titles.

(AP)-Automatic bids for the NCAA Tournament are on the line as conference baseball tournaments begin in earnest this week. The 16 NCAA regional hosts will be announced Sunday and the rest of the 64-team field next Monday. There are 30 automatic qualifiers instead of 31 this year because the Ivy League canceled its season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Top seeds in Power Five conferences are Notre Dame in the ACC, Texas in the Big 12, and Arkansas in the SEC. The Big Ten's Nebraska and Pac-12's Arizona locked up bids by winning regular-season titles.

NCAA baseball bids at stake as conference tournaments begin

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Shannan Lum has been hired as recruiting coordinator for the Nebraska men’s basketball program. 

Lum will be the second woman to hold the title at a Power Five school. The other is Bailey Bachamp. She's been Kansas State's recruiting coordinator and assistant to the head coach for four years. 

Nebraska coach Fred Hoiberg created the recruiting coordinator job after last season. 

Lum will monitor the NCAA transfer portal, implement and manage the team’s recruiting database and assist with recruiting research. 

She also will help the staff with scouting and game preparation.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Shannan Lum has been hired as recruiting coordinator for the Nebraska men’s basketball program. Lum will be the second woman to hold the title at a Power Five school. The other is Bailey Bachamp. She's been Kansas State's recruiting coordinator and assistant to the head coach for four years. Nebraska coach Fred Hoiberg created the recruiting coordinator job after last season. Lum will monitor the NCAA transfer portal, implement and manage the team’s recruiting database and assist with recruiting research. She also will help the staff with scouting and game preparation.

Huskers' Hoiberg hires Shannan Lum as recruiting coordinator

By Ruth Nicolaus-For Nebraskaland Days

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-When there’s a mean bull in the rodeo arena, Weston Rutkowski doesn’t run away from it, he runs towards it.

That’s because the Texas cowboy is a bullfighter, and he’s a new hire for this year’s Buffalo Bill Rodeo.

Rutkowski, who is 32 years old, will step in during the bull riding with fellow bull fighter Zach Call to distract bulls after each ride, to give the bull rider time to scramble to safety.

He grew up with a mother who was the 1976 Miss Rodeo Texas and maternal uncles who rode saddle broncs.

“I didn’t have a chance,” he joked. “I’ve been a rodeo kid my whole life. I’ve been to rodeos since I could walk.”

He competed in junior rodeos, but when he got to high school, his mom wouldn’t let him ride bulls because of high school sports. He excelled at football and attended college to play, but when he realized he didn’t have much chance of playing, he went back to riding bulls.

And, as what happens with a lot of bullfighters, Rutkowski’s bullfighting career began in a practice pen. A friend asked him to step in as bullfighter, and that was it. “I knew right then and there it was what I wanted to do.”

It was the adrenaline rush that did it. “There was a gap for me to step in,” during the first time in the practice pen, “to save my buddy. I stepped in there grabbed the bull, and threw him a fake out of pure reaction. That pure adrenaline rush was awesome. I didn’t get that riding bulls.”

That was ten years ago, and in 2013, Rutkowski became a PRCA member.

He also does freestyle bullfighting: a competition between bullfighter and bull, where the bullfighter scores points for maneuvers performed during the contest, which usually lasts about a minute. Rutkowski is a three-time freestyle world champion in the Bullfighters Only association (2016-18).

He loves being in front of the bulls of Beutler and Son Rodeo. “It’s always fun to work with (Bennie Beutler and son Rhett Beutler.)” A lot of stock contractors’ bulls are done when the buzzer sounds, and they head for the gate. Not so true for Beutler bulls. “Bennie’s bulls have that high-headed, mean, bucking bull mentality.

“You’re guaranteed to sell tickets one way or another,” Rutkowski said, “whether that’s you getting thrown or the cowboy getting thrown.”

The Buffalo Bill Rodeo will be held June 16-19 at the Wild West Arena in North Platte, Neb. Tickets range in price from $6 to $17 and can be purchased online at NebraskalandDays.com, the ticket office (2801 Charlie Evans Drive, North Platte); and at the gate. For more information, visit the website or call&nbsp;the office at 308.532.7939.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621863736925.png" alt="Weston Rutkowski readies to step in to rescue a bull rider after the buzzer sounds. The Cleburne, Texas cowboy has been hired to work the Buffalo Bill Rodeo in North Platte, Neb. June 16-19. Photo by Terri Abrahamsen. " />
 <figcaption>Weston Rutkowski readies to step in to rescue a bull rider after the buzzer sounds. The Cleburne, Texas cowboy has been hired to work the Buffalo Bill Rodeo in North Platte, Neb. June 16-19. Photo by Terri Abrahamsen. </figcaption>
 </figure>By Ruth Nicolaus-For Nebraskaland DaysNORTH PLATTE, Neb.-When there’s a mean bull in the rodeo arena, Weston Rutkowski doesn’t run away from it, he runs towards it.That’s because the Texas cowboy is a bullfighter, and he’s a new hire for this year’s Buffalo Bill Rodeo.Rutkowski, who is 32 years old, will step in during the bull riding with fellow bull fighter Zach Call to distract bulls after each ride, to give the bull rider time to scramble to safety.He grew up with a mother who was the 1976 Miss Rodeo Texas and maternal uncles who rode saddle broncs.“I didn’t have a chance,” he joked. “I’ve been a rodeo kid my whole life. I’ve been to rodeos since I could walk.”He competed in junior rodeos, but when he got to high school, his mom wouldn’t let him ride bulls because of high school sports. He excelled at football and attended college to play, but when he realized he didn’t have much chance of playing, he went back to riding bulls.And, as what happens with a lot of bullfighters, Rutkowski’s bullfighting career began in a practice pen. A friend asked him to step in as bullfighter, and that was it. “I knew right then and there it was what I wanted to do.”It was the adrenaline rush that did it. “There was a gap for me to step in,” during the first time in the practice pen, “to save my buddy. I stepped in there grabbed the bull, and threw him a fake out of pure reaction. That pure adrenaline rush was awesome. I didn’t get that riding bulls.”That was ten years ago, and in 2013, Rutkowski became a PRCA member.He also does freestyle bullfighting: a competition between bullfighter and bull, where the bullfighter scores points for maneuvers performed during the contest, which usually lasts about a minute. Rutkowski is a three-time freestyle world champion in the Bullfighters Only association (2016-18).He loves being in front of the bulls of Beutler and Son Rodeo. “It’s always fun to work with (Bennie Beutler and son Rhett Beutler.)” A lot of stock contractors’ bulls are done when the buzzer sounds, and they head for the gate. Not so true for Beutler bulls. “Bennie’s bulls have that high-headed, mean, bucking bull mentality.“You’re guaranteed to sell tickets one way or another,” Rutkowski said, “whether that’s you getting thrown or the cowboy getting thrown.”The Buffalo Bill Rodeo will be held June 16-19 at the Wild West Arena in North Platte, Neb. Tickets range in price from $6 to $17 and can be purchased online at NebraskalandDays.com, the ticket office (2801 Charlie Evans Drive, North Platte); and at the gate. For more information, visit the website or call&nbsp;the office at 308.532.7939.

Buffalo Bill Rodeo hires Texas bullfighter

Bloomington, Ind.&nbsp;– The Nebraska baseball team captured the 2021 Big Ten regular-season title on Sunday afternoon with a 9-0 win over the Ohio State Buckeyes at Bart Kaufman Field. It's the second regular-season Big Ten title for the baseball team, after it won its first title in 2017. The program has now won 12th&nbsp;conference titles, including eight regular-season championships. With no Big Ten Tournament this year, the Huskers have also secured the league's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. The NCAA Tournament Selection Show is slated for Monday, May 31, at 11 AM (CT) on ESPN2. After winning four conference titles as a player at Nebraska, Head Coach&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/coaches.aspx?rc=8115">Will Bolt</a>&nbsp;secured his first conference title as a head coach in Lincoln in just his second season at the helm of the Husker baseball program. The Huskers, who were not picked in the top six of the preseason coaches' poll, extended their winning streak to eight games and capped a 4-0 weekend in Bloomington on Sunday, including two wins over both Ohio State and Indiana. Nebraska last won eight straight games in 2016.&nbsp; Nebraska got a group effort from its pitching staff, including the first two innings from&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42662">Kyle Perry</a>&nbsp;– who earned the win on Sunday. Making just his second appearance of the season, Perry allowed one hit and struck out three over 2.0 shutout innings.&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42666">Max Schreiber</a>&nbsp;then took the bump for the next four frames and struck out five. <a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42660">Tyler Martin</a>&nbsp;took the mound in the top of the seventh for a lefty-lefty match up and notched a strike out. The Huskers then went to&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42672">Cam Wynne</a>&nbsp;and the Lincoln native struck out three over 1.2 innings of no-hit relief.&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42653">Caleb Feekin</a>&nbsp;finished the shutout in the ninth with a pair of strikeouts. The five pitchers allowed five hits and issued one walk, while striking out 14. All nine Huskers recorded a hit or a RBI, including a hit from eight different players. Big Ten Freshman of the Year candidate&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42671">Max Anderson</a>&nbsp;led NU's attack with three hits, two runs and a RBI.&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42657">Jaxon Hallmark</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42664">Luke Roskam</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42656">Mojo Hagge</a>&nbsp;also produced a multi-hit performance. After needing a late rally to steal a victory from the Buckeyes on Saturday, Nebraska's offense pounced on OSU starter Will Pfennig in the top of the first with five runs on six hits. NU sent 10 batters to the plate and got RBI singles from Roskam,&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42678">Brice Matthews</a>, Everitt and Hagge. Nebraska pushed its lead to 6-0 in the bottom of third on a sacrifice fly from&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42658">Gunner Hellstrom</a>. It then tacked on two more in the fourth with a solo home run from Hallmark and a RBI single from Anderson after Roskam doubled. Schreiber worked around a one-out single in the top of the sixth and the Huskers added another run in the bottom of the frame, taking advantage of Ohio State's third error.&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42644">Joe Acker</a>&nbsp;led off and not only reached on a throwing error, but also took second base. Acker then moved to third on a fly out and scored on a single from&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42667">Spencer Schwellenbach</a>. Working with a 9-0 lead, Wynne retired the Buckeyes in order in the seventh and eighth innings. Feekin polished off the championship day with a scoreless ninth, including a strikeout to end the game. The Huskers wrap up the regular season next weekend at Hawks Field with a three-game series against the Michigan Wolverines. The series runs Friday-Saturday-Sunday and each game will be at Noon (CT). The Big Ten Network will provide coverage of all three games.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621861142572.png" alt="Photo: Missy Minear, University of Indiana Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo: Missy Minear, University of Indiana Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>From Huskers.comBloomington, Ind.&nbsp;– The Nebraska baseball team captured the 2021 Big Ten regular-season title on Sunday afternoon with a 9-0 win over the Ohio State Buckeyes at Bart Kaufman Field. It's the second regular-season Big Ten title for the baseball team, after it won its first title in 2017. The program has now won 12th&nbsp;conference titles, including eight regular-season championships. With no Big Ten Tournament this year, the Huskers have also secured the league's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. The NCAA Tournament Selection Show is slated for Monday, May 31, at 11 AM (CT) on ESPN2. After winning four conference titles as a player at Nebraska, Head Coach&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/coaches.aspx?rc=8115">Will Bolt</a>&nbsp;secured his first conference title as a head coach in Lincoln in just his second season at the helm of the Husker baseball program. The Huskers, who were not picked in the top six of the preseason coaches' poll, extended their winning streak to eight games and capped a 4-0 weekend in Bloomington on Sunday, including two wins over both Ohio State and Indiana. Nebraska last won eight straight games in 2016.&nbsp; Nebraska got a group effort from its pitching staff, including the first two innings from&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42662">Kyle Perry</a>&nbsp;– who earned the win on Sunday. Making just his second appearance of the season, Perry allowed one hit and struck out three over 2.0 shutout innings.&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42666">Max Schreiber</a>&nbsp;then took the bump for the next four frames and struck out five. <a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42660">Tyler Martin</a>&nbsp;took the mound in the top of the seventh for a lefty-lefty match up and notched a strike out. The Huskers then went to&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42672">Cam Wynne</a>&nbsp;and the Lincoln native struck out three over 1.2 innings of no-hit relief.&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42653">Caleb Feekin</a>&nbsp;finished the shutout in the ninth with a pair of strikeouts. The five pitchers allowed five hits and issued one walk, while striking out 14. All nine Huskers recorded a hit or a RBI, including a hit from eight different players. Big Ten Freshman of the Year candidate&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42671">Max Anderson</a>&nbsp;led NU's attack with three hits, two runs and a RBI.&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42657">Jaxon Hallmark</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42664">Luke Roskam</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42656">Mojo Hagge</a>&nbsp;also produced a multi-hit performance. After needing a late rally to steal a victory from the Buckeyes on Saturday, Nebraska's offense pounced on OSU starter Will Pfennig in the top of the first with five runs on six hits. NU sent 10 batters to the plate and got RBI singles from Roskam,&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42678">Brice Matthews</a>, Everitt and Hagge. Nebraska pushed its lead to 6-0 in the bottom of third on a sacrifice fly from&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42658">Gunner Hellstrom</a>. It then tacked on two more in the fourth with a solo home run from Hallmark and a RBI single from Anderson after Roskam doubled. Schreiber worked around a one-out single in the top of the sixth and the Huskers added another run in the bottom of the frame, taking advantage of Ohio State's third error.&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42644">Joe Acker</a>&nbsp;led off and not only reached on a throwing error, but also took second base. Acker then moved to third on a fly out and scored on a single from&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42667">Spencer Schwellenbach</a>. Working with a 9-0 lead, Wynne retired the Buckeyes in order in the seventh and eighth innings. Feekin polished off the championship day with a scoreless ninth, including a strikeout to end the game. The Huskers wrap up the regular season next weekend at Hawks Field with a three-game series against the Michigan Wolverines. The series runs Friday-Saturday-Sunday and each game will be at Noon (CT). The Big Ten Network will provide coverage of all three games.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Husker baseball takes Big 10 title

Area Sports: Class C Girls State Track and Field results

Area Sports: Class C Boys State Track and Field results

Area Sports: Class B Girls State Track and Field results

Area Sports: Class B Boys State Track and Field results

Class D Girls State Track results

Class D Boys State Track results

Class A Girls State Track results

Class A Boys State Track results

Although a year later than originally scheduled, Nebraska Football is headed across the Atlantic Ocean for the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Ireland. Nebraska will take on Northwestern on Aug. 27, 2022 at Dublin's Aviva Stadium.

Nebraska was originally scheduled to travel to Ireland to open the 2021 season against Illinois, but due to logistical challenges surrounding COVID-19 that game was moved to Champaign. 

"We are excited to reschedule the trip to Ireland for our football program," Nebraska Athletic Director Bill Moos said. "The young men in our program have been looking forward to this trip and we are happy to provide them this memorable experience. I know our great Husker fan base will be excited as well and the opportunity to travel to Ireland to see their team compete on an international stage will truly be special.

"I also want to thank Irish American Events for being a great partner throughout this process the past couple years. We were pleased Northwestern was willing to move a home game to Ireland and look forward to a great season opener in Ireland in 2022."

Nebraska was originally scheduled to play at Northwestern on Oct. 8, 2022. The Week Zero matchup at Aviva Stadium will mark the second consecutive year Nebraska will play in Week Zero, with this year's season opener at Illinois scheduled for Aug. 28.  The matchup in Dublin will also be Nebraska's first game outside of the United States since the Huskers took on Kansas State in the 1992 Coca-Cola Bowl in Tokyo, Japan.

"The trip to Ireland provides great exposure for the Nebraska football program and a unique experience for our players and Husker fans," Nebraska Head Coach Scott Frost said. "Our primary focus for the trip will be to play a football game against an outstanding opponent in Northwestern. At the same time, this will be great cultural opportunity for our young men to visit a part of the world that most of them have not seen."

Following the matchup with Northwestern in Ireland, Nebraska will return to Lincoln for three consecutive non-conference games, taking on North Dakota (Sept. 3), Georgia Southern (Sept. 10) and Oklahoma (Sept. 17).

Nebraska and Northwestern will compete for the Keough-Naughton trophy that bears the names of two powerhouses of Irish America, Don Keough and Martin Naughton.

"The past year has been a very difficult one for us all in Ireland and in the United States. With our vaccination rollout advancing at pace, we are beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel, and we can begin to look forward with optimism to welcoming visitors safely back to our shores," commented Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) Micheál Martin. "When we do, we will have a very special welcome ready for the teams and their supporters when they visit us for the Aer Lingus College Football Classic."

The teams are expected to travel to Ireland a few days prior to the season opener to acclimate and prepare for the contest, while also enjoying Irish cultural experiences.

"The announcement of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic for August 2022 is really good news," said Alison Metcalfe, Tourism Ireland's Executive Vice President – North America &amp; Australia. "As we get ready to restart international tourism to the island of Ireland, the game between the Northwestern Wildcats and the Nebraska Huskers will deliver a very welcome boost for tourism from the United States, with about 23,000 people expected to travel here from the US and Europe. Our message to the teams and their fans is that we cannot wait to roll out the 'green carpet' and welcome them to Dublin and Ireland. I am confident that the Aer Lingus Classic will be a truly wonderful opportunity to showcase Ireland and, more generally, the many attractions we offer as a holiday destination."

David Shepherd, Chief Commercial Officer, Aer Lingus, said: "Today's announcement is a welcome beacon of hope for travel on both sides of the Atlantic. As proud sponsor of the Aer Lingus College Football Series, we look forward to flying the Northwestern Wildcats, Nebraska Huskers and their respective delegations to Ireland next summer, and to promoting our airline to our valued US market."

Ticket &amp; Package Information: At this time, tickets to the game are available through travel or hospitality package. Fans can put down a $250 package deposit to secure their ticket and travel package at CollegeFootballIreland.com. Packages are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Game Partners: The game will be organized by Irish American Events Ltd., a joint venture between On Location and Corporate.ie, which have been involved in college football games in Ireland previously. The other key partners who will support the game in both Ireland and America are Aer Lingus, Dublin City Council, Failte Ireland and Tourism Ireland. For exclusive information, please visit CollegeFootballIreland.com.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsAlthough a year later than originally scheduled, Nebraska Football is headed across the Atlantic Ocean for the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Ireland. Nebraska will take on Northwestern on Aug. 27, 2022 at Dublin's Aviva Stadium.Nebraska was originally scheduled to travel to Ireland to open the 2021 season against Illinois, but due to logistical challenges surrounding COVID-19 that game was moved to Champaign. "We are excited to reschedule the trip to Ireland for our football program," Nebraska Athletic Director Bill Moos said. "The young men in our program have been looking forward to this trip and we are happy to provide them this memorable experience. I know our great Husker fan base will be excited as well and the opportunity to travel to Ireland to see their team compete on an international stage will truly be special."I also want to thank Irish American Events for being a great partner throughout this process the past couple years. We were pleased Northwestern was willing to move a home game to Ireland and look forward to a great season opener in Ireland in 2022."Nebraska was originally scheduled to play at Northwestern on Oct. 8, 2022. The Week Zero matchup at Aviva Stadium will mark the second consecutive year Nebraska will play in Week Zero, with this year's season opener at Illinois scheduled for Aug. 28. The matchup in Dublin will also be Nebraska's first game outside of the United States since the Huskers took on Kansas State in the 1992 Coca-Cola Bowl in Tokyo, Japan."The trip to Ireland provides great exposure for the Nebraska football program and a unique experience for our players and Husker fans," Nebraska Head Coach Scott Frost said. "Our primary focus for the trip will be to play a football game against an outstanding opponent in Northwestern. At the same time, this will be great cultural opportunity for our young men to visit a part of the world that most of them have not seen."Following the matchup with Northwestern in Ireland, Nebraska will return to Lincoln for three consecutive non-conference games, taking on North Dakota (Sept. 3), Georgia Southern (Sept. 10) and Oklahoma (Sept. 17).Nebraska and Northwestern will compete for the Keough-Naughton trophy that bears the names of two powerhouses of Irish America, Don Keough and Martin Naughton."The past year has been a very difficult one for us all in Ireland and in the United States. With our vaccination rollout advancing at pace, we are beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel, and we can begin to look forward with optimism to welcoming visitors safely back to our shores," commented Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) Micheál Martin. "When we do, we will have a very special welcome ready for the teams and their supporters when they visit us for the Aer Lingus College Football Classic."Click here to watch welcome message.The teams are expected to travel to Ireland a few days prior to the season opener to acclimate and prepare for the contest, while also enjoying Irish cultural experiences."The announcement of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic for August 2022 is really good news," said Alison Metcalfe, Tourism Ireland's Executive Vice President – North America &amp; Australia. "As we get ready to restart international tourism to the island of Ireland, the game between the Northwestern Wildcats and the Nebraska Huskers will deliver a very welcome boost for tourism from the United States, with about 23,000 people expected to travel here from the US and Europe. Our message to the teams and their fans is that we cannot wait to roll out the 'green carpet' and welcome them to Dublin and Ireland. I am confident that the Aer Lingus Classic will be a truly wonderful opportunity to showcase Ireland and, more generally, the many attractions we offer as a holiday destination."David Shepherd, Chief Commercial Officer, Aer Lingus, said: "Today's announcement is a welcome beacon of hope for travel on both sides of the Atlantic. As proud sponsor of the Aer Lingus College Football Series, we look forward to flying the Northwestern Wildcats, Nebraska Huskers and their respective delegations to Ireland next summer, and to promoting our airline to our valued US market."Ticket &amp; Package Information: At this time, tickets to the game are available through travel or hospitality package. Fans can put down a $250 package deposit to secure their ticket and travel package at CollegeFootballIreland.com. Packages are available on a first-come, first-served basis.Game Partners: The game will be organized by Irish American Events Ltd., a joint venture between On Location and Corporate.ie, which have been involved in college football games in Ireland previously. The other key partners who will support the game in both Ireland and America are Aer Lingus, Dublin City Council, Failte Ireland and Tourism Ireland. For exclusive information, please visit CollegeFootballIreland.com.

Huskers to Open 2022 Season in Ireland

North Platte, Neb. – The North Platte Community College women's basketball team had three members of their 2021 squad earn All-Region IX honors. Janay Brauer, Kayla Pope, and Diamond Moore-Heath were selected as All-Region IX performers for their successes on the court this season.

"What a great accomplishment for each one of these student-athletes," said head coach Jeff Thurman. "These personal accolades are the culmination of the amount of work Diamond, Kayla and Janay have put in this year and I could not be prouder of these three young women."

Moore-Heath, a freshman from Colorado Springs, Colo., earns her first All-Region IX honor of her career. Moore-Heath finished her first season in a Knights uniform fourth in the nation in offensive rebounds (81) and seventh in total rebounds (208), while totaling nine double-doubles on the season. She started all twenty-three games for the Knights, averaging 12.6 points per game and nine rebounds per game.

Moore-Heath was voted as a unanimous selection to the First Team All-Nebraska Community College Athletic Association team. She rounded out her postseason accolades by being named as a Third Team NJCAA DII All-American. Moore-Heath is North Platte's second student-athlete to be named as an All-American in the history of the women's basketball program. 

Pope, a freshman from Mesquite, Texas, earns the All-Region IX honor after her first season in a black and gold uniform. The versatile guard finished tenth in minutes amongst NJCAA DII athletes. Her average of thirty-one minutes per contest helped her average 12.3 points per game, 4.6 rebounds per game, and 2.7 assists per game during the 2021 campaign. Pope rounds out her postseason accolades by being named to the First Team All-Nebraska Community College Athletic Association team.

Brauer, a sophomore from Sidney, Neb., was the deep ball threat for the Knights this season. Her All-Region IX selection comes on a heel of a stellar sophomore campaign, that also landed her on the honorable mention All-Nebraska Community College Athletic Association list for the second straight year. Brauer averaged ten points per game, 4.9 rebounds per game, and 2.1 assists per game. She ends her career as a Knight with 514 points, 272 rebounds, 129 assists, and 95 steals.

Story by NPCC CommunicationsNorth Platte, Neb. – The North Platte Community College women's basketball team had three members of their 2021 squad earn All-Region IX honors. Janay Brauer, Kayla Pope, and Diamond Moore-Heath were selected as All-Region IX performers for their successes on the court this season."What a great accomplishment for each one of these student-athletes," said head coach Jeff Thurman. "These personal accolades are the culmination of the amount of work Diamond, Kayla and Janay have put in this year and I could not be prouder of these three young women."Moore-Heath, a freshman from Colorado Springs, Colo., earns her first All-Region IX honor of her career. Moore-Heath finished her first season in a Knights uniform fourth in the nation in offensive rebounds (81) and seventh in total rebounds (208), while totaling nine double-doubles on the season. She started all twenty-three games for the Knights, averaging 12.6 points per game and nine rebounds per game.Moore-Heath was voted as a unanimous selection to the First Team All-Nebraska Community College Athletic Association team. She rounded out her postseason accolades by being named as a Third Team NJCAA DII All-American. Moore-Heath is North Platte's second student-athlete to be named as an All-American in the history of the women's basketball program. Pope, a freshman from Mesquite, Texas, earns the All-Region IX honor after her first season in a black and gold uniform. The versatile guard finished tenth in minutes amongst NJCAA DII athletes. Her average of thirty-one minutes per contest helped her average 12.3 points per game, 4.6 rebounds per game, and 2.7 assists per game during the 2021 campaign. Pope rounds out her postseason accolades by being named to the First Team All-Nebraska Community College Athletic Association team.Brauer, a sophomore from Sidney, Neb., was the deep ball threat for the Knights this season. Her All-Region IX selection comes on a heel of a stellar sophomore campaign, that also landed her on the honorable mention All-Nebraska Community College Athletic Association list for the second straight year. Brauer averaged ten points per game, 4.9 rebounds per game, and 2.1 assists per game. She ends her career as a Knight with 514 points, 272 rebounds, 129 assists, and 95 steals.