<a>North Platte, Neb. (June 16, 2023) – The spell over the&nbsp;</a>bull riding at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo was cast out on Friday night.

After two performances of no bull riders making a qualified ride, one bull rider made the eight-second buzzer on Friday night.

Jeff Bertus, Avon, S.D. bested the bull A67 Bracket Buster for 72 points, taking the lead in his event, and the solitary score after three nights of rodeo.

Bertus, age 31, had done a bit of research on the bull and knew he had to pay attention to the job at hand.

“I just try to keep it simple,” he said, “try to take care of business. All you can control is riding your bull. Focus on that, and the rest will take care of itself.”

He realizes there’s one more night of rodeo and he may not be in the lead after Saturday night, but he’s probably going to win a check.

Winning “definitely keeps you going. It gives you confidence going down the road.”

He and traveling partner Wade Berg, who bucked off his bull, are headed to Newtown, N.D. for a rodeo on Saturday. They’ll drive partway, and either get a hotel room or sleep a few hours in the van.

Bertus has won the Badlands Circuit year-end title four times and the Badlands Circuit Finals Rodeo five times.

Tie-down roper Cash Fuesz nearly didn’t come to the Buffalo Bill Rodeo to compete on Friday, but he’s sure glad he did.

The Eureka, Kan. cowboy had a time of 7.8 seconds to tie for the lead with Shad Mayfield, in the second round.

He just returned from ten days in Israel visiting religious sites, and because of the trip, didn’t compete in the first round of roping.

A friend asked him to go along on the trip with twenty other college students, and Fuesz and his girlfriend enjoyed the trip.

“It was amazing,” he said. “It was incredible.”

While in Israel, Fuesz got a sinus infection but couldn’t get prescriptions for it.

“I got a sinus infection really bad about day six,” he said. “I wasn’t even sure I was going to be well enough to drive up here, so I’m happy I got to come up.”

His flight home arrived in Dallas yesterday, then he drove to pick up his horses from a friend’s house. This morning, he drove home to Eureka, got a doctor’s appointment, then made the rest of the trip to North Platte.

Because he didn’t have a time in the first round, due to not competing, he won’t win the average title (the fastest time on two runs), and isn’t eligible for the 2023 title. But the lead in the second round is good.

Fuesz wasn’t tired after competing, but he knows he will be.

“Right now I’m pretty good, but in about thirty minutes, I’ll be pretty tired,” he said. He’ll stay in North Platte tonight, then make his way to Greeley, Colo., to rope on June 20.

This was Fuesz’ first time to compete in North Platte. He is a student at Weatherford (Texas) College, majoring in ag economics.

Other fast times and high scores from the Friday evening performance include bareback rider Spencer Denaeyer, Seneca, Neb. (76.5 points);

Sailors from the USS Nebraska submarine were on hand to greet the crowd. The annual tradition of inviting members of the submarine, stationed on the West Coast, continues; they will stay for several days of NebraskalandDays activities.

The fourth and final night of the of action at the Buffalo Bill rodeo takes place Saturday, June 17 starting at 8 pm. NebraskalandDays activities continue through June 24. &nbsp;

<a>Results, 3rd&nbsp;performance, June 16, 2023</a>

North Platte, Nebraska – Buffalo Bill Rodeo

1. Spencer Denaeyer, Seneca, Neb. 76.5 points;

1. Tyler Scheevel, Lester Prairie, Minn. 4.7 seconds;

1. Lefty Holman, Visalia, Calif. 86 points on 35 Flying Solo;

1. Chenoa Vandestouwe, Weatherford, Okla. 2.9 seconds;

3. Cassidy Weber, Weatherford, Texas 5.7;

1. Jake Orman, Prairie, Miss./Corey Hendrick, Bedias, Texas 5.3 seconds;

2. Chad Masters, Cedar Hill, Tenn./Trey Yates, Pueblo, Colo. 11.4;

3. Blair Lammers, Hartford, S.D./Clayton Symons, Mitchelle, Neb. 12.5;

1. Emily Beisel, Weatherford, Okla. 17.56 seconds;

2. Ali Armstrong, Lexington, Okla. 17.99;

3. Emily Griffin, St. George, Kan. 18.11;

1. Jeff Bertus, Avon, S.D. 72 points on A67 Bracket Buster

<a>North Platte, Neb. (June 16, 2023) – The spell over the&nbsp;</a>bull riding at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo was cast out on Friday night.After two performances of no bull riders making a qualified ride, one bull rider made the eight-second buzzer on Friday night.Jeff Bertus, Avon, S.D. bested the bull A67 Bracket Buster for 72 points, taking the lead in his event, and the solitary score after three nights of rodeo.Bertus, age 31, had done a bit of research on the bull and knew he had to pay attention to the job at hand.“I just try to keep it simple,” he said, “try to take care of business. All you can control is riding your bull. Focus on that, and the rest will take care of itself.”He realizes there’s one more night of rodeo and he may not be in the lead after Saturday night, but he’s probably going to win a check.Winning “definitely keeps you going. It gives you confidence going down the road.”He and traveling partner Wade Berg, who bucked off his bull, are headed to Newtown, N.D. for a rodeo on Saturday. They’ll drive partway, and either get a hotel room or sleep a few hours in the van.Bertus has won the Badlands Circuit year-end title four times and the Badlands Circuit Finals Rodeo five times.Tie-down roper Cash Fuesz nearly didn’t come to the Buffalo Bill Rodeo to compete on Friday, but he’s sure glad he did.The Eureka, Kan. cowboy had a time of 7.8 seconds to tie for the lead with Shad Mayfield, in the second round.He just returned from ten days in Israel visiting religious sites, and because of the trip, didn’t compete in the first round of roping.A friend asked him to go along on the trip with twenty other college students, and Fuesz and his girlfriend enjoyed the trip.“It was amazing,” he said. “It was incredible.”While in Israel, Fuesz got a sinus infection but couldn’t get prescriptions for it.“I got a sinus infection really bad about day six,” he said. “I wasn’t even sure I was going to be well enough to drive up here, so I’m happy I got to come up.”His flight home arrived in Dallas yesterday, then he drove to pick up his horses from a friend’s house. This morning, he drove home to Eureka, got a doctor’s appointment, then made the rest of the trip to North Platte.Because he didn’t have a time in the first round, due to not competing, he won’t win the average title (the fastest time on two runs), and isn’t eligible for the 2023 title. But the lead in the second round is good.Fuesz wasn’t tired after competing, but he knows he will be.“Right now I’m pretty good, but in about thirty minutes, I’ll be pretty tired,” he said. He’ll stay in North Platte tonight, then make his way to Greeley, Colo., to rope on June 20.This was Fuesz’ first time to compete in North Platte. He is a student at Weatherford (Texas) College, majoring in ag economics.Other fast times and high scores from the Friday evening performance include bareback rider Spencer Denaeyer, Seneca, Neb. (76.5 points);Sailors from the USS Nebraska submarine were on hand to greet the crowd. The annual tradition of inviting members of the submarine, stationed on the West Coast, continues; they will stay for several days of NebraskalandDays activities.The fourth and final night of the of action at the Buffalo Bill rodeo takes place Saturday, June 17 starting at 8 pm. NebraskalandDays activities continue through June 24. &nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687003376632.jpeg" alt="Jeff Bertus bull rider at Buffalo Bill Rodeo | photo by don christner" />
 <figcaption>Jeff Bertus bull rider at Buffalo Bill Rodeo | photo by don christner</figcaption>
 </figure><a>Results, 3rd&nbsp;performance, June 16, 2023</a>North Platte, Nebraska – Buffalo Bill RodeoBareback riding1. Spencer Denaeyer, Seneca, Neb. 76.5 points;No other qualified ridesSteer wrestling1. Tyler Scheevel, Lester Prairie, Minn. 4.7 seconds;2. Cyler Dowling, Newell, S.D. 4.9;3. Trisyn Kalawaia, Hilo, Hawaii 6.2;4. Reed Kraeger, Waco, Neb. 6.5Tie-down roping1. Cash Fuesz, Eureka, Kan. 7.8 seconds;2. Austin Hurlburt, Norfolk, Neb. 9.6;3. Hayden Ford, Whitehouse, Texas 12.1;4. Grant Turek, St. Paul, Neb. 12.5.Saddle bronc riding1. Lefty Holman, Visalia, Calif. 86 points on 35 Flying Solo;2. Garrett Uptain, Craig, Colo. 74.5;No other qualified rides.Breakaway roping1. Chenoa Vandestouwe, Weatherford, Okla. 2.9 seconds;2. Rickie Engesser, Spearfish, S.D. 3.9;3. Cassidy Weber, Weatherford, Texas 5.7;4. Laramie Bain, Overbrook, Okla. 6.2.Team roping1. Jake Orman, Prairie, Miss./Corey Hendrick, Bedias, Texas 5.3 seconds;2. Chad Masters, Cedar Hill, Tenn./Trey Yates, Pueblo, Colo. 11.4;3. Blair Lammers, Hartford, S.D./Clayton Symons, Mitchelle, Neb. 12.5;No other qualified runs.<a>Barrel racing</a>1. Emily Beisel, Weatherford, Okla. 17.56 seconds;2. Ali Armstrong, Lexington, Okla. 17.99;3. Emily Griffin, St. George, Kan. 18.11;4. Patty Finney, Ainsworth, Neb. 18.13.Bull riding1. Jeff Bertus, Avon, S.D. 72 points on A67 Bracket BusterNo other qualified rides.** All results are unofficial.&nbsp;

Friday Night Buffalo Bill Rodeo results

Story By NebraskaLand Day's Communication

North Platte, Neb. (June 15, 2023) –&nbsp;Tanner Brunner has overcome the odds this past spring, to continue rodeoing.

The Ramona, Kan. man is leading the second round of the steer wrestling at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo with a time of 3.8 seconds.

Three months ago, things weren’t going well.

His main horse had surgery, and he had a torn groin, which made rodeoing difficult.

Brunner planned surgery for Miss Kitty, his sixteen-year-old sorrel mare, after he competed at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in December. The mare had knee chips in two knees, and rehab required five to six months off.

While he waited on the mare’s recovery, he bounced around, riding borrowed horses, but couldn’t hit his groove with any of them.

Then, while practicing in March, he tore a part of his groin muscle off the femur bone. It required intense rehab, but six weeks later, he was back to steer wrestling.

Last weekend was the first weekend the mare was back to competition, and the lead in North Platte is a good thing.

He’s struggled to be in tune with the mare since she’s back from rehab, even though she’s done well.

“It’s like she never left” competition, he said. “She’s doing her job. I just need to start doing mine.”

Miss Kitty got Brunner to his first Wrangler NFR in 2018. He had spent that year traveling with Nebraska native and veteran steer wrestler Sean Mulligan, who owned the mare. “I rodeoed with those guys (including Mulligan’s traveling partners), and they taught me a lot. They helped me get to the Finals.”

The next year, Brunner bought the mare from Mulligan, and Miss Kitty has carried Brunner to three more Wrangler NFRs (2019-2020, 2022).

Mulligan, a former Wrangler NFR qualifier, mentors steer wrestlers and trains steer wrestling horses. He grew up in Valentine but now lives in Oklahoma. He’s generous with his time and knowledge.

Mulligan “has helped a lot of people out,” Brunner said. “He’s very generous, he loves helping people and loves the sport of rodeo and bulldogging.”

Because of his horse problems and injury this past year, Brunner isn’t ranked in the top fifty in the PRCA world standings, where a cowboy needs to be, as the summer season kicks off.

He has a plan for the summer: rodeo till mid-July and then see where he is in the standings.

The measuring stick? Being in the top thirty in the world by mid-July. “I don’t even think I’m in the top 75 right now. But there’s a lot of money to be won, between now and then. You’ve got to bet on yourself and not count yourself out.”

Other fast times after the day’s slack and the evening’s competition include bareback rider Tanner Aus, Granite Falls, Minn. (81 points); tie-down roper Shad Mayfield, Clovis, N.M. (7.8 seconds); saddle bronc rider Jake Finlay, Goondiwindi, Australia (81.5); breakaway roper Jessica McMaster, Madison, Kan. (2.7 seconds); team ropers JC Yeahquo and LJ Yeahquo, both of Mandaree, N.D. (5.2 seconds); and barrel racer Ivy Hurst, Springer, Okla. (17.74 seconds).&nbsp; For the second night in a row, no bull riders made a qualified ride.

The third night of action at&nbsp;the Buffalo Bill rodeo takes place Friday, June 16 starting at 8 pm. The rodeo can be found on the Cowboy Channel app and on local radio station KODY 1240 AM.

Story By NebraskaLand Day's CommunicationNorth Platte, Neb. (June 15, 2023) –&nbsp;Tanner Brunner has overcome the odds this past spring, to continue rodeoing.The Ramona, Kan. man is leading the second round of the steer wrestling at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo with a time of 3.8 seconds.Three months ago, things weren’t going well.His main horse had surgery, and he had a torn groin, which made rodeoing difficult.Brunner planned surgery for Miss Kitty, his sixteen-year-old sorrel mare, after he competed at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in December. The mare had knee chips in two knees, and rehab required five to six months off.While he waited on the mare’s recovery, he bounced around, riding borrowed horses, but couldn’t hit his groove with any of them.Then, while practicing in March, he tore a part of his groin muscle off the femur bone. It required intense rehab, but six weeks later, he was back to steer wrestling.Last weekend was the first weekend the mare was back to competition, and the lead in North Platte is a good thing.He’s struggled to be in tune with the mare since she’s back from rehab, even though she’s done well.“It’s like she never left” competition, he said. “She’s doing her job. I just need to start doing mine.”Miss Kitty got Brunner to his first Wrangler NFR in 2018. He had spent that year traveling with Nebraska native and veteran steer wrestler Sean Mulligan, who owned the mare. “I rodeoed with those guys (including Mulligan’s traveling partners), and they taught me a lot. They helped me get to the Finals.”The next year, Brunner bought the mare from Mulligan, and Miss Kitty has carried Brunner to three more Wrangler NFRs (2019-2020, 2022).Mulligan, a former Wrangler NFR qualifier, mentors steer wrestlers and trains steer wrestling horses. He grew up in Valentine but now lives in Oklahoma. He’s generous with his time and knowledge.Mulligan “has helped a lot of people out,” Brunner said. “He’s very generous, he loves helping people and loves the sport of rodeo and bulldogging.”Because of his horse problems and injury this past year, Brunner isn’t ranked in the top fifty in the PRCA world standings, where a cowboy needs to be, as the summer season kicks off.He has a plan for the summer: rodeo till mid-July and then see where he is in the standings.The measuring stick? Being in the top thirty in the world by mid-July. “I don’t even think I’m in the top 75 right now. But there’s a lot of money to be won, between now and then. You’ve got to bet on yourself and not count yourself out.”Other fast times after the day’s slack and the evening’s competition include bareback rider Tanner Aus, Granite Falls, Minn. (81 points); tie-down roper Shad Mayfield, Clovis, N.M. (7.8 seconds); saddle bronc rider Jake Finlay, Goondiwindi, Australia (81.5); breakaway roper Jessica McMaster, Madison, Kan. (2.7 seconds); team ropers JC Yeahquo and LJ Yeahquo, both of Mandaree, N.D. (5.2 seconds); and barrel racer Ivy Hurst, Springer, Okla. (17.74 seconds).&nbsp; For the second night in a row, no bull riders made a qualified ride.The third night of action at&nbsp;the Buffalo Bill rodeo takes place Friday, June 16 starting at 8 pm. The rodeo can be found on the Cowboy Channel app and on local radio station KODY 1240 AM.

OVERCOMING ODDS

Liz, Faith and Chuck Heeman join North Platte Sports Director Paxton Gordon to talk about what goes on behind the scenes of a baseball operation and what goes into game day prep.

<div><iframe title="North Platte Plainsmen behind the scenes" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=3xrj6-14347f5-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=1&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00"></iframe></div>Liz, Faith and Chuck Heeman join North Platte Sports Director Paxton Gordon to talk about what goes on behind the scenes of a baseball operation and what goes into game day prep.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655146989142.png" alt="<a href="http://www.npkubota.com/">Post Podcast Sponsored by North Platte Kubota</a> " />
 <figcaption><a href="http://www.npkubota.com/">Post Podcast Sponsored by North Platte Kubota</a> </figcaption>
 </figure>

North Platte Plainsmen behind the scenes

Story by&nbsp; Buffalo Bill Rodeo Communication

She’s a competitor, a cowgirl, a rancher, a former college basketball player, a mom, and a professional breakaway roper.

And she’s tied for the lead in the breakaway at what she considers her hometown rodeo, the Buffalo Bill Rodeo.

Katie Dent, of Mullen, had a time of 3.3 seconds to take the lead, alongside Emma Charleston, Reed, Mo., after the first night of rodeo June 14.

She’s competed at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo every year since 2020, when the event was added to the historic rodeo, and she’s won money two out of those three years.

She credits her lead to her horsepower, a horse purchased from Zoe Ann Huffman of Whitman, Neb.

Squirrelly, as she calls the eight-year-old mare, is small, but mighty.

“She’s just a really cool little cutting-bred mare that’s really catty. She’s so broke, I just have to not mess up, is what it amounts to.” The mare had been ridden for the cutting when she was younger, but when Dent purchased her three years ago, she roped calves and ranched on her.

Squirrelly is not only a good performance horse, but she’s good with kids.

“Being a mom (Dent has a nine-year-old daughter and a seven-year-old son), having a safe horse is really important to me, because the kids are around all the time. The other day, I put my daughter on her to move (cow/calf) pairs three miles.”

“It just feels good, this close to home. I have a lot of family and friends here. It’s just a fun rodeo. I like this rodeo.”

The tie-down roping champion at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo could be a repeat.

The 2022 tie-down roping champ, Shad Mayfield, won the first round in North Platte on Wednesday.

The Clovis, N.M. cowboy’s time of 7.6 seconds bested the field by three-tenths of a second over the number two man, Riley Webb. &nbsp;

The 2020 world champion loves coming to North Platte, having competed there three times.

“The calves here are really good,” he said. “Every time I’ve come, I’ve had good chances, because of good calves.”

Mayfield was aboard a new horse, a thirteen-year-old bay mare he purchased in April. The mare named Lollipop was reserve AQHA/PRCA Tie-Down Horse of the Year in 2020; Mayfield purchased her from Andrew Burks.

“When I first got her, we weren’t really clicking a whole lot,” he said. “As we kept going, we started to click.”

Mayfield makes his second run Thursday night and then goes on to compete in Greeley, Colo. June 20, so he has some days off.

“I don’t try to wear myself out” competing, he said. “I’ve always been told, enter where you can win at, don’t enter everywhere. I try to take it easy on myself. After we rope at North Platte, we have three days off till Greeley, then we’ll go hard for a little bit. We’re trying to save ourselves and our horses as best as we can.”

Mayfield is currently ranked fourth in the PRCA world standings.

JoSee Saults was crowned the 2024 Miss Rodeo Nebraska during the rodeo on Wednesday night.

The Big Springs cowgirl, a recent graduate of the University of Wyoming, is the 22-year-old daughter of Scott and Jill Saults. She competed in junior high and high school rodeo, and while in college at Eastern Wyoming College, was on the rodeo team, serving as team president. She has a degree in communications and a minor in sociology and will attend law school after serving as the state’s pro rodeo representative next year.

The 2023 Miss Teen Rodeo Nebraska was crowned earlier in the day. The title went to Maci Cox, the 17-year-old daughter of Josh and Jennifer Cox of North Platte.

Other leaders after the day’s slack and the evening’s competition include bareback rider Andy Gingerich, Aberdeen, S.D. (79 points); steer wrestler Trell Etbauer, Goodwell, Okla. (3.7 seconds); saddle bronc rider Wade Sundell, Boxholm, Iowa (85.5 points); team ropers Clay Holz, Pueblo, Colo. and Matt Zancanella, Aurora, S.D. (5.1 seconds); and barrel racer Summer Kosel, Glenham, S.D. (17.47 seconds). No bull rider made an eight second ride.

The Buffalo Bill Rodeo continues on Thursday, June 15 at 8 pm. Tickets range in price from $11 to $24 and are available online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nebraskalanddays.com/" target="_blank">www.NebraskalandDays.com</a>&nbsp;and at the gate.

Results, 1st&nbsp;Performance and slack, June 14, 2023

1. Andy Gingerich, Aberdeen, S.D. 79 points on 711 Shooting Dice;

2. Grant Worthington, Marshall, Mo. 71 points; no other qualified rides.

1. Trell Etbauer, Goodwell, Okla. 3.7 seconds;

4. (tie) Logan Mullin, Clay Center, Kan. and Joe Wilson, Martin, S.D. 4.3 each.

1. Shad Mayfield, Clovis, N.M. 7.6 seconds

1. Wade Sundell, Boxholm, Iowa 85.5 points on -259 State Side;

1. (tie) Katie Dent, Mullen, Neb. and Emma Charleston, Reeds, Mo. 3.3 seconds each;

4. (tie) Mable McAbee, Ansley, Neb. and Brenda White, Oelrichs, S.D. 3.6 each.

1. Clay Holz, Pueblo, Colo./Matt Zancanella, Aurora, S.D. 5.1 seconds;

2. Andrew Ward, Edmond, Okla./Buddy Hawkins II, Stephenville, Texas 5.8;

3. Jase Staudt, Saguache, Colo./Jhett Trenary, Salida, Colo. 6.4;

4. Braden Pirrung, Hartford, S.D./Jade Nelson, Midland, S.D. 7.6;

1. Summer Kosel, Glenham, S.D. 17.47 seconds;

Story by&nbsp; Buffalo Bill Rodeo CommunicationShe’s a competitor, a cowgirl, a rancher, a former college basketball player, a mom, and a professional breakaway roper.And she’s tied for the lead in the breakaway at what she considers her hometown rodeo, the Buffalo Bill Rodeo.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686828322840.jpeg" alt="Katie Dent, Mullen, Neb. leads the breakaway roping after the first night of the Buffalo Bill Rodeo. Photo by Don Christner. " />
 <figcaption>Katie Dent, Mullen, Neb. leads the breakaway roping after the first night of the Buffalo Bill Rodeo. Photo by Don Christner. </figcaption>
 </figure>Katie Dent, of Mullen, had a time of 3.3 seconds to take the lead, alongside Emma Charleston, Reed, Mo., after the first night of rodeo June 14.She’s competed at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo every year since 2020, when the event was added to the historic rodeo, and she’s won money two out of those three years.She credits her lead to her horsepower, a horse purchased from Zoe Ann Huffman of Whitman, Neb.Squirrelly, as she calls the eight-year-old mare, is small, but mighty.“She’s just a really cool little cutting-bred mare that’s really catty. She’s so broke, I just have to not mess up, is what it amounts to.” The mare had been ridden for the cutting when she was younger, but when Dent purchased her three years ago, she roped calves and ranched on her.Squirrelly is not only a good performance horse, but she’s good with kids.“Being a mom (Dent has a nine-year-old daughter and a seven-year-old son), having a safe horse is really important to me, because the kids are around all the time. The other day, I put my daughter on her to move (cow/calf) pairs three miles.”Dent loves coming to North Platte.“It just feels good, this close to home. I have a lot of family and friends here. It’s just a fun rodeo. I like this rodeo.”The tie-down roping champion at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo could be a repeat.The 2022 tie-down roping champ, Shad Mayfield, won the first round in North Platte on Wednesday.The Clovis, N.M. cowboy’s time of 7.6 seconds bested the field by three-tenths of a second over the number two man, Riley Webb. &nbsp;The 2020 world champion loves coming to North Platte, having competed there three times.“The calves here are really good,” he said. “Every time I’ve come, I’ve had good chances, because of good calves.”Mayfield was aboard a new horse, a thirteen-year-old bay mare he purchased in April. The mare named Lollipop was reserve AQHA/PRCA Tie-Down Horse of the Year in 2020; Mayfield purchased her from Andrew Burks.“When I first got her, we weren’t really clicking a whole lot,” he said. “As we kept going, we started to click.”Mayfield makes his second run Thursday night and then goes on to compete in Greeley, Colo. June 20, so he has some days off.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686828365804.jpeg" alt="Tie-down roper Shad Mayfield won the first round of the tie-down roping at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo. The 2020 world champion is also the 2022 Buffalo Bill Rodeo champ. Photo by Don Christner." />
 <figcaption>Tie-down roper Shad Mayfield won the first round of the tie-down roping at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo. The 2020 world champion is also the 2022 Buffalo Bill Rodeo champ. Photo by Don Christner.</figcaption>
 </figure>“I don’t try to wear myself out” competing, he said. “I’ve always been told, enter where you can win at, don’t enter everywhere. I try to take it easy on myself. After we rope at North Platte, we have three days off till Greeley, then we’ll go hard for a little bit. We’re trying to save ourselves and our horses as best as we can.”Mayfield is currently ranked fourth in the PRCA world standings.JoSee Saults was crowned the 2024 Miss Rodeo Nebraska during the rodeo on Wednesday night.The Big Springs cowgirl, a recent graduate of the University of Wyoming, is the 22-year-old daughter of Scott and Jill Saults. She competed in junior high and high school rodeo, and while in college at Eastern Wyoming College, was on the rodeo team, serving as team president. She has a degree in communications and a minor in sociology and will attend law school after serving as the state’s pro rodeo representative next year.The 2023 Miss Teen Rodeo Nebraska was crowned earlier in the day. The title went to Maci Cox, the 17-year-old daughter of Josh and Jennifer Cox of North Platte.Other leaders after the day’s slack and the evening’s competition include bareback rider Andy Gingerich, Aberdeen, S.D. (79 points); steer wrestler Trell Etbauer, Goodwell, Okla. (3.7 seconds); saddle bronc rider Wade Sundell, Boxholm, Iowa (85.5 points); team ropers Clay Holz, Pueblo, Colo. and Matt Zancanella, Aurora, S.D. (5.1 seconds); and barrel racer Summer Kosel, Glenham, S.D. (17.47 seconds). No bull rider made an eight second ride.The Buffalo Bill Rodeo continues on Thursday, June 15 at 8 pm. Tickets range in price from $11 to $24 and are available online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nebraskalanddays.com/" target="_blank">www.NebraskalandDays.com</a>&nbsp;and at the gate.- ### -Results, 1st&nbsp;Performance and slack, June 14, 2023North Platte, Nebraska – Buffalo Bill RodeoBareback riding1. Andy Gingerich, Aberdeen, S.D. 79 points on 711 Shooting Dice;2. Grant Worthington, Marshall, Mo. 71 points; no other qualified rides.Steer wrestling1st&nbsp;round1. Trell Etbauer, Goodwell, Okla. 3.7 seconds;2. Sam Goings, Fallon, Nev. 3.8;3. Jacob Talley, Keatchie, La. 4.1;4. (tie) Logan Mullin, Clay Center, Kan. and Joe Wilson, Martin, S.D. 4.3 each.Tie-down roping1st&nbsp;round1. Shad Mayfield, Clovis, N.M. 7.6 seconds2. Riley Webb, Denton, Texas 7.9;3. Taylor Santos, Creston, Calif. 8.4;4. Lane Livingston, Seymour, Texas 8.5.Saddle bronc riding1. Wade Sundell, Boxholm, Iowa 85.5 points on -259 State Side;2. Brady Hill, Onida, S.D. 85;3. Garrett Long, Valentine, Neb. 80.5;4. Cable Wareham, Whiting, Kan. 77.5Breakaway roping1. (tie) Katie Dent, Mullen, Neb. and Emma Charleston, Reeds, Mo. 3.3 seconds each;3. Sawyer Gilbert, Buffalo, S.D. 3.4;4. (tie) Mable McAbee, Ansley, Neb. and Brenda White, Oelrichs, S.D. 3.6 each.Team roping1. Clay Holz, Pueblo, Colo./Matt Zancanella, Aurora, S.D. 5.1 seconds;2. Andrew Ward, Edmond, Okla./Buddy Hawkins II, Stephenville, Texas 5.8;3. Jase Staudt, Saguache, Colo./Jhett Trenary, Salida, Colo. 6.4;4. Braden Pirrung, Hartford, S.D./Jade Nelson, Midland, S.D. 7.6;Barrel racing1. Summer Kosel, Glenham, S.D. 17.47 seconds;2. Wenda Johnson, Pawhuska, Okla. 17.56;3. Paige Jones, Wayne, Okla. 17.61;4. Erin Wetzel, Plant City, Fla. 17.77.Bull riding&nbsp;No qualified rides.** All results are unofficial.&nbsp;

Good Feel Rodeo |  Day 1 results of the Buffalo Bill Rodeo

Story by NPCC Athletic Communications&nbsp;

Former North Platte Community College Knights softball player Elena Montoya has been named as a 2023 Second Team All-American by the National Junior College Athletic Association.&nbsp;

The Denver native played for the Knights during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 softball seasons, serving as both shortstop and catcher.

“Being an All-American is unbelievable and such an honor,” said Montoya. “The time we’ve put in on and off the field showed this past year, and the North Platte community showed its support as well. Even though my name is on the [award], this one is for all of my teammates and Coach Higgins. We did it together.”

According to the NJCAA, each region submits nominations including stats, region rank and other relevant information. The NJCAA Division II Softball Committee then reviews that information and selects the All-America teams.

Montoya had a stellar sophomore season, leading the region with a .541 batting average, hitting seven home runs, with 20 doubles, 39 runs batted in and 63 stolen bases. She concluded the year ninth in the nation in batting average and third in stolen bases.

In the field, she notched 94 putouts and 65 assists while posting a .914 fielding percentage.

Her accomplishments landed her a spot on the All-Region IX Team for the second year in a row.

“This is a huge honor for [Elena],” NPCC Head Women’s Softball Coach Janelle Higgins said of the All-American recognition. “She worked so hard on and off the field. She maintained a 3.9 GPA while taking double lab classes last fall and spring and backed that up on the field as well. Elena is a very gifted athlete and an even better human. We are definitely going to miss her leadership next year, but she did a great job leading the freshmen and showing them how to continue that success next year.”

Montoya will continue her athletic career this fall, playing softball for the Falcons at Friends University in Wichita, Kan.

Story by NPCC Athletic Communications&nbsp;Former North Platte Community College Knights softball player Elena Montoya has been named as a 2023 Second Team All-American by the National Junior College Athletic Association.&nbsp;The Denver native played for the Knights during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 softball seasons, serving as both shortstop and catcher.“Being an All-American is unbelievable and such an honor,” said Montoya. “The time we’ve put in on and off the field showed this past year, and the North Platte community showed its support as well. Even though my name is on the [award], this one is for all of my teammates and Coach Higgins. We did it together.”According to the NJCAA, each region submits nominations including stats, region rank and other relevant information. The NJCAA Division II Softball Committee then reviews that information and selects the All-America teams.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686675919407.jpeg" alt="Elena Montoya" />
 <figcaption>Elena Montoya</figcaption>
 </figure>Montoya had a stellar sophomore season, leading the region with a .541 batting average, hitting seven home runs, with 20 doubles, 39 runs batted in and 63 stolen bases. She concluded the year ninth in the nation in batting average and third in stolen bases.In the field, she notched 94 putouts and 65 assists while posting a .914 fielding percentage.Her accomplishments landed her a spot on the All-Region IX Team for the second year in a row.“This is a huge honor for [Elena],” NPCC Head Women’s Softball Coach Janelle Higgins said of the All-American recognition. “She worked so hard on and off the field. She maintained a 3.9 GPA while taking double lab classes last fall and spring and backed that up on the field as well. Elena is a very gifted athlete and an even better human. We are definitely going to miss her leadership next year, but she did a great job leading the freshmen and showing them how to continue that success next year.”Montoya will continue her athletic career this fall, playing softball for the Falcons at Friends University in Wichita, Kan.

NPCC softball player named All-American

Story by NU Athletic Communications

Nebraska volleyball and U.S. Women's National Team legend Jordan Larson has been named a full-time assistant coach for the Nebraska volleyball program, head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/coaches/john-cook/8418" target="_blank">John Cook</a>&nbsp;announced Tuesday. Larson will join Cook and assistant coaches&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/coaches/jaylen-reyes/8419" target="_blank">Jaylen Reyes</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/coaches/kelly-hunter/8420" target="_blank">Kelly Hunter</a>&nbsp;on the Husker staff once her summer playing schedule wraps up in September. The NCAA Division I Council adopted a proposal in January that, among other changes, allows teams that utilize a volunteer coach to add a full-time coach position beginning this season. "One of the greatest honors of being the Nebraska volleyball coach is when I have the opportunity to coach with a former player," Cook said. "Jordan and I have talked for years about coaching at Nebraska. She will bring a wealth of experience that she can share with our players. There is no place like Nebraska!"&nbsp; One of the greatest American volleyball players in history, Larson was the team captain, Best Outside Hitter and Most Valuable Player when the U.S. won its first Olympic women's volleyball gold medal in Tokyo in 2021. After the Olympics, she continued to play club volleyball in China and Italy but planned to retire from international competition. However, last month she announced her return to the national team.&nbsp; The U.S. is currently competing in the Volleyball Nations League, which Larson is on the 30-player roster for and is available for selection. Larson plans to play with the national team in qualifiers for the Paris 2024 Olympics from Sept. 16-24 in Poland before joining the Huskers for the rest of the 2023 season. She hopes to represent the U.S. at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games as well. Larson briefly served as a volunteer assistant at the University of Texas and Midland University in Fremont in 2022.&nbsp; "I am very excited to be returning to Nebraska," Larson said. "I can't wait to learn and help the next generation of volleyball players. It has felt so good to be home even for a short time, and I can't wait to join the team in the fall. I really appreciate John giving me this opportunity. Go Huskers!"&nbsp; A native of Hooper, Neb., Larson was a standout on some of the greatest teams in program history from 2005 to 2008 and was inducted into the Nebraska Athletic Hall of Fame in 2020. 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.&nbsp; In her freshman season she helped lead the Huskers to an NCAA runner-up finish and was named the Big 12 Freshman of the Year. She was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and first-team All-American as a sophomore and led Nebraska to the 2006 NCAA Championship. In 2008, she became the first player to be named Big 12 Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year in the same season. Larson is one of only two players in program history to rank among Nebraska's all-time top 10 in both kills and digs. She earned a degree in communications studies from the University of Nebraska in 2008.&nbsp; Larson then went on to a decorated international career. She was a three-time Olympic medalist, helping Team USA to a gold medal in 2021, a silver medal in 2012 and a bronze medal in 2016. Larson helped Team USA win the gold medal at the 2014 FIVB 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. In 2017 she was named team captain and led the U.S. to gold medals in four international competitions after that.&nbsp; Career Highlights -Member of U.S. Women's National Team since 2009...became team captain in 2017 -Named Best Outside Hitter and MVP at the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games -Named Women's Sports Foundation's 2021 Sportswoman of the Year, Team Sport -Earned USAV Female Indoor Player of the Year honors in 2015 and 2016 -Has played professionally in Puerto Rico, Russia, Turkey, China and Italy -Led Nebraska to NCAA Division I title in 2006...two-time AVCA First-Team All-American -Inducted into Nebraska Athletic Hall of Fame in 2020 -Also represented the U.S. on the Girls Youth National Team International Competitions -2021 Tokyo Olympic Games - Gold; Best Outside Hitter; MVP -2021 FIVB Volleyball Nations League Final Round - Gold -2019 FIVB World Cup - Silver -2019 FIVB Volleyball Nations League Final Round - Gold -2018 FIVB World Championship -2018 FIVB Volleyball Nations League Final Round - Gold -2017 FIVB World Grand Champions Cup - Bronze; Best Spiker -2016 Rio Olympic Games - Bronze -2016 NORCECA Olympic Qualification Tournament - Gold; Best Spiker -2015 FIVB World Cup - Bronze -2015 FIVB World Grand Prix - Gold -2014 FIVB World Championship - Gold -2013 NORCECA Championship - Gold; Best Server -2012 London Olympic Games - Silver -2011 FIVB World Cup - Silver -2011 FIVB World Grand Prix - Gold -2010 FIVB World Championship -2010 FIVB World Grand Prix - Gold -2009 NORCECA Women's Junior Continental Championship - Gold -2009 Pan American Cup - Made U.S. Women's National Team debut -2003 FIVB GirlsU18 World Championship - U.S. Girls Youth National Team Personal Highlights -Played club ball at both Premier Volleyball Club and Nebraska Juniors -Nicknamed "The Governor" for her popularity in Nebraska -Grew up in Hooper, Neb., population 843 -In 2021, won the inaugural championship with Athletes Unlimited, a U.S.-based women's professional volleyball league&nbsp;&nbsp;

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsNebraska volleyball and U.S. Women's National Team legend Jordan Larson has been named a full-time assistant coach for the Nebraska volleyball program, head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/coaches/john-cook/8418" target="_blank">John Cook</a>&nbsp;announced Tuesday. Larson will join Cook and assistant coaches&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/coaches/jaylen-reyes/8419" target="_blank">Jaylen Reyes</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/coaches/kelly-hunter/8420" target="_blank">Kelly Hunter</a>&nbsp;on the Husker staff once her summer playing schedule wraps up in September. The NCAA Division I Council adopted a proposal in January that, among other changes, allows teams that utilize a volunteer coach to add a full-time coach position beginning this season. "One of the greatest honors of being the Nebraska volleyball coach is when I have the opportunity to coach with a former player," Cook said. "Jordan and I have talked for years about coaching at Nebraska. She will bring a wealth of experience that she can share with our players. There is no place like Nebraska!"&nbsp; One of the greatest American volleyball players in history, Larson was the team captain, Best Outside Hitter and Most Valuable Player when the U.S. won its first Olympic women's volleyball gold medal in Tokyo in 2021. After the Olympics, she continued to play club volleyball in China and Italy but planned to retire from international competition. However, last month she announced her return to the national team.&nbsp; The U.S. is currently competing in the Volleyball Nations League, which Larson is on the 30-player roster for and is available for selection. Larson plans to play with the national team in qualifiers for the Paris 2024 Olympics from Sept. 16-24 in Poland before joining the Huskers for the rest of the 2023 season. She hopes to represent the U.S. at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games as well. Larson briefly served as a volunteer assistant at the University of Texas and Midland University in Fremont in 2022.&nbsp; "I am very excited to be returning to Nebraska," Larson said. "I can't wait to learn and help the next generation of volleyball players. It has felt so good to be home even for a short time, and I can't wait to join the team in the fall. I really appreciate John giving me this opportunity. Go Huskers!"&nbsp; A native of Hooper, Neb., Larson was a standout on some of the greatest teams in program history from 2005 to 2008 and was inducted into the Nebraska Athletic Hall of Fame in 2020. 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.&nbsp; In her freshman season she helped lead the Huskers to an NCAA runner-up finish and was named the Big 12 Freshman of the Year. She was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and first-team All-American as a sophomore and led Nebraska to the 2006 NCAA Championship. In 2008, she became the first player to be named Big 12 Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year in the same season. Larson is one of only two players in program history to rank among Nebraska's all-time top 10 in both kills and digs. She earned a degree in communications studies from the University of Nebraska in 2008.&nbsp; Larson then went on to a decorated international career. She was a three-time Olympic medalist, helping Team USA to a gold medal in 2021, a silver medal in 2012 and a bronze medal in 2016. Larson helped Team USA win the gold medal at the 2014 FIVB 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. In 2017 she was named team captain and led the U.S. to gold medals in four international competitions after that.&nbsp; Career Highlights -Member of U.S. Women's National Team since 2009...became team captain in 2017 -Named Best Outside Hitter and MVP at the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games -Named Women's Sports Foundation's 2021 Sportswoman of the Year, Team Sport -Earned USAV Female Indoor Player of the Year honors in 2015 and 2016 -Has played professionally in Puerto Rico, Russia, Turkey, China and Italy -Led Nebraska to NCAA Division I title in 2006...two-time AVCA First-Team All-American -Inducted into Nebraska Athletic Hall of Fame in 2020 -Also represented the U.S. on the Girls Youth National Team International Competitions -2021 Tokyo Olympic Games - Gold; Best Outside Hitter; MVP -2021 FIVB Volleyball Nations League Final Round - Gold -2019 FIVB World Cup - Silver -2019 FIVB Volleyball Nations League Final Round - Gold -2018 FIVB World Championship -2018 FIVB Volleyball Nations League Final Round - Gold -2017 FIVB World Grand Champions Cup - Bronze; Best Spiker -2016 Rio Olympic Games - Bronze -2016 NORCECA Olympic Qualification Tournament - Gold; Best Spiker -2015 FIVB World Cup - Bronze -2015 FIVB World Grand Prix - Gold -2014 FIVB World Championship - Gold -2013 NORCECA Championship - Gold; Best Server -2012 London Olympic Games - Silver -2011 FIVB World Cup - Silver -2011 FIVB World Grand Prix - Gold -2010 FIVB World Championship -2010 FIVB World Grand Prix - Gold -2009 NORCECA Women's Junior Continental Championship - Gold -2009 Pan American Cup - Made U.S. Women's National Team debut -2003 FIVB GirlsU18 World Championship - U.S. Girls Youth National Team Personal Highlights -Played club ball at both Premier Volleyball Club and Nebraska Juniors -Nicknamed "The Governor" for her popularity in Nebraska -Grew up in Hooper, Neb., population 843 -In 2021, won the inaugural championship with Athletes Unlimited, a U.S.-based women's professional volleyball league&nbsp;&nbsp;

Jordan Larson named Nebraska Volleyball Assistant Coach

Story by NebraskaLand Day's Communication

<a>The options for professional cowgirls have opened up, and the Buffalo Bill Rodeo provides one of those choices.</a>

With the addition of the women’s breakaway roping to the North Platte pro rodeo in 2020, cowgirls who don’t barrel race have another event they can enter.

Among the more than 400 contestants entered at the North Platte rodeo this weekend, 54 of them are breakaway ropers, and twelve of them are Nebraska cowgirls.

Katie Dent, Mullen, is one of those Nebraska women. When she graduated high school in 2002, she chose to play basketball at Hastings College, where she was on the national championship teams her freshman and senior years.

Breakaway roping has been an event in high school and college rodeo for years, but about three years ago, it began to be added to pro rodeos across the country.

And as it’s opened more doors for cowgirls to compete professionally, the amount of money to be won by cowgirl ropers has increased dramatically. Like their counterparts in the barrel racing and the men’s events, breakaway ropers can make a living going down the rodeo road.

If professional breakaway roping had been around when Dent got out of college, “it would have been a much bigger consideration,” she said. “There wasn’t any option for it, beyond college, as a professional career.”

Dent’s brother is retired bareback rider Steven Dent, a ten-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifier and three-time reserve world champion. He was a standout football player and wrestler for Mullen High School.

“I remember Steven trying to make that decision,” she said. “He asked himself, ‘am I going to play football (collegiately) or rodeo?’ Finally he said, I can make a pro career in rodeo. I didn’t have that opportunity. It wasn’t even an option.”

Chadron’s Brandy Schaack will rope in North Platte. The Hyannis native teaches third grade and rodeos in the Badlands Circuit, the rodeos in North and South Dakota.

A 2013 and 2014 state high school champion breakaway roper and 2021 collegiate regional champ, this will be her third time to compete in North Platte.

She’ll compete at between forty and fifty rodeos this year, counting both pro rodeos and the regional associations.

She loves that the breakaway roping is growing. “It’s crazy, to me, how far it’s come,” she said. “It’s really cool to see it added to more places, with equal (added) money. There’s so much money out there to be won, it’s insane.”

Schaack travels with Danielle Wray, another breakaway roper, from Ord.

A 2020 graduate of Mid-Plains Community College, Wray won the state high school breakaway title in 2018 and the 2019 and 2020 collegiate regional team roping titles.

She and her dad, Mark, raise and train AQHA performance horses; her sister Makayla just finished her senior year as fourth in the state in the breakaway roping at the state high school finals rodeo, held in Burwell last weekend. &nbsp;

Adding breakaway roping to pro rodeos “has opened many doors. Five years ago, after college, you had one option: amateur rodeos. Now you have options. You can go to the circuit finals, you can try to make the National Finals Breakaway Roping. We have places to go now.”

Her sister Makayla has choices that Danielle, even five years ago, didn’t have. “My sister is a senior in high school this year. She talks about getting her (Women’s Pro Rodeo Association) permit next year, and that was something I never thought about because it wasn’t a choice.”

Dent has a daughter, Abbigail, age nine, who, just this spring, roped her first calf while on horseback. “That really fed the fire (for her),” Dent said.

Abbigail is a dozen years away from pro rodeo, but Dent is glad that breakaway roping could be a possibility for her.

“How great is it, that my daughter can make that choice. Maybe she won’t want to do that at all, but I’m really excited about the opportunities for everybody.”

The Buffalo Bill Rodeo takes place this week, June 14-17, at the Wild West Arena in North Platte. Breakaway roping is one of eight events at the rodeo, including bareback riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, saddle bronc riding, team roping, barrel racing, and bull riding.

Performances begin at 8 pm. Slack, the extra competition, takes place at 8 am on June 14-15. Slack is free and open to the public.

Rodeo tickets range in price from $11-$24 and are available online at NebraskalandDays.com, at the Wild West Arena office (2400 North Buffalo Bill Ave.) and at the gate.

For more information and a complete schedule of NebraskalandDays events, visit the website or call&nbsp;the office at 308.532.7939.

Story by NebraskaLand Day's Communication<a>The options for professional cowgirls have opened up, and the Buffalo Bill Rodeo provides one of those choices.</a>With the addition of the women’s breakaway roping to the North Platte pro rodeo in 2020, cowgirls who don’t barrel race have another event they can enter.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686576759619.jpeg" alt="Brandy Schaack breakaway ropes at the 2021 Buffalo Bill Rodeo. The Chadron, Neb. cowgirl ropes in addition to teaching school. Photo by Don Christner " />
 <figcaption>Brandy Schaack breakaway ropes at the 2021 Buffalo Bill Rodeo. The Chadron, Neb. cowgirl ropes in addition to teaching school. Photo by Don Christner </figcaption>
 </figure>Among the more than 400 contestants entered at the North Platte rodeo this weekend, 54 of them are breakaway ropers, and twelve of them are Nebraska cowgirls.Katie Dent, Mullen, is one of those Nebraska women. When she graduated high school in 2002, she chose to play basketball at Hastings College, where she was on the national championship teams her freshman and senior years.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686576809682.jpeg" alt="Katie Dent, Mullen, Neb., is excited that breakaway roping has opened more doors for cowgirls to compete professionally. Photo by Don Christner." />
 <figcaption>Katie Dent, Mullen, Neb., is excited that breakaway roping has opened more doors for cowgirls to compete professionally. Photo by Don Christner.</figcaption>
 </figure>Breakaway roping has been an event in high school and college rodeo for years, but about three years ago, it began to be added to pro rodeos across the country.And as it’s opened more doors for cowgirls to compete professionally, the amount of money to be won by cowgirl ropers has increased dramatically. Like their counterparts in the barrel racing and the men’s events, breakaway ropers can make a living going down the rodeo road.If professional breakaway roping had been around when Dent got out of college, “it would have been a much bigger consideration,” she said. “There wasn’t any option for it, beyond college, as a professional career.”Dent’s brother is retired bareback rider Steven Dent, a ten-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifier and three-time reserve world champion. He was a standout football player and wrestler for Mullen High School.“I remember Steven trying to make that decision,” she said. “He asked himself, ‘am I going to play football (collegiately) or rodeo?’ Finally he said, I can make a pro career in rodeo. I didn’t have that opportunity. It wasn’t even an option.”Chadron’s Brandy Schaack will rope in North Platte. The Hyannis native teaches third grade and rodeos in the Badlands Circuit, the rodeos in North and South Dakota.A 2013 and 2014 state high school champion breakaway roper and 2021 collegiate regional champ, this will be her third time to compete in North Platte.She’ll compete at between forty and fifty rodeos this year, counting both pro rodeos and the regional associations.She loves that the breakaway roping is growing. “It’s crazy, to me, how far it’s come,” she said. “It’s really cool to see it added to more places, with equal (added) money. There’s so much money out there to be won, it’s insane.”Schaack travels with Danielle Wray, another breakaway roper, from Ord.A 2020 graduate of Mid-Plains Community College, Wray won the state high school breakaway title in 2018 and the 2019 and 2020 collegiate regional team roping titles.She and her dad, Mark, raise and train AQHA performance horses; her sister Makayla just finished her senior year as fourth in the state in the breakaway roping at the state high school finals rodeo, held in Burwell last weekend. &nbsp;Adding breakaway roping to pro rodeos “has opened many doors. Five years ago, after college, you had one option: amateur rodeos. Now you have options. You can go to the circuit finals, you can try to make the National Finals Breakaway Roping. We have places to go now.”Her sister Makayla has choices that Danielle, even five years ago, didn’t have. “My sister is a senior in high school this year. She talks about getting her (Women’s Pro Rodeo Association) permit next year, and that was something I never thought about because it wasn’t a choice.”Dent has a daughter, Abbigail, age nine, who, just this spring, roped her first calf while on horseback. “That really fed the fire (for her),” Dent said.Abbigail is a dozen years away from pro rodeo, but Dent is glad that breakaway roping could be a possibility for her.“How great is it, that my daughter can make that choice. Maybe she won’t want to do that at all, but I’m really excited about the opportunities for everybody.”The Buffalo Bill Rodeo takes place this week, June 14-17, at the Wild West Arena in North Platte. Breakaway roping is one of eight events at the rodeo, including bareback riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, saddle bronc riding, team roping, barrel racing, and bull riding.Performances begin at 8 pm. Slack, the extra competition, takes place at 8 am on June 14-15. Slack is free and open to the public.Rodeo tickets range in price from $11-$24 and are available online at NebraskalandDays.com, at the Wild West Arena office (2400 North Buffalo Bill Ave.) and at the gate.For more information and a complete schedule of NebraskalandDays events, visit the website or call&nbsp;the office at 308.532.7939.

Ropin' it in

Story by NU Athletic Communication

The Nebraska women's track and field team finished in eighth place at the NCAA Outdoor Championships at Mike A. Myers Stadium in Austin, Texas on Saturday. With 25 points and a top-10 finish, the Husker women had their best performance at the NCAA meet since tying for fourth in 2006. The 25 team points came from two individual national champions -&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/axelina-johansson/44425">Axelina Johansson</a>&nbsp;(shot put) and&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/rhema-otabor/44526">Rhema Otabor</a>&nbsp;(javelin) - and a fourth-place finish from&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/maddie-harris/44412">Maddie Harris</a>&nbsp;in the javelin.&nbsp; On the final day of the meet on Saturday,&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/rhianna-phipps/44532">Rhianna Phipps</a>&nbsp;jumped 43-9 3/4 (13.35m) in the triple jump to finish 13th and earn second-team All-America honors.&nbsp; <a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/jenna-rogers/44457">Jenna Rogers</a>&nbsp;placed 13th in the high jump, clearing 5-11 1/4 (1.81m). The second-team All-America honor is the fourth All-America honor for the sophomore.&nbsp; <a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/madison-yerigan/44530">Madison Yerigan</a>&nbsp;also cleared 5-11 1/4 (1.81m) in the high jump and finished 18th, which earned her USTFCCCA honorable mention.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationThe Nebraska women's track and field team finished in eighth place at the NCAA Outdoor Championships at Mike A. Myers Stadium in Austin, Texas on Saturday. With 25 points and a top-10 finish, the Husker women had their best performance at the NCAA meet since tying for fourth in 2006. The 25 team points came from two individual national champions -&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/axelina-johansson/44425">Axelina Johansson</a>&nbsp;(shot put) and&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/rhema-otabor/44526">Rhema Otabor</a>&nbsp;(javelin) - and a fourth-place finish from&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/maddie-harris/44412">Maddie Harris</a>&nbsp;in the javelin.&nbsp; On the final day of the meet on Saturday,&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/rhianna-phipps/44532">Rhianna Phipps</a>&nbsp;jumped 43-9 3/4 (13.35m) in the triple jump to finish 13th and earn second-team All-America honors.&nbsp; <a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/jenna-rogers/44457">Jenna Rogers</a>&nbsp;placed 13th in the high jump, clearing 5-11 1/4 (1.81m). The second-team All-America honor is the fourth All-America honor for the sophomore.&nbsp; <a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/madison-yerigan/44530">Madison Yerigan</a>&nbsp;also cleared 5-11 1/4 (1.81m) in the high jump and finished 18th, which earned her USTFCCCA honorable mention.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Husker Women finish eighth at NCAA Championships

FNBO Nationals Baseball: FNBO Nationals @ Lincoln Tournament Day 2

FNBO Nationals Baseball: FNBO Nationals @ Lincoln Tournament

Story by Nebraska Pro Volleyball Communications&nbsp;

In cooperation with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.provolleyball.com/" target="_blank">Pro Volleyball Federation</a>(PVF), Nebraska Pro Volleyball is bringing a women’s professional team to Omaha. Today, the Omaha-based team, led by Head Coach Shelton Collier, added three prominent offensive forces to the roster: Current USA National Team player, Danielle Hart; high-flying Baylor All American outside hitter, Yossiana “Yossi” Pressley; and former USA National Team veteran, TeTori “Tori” Dixon.Coach Collier said, “We are excited to bring this powerhouse offensive trio to Omaha. With this group, we now have one of the top middle blockers in the country in Danielle, one of the most exciting and dynamic hitters in the country in Yossi, and a veteran middle blocker with years of elite experience in Tori. All three will add tremendous value as we put together our team for January.”Danielle Hartis a current USA Team player and 2021 NCAA National Champion. Hart is a Virginia Beach native and graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 2022. As a Badger, Hart was a four-time Big 10 Champion, 2022 Third Team American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-American, 2022 Big 10 First Team All-American, 2019 and 2022 Big 10 Second Team All-American, and a five-time Academic All-Big 10 Honoree. Hart was also on the 2021 USA Women’s National Team.&nbsp;Coach Colliersaid, “Danielle is an exciting addition to the Omaha team for so many reasons. She is currently training with the USA National Team in Anaheim and has a legitimate opportunity to challenge for a position on the 2024 USA Olympic team. She already has a connection and comfort with our setter, Sydney Hilley, from winning a national championship together in Wisconsin, so they will be a dynamic combination to build our team around. In Danielle, we have a young, talented, explosive middle blocker who will certainly be among the most talented players joining the Pro Volleyball Federation this season.”Hart&nbsp;said, “I am so fired up to be joining Omaha in the chase of a championship with an incredibly talented team. The opportunity to play professionally in the United States and to be a part of the first year in the Pro Volleyball Federation is beyond exciting. Nebraska has always been a fantastic place to play with dedicated fans that are always eager for more volleyball. I look forward to helping build something special in Nebraska.”Hart&nbsp;added, “Shelton Collier has absolutely hit the ground sprinting. A huge ‘thank you’ to him for all his efforts, as well as the Nebraska Pro Volleyball owners and the Pro Volleyball Federation for pulling the pieces together to make this happen. I look forward to working with such a dedicated coach and so many elite players.”Yossiana&nbsp;Pressleyis a 2021 USA Volleyball Women’s College National Team member. Pressley is from Cypress, TX, and was an outside hitter for Baylor University. Pressley graduated in 2021 and has played professionally since. While at Baylor, Pressley was named a 2021 USA Volleyball Women’s Collegiate National Team member, 2021 All-Big 12 First Team, 2021 AVCA First Team All-American, 2021 NCAA Madison Regional All-Tournament Team, and twice the 2021 Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week. Pressley played professionally with Alsace Mulhouse Volley in Mulhouse, France.“Yossi is widely regarded as one of the most exciting and dynamic hitters in the country,” said&nbsp;Coach Collier. “She has an amazing vertical jump and has proven that she can be a devastating attacker from the back row and the front row. I am quite sure she will be a fan favorite with the Omaha fans, as she plays with a great competitive spirit and is simply really fun to watch. She was certainly a player we pursued aggressively right away, and we are excited that she will be playing in Omaha.”Pressley&nbsp;stated, “I am elated to be joining the Omaha team for multiple reasons. The first being that Nebraska is THE volleyball state and has such a huge fanbase with a positive atmosphere. Second, Coach Collier is a well-versed coach who knows the game well, has a great coaching philosophy, and wants to win. Lastly, I am excited to be playing with my future teammates in the United States.”Pressleyadded, “When Coach Collier reached out, I couldn’t tell who was more excited, myself or him. His energy will be the game changer for this upcoming season and his knowledge of volleyball will seal the deal. I am humbled to be coached by one of the best and blessed with the opportunity to grow in an environment where my teammates and I will be cared for. Pro Volleyball Federation is bringing professional volleyball to the next level, and I am beyond excited to be part of this special family.”Tori Dixonis a remarkable volleyball player and alumna of the University of Minnesota. Graduating in 2013, Dixon has more than a decade of professional experience. The Burnsville, Minnesota, native has accumulated multiple world honors and awards. Dixon was a part of the 2014 World Championship Gold Team as well as the 2018 and 2019 Volleyball Nations League Gold Team. She was named the 2019 China Volleyball League MVP, 2019 NORCECA Continental Championship Best Blocker, 2018 Volleyball Nations League Best Blocker, and 2015 World Cup Best Blocker. When she was a middle blocker at the University of Minnesota, Dixon played in Nebraska multiple times.Coach Colliersaid, “Tori brings a wealth of experience, both as a veteran USA National Team player and as a seasoned professional player at the highest level of worldwide competition. She will provide our team with strong leadership and years of exceptional play with and against some of the best players in the world. We wanted to bring in several players who have high-level experience playing professionally in other countries, and Tori will be a great addition to our team in that regard. She is truly a seasoned pro and will be a strong force in the Pro Volleyball Federation.”Dixonsaid, “I’ve played many matches in Omaha and the state of Nebraska. For good reason, everyone knows the level of support and fan engagement that volleyball has in Omaha is unmatched anywhere else in the country. The team that Omaha has prepared will be elite, and I’m excited to compete and show everyone what we can do.”On the powerhouse trio,&nbsp;Coach Collieradded, “These three players will bring an exciting combination of youthful enthusiasm along with veteran leadership and are a great start as we begin to build a championship caliber attacking and blocking team.”The Pro Volleyball Federation is expected to launch its first season in early 2024. Six of the markets have been announced: Omaha, Atlanta, San Diego, Orlando, Grand Rapids and Columbus, and are currently building their teams.ABOUT NEBRASKA PRO VOLLEYBALLNebraska Pro Volleyball aims to be the premier home of women’s volleyball throughout the world. The Omaha-based team is owned by global music sensation Jason Derulo and entrepreneurs Danny White and Chris Erickson, Co-Founders of City+Ventures, an investment and business acceleration organization headquartered in Omaha. Having been named one of the fastest growing companies in Nebraska and the U.S., City+Ventures pursues opportunities focused on investing in people and communities. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.city-ventures.com/" target="_blank">city-ventures.com</a>.As an international household name with more than 100 million followers across popular social media platforms, Derulo has sold more than 250 million singles worldwide, achieving 15 platinum singles. He joins Taylor Swift, Elton John, Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, Maroon 5, and Christina Aguilera as the only artists in history to achieve a #1 single on U.S. Pop Radio in three decades. Those wishing to be a part of Nebraska Pro Volleyball can email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jrwang@city-ventures.com" target="_blank">jrwang@city-ventures.com</a>.ABOUT PRO VOLLEYBALL FEDERATION&nbsp;Pro Volleyball Federation is REAL pro volleyball and the premier women’s professional volleyball league in North America. Pro Volleyball Federation will begin play in early 2024 with world class players and coaches, including some of America’s greatest volleyball players and elite players from around the world. Our entire focus is on ensuring that our level and quality of play, our treatment of players, the quality of our event presentations, and our day-to-day fan experience is world class and the very best offered in North America.&nbsp;Those wishing to become a part of Pro Volleyball Federation, whether as a player, coach, team owner, investor, sponsor, vendor, media company, or host venue, can email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@provolleyball.com" target="_blank">info@provolleyball.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Story by Nebraska Pro Volleyball Communications&nbsp;In cooperation with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.provolleyball.com/" target="_blank">Pro Volleyball Federation</a>(PVF), Nebraska Pro Volleyball is bringing a women’s professional team to Omaha. Today, the Omaha-based team, led by Head Coach Shelton Collier, added three prominent offensive forces to the roster: Current USA National Team player, Danielle Hart; high-flying Baylor All American outside hitter, Yossiana “Yossi” Pressley; and former USA National Team veteran, TeTori “Tori” Dixon.Coach Collier said, “We are excited to bring this powerhouse offensive trio to Omaha. With this group, we now have one of the top middle blockers in the country in Danielle, one of the most exciting and dynamic hitters in the country in Yossi, and a veteran middle blocker with years of elite experience in Tori. All three will add tremendous value as we put together our team for January.”Danielle Hartis a current USA Team player and 2021 NCAA National Champion. Hart is a Virginia Beach native and graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 2022. As a Badger, Hart was a four-time Big 10 Champion, 2022 Third Team American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-American, 2022 Big 10 First Team All-American, 2019 and 2022 Big 10 Second Team All-American, and a five-time Academic All-Big 10 Honoree. Hart was also on the 2021 USA Women’s National Team.&nbsp;Coach Colliersaid, “Danielle is an exciting addition to the Omaha team for so many reasons. She is currently training with the USA National Team in Anaheim and has a legitimate opportunity to challenge for a position on the 2024 USA Olympic team. She already has a connection and comfort with our setter, Sydney Hilley, from winning a national championship together in Wisconsin, so they will be a dynamic combination to build our team around. In Danielle, we have a young, talented, explosive middle blocker who will certainly be among the most talented players joining the Pro Volleyball Federation this season.”Hart&nbsp;said, “I am so fired up to be joining Omaha in the chase of a championship with an incredibly talented team. The opportunity to play professionally in the United States and to be a part of the first year in the Pro Volleyball Federation is beyond exciting. Nebraska has always been a fantastic place to play with dedicated fans that are always eager for more volleyball. I look forward to helping build something special in Nebraska.”Hart&nbsp;added, “Shelton Collier has absolutely hit the ground sprinting. A huge ‘thank you’ to him for all his efforts, as well as the Nebraska Pro Volleyball owners and the Pro Volleyball Federation for pulling the pieces together to make this happen. I look forward to working with such a dedicated coach and so many elite players.”Yossiana&nbsp;Pressleyis a 2021 USA Volleyball Women’s College National Team member. Pressley is from Cypress, TX, and was an outside hitter for Baylor University. Pressley graduated in 2021 and has played professionally since. While at Baylor, Pressley was named a 2021 USA Volleyball Women’s Collegiate National Team member, 2021 All-Big 12 First Team, 2021 AVCA First Team All-American, 2021 NCAA Madison Regional All-Tournament Team, and twice the 2021 Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week. Pressley played professionally with Alsace Mulhouse Volley in Mulhouse, France.“Yossi is widely regarded as one of the most exciting and dynamic hitters in the country,” said&nbsp;Coach Collier. “She has an amazing vertical jump and has proven that she can be a devastating attacker from the back row and the front row. I am quite sure she will be a fan favorite with the Omaha fans, as she plays with a great competitive spirit and is simply really fun to watch. She was certainly a player we pursued aggressively right away, and we are excited that she will be playing in Omaha.”Pressley&nbsp;stated, “I am elated to be joining the Omaha team for multiple reasons. The first being that Nebraska is THE volleyball state and has such a huge fanbase with a positive atmosphere. Second, Coach Collier is a well-versed coach who knows the game well, has a great coaching philosophy, and wants to win. Lastly, I am excited to be playing with my future teammates in the United States.”Pressleyadded, “When Coach Collier reached out, I couldn’t tell who was more excited, myself or him. His energy will be the game changer for this upcoming season and his knowledge of volleyball will seal the deal. I am humbled to be coached by one of the best and blessed with the opportunity to grow in an environment where my teammates and I will be cared for. Pro Volleyball Federation is bringing professional volleyball to the next level, and I am beyond excited to be part of this special family.”Tori Dixonis a remarkable volleyball player and alumna of the University of Minnesota. Graduating in 2013, Dixon has more than a decade of professional experience. The Burnsville, Minnesota, native has accumulated multiple world honors and awards. Dixon was a part of the 2014 World Championship Gold Team as well as the 2018 and 2019 Volleyball Nations League Gold Team. She was named the 2019 China Volleyball League MVP, 2019 NORCECA Continental Championship Best Blocker, 2018 Volleyball Nations League Best Blocker, and 2015 World Cup Best Blocker. When she was a middle blocker at the University of Minnesota, Dixon played in Nebraska multiple times.Coach Colliersaid, “Tori brings a wealth of experience, both as a veteran USA National Team player and as a seasoned professional player at the highest level of worldwide competition. She will provide our team with strong leadership and years of exceptional play with and against some of the best players in the world. We wanted to bring in several players who have high-level experience playing professionally in other countries, and Tori will be a great addition to our team in that regard. She is truly a seasoned pro and will be a strong force in the Pro Volleyball Federation.”Dixonsaid, “I’ve played many matches in Omaha and the state of Nebraska. For good reason, everyone knows the level of support and fan engagement that volleyball has in Omaha is unmatched anywhere else in the country. The team that Omaha has prepared will be elite, and I’m excited to compete and show everyone what we can do.”On the powerhouse trio,&nbsp;Coach Collieradded, “These three players will bring an exciting combination of youthful enthusiasm along with veteran leadership and are a great start as we begin to build a championship caliber attacking and blocking team.”The Pro Volleyball Federation is expected to launch its first season in early 2024. Six of the markets have been announced: Omaha, Atlanta, San Diego, Orlando, Grand Rapids and Columbus, and are currently building their teams.ABOUT NEBRASKA PRO VOLLEYBALLNebraska Pro Volleyball aims to be the premier home of women’s volleyball throughout the world. The Omaha-based team is owned by global music sensation Jason Derulo and entrepreneurs Danny White and Chris Erickson, Co-Founders of City+Ventures, an investment and business acceleration organization headquartered in Omaha. Having been named one of the fastest growing companies in Nebraska and the U.S., City+Ventures pursues opportunities focused on investing in people and communities. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.city-ventures.com/" target="_blank">city-ventures.com</a>.As an international household name with more than 100 million followers across popular social media platforms, Derulo has sold more than 250 million singles worldwide, achieving 15 platinum singles. He joins Taylor Swift, Elton John, Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, Maroon 5, and Christina Aguilera as the only artists in history to achieve a #1 single on U.S. Pop Radio in three decades. Those wishing to be a part of Nebraska Pro Volleyball can email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jrwang@city-ventures.com" target="_blank">jrwang@city-ventures.com</a>.ABOUT PRO VOLLEYBALL FEDERATION&nbsp;Pro Volleyball Federation is REAL pro volleyball and the premier women’s professional volleyball league in North America. Pro Volleyball Federation will begin play in early 2024 with world class players and coaches, including some of America’s greatest volleyball players and elite players from around the world. Our entire focus is on ensuring that our level and quality of play, our treatment of players, the quality of our event presentations, and our day-to-day fan experience is world class and the very best offered in North America.&nbsp;Those wishing to become a part of Pro Volleyball Federation, whether as a player, coach, team owner, investor, sponsor, vendor, media company, or host venue, can email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@provolleyball.com" target="_blank">info@provolleyball.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Nebraska Pro Volleyball announces powerhouse offensive trio

Story by Chadron Athletic Communications

Chadron State College and North Platte high school great, Danny Woodhead, has been named to the 2024 College Football Hall of Fame Ballot, the National Football Foundation announced on Monday. Woodhead, a two-time Harlon Hill Trophy winner, finished his Chadron State career as college football's all-time rushing leader (7,962 yards) while playing in 2004-2007. A three-time All-American and four-time most valuable player for Chadron State, Woodhead owned 21 NCAA Division II records when he graduated, including those for most consecutive games rushing 100 or more yards (16), games rushing 200 or more yards (19), most consecutive games scoring a touchdown (38)&nbsp;and most yards rushing in a season (2,756 in 2006).&nbsp;He finished his career with 109 touchdowns, tying him for the most in college football annals. He was the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year three times after being selected as the RMAC Offensive Freshman of the Year in 2004. As a senior, Woodhead also was selected as the conference's football scholar-athlete of the year, the first time the award was given, and won the 2007 National Scholar Athlete award as well.&nbsp; Woodhead is one of 11 National Football Foundation (NFF) National Scholar-Athletes on the 2024 Ballot. Along with the award from the NFF, he finished his collegiate career being named a First-Team Academic All-American in 2006 and 2007. Woodhead had a successful 10-year career in the National Football League before retiring in 2018. Also on the ballot is Duane Fritz, a punter from Chadron State. Fritz, a native of Bassett,&nbsp;was a tremendous punter for the Eagles in the mid-1970s.&nbsp; During his career, Fritz averaged 40 yards on 181 punts. He earned NAIA District 11 honors after averaging 42.3 yards on 65 punts as a junior in 1975 and 41.3 yards on 40 punts as a senior. Those averages are second and third on Eagles' seasonal chart. He was selected as the first-team NAIA All-American punter in 1975. He holds the CSC record for best punting average in a game, 49.7 yards on nine punts against Wayne State in 1975. In addition to punting, Fritz started at tight end for the Eagles three years, catching 42 passes for 498 yards. Woodhead, a native of North Platte,&nbsp;and Fritz, join 78 players and nine coaches from the Football Bowl Subdivision and 101 players and 32 coaches from the divisional ranks on the ballot. The announcement of the 2024 College Football Hall of Fame Class will be made in early 2024, with specific details to be announced in the future. The 2024 College Football Hall of Fame Class will be officially inducted during the 66th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas on Dec. 10, 2024, and permanently immortalized at the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta. They will also be honored at their respective schools with an NFF Hall of Fame On-Campus Salute, presented by Fidelity Investments, during the 2024 season.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Story by Chadron Athletic CommunicationsChadron State College and North Platte high school great, Danny Woodhead, has been named to the 2024 College Football Hall of Fame Ballot, the National Football Foundation announced on Monday. Woodhead, a two-time Harlon Hill Trophy winner, finished his Chadron State career as college football's all-time rushing leader (7,962 yards) while playing in 2004-2007. A three-time All-American and four-time most valuable player for Chadron State, Woodhead owned 21 NCAA Division II records when he graduated, including those for most consecutive games rushing 100 or more yards (16), games rushing 200 or more yards (19), most consecutive games scoring a touchdown (38)&nbsp;and most yards rushing in a season (2,756 in 2006).&nbsp;He finished his career with 109 touchdowns, tying him for the most in college football annals. He was the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year three times after being selected as the RMAC Offensive Freshman of the Year in 2004. As a senior, Woodhead also was selected as the conference's football scholar-athlete of the year, the first time the award was given, and won the 2007 National Scholar Athlete award as well.&nbsp; Woodhead is one of 11 National Football Foundation (NFF) National Scholar-Athletes on the 2024 Ballot. Along with the award from the NFF, he finished his collegiate career being named a First-Team Academic All-American in 2006 and 2007. Woodhead had a successful 10-year career in the National Football League before retiring in 2018. Also on the ballot is Duane Fritz, a punter from Chadron State. Fritz, a native of Bassett,&nbsp;was a tremendous punter for the Eagles in the mid-1970s.&nbsp; During his career, Fritz averaged 40 yards on 181 punts. He earned NAIA District 11 honors after averaging 42.3 yards on 65 punts as a junior in 1975 and 41.3 yards on 40 punts as a senior. Those averages are second and third on Eagles' seasonal chart. He was selected as the first-team NAIA All-American punter in 1975. He holds the CSC record for best punting average in a game, 49.7 yards on nine punts against Wayne State in 1975. In addition to punting, Fritz started at tight end for the Eagles three years, catching 42 passes for 498 yards. Woodhead, a native of North Platte,&nbsp;and Fritz, join 78 players and nine coaches from the Football Bowl Subdivision and 101 players and 32 coaches from the divisional ranks on the ballot. The announcement of the 2024 College Football Hall of Fame Class will be made in early 2024, with specific details to be announced in the future. The 2024 College Football Hall of Fame Class will be officially inducted during the 66th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas on Dec. 10, 2024, and permanently immortalized at the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta. They will also be honored at their respective schools with an NFF Hall of Fame On-Campus Salute, presented by Fidelity Investments, during the 2024 season.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Woodhead and Fritz named to 2024 College Football Hall of Fame Ballot

Five distinguished student-athletes and one legendary head coach make up the six individuals in the 2023 University of Nebraska Athletics Hall of Fame class, announced on Wednesday, June 7.

The 2023 class includes:&nbsp;Lori Endicott&nbsp;(volleyball, 1985-88);&nbsp;Tommie Frazier&nbsp;(football, 1992-95);&nbsp;Emily Parsons&nbsp;(women’s gymnastics, 2005-08);&nbsp;Tolly Thompson&nbsp;(wrestling, 1993-97);&nbsp;Brittany Timko&nbsp;(soccer, 2003-06); and retired men’s and women’s track and field head coach&nbsp;Gary Pepin.

The five student-athletes in the 2023 Nebraska Athletics Hall of Fame class combined to win two team national championships and one individual national title while earning 18 All-America awards. Pepin guided Nebraska to three national championships as the Huskers’ head coach, and his athletes combined for 59 individual national titles and 639 All-America accolades. The class will be permanently enshrined on a granite plaque with the names of the six members added to the University of Nebraska Athletics Hall of Fame Plaza.

“We are honored to recognize the achievements of these elite individuals, and we look forward to celebrating their accomplishments as we induct them into the University of Nebraska Athletics Hall of Fame this fall,’ Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Trev Alberts said. “The five student-athletes had a tremendous impact on the University of Nebraska and deserve to be recognized for their contributions as Cornhuskers. We are also excited to honor Coach Pepin, who served more student-athletes than any other coach in the history of Nebraska Athletics and has an unmatched resume as one of the greatest track and field coaches in NCAA history.”

The Nebraska Athletics Hall of Fame Plaza is located on a walkway, stretching from outside of East Memorial Stadium and continuing to the historic NU Coliseum. The University of Nebraska Athletics Hall of Fame Plaza is accessible to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week at no charge and is lit for night viewing. The plaza recognizes each annual Hall of Fame class, along with columns dedicated to the history and successes of each of Nebraska's athletic programs.

One common trait shared by each member of the 2023 Hall of Fame was conference domination, both from an individual and team standpoint.

Each of the five student-athletes was an individual conference champion, conference player of the year, or both. The student-athletes combined to win 14 team conference championships and 10 individual conference titles while being recognized with seven conference player-of-the-year awards. From a coaching perspective, Pepin won 73 team conference championships (40 on the women’s side and 33 on the men’s side) and his athletes won 597 individual conference titles.

Endicott helped the volleyball program to a Big Eight title in each of her four seasons from 1985 to 1988, including four regular-season championships and three tournament titles. The first conference player of the year in program history, Endicott was the 1987 and 1988 Big Eight Player of the Year. She was also an All-American both seasons and an academic All-American as a senior. A native of Springfield, Missouri, Endicott went on to become the first Husker volleyball player to compete in the Olympics (1992, 1996), helping the United States to a Bronze medal in 1992.

Frazier was also a conference champion every season of his career, leading the football team to Big Eight titles in 1992, 1993, 1994 and 1995. He was the Big Eight Freshman/Newcomer of the Year in 1992 and was the Offensive Player of the Year in 1995. Frazier posted a 33-3 record as Nebraska’s starting quarterback, including a 19-1 mark in conference play. He helped Nebraska to back-to-back national championships in 1994 and 1995 and was a three-time Most Valuable Player in National Championship bowl games. The runner-up for the 1995 Heisman Trophy, Frazier was named one of the 10 Greatest College Football Players of the 20th Century. A Bradenton, Florida, native, Frazier was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2013.

Parsons won seven individual Big 12 Conference titles and two team championships during her four-year career as a Nebraska gymnast from 2005 to 2008. A native of St. Charles, Missouri, Parsons was the 2005 Big 12 Newcomer of the Year and the 2007 Big 12 Co-Gymnast of the Year. A nine-time regional champion and three-time regional gymnast of the year, Parsons was an 11-time All-American. She earned All-America accolades on multiple events all four seasons of her career and was a first-team All-American in at least one event all four years.

Thompson was a three-time conference champion during his distinguished career as a heavyweight wrestler from 1993 to 1997. After redshirting in 1993, he was the Big Eight champion in 1995 and 1996 before winning the Big 12 heavyweight title in 1997. In 1995, Thompson was the NCAA Champion before finishing third in both 1996 and 1997. A three-time All-American, Thompson was 15-2 with three top-three finishes in his NCAA Tournament career, and he went 8-1 at the conference tournament. A native of Janesville, Iowa, Thompson won 157 matches in his career, a total that ranked in the top 10 in NCAA history at the conclusion of his career. He still holds the Nebraska record for all-time victories.

Timko was one of the most decorated soccer players in Big 12 Conference history. She was the Big 12 Player of the Year in 2004 and 2005 before sharing the top honor in 2006. The only three-time player of the year in Big 12 history, Timko was also a two-time All-American and was an outstanding international player, competing on the world stage even during her Husker career. In her freshman season at Nebraska, Timko helped Canada to a fourth-place finish at the Women’s World Cup. One year later, she won the Golden Boot Award as the top scorer at the 2004 FIFA U-19 World Championship. Timko played in three World Cups and two Olympics in her international career, winning a Bronze medal in 2012. She was inducted into the Canada Soccer Hall of Fame in 2020.

Pepin is the sixth coach to be inducted into the Nebraska Athletics Hall of Fame. He was the head coach of the Husker women’s track and field team from 1981 to 2022, and Pepin guided the men’s team from 1984 to 2022. The numbers during his tenure as the longest-serving head coach in Nebraska history are staggering: three team national championships; 73 team conference titles; 59 individual NCAA champions; 597 individual conference champions; 639 All-Americans; and 68 Academic All-Americans. Pepin was named the conference coach of the year 28 times during his illustrious career. The 1995 National Indoor Coach of the Year, Pepin was inducted into the U.S. Track &amp; Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2008.

2023 Nebraska Athletics Hall of Fame Class

<a>2023 Nebraska Athletics Hall of Fame Class Bios</a>

Lori Endicott, Volleyball (1985-88), Springfield, Missouri

Lori Endicott was the first Nebraska volleyball player to be recognized as the conference player of the year and was the first Husker to play in the Olympics. Endicott hit over .300 as an outside hitter her first two seasons, when she was also a part-time setter. In her sophomore season, she played a key role in leading Nebraska to an NCAA runner-up finish. Endicott moved into the starting setter role as a junior and senior, when she was the Big Eight Player of the Year and an All-American each season. As a junior, she was the 1987 Big Eight Player of the Year and a second-team All-American. In her final season in 1988, Endicott repeated as Big Eight Player of the Year while earning first-team All-America accolades and second-team Academic All-America recognition. She ended her career as Nebraska’s all-time leader in assists (3,117). From a team perspective, Endicott helped Nebraska to the Big Eight title in each of her four seasons from 1985 to 1988, including four regular-season championships and three tournament titles. Following her Husker career, she was a member of Team USA for the 1992 and 1996 Olympics, winning a Bronze medal in the 1992 Barcelona Games. In 2005, she was a recipient of the USA Volleyball “Flo” Hyman All-Time Great Women’s Player Award.

Tommie Frazier, Football (1992-95), Bradenton, Florida

Tommie Frazier is widely regarded as one of the best quarterbacks – and winners – in the history of college football. Named one of the 10 Greatest College Football Players of the 20th Century, Frazier led Nebraska to four Big Eight titles, with the Huskers going undefeated in the regular season and playing for the national title in each of his final three seasons. Frazier posted a 33-3 record as Nebraska’s starting quarterback, culminating with back-to-back perfect national championship seasons in 1994 and 1995. A three-time national championship game Most Valuable Player, Frazier burst onto the scene in 1992, when he became the first true freshman to ever start at quarterback for Nebraska. He was the Big Eight Freshman/Newcomer of the Year in 1992 and the Big Eight Offensive Player of the Year in 1995. Frazier was the runner-up for the 1995 Heisman Trophy in addition to being named the national player of the year by two media outlets. He finished his career – including bowl games – with 4,003 passing yards and 2,290 rushing yards. Frazier accounted for 6,293 yards of total offense with 85 total touchdowns. A Bradenton, Florida, native, Frazier was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2013, and his No. 15 jersey was retired by Nebraska in 1996. Frazier earned his degree in communication studies from the University of Nebraska in 1996.

Emily Parsons, Women’s Gymnastics (2005-08), St. Charles, Missouri

Emily Parsons was an 11-time All-American during her distinguished career as a Husker gymnast from 2005 to 2008. She set a school record with 114 career event titles, and Parsons’ 11 All-America awards are tied for the most in Nebraska history. Parsons earned All-America recognition on multiple events in each of her four seasons. She was a first-team All-American in four different events, including the all-around. On the regional level, Parsons was a three-time regional gymnast of the year who was a four-time regional champion in the floor exercise, three-time winner on vault and two-time all-around champion. Parsons was also dominant on the conference level, where she was recognized as the 2005 Big 12 Newcomer of the Year and the 2007 Big 12 Co-Gymnast of the Year. Parsons was named the Big 12 Gymnast of the Week 15 times during her career, and she was a seven-time Big 12 champion, including a dominant 2007 championship when she won titles in the all-around, vault, beam and floor exercise. Parsons earned her degree in sociology from the University of Nebraska in 2009.

Tolly Thompson, Wrestling (1993-97), Janesville, Iowa

Tolly Thompson owns the most victories of any wrestler in Nebraska history. Thompson went 157-21 in his four seasons to become the only Husker with 150 career wins. The 1995 NCAA Heavyweight champion, Thompson was a three-time All-American and a three-time conference champion. After going 18-5 with 12 pins during his redshirt season, Thompson went 38-13 as a freshman in 1993-94, setting the school record for most victories by a freshman. Over his final three seasons, Thompson posted a 119-8 record with a conference title and a top-three NCAA finish each year. As a sophomore, he went 36-2 en route to becoming the NCAA champion. The next year, Thompson was 42-2 and finished the season with a third-place NCAA finish. As a senior, Thompson posted a 41-4 record, and he again finished third at the NCAA Championships. With more than 40 wins as both a junior and senior, Thompson became the only Husker wrestler with two 40-win seasons. His 157 career victories ranked eighth in NCAA history at the conclusion of his career. Thompson earned his degree in family and consumer science from the University of Nebraska in 1997.

Brittany Timko, Soccer (2003-06), Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada

Brittany Timko was one of the most decorated soccer players in Big 12 Conference history, and she competed in three World Cups and two Olympics during an illustrious international career. Timko was the Big 12 Player of the Year in 2004 and 2005 before sharing the conference’s top honor in 2006. The only three-time player of the year in Big 12 history, Timko was also a two-time All-American. She scored 41 goals and had 42 assists in 71 career matches, ranking in the top five in Nebraska history with 124 career points. One of only two players in program history with 40 goals and 40 assists, Timko had four hat tricks in her career, and she set a Nebraska season record with 21 assists as a junior in 2005. Timko was also an outstanding international player, competing on the world stage even during her Husker career. In her freshman season, Timko helped Canada to a fourth-place finish at the Women’s World Cup. One year later, she won the Golden Boot Award as the top scorer at the 2004 FIFA U-19 World Championship. Timko also won a Bronze medal with Team Canada in 2012. She was inducted into the Canada Soccer Hall of Fame in 2020. Timko earned her degree in psychology from the University of Nebraska in 2008.

Gary Pepin, Head Coach: Women’s Track &amp; Field (1981-2022); Men’s Track &amp; Field (1984-2022)

The sixth coach to be inducted into the Nebraska Athletics Hall of Fame, Gary Pepin was the longest-serving head coach in the history of Husker Athletics. He was the head coach of the Husker women’s track and field team for 42 seasons from 1981 to 2022, and Pepin guided the men’s team from 1984 to 2022. He led the Nebraska women to three straight indoor national championships from 1982 to 1984, including the first two NCAA Indoor Championships in 1983 and 1984. In addition to three team national championships, Pepin’s teams won 73 conference titles. His women’s program won 40 conference titles (23 indoor; 17 outdoor) while his men’s teams won 33 championships (20 indoor; 13 outdoor). From 1981 to 1995, Pepin’s women’s teams won both the indoor and outdoor conference championships every season. Individually, Pepin’s student-athletes combined for 59 individual NCAA titles, 597 individual conference championships, 639 All-America awards and 68 Academic All-America accolades. Pepin was named the conference coach of the year 28 times, and he was the region coach of the year 11 times. The 1995 National Indoor Coach of the Year, Pepin was inducted into the U.S. Track &amp; Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2008.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsFive distinguished student-athletes and one legendary head coach make up the six individuals in the 2023 University of Nebraska Athletics Hall of Fame class, announced on Wednesday, June 7.The 2023 class includes:&nbsp;Lori Endicott&nbsp;(volleyball, 1985-88);&nbsp;Tommie Frazier&nbsp;(football, 1992-95);&nbsp;Emily Parsons&nbsp;(women’s gymnastics, 2005-08);&nbsp;Tolly Thompson&nbsp;(wrestling, 1993-97);&nbsp;Brittany Timko&nbsp;(soccer, 2003-06); and retired men’s and women’s track and field head coach&nbsp;Gary Pepin.The five student-athletes in the 2023 Nebraska Athletics Hall of Fame class combined to win two team national championships and one individual national title while earning 18 All-America awards. Pepin guided Nebraska to three national championships as the Huskers’ head coach, and his athletes combined for 59 individual national titles and 639 All-America accolades. The class will be permanently enshrined on a granite plaque with the names of the six members added to the University of Nebraska Athletics Hall of Fame Plaza.“We are honored to recognize the achievements of these elite individuals, and we look forward to celebrating their accomplishments as we induct them into the University of Nebraska Athletics Hall of Fame this fall,’ Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Trev Alberts said. “The five student-athletes had a tremendous impact on the University of Nebraska and deserve to be recognized for their contributions as Cornhuskers. We are also excited to honor Coach Pepin, who served more student-athletes than any other coach in the history of Nebraska Athletics and has an unmatched resume as one of the greatest track and field coaches in NCAA history.”The Nebraska Athletics Hall of Fame Plaza is located on a walkway, stretching from outside of East Memorial Stadium and continuing to the historic NU Coliseum. The University of Nebraska Athletics Hall of Fame Plaza is accessible to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week at no charge and is lit for night viewing. The plaza recognizes each annual Hall of Fame class, along with columns dedicated to the history and successes of each of Nebraska's athletic programs.A Class of Conference ChampionsOne common trait shared by each member of the 2023 Hall of Fame was conference domination, both from an individual and team standpoint.Each of the five student-athletes was an individual conference champion, conference player of the year, or both. The student-athletes combined to win 14 team conference championships and 10 individual conference titles while being recognized with seven conference player-of-the-year awards. From a coaching perspective, Pepin won 73 team conference championships (40 on the women’s side and 33 on the men’s side) and his athletes won 597 individual conference titles.Endicott helped the volleyball program to a Big Eight title in each of her four seasons from 1985 to 1988, including four regular-season championships and three tournament titles. The first conference player of the year in program history, Endicott was the 1987 and 1988 Big Eight Player of the Year. She was also an All-American both seasons and an academic All-American as a senior. A native of Springfield, Missouri, Endicott went on to become the first Husker volleyball player to compete in the Olympics (1992, 1996), helping the United States to a Bronze medal in 1992.Frazier was also a conference champion every season of his career, leading the football team to Big Eight titles in 1992, 1993, 1994 and 1995. He was the Big Eight Freshman/Newcomer of the Year in 1992 and was the Offensive Player of the Year in 1995. Frazier posted a 33-3 record as Nebraska’s starting quarterback, including a 19-1 mark in conference play. He helped Nebraska to back-to-back national championships in 1994 and 1995 and was a three-time Most Valuable Player in National Championship bowl games. The runner-up for the 1995 Heisman Trophy, Frazier was named one of the 10 Greatest College Football Players of the 20th Century. A Bradenton, Florida, native, Frazier was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2013.Parsons won seven individual Big 12 Conference titles and two team championships during her four-year career as a Nebraska gymnast from 2005 to 2008. A native of St. Charles, Missouri, Parsons was the 2005 Big 12 Newcomer of the Year and the 2007 Big 12 Co-Gymnast of the Year. A nine-time regional champion and three-time regional gymnast of the year, Parsons was an 11-time All-American. She earned All-America accolades on multiple events all four seasons of her career and was a first-team All-American in at least one event all four years.Thompson was a three-time conference champion during his distinguished career as a heavyweight wrestler from 1993 to 1997. After redshirting in 1993, he was the Big Eight champion in 1995 and 1996 before winning the Big 12 heavyweight title in 1997. In 1995, Thompson was the NCAA Champion before finishing third in both 1996 and 1997. A three-time All-American, Thompson was 15-2 with three top-three finishes in his NCAA Tournament career, and he went 8-1 at the conference tournament. A native of Janesville, Iowa, Thompson won 157 matches in his career, a total that ranked in the top 10 in NCAA history at the conclusion of his career. He still holds the Nebraska record for all-time victories.Timko was one of the most decorated soccer players in Big 12 Conference history. She was the Big 12 Player of the Year in 2004 and 2005 before sharing the top honor in 2006. The only three-time player of the year in Big 12 history, Timko was also a two-time All-American and was an outstanding international player, competing on the world stage even during her Husker career. In her freshman season at Nebraska, Timko helped Canada to a fourth-place finish at the Women’s World Cup. One year later, she won the Golden Boot Award as the top scorer at the 2004 FIFA U-19 World Championship. Timko played in three World Cups and two Olympics in her international career, winning a Bronze medal in 2012. She was inducted into the Canada Soccer Hall of Fame in 2020.Pepin is the sixth coach to be inducted into the Nebraska Athletics Hall of Fame. He was the head coach of the Husker women’s track and field team from 1981 to 2022, and Pepin guided the men’s team from 1984 to 2022. The numbers during his tenure as the longest-serving head coach in Nebraska history are staggering: three team national championships; 73 team conference titles; 59 individual NCAA champions; 597 individual conference champions; 639 All-Americans; and 68 Academic All-Americans. Pepin was named the conference coach of the year 28 times during his illustrious career. The 1995 National Indoor Coach of the Year, Pepin was inducted into the U.S. Track &amp; Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2008.2023 Nebraska Athletics Hall of Fame Class<ul>
 <li>Lori Endicott,&nbsp;Volleyball (1985-88)</li><li>Tommie Frazier,&nbsp;Football (1992-95)</li><li>Emily Parsons,&nbsp;Women’s Gymnastics (2005-08)</li><li>Tolly Thompson, Wrestling (1993-97)</li><li>Brittany Timko,&nbsp;Soccer (2003-06)</li><li>Gary Pepin,&nbsp;Track &amp; Field Head Coach (1981-2022)</li>
 </ul><a>2023 Nebraska Athletics Hall of Fame Class Bios</a>Lori Endicott, Volleyball (1985-88), Springfield, MissouriLori Endicott was the first Nebraska volleyball player to be recognized as the conference player of the year and was the first Husker to play in the Olympics. Endicott hit over .300 as an outside hitter her first two seasons, when she was also a part-time setter. In her sophomore season, she played a key role in leading Nebraska to an NCAA runner-up finish. Endicott moved into the starting setter role as a junior and senior, when she was the Big Eight Player of the Year and an All-American each season. As a junior, she was the 1987 Big Eight Player of the Year and a second-team All-American. In her final season in 1988, Endicott repeated as Big Eight Player of the Year while earning first-team All-America accolades and second-team Academic All-America recognition. She ended her career as Nebraska’s all-time leader in assists (3,117). From a team perspective, Endicott helped Nebraska to the Big Eight title in each of her four seasons from 1985 to 1988, including four regular-season championships and three tournament titles. Following her Husker career, she was a member of Team USA for the 1992 and 1996 Olympics, winning a Bronze medal in the 1992 Barcelona Games. In 2005, she was a recipient of the USA Volleyball “Flo” Hyman All-Time Great Women’s Player Award.Tommie Frazier, Football (1992-95), Bradenton, FloridaTommie Frazier is widely regarded as one of the best quarterbacks – and winners – in the history of college football. Named one of the 10 Greatest College Football Players of the 20th Century, Frazier led Nebraska to four Big Eight titles, with the Huskers going undefeated in the regular season and playing for the national title in each of his final three seasons. Frazier posted a 33-3 record as Nebraska’s starting quarterback, culminating with back-to-back perfect national championship seasons in 1994 and 1995. A three-time national championship game Most Valuable Player, Frazier burst onto the scene in 1992, when he became the first true freshman to ever start at quarterback for Nebraska. He was the Big Eight Freshman/Newcomer of the Year in 1992 and the Big Eight Offensive Player of the Year in 1995. Frazier was the runner-up for the 1995 Heisman Trophy in addition to being named the national player of the year by two media outlets. He finished his career – including bowl games – with 4,003 passing yards and 2,290 rushing yards. Frazier accounted for 6,293 yards of total offense with 85 total touchdowns. A Bradenton, Florida, native, Frazier was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2013, and his No. 15 jersey was retired by Nebraska in 1996. Frazier earned his degree in communication studies from the University of Nebraska in 1996.Emily Parsons, Women’s Gymnastics (2005-08), St. Charles, MissouriEmily Parsons was an 11-time All-American during her distinguished career as a Husker gymnast from 2005 to 2008. She set a school record with 114 career event titles, and Parsons’ 11 All-America awards are tied for the most in Nebraska history. Parsons earned All-America recognition on multiple events in each of her four seasons. She was a first-team All-American in four different events, including the all-around. On the regional level, Parsons was a three-time regional gymnast of the year who was a four-time regional champion in the floor exercise, three-time winner on vault and two-time all-around champion. Parsons was also dominant on the conference level, where she was recognized as the 2005 Big 12 Newcomer of the Year and the 2007 Big 12 Co-Gymnast of the Year. Parsons was named the Big 12 Gymnast of the Week 15 times during her career, and she was a seven-time Big 12 champion, including a dominant 2007 championship when she won titles in the all-around, vault, beam and floor exercise. Parsons earned her degree in sociology from the University of Nebraska in 2009.Tolly Thompson, Wrestling (1993-97), Janesville, IowaTolly Thompson owns the most victories of any wrestler in Nebraska history. Thompson went 157-21 in his four seasons to become the only Husker with 150 career wins. The 1995 NCAA Heavyweight champion, Thompson was a three-time All-American and a three-time conference champion. After going 18-5 with 12 pins during his redshirt season, Thompson went 38-13 as a freshman in 1993-94, setting the school record for most victories by a freshman. Over his final three seasons, Thompson posted a 119-8 record with a conference title and a top-three NCAA finish each year. As a sophomore, he went 36-2 en route to becoming the NCAA champion. The next year, Thompson was 42-2 and finished the season with a third-place NCAA finish. As a senior, Thompson posted a 41-4 record, and he again finished third at the NCAA Championships. With more than 40 wins as both a junior and senior, Thompson became the only Husker wrestler with two 40-win seasons. His 157 career victories ranked eighth in NCAA history at the conclusion of his career. Thompson earned his degree in family and consumer science from the University of Nebraska in 1997.Brittany Timko, Soccer (2003-06), Coquitlam, British Columbia, CanadaBrittany Timko was one of the most decorated soccer players in Big 12 Conference history, and she competed in three World Cups and two Olympics during an illustrious international career. Timko was the Big 12 Player of the Year in 2004 and 2005 before sharing the conference’s top honor in 2006. The only three-time player of the year in Big 12 history, Timko was also a two-time All-American. She scored 41 goals and had 42 assists in 71 career matches, ranking in the top five in Nebraska history with 124 career points. One of only two players in program history with 40 goals and 40 assists, Timko had four hat tricks in her career, and she set a Nebraska season record with 21 assists as a junior in 2005. Timko was also an outstanding international player, competing on the world stage even during her Husker career. In her freshman season, Timko helped Canada to a fourth-place finish at the Women’s World Cup. One year later, she won the Golden Boot Award as the top scorer at the 2004 FIFA U-19 World Championship. Timko also won a Bronze medal with Team Canada in 2012. She was inducted into the Canada Soccer Hall of Fame in 2020. Timko earned her degree in psychology from the University of Nebraska in 2008.Gary Pepin, Head Coach: Women’s Track &amp; Field (1981-2022); Men’s Track &amp; Field (1984-2022)The sixth coach to be inducted into the Nebraska Athletics Hall of Fame, Gary Pepin was the longest-serving head coach in the history of Husker Athletics. He was the head coach of the Husker women’s track and field team for 42 seasons from 1981 to 2022, and Pepin guided the men’s team from 1984 to 2022. He led the Nebraska women to three straight indoor national championships from 1982 to 1984, including the first two NCAA Indoor Championships in 1983 and 1984. In addition to three team national championships, Pepin’s teams won 73 conference titles. His women’s program won 40 conference titles (23 indoor; 17 outdoor) while his men’s teams won 33 championships (20 indoor; 13 outdoor). From 1981 to 1995, Pepin’s women’s teams won both the indoor and outdoor conference championships every season. Individually, Pepin’s student-athletes combined for 59 individual NCAA titles, 597 individual conference championships, 639 All-America awards and 68 Academic All-America accolades. Pepin was named the conference coach of the year 28 times, and he was the region coach of the year 11 times. The 1995 National Indoor Coach of the Year, Pepin was inducted into the U.S. Track &amp; Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2008.

Six selected for Nebraska Athletics Hall of Fame

Corey, Levi and Chuck Heeman join North Platte Sports Director Paxton Gordon to talk about what goes on behind the scenes of a baseball operation and what goes into game day prep.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655346441244.png" alt="<a href="http://www.npkubota.com/">Post Podcast sponsored by North Platte Kubota</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="http://www.npkubota.com/">Post Podcast sponsored by North Platte Kubota</a></figcaption>
 </figure>Corey, Levi and Chuck Heeman join North Platte Sports Director Paxton Gordon to talk about what goes on behind the scenes of a baseball operation and what goes into game day prep.<div><iframe title="North Platte Plainsmen behind the scenes" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=qgkhw-142c134-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=1&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00"></iframe></div>

FNBO Nationals Baseball: FNBO Nationals @ Hastings

Ty Lucas joins Eagle Radios Sports Director Paxton Gordon to talk all things about the upcoming Jr Ambassadors Golf Tournament starting 24th through the 25th.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655146989142.png" alt="<a href="http://www.npkubota.com/">Post Podcast sponsored by North Platte Kubota</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="http://www.npkubota.com/">Post Podcast sponsored by North Platte Kubota</a></figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Jr Ambassador Golf Tournament - Converstaion with Ty Lucas" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=2tvtd-142aa9f-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=1&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00"></iframe></div>Ty Lucas joins Eagle Radios Sports Director Paxton Gordon to talk all things about the upcoming Jr Ambassadors Golf Tournament starting 24th through the 25th.&nbsp;