Sports Podcast: NPHS Gavyn Brauer

Story by NU Athletic Communications

Sam Francis, a two-sport star for the Huskers in the 1930s, was announced as the fifth member of the 2020 University of Nebraska Athletic Hall of Fame class on Tuesday, April 14. Francis is being inducted posthumously, as he passed away on April 23, 2002, at the age of 88.

Francis was a decorated member of Nebraska's football and track and field teams from 1934 to 1937. As a fullback on the gridiron, Francis was the 1936 Heisman Trophy runner-up, a consensus first-team All-American and the No. 1 overall pick in the 1937 NFL Draft. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1977 and his No. 38 jersey was retired by Nebraska in 2017. Francis was also one of the top shot putters in the world during his Husker career. A two-time All-American and four-time Big Six Conference champion in the event, Francis was the 1937 NCAA shot put champion, and he finished fourth in the event at the 1936 Olympics.

Francis' athletic ability was on full display during an 11-month period from August of 1936 to June of 1937. During that time frame, he finished fourth at the Olympics in August, was the Heisman Trophy runner-up and the No. 1 overall NFL Draft pick in December and won both the indoor and outdoor conference shot put titles in the spring on his way to the NCAA title in the event in June.

In addition to his impressive individual resume, Francis helped the football and track and field teams win a combined six conference titles in his three seasons with each sport. Nebraska posted its first-ever top-10 ranking in football in Francis' senior season (No. 9 in final 1936 AP poll, after he played a key role in the track and field team's eighth-place finish at the 1936 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

The final member of the 2020 Nebraska Athletic Hall of Fame Class will be announced Wednesday on the official Nebraska Athletics Twitter account (@Huskers) and on Huskers.com.

2020 Nebraska Athletic Hall of Fame Class

Terry Pettit, Volleyball Head Coach (1977-99)

Maurtice Ivy, Women's Basketball (1985-88)

Sam Francis, Football (1934-36); Men's Track &amp; Field (1935-37)

One more student-athletes to be announced

Sam Francis, Football (1934-36) &amp; Men's Track &amp; Field (1935-37, Oberlin, Kansas

Sam Francis was a two-sport star with legendary accomplishments. He was an All-American, Heisman Trophy runner-up and No. 1 NFL Draft Pick on the football field and an NCAA Champion and Olympian in track and field.

 A member of the College Football Hall of Fame, Francis put together arguably the greatest individual athletic year in school history during the 1936-37 season. His remarkable run began in August, when he placed fourth in the shot put at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, becoming the first Husker athlete in any sport to place at the Olympics.

 In the fall, Francis finished as the Heisman Trophy runner-up for the No. 9 Nebraska football team – the first top-10 team in school history – and was recognized as a consensus first-team All-American. He was then selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 1937 NFL Draft, which was held in December of 1936. 

Francis capped his remarkable run by winning the 1937 NCAA shot put title. 

Overall, Francis was a two-time All-American in the shot put and a four-time Big Six champion in the event. 

In addition to his individual accolades, Francis was a member of two football and four track and field conference championship teams in his three seasons, and he helped both the football and track and field teams to a top-10 national finish. 

He went on to play four seasons in the NFL and also served as Kansas State's head football coach in 1947 after a stint in the Army during World War II. Francis' No. 38 football jersey is retired, and he graduated from the University of Nebraska with a degree in education in 1938. 

Francis passed away on April 23, 2002, at the age of 88.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsSam Francis, a two-sport star for the Huskers in the 1930s, was announced as the fifth member of the 2020 University of Nebraska Athletic Hall of Fame class on Tuesday, April 14. Francis is being inducted posthumously, as he passed away on April 23, 2002, at the age of 88.Francis was a decorated member of Nebraska's football and track and field teams from 1934 to 1937. As a fullback on the gridiron, Francis was the 1936 Heisman Trophy runner-up, a consensus first-team All-American and the No. 1 overall pick in the 1937 NFL Draft. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1977 and his No. 38 jersey was retired by Nebraska in 2017. Francis was also one of the top shot putters in the world during his Husker career. A two-time All-American and four-time Big Six Conference champion in the event, Francis was the 1937 NCAA shot put champion, and he finished fourth in the event at the 1936 Olympics.Francis' athletic ability was on full display during an 11-month period from August of 1936 to June of 1937. During that time frame, he finished fourth at the Olympics in August, was the Heisman Trophy runner-up and the No. 1 overall NFL Draft pick in December and won both the indoor and outdoor conference shot put titles in the spring on his way to the NCAA title in the event in June.In addition to his impressive individual resume, Francis helped the football and track and field teams win a combined six conference titles in his three seasons with each sport. Nebraska posted its first-ever top-10 ranking in football in Francis' senior season (No. 9 in final 1936 AP poll, after he played a key role in the track and field team's eighth-place finish at the 1936 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.The final member of the 2020 Nebraska Athletic Hall of Fame Class will be announced Wednesday on the official Nebraska Athletics Twitter account (@Huskers) and on Huskers.com.<h2>2020 Nebraska Athletic Hall of Fame Class</h2>Terry Pettit, Volleyball Head Coach (1977-99)Jordan Larson, Volleyball (2005-08)Amanda Burgoyne, Bowling (2004-07)Maurtice Ivy, Women's Basketball (1985-88)Sam Francis, Football (1934-36); Men's Track &amp; Field (1935-37)One more student-athletes to be announcedSam Francis, Football (1934-36) &amp; Men's Track &amp; Field (1935-37, Oberlin, KansasSam Francis was a two-sport star with legendary accomplishments. He was an All-American, Heisman Trophy runner-up and No. 1 NFL Draft Pick on the football field and an NCAA Champion and Olympian in track and field. A member of the College Football Hall of Fame, Francis put together arguably the greatest individual athletic year in school history during the 1936-37 season. His remarkable run began in August, when he placed fourth in the shot put at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, becoming the first Husker athlete in any sport to place at the Olympics. In the fall, Francis finished as the Heisman Trophy runner-up for the No. 9 Nebraska football team – the first top-10 team in school history – and was recognized as a consensus first-team All-American. He was then selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 1937 NFL Draft, which was held in December of 1936. Francis capped his remarkable run by winning the 1937 NCAA shot put title. Overall, Francis was a two-time All-American in the shot put and a four-time Big Six champion in the event. In addition to his individual accolades, Francis was a member of two football and four track and field conference championship teams in his three seasons, and he helped both the football and track and field teams to a top-10 national finish. He went on to play four seasons in the NFL and also served as Kansas State's head football coach in 1947 after a stint in the Army during World War II. Francis' No. 38 football jersey is retired, and he graduated from the University of Nebraska with a degree in education in 1938. Francis passed away on April 23, 2002, at the age of 88.

Francis Named to Nebraska Athletic Hall of Fame

Sports Podcast: JR Cameron Sutherland 

Story by Philip Senff NPCC Sports Information Coordinator

The North Platte Community College Knights Volleyball team has signed another recruit for the 2020 season. Sarah Wamsley, of Sidney, NE., joins the Knights as a defensive specialist. Wamsley helped lead Sidney High School to a 32-4 record and an appearance at the state tournament.

“We are excited to add Sarah to our roster,” commented Head Coach Alexa McCall. “She will add depth in that position and make it competitive. She is also a great kid that will fit into our culture.”

The signing rounds out the 2020 roster for the Knights. On the upcoming group of freshmen for 2020, Coach McCall commented, “I think the incoming freshman are a solid group of kids, that will be ready to play. They already understand what we are looking for and what our team goals are. They are ready to get to work and I am excited to see how this 2020 season will go as it will be competitive in every position which will provide us options and make our practices better as well!”

Story by Philip Senff NPCC Sports Information CoordinatorThe North Platte Community College Knights Volleyball team has signed another recruit for the 2020 season. Sarah Wamsley, of Sidney, NE., joins the Knights as a defensive specialist. Wamsley helped lead Sidney High School to a 32-4 record and an appearance at the state tournament.“We are excited to add Sarah to our roster,” commented Head Coach Alexa McCall. “She will add depth in that position and make it competitive. She is also a great kid that will fit into our culture.”The signing rounds out the 2020 roster for the Knights. On the upcoming group of freshmen for 2020, Coach McCall commented, “I think the incoming freshman are a solid group of kids, that will be ready to play. They already understand what we are looking for and what our team goals are. They are ready to get to work and I am excited to see how this 2020 season will go as it will be competitive in every position which will provide us options and make our practices better as well!”

NPCC Knights Volleyball signs Sidney, NE recruit

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Rich Tokheim's sports apparel shop is right across the street from TD Ameritrade Park. More than half his annual revenue comes in the 11 or 12 days of the College World Series each June.

"We're here," he said, "because of the College World Series. It's just so many people."

Those people won't be in Omaha this year. The Division I baseball championship, decided in this city of just under a half-million for the past 70 years, is a prominent sports casualty of the coronavirus pandemic - a blow not just to the ledgers and coffers of local businesses but to the identity of the city itself.

Omaha has long prided itself on hosting the eight-team tournament and even built $100 million TD Ameritrade Park a decade ago in exchange for an NCAA promise to keep the CWS here through at least 2035.

The 24,000-seat stadium is dark 50 of 52 weeks a year, except for Creighton home games in front of small crowds, but for those two weeks each summer, it's the place to be. More than 332,000 people attended the 15 games a year ago and thousands more were outside tailgating, patronizing bars and restaurants, or visiting the Omaha Baseball Village shopping and entertainment area.

Average occupancy in the metro area's 15,000 hotel rooms was 85% during last year's CWS, with a high of 95% on opening day. Thousands of full- and part-time jobs are tied to the event. The economic impact has been estimated at $74 million per year, with more than $6 million generated in local and state taxes.

"My heart bleeds for those folks," said Kathryn Morrissey, executive director of the local organizing group College World Series Inc. "It's their Christmas, our Mardi Gras for our community, when we celebrate."

Instead, there is a void this summer for people who have grown up with the event and made it a tradition - a blow familiar elsewhere across the country. The Associated Press is examining how the cancellation or postponement of iconic sporting events impacts some of those communities.

The CWS started in 1947 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. It moved to Wichita, Kansas, for 1949 before a group of local businessmen brought it to Omaha in 1950 and helped keep it afloat here after it lost money 10 of the first 12 years.

Crowds at the old Rosenblatt Stadium grew and the memories piled up, from Dave Winfield's dominant pitching and hitting for Minnesota in 1973 to the complete game by Roger Clemens to help Texas beat Alabama for the championship a decade later. By the 1980s, ESPN was airing hours of CWS games.

Ed and Carolyn Conrath of Omaha started attending games in 1974. They bought two season tickets on the first-base line four years later and still own them. The Conraths enjoy the games, of course, but they also look forward to visiting with friends they see only at the CWS.

"You get to know people around you," Carolyn Conrath said. "We've watched entire families grow from little children into parents of teenagers and adults now."

Her favorite baseball memory is Whit Merrifield's walkoff single in the 11th inning to give South Carolina the 2010 championship in the final game played at Rosenblatt, but it's about far more than baseball for devoted fans of the CWS.

Carolyn laughed as she told the story of the streaker who interrupted a game in 1974, swinging a pink plastic bat at home plate and taking off toward third base before security caught him as he tried to exit through right field. She said she enjoys the tradition of fans batting around beach balls or trying to start the wave, and the people in the right- and left-field bleachers yelling clever chants at each other.

ESPN college baseball analyst Kyle Peterson grew up in Omaha and pitched for Stanford in the CWS in 1995 and '97 before a four-year pro career.

"For all of us, there's certain things in your life you just assume are going to be annual things, and this is one," Peterson said. "There was nothing that you would think would be enough to interrupt this."

All-time college wins leader Mike Martin, who brought 17 Florida State teams to the CWS, said he's as sad for Omaha businesses and fans as much as he is for the players who will miss out.

"It puts everybody in Omaha and the rest of college baseball in a sad state that we've got to wait a long time before we can get that excitement built up again," said Martin, who retired last year. "It's not easy to accept this, but the excitement will return, good lord willing, and we'll be right back where we were."

The Omaha Baseball Village provides temporary employment for about 400 and generates hundreds of thousands of dollars from vendors renting space and nightlife. Marketing director Jenny Peters said more than 250,000 people come through the village during the CWS.

"The College World Series to Omaha is such a signature event, an identity for the community," Peters said. "To lose that, it's more than jobs and revenue. There's a little bit of heart that goes into it from everyone who lives here and works here and gets to show off our town."

Tokheim, who has operated sports apparel stores in Omaha for more than two decades, has an ideal location for "The Dugout" - an infield grounder away from the stadium's front door. He employs about 30 people during the CWS, some 25 more than the rest of the year.

Tokheim said his shop should survive one year without the CWS, but that might not be the case for neighboring businesses.

"I think we're all just stunned right now," he said.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Rich Tokheim's sports apparel shop is right across the street from TD Ameritrade Park. More than half his annual revenue comes in the 11 or 12 days of the College World Series each June."We're here," he said, "because of the College World Series. It's just so many people."Those people won't be in Omaha this year. The Division I baseball championship, decided in this city of just under a half-million for the past 70 years, is a prominent sports casualty of the coronavirus pandemic - a blow not just to the ledgers and coffers of local businesses but to the identity of the city itself.Omaha has long prided itself on hosting the eight-team tournament and even built $100 million TD Ameritrade Park a decade ago in exchange for an NCAA promise to keep the CWS here through at least 2035.The 24,000-seat stadium is dark 50 of 52 weeks a year, except for Creighton home games in front of small crowds, but for those two weeks each summer, it's the place to be. More than 332,000 people attended the 15 games a year ago and thousands more were outside tailgating, patronizing bars and restaurants, or visiting the Omaha Baseball Village shopping and entertainment area.Average occupancy in the metro area's 15,000 hotel rooms was 85% during last year's CWS, with a high of 95% on opening day. Thousands of full- and part-time jobs are tied to the event. The economic impact has been estimated at $74 million per year, with more than $6 million generated in local and state taxes.All that is lost in 2020."My heart bleeds for those folks," said Kathryn Morrissey, executive director of the local organizing group College World Series Inc. "It's their Christmas, our Mardi Gras for our community, when we celebrate."Instead, there is a void this summer for people who have grown up with the event and made it a tradition - a blow familiar elsewhere across the country. The Associated Press is examining how the cancellation or postponement of iconic sporting events impacts some of those communities.The CWS started in 1947 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. It moved to Wichita, Kansas, for 1949 before a group of local businessmen brought it to Omaha in 1950 and helped keep it afloat here after it lost money 10 of the first 12 years.Crowds at the old Rosenblatt Stadium grew and the memories piled up, from Dave Winfield's dominant pitching and hitting for Minnesota in 1973 to the complete game by Roger Clemens to help Texas beat Alabama for the championship a decade later. By the 1980s, ESPN was airing hours of CWS games.Ed and Carolyn Conrath of Omaha started attending games in 1974. They bought two season tickets on the first-base line four years later and still own them. The Conraths enjoy the games, of course, but they also look forward to visiting with friends they see only at the CWS."You get to know people around you," Carolyn Conrath said. "We've watched entire families grow from little children into parents of teenagers and adults now."Her favorite baseball memory is Whit Merrifield's walkoff single in the 11th inning to give South Carolina the 2010 championship in the final game played at Rosenblatt, but it's about far more than baseball for devoted fans of the CWS.Carolyn laughed as she told the story of the streaker who interrupted a game in 1974, swinging a pink plastic bat at home plate and taking off toward third base before security caught him as he tried to exit through right field. She said she enjoys the tradition of fans batting around beach balls or trying to start the wave, and the people in the right- and left-field bleachers yelling clever chants at each other.ESPN college baseball analyst Kyle Peterson grew up in Omaha and pitched for Stanford in the CWS in 1995 and '97 before a four-year pro career."For all of us, there's certain things in your life you just assume are going to be annual things, and this is one," Peterson said. "There was nothing that you would think would be enough to interrupt this."All-time college wins leader Mike Martin, who brought 17 Florida State teams to the CWS, said he's as sad for Omaha businesses and fans as much as he is for the players who will miss out."It puts everybody in Omaha and the rest of college baseball in a sad state that we've got to wait a long time before we can get that excitement built up again," said Martin, who retired last year. "It's not easy to accept this, but the excitement will return, good lord willing, and we'll be right back where we were."The Omaha Baseball Village provides temporary employment for about 400 and generates hundreds of thousands of dollars from vendors renting space and nightlife. Marketing director Jenny Peters said more than 250,000 people come through the village during the CWS."The College World Series to Omaha is such a signature event, an identity for the community," Peters said. "To lose that, it's more than jobs and revenue. There's a little bit of heart that goes into it from everyone who lives here and works here and gets to show off our town."Tokheim, who has operated sports apparel stores in Omaha for more than two decades, has an ideal location for "The Dugout" - an infield grounder away from the stadium's front door. He employs about 30 people during the CWS, some 25 more than the rest of the year.Tokheim said his shop should survive one year without the CWS, but that might not be the case for neighboring businesses."I think we're all just stunned right now," he said.

Deserted icons: No College World Series hits Omaha hard

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - The U.S. Olympic swimming trials have been rescheduled for June 13-20, 2021 in Omaha, Nebraska

USA Swimming announced the new dates Friday, less than three weeks after the Tokyo Olympics were postponed until 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The trials were initially scheduled for June 21-28 in a temporary pool at the CHI Health Center Omaha, the 17,560-seat downtown arena that will host the event for the fourth straight quadrennial.

The trials are the sole qualifier for U.S. Olympic team, with the top two finishers in each event earning a trip to Tokyo. The original 15-session, eight-day schedule will remain for the rescheduled trials.

"Fans can expect to witness the same incredible level of competition and entertainment throughout this highly-anticipated event," said Mike Unger, USA Swimming's chief operating officer.

As of Friday, 1,213 athletes had qualified to compete at the trials. USA Swimming expects all will be accepted to the rescheduled event.

Updated standards will be issued for those who have not yet qualified when swimmers are cleared to return to competition, which is on hold because of the virus outbreak.

Fans who had already purchased tickets for the 2020 trials will be reissued the same tickets or can get a refund within six months.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - The U.S. Olympic swimming trials have been rescheduled for June 13-20, 2021 in Omaha, NebraskaUSA Swimming announced the new dates Friday, less than three weeks after the Tokyo Olympics were postponed until 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic.The trials were initially scheduled for June 21-28 in a temporary pool at the CHI Health Center Omaha, the 17,560-seat downtown arena that will host the event for the fourth straight quadrennial.The trials are the sole qualifier for U.S. Olympic team, with the top two finishers in each event earning a trip to Tokyo. The original 15-session, eight-day schedule will remain for the rescheduled trials."Fans can expect to witness the same incredible level of competition and entertainment throughout this highly-anticipated event," said Mike Unger, USA Swimming's chief operating officer.As of Friday, 1,213 athletes had qualified to compete at the trials. USA Swimming expects all will be accepted to the rescheduled event.Updated standards will be issued for those who have not yet qualified when swimmers are cleared to return to competition, which is on hold because of the virus outbreak.Fans who had already purchased tickets for the 2020 trials will be reissued the same tickets or can get a refund within six months.

US Olympic swimming trials reset for June 2021 in Omaha

UNDATED (AP) - The chief executive of the Tokyo Games says he can't guarantee the postponed Olympics will be staged next year because the coronavirus continues to spread in Japan. The country issued an emergency declaration this week to battle the virus.

Organizing committee CEO Toshiro Muto says "I don't think anyone would be able to say if it is going to be possible to get it under control by next July or not. We certainly are not in a position to give you a clear answer."

The Olympics were postponed last month with a new opening set for July 23, 2021, followed by the Paralympics on Aug. 24.

In other news related to the coronavirus pandemic:

- The U.S. Olympic swimming trials have been rescheduled for June 13-20, 2021 in Omaha, Nebraska. The trials were initially scheduled for June 21-28 in a temporary pool at the CHI Health Center Omaha. The trials are the sole qualifier for U.S. Olympic team, with the top two finishers in each event earning a trip to Tokyo. The original 15-session, eight-day schedule will remain for the rescheduled trials.

- Florida State offensive lineman Andrew Boselli says he and his famous father are both recovering from COVID-19. The son of former NFL lineman Tony Boselli writes on Florida State's athletic department website that he dealt with the worst of the virus for about three days. The Seminoles lineman wrote he "spent days feeling miserable" and his healthy 47-year-old father with no underlying health conditions "spent three days in the intensive care unit." Tony Boselli is now back home.

- A former Southern Miss linebacker has gone public with his coronavirus story as a warning to fellow millennials. The outbreak ended Dylan Reda's plans to play and coach American football in the Czech Republic, and that was only the start of his problems. The 28-year-old took flights through London, Dallas and Orlando to reunite with his family in Florida days after feeling ill with what he thought was the flu. He later tested positive for coronavirus and now owes more than $20,000 in hospital bills. He has recovered, but has been criticized online for potentially endangering passengers, crews and airport workers.

- Blake Snell, Juan Soto and Bo Bichette are among the baseball stars switching over to PlayStation with America's pastime on hold. Thirty big leaguers - one from each team - have signed on to play a round-robin regular season on the MLB The Show video game with the real season on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic. Snell, a Cy Young Award winner with Tampa Bay, will face Cincinnati reliever Amir Garrett in the opener Friday night. That matchup will air on Snell's Twitch feed, and other games will be streamed via Twitch and YouTube with MLB Network host Robert Flores providing commentary.

- New Jersey Devils defenseman P.K. Subban and the NHL are bringing something new to television Saturday for fans dealing with the isolation and hardships caused by the coronavirus outbreak. It's NHL Hat Trick Trivia. Subban is the host of the weekly 30-minute show in which contestants will answer up to three hockey trivia questions for prizes, the top one being two tickets to any game next season. Everything is filmed remotely with Subban hosting the show from his living room in Los Angeles, in the house he shares with fiancee and Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Vonn. Contestants are filmed at their homes and there is a guest player every week.

- A Japanese sumo wrestler has tested positive for the coronavirus, further threatening postponement of next month's Summer Grand Sumo Tournament, which has already been delayed. The Japan sumo association says a wrestler, whose name was not disclosed, has become the first confirmed case from Japan's ancient sport.

- The defending soccer champions in Belarus have started putting mannequins in the stands as fans stay away from stadiums because of the coronavirus. Dynamo Brest has been selling "virtual tickets" to games. Those give foreign fans the right to have a mannequin with a cut-out photo attached. It comes as fans at many clubs have said they will boycott games because the virus makes going to the stadium too risky. Keeping sports arenas open has been part of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko's unconventional approach to the coronavirus. He has said there is no need to close workplaces and public events.

UNDATED (AP) - The chief executive of the Tokyo Games says he can't guarantee the postponed Olympics will be staged next year because the coronavirus continues to spread in Japan. The country issued an emergency declaration this week to battle the virus.Organizing committee CEO Toshiro Muto says "I don't think anyone would be able to say if it is going to be possible to get it under control by next July or not. We certainly are not in a position to give you a clear answer."The Olympics were postponed last month with a new opening set for July 23, 2021, followed by the Paralympics on Aug. 24.In other news related to the coronavirus pandemic:- The U.S. Olympic swimming trials have been rescheduled for June 13-20, 2021 in Omaha, Nebraska. The trials were initially scheduled for June 21-28 in a temporary pool at the CHI Health Center Omaha. The trials are the sole qualifier for U.S. Olympic team, with the top two finishers in each event earning a trip to Tokyo. The original 15-session, eight-day schedule will remain for the rescheduled trials.- Florida State offensive lineman Andrew Boselli says he and his famous father are both recovering from COVID-19. The son of former NFL lineman Tony Boselli writes on Florida State's athletic department website that he dealt with the worst of the virus for about three days. The Seminoles lineman wrote he "spent days feeling miserable" and his healthy 47-year-old father with no underlying health conditions "spent three days in the intensive care unit." Tony Boselli is now back home.- A former Southern Miss linebacker has gone public with his coronavirus story as a warning to fellow millennials. The outbreak ended Dylan Reda's plans to play and coach American football in the Czech Republic, and that was only the start of his problems. The 28-year-old took flights through London, Dallas and Orlando to reunite with his family in Florida days after feeling ill with what he thought was the flu. He later tested positive for coronavirus and now owes more than $20,000 in hospital bills. He has recovered, but has been criticized online for potentially endangering passengers, crews and airport workers.- Blake Snell, Juan Soto and Bo Bichette are among the baseball stars switching over to PlayStation with America's pastime on hold. Thirty big leaguers - one from each team - have signed on to play a round-robin regular season on the MLB The Show video game with the real season on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic. Snell, a Cy Young Award winner with Tampa Bay, will face Cincinnati reliever Amir Garrett in the opener Friday night. That matchup will air on Snell's Twitch feed, and other games will be streamed via Twitch and YouTube with MLB Network host Robert Flores providing commentary.- New Jersey Devils defenseman P.K. Subban and the NHL are bringing something new to television Saturday for fans dealing with the isolation and hardships caused by the coronavirus outbreak. It's NHL Hat Trick Trivia. Subban is the host of the weekly 30-minute show in which contestants will answer up to three hockey trivia questions for prizes, the top one being two tickets to any game next season. Everything is filmed remotely with Subban hosting the show from his living room in Los Angeles, in the house he shares with fiancee and Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Vonn. Contestants are filmed at their homes and there is a guest player every week.- A Japanese sumo wrestler has tested positive for the coronavirus, further threatening postponement of next month's Summer Grand Sumo Tournament, which has already been delayed. The Japan sumo association says a wrestler, whose name was not disclosed, has become the first confirmed case from Japan's ancient sport.- The defending soccer champions in Belarus have started putting mannequins in the stands as fans stay away from stadiums because of the coronavirus. Dynamo Brest has been selling "virtual tickets" to games. Those give foreign fans the right to have a mannequin with a cut-out photo attached. It comes as fans at many clubs have said they will boycott games because the virus makes going to the stadium too risky. Keeping sports arenas open has been part of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko's unconventional approach to the coronavirus. He has said there is no need to close workplaces and public events.

Tokyo Olympic CEO uncertain whether pandemic will allow games in 2021

Sports Podcast: Chatting with JR Abby Orr

The NSAA Sports Medicine Advisory Committee met via Zoom on April 2, 2020. One of the primary discussion points was the annual requirement for all athletes to have a PPE on file prior to the start of their respective regular season practice.

Health care providers in the state are experiencing changing demands to deal with COVID-19. These changes are causing them to postpone most, if not all, non-essential wellness and maintenance visits. Most of them are planning these changes to last until July.

During this committee discussion, it became clear that the health care system in Nebraska will not have the capacity to meet the requirements in place by the NSAA for all athletes to have these PPEs administered in the timeline that starts no earlier than May 1.

The NSAA SMAC unanimously recommended to the NSAA board that PPEs for the 2019-2020 school year be acceptable for the 2020-2021 seasons. This recommendation would be for a one-year exemption only and would not include incoming freshmen. They continue to recommend that students visit their primary care providers for the PPE.

The NSAA board, legal counsel and insurance providers have determined that this recommendation was acceptable and will put the matter on the next NSAA board meeting agenda as an action item.

Therefore, any member school that has a current PPE for their student athletes on file, those will now be valid for the 2020-2021 school year. All incoming freshmen would still be required to provide the school with the PPE paperwork that is dated no earlier than May 1, 2020.

The NSAA Sports Medicine Advisory Committee met via Zoom on April 2, 2020. One of the primary discussion points was the annual requirement for all athletes to have a PPE on file prior to the start of their respective regular season practice.Health care providers in the state are experiencing changing demands to deal with COVID-19. These changes are causing them to postpone most, if not all, non-essential wellness and maintenance visits. Most of them are planning these changes to last until July.During this committee discussion, it became clear that the health care system in Nebraska will not have the capacity to meet the requirements in place by the NSAA for all athletes to have these PPEs administered in the timeline that starts no earlier than May 1.The NSAA SMAC unanimously recommended to the NSAA board that PPEs for the 2019-2020 school year be acceptable for the 2020-2021 seasons. This recommendation would be for a one-year exemption only and would not include incoming freshmen. They continue to recommend that students visit their primary care providers for the PPE.The NSAA board, legal counsel and insurance providers have determined that this recommendation was acceptable and will put the matter on the next NSAA board meeting agenda as an action item.Therefore, any member school that has a current PPE for their student athletes on file, those will now be valid for the 2020-2021 school year. All incoming freshmen would still be required to provide the school with the PPE paperwork that is dated no earlier than May 1, 2020.

NSAA extends sports physicals another year

Women's basketball standout Maurtice Ivy was announced as the fourth member of the 2020 University of Nebraska Athletic Hall of Fame class on Wednesday, April 8. Ivy joins Jordan Larson (volleyball, Amanda Burgoyne Vermilyea (bowling) and volleyball head coach Terry Pettit in the 2020 Hall of Fame class.

Ivy was the top player on the first conference championship team and first NCAA Tournament team in Nebraska women's basketball history. As the 1988 Big Eight Player of the Year, she led the Huskers to the Big Eight regular-season title and a trip to the program's first NCAA Tournament. The first 2,000-point scorer in program history, Ivy was also the first Husker to be a three-time all-conference selection and the first to be named conference player of the year. Ivy became the second Husker to have her jersey retired, when her No. 30 jersey was retired in 2011.

An Omaha native, Ivy ended her career as Nebraska's all-time leader in points (2,131) and points per game (19.2). She currently ranks second all-time at Nebraska in points per game and field goals (847, third in points and free throws (431, seventh in blocked shots (104) and eighth in rebounds (778). During the 1986-87 season, Ivy set then-school records with a 46-point game against Illinois and with a season scoring average of 23.6 points per game. A prolific scorer, Ivy totaled eight 30-point games in her career.

The remaining two student-athletes in the 2020 Nebraska Athletic Hall of Fame Class will be announced individually on the official Nebraska Athletics Twitter account (@Huskers) and on Huskers.com.

2020 Nebraska Athletic Hall of Fame Class

Two more student-athletes to be announced

Maurtice Ivy, Women's Basketball (1985-88, Omaha, Nebraska

Maurtice Ivy set a slew of individual firsts for the Nebraska women's basketball team while leading the Huskers to their first conference championship and first NCAA Tournament appearance. Ivy was the first Husker to be the Big Eight Player of the Year when she took home the league's top honor in 1988, and she was a three-time first-team All-Big Eight selection, the program's first three-time all-conference honoree. As the 1988 Big Eight Player of the Year, Ivy led Nebraska to the Big Eight regular-season title and the program's first NCAA Tournament appearance. Ivy averaged 19.1 points and 6.1 rebounds per game that season, one year after she became the first Husker to average 20 points per game when putting up 23.6 points per game in 1986-87. She averaged 19.7 points per game as a sophomore and 14.0 points per game as a freshman. Ivy had eight career 30-point games, including a 46-point effort against Illinois in 1986. The first 2,000-point scorer in program history, Ivy concluded her career as Nebraska's all-time leader in points (2,131) and points per game (19.2). Ivy was also a two-time Big Eight All-Tournament team selection, and her No. 30 jersey is retired. Ivy earned her degree in speech communication from the University of Nebraska in 1992.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsWomen's basketball standout Maurtice Ivy was announced as the fourth member of the 2020 University of Nebraska Athletic Hall of Fame class on Wednesday, April 8. Ivy joins Jordan Larson (volleyball, Amanda Burgoyne Vermilyea (bowling) and volleyball head coach Terry Pettit in the 2020 Hall of Fame class.Ivy was the top player on the first conference championship team and first NCAA Tournament team in Nebraska women's basketball history. As the 1988 Big Eight Player of the Year, she led the Huskers to the Big Eight regular-season title and a trip to the program's first NCAA Tournament. The first 2,000-point scorer in program history, Ivy was also the first Husker to be a three-time all-conference selection and the first to be named conference player of the year. Ivy became the second Husker to have her jersey retired, when her No. 30 jersey was retired in 2011.An Omaha native, Ivy ended her career as Nebraska's all-time leader in points (2,131) and points per game (19.2). She currently ranks second all-time at Nebraska in points per game and field goals (847, third in points and free throws (431, seventh in blocked shots (104) and eighth in rebounds (778). During the 1986-87 season, Ivy set then-school records with a 46-point game against Illinois and with a season scoring average of 23.6 points per game. A prolific scorer, Ivy totaled eight 30-point games in her career.The remaining two student-athletes in the 2020 Nebraska Athletic Hall of Fame Class will be announced individually on the official Nebraska Athletics Twitter account (@Huskers) and on Huskers.com.2020 Nebraska Athletic Hall of Fame ClassTerry Pettit, Volleyball Head Coach (1977-99)Jordan Larson, Volleyball (2005-08)Amanda Burgoyne, Bowling (2004-07)Maurtice Ivy, Women's Basketball (1985-88)Two more student-athletes to be announcedMaurtice Ivy, Women's Basketball (1985-88, Omaha, NebraskaMaurtice Ivy set a slew of individual firsts for the Nebraska women's basketball team while leading the Huskers to their first conference championship and first NCAA Tournament appearance. Ivy was the first Husker to be the Big Eight Player of the Year when she took home the league's top honor in 1988, and she was a three-time first-team All-Big Eight selection, the program's first three-time all-conference honoree. As the 1988 Big Eight Player of the Year, Ivy led Nebraska to the Big Eight regular-season title and the program's first NCAA Tournament appearance. Ivy averaged 19.1 points and 6.1 rebounds per game that season, one year after she became the first Husker to average 20 points per game when putting up 23.6 points per game in 1986-87. She averaged 19.7 points per game as a sophomore and 14.0 points per game as a freshman. Ivy had eight career 30-point games, including a 46-point effort against Illinois in 1986. The first 2,000-point scorer in program history, Ivy concluded her career as Nebraska's all-time leader in points (2,131) and points per game (19.2). Ivy was also a two-time Big Eight All-Tournament team selection, and her No. 30 jersey is retired. Ivy earned her degree in speech communication from the University of Nebraska in 1992.

Ivy Named to Nebraska Athletic Hall of Fame

The news came down early in the day on April 7th that the American Legion would be cancelling all Regional play and above, including the Legion world series due to the COVID-19 outbreak.&nbsp;

Everything below that level can still be played.&nbsp;

An update from the American Legion states: "State associations have the opportunity to compete up to the State Tournament level. Florida, Iowa, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and Tennessee have already decided to cancel all state competition for the 2020 season."&nbsp;

According to Justin Janas, the Director of North Platte Legion operations, the las notification the team received was on March 23rd stating that the Department Athletic Committee recommends all Nebraska Legion Baseball teams suspend all baseball activities until all restrictions have been lifted.&nbsp; Janas remains optimistic that Legion ball will still go on this summer.&nbsp;

"At the time we received the notice on March 23rd, their intention was to still have a baseball season, even though it will most likely be a shortened one. I assumed they would cancel the regional tournaments and world series and all out of state travel. I'm trying to stay optimistic that we will still play Legion baseball."

With sports being cancelled left and right throughout the nation, there is a grim picture being painted. That doesn't matter to the members of the North Platte Legion team, they want to play ball and are working hard to make that happen.&nbsp; We will keep you updated as more information comes available.&nbsp;

The news came down early in the day on April 7th that the American Legion would be cancelling all Regional play and above, including the Legion world series due to the COVID-19 outbreak.&nbsp;Everything below that level can still be played.&nbsp;An update from the American Legion states: "State associations have the opportunity to compete up to the State Tournament level. Florida, Iowa, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and Tennessee have already decided to cancel all state competition for the 2020 season."&nbsp;According to Justin Janas, the Director of North Platte Legion operations, the las notification the team received was on March 23rd stating that the Department Athletic Committee recommends all Nebraska Legion Baseball teams suspend all baseball activities until all restrictions have been lifted.&nbsp; Janas remains optimistic that Legion ball will still go on this summer.&nbsp;"At the time we received the notice on March 23rd, their intention was to still have a baseball season, even though it will most likely be a shortened one. I assumed they would cancel the regional tournaments and world series and all out of state travel. I'm trying to stay optimistic that we will still play Legion baseball."With sports being cancelled left and right throughout the nation, there is a grim picture being painted. That doesn't matter to the members of the North Platte Legion team, they want to play ball and are working hard to make that happen.&nbsp; We will keep you updated as more information comes available.&nbsp;

NP First Nationals Legion team remains optimistic after league cancels regional and WS play

Four-time All-America bowler&nbsp;Amanda Burgoyne Vermilyea&nbsp;was announced as the third member of the 2020 University of Nebraska Athletic Hall of Fame class on Tuesday, April 7. Burgoyne joins volleyball star Jordan Larson and volleyball head coach Terry Pettit as the first three members of the 2020 Hall of Fame class to be announced.

Burgoyne achieved the pinnacle of success at Nebraska both individually and as a member of dominant Husker teams. The Big Red bowlers won 27 tournament titles in Burgoyne's career while finishing in the top three at the NCAA Championships in each of her four seasons. Nebraska captured back-to-back NCAA titles in 2004 and 2005, the first two years bowling was an NCAA sport.

A native of Newport, Minn., Burgoyne played a key role in Nebraska's second NCAA title, as she was named the Most Outstanding Player at the 2005 NCAA Bowling Championships. In leading the Huskers to their second straight national championship, Burgoyne posted an average of 251.75, which still stands as the highest average in the history of the NCAA Bowling Championships.

In addition to that prestigious honor, Burgoyne capped her career by being named the National Collegiate Bowler of the Year as a senior in 2007. She captured six individual event titles at Nebraska and was a four-time member of Team USA.

The remaining three student-athletes in the 2020 Nebraska Athletic Hall of Fame Class will be announced individually on the official Nebraska Athletics Twitter account (@Huskers) and on Huskers.com.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsFour-time All-America bowler&nbsp;Amanda Burgoyne Vermilyea&nbsp;was announced as the third member of the 2020 University of Nebraska Athletic Hall of Fame class on Tuesday, April 7. Burgoyne joins volleyball star Jordan Larson and volleyball head coach Terry Pettit as the first three members of the 2020 Hall of Fame class to be announced.Burgoyne achieved the pinnacle of success at Nebraska both individually and as a member of dominant Husker teams. The Big Red bowlers won 27 tournament titles in Burgoyne's career while finishing in the top three at the NCAA Championships in each of her four seasons. Nebraska captured back-to-back NCAA titles in 2004 and 2005, the first two years bowling was an NCAA sport.A native of Newport, Minn., Burgoyne played a key role in Nebraska's second NCAA title, as she was named the Most Outstanding Player at the 2005 NCAA Bowling Championships. In leading the Huskers to their second straight national championship, Burgoyne posted an average of 251.75, which still stands as the highest average in the history of the NCAA Bowling Championships.In addition to that prestigious honor, Burgoyne capped her career by being named the National Collegiate Bowler of the Year as a senior in 2007. She captured six individual event titles at Nebraska and was a four-time member of Team USA.The remaining three student-athletes in the 2020 Nebraska Athletic Hall of Fame Class will be announced individually on the official Nebraska Athletics Twitter account (@Huskers) and on Huskers.com.2020 Nebraska Athletic Hall of Fame Class<ol>
 <li>Terry Pettit,&nbsp;Volleyball Head Coach (1977-99)</li><li>Jordan Larson, Volleyball (2005-08)</li><li>Amanda Burgoyne Vermilyea, Bowling (2004-07)</li><li>Three more student-athletes to be announced</li>
 </ol>

Burgoyne Named to Nebraska Athletic Hall of Fame

The post's Kyle LaBoria had a chance to catch up with head football coach Todd Rice on how he is handling the coronavirus outbreak and what he is telling student-athletes during this difficult time:&nbsp;

The post's Kyle LaBoria had a chance to catch up with head football coach Todd Rice on how he is handling the coronavirus outbreak and what he is telling student-athletes during this difficult time:&nbsp;<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/793125448&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe></div>

NPHS Coach Rice chats about quarantine

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Ohio State assistant Carrie Banks has been hired as the new women's basketball coach at Omaha, athletic director Trev Alberts announced Tuesday.

Banks was an assistant and recruiting coordinator for four seasons with the Buckeyes. She replaces Brittany Lange, who was fired last month after seven seasons.

"Carrie rose to the top of our applicant pool because of her depth of experience as a coach and recruiter," Alberts said. "She has done a terrific job as an assistant coach at Ohio State, and she is ready to lead her own team."

Banks worked primarily with the post players at Ohio State and landed a top-five recruiting class in 2019. The Buckeyes won Big Ten regular-season championships twice and the conference tournament once during her time in Columbus.

"I am humbled to be selected to lead Omaha's women's basketball program," Banks said. "This place is so rich in potential, leadership and vision, and it just felt like home from the very beginning."

Banks previously was an assistant at Northwestern, South Florida and Detroit Mercy. She graduated from Detroit Mercy in 2000 and played professionally in Portugal for two seasons.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Ohio State assistant Carrie Banks has been hired as the new women's basketball coach at Omaha, athletic director Trev Alberts announced Tuesday.Banks was an assistant and recruiting coordinator for four seasons with the Buckeyes. She replaces Brittany Lange, who was fired last month after seven seasons."Carrie rose to the top of our applicant pool because of her depth of experience as a coach and recruiter," Alberts said. "She has done a terrific job as an assistant coach at Ohio State, and she is ready to lead her own team."Banks worked primarily with the post players at Ohio State and landed a top-five recruiting class in 2019. The Buckeyes won Big Ten regular-season championships twice and the conference tournament once during her time in Columbus."I am humbled to be selected to lead Omaha's women's basketball program," Banks said. "This place is so rich in potential, leadership and vision, and it just felt like home from the very beginning."Banks previously was an assistant at Northwestern, South Florida and Detroit Mercy. She graduated from Detroit Mercy in 2000 and played professionally in Portugal for two seasons.

Omaha hires Ohio St. aide Banks as women's basketball coach

LINCOLN, Neb.&nbsp; (Game and Parks)– Across Nebraska, a record 358 students have been enrolled as 2020 National Archery in the Schools Program Academic Archers.

The NASP Academic Archer Program was established nationally in 2016 to recognize academic achievement among participating student-archers. Since then, Nebraska’s Academic Archer enrollment numbers have increased annually.

All students who fully participate in an in-school NASP archery class or participate on the school archery team at a recognized NASP school and meet local academic criteria for recognition are eligible to be entered for Academic Archer status.

“We are thrilled more and more archery instructors are seeing value in tying the NASP to the academic success of their students,” said Jeff Rawlinson of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. “This helps to strengthen the overall program while providing positive recognition for the students, who deserve the kudos.”

NASP is a national target archery program for students in grades 4-12. Approximately 30,000 students in Nebraska and 2.4 million students nationally take part in the program.

For more information on beginning the Academic Archer Program in a school, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MDcuMTk4NTE4MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3Lm5hc3BzY2hvb2xzLm9yZy9vcHBvcnR1bml0aWVzL2FjYWRlbWljLWFyY2hlciJ9.KTwvhIIkcOfZkeX2V1-HuqV-D7YvlTNFnc12ca-CZxw/br/77113271039-l" target="_blank">NaspSchools.org/opportunities/academic-archer</a>&nbsp;or contact Game and Parks at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:ngpc.NASP@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">ngpc.NASP@nebraska.gov</a>.

LINCOLN, Neb.&nbsp; (Game and Parks)– Across Nebraska, a record 358 students have been enrolled as 2020 National Archery in the Schools Program Academic Archers.The NASP Academic Archer Program was established nationally in 2016 to recognize academic achievement among participating student-archers. Since then, Nebraska’s Academic Archer enrollment numbers have increased annually.All students who fully participate in an in-school NASP archery class or participate on the school archery team at a recognized NASP school and meet local academic criteria for recognition are eligible to be entered for Academic Archer status.“We are thrilled more and more archery instructors are seeing value in tying the NASP to the academic success of their students,” said Jeff Rawlinson of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. “This helps to strengthen the overall program while providing positive recognition for the students, who deserve the kudos.”NASP is a national target archery program for students in grades 4-12. Approximately 30,000 students in Nebraska and 2.4 million students nationally take part in the program.For more information on beginning the Academic Archer Program in a school, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MDcuMTk4NTE4MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3Lm5hc3BzY2hvb2xzLm9yZy9vcHBvcnR1bml0aWVzL2FjYWRlbWljLWFyY2hlciJ9.KTwvhIIkcOfZkeX2V1-HuqV-D7YvlTNFnc12ca-CZxw/br/77113271039-l" target="_blank">NaspSchools.org/opportunities/academic-archer</a>&nbsp;or contact Game and Parks at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:ngpc.NASP@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">ngpc.NASP@nebraska.gov</a>.

NASP Academic Archer Program continues to grow in Nebraska

A violation of the schools sexual misconduct policy lead to the suspension and subsequent expulsion for former Cornhusker players Katerian LeGrone and Andre Hunt.&nbsp;

The two players were the focus of an investigation by the school back in November and December of 2019. The results of the investigation lead to the recommendation that the two students be put on a two and half year suspension.

The university conduct board overturned the suspension and went ahead with the expulsion effective April 3rd.&nbsp;

During the course of the investigation, evidence was found that Andre Hunt touched a female student and forced oral sex without her consent. Both men then were found to have sex with the female student without her consent.&nbsp;

The woman provided text messages with others that she sent immediately following the event. In those text messages, she alleged that she had been raped.&nbsp;

Both men have been charged with first-degree sexual assault according to Lincoln police. They both await hearings on the matter. Hunt was granted a continuance until May. LeGrone was to have a hearing in June but it is uncertain with the current coronavirus threat if that hearing will continue on time.&nbsp;

Both men had previously entered the NCAA transfer portal signaling their intent to continue playing at a college level. As of this writing, both players are still in the portal signaling that they have yet to be picked up by a program.&nbsp;

A violation of the schools sexual misconduct policy lead to the suspension and subsequent expulsion for former Cornhusker players Katerian LeGrone and Andre Hunt.&nbsp;The two players were the focus of an investigation by the school back in November and December of 2019. The results of the investigation lead to the recommendation that the two students be put on a two and half year suspension.The university conduct board overturned the suspension and went ahead with the expulsion effective April 3rd.&nbsp;During the course of the investigation, evidence was found that Andre Hunt touched a female student and forced oral sex without her consent. Both men then were found to have sex with the female student without her consent.&nbsp; The woman provided text messages with others that she sent immediately following the event. In those text messages, she alleged that she had been raped.&nbsp;Both men have been charged with first-degree sexual assault according to Lincoln police. They both await hearings on the matter. Hunt was granted a continuance until May. LeGrone was to have a hearing in June but it is uncertain with the current coronavirus threat if that hearing will continue on time.&nbsp;Both men had previously entered the NCAA transfer portal signaling their intent to continue playing at a college level. As of this writing, both players are still in the portal signaling that they have yet to be picked up by a program.&nbsp;

Two Ex-Husker football players expelled from school

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Former NFL kicker Tom Dempsey has died at 73 from what his family described as complications from the new coronavirus. 

Dempsey was known for being the first to hit a field goal from 63 yards and for succeeding in pro sports despite being born without toes on the right foot with which he kicked. The 63-yard field goal stood as the longest in NFL history for 43 years until 2013. 

Dempsey kicked 11 seasons in the NFL with New Orleans, Philadelphia, the Los Angeles Rams, Houston Oilers and Buffalo. 

He had been diagnosed with dementia and was living in a New Orleans nursing home that was hard hit by the virus.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586110765763.png" alt="&nbsp; License to use photo&nbsp;<a href="https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/deed.en" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Creative Commons Zero - CC0</a>" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp; License to use photo&nbsp;<a href="https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/deed.en" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Creative Commons Zero - CC0</a></figcaption>
 </figure>NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Former NFL kicker Tom Dempsey has died at 73 from what his family described as complications from the new coronavirus. Dempsey was known for being the first to hit a field goal from 63 yards and for succeeding in pro sports despite being born without toes on the right foot with which he kicked. The 63-yard field goal stood as the longest in NFL history for 43 years until 2013. Dempsey kicked 11 seasons in the NFL with New Orleans, Philadelphia, the Los Angeles Rams, Houston Oilers and Buffalo. He had been diagnosed with dementia and was living in a New Orleans nursing home that was hard hit by the virus.

Ex-NFL kicker, Saints hero Tom Dempsey dies at 73

PVGSA keeping registration open online for summer softball

After Governor Ricketts announced on the evening of April 1st, the NSAA made it official. Spring sports across Nebraska have been cancelled with no hope to be made up.&nbsp; Per NSAA press release:&nbsp;

All remaining NSAA activity practices and competitions, including district and state competitions, have been cancelled for this school year. These cancelations are part of a new Directed Health Measure issued by Governor Ricketts.

Bylaw 3.2.7 (Summer Activities) will go into effect on May 26th.&nbsp; In the interim, Bylaw 3.2.6.1 (School-Year, Out-of-Season) is expected to be followed by all member school athletic programs.

The NSAA continues to encourage all member schools to follow CDC, local, state and federal health department recommendations.

The May 1st&nbsp;Transfer List deadline remains unchanged.

Any further official updates will be posted on the&nbsp;<a href="https://nsaahome.org/" target="_blank">NSAA website</a>&nbsp;and the NSAA social media platforms.

After Governor Ricketts announced on the evening of April 1st, the NSAA made it official. Spring sports across Nebraska have been cancelled with no hope to be made up.&nbsp; Per NSAA press release:&nbsp;All remaining NSAA activity practices and competitions, including district and state competitions, have been cancelled for this school year. These cancelations are part of a new Directed Health Measure issued by Governor Ricketts.Bylaw 3.2.7 (Summer Activities) will go into effect on May 26th.&nbsp; In the interim, Bylaw 3.2.6.1 (School-Year, Out-of-Season) is expected to be followed by all member school athletic programs.The NSAA continues to encourage all member schools to follow CDC, local, state and federal health department recommendations.The May 1st&nbsp;Transfer List deadline remains unchanged.Any further official updates will be posted on the&nbsp;<a href="https://nsaahome.org/" target="_blank">NSAA website</a>&nbsp;and the NSAA social media platforms.

COVID 19 deals knockout blow, springs sports cancelled per NSAA

Volleyball standout Jordan Larson&nbsp;was announced as the second member of the 2020 University of Nebraska Athletic Hall of Fame class on Wednesday, April 1. Larson is the first of five student-athletes in the 2020 class to be recognized. Volleyball head coach Terry Pettit was announced as the first member of the 2020 Hall of Fame class on March 31.

A native of Hooper, Nebraska, Larson was a standout on some of the greatest teams in program history from 2005 to 2008. She helped Nebraska to a top-five NCAA Tournament finish in each of her four seasons. The Huskers went 127-8 during her career with four Big 12 Conference titles and three trips to the NCAA Semifinals, including the 2006 national title and a runner-up finish in 2005.

Individually, Larson was an All-American on the court and in the classroom. She was a three-time All-American and a two-time first-team All-American. At the conference level, Larson was a two-time Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and the 2008 Big 12 Player of the Year. She was also an Academic All-American as a senior. Larson finished her Husker career with 1,600 kills, 1,410 digs and a school-record 186 aces. She is currently one of only two players in program history to rank among Nebraska's all-time top 10 in both kills and digs.

Larson then went on to a decorated international career. She was a two-time Olympic medalist, helping Team USA to a silver medal in 2012 and a bronze medal in 2016. Larson helped Team USA win the gold medal at the 2014 world championships, the first-ever major tournament gold medal for the U.S. women's national team. Larson was then named USA Volleyball's Indoor Female Player of the Year in both 2015 and 2016.

The remaining four student-athletes in the 2020 Nebraska Athletic Hall of Fame Class will be announced over the next few weeks on the official Nebraska Athletics Twitter account (@Huskers) and on Huskers.com.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsVolleyball standout Jordan Larson&nbsp;was announced as the second member of the 2020 University of Nebraska Athletic Hall of Fame class on Wednesday, April 1. Larson is the first of five student-athletes in the 2020 class to be recognized. Volleyball head coach Terry Pettit was announced as the first member of the 2020 Hall of Fame class on March 31.A native of Hooper, Nebraska, Larson was a standout on some of the greatest teams in program history from 2005 to 2008. She helped Nebraska to a top-five NCAA Tournament finish in each of her four seasons. The Huskers went 127-8 during her career with four Big 12 Conference titles and three trips to the NCAA Semifinals, including the 2006 national title and a runner-up finish in 2005.Individually, Larson was an All-American on the court and in the classroom. She was a three-time All-American and a two-time first-team All-American. At the conference level, Larson was a two-time Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and the 2008 Big 12 Player of the Year. She was also an Academic All-American as a senior. Larson finished her Husker career with 1,600 kills, 1,410 digs and a school-record 186 aces. She is currently one of only two players in program history to rank among Nebraska's all-time top 10 in both kills and digs.Larson then went on to a decorated international career. She was a two-time Olympic medalist, helping Team USA to a silver medal in 2012 and a bronze medal in 2016. Larson helped Team USA win the gold medal at the 2014 world championships, the first-ever major tournament gold medal for the U.S. women's national team. Larson was then named USA Volleyball's Indoor Female Player of the Year in both 2015 and 2016.The remaining four student-athletes in the 2020 Nebraska Athletic Hall of Fame Class will be announced over the next few weeks on the official Nebraska Athletics Twitter account (@Huskers) and on Huskers.com.2020 Nebraska Athletic Hall of Fame Class<ol>
 <li>Terry Pettit,&nbsp;Volleyball Head Coach (1977-99)</li><li>Jordan Larson, Volleyball (2005-08)</li><li>Four more student-athletes to be announced</li>
 </ol>

Larson Named to Nebraska Athletic Hall of Fame

Wimbledon has been canceled for the first time since World War II because of the coronavirus pandemic. 

The All England Club announced after an emergency meeting that the oldest Grand Slam tournament in tennis would not be held in 2020. Wimbledon was scheduled to be played on the outskirts of London from June 29 to July 12. It now joins the growing list of sports events scrapped in 2020 because of the COVID-19 outbreak. That includes the Tokyo Olympics, the NCAA men's and women's college basketball tournaments and the European soccer championship. 

The last time Wimbledon was called off was 1945 in response to World War II.

Wimbledon has been canceled for the first time since World War II because of the coronavirus pandemic. The All England Club announced after an emergency meeting that the oldest Grand Slam tournament in tennis would not be held in 2020. Wimbledon was scheduled to be played on the outskirts of London from June 29 to July 12. It now joins the growing list of sports events scrapped in 2020 because of the COVID-19 outbreak. That includes the Tokyo Olympics, the NCAA men's and women's college basketball tournaments and the European soccer championship. The last time Wimbledon was called off was 1945 in response to World War II.

Coronavirus claims Wimbledon

🎥Scott Frost, Brian Griese go head-to-head in 'E-Spring Game'



Five distinguished student-athletes and one legendary head coach make up the 2020 University of Nebraska Athletic Hall of Fame class, who will be announced individually over the next three weeks.

The first announced member of this year's class is&nbsp;Terry Pettit, who coached the Nebraska volleyball team for 23 seasons from 1977 to 1999. Pettit is the lone coach in the 2020 Hall of Fame class, and he is the fourth coach to be enshrined in the Nebraska Athletic Hall of Fame, joining football coaches Bob Devaney and Tom Osborne and men's gymnastics head coach Francis Allen.

Pettit was not only one of the greatest volleyball coaches in NCAA history, he was also instrumental in building a Husker program that ranks among the top three programs in NCAA history in NCAA Tournament appearances (3rd - 38, NCAA Tournament wins (2nd - 116) and NCAA championships (3rd – 5). Pettit was also the driving force behind cultivating Nebraska's loyal fan base, which has sold out 270 consecutive regular-season matches and has led the nation in attendance each of the last seven seasons.

In his 23-year career, Pettit led Nebraska to 21 conference titles and the 1995 national championship. He was a two-time national and nine-time conference coach of the year. His .820 career winning percentage (694-148-12) ranks seventh all-time among NCAA Division I coaches. In 2009, he was inducted into the American Volleyball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

The five student-athletes in the 2020 Nebraska Athletic Hall of Fame Class will be announced over the next three weeks on the official Nebraska Athletics Twitter account (<a href="https://twitter.com/huskers" target="_blank">@Huskers)</a>&nbsp;and on Huskers.com.

Five distinguished student-athletes and one legendary head coach make up the 2020 University of Nebraska Athletic Hall of Fame class, who will be announced individually over the next three weeks.The first announced member of this year's class is&nbsp;Terry Pettit, who coached the Nebraska volleyball team for 23 seasons from 1977 to 1999. Pettit is the lone coach in the 2020 Hall of Fame class, and he is the fourth coach to be enshrined in the Nebraska Athletic Hall of Fame, joining football coaches Bob Devaney and Tom Osborne and men's gymnastics head coach Francis Allen.Pettit was not only one of the greatest volleyball coaches in NCAA history, he was also instrumental in building a Husker program that ranks among the top three programs in NCAA history in NCAA Tournament appearances (3rd - 38, NCAA Tournament wins (2nd - 116) and NCAA championships (3rd – 5). Pettit was also the driving force behind cultivating Nebraska's loyal fan base, which has sold out 270 consecutive regular-season matches and has led the nation in attendance each of the last seven seasons.In his 23-year career, Pettit led Nebraska to 21 conference titles and the 1995 national championship. He was a two-time national and nine-time conference coach of the year. His .820 career winning percentage (694-148-12) ranks seventh all-time among NCAA Division I coaches. In 2009, he was inducted into the American Volleyball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.The five student-athletes in the 2020 Nebraska Athletic Hall of Fame Class will be announced over the next three weeks on the official Nebraska Athletics Twitter account (<a href="https://twitter.com/huskers" target="_blank">@Huskers)</a>&nbsp;and on Huskers.com.

Legendary Husker Volleyball coach joins Nebraska HOF in 2020 class

Coach Scott Frost Message for Nebraskans on COVID-19

The Nebraska Baseball Academy takes the All-Skills Satellite Camp to North Platte this summer! The North Platte camp will be held on Thursday, June 4, at Bill Wood Field. The camp begins at 9am and concludes at 2:30pm. Lunch is provided to all participants.

Those attending will work on all areas of the game…. from throwing, hitting, pitching, base running, outfield work, infield work and catching. Camp is open to 2nd graders – HS seniors.  Those who register early will take advantage of our “early bird” fee of $75.00.  On May 4 the registration fee increases to $85.00.

We encourage you to visit our website at bigredacademy.com. Here you will find additional information on the North Platte Satellite Camp along with a link for online registration.

If you have questions, please contact Renee Brinkmann; baseball@bigredacademy.com or 402-413-8881, or local event coordinator, Samantha Geisler with the North Platte Area Sports Commission; (308)221-6865 or SGeisler@PlayNorthPlatte.com

Register TODAY…..it’s a fun day at the ballpark!

The Nebraska Baseball Academy takes the All-Skills Satellite Camp to North Platte this summer! The North Platte camp will be held on Thursday, June 4, at Bill Wood Field. The camp begins at 9am and concludes at 2:30pm. Lunch is provided to all participants.Those attending will work on all areas of the game…. from throwing, hitting, pitching, base running, outfield work, infield work and catching. Camp is open to 2nd graders – HS seniors. Those who register early will take advantage of our “early bird” fee of $75.00. On May 4 the registration fee increases to $85.00.We encourage you to visit our website at bigredacademy.com. Here you will find additional information on the North Platte Satellite Camp along with a link for online registration.If you have questions, please contact Renee Brinkmann; baseball@bigredacademy.com or 402-413-8881, or local event coordinator, Samantha Geisler with the North Platte Area Sports Commission; (308)221-6865 or SGeisler@PlayNorthPlatte.comRegister TODAY…..it’s a fun day at the ballpark!<div> <iframe src="https://s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com/digitalads/DCB.pdf" width="100%" height="500px">
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