By&nbsp;Ruth Nicolaus-Buffalo Bill Rodeo

Rich Reinert has a part in the Buffalo Bill Rodeo that fans never see.

The North Platte man makes the rodeo run smoother, and the fans don’t even notice it.

His job, as a volunteer, is to let announcer Randy Corley know what cowboy is next, during the bareback riding, saddle bronc riding and bull riding.

Because it is loud in front of the arena, Reinert uses a set of flip cards, each numbered, to indicate to Corley, so Corley can announce to the crowd which cowboy will be riding next, out of which chute.

In his former career, he was stepping in front of the bulls, instead of behind the chutes.

He worked as a bullfighter, first for regional rodeos, then in the PRCA. He worked from coast to coast, at rodeos across the nation, often traveling with rodeo clown Butch Lehmkuhler.

Born in 1949 and raised on a ranch near Johnstown, Neb., he admired a bullfighter from a neighboring town, asking him if he could help. “I bugged him, till he finally relented,” Reinert said, at a rodeo in Harrison, Neb., in 1969, in the mud.

He worked as a bullfighter at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo one year, but is very proud of his streak of 28 years of working the Cody, Wyo. Rodeo, held over July 4. He retired from bullfighting in 2009.

Along with his rodeo career, Reinert taught school. He started as a high school math teacher, doing that for nine years, then switched to elementary P.E. for 25 years, and then spent six more years as the athletic director, all at North Platte Public Schools.

He got started volunteering with the Buffalo Bill Rodeo in conversation with Hadley Barrett, now deceased, and Randy Corley, co-announcers of the rodeo.

“For a while it was a lot of yelling” up to the announcer’s stand, Reinert said, till they devised the numbered flip cards.

Reinert was in the arena, so that Barrett, who was on horseback, could see him, as well as Corley, who was in the announcer’s stand. There were sometimes problems, Reinert said. “It was hard for Hadley to see the cards, and sometimes it was hard for me to find him,” he chuckled. “He might be in the northwest corner of the arena, then the southwest corner, or in the catch pen.”

Barrett passed away in 2018, and now Reinert does his work from the catwalk behind the chutes, instead of in the arena, which is safer. “I’m more visible to Randy, in that respect,” he said. “And I don’t have to be worried about getting run over by a horse or a bull, but I might get run over by (stock contractor) Bennie Beutler.”

Reinert volunteers at other activities, too. He helps at the state high school track meet as a clerk of the start, volunteers at the hospital, and helps out with sporting events at the North Platte High School, when needed. He works part time at the golf course, too. “I try to stay busy.”

He is a 28-year survivor of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and has been married 51 years to his wife Chris. They have two daughters: Amanda Reinert, who teaches in Kearney, and Andrea Hayes, married to Ryan Hayes. Andrea and Ryan have two children: a daughter, Ashyln, and a son, Logan.

Reinert takes great pride in the Buffalo Bill Rodeo and its quality. “It’s pride in what the community offers,” he said. “If there’s something I can do to help make it better, then I’m in.”

He loves seeing old faces and friends when the rodeo comes around every June, and loves being part of it.

“I pitch in and help wherever I can, and stay out of the way the rest of the time.

“Rodeo is a different life and I’m fortunate that I got to be a part of it, and still am. I’ll keep doing what I’m doing, as long as they want me.”

This year’s rodeo will be held June 16-19 at the Wild West Arena in North Platte. It begins at 8 pm each night and tickets can be purchased online at NebraskalandDays.com, at the NebraskalandDays 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/2021/5/1620677271623.png" alt="Rich Reinert, a former rodeo bullfighter, volunteers his time at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo. A former educator, he loves helping with the show, making sure it runs smoothly. Photo by Dott’s Shotts.&nbsp;&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Rich Reinert, a former rodeo bullfighter, volunteers his time at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo. A former educator, he loves helping with the show, making sure it runs smoothly. Photo by Dott’s Shotts.&nbsp;&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;Ruth Nicolaus-Buffalo Bill RodeoRich Reinert has a part in the Buffalo Bill Rodeo that fans never see.The North Platte man makes the rodeo run smoother, and the fans don’t even notice it.His job, as a volunteer, is to let announcer Randy Corley know what cowboy is next, during the bareback riding, saddle bronc riding and bull riding.Because it is loud in front of the arena, Reinert uses a set of flip cards, each numbered, to indicate to Corley, so Corley can announce to the crowd which cowboy will be riding next, out of which chute.In his former career, he was stepping in front of the bulls, instead of behind the chutes.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620677290335.png" alt="The Reinert family: Rich and Chris, and their daughters Amanda Reinert and Andrea and Ryan Hayes, plus grandchildren Ashlyn and Logan, share a family moment. Rich volunteers at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo in North Platte. Photo courtesy Amy Minchel, A Moment Photography." />
 <figcaption>The Reinert family: Rich and Chris, and their daughters Amanda Reinert and Andrea and Ryan Hayes, plus grandchildren Ashlyn and Logan, share a family moment. Rich volunteers at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo in North Platte. Photo courtesy Amy Minchel, A Moment Photography.</figcaption>
 </figure>He worked as a bullfighter, first for regional rodeos, then in the PRCA. He worked from coast to coast, at rodeos across the nation, often traveling with rodeo clown Butch Lehmkuhler.Born in 1949 and raised on a ranch near Johnstown, Neb., he admired a bullfighter from a neighboring town, asking him if he could help. “I bugged him, till he finally relented,” Reinert said, at a rodeo in Harrison, Neb., in 1969, in the mud.He worked as a bullfighter at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo one year, but is very proud of his streak of 28 years of working the Cody, Wyo. Rodeo, held over July 4. He retired from bullfighting in 2009.Along with his rodeo career, Reinert taught school. He started as a high school math teacher, doing that for nine years, then switched to elementary P.E. for 25 years, and then spent six more years as the athletic director, all at North Platte Public Schools.He got started volunteering with the Buffalo Bill Rodeo in conversation with Hadley Barrett, now deceased, and Randy Corley, co-announcers of the rodeo.“For a while it was a lot of yelling” up to the announcer’s stand, Reinert said, till they devised the numbered flip cards.Reinert was in the arena, so that Barrett, who was on horseback, could see him, as well as Corley, who was in the announcer’s stand. There were sometimes problems, Reinert said. “It was hard for Hadley to see the cards, and sometimes it was hard for me to find him,” he chuckled. “He might be in the northwest corner of the arena, then the southwest corner, or in the catch pen.”Barrett passed away in 2018, and now Reinert does his work from the catwalk behind the chutes, instead of in the arena, which is safer. “I’m more visible to Randy, in that respect,” he said. “And I don’t have to be worried about getting run over by a horse or a bull, but I might get run over by (stock contractor) Bennie Beutler.”Reinert volunteers at other activities, too. He helps at the state high school track meet as a clerk of the start, volunteers at the hospital, and helps out with sporting events at the North Platte High School, when needed. He works part time at the golf course, too. “I try to stay busy.”He is a 28-year survivor of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and has been married 51 years to his wife Chris. They have two daughters: Amanda Reinert, who teaches in Kearney, and Andrea Hayes, married to Ryan Hayes. Andrea and Ryan have two children: a daughter, Ashyln, and a son, Logan.Reinert takes great pride in the Buffalo Bill Rodeo and its quality. “It’s pride in what the community offers,” he said. “If there’s something I can do to help make it better, then I’m in.”He loves seeing old faces and friends when the rodeo comes around every June, and loves being part of it.“I pitch in and help wherever I can, and stay out of the way the rest of the time.“Rodeo is a different life and I’m fortunate that I got to be a part of it, and still am. I’ll keep doing what I’m doing, as long as they want me.”This year’s rodeo will be held June 16-19 at the Wild West Arena in North Platte. It begins at 8 pm each night and tickets can be purchased online at NebraskalandDays.com, at the NebraskalandDays 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.

Former North Platte rodeo bullfighter, now volunteer with Buffalo Bill Rodeo 

Story by&nbsp;Lisa Burke -&nbsp;North Platte/Lincoln County Visitors Bureau

(North Platte, Nebraska, May 7, 2021) – The National Travel and Tourism events hosted this week highlight the impact that visitor spending has on our local economy. In Lincoln County over $105 million is generated each year in total travel &amp; tourism spending, supporting 1,490 with a payroll of $26.4 million and $6.3 million in local and state tax revenue. Approximately 7.4% of all jobs in Lincoln County are sustained by travel and tourism spending - nearly 1-in-13 jobs.

Sports events are a growing dynamic that can propel a community to economic prosperity. Nationally in 2019 sports tourism generated $103.3 billion in spending, according to the State of the Sports Tourism Industry Report in America. The survey found that in 2019, nearly 180 million people traveled to a U.S. sporting event, either as a spectator or a participant. The sports tourism industry generated nearly 740,000 jobs in America over the year. The Visitors Bureau has shown that North Platte can be the connecting point in central Nebraska for Denver and Omaha sports teams which don’t have the budget to travel to each other, but they will meet in the middle in North Platte to compete.

The Advisory Committee of the North Platte / Lincoln County Visitors Bureau has one objective in mind when recommending grant funding for various projects to the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners – will the project increase overnight stays in the lodging facilities of Lincoln County? This focus means that at times new and expanded events and facilities are given more favorable consideration than existing events and maintenance projects to existing facilities for both promotion and improvement funding.

The Advisory Committee has been very conservative with its recommendations to the County Commissioners with regards to the 2% improvement fund lodging tax receipts and have built up a reserve with the possibility of a big project that will have a large impact on local tourism in mind. The Visitors Bureau and the County Commissioners have developed a process for creating a multi-year commitment of lodging tax receipts to a single project. While the Advisory Committee is charged with exploring and evaluating new tourism projects, when this due diligence is completed, a recommendation for the commitment of lodging tax receipts will be made to the County Commissioners to make a final decision.

The Visitors Bureau has been aggressively seeking ways to improve our local venues to create the capability of hosting large multi-state and national events to increase sports tourism to our area. Increased capacity in our venues will also be available for local programming during the week and will bring in welcome new competition for local teams, creating a positive impact for our community as well as our economy.

As was indicated in Wednesday’s Excellence in Tourism award presented to the D &amp; N Event Center, the facility is a valuable partner with the Visitors Bureau in bringing in major sporting events that have a significant impact on the area economy. The planned expansion has the potential to be the size and type of facility that would make it possible for North Platte to attract large multi-state and national events.

As the expansion of the D &amp; N Event Center proceeds, the Visitors Bureau will encourage the organization to submit an intent to apply letter for the Improvement Fund grant cycle. The deadline for intent to apply letters is July 1, with a final application deadline of September 30. The Advisory Committee will hear presentations, weighing the impact of each project on overnight lodging and make a recommendation for funding to the County Commissioners.

Story by&nbsp;Lisa Burke -&nbsp;North Platte/Lincoln County Visitors Bureau(North Platte, Nebraska, May 7, 2021) – The National Travel and Tourism events hosted this week highlight the impact that visitor spending has on our local economy. In Lincoln County over $105 million is generated each year in total travel &amp; tourism spending, supporting 1,490 with a payroll of $26.4 million and $6.3 million in local and state tax revenue. Approximately 7.4% of all jobs in Lincoln County are sustained by travel and tourism spending - nearly 1-in-13 jobs.Sports events are a growing dynamic that can propel a community to economic prosperity. Nationally in 2019 sports tourism generated $103.3 billion in spending, according to the State of the Sports Tourism Industry Report in America. The survey found that in 2019, nearly 180 million people traveled to a U.S. sporting event, either as a spectator or a participant. The sports tourism industry generated nearly 740,000 jobs in America over the year. The Visitors Bureau has shown that North Platte can be the connecting point in central Nebraska for Denver and Omaha sports teams which don’t have the budget to travel to each other, but they will meet in the middle in North Platte to compete.The Advisory Committee of the North Platte / Lincoln County Visitors Bureau has one objective in mind when recommending grant funding for various projects to the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners – will the project increase overnight stays in the lodging facilities of Lincoln County? This focus means that at times new and expanded events and facilities are given more favorable consideration than existing events and maintenance projects to existing facilities for both promotion and improvement funding.The Advisory Committee has been very conservative with its recommendations to the County Commissioners with regards to the 2% improvement fund lodging tax receipts and have built up a reserve with the possibility of a big project that will have a large impact on local tourism in mind. The Visitors Bureau and the County Commissioners have developed a process for creating a multi-year commitment of lodging tax receipts to a single project. While the Advisory Committee is charged with exploring and evaluating new tourism projects, when this due diligence is completed, a recommendation for the commitment of lodging tax receipts will be made to the County Commissioners to make a final decision.The Visitors Bureau has been aggressively seeking ways to improve our local venues to create the capability of hosting large multi-state and national events to increase sports tourism to our area. Increased capacity in our venues will also be available for local programming during the week and will bring in welcome new competition for local teams, creating a positive impact for our community as well as our economy.As was indicated in Wednesday’s Excellence in Tourism award presented to the D &amp; N Event Center, the facility is a valuable partner with the Visitors Bureau in bringing in major sporting events that have a significant impact on the area economy. The planned expansion has the potential to be the size and type of facility that would make it possible for North Platte to attract large multi-state and national events.As the expansion of the D &amp; N Event Center proceeds, the Visitors Bureau will encourage the organization to submit an intent to apply letter for the Improvement Fund grant cycle. The deadline for intent to apply letters is July 1, with a final application deadline of September 30. The Advisory Committee will hear presentations, weighing the impact of each project on overnight lodging and make a recommendation for funding to the County Commissioners.

Sports Tourism Expansion in North Platte

&nbsp;By STEPHEN WADE - Associated Press

TOKYO (AP) — IOC President Thomas Bach has canceled a trip to Japan because of surging cases of COVID-19 in the country, the Tokyo Olympic organizing committee said Monday in a statement.

Bach was to visit Hiroshima next Monday and meet the torch relay and then probably travel to Tokyo.

Organizing committee president Seiko Hashimoto said last week that the trip would be “tough” for Bach to make, which was interpreted in Japan as meaning it was canceled.

The trip was made impossible because of a state of emergency in Tokyo and other parts of the country that has been extended until May 31. The state of emergency was to have ended on Tuesday.

The statement said Bach’s visit would be made “as soon a possible.”

The postponement is an embarrassment to the IOC and local organizers with the Olympics opening in just over 10 weeks. Organizers and the IOC have repeatedly said the Olympics will not be canceled, and will be “safe and secure.”

Japan has attributed 11,000 deaths to COVID-19, better than many countries, but poor for Asia. Variants of the virus are spreading with reports of public health systems coming under pressure.

Public sentiment in Japan continues to run against holding the Olympics in the middle of a pandemic. Between 60-80% of Japanese people in polls have said the Olympics should be canceled or postponed.

An online petition calling for the games to be canceled gained 300,000 signatures in three days, although a small protest against the Olympics on Sunday in Tokyo drew only 100 people.

Naomi Osaka, who will represent Japan at the Olympics, said she has mixed feelings.

“Of course I would say I want the Olympics to happen, because I’m an athlete and that’s sort of what I’ve been waiting for my entire life,” she said Sunday at the Italian Open.

“But I think that there’s so much important stuff going on, and especially the past year,” Osaka added. “I think a lot of unexpected things have happened and if it’s putting people at risk, and if it’s making people very uncomfortable, then it definitely should be a discussion, which I think it is as of right now.”

Other voices are also rising up against the Olympics. On Monday, the leader of Japan’s main opposition party speaking in Parliament said it was not possible to safely hold the games.

“I think it is possible that the measures our nation takes to protect human life and livelihoods simply will not make it possible to hold the Olympics,” said Yukio Edano, head of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan. “In that situation, the IOC and Tokyo city government will have to make a decision, and the government will back that.”

Fellow party member Kazunori Yamanoi told Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga that fighting COVID-19 may “have become secondary” to him to holding the Olympics.

Suga replied: “I think that is very rude, but I have never put the Olympics first.”

Also on Monday, Japan’s Kyodo news agency reported that Hyogo prefecture will take the torch relay off public streets. This would be at least the fifth time the torch has been rerouted. The relay began March 25 in northeastern Japan.

&nbsp;By STEPHEN WADE - Associated Press TOKYO (AP) — IOC President Thomas Bach has canceled a trip to Japan because of surging cases of COVID-19 in the country, the Tokyo Olympic organizing committee said Monday in a statement.Bach was to visit Hiroshima next Monday and meet the torch relay and then probably travel to Tokyo.Organizing committee president Seiko Hashimoto said last week that the trip would be “tough” for Bach to make, which was interpreted in Japan as meaning it was canceled.The trip was made impossible because of a state of emergency in Tokyo and other parts of the country that has been extended until May 31. The state of emergency was to have ended on Tuesday.The statement said Bach’s visit would be made “as soon a possible.”The postponement is an embarrassment to the IOC and local organizers with the Olympics opening in just over 10 weeks. Organizers and the IOC have repeatedly said the Olympics will not be canceled, and will be “safe and secure.”Japan has attributed 11,000 deaths to COVID-19, better than many countries, but poor for Asia. Variants of the virus are spreading with reports of public health systems coming under pressure.Public sentiment in Japan continues to run against holding the Olympics in the middle of a pandemic. Between 60-80% of Japanese people in polls have said the Olympics should be canceled or postponed.An online petition calling for the games to be canceled gained 300,000 signatures in three days, although a small protest against the Olympics on Sunday in Tokyo drew only 100 people.Naomi Osaka, who will represent Japan at the Olympics, said she has mixed feelings.“Of course I would say I want the Olympics to happen, because I’m an athlete and that’s sort of what I’ve been waiting for my entire life,” she said Sunday at the Italian Open.“But I think that there’s so much important stuff going on, and especially the past year,” Osaka added. “I think a lot of unexpected things have happened and if it’s putting people at risk, and if it’s making people very uncomfortable, then it definitely should be a discussion, which I think it is as of right now.”Other voices are also rising up against the Olympics. On Monday, the leader of Japan’s main opposition party speaking in Parliament said it was not possible to safely hold the games.“I think it is possible that the measures our nation takes to protect human life and livelihoods simply will not make it possible to hold the Olympics,” said Yukio Edano, head of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan. “In that situation, the IOC and Tokyo city government will have to make a decision, and the government will back that.”Fellow party member Kazunori Yamanoi told Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga that fighting COVID-19 may “have become secondary” to him to holding the Olympics.Suga replied: “I think that is very rude, but I have never put the Olympics first.”Also on Monday, Japan’s Kyodo news agency reported that Hyogo prefecture will take the torch relay off public streets. This would be at least the fifth time the torch has been rerouted. The relay began March 25 in northeastern Japan.

IOC’s Thomas Bach cancels Japan trip because of virus cases

BY KARISSA NEIHOFF National
Federation of State High School Associations and BILL FAFLICK Kansas State High School Activities Association

After
months of working with state government, education and health leaders, schools
in all 50 states have been given the go-ahead to resume high school sports at
some level of competition. Schools in the District of Columbia were the last to
receive the green light on April 1. This is great news and signals that a
return to normalcy may be on the horizon by the time schools begin sports and
activities this fall.

Unfortunately, there is an ever-increasing issue that could put a kink
in the return-to-play plans in Kansas and across the country – a shortage of
officials, as in referees and umpires, that borders on catastrophic in some
sports and in some parts of the nation.&nbsp;&nbsp;


The
shortage of officials in high school – and middle school – sports has been a
growing concern for several years; however, the COVID-19 pandemic has moved the
issue to heightened levels. 

In
some cases, schools that have waited months and months to “play ball” have had
to cancel games or reschedule games. There are so many contests occurring, with
some states currently playing football and other sports they were unable to
offer last fall, coupled with regular spring sports now underway, there simply
are not enough people to officiate all scheduled games.

According to the National Association of Sports Officials (NASO),
registration of officials across the country is down about 30 percent this
year. In Kansas from 2019-20 to 2020-2021 we saw a 14% reduction of officials
registering.&nbsp; Five hundred-twenty fewer officials
registered in 2020-2021. In the past 10 years – since 2010-2011 we are down 26%
- 1092 few officials registered in 2020-2021. Sports with the largest percent
decrease were basketball and wrestling at approximately 17% reduction. 

Tennessee and Georgia have reported declines in baseball umpires. In one
county in Georgia, one middle school had to cancel its baseball season due to a
lack of umpires.

In
some cases, the number of available officials has declined due to
health-related reasons – people opting out this year because of the pandemic.

As vaccinations increase and the optics improve, many of
these individuals hopefully will return. 

For
other officials, however, the pandemic was a secondary concern compared to the
verbal abuse they receive from fans – mostly parents. It is particularly hard
for rookie officials to overcome the verbal shots they hear from parents. In an
article in the Salt Lake City Deseret News, Jeff Cluff, assistant director in
charge of officials for the UHSAA, had the following to say about unruly fans
in his state: 

“Parents are out of control ... Because of the club and super-league
culture, they think these games mean everything; we don’t look at it that way
in high school. Kids are learning, the officials are learning, the coaches are
learning. We have lots of people who are interested in officiating. If we could
keep these officials, we’d be fine.”

Schools in Kansas need two things: 1) more individuals to consider
officiating high school sports and 2) an improvement in fan behavior so that
officials don’t have to deal with verbal abuse and can feel good about
continuing to officiate. Despite the fun and rewards that come with officiating
high school sports, no one wants to continue if they are continually berated by
fans.

The NFHS has been actively
recruiting officials for four years through its #BecomeAnOfficial campaign.
More than 50,000 individuals have expressed interest in officiating during this
time. However, more individuals are desperately needed to keep the games going
for the millions of students in middle school and high school sports. Anyone
can sign up today at www.highschoolofficials.com.

More
importantly, let’s do all we can to keep the men and women who are currently
giving of their time to officiate middle school and high school sports. The
next time you think about yelling at the referee during a high school contest,
DON’T!

There
is hope on the horizon that the pandemic will not keep kids off the playing
fields and courts much longer. Let’s make sure boorish behavior doesn’t keep
officials off the same fields and courts.&nbsp;


Karissa Niehoff is executive director of the National Federation of State High School Associations. Bill Faflick is executive director of the Kansas State High School Activities Association.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620652841937.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>BY KARISSA NEIHOFF National
Federation of State High School Associations and BILL FAFLICK Kansas State High School Activities AssociationAfter
months of working with state government, education and health leaders, schools
in all 50 states have been given the go-ahead to resume high school sports at
some level of competition. Schools in the District of Columbia were the last to
receive the green light on April 1. This is great news and signals that a
return to normalcy may be on the horizon by the time schools begin sports and
activities this fall.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582312931775.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Unfortunately, there is an ever-increasing issue that could put a kink
in the return-to-play plans in Kansas and across the country – a shortage of
officials, as in referees and umpires, that borders on catastrophic in some
sports and in some parts of the nation.&nbsp;&nbsp;
The
shortage of officials in high school – and middle school – sports has been a
growing concern for several years; however, the COVID-19 pandemic has moved the
issue to heightened levels. In
some cases, schools that have waited months and months to “play ball” have had
to cancel games or reschedule games. There are so many contests occurring, with
some states currently playing football and other sports they were unable to
offer last fall, coupled with regular spring sports now underway, there simply
are not enough people to officiate all scheduled games.According to the National Association of Sports Officials (NASO),
registration of officials across the country is down about 30 percent this
year. In Kansas from 2019-20 to 2020-2021 we saw a 14% reduction of officials
registering.&nbsp; Five hundred-twenty fewer officials
registered in 2020-2021. In the past 10 years – since 2010-2011 we are down 26%
- 1092 few officials registered in 2020-2021. Sports with the largest percent
decrease were basketball and wrestling at approximately 17% reduction. Tennessee and Georgia have reported declines in baseball umpires. In one
county in Georgia, one middle school had to cancel its baseball season due to a
lack of umpires.In
some cases, the number of available officials has declined due to
health-related reasons – people opting out this year because of the pandemic.As vaccinations increase and the optics improve, many of
these individuals hopefully will return. For
other officials, however, the pandemic was a secondary concern compared to the
verbal abuse they receive from fans – mostly parents. It is particularly hard
for rookie officials to overcome the verbal shots they hear from parents. In an
article in the Salt Lake City Deseret News, Jeff Cluff, assistant director in
charge of officials for the UHSAA, had the following to say about unruly fans
in his state: “Parents are out of control ... Because of the club and super-league
culture, they think these games mean everything; we don’t look at it that way
in high school. Kids are learning, the officials are learning, the coaches are
learning. We have lots of people who are interested in officiating. If we could
keep these officials, we’d be fine.”Schools in Kansas need two things: 1) more individuals to consider
officiating high school sports and 2) an improvement in fan behavior so that
officials don’t have to deal with verbal abuse and can feel good about
continuing to officiate. Despite the fun and rewards that come with officiating
high school sports, no one wants to continue if they are continually berated by
fans.The NFHS has been actively
recruiting officials for four years through its #BecomeAnOfficial campaign.
More than 50,000 individuals have expressed interest in officiating during this
time. However, more individuals are desperately needed to keep the games going
for the millions of students in middle school and high school sports. Anyone
can sign up today at www.highschoolofficials.com.More
importantly, let’s do all we can to keep the men and women who are currently
giving of their time to officiate middle school and high school sports. The
next time you think about yelling at the referee during a high school contest,
DON’T!There
is hope on the horizon that the pandemic will not keep kids off the playing
fields and courts much longer. Let’s make sure boorish behavior doesn’t keep
officials off the same fields and courts.&nbsp;
Karissa Niehoff is executive director of the National Federation of State High School Associations. Bill Faflick is executive director of the Kansas State High School Activities Association.&nbsp;

More officials, better fan behavior needed in high school sports

Area Sports: Track and Field results DCS Twilight meet (5.7)

NPSP Track and Field: Results from the Dave Blevins meet (5.7)

News Release North Platte Community College

Columbus, Neb.&nbsp;- The North Platte Community College Knights claimed the victory in the final game of the Region IX Softball Championship series and are now headed to districts.

The Knights took on the Central Community College Raiders over the weekend – forcing Central into a third game after splitting a doubleheader Saturday. They then beat the Raiders 7-2 Sunday.

The Knights got on the board in the first inning when Madisyn Hamar, of Chadron, singled on a 2-2 count, scoring one run.

Nevaeh Ramirez, of Thornton, Colo., was in the circle for North Platte. The pitcher lasted seven innings, allowing three hits and two runs while striking out four.

The Knights totaled nine hits in the game. Hamar, Morganne Brown, of Milliken, Colo., and Zoey Bredleau-Beehler, of Portland, Ore., each collected two hits to lead the Knights.

“We played a tough schedule all year to prepare us for the postseason,” said NPCC Knights head softball coach Janelle Higgins. “I’ve told the kids all year - it doesn’t matter how you start, it’s how you finish. They bought in and played together today to win together.”

The Knights will now play in the North Plains District Tournament&nbsp;in North Platte May 14-16. It’s the first time they have hosted districts.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620609626291.png" alt="Morganne Brown (NPCC Photo)" />
 <figcaption>Morganne Brown (NPCC Photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>News Release North Platte Community CollegeColumbus, Neb.&nbsp;- The North Platte Community College Knights claimed the victory in the final game of the Region IX Softball Championship series and are now headed to districts.The Knights took on the Central Community College Raiders over the weekend – forcing Central into a third game after splitting a doubleheader Saturday. They then beat the Raiders 7-2 Sunday.The Knights got on the board in the first inning when Madisyn Hamar, of Chadron, singled on a 2-2 count, scoring one run.Nevaeh Ramirez, of Thornton, Colo., was in the circle for North Platte. The pitcher lasted seven innings, allowing three hits and two runs while striking out four.The Knights totaled nine hits in the game. Hamar, Morganne Brown, of Milliken, Colo., and Zoey Bredleau-Beehler, of Portland, Ore., each collected two hits to lead the Knights.“We played a tough schedule all year to prepare us for the postseason,” said NPCC Knights head softball coach Janelle Higgins. “I’ve told the kids all year - it doesn’t matter how you start, it’s how you finish. They bought in and played together today to win together.”The Knights will now play in the North Plains District Tournament&nbsp;in North Platte May 14-16. It’s the first time they have hosted districts.

Knights Softball wins Region IX championship/headed to districts

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5.9 NPCC Knights Softball Region IX Championship day 2 - LIVESTREAM

Columbus, Neb.&nbsp;- The North Platte Community College Knights Softball Team split a doubleheader against the Central Community College Raiders Saturday in a “best of three” Region IX Championship series. The teams will now face-off Sunday at noon in a tie-breaking, winner-take-all battle.

The Knights fell to the Raiders 9-1 in the first game Saturday, despite out-hitting Central five to three.

Kyleigh Sullivan, of Fort Worth, Texas, was in the circle for the Knights. She surrendered nine runs on three hits over five and two-thirds innings, striking out 10.

Ashlyn Wheeling, of &nbsp; Thornton, Colo., went 2-for-3 at the plate, to lead North Platte in hits.

The Knights fought back in the second game, beating the Raiders 6-2. North Platte got its offense started in the second inning when Wheeling drew a walk, scoring one run.

The game was tied in the bottom of the third inning, and by the fourth inning, the Knights pulled away for good with three runs. Madisyn Hamar, of Chadron, singled on the first pitch of the at bat, scoring one run. An error then scored two more runs for North Platte.

Nevaeh Ramirez, of Thornton, Colo., was on the rubber. Ramirez allowed three hits and two runs over seven innings, striking out seven.

Essence McRae, of Las Vegas, Nev., went 2-for-4 at the plate to lead the Knights in hits.

“The first game, we were playing not to lose, and when you do that, you get beat,” said NPCC Knights head softball coach Janelle Higgins. “Coming back and winning game two to force game three shows the heart of these young ladies. I am proud of how hard they fought in game two.”

A livestream of the third game will be available at:&nbsp;<a href="https://northplattepost.com/" target="_blank">northplattepost.com</a>. The winner will advance to the district finals.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620526044235.png" alt="Essence McRae, of Las Vegas, Nev., went 2-for-4 at the plate to lead the Knights in hits." />
 <figcaption>Essence McRae, of Las Vegas, Nev., went 2-for-4 at the plate to lead the Knights in hits.</figcaption>
 </figure>By Heather Johnson-MPCC Columbus, Neb.&nbsp;- The North Platte Community College Knights Softball Team split a doubleheader against the Central Community College Raiders Saturday in a “best of three” Region IX Championship series. The teams will now face-off Sunday at noon in a tie-breaking, winner-take-all battle.The Knights fell to the Raiders 9-1 in the first game Saturday, despite out-hitting Central five to three.Kyleigh Sullivan, of Fort Worth, Texas, was in the circle for the Knights. She surrendered nine runs on three hits over five and two-thirds innings, striking out 10.Ashlyn Wheeling, of &nbsp; Thornton, Colo., went 2-for-3 at the plate, to lead North Platte in hits.The Knights fought back in the second game, beating the Raiders 6-2. North Platte got its offense started in the second inning when Wheeling drew a walk, scoring one run.The game was tied in the bottom of the third inning, and by the fourth inning, the Knights pulled away for good with three runs. Madisyn Hamar, of Chadron, singled on the first pitch of the at bat, scoring one run. An error then scored two more runs for North Platte.Nevaeh Ramirez, of Thornton, Colo., was on the rubber. Ramirez allowed three hits and two runs over seven innings, striking out seven.Essence McRae, of Las Vegas, Nev., went 2-for-4 at the plate to lead the Knights in hits.“The first game, we were playing not to lose, and when you do that, you get beat,” said NPCC Knights head softball coach Janelle Higgins. “Coming back and winning game two to force game three shows the heart of these young ladies. I am proud of how hard they fought in game two.”A livestream of the third game will be available at:&nbsp;<a href="https://northplattepost.com/" target="_blank">northplattepost.com</a>. The winner will advance to the district finals.

NPCC Softball forces third game in championship series

By Scott Carlson-North Platte Post

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-The Nebraska School Activities Association has released the 2021 State Soccer Championship Brackets.

The North Platte High School Lady Bulldogs are the #4 seed and will face #5 seed, Omaha Marian, in the first round Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. from Morrison Stadium at Creighton University.

The Lady Dawgs defeated Lincoln Pius X in their District final 3-0 last week.

The Dawgs are 15-4 on the season, Marian is 14-3.

Kyle Laboria will be calling the action on FM 98.1 and streaming audio on the Post.

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 </figure>By Scott Carlson-North Platte PostNORTH PLATTE, Neb.-The Nebraska School Activities Association has released the 2021 State Soccer Championship Brackets.The North Platte High School Lady Bulldogs are the #4 seed and will face #5 seed, Omaha Marian, in the first round Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. from Morrison Stadium at Creighton University.The Lady Dawgs defeated Lincoln Pius X in their District final 3-0 last week.The Dawgs are 15-4 on the season, Marian is 14-3.Kyle Laboria will be calling the action on FM 98.1 and streaming audio on the Post.<figure>
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No. 4 Lady Dawgs face No. 5 Omaha Marian in 1st round at State Soccer

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5.5 NPCC Softball REGION IX CHAMPIONSHIP - LIVESTREAM 

&nbsp; By JIM VERTUNO - Associated Press

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas linebacker Jake Ehlinger, the younger brother of former Longhorns quarterback Sam Ehlinger, was found dead near campus Thursday, Austin police said.

Officers found the 20-year-old Ehlinger after responding to a call at 12:18 p.m. Police did not detail how they found him but said the death is not considered suspicious. No cause of death was immediately released.

Jake Ehlinger did not play the last two seasons after arriving as a walk-on from Austin’s Westlake High School.

Sam Ehlinger was a sixth-round pick in the NFL draft last week by the Indianapolis Colts after a college career that saw him rank among Texas’ career passing leaders.

“Our hearts are truly broken and we are just devastated today to learn of the passing of our Longhorn family member Jake Ehlinger. Jake was an amazing young man from an extraordinary family with such a bright future ahead of him. It’s just such a tragedy that we are really struggling with,” Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte said.

When Sam Ehlinger was drafted, Jake’s face was accidentally shown on the NFL Network instead of Sam. “Jake deserves all the screen time you can get,” Sam joked with reporters.

Jake’s death is the second tragedy to hit the Ehlinger family. Ross Ehlinger, Sam and Jake’s father, died at age 46 in 2013 of an apparent heart attack while competing in a triathlon in San Francisco.

“Jake was a tremendous person and everything you could ask for in a student athlete,” new Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said. “In the short time we were able to get to know him, he always was a joy to be around and gave everything he had in workouts, meetings, practice and in life.”

Colts officials said the team would support Sam Ehlinger however it could.

“I know how close they were and we’re just really stunned, but we are prayerful and we know God has a plan,” Colts owner Jim Irsay said. “We are doing everything we can to console the family and do what we can to make things as easy as possible at this difficult time.”

&nbsp; By JIM VERTUNO - Associated Press AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas linebacker Jake Ehlinger, the younger brother of former Longhorns quarterback Sam Ehlinger, was found dead near campus Thursday, Austin police said.Officers found the 20-year-old Ehlinger after responding to a call at 12:18 p.m. Police did not detail how they found him but said the death is not considered suspicious. No cause of death was immediately released.Jake Ehlinger did not play the last two seasons after arriving as a walk-on from Austin’s Westlake High School.Sam Ehlinger was a sixth-round pick in the NFL draft last week by the Indianapolis Colts after a college career that saw him rank among Texas’ career passing leaders.“Our hearts are truly broken and we are just devastated today to learn of the passing of our Longhorn family member Jake Ehlinger. Jake was an amazing young man from an extraordinary family with such a bright future ahead of him. It’s just such a tragedy that we are really struggling with,” Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte said.When Sam Ehlinger was drafted, Jake’s face was accidentally shown on the NFL Network instead of Sam. “Jake deserves all the screen time you can get,” Sam joked with reporters.Jake’s death is the second tragedy to hit the Ehlinger family. Ross Ehlinger, Sam and Jake’s father, died at age 46 in 2013 of an apparent heart attack while competing in a triathlon in San Francisco.“Jake was a tremendous person and everything you could ask for in a student athlete,” new Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said. “In the short time we were able to get to know him, he always was a joy to be around and gave everything he had in workouts, meetings, practice and in life.”Colts officials said the team would support Sam Ehlinger however it could.“I know how close they were and we’re just really stunned, but we are prayerful and we know God has a plan,” Colts owner Jim Irsay said. “We are doing everything we can to console the family and do what we can to make things as easy as possible at this difficult time.”

Texas linebacker Jake Ehlinger found dead in Austin

NPHS Track and Field: GNAC Full results.

&nbsp; Individual: 1. Connor Hasenauer 75 2. Teegan Sonneman 79 3. Colbi Smith 81 4. Brett Downing 82 5. Ty Monie 91 6. Matthew Phelps 91 7. Hunter Deeds 91 8. Samuel Dekleva 91 9. Carson Leibhart 92 10. Luke Martinez 92 Team: 1. St. Pat’s 336 2. North Platte High JV 384 3. Sutherland 394&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp; Individual: 1. Connor Hasenauer 75 2. Teegan Sonneman 79 3. Colbi Smith 81 4. Brett Downing 82 5. Ty Monie 91 6. Matthew Phelps 91 7. Hunter Deeds 91 8. Samuel Dekleva 91 9. Carson Leibhart 92 10. Luke Martinez 92 Team: 1. St. Pat’s 336 2. North Platte High JV 384 3. Sutherland 394&nbsp;&nbsp;FULL RESULTS:&nbsp;<figure>
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NPSP Boys Golf: Irish take first at Rivers Edge (5.6)

NPSP Basketball: Condon signs with Hastings - AUDIO

Kickoff moved to 7:45 p.m.<figure>
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5.5 NPHS Girls Soccer DISTRICT FINAL vs Lincoln Pius X - LIVESTREAM

Area Sports: Best in the Midwest Girls results (5.4) 

Area Sports: Best in the Midwest Boys results (5/4)

Story by NU Athletic Communications

Freshmen Kaylin Kinney and Billie Andrews were both honored with weekly awards from the Big Ten Conference on Tuesday. Kinney was named the Big Ten Player of the Week, while Andrews was selected as the co-Freshman of the Week.

Kinney won the first weekly award of her career, while Andrews was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Week for the fourth time in eight weeks this season. Nebraska's opponent this weekend – the Iowa Hawkeyes – was also recognized as Allison Doocy was named the Big Ten Pitcher of the Week and Brylee Klosterman shared Freshman-of-the-Week accolades with Andrews.

Kinney is the first Husker freshman to be named conference player of the week since Taylor Edwards was the Big 12 Player of the Week once during the 2011 season. A native of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Kinney contributed offensively and in the circle during Nebraska's four-game sweep of Maryland. Offensively, she reached base in seven of her eight trips to the plate in the series, finishing 4-for-5 with three home runs, four runs scored and six RBIs. Kinney also started the third game of the series in the circle and allowed only one run in 5.0 innings.

Andrews went 6-for-11 (.545) in the Maryland series and matched Kinney with three home runs and six RBIs. The Gretna native had at least one hit, one run and one RBI in all four games and homered in three of the four games. Andrews now ranks fourth in Big Ten history with four freshman-of-the-week awards.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsFreshmen Kaylin Kinney and Billie Andrews were both honored with weekly awards from the Big Ten Conference on Tuesday. Kinney was named the Big Ten Player of the Week, while Andrews was selected as the co-Freshman of the Week.Kinney won the first weekly award of her career, while Andrews was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Week for the fourth time in eight weeks this season. Nebraska's opponent this weekend – the Iowa Hawkeyes – was also recognized as Allison Doocy was named the Big Ten Pitcher of the Week and Brylee Klosterman shared Freshman-of-the-Week accolades with Andrews.Kinney is the first Husker freshman to be named conference player of the week since Taylor Edwards was the Big 12 Player of the Week once during the 2011 season. A native of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Kinney contributed offensively and in the circle during Nebraska's four-game sweep of Maryland. Offensively, she reached base in seven of her eight trips to the plate in the series, finishing 4-for-5 with three home runs, four runs scored and six RBIs. Kinney also started the third game of the series in the circle and allowed only one run in 5.0 innings.Andrews went 6-for-11 (.545) in the Maryland series and matched Kinney with three home runs and six RBIs. The Gretna native had at least one hit, one run and one RBI in all four games and homered in three of the four games. Andrews now ranks fourth in Big Ten history with four freshman-of-the-week awards.

Kinney & Andrews Win Big Ten Weekly Awards

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NPHS Boys Golf: District assignments 

This year we started the season not even sure that football would be played to completion. After an amazing effort by the NSAA, High school administrations, coaches and players we were gifted with a season to remember.&nbsp; For some of those players, they will get another chance to take the field in this special year. The 43rd annual West Nebraska Football game will be played on June 12th at Bearcat Stadium in Scottsbluff.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The East roster is heavy with North Platte and Lexington talent. The Bulldogs send four players while the St. Pats Irish send two. Lexington and McCook also send four players to tie NPHS for most All-Stars this year.&nbsp;

Other area schools for the East squad: Southern Valley (3), Gothenburg (2), Medicine Valley (1). Full roster below:&nbsp;

The West roster is more diverse with no school sending more than three players (Sandhills/Thedford and Scottsbluff) but is a good representation of the power schools that make up Western Nebraska.&nbsp;

Ogallala, Mitchell, Sidney, Sutherland all sending players after having great years.&nbsp;

This year we started the season not even sure that football would be played to completion. After an amazing effort by the NSAA, High school administrations, coaches and players we were gifted with a season to remember.&nbsp; For some of those players, they will get another chance to take the field in this special year. The 43rd annual West Nebraska Football game will be played on June 12th at Bearcat Stadium in Scottsbluff.&nbsp;&nbsp;The East roster is heavy with North Platte and Lexington talent. The Bulldogs send four players while the St. Pats Irish send two. Lexington and McCook also send four players to tie NPHS for most All-Stars this year.&nbsp;Other area schools for the East squad: Southern Valley (3), Gothenburg (2), Medicine Valley (1). Full roster below:&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620132217109.jpeg" alt="2021 East Football roster.jpg" />
 <figcaption>2021 East Football roster.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>The West roster is more diverse with no school sending more than three players (Sandhills/Thedford and Scottsbluff) but is a good representation of the power schools that make up Western Nebraska.&nbsp;Ogallala, Mitchell, Sidney, Sutherland all sending players after having great years.&nbsp;Here is the West roster:<figure>
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Area Sports: 2021 West Nebraska All-Star Football rosters announced

East &amp; West Volleyball Rosters for the 37th Annual All Star Volleyball Game on June 12th at 2 PM at WNCC Cougar Palace

East &amp; West Volleyball Rosters for the 37th Annual All Star Volleyball Game on June 12th at 2 PM at WNCC Cougar Palace<figure>
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Area Sports: 2021 East/West Volleyball All-Stars announced

Story by NU Athletic Communications&nbsp;

Nebraska has finalized its 2021 football schedule with the addition of a matchup against the Fordham Rams on Sept. 4 at Memorial Stadium. The game against Fordham replaces a previously scheduled game with Southeastern Louisiana on Nov. 13.

The Nebraska-Fordham game will be the Huskers' 2021 home opener at Memorial Stadium and will be the first-ever meeting between the schools. The game will kick off a home slate that includes two September home games, three October games at Memorial Stadium and two November home contests.

Nebraska opens its 2021 schedule with a Week Zero Big Ten West contest at Illinois before returning home for its next two games.

"We have been actively exploring opportunities to play a home game on Sept. 4 since our Ireland trip to play Illinois was canceled," Nebraska Athletic Director Bill Moos said. "It was important for several reasons to add a September home game. It provides a better flow to the start of our season for our team, and gives us a valuable early-season showcase for recruits. This will also provide our fans and local businesses with a home game on the traditional season-opening weekend.

"We are appreciative of the flexibility of both Fordham and Southeastern Louisiana to make this schedule change possible late in the process." 

Fordham plays in the Patriot League in the Football Championship Subdivision. The Rams played a shortened spring season, posting a 2-1 record with victories over Colgate and Bucknell.

Nebraska and Southeastern Louisiana will continue discussions about the possibility of re-scheduling the previously scheduled 2021 game in a later season.

With the completion of the home schedule, Nebraska football season ticket holders will receive season ticket renewal information this week.

Aug. 28 at Illinois Sept. 4 Fordham Sept. 11 Buffalo Sept. 18 at Oklahoma Sept. 25 at Michigan State Oct. 2 Northwestern Oct. 9 Michigan Oct. 16 at Minnesota Oct. 30 Purdue Nov. 6 Ohio State Nov. 20 at Wisconsin Nov. 26 (Fri.) Iowa

Story by NU Athletic Communications&nbsp;Nebraska has finalized its 2021 football schedule with the addition of a matchup against the Fordham Rams on Sept. 4 at Memorial Stadium. The game against Fordham replaces a previously scheduled game with Southeastern Louisiana on Nov. 13.The Nebraska-Fordham game will be the Huskers' 2021 home opener at Memorial Stadium and will be the first-ever meeting between the schools. The game will kick off a home slate that includes two September home games, three October games at Memorial Stadium and two November home contests.Nebraska opens its 2021 schedule with a Week Zero Big Ten West contest at Illinois before returning home for its next two games."We have been actively exploring opportunities to play a home game on Sept. 4 since our Ireland trip to play Illinois was canceled," Nebraska Athletic Director Bill Moos said. "It was important for several reasons to add a September home game. It provides a better flow to the start of our season for our team, and gives us a valuable early-season showcase for recruits. This will also provide our fans and local businesses with a home game on the traditional season-opening weekend."We are appreciative of the flexibility of both Fordham and Southeastern Louisiana to make this schedule change possible late in the process." Fordham plays in the Patriot League in the Football Championship Subdivision. The Rams played a shortened spring season, posting a 2-1 record with victories over Colgate and Bucknell.Nebraska and Southeastern Louisiana will continue discussions about the possibility of re-scheduling the previously scheduled 2021 game in a later season.With the completion of the home schedule, Nebraska football season ticket holders will receive season ticket renewal information this week.2021 Nebraska Football ScheduleAug. 28 at Illinois Sept. 4 Fordham Sept. 11 Buffalo Sept. 18 at Oklahoma Sept. 25 at Michigan State Oct. 2 Northwestern Oct. 9 Michigan Oct. 16 at Minnesota Oct. 30 Purdue Nov. 6 Ohio State Nov. 20 at Wisconsin Nov. 26 (Fri.) Iowa

Huskers Finalize 2021 Football Schedule

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska finalized its 2021 football schedule with the addition of a home game against Fordham on Sept. 4. 

The game replaces a previously scheduled November home date with Southeastern Louisiana. Nebraska had been looking for a second September home game. 

Athletic director Bill Moos says it provides a better flow to the start the season and provides a valuable early-season showcase for visiting recruits. 

Moos said he appreciated the flexibility of Fordham and Southeastern Louisiana to make the schedule change possible. The Huskers had been scheduled to play Southeastern Louisiana on Nov. 13.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska finalized its 2021 football schedule with the addition of a home game against Fordham on Sept. 4. The game replaces a previously scheduled November home date with Southeastern Louisiana. Nebraska had been looking for a second September home game. Athletic director Bill Moos says it provides a better flow to the start the season and provides a valuable early-season showcase for visiting recruits. Moos said he appreciated the flexibility of Fordham and Southeastern Louisiana to make the schedule change possible. The Huskers had been scheduled to play Southeastern Louisiana on Nov. 13.

Cornhuskers to bring in FCS Fordham for September home game

Its good to be a bulldog. Especially this season as Bulldog athletics has exploded on the scene. Now they have athletes being recognized on a national level regularly!&nbsp;

Gracie Haneborg and Jaylan Ruffin were recognized by Maxpreps/United Soccer Coaches for their outstanding play the week of April 19-25th. They join Abby Orr who was selected earlier in the season.&nbsp;

Jaylan Ruffin put seven shots on goal that week and got five tallies while leading his team to a 3-o record including a big win over Lincoln East.

Gracie Haneborg put up impressive numbers over the week getting 10 goals (six coming in one game!) and helped her squad go 2-1. That got the Bulldogs set to host the A-4 districts.&nbsp;

Here is the full list of players from Maxpreps/United Soccer coaches.&nbsp;

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – MaxPreps and the United Soccer Coaches Association announced today the 25 boys and 22 girls who have been named the MaxPreps/United Soccer High School State Players of the Week for their on-field efforts from April 19-25.

United Soccer Coaches uses results and statistics provided by MaxPreps.com to select one boy and one girl honoree from each participating state competing during the Fall, Winter, and Spring seasons.

Coaches wanting to nominate their players must submit statistics to MaxPreps.com in order for their athletes to be considered. Winners receive a MaxPreps/United Soccer Coaches branded letterman's patch and recognition on both MaxPreps.com and UnitedSoccerCoaches.org.

Nominations are due every Sunday by 11:59 p.m. ET each week to be considered.

* All three seasons are merged together due to COVID-19 rescheduling.

Thomas Wilkes, Cottage Hill Christian Academy (Mobile)

Cameron Barnes, Pulaski Academy (Little Rock)

Charlie Westfall, Colorado Academy (Denver)

Agi Quillen-Pacheco, Greenwood Mennonite (Greenwood)

Cole Overstreet, Cornerstone Academy (Gainesville)

Merdi Mawete, HomeSchool Resource Center (Monee)

Andrew McDowell, Portage Christian (Portage)

Elizabeth Overberg, Ankeny Centennial (Ankeny)

Angie Rodriguez-Guzman, Northwest (Wichita)

Andrew Oliveira, Chestertown Christian Academy (Chestertown)

Luke Murray, Salem Academy Charter (Salem)

Leah Zarrilli, Oakland Christian (Auburn Hills)

Alyssa Dixon, Southside Christian (Clayton)

Its good to be a bulldog. Especially this season as Bulldog athletics has exploded on the scene. Now they have athletes being recognized on a national level regularly!&nbsp;Gracie Haneborg and Jaylan Ruffin were recognized by Maxpreps/United Soccer Coaches for their outstanding play the week of April 19-25th. They join Abby Orr who was selected earlier in the season.&nbsp;Jaylan Ruffin put seven shots on goal that week and got five tallies while leading his team to a 3-o record including a big win over Lincoln East.Gracie Haneborg put up impressive numbers over the week getting 10 goals (six coming in one game!) and helped her squad go 2-1. That got the Bulldogs set to host the A-4 districts.&nbsp;Here is the full list of players from Maxpreps/United Soccer coaches.&nbsp;KANSAS CITY, Mo. – MaxPreps and the United Soccer Coaches Association announced today the 25 boys and 22 girls who have been named the MaxPreps/United Soccer High School State Players of the Week for their on-field efforts from April 19-25.United Soccer Coaches uses results and statistics provided by MaxPreps.com to select one boy and one girl honoree from each participating state competing during the Fall, Winter, and Spring seasons.Coaches wanting to nominate their players must submit statistics to MaxPreps.com in order for their athletes to be considered. Winners receive a MaxPreps/United Soccer Coaches branded letterman's patch and recognition on both MaxPreps.com and UnitedSoccerCoaches.org.Nominations are due every Sunday by 11:59 p.m. ET each week to be considered.* All three seasons are merged together due to COVID-19 rescheduling.AlabamaBoysThomas Wilkes, Cottage Hill Christian Academy (Mobile)GirlsHaley Duca, ChelseaAlaskaBoysBreckin Fett, Service (Anchorage)GirlsTaylor Bentley, Juneau-Douglas (Juneau)ArkansasBoysCameron Barnes, Pulaski Academy (Little Rock)GirlsYajaira Alvarado, JonesboroCaliforniaBoysAron Fabela, Foothill (Bakersfield)GirlsGizelle Aguirre, CaruthersColoradoBoysCharlie Westfall, Colorado Academy (Denver)DelawareBoysAgi Quillen-Pacheco, Greenwood Mennonite (Greenwood)GirlsMadalyn Swontek, Cape Henlopen (Lewes)FloridaBoysCole Overstreet, Cornerstone Academy (Gainesville)GirlsEmily Siple, The Rock (Gainesville)GeorgiaBoysDaniel Byman, Cottage (Roswell)GirlsRyan Gaston, Brookwood (Thomasville)IllinoisBoysMerdi Mawete, HomeSchool Resource Center (Monee)GirlsIndianaBoysAndrew McDowell, Portage Christian (Portage)GirlsGwynith Mitchell, GreenvilleIowaBoysBlake Jones, WaukeeGirlsElizabeth Overberg, Ankeny Centennial (Ankeny)KansasGirlsAngie Rodriguez-Guzman, Northwest (Wichita)MarylandBoysAndrew Oliveira, Chestertown Christian Academy (Chestertown)GirlsPayton Moots, WalkersvilleMassachusettsBoysLuke Murray, Salem Academy Charter (Salem)GirlsMya Lewis, Upper Cape Cod RVT (Bourne)MichiganGirlsLeah Zarrilli, Oakland Christian (Auburn Hills)MissouriGirlsAnea Bemo, Webb CityNebraskaBoysJaylan Ruffin, North PlatteGirlsGracie Haneborg, North PlatteNew YorkBoysSean Seeley, QueensburyGirlsEleanor Wagner, Delaware Academy (Delhi)North CarolinaBoysTyler Justice, Lee Park Prep (Monroe)GirlsAlyssa Dixon, Southside Christian (Clayton)OklahomaBoysIsaias Silva, MustangGirlsChloi Thurman, Westmoore (Oklahoma City,)PennsylvaniaBoysCarill Asanji, Abraham Lincoln (Philadelphia)GirlsNialah Crawford, Carver High School of Engineering &amp; Science (Philadelphia)South CarolinaBoysEduardo Lopez, Mid-Carolina (Prosperity)TennesseeBoysMason Gianakos, East Hickman County (Lyles)UtahBoysNoah Bradford, Carbon (Price)VirginiaBoysElijah Roark, Immanuel Christian (Springfield)WashingtonBoysZack Russell, TeninoWisconsinBoysJaxon Miller, EvansvilleWyomingBoysRoberto Carlos Moreno, East (Cheyenne)