Millard North & Anderson Ford Vs. FNBO Nationals

The Hays Baseball Club's Wild West Fest Tournament is scheduled for June 30 to July 3 in Hays.

Games will be played at Larks Park, Hays High School and the Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex. Registration for the USSSA-sanctioned event is open in the 18U and 16U categories.

To sign up, <a href="https://www.usssa.com/baseball/event_home/?eventID=364709">CLICK HERE</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654954441711.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>The Hays Baseball Club's Wild West Fest Tournament is scheduled for June 30 to July 3 in Hays.Games will be played at Larks Park, Hays High School and the Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex. Registration for the USSSA-sanctioned event is open in the 18U and 16U categories.To sign up, <a href="https://www.usssa.com/baseball/event_home/?eventID=364709">CLICK HERE</a>.

⚾Registration open for Wild West Fest baseball tourney in Hays, Kan.

FNBO Nationals Vs. Union Bank American Legion Baseball Lincoln Tournament 6-10-2022

<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=43406">Maddie Harris</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=43689">Axelina Johansson</a>&nbsp;earned medals in the javelin and shot put, respectively,&nbsp;on Thursday at Hayward Field on the second day of the NCAA Track and Field Championships.&nbsp; Harris, a sophomore, led the Husker women with a&nbsp;second-place finish in the javelin to earn the silver medal.&nbsp;The two-time Big Ten champion and school-record holder logged a best throw of 189-3 (57.69) to earn first-team All-America honors and score eight team points for the NU women. Harris was a national qualifier last year but finished 19th. Her finish is the best by a Husker woman at the NCAA Outdoor Championships since 2006. Johansson, a freshman for the Big Red, earned the NCAA bronze medal in the shot put to score six team points and also collect first-team All-America accolades. A second-team All-American indoors after an 11th-place finish, Johansson bettered that on Thursday with a throw of 59-3 (18.06m) to put her on the podium&nbsp;in her first outdoor championships. It was the best finish by a Husker woman in the outdoor shot put since 2006.&nbsp; With their 14 combined points through five of 21 events, the Nebraska women are tied for second place with 14 team points behind Arizona State (18).&nbsp; <a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=43470">LaQwasia Stepney</a>&nbsp;finished 13th in the long jump in her first trip to the NCAA Championships to earn second-team All-America accolades. The Big Ten outdoor silver medalist, Stepney's mark was 20-5 (6.22m).&nbsp; Husker javelin thrower&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=43424">Mirta Kulisic</a>&nbsp;finished 14th in the competition to earn second-team All-America honors for the first time in her career. The sophomore recorded a season-best throw of 171-9 (52.35m) to achieve her best finish at nationals after placing 20th as a freshman last year.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=43406">Maddie Harris</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=43689">Axelina Johansson</a>&nbsp;earned medals in the javelin and shot put, respectively,&nbsp;on Thursday at Hayward Field on the second day of the NCAA Track and Field Championships.&nbsp; Harris, a sophomore, led the Husker women with a&nbsp;second-place finish in the javelin to earn the silver medal.&nbsp;The two-time Big Ten champion and school-record holder logged a best throw of 189-3 (57.69) to earn first-team All-America honors and score eight team points for the NU women. Harris was a national qualifier last year but finished 19th. Her finish is the best by a Husker woman at the NCAA Outdoor Championships since 2006. Johansson, a freshman for the Big Red, earned the NCAA bronze medal in the shot put to score six team points and also collect first-team All-America accolades. A second-team All-American indoors after an 11th-place finish, Johansson bettered that on Thursday with a throw of 59-3 (18.06m) to put her on the podium&nbsp;in her first outdoor championships. It was the best finish by a Husker woman in the outdoor shot put since 2006.&nbsp; With their 14 combined points through five of 21 events, the Nebraska women are tied for second place with 14 team points behind Arizona State (18).&nbsp; <a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=43470">LaQwasia Stepney</a>&nbsp;finished 13th in the long jump in her first trip to the NCAA Championships to earn second-team All-America accolades. The Big Ten outdoor silver medalist, Stepney's mark was 20-5 (6.22m).&nbsp; Husker javelin thrower&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=43424">Mirta Kulisic</a>&nbsp;finished 14th in the competition to earn second-team All-America honors for the first time in her career. The sophomore recorded a season-best throw of 171-9 (52.35m) to achieve her best finish at nationals after placing 20th as a freshman last year.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Harris, Johansson garner NCAA Medals

The Mid-Plains Community College Rodeo Team will now send five members to the College National Finals Rodeo June 12-18 in Casper, Wyo.

The team gained a qualifier in Quade Potter, of Stockville, who will represent MPCC in the steer wrestling.

“Due to unfortunate injuries by former alum Landon Sivertsen, who is now at Dickinson State, and Chance Grill, of South Dakota State University, Quade earned a spot in the draw,” said Wyatt Clark, MPCC Rodeo Team timed event coach. “Quade placed fifth in the region in steer wrestling, and we are excited to have him join us in Casper. Some tough draws hindered him this season, but he worked very hard the past year, and I’m excited for him to have this opportunity. Quade’s addition will help round out our men’s points team at the CNFR as well.”

MPCC’s other qualifiers include Jacob Haren, of Erie, Colo., in the tie-down roping and team roping; Jentri Hurlburt, of Arcadia, and Barrett Schlieker, of Fort Lupton, Colo., in the team roping and Koby Jacobson, of Haiku, Hawaii, in the bull riding.

Haren ended the season as the Great Plains Region reserve champion header and tie-down roper. It will be the first time that he, Hurlburt and Schlieker compete at the CNFR and the fourth consecutive trip for Jacobson.

Hurlburt is fourth on the regional leaderboard in heading, and Schlieker is fifth in heeling. Jacobson is third in the region in bull riding.

Haren is also sitting third in the men’s regional all-around standings. Jacobson and Schlieker earned placings in the year-end all-around standings as well by garnering over 200 points in two events throughout the season.

“I’m excited for all our MPCC athletes competing in Casper,” said Aukai Kaai, MPCC Rodeo Team roughstock coach. “They all compete at a high caliber, and they will represent MPCC well. I can’t wait to get up there.”

Jacobson will ride his first bull Sunday, the second one Tuesday and compete in the Thursday performance.

The timed event contestants will compete in slack Monday and Tuesday and in performances Tuesday through Friday. The short round will be June 18.

Fans can keep up with the MPCC Rodeo Team’s time at nationals on the Mid-Plains Community College Rodeo Team Facebook page or its Instagram handle, @mid_plains_rodeo.

More information about the CNFR, including a detailed schedule, coverage and daily results can be found online at&nbsp;<a href="https://cnfr.com/" target="_blank">https://cnfr.com/</a>.

The Mid-Plains Community College Rodeo Team will now send five members to the College National Finals Rodeo June 12-18 in Casper, Wyo.The team gained a qualifier in Quade Potter, of Stockville, who will represent MPCC in the steer wrestling.“Due to unfortunate injuries by former alum Landon Sivertsen, who is now at Dickinson State, and Chance Grill, of South Dakota State University, Quade earned a spot in the draw,” said Wyatt Clark, MPCC Rodeo Team timed event coach. “Quade placed fifth in the region in steer wrestling, and we are excited to have him join us in Casper. Some tough draws hindered him this season, but he worked very hard the past year, and I’m excited for him to have this opportunity. Quade’s addition will help round out our men’s points team at the CNFR as well.”MPCC’s other qualifiers include Jacob Haren, of Erie, Colo., in the tie-down roping and team roping; Jentri Hurlburt, of Arcadia, and Barrett Schlieker, of Fort Lupton, Colo., in the team roping and Koby Jacobson, of Haiku, Hawaii, in the bull riding.Haren ended the season as the Great Plains Region reserve champion header and tie-down roper. It will be the first time that he, Hurlburt and Schlieker compete at the CNFR and the fourth consecutive trip for Jacobson.Hurlburt is fourth on the regional leaderboard in heading, and Schlieker is fifth in heeling. Jacobson is third in the region in bull riding.Haren is also sitting third in the men’s regional all-around standings. Jacobson and Schlieker earned placings in the year-end all-around standings as well by garnering over 200 points in two events throughout the season.“I’m excited for all our MPCC athletes competing in Casper,” said Aukai Kaai, MPCC Rodeo Team roughstock coach. “They all compete at a high caliber, and they will represent MPCC well. I can’t wait to get up there.”Jacobson will ride his first bull Sunday, the second one Tuesday and compete in the Thursday performance.The timed event contestants will compete in slack Monday and Tuesday and in performances Tuesday through Friday. The short round will be June 18.Fans can keep up with the MPCC Rodeo Team’s time at nationals on the Mid-Plains Community College Rodeo Team Facebook page or its Instagram handle, @mid_plains_rodeo.More information about the CNFR, including a detailed schedule, coverage and daily results can be found online at&nbsp;<a href="https://cnfr.com/" target="_blank">https://cnfr.com/</a>.

 MPCC Rodeo Team adds fifth national qualifier

Story by&nbsp;North Platte Area Sports Commission

The Nebraska Baseball Academy returns to North Platte for an All-Skills Satellite Camp this summer! The North Platte camp will be held on Tuesday, June 28th, at Bill Wood Field, home of the North Platte FNBO Nationals American Legion Baseball Team and the new North Platte Plainsmen Wooden Bat League.&nbsp;The camp begins at 9am and concludes at 2:30pm.&nbsp;Lunch is provided to all participants.

Camp is open to 2nd&nbsp;graders – High School Seniors.&nbsp;Groups will be determined by age group and those attending will work on all areas of the game…. from throwing, hitting, pitching, base running, outfield work, infield work and catching. Autographs and merchandise will be available after camp!

We encourage you to visit our website at&nbsp;<a href="http://bigredacademy.com/" target="_blank">bigredacademy.com</a>.&nbsp;Here you will find additional information on the North Platte Satellite Camp along with a link for online registration.

If you have questions, please contact Renee Brinkmann;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:baseball@bigredacademy.com" target="_blank">baseball@bigredacademy.com</a>&nbsp;or 402-413-8881, or local event coordinator, Samantha Geisler with the North Platte Area Sports Commission; (308)221-6865 or SGeisler@PlayNorthPlatte.com

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

Story by&nbsp;North Platte Area Sports CommissionThe Nebraska Baseball Academy returns to North Platte for an All-Skills Satellite Camp this summer! The North Platte camp will be held on Tuesday, June 28th, at Bill Wood Field, home of the North Platte FNBO Nationals American Legion Baseball Team and the new North Platte Plainsmen Wooden Bat League.&nbsp;The camp begins at 9am and concludes at 2:30pm.&nbsp;Lunch is provided to all participants.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654707009834.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Camp is open to 2nd&nbsp;graders – High School Seniors.&nbsp;Groups will be determined by age group and those attending will work on all areas of the game…. from throwing, hitting, pitching, base running, outfield work, infield work and catching. Autographs and merchandise will be available after camp!<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654706994271.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>We encourage you to visit our website at&nbsp;<a href="http://bigredacademy.com/" target="_blank">bigredacademy.com</a>.&nbsp;Here you will find additional information on the North Platte Satellite Camp along with a link for online registration.If you have questions, please contact Renee Brinkmann;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:baseball@bigredacademy.com" target="_blank">baseball@bigredacademy.com</a>&nbsp;or 402-413-8881, or local event coordinator, Samantha Geisler with the North Platte Area Sports Commission; (308)221-6865 or SGeisler@PlayNorthPlatte.comRegister TODAY…..it’s a fun day at the ballpark!

The Nebraska Baseball Academy returns to North Platte for an All-Skills Satellite Camp

Story by NU Athletic Communications

Six distinguished student-athletes, a legendary head coach and a Title IX Trailblazer make up the eight individuals in the 2022 University of Nebraska Athletic Hall of Fame class, announced on June 6. The class includes:&nbsp;Guy Chamberlin&nbsp;(football, 1913-15);&nbsp;Christina Houghtelling&nbsp;(volleyball, 2003-07);&nbsp;Patrick Kirksey&nbsp;(men's gymnastics, 1987-90);&nbsp;Shane Komine&nbsp;(baseball, 1999-2002);&nbsp;Angela Thacker&nbsp;(women's track and field, 1983-86);&nbsp;Ali Viola&nbsp;(softball, 1995-98); former bowling head coach&nbsp;Bill Straub; and&nbsp;Louise Pound, a pioneer and advocate for women's athletics in the late 19th and early 20th centuries who is being inducted in honor of the 50th anniversary of Title IX becoming federal law. The six student-athletes in the 2022 Nebraska Athletic Hall of Fame class combined to win five team national championships and four individual NCAA titles while collecting 31 All-America awards and four Academic All-America honors. The class will be permanently enshrined with a granite plaque with the names of the six members added to the University of Nebraska Athletic Hall of Fame Plaza. "This is an outstanding class who are all extremely deserving of induction into the University of Nebraska Athletic Hall of Fame," Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/staff.aspx?staff=1497">Trev Alberts</a>&nbsp;said. "This distinguished group embodied competitive excellence, using their individual talents to lead their Husker teams to tremendous success. As we prepare to kick off a year-long celebration of the 50th anniversary of Title IX, we are also pleased to recognize the immense contributions of Louise Pound, a pioneer who was truly one of the first champions for female athletes and whose athletic and academic contributions have left a lasting mark at the University of Nebraska." The Nebraska Athletic 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 Athletic 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. Winning a Theme of 2022 Hall of Fame Class The common theme among the eight members of the 2022 Hall of Fame class is winning. Nebraska football never lost a game in the three years Guy Chamberlin was on campus (1913-15), compiling a 23-0-1 record and winning the conference title every season. After serving in the U.S. Army following his Husker career, Chamberlin went on to become the first Husker to play in what is now the NFL. He was a winner in the professional ranks as well, winning four professional titles in five seasons as a player-coach. Nebraska volleyball posted a 154-12 record in the five years Christina Houghtelling was in Lincoln. From 2003 to 2007, Houghtelling helped the Huskers to four Big 12 titles and four top-five NCAA finishes, including a runner-up finish in 2005 and a national championship in 2006. When Nebraska was the NCAA runner-up in 2005, Houghtelling was the National Player of the Year. Patrick Kirksey added to the legacy of the Nebraska men's gymnastics programs as a four-year standout from 1987 to 1990. A three-time individual NCAA champion, Kirksey played a key role in Nebraska winning the national title in both 1988 and 1990. In Kirksey's career, the Huskers were either the NCAA champion or NCAA runner-up all four seasons. Shane Komine took the Nebraska baseball program to new heights from 1999 to 2002. He won a school-record 41 games in his career and helped the Huskers to 190 wins in his four seasons, an average of nearly 48 wins per season. Komine was the ace on the first Nebraska team to advance to a Super Regional (2000) before leading the Huskers to back-to-back College World Series appearance in 2001 and 2002, the program's first two trips to Omaha. Angela Thacker was a 15-time conference champion and the 1983 NCAA indoor long jump champion. Thacker also played a key role in leading Nebraska to NCAA indoor national championships in 1983 and 1984. Thacker had a pair of top-three finishes at the 1983 championship and posted three top-three finishes at the 1984 championship. She contributed 35 team points for Nebraska's back-to-back national championships in 1983 and 1984. Ali Viola was a key reason for the rapid rise of the Husker softball program from 1995 to 1998. After four straight losing seasons, Nebraska won 162 games and nearly 70 percent of its games during Viola's career. Nebraska ended a six-year postseason drought by making the NCAA Tournament in each of Viola's four seasons. Her career culminated with a record-breaking 1998 season when Nebraska went undefeated in the Big 12, swept the conference regular-season and tournament titles and advanced to the Women's College World Series for the first time in a decade. Bill Straub produced consistent winners as Nebraska's head bowling coach. Straub's teams won eight national titles in the 22 seasons he led the program as a varsity sport. Bowling became an NCAA sport beginning with the 2003-04 season, and Straub guided Nebraska to the NCAA Final nine times in 16 seasons, winning five NCAA titles. The Huskers won the inaugural NCAA Championship in 2004 and repeated as national champions in 2005, while also winning the NCAA title in 2009, 2013 and 2015. Louise Pound won big in an era where female athletes had limited opportunities to compete. She was the 1891 and 1892 University of Nebraska-Lincoln tennis champion, competing in a primarily male field to win both titles. She was also the university runner-up in 1894, which earned her a men's varsity letter and the distinction as the only woman in Nebraska Athletics history to be a men's letterwinner. While completing her Ph.D. in Germany, Pound also played the Olympic men's singles tennis champion to a draw. On the links, Pound won the inaugural women's state golf championship in her only appearance at the event, and she won the Lincoln Country Club golf championship 21 times in a 22-year span from 1906 to 1927, missing out on only the 1924 title because she did not compete. 2022 Nebraska Athletic Hall of Fame Class

Guy&nbsp;Chamberlin, Football (1913-15), Blue Springs, Nebraska Guy Chamberlin joins the Nebraska Athletic Hall of Fame after previously being enshrined in both the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame. Chamberlin was a first-team All-American as a senior in 1915, becoming the second player in program history to earn All-America honors. Nebraska won three Missouri Valley Conference titles and never lost a game in Chamberlin's three seasons, posting a 23-0-1 record while in the midst of a school-record 34-game unbeaten streak. Included in the streak was a 20-19 victory over powerhouse Notre Dame in 1915, when Chamberlin had two rushing touchdowns and threw the game-winning touchdown pass. A 1916 University of Nebraska graduate, Chamberlin served in the U.S. Army from 1917 to 1919 before resuming his football career. In 1919, Chamberlin was the first Husker to play in the American Professional Football League, which eventually became the National Football League. Chamberlin was not only an outstanding player, but as a player-coach he won four professional championships in five seasons. Overall, Chamberlin was 56-14-5 in his professional coaching career. Chamberlin was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1962 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1965. His jersey was retired by Nebraska in 2017. Chamberlin passed away in Lincoln on April 4, 1967, at the age of 73. Christina Houghtelling, Volleyball (2003-07), Cambridge, Nebraska Christina Houghtelling was the National Player of the Year, a two-time All-American, a two-time Academic All-American and a national champion during her distinguished career as a Nebraska volleyball player. She displayed great perseverance by overcoming injuries throughout her career. Houghtelling missed six weeks as a freshman with an injury and had knee surgery prior to her sophomore season. She returned from the surgery to emerge as the top player in the country as a junior in 2005. That season, she was chosen as the National Player of the Year and a first-team All-American after averaging 3.69 kills, 2.49 digs and 1.03 blocks per set. Houghtelling bumped those averages to 4.00 kills, 2.54 digs and 1.29 blocks per set against top-10 opponents, helping the Huskers to an NCAA runner-up finish. Nebraska would go on to win the national championship in 2006, but Houghtelling had to sit out that season following surgery on both her shoulder and knee. She came back for a fifth season in 2007 and earned second-team All-America honors while being named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. In addition to her accomplishments on the court, Houghtelling was also a standout in the classroom. She was a first-team Academic All-American in both 2005 and 2007, being recognized as an All-American and Academic All-American both seasons. Nebraska posted a 154-12 record during Houghtelling's five season, won four Big 12 titles and advanced to a pair of NCAA Finals. Houghtelling earned her degree in elementary education from Nebraska in 2007. Patrick Kirksey, Men's Gymnastics (1987-90), Tucker, Georgia Patrick Kirksey was a multi-time individual and team national champion at Nebraska in addition to being one of the top student-athletes in the NCAA. He was a three-time individual NCAA champion, a two-time team national champion, an eight-time All-American, a 10-time conference champion, an Academic All-American and an NCAA Top Six Award winner. After a freshman season where he earned a spot on the U.S. Senior National Team, Kirksey helped Nebraska to the 1988 national championship as a sophomore, when he earned All-America honors on the vault. In 1989, Kirksey was the NCAA all-around and parallel bars champion, while totaling four All-America awards. In his final season in 1990, Kirksey was a finalist for the Nissen-Emery Award as the nation's top gymnast. He repeated as parallel bars champion as a senior and earned three All-America awards to help Nebraska to the national championship. Outside of the gym, Kirksey was named a third-team Academic All-American in 1990, and he received an NCAA Top Six award, which was presented to the top six student-athletes in the NCAA across all sports and divisions. Kirksey graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1991 with a degree in finance. Shane Komine, Baseball (1999-2002), Honolulu, Hawaii Shane Komine was one of the top pitchers in NCAA history. Komine rewrote the Husker pitching record book while leading the program to new heights. He posted a 41-8 record with a 2.84 ERA over 68 career appearances and 59 starts, tossing 18 complete games and four shutouts. In 431.0 career innings, Komine posted 510 strikeouts, the fifth-highest total in NCAA history at the conclusion of his career. Komine ended his career with all-time school records for wins, innings, starts, complete games, strikeouts and shutouts. He still holds all of those records except shutouts. Along the way, Komine became the first two-time first-team All-American in program history, and he was a three-time All-American overall. A National Player of the Year finalist in 2000, Komine was selected as the Big 12 Pitcher of the Year in both 2000 and 2001, after being recognized as the 1999 Big 12 Freshman of the Year and a first-team freshman All-American. Nebraska recorded 190 victories in Komine's four seasons, including the first two 50-win seasons in program history (2000 &amp; 2001). Komine also helped lead the Huskers to the first two College World Series appearances in program history in 2001 and 2002. Following his Husker career, Komine was selected in the ninth round of the 2002 Major League Baseball Draft, and he played two seasons for the Oakland Athletics. Komine also excelled in the classroom at Nebraska, as he was a second-team Academic All-American as a senior. He earned his degree in sociology from the University of Nebraska in 2010. Angela Thacker, Women's Track &amp; Field (1983-86), St. Louis, Missouri Angela Thacker was a 14-time All-American, a 15-time conference champion, an NCAA long jump champion and an Olympian. In addition to her individual accolades, she played a key role in Nebraska capturing the first two team indoor national championships in NCAA history in 1983 and 1984. Thacker was an all-around athlete, earning All-America honors in five individual events and two relays. As a freshman, Thacker finished second in the long jump and third in the 60-yard dash to help Nebraska win the inaugural NCAA Women's Indoor Championship in 1983. The Huskers repeated as indoor national champions the next season when Thacker won the long jump, finished second in the 55-meter dash and was a member of Nebraska's third-place 4x400-meter relay team. In those two NCAA indoor championships, Thacker scored 35 points for Nebraska, the second-highest career total in program history. At the conference level, Thacker was a 15-time champion. She won multiple conference titles all four years of her indoor career and was a three-time champion in the 300-yard dash and long jump. Thacker owns school records in the indoor (21-10 ¼) and outdoor (22-4 ¼) long jump and was a member of Nebraska's 4x100-meter relay team that owns the top outdoor time in program history (43.44). Internationally, she set the American record for the 300-yard dash in 1985 and finished fourth in the long jump at the 1984 Olympics. Thacker earned her degree in elementary education from the University of Nebraska in 1987. Ali Viola, Softball (1995-98), Novato, California Ali Viola is the most decorated All-American in Nebraska softball history. She earned All-America honors in three of her four seasons, missing out on the honor as a junior when she suffered a season-ending injury 21 games into the season. Viola is the only two-time first-team All-American in program history and the only Husker to be a two-time conference player of the year. In her career, Viola posted a .418 batting average with 263 hits, 105 extra-base hits, 48 doubles, 53 home runs, 157 runs, 213 RBIs, 116 walks and a .760 slugging percentage. Viola ended her career with nine Nebraska all-time records and ranked fourth in NCAA history in home runs, fifth in slugging percentage, eighth in walks, 10th in RBIs and 21st in batting average. She also set numerous Nebraska season records, and Viola still holds program records for most home runs and RBIs in a season, while also owning the top season slugging percentage and three of the top four season batting averages. Viola burst onto the scene as the Big Eight Freshman and Player of the Year in 1995, and she was a second-team All-American that season. Viola was a first-team All-American as a sophomore in 1996. After playing less than half of her junior season, Viola capped her career in grand fashion. As a senior in 1998, Viola was the Big 12 Player of the Year, a first-team All-American and a finalist for National Player of the Year. She was a major reason Nebraska went undefeated in the Big 12 and swept the conference regular-season and tournament titles. Viola helped Nebraska advance to the 1998 Women's College World Series, and she was named to the WCWS All-Tournament team as the Huskers finished fifth. Viola earned her degree in sociology from the University of Nebraska in 1998. Her No. 2 jersey was retired by Nebraska in 2018. Bill Straub, Bowling Head Coach (1983-2019) Bill Straub is the fifth head coach to be inducted into the Nebraska Athletics Hall of Fame. Straub's name is synonymous with Nebraska bowling, as he led the program for more than 35 years. He played a leading role in the advancement of bowling at both the institutional and national levels, helping elevate the program to varsity status at Nebraska and leading the charge for bowling to become an NCAA sport. Straub led the program from 1983 to 2019, first as a club sport (1983-95), then as a varsity sport (beginning in 1997-98) and finally an NCAA sport (beginning in 2003-04). Straub coached 16 seasons at the NCAA level before he retired following the 2019 season. He guided Nebraska to five NCAA titles and four runner-up finishes, including winning the first two NCAA Championships in 2004 and 2005. Straub led Nebraska to the NCAA Final in nine of the 16 seasons coaching at the NCAA level. He was a three-time National Coach of the Year (2005, 2013 &amp; 2017), and Straub coached seven National Bowlers of the Year, including a stretch from 2000 to 2010 when a Husker was named the nation's top bowler seven times. As a varsity sport, Nebraska won eight national titles and more than 100 tournaments under Straub. He also coached the men's bowling program as a club sport from 1983 to 2003, winning two national titles on the men's side. All told, Straub guided Nebraska to a total of 10 national championships. An outstanding bowler himself, Straub is a member of the Lincoln, Omaha and Nebraska Bowling Halls of Fame. Louise Pound, Title IX Trailblazer Louise Pound is the only female in the history of Nebraska Athletics to earn a men's varsity letter. She earned a men's tennis letter in 1894, when athletic opportunities for females were at best limited and often non-existent. Pound paved the way for countless female athletes at Nebraska, making it appropriate she is inducted as a member of the 2022 Nebraska Athletic Hall of Fame Class on the 50th anniversary of Title IX becoming federal law. Pound was a pioneering female athlete for more than three decades from the 1890s through the 1920s, winning campus, city and state titles in golf and tennis. The 1890 Lincoln city tennis champion, Pound was also the 1891 and 1892 University of Nebraska-Lincoln tennis champion, defeating all competition for the title, including men. Pound finished runner-up at the 1894 men's intercollegiate tennis tournament, which led to her men's varsity letter. In 1897, Pound won the Women's Western Championship and was rated as the top amateur player in the country. After she was refused admittance for graduate study in America, Pound traveled to Germany to earn her Ph.D. and while abroad, she played the Olympic men's singles tennis champion to a draw. Outside of tennis, Pound organized and captained Nebraska's first women's basketball team as a graduate student before later managing the team. As a golfer, Pound won the first women's state golf championship in the only year she entered the event and was the Lincoln Country Club golf champion every year from 1906 to 1927, except 1924 when she didn't enter. Pound was also a cyclist and figure skater and played a lead role in establishing the Nebraska Spirit Squad. Outside of athletics, Pound was a UNL English professor for 50 years and was the first woman president of the Modern Language Association. A lifelong Lincoln native, Pound passed away in Lincoln on June 28, 1958, at the age of 85.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsSix distinguished student-athletes, a legendary head coach and a Title IX Trailblazer make up the eight individuals in the 2022 University of Nebraska Athletic Hall of Fame class, announced on June 6. The class includes:&nbsp;Guy Chamberlin&nbsp;(football, 1913-15);&nbsp;Christina Houghtelling&nbsp;(volleyball, 2003-07);&nbsp;Patrick Kirksey&nbsp;(men's gymnastics, 1987-90);&nbsp;Shane Komine&nbsp;(baseball, 1999-2002);&nbsp;Angela Thacker&nbsp;(women's track and field, 1983-86);&nbsp;Ali Viola&nbsp;(softball, 1995-98); former bowling head coach&nbsp;Bill Straub; and&nbsp;Louise Pound, a pioneer and advocate for women's athletics in the late 19th and early 20th centuries who is being inducted in honor of the 50th anniversary of Title IX becoming federal law. The six student-athletes in the 2022 Nebraska Athletic Hall of Fame class combined to win five team national championships and four individual NCAA titles while collecting 31 All-America awards and four Academic All-America honors. The class will be permanently enshrined with a granite plaque with the names of the six members added to the University of Nebraska Athletic Hall of Fame Plaza. "This is an outstanding class who are all extremely deserving of induction into the University of Nebraska Athletic Hall of Fame," Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/staff.aspx?staff=1497">Trev Alberts</a>&nbsp;said. "This distinguished group embodied competitive excellence, using their individual talents to lead their Husker teams to tremendous success. As we prepare to kick off a year-long celebration of the 50th anniversary of Title IX, we are also pleased to recognize the immense contributions of Louise Pound, a pioneer who was truly one of the first champions for female athletes and whose athletic and academic contributions have left a lasting mark at the University of Nebraska." The Nebraska Athletic 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 Athletic 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. Winning a Theme of 2022 Hall of Fame Class The common theme among the eight members of the 2022 Hall of Fame class is winning. Nebraska football never lost a game in the three years Guy Chamberlin was on campus (1913-15), compiling a 23-0-1 record and winning the conference title every season. After serving in the U.S. Army following his Husker career, Chamberlin went on to become the first Husker to play in what is now the NFL. He was a winner in the professional ranks as well, winning four professional titles in five seasons as a player-coach. Nebraska volleyball posted a 154-12 record in the five years Christina Houghtelling was in Lincoln. From 2003 to 2007, Houghtelling helped the Huskers to four Big 12 titles and four top-five NCAA finishes, including a runner-up finish in 2005 and a national championship in 2006. When Nebraska was the NCAA runner-up in 2005, Houghtelling was the National Player of the Year. Patrick Kirksey added to the legacy of the Nebraska men's gymnastics programs as a four-year standout from 1987 to 1990. A three-time individual NCAA champion, Kirksey played a key role in Nebraska winning the national title in both 1988 and 1990. In Kirksey's career, the Huskers were either the NCAA champion or NCAA runner-up all four seasons. Shane Komine took the Nebraska baseball program to new heights from 1999 to 2002. He won a school-record 41 games in his career and helped the Huskers to 190 wins in his four seasons, an average of nearly 48 wins per season. Komine was the ace on the first Nebraska team to advance to a Super Regional (2000) before leading the Huskers to back-to-back College World Series appearance in 2001 and 2002, the program's first two trips to Omaha. Angela Thacker was a 15-time conference champion and the 1983 NCAA indoor long jump champion. Thacker also played a key role in leading Nebraska to NCAA indoor national championships in 1983 and 1984. Thacker had a pair of top-three finishes at the 1983 championship and posted three top-three finishes at the 1984 championship. She contributed 35 team points for Nebraska's back-to-back national championships in 1983 and 1984. Ali Viola was a key reason for the rapid rise of the Husker softball program from 1995 to 1998. After four straight losing seasons, Nebraska won 162 games and nearly 70 percent of its games during Viola's career. Nebraska ended a six-year postseason drought by making the NCAA Tournament in each of Viola's four seasons. Her career culminated with a record-breaking 1998 season when Nebraska went undefeated in the Big 12, swept the conference regular-season and tournament titles and advanced to the Women's College World Series for the first time in a decade. Bill Straub produced consistent winners as Nebraska's head bowling coach. Straub's teams won eight national titles in the 22 seasons he led the program as a varsity sport. Bowling became an NCAA sport beginning with the 2003-04 season, and Straub guided Nebraska to the NCAA Final nine times in 16 seasons, winning five NCAA titles. The Huskers won the inaugural NCAA Championship in 2004 and repeated as national champions in 2005, while also winning the NCAA title in 2009, 2013 and 2015. Louise Pound won big in an era where female athletes had limited opportunities to compete. She was the 1891 and 1892 University of Nebraska-Lincoln tennis champion, competing in a primarily male field to win both titles. She was also the university runner-up in 1894, which earned her a men's varsity letter and the distinction as the only woman in Nebraska Athletics history to be a men's letterwinner. While completing her Ph.D. in Germany, Pound also played the Olympic men's singles tennis champion to a draw. On the links, Pound won the inaugural women's state golf championship in her only appearance at the event, and she won the Lincoln Country Club golf championship 21 times in a 22-year span from 1906 to 1927, missing out on only the 1924 title because she did not compete. 2022 Nebraska Athletic Hall of Fame Class<ul>
 <li>Guy Chamberlin, Football (1913-15)</li><li>Christina Houghtelling,&nbsp;Volleyball (2003-07)</li><li>Patrick Kirksey, Men's Gymnastics (1987-90)</li><li>Shane Komine,&nbsp;Baseball (1999-2002)</li><li>Angela Thacker,&nbsp;Women's Track &amp; Field (1983-86)</li><li>Ali Viola, Softball (1995-98)</li><li>Bill Straub,&nbsp;Bowling Head Coach (1996-2019)</li><li>Louise Pound,&nbsp;Title IX Trailblazer</li>
 </ul>Guy&nbsp;Chamberlin, Football (1913-15), Blue Springs, Nebraska Guy Chamberlin joins the Nebraska Athletic Hall of Fame after previously being enshrined in both the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame. Chamberlin was a first-team All-American as a senior in 1915, becoming the second player in program history to earn All-America honors. Nebraska won three Missouri Valley Conference titles and never lost a game in Chamberlin's three seasons, posting a 23-0-1 record while in the midst of a school-record 34-game unbeaten streak. Included in the streak was a 20-19 victory over powerhouse Notre Dame in 1915, when Chamberlin had two rushing touchdowns and threw the game-winning touchdown pass. A 1916 University of Nebraska graduate, Chamberlin served in the U.S. Army from 1917 to 1919 before resuming his football career. In 1919, Chamberlin was the first Husker to play in the American Professional Football League, which eventually became the National Football League. Chamberlin was not only an outstanding player, but as a player-coach he won four professional championships in five seasons. Overall, Chamberlin was 56-14-5 in his professional coaching career. Chamberlin was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1962 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1965. His jersey was retired by Nebraska in 2017. Chamberlin passed away in Lincoln on April 4, 1967, at the age of 73. Christina Houghtelling, Volleyball (2003-07), Cambridge, Nebraska Christina Houghtelling was the National Player of the Year, a two-time All-American, a two-time Academic All-American and a national champion during her distinguished career as a Nebraska volleyball player. She displayed great perseverance by overcoming injuries throughout her career. Houghtelling missed six weeks as a freshman with an injury and had knee surgery prior to her sophomore season. She returned from the surgery to emerge as the top player in the country as a junior in 2005. That season, she was chosen as the National Player of the Year and a first-team All-American after averaging 3.69 kills, 2.49 digs and 1.03 blocks per set. Houghtelling bumped those averages to 4.00 kills, 2.54 digs and 1.29 blocks per set against top-10 opponents, helping the Huskers to an NCAA runner-up finish. Nebraska would go on to win the national championship in 2006, but Houghtelling had to sit out that season following surgery on both her shoulder and knee. She came back for a fifth season in 2007 and earned second-team All-America honors while being named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. In addition to her accomplishments on the court, Houghtelling was also a standout in the classroom. She was a first-team Academic All-American in both 2005 and 2007, being recognized as an All-American and Academic All-American both seasons. Nebraska posted a 154-12 record during Houghtelling's five season, won four Big 12 titles and advanced to a pair of NCAA Finals. Houghtelling earned her degree in elementary education from Nebraska in 2007. Patrick Kirksey, Men's Gymnastics (1987-90), Tucker, Georgia Patrick Kirksey was a multi-time individual and team national champion at Nebraska in addition to being one of the top student-athletes in the NCAA. He was a three-time individual NCAA champion, a two-time team national champion, an eight-time All-American, a 10-time conference champion, an Academic All-American and an NCAA Top Six Award winner. After a freshman season where he earned a spot on the U.S. Senior National Team, Kirksey helped Nebraska to the 1988 national championship as a sophomore, when he earned All-America honors on the vault. In 1989, Kirksey was the NCAA all-around and parallel bars champion, while totaling four All-America awards. In his final season in 1990, Kirksey was a finalist for the Nissen-Emery Award as the nation's top gymnast. He repeated as parallel bars champion as a senior and earned three All-America awards to help Nebraska to the national championship. Outside of the gym, Kirksey was named a third-team Academic All-American in 1990, and he received an NCAA Top Six award, which was presented to the top six student-athletes in the NCAA across all sports and divisions. Kirksey graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1991 with a degree in finance. Shane Komine, Baseball (1999-2002), Honolulu, Hawaii Shane Komine was one of the top pitchers in NCAA history. Komine rewrote the Husker pitching record book while leading the program to new heights. He posted a 41-8 record with a 2.84 ERA over 68 career appearances and 59 starts, tossing 18 complete games and four shutouts. In 431.0 career innings, Komine posted 510 strikeouts, the fifth-highest total in NCAA history at the conclusion of his career. Komine ended his career with all-time school records for wins, innings, starts, complete games, strikeouts and shutouts. He still holds all of those records except shutouts. Along the way, Komine became the first two-time first-team All-American in program history, and he was a three-time All-American overall. A National Player of the Year finalist in 2000, Komine was selected as the Big 12 Pitcher of the Year in both 2000 and 2001, after being recognized as the 1999 Big 12 Freshman of the Year and a first-team freshman All-American. Nebraska recorded 190 victories in Komine's four seasons, including the first two 50-win seasons in program history (2000 &amp; 2001). Komine also helped lead the Huskers to the first two College World Series appearances in program history in 2001 and 2002. Following his Husker career, Komine was selected in the ninth round of the 2002 Major League Baseball Draft, and he played two seasons for the Oakland Athletics. Komine also excelled in the classroom at Nebraska, as he was a second-team Academic All-American as a senior. He earned his degree in sociology from the University of Nebraska in 2010. Angela Thacker, Women's Track &amp; Field (1983-86), St. Louis, Missouri Angela Thacker was a 14-time All-American, a 15-time conference champion, an NCAA long jump champion and an Olympian. In addition to her individual accolades, she played a key role in Nebraska capturing the first two team indoor national championships in NCAA history in 1983 and 1984. Thacker was an all-around athlete, earning All-America honors in five individual events and two relays. As a freshman, Thacker finished second in the long jump and third in the 60-yard dash to help Nebraska win the inaugural NCAA Women's Indoor Championship in 1983. The Huskers repeated as indoor national champions the next season when Thacker won the long jump, finished second in the 55-meter dash and was a member of Nebraska's third-place 4x400-meter relay team. In those two NCAA indoor championships, Thacker scored 35 points for Nebraska, the second-highest career total in program history. At the conference level, Thacker was a 15-time champion. She won multiple conference titles all four years of her indoor career and was a three-time champion in the 300-yard dash and long jump. Thacker owns school records in the indoor (21-10 ¼) and outdoor (22-4 ¼) long jump and was a member of Nebraska's 4x100-meter relay team that owns the top outdoor time in program history (43.44). Internationally, she set the American record for the 300-yard dash in 1985 and finished fourth in the long jump at the 1984 Olympics. Thacker earned her degree in elementary education from the University of Nebraska in 1987. Ali Viola, Softball (1995-98), Novato, California Ali Viola is the most decorated All-American in Nebraska softball history. She earned All-America honors in three of her four seasons, missing out on the honor as a junior when she suffered a season-ending injury 21 games into the season. Viola is the only two-time first-team All-American in program history and the only Husker to be a two-time conference player of the year. In her career, Viola posted a .418 batting average with 263 hits, 105 extra-base hits, 48 doubles, 53 home runs, 157 runs, 213 RBIs, 116 walks and a .760 slugging percentage. Viola ended her career with nine Nebraska all-time records and ranked fourth in NCAA history in home runs, fifth in slugging percentage, eighth in walks, 10th in RBIs and 21st in batting average. She also set numerous Nebraska season records, and Viola still holds program records for most home runs and RBIs in a season, while also owning the top season slugging percentage and three of the top four season batting averages. Viola burst onto the scene as the Big Eight Freshman and Player of the Year in 1995, and she was a second-team All-American that season. Viola was a first-team All-American as a sophomore in 1996. After playing less than half of her junior season, Viola capped her career in grand fashion. As a senior in 1998, Viola was the Big 12 Player of the Year, a first-team All-American and a finalist for National Player of the Year. She was a major reason Nebraska went undefeated in the Big 12 and swept the conference regular-season and tournament titles. Viola helped Nebraska advance to the 1998 Women's College World Series, and she was named to the WCWS All-Tournament team as the Huskers finished fifth. Viola earned her degree in sociology from the University of Nebraska in 1998. Her No. 2 jersey was retired by Nebraska in 2018. Bill Straub, Bowling Head Coach (1983-2019) Bill Straub is the fifth head coach to be inducted into the Nebraska Athletics Hall of Fame. Straub's name is synonymous with Nebraska bowling, as he led the program for more than 35 years. He played a leading role in the advancement of bowling at both the institutional and national levels, helping elevate the program to varsity status at Nebraska and leading the charge for bowling to become an NCAA sport. Straub led the program from 1983 to 2019, first as a club sport (1983-95), then as a varsity sport (beginning in 1997-98) and finally an NCAA sport (beginning in 2003-04). Straub coached 16 seasons at the NCAA level before he retired following the 2019 season. He guided Nebraska to five NCAA titles and four runner-up finishes, including winning the first two NCAA Championships in 2004 and 2005. Straub led Nebraska to the NCAA Final in nine of the 16 seasons coaching at the NCAA level. He was a three-time National Coach of the Year (2005, 2013 &amp; 2017), and Straub coached seven National Bowlers of the Year, including a stretch from 2000 to 2010 when a Husker was named the nation's top bowler seven times. As a varsity sport, Nebraska won eight national titles and more than 100 tournaments under Straub. He also coached the men's bowling program as a club sport from 1983 to 2003, winning two national titles on the men's side. All told, Straub guided Nebraska to a total of 10 national championships. An outstanding bowler himself, Straub is a member of the Lincoln, Omaha and Nebraska Bowling Halls of Fame. Louise Pound, Title IX Trailblazer Louise Pound is the only female in the history of Nebraska Athletics to earn a men's varsity letter. She earned a men's tennis letter in 1894, when athletic opportunities for females were at best limited and often non-existent. Pound paved the way for countless female athletes at Nebraska, making it appropriate she is inducted as a member of the 2022 Nebraska Athletic Hall of Fame Class on the 50th anniversary of Title IX becoming federal law. Pound was a pioneering female athlete for more than three decades from the 1890s through the 1920s, winning campus, city and state titles in golf and tennis. The 1890 Lincoln city tennis champion, Pound was also the 1891 and 1892 University of Nebraska-Lincoln tennis champion, defeating all competition for the title, including men. Pound finished runner-up at the 1894 men's intercollegiate tennis tournament, which led to her men's varsity letter. In 1897, Pound won the Women's Western Championship and was rated as the top amateur player in the country. After she was refused admittance for graduate study in America, Pound traveled to Germany to earn her Ph.D. and while abroad, she played the Olympic men's singles tennis champion to a draw. Outside of tennis, Pound organized and captained Nebraska's first women's basketball team as a graduate student before later managing the team. As a golfer, Pound won the first women's state golf championship in the only year she entered the event and was the Lincoln Country Club golf champion every year from 1906 to 1927, except 1924 when she didn't enter. Pound was also a cyclist and figure skater and played a lead role in establishing the Nebraska Spirit Squad. Outside of athletics, Pound was a UNL English professor for 50 years and was the first woman president of the Modern Language Association. A lifelong Lincoln native, Pound passed away in Lincoln on June 28, 1958, at the age of 85.

Eight Selected for Nebraska Athletic Hall of Fame

Broken Bow Vs. Nationals American Legion Baseball 6-7-2022

Nine members of the North Platte Community College Knights Softball Team have been named All-America Scholar-Athletes by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association.

They are: Ellie Toelle, of Maxwell; Janay Brauer, of Sidney, Neb.; Jayden Horner, of Firestone, Colo.; Elena Montoya, of Denver, Colo.; Cameron Rollison, of Anchorage, Alaska; Taelyn Dakamas, of Wailua, Hawaii; Gracie Hodgson, of Olds, Alberta; Jenny Singer, of Calgary, Alberta, and Lili Kukučková, of Vienna, Austria.

All were recognized by the NFCA for achieving a GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.

“These are the honors we want our athletes to strive for every year,” said Janelle Higgins, NPCC head women’s softball coach. “They put in the work off the field, and it showed. I’m very proud of each one of our athletes.”

Dakamas was also named to the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II First Team for the Midwest Region.

“Taelyn worked hard in the classroom and on the field, and it paid off,” said Higgins.

Dakamas was voted onto the First Team by NFCA member coaches from the Midwest Region based on her stats on the field.

Nine members of the North Platte Community College Knights Softball Team have been named All-America Scholar-Athletes by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association.They are: Ellie Toelle, of Maxwell; Janay Brauer, of Sidney, Neb.; Jayden Horner, of Firestone, Colo.; Elena Montoya, of Denver, Colo.; Cameron Rollison, of Anchorage, Alaska; Taelyn Dakamas, of Wailua, Hawaii; Gracie Hodgson, of Olds, Alberta; Jenny Singer, of Calgary, Alberta, and Lili Kukučková, of Vienna, Austria.All were recognized by the NFCA for achieving a GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.“These are the honors we want our athletes to strive for every year,” said Janelle Higgins, NPCC head women’s softball coach. “They put in the work off the field, and it showed. I’m very proud of each one of our athletes.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654614806225.jpeg" alt="Taelyn Dakamas" />
 <figcaption>Taelyn Dakamas</figcaption>
 </figure>Dakamas was also named to the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II First Team for the Midwest Region.“Taelyn worked hard in the classroom and on the field, and it paid off,” said Higgins.Dakamas was voted onto the First Team by NFCA member coaches from the Midwest Region based on her stats on the field.

 NPCC softball players recognized for academics/skills on the field

Western NE Wrestling League present Next Level Camp

Nebraska women's gymnastics Head Coach&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/coaches.aspx?rc=8277">Heather Brink</a>&nbsp;announced the hiring of&nbsp;Oleksii Koltakov&nbsp;on Saturday as the newest member of the Nebraska coaching staff.&nbsp; "We are excited to welcome our new assistant coach Oleksii to Lincoln and Husker Nation," Brink said. "He is passionate about the sport, hardworking and along with his integrity and desire to be successful, he will bring a wealth of knowledge from his time as a coach and gymnast. I love his excitement for this opportunity and the growth of our program. I know he will represent Nebraska Gymnastics with class and character."&nbsp; Koltakov spent the last two seasons as the volunteer assistant coach at Alabama. He helped lead Alabama to the 2021 SEC Championship title and a fifth-place finish at the NCAA Championships. In 2022, Koltakov coached Alabama to a runner-up finish at the SEC Championships and the NCAA Finals.&nbsp; Prior to his time at Alabama, Koltakov&nbsp;coached at National Elite Gymnastics in Austin, Texas as well as serving as a High Performance coach at numerous camps and clinics across the United States. Koltakov began his coaching career at the Piddubny Olympic College and Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation in 2013.&nbsp;&nbsp; A former member of the Ukraine National Team, Koltakov competed at the 2009 European Championships in Milano, Italy as well as the 2009 World Cup in Ostrava, Czech Republic, where Ukraine was a finalist. He also helped lead Ukraine to the finals of the 2011 World Cup in Stuttgart, Germany.&nbsp; He was a five-time Ukrainian Pommel Horse Champion from 2008-12 and the Ukrainian Floor Exercise Champion in 2011. He led his team to the Ukrainian Championship in both 2009 and 2011. In addition to coaching and competing, Koltakov has performed as an artistic acrobat as part of Cirque du Soleil throughout North America.&nbsp; Koltakov is a two-time graduate of the National University of Physical Education and Sport of Ukraine earning his bachelor's degree in coaching and physical education in 2009 and a master's degree in biomechanics of sports specializing in Olympic and professional sports.&nbsp; Oleksii is married to British Olympic gymnast Marissa King.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Nebraska women's gymnastics Head Coach&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/coaches.aspx?rc=8277">Heather Brink</a>&nbsp;announced the hiring of&nbsp;Oleksii Koltakov&nbsp;on Saturday as the newest member of the Nebraska coaching staff.&nbsp; "We are excited to welcome our new assistant coach Oleksii to Lincoln and Husker Nation," Brink said. "He is passionate about the sport, hardworking and along with his integrity and desire to be successful, he will bring a wealth of knowledge from his time as a coach and gymnast. I love his excitement for this opportunity and the growth of our program. I know he will represent Nebraska Gymnastics with class and character."&nbsp; Koltakov spent the last two seasons as the volunteer assistant coach at Alabama. He helped lead Alabama to the 2021 SEC Championship title and a fifth-place finish at the NCAA Championships. In 2022, Koltakov coached Alabama to a runner-up finish at the SEC Championships and the NCAA Finals.&nbsp; Prior to his time at Alabama, Koltakov&nbsp;coached at National Elite Gymnastics in Austin, Texas as well as serving as a High Performance coach at numerous camps and clinics across the United States. Koltakov began his coaching career at the Piddubny Olympic College and Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation in 2013.&nbsp;&nbsp; A former member of the Ukraine National Team, Koltakov competed at the 2009 European Championships in Milano, Italy as well as the 2009 World Cup in Ostrava, Czech Republic, where Ukraine was a finalist. He also helped lead Ukraine to the finals of the 2011 World Cup in Stuttgart, Germany.&nbsp; He was a five-time Ukrainian Pommel Horse Champion from 2008-12 and the Ukrainian Floor Exercise Champion in 2011. He led his team to the Ukrainian Championship in both 2009 and 2011. In addition to coaching and competing, Koltakov has performed as an artistic acrobat as part of Cirque du Soleil throughout North America.&nbsp; Koltakov is a two-time graduate of the National University of Physical Education and Sport of Ukraine earning his bachelor's degree in coaching and physical education in 2009 and a master's degree in biomechanics of sports specializing in Olympic and professional sports.&nbsp; Oleksii is married to British Olympic gymnast Marissa King.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Huskers add Koltakov as Assistant Coach

The Nebraska women's tennis team bolstered its ranks when Head Coach&nbsp;Scott Jacobson&nbsp;announced the signing of Raphaelle Lacasse&nbsp;to the 2022-23 roster.

Lacasse, a native of Montreal, Canada, joins Baylor transfer Ana Carmen Zamburek as recent commits for next year's team. A transfer from Kansas, Lacasse spent the last year with the Jayhawks and brings an impressive resume to Nebraska. Last season, she was a constant in the doubles and singles line up and helped the Jayhawks achieve a top 30 national ranking.

In 2021, she had a top 700 WTA Singles ranking and a top 800 WTA doubles ranking. She boasted a Universal Tennis Rating (UTR) of 11.45 and was an ITF 15k tournament singles champion in Cancun, Mexico. Lacasse also reached seven ITF 15k doubles finals during her junior career and was a National Canadian doubles champion in the under 18 division.&nbsp;

Coach Jacobson on Lacasse choosing Nebraska: "Raphaelle adds a tremendous amount of talent to our program on both the singles court and the doubles court.&nbsp;She has obviously played at the highest of levels during the course of her career.&nbsp;We believe she will fit in extremely well at Nebraska and are excited to begin working with her!"

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsThe Nebraska women's tennis team bolstered its ranks when Head Coach&nbsp;Scott Jacobson&nbsp;announced the signing of Raphaelle Lacasse&nbsp;to the 2022-23 roster.Lacasse, a native of Montreal, Canada, joins Baylor transfer Ana Carmen Zamburek as recent commits for next year's team. A transfer from Kansas, Lacasse spent the last year with the Jayhawks and brings an impressive resume to Nebraska. Last season, she was a constant in the doubles and singles line up and helped the Jayhawks achieve a top 30 national ranking.In 2021, she had a top 700 WTA Singles ranking and a top 800 WTA doubles ranking. She boasted a Universal Tennis Rating (UTR) of 11.45 and was an ITF 15k tournament singles champion in Cancun, Mexico. Lacasse also reached seven ITF 15k doubles finals during her junior career and was a National Canadian doubles champion in the under 18 division.&nbsp;Coach Jacobson on Lacasse choosing Nebraska: "Raphaelle adds a tremendous amount of talent to our program on both the singles court and the doubles court.&nbsp;She has obviously played at the highest of levels during the course of her career.&nbsp;We believe she will fit in extremely well at Nebraska and are excited to begin working with her!"

Huskers welcome Kansas transfer Lacasse

Story by NPCC Athletic Communications

Noel Warrior, of Edmond, Okla., becomes the fifth player to sign with the North Platte Community College women’s basketball team for the 2022-23 season.

The point guard finished her senior season averaging 9.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.9 steals per game for the Casady School. Warrior earned recognition as a Southwest Preparatory Conference all-conference first team selection, while leading the Lady Cyclones to a North Zone championship in 2022.

“I loved the energy and effort Coach Thurman put into recruiting me,” said Warrior. “I love the opportunity to grow myself with a coach who will be there to help me on and off the court.”

Noel is the daughter of Natasha Warrior and will join the Knights in the fall.

Story by NPCC Athletic CommunicationsNoel Warrior, of Edmond, Okla., becomes the fifth player to sign with the North Platte Community College women’s basketball team for the 2022-23 season.The point guard finished her senior season averaging 9.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.9 steals per game for the Casady School. Warrior earned recognition as a Southwest Preparatory Conference all-conference first team selection, while leading the Lady Cyclones to a North Zone championship in 2022.“I loved the energy and effort Coach Thurman put into recruiting me,” said Warrior. “I love the opportunity to grow myself with a coach who will be there to help me on and off the court.”Noel is the daughter of Natasha Warrior and will join the Knights in the fall.

Warrior signs to continue Basketball career with Knights

Mariah Gardner becomes the first local athlete to sign with the North Platte Community College women's basketball team as part of their 2022 signing class.

The Wallace native was a key part of the Lady Wildcats success during the 2021-22 season, averaging 15 points, five rebounds and three assists per game. Gardner finished her prep career amassing over 1,000 career points, while helping the Wildcats to a 13-10 record this past season.

"I chose NPCC because it was close to home and I have a feeling I'm going to be part of something special next year," said Gardner.

Mariah is the daughter of Tina Daniels and plans on majoring in criminal justice while attending NPCC.

Story by NPCC Athletic CommunicationsMariah Gardner becomes the first local athlete to sign with the North Platte Community College women's basketball team as part of their 2022 signing class.The Wallace native was a key part of the Lady Wildcats success during the 2021-22 season, averaging 15 points, five rebounds and three assists per game. Gardner finished her prep career amassing over 1,000 career points, while helping the Wildcats to a 13-10 record this past season."I chose NPCC because it was close to home and I have a feeling I'm going to be part of something special next year," said Gardner.Mariah is the daughter of Tina Daniels and plans on majoring in criminal justice while attending NPCC.

Knights sign local product to 2022 signing class

Story by NU Athletics Communications

Nebraska guard&nbsp;Trey McGowens&nbsp;announced Tuesday that he will pursue a professional basketball career and will not use his final season of eligibility. McGowens, a 6-foot-4, 196-pound guard from Pendleton, S.C., started two seasons at Nebraska and averaged 9.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.5 steals per game while he was often assigned to the opponent's top perimeter scoring threat. "Trey has decided to stay in the draft and embark on a professional career," Nebraska Coach&nbsp;Fred Hoiberg. "He has meant a lot to this program over the past two seasons, and his toughness in coming back from injury strengthened our team down the stretch. I thought Trey was one of the best defenders in our league last year, as he showed the ability to guard several positions. Trey loves to be in the gym and work, and I think his best days are still ahead of him. We will do everything to support him as he begins the next chapter of his basketball career." Last season, McGowens averaged 6.8 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game despite missing 15 games with a broken bone in his foot suffered in the third game of the season. He was playing some of his best basketball down the stretch, averaging 7.8 points on 55 percent shooting, 3.5 rebounds and 2.6 steals per game over the Huskers' final six contests. McGowens had a season-high 13 points along with four steals and four assists at Penn State. In 2020-21, McGowens made an immediate impact after transferring from Pittsburgh. He started all 27 games and averaged 10.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.4 steals per game. He finished fifth in the Big Ten in steals per game and ranked second on the squad in both scoring and assists. McGowens who shot just 32 percent from 3-point range in his first two seasons, raised that number to 37 percent and totaled 17 double-figure efforts, including a season-high 20 points against Indiana. McGowens, who was a two-year starter at Pittsburgh before coming to Lincoln, finishes his collegiate career with 1,167 points, 387 rebounds, 262 assists and 192 steals.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Story by NU Athletics CommunicationsNebraska guard&nbsp;Trey McGowens&nbsp;announced Tuesday that he will pursue a professional basketball career and will not use his final season of eligibility. McGowens, a 6-foot-4, 196-pound guard from Pendleton, S.C., started two seasons at Nebraska and averaged 9.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.5 steals per game while he was often assigned to the opponent's top perimeter scoring threat. "Trey has decided to stay in the draft and embark on a professional career," Nebraska Coach&nbsp;Fred Hoiberg. "He has meant a lot to this program over the past two seasons, and his toughness in coming back from injury strengthened our team down the stretch. I thought Trey was one of the best defenders in our league last year, as he showed the ability to guard several positions. Trey loves to be in the gym and work, and I think his best days are still ahead of him. We will do everything to support him as he begins the next chapter of his basketball career." Last season, McGowens averaged 6.8 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game despite missing 15 games with a broken bone in his foot suffered in the third game of the season. He was playing some of his best basketball down the stretch, averaging 7.8 points on 55 percent shooting, 3.5 rebounds and 2.6 steals per game over the Huskers' final six contests. McGowens had a season-high 13 points along with four steals and four assists at Penn State. In 2020-21, McGowens made an immediate impact after transferring from Pittsburgh. He started all 27 games and averaged 10.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.4 steals per game. He finished fifth in the Big Ten in steals per game and ranked second on the squad in both scoring and assists. McGowens who shot just 32 percent from 3-point range in his first two seasons, raised that number to 37 percent and totaled 17 double-figure efforts, including a season-high 20 points against Indiana. McGowens, who was a two-year starter at Pittsburgh before coming to Lincoln, finishes his collegiate career with 1,167 points, 387 rebounds, 262 assists and 192 steals.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Trey McGowens to turn Professional

LONDON (AP) — Miami punter Lou Hedley had to fly 13,000 miles to western Australia to cash in on his name.

The tattooed Aussie and thousands of other international athletes at American colleges have been told they can’t profit from their name, image and likeness on U.S. soil — though interpretations vary about what constitutes work — so some are trekking home to do it.

In Hedley’s case, it was a 37-hour journey that included a long stopover in Qatar.

“It’s a pain in the backside having to fly over but it’s all worth it,” Hedley told The Associated Press after a day of filming promotional spots for LifeWallet in the city of Perth, where he was also visiting family before his final season with the Hurricanes this fall. “I feel like I deserve to get a little bit of money, I’ve contributed wealth to the team (with) my name, image and likeness ... so it was good to kind of get compensated for what I’ve been doing the last three years.”

Hedley declined to specify an exact figure but confirmed his NIL deal is in line with his teammates at roughly $50,000. Miami attorney John Ruiz has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-football-sports-business-mens-304bf21905369b71a8fc3c45ff4c2ed8">actively enlisting Hurricanes</a>&nbsp;on NIL deals through his LifeWallet healthcare company.

The 28-year-old Hedley, one of many Aussie punters in college football, said he didn’t sign anything until he touched down Down Under.

“The work is all done here, paid for over here. As long as I’m doing all my work in Australia, I’m getting paid in Australia, paying taxes in Australia and all that stuff, it’s all legal,” he said.

Nebraska basketball player Jaz Shelley also made a trip home to Australia for NIL deals, and teammate Isabelle Bourne planned to follow suit. Mustapha Amzil, a 6-foot-9 forward at Dayton, announced on social media that when he plays for the national team of his native Finland this summer he will be “open to any business and sponsorship deals.”

On the whole, though, international athletes are finding the NIL waters tricky to navigate, with mixed messages about what’s OK, even now almost a year after the NCAA&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncaa.org/news/2021/6/30/ncaa-adopts-interim-name-image-and-likeness-policy.aspx" target="_blank">lifted restrictions</a>.

Some schools have told them to avoid NIL deals altogether because&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-sports-business-celebrity-endorsements-education-4abf78b5012911f02ebee4ee6d776d7d">they could jeopardize their visa status.</a>&nbsp;Others say off U.S. soil is fine. Ultimately, the federal government is the arbiter of visa questions and deportations.

“There’s a ton of ambiguity,” said Casey Floyd, co-founder of NOCAP Sports, which is working with athletes to secure deals and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.change.org/p/name-image-and-likeness-rights-for-international-student-athletes" target="_blank">advocating for regulatory clarity</a>. “You go to some schools and they are very flexible ... and then you have a lot of schools that they just don’t want to touch it because they’re so scared of the ramifications.”

West Virginia’s international athletes, for example, “are not participating in NIL opportunities due to the current application of federal immigration regulations,” spokesman Michael Fragale said. Drexel asked its foreign athletes to “please refrain from entering into a NIL agreement or engaging in compensated NIL activity,” Mladenka Tomasevic, executive director of the International Students and Scholars Services, wrote in February.

It’s a different story at Nebraska, where the women’s basketball program&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/HuskersWBB/status/1522663625260994560" target="_blank">tweeted</a>: “International NIL made possible!” adding that when Shelley and Bourne arrive on Australian soil “they will be legally eligible to participate in NIL activity.” Shelley then promoted her T-shirts and hoodies, as well as a Lincoln restaurant.

The University of Florida told its internationals planning NIL activity in their home countries to “&nbsp;<a href="https://internationalcenter.ufl.edu/f-1-student/f-1-status-requirements/employment/international-student-athletes-and-ncaa-nil-legislation" target="_blank">properly document their physical location</a>&nbsp;” by providing form I-94 arrival/departure records, ”flight itinerary, and port of entry stamp showing abroad.”

Cal basketball player Sam Alajiki of Ireland hopes to stay around Berkeley to promote Next Up Recruitment, a company based in Manchester, England, that helps athletes land scholarships.

“He’s literally going to be retweeting content. There’s no way that can be deemed as work,” said Next Up founder Ryan Cook, who has also explored holding payments in escrow or becoming an administrator of Alajiki’s social media account and publishing that way.

“The last thing we want to do is break anyone’s visa status,” he said. “We’re working with the Cal compliance team, as well, to make sure everything is OK. We’ve not received any pushback.”

Just in case, though, the deal doesn’t begin until September. By then, there may be specific guidance from the NCAA or relevant government agencies.

The NCAA’s&nbsp;<a href="https://ncaaorg.s3.amazonaws.com/ncaa/NIL/NIL_QandA.pdf" target="_blank">initial advice</a>&nbsp;said international athletes are covered by the interim NIL policy but that students “may consider” consulting with their school’s compliance official “for guidance related to maintaining their immigration status and tax implications.” If they have questions, they should write to the U.S. Student and Exchange Visitor Program.

That program — SEVP — “continues to assess” the issue, said Sarah Loicano, a spokeswoman for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Kentucky forward&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nba-sports-basketball-kentucky-college-abef602265ba49c099a40483f8a9a213">Oscar Tshiebwe of Congo is among those calling for Congress to help foreign student athletes. The AP player of the year, who is returning for his senior season,</a>&nbsp;recently met with Senate Minority leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nba-sports-kentucky-march-madness-basketball-8f65fcfd5b003f6fd2c9960e398a7e6d">make his case</a>. The financial benefit to Tshiebwe could exceed seven figures.

The vast majority of the athletes hold F-1 visas that largely prohibit off-campus work. On-campus work is tightly restricted. Foreign students at the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/high-school-athlete-endorsement-deals-NIL-690ca4547e8a00bf06fbd20f1dc058d8">high school</a>&nbsp;and prep level also stand to gain.

TCU tight end Alexander Honig of Germany said he hasn’t pursued the “super small” deals he’s been offered.

“Lately I’ve been really focused on my athletic path,” said Honig, who was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-christian-horned-frogs-football-football-texas-longhorns-football-nfl-college-football-37503bd65fd4dfe59c67096165a1c4df">recruited as a quarterback</a>. “I think I need to get on the field first and perform on a high level before I need to worry about NIL.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653913065033.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>LONDON (AP) — Miami punter Lou Hedley had to fly 13,000 miles to western Australia to cash in on his name.The tattooed Aussie and thousands of other international athletes at American colleges have been told they can’t profit from their name, image and likeness on U.S. soil — though interpretations vary about what constitutes work — so some are trekking home to do it.In Hedley’s case, it was a 37-hour journey that included a long stopover in Qatar.“It’s a pain in the backside having to fly over but it’s all worth it,” Hedley told The Associated Press after a day of filming promotional spots for LifeWallet in the city of Perth, where he was also visiting family before his final season with the Hurricanes this fall. “I feel like I deserve to get a little bit of money, I’ve contributed wealth to the team (with) my name, image and likeness ... so it was good to kind of get compensated for what I’ve been doing the last three years.”Hedley declined to specify an exact figure but confirmed his NIL deal is in line with his teammates at roughly $50,000. Miami attorney John Ruiz has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-football-sports-business-mens-304bf21905369b71a8fc3c45ff4c2ed8">actively enlisting Hurricanes</a>&nbsp;on NIL deals through his LifeWallet healthcare company.The 28-year-old Hedley, one of many Aussie punters in college football, said he didn’t sign anything until he touched down Down Under.“The work is all done here, paid for over here. As long as I’m doing all my work in Australia, I’m getting paid in Australia, paying taxes in Australia and all that stuff, it’s all legal,” he said.Nebraska basketball player Jaz Shelley also made a trip home to Australia for NIL deals, and teammate Isabelle Bourne planned to follow suit. Mustapha Amzil, a 6-foot-9 forward at Dayton, announced on social media that when he plays for the national team of his native Finland this summer he will be “open to any business and sponsorship deals.”On the whole, though, international athletes are finding the NIL waters tricky to navigate, with mixed messages about what’s OK, even now almost a year after the NCAA&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncaa.org/news/2021/6/30/ncaa-adopts-interim-name-image-and-likeness-policy.aspx" target="_blank">lifted restrictions</a>.Some schools have told them to avoid NIL deals altogether because&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-sports-business-celebrity-endorsements-education-4abf78b5012911f02ebee4ee6d776d7d">they could jeopardize their visa status.</a>&nbsp;Others say off U.S. soil is fine. Ultimately, the federal government is the arbiter of visa questions and deportations.“There’s a ton of ambiguity,” said Casey Floyd, co-founder of NOCAP Sports, which is working with athletes to secure deals and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.change.org/p/name-image-and-likeness-rights-for-international-student-athletes" target="_blank">advocating for regulatory clarity</a>. “You go to some schools and they are very flexible ... and then you have a lot of schools that they just don’t want to touch it because they’re so scared of the ramifications.”West Virginia’s international athletes, for example, “are not participating in NIL opportunities due to the current application of federal immigration regulations,” spokesman Michael Fragale said. Drexel asked its foreign athletes to “please refrain from entering into a NIL agreement or engaging in compensated NIL activity,” Mladenka Tomasevic, executive director of the International Students and Scholars Services, wrote in February.It’s a different story at Nebraska, where the women’s basketball program&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/HuskersWBB/status/1522663625260994560" target="_blank">tweeted</a>: “International NIL made possible!” adding that when Shelley and Bourne arrive on Australian soil “they will be legally eligible to participate in NIL activity.” Shelley then promoted her T-shirts and hoodies, as well as a Lincoln restaurant.The University of Florida told its internationals planning NIL activity in their home countries to “&nbsp;<a href="https://internationalcenter.ufl.edu/f-1-student/f-1-status-requirements/employment/international-student-athletes-and-ncaa-nil-legislation" target="_blank">properly document their physical location</a>&nbsp;” by providing form I-94 arrival/departure records, ”flight itinerary, and port of entry stamp showing abroad.”Cal basketball player Sam Alajiki of Ireland hopes to stay around Berkeley to promote Next Up Recruitment, a company based in Manchester, England, that helps athletes land scholarships.“He’s literally going to be retweeting content. There’s no way that can be deemed as work,” said Next Up founder Ryan Cook, who has also explored holding payments in escrow or becoming an administrator of Alajiki’s social media account and publishing that way.“The last thing we want to do is break anyone’s visa status,” he said. “We’re working with the Cal compliance team, as well, to make sure everything is OK. We’ve not received any pushback.”Just in case, though, the deal doesn’t begin until September. By then, there may be specific guidance from the NCAA or relevant government agencies.The NCAA’s&nbsp;<a href="https://ncaaorg.s3.amazonaws.com/ncaa/NIL/NIL_QandA.pdf" target="_blank">initial advice</a>&nbsp;said international athletes are covered by the interim NIL policy but that students “may consider” consulting with their school’s compliance official “for guidance related to maintaining their immigration status and tax implications.” If they have questions, they should write to the U.S. Student and Exchange Visitor Program.That program — SEVP — “continues to assess” the issue, said Sarah Loicano, a spokeswoman for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.Kentucky forward&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nba-sports-basketball-kentucky-college-abef602265ba49c099a40483f8a9a213">Oscar Tshiebwe of Congo is among those calling for Congress to help foreign student athletes. The AP player of the year, who is returning for his senior season,</a>&nbsp;recently met with Senate Minority leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nba-sports-kentucky-march-madness-basketball-8f65fcfd5b003f6fd2c9960e398a7e6d">make his case</a>. The financial benefit to Tshiebwe could exceed seven figures.The vast majority of the athletes hold F-1 visas that largely prohibit off-campus work. On-campus work is tightly restricted. Foreign students at the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/high-school-athlete-endorsement-deals-NIL-690ca4547e8a00bf06fbd20f1dc058d8">high school</a>&nbsp;and prep level also stand to gain.TCU tight end Alexander Honig of Germany said he hasn’t pursued the “super small” deals he’s been offered.“Lately I’ve been really focused on my athletic path,” said Honig, who was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-christian-horned-frogs-football-football-texas-longhorns-football-nfl-college-football-37503bd65fd4dfe59c67096165a1c4df">recruited as a quarterback</a>. “I think I need to get on the field first and perform on a high level before I need to worry about NIL.”

'It's all legal': Foreign college athletes cash in at home

North Platte Catholic Schools –St. Pat’s will implement a girls’ golf program for the 2022-2023 school year. Kristine Gale will be the head coach for the Lady Irish.

Gale is a graduate of Lincoln Southeast High School in Lincoln, Nebraska where she was a 3- year letter winner on the varsity girls’ golf team, winner of 2- Class A State Championships and an individual State tournament medalist.

Gale is a lifelong golfer who participated in numerous junior golf programs growing up, qualifying for the Women’s Western Junior Championship Tournament.  She continued to play competitive golf in the Nebraska Women’s Amateur Golf Association tournaments and Inter Club league as an adult.

Kristine is married to David Gale and has 3 sons, Jack, Charlie and Thomas.  Thomas is a Junior and Charlie is a 2020 graduate of St. Patrick’s High School.  Kristine has been involved with youth sports programs with her sons.  She served on the North Central Youth Athletic Club board for nine years and was instrumental in starting a 5th &amp; 6th grade tackle football program, Pre-K – 6th grade boys and girls soccer program, as well as baseball programs for Machine Pitch, T-Shirt, Little League, and Softball in Bassett, Nebraska.  Kristine also re-established the Boy Scout program for Troop 277 in Bassett, which had been dormant for over 10 years.

Gale currently works for the Nebraska Community Foundation as a Community Impact Coordinator, where she works with affiliated communities in Nebraska to build their unrestricted endowments and make community impact through local grants.  Gale has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a Master’s degree from the University of Nebraska- Omaha.

Coach Gale shared, “I’m so excited to be piloting the girls’ golf program here at St. Pat’s. As a coach, I’m ready to teach and help experienced or new players reach their full potential.  We have some dedicated young players who have improved greatly while playing with the boy’s golf program.  The commitment of these young players will help build a strong, competitive girls’ program at St. Pat’s for all of the future girls wanting to play golf.”

North Platte Catholic Schools –St. Pat’s will implement a girls’ golf program for the 2022-2023 school year. Kristine Gale will be the head coach for the Lady Irish.Gale is a graduate of Lincoln Southeast High School in Lincoln, Nebraska where she was a 3- year letter winner on the varsity girls’ golf team, winner of 2- Class A State Championships and an individual State tournament medalist.Gale is a lifelong golfer who participated in numerous junior golf programs growing up, qualifying for the Women’s Western Junior Championship Tournament. She continued to play competitive golf in the Nebraska Women’s Amateur Golf Association tournaments and Inter Club league as an adult.Kristine is married to David Gale and has 3 sons, Jack, Charlie and Thomas. Thomas is a Junior and Charlie is a 2020 graduate of St. Patrick’s High School. Kristine has been involved with youth sports programs with her sons. She served on the North Central Youth Athletic Club board for nine years and was instrumental in starting a 5th &amp; 6th grade tackle football program, Pre-K – 6th grade boys and girls soccer program, as well as baseball programs for Machine Pitch, T-Shirt, Little League, and Softball in Bassett, Nebraska. Kristine also re-established the Boy Scout program for Troop 277 in Bassett, which had been dormant for over 10 years.Gale currently works for the Nebraska Community Foundation as a Community Impact Coordinator, where she works with affiliated communities in Nebraska to build their unrestricted endowments and make community impact through local grants. Gale has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a Master’s degree from the University of Nebraska- Omaha.Coach Gale shared, “I’m so excited to be piloting the girls’ golf program here at St. Pat’s. As a coach, I’m ready to teach and help experienced or new players reach their full potential. We have some dedicated young players who have improved greatly while playing with the boy’s golf program. The commitment of these young players will help build a strong, competitive girls’ program at St. Pat’s for all of the future girls wanting to play golf.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653658937896.jpeg" alt="" />
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NPSP to add Girl’s Golf Next Year

Four Nebraska track and field women&nbsp;qualified for the NCAA Outdoor Championships with their performances at the NCAA West Preliminary Round on Thursday, giving the Huskers a combined seven qualifiers at the midway point of the four-day meet.&nbsp; Freshman thrower&nbsp;Axelina Johansson&nbsp;is on her way to the NCAA Outdoor Championships in the shot put for the first time. Her throw of 58-7 1/2 (17.87m) was the No. 2 throw at the regional and easily earned her one of the 12 bids to nationals. Johansson placed 11th at the NCAA Indoor Championships in the shot put in March.&nbsp; Sophomore&nbsp;Maddie Harris&nbsp;will compete in the javelin at Eugene for the second year in a row. The two-time Big Ten champion and school-record holder only needed one throw on Thursday, as her first mark of 179-3 (54.64m) was the third-best throw in the regional.&nbsp; Joining Harris in the javelin at nationals for the second year in a row will be&nbsp;Mirta Kulisic, who threw 168-3 (51.29m) to qualify with the ninth-best throw. Her qualifying mark also came on her first attempt.&nbsp; Finally,&nbsp;LaQwasia Stepney&nbsp;qualified for the NCAA Championships for the first time in her Husker career. Her long jump mark of 20-5 1/4 (6.23m) on her first attempt held up as the 11th-best jump and earned her a bid to nationals in two weeks.&nbsp; The Husker men are back in action at the NCAA West Preliminary Round on Friday with seven athletes set to compete, beginning with&nbsp;Maxwell Otterdahl&nbsp;in the discus at 1 p.m.

Four Nebraska track and field women&nbsp;qualified for the NCAA Outdoor Championships with their performances at the NCAA West Preliminary Round on Thursday, giving the Huskers a combined seven qualifiers at the midway point of the four-day meet.&nbsp; Freshman thrower&nbsp;Axelina Johansson&nbsp;is on her way to the NCAA Outdoor Championships in the shot put for the first time. Her throw of 58-7 1/2 (17.87m) was the No. 2 throw at the regional and easily earned her one of the 12 bids to nationals. Johansson placed 11th at the NCAA Indoor Championships in the shot put in March.&nbsp; Sophomore&nbsp;Maddie Harris&nbsp;will compete in the javelin at Eugene for the second year in a row. The two-time Big Ten champion and school-record holder only needed one throw on Thursday, as her first mark of 179-3 (54.64m) was the third-best throw in the regional.&nbsp; Joining Harris in the javelin at nationals for the second year in a row will be&nbsp;Mirta Kulisic, who threw 168-3 (51.29m) to qualify with the ninth-best throw. Her qualifying mark also came on her first attempt.&nbsp; Finally,&nbsp;LaQwasia Stepney&nbsp;qualified for the NCAA Championships for the first time in her Husker career. Her long jump mark of 20-5 1/4 (6.23m) on her first attempt held up as the 11th-best jump and earned her a bid to nationals in two weeks.&nbsp; The Husker men are back in action at the NCAA West Preliminary Round on Friday with seven athletes set to compete, beginning with&nbsp;Maxwell Otterdahl&nbsp;in the discus at 1 p.m.

Four Husker Women Qualify for Nationals

Story by NU Athletic Communication

Nebraska forward&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42977">Lat Mayen</a>&nbsp;has signed a professional basketball contract in his native Australia and will forego his final season of college eligibility. Mayen, a native of Adelaide, Australia, had one year of eligibility remaining because of the COVID-19 eligibility freeze during the 2020-21 season. The 6-foot-9, 217-pound forward started 57 games for the Huskers over the last two seasons after transferring from Chipola (Fla.) College, averaging 7.2 points and 4.1 rebounds per game in that span. "Lat has decided to pursue professional basketball opportunities back home in Australia," Nebraska Coach&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/coaches.aspx?rc=8210">Fred Hoiberg</a>&nbsp;said. "Everyone in our program appreciates the contributions he has made to the Husker basketball program over the last two seasons and the work he put into the gym every day. Lat has been a pleasure to coach and look forward to him embarking on a pro career." Last season, Mayen started 30 games for the Huskers, averaging 5.8 points and 3.7 rebounds per game. He had a season-high 13 points in the Huskers' win at Penn State and had 11 points in a loss to No. 11 Wisconsin. Mayen grabbed seven-or-more rebounds four times, including eight against both Rutgers and at No. 7 Purdue. Mayen was one of two Huskers to start all 27 games in 2020-21, as the junior college transfer averaged 8.6 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. He ranked fourth on the team in scoring and topped NU with 48 3-pointers while shooting 35 percent from beyond the arc. He poured in a career-high 25 points, including five 3-pointers, in a win over Rutgers and collected a double-double at No. 5 Iowa with 14 points and a career-high 13 rebounds. Mayen, who spent two seasons at TCU prior to playing at Chipola College, finishes his collegiate career with 444 career points, 254 rebounds and 28 blocked shots in 74 contests.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationNebraska forward&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42977">Lat Mayen</a>&nbsp;has signed a professional basketball contract in his native Australia and will forego his final season of college eligibility. Mayen, a native of Adelaide, Australia, had one year of eligibility remaining because of the COVID-19 eligibility freeze during the 2020-21 season. The 6-foot-9, 217-pound forward started 57 games for the Huskers over the last two seasons after transferring from Chipola (Fla.) College, averaging 7.2 points and 4.1 rebounds per game in that span. "Lat has decided to pursue professional basketball opportunities back home in Australia," Nebraska Coach&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/coaches.aspx?rc=8210">Fred Hoiberg</a>&nbsp;said. "Everyone in our program appreciates the contributions he has made to the Husker basketball program over the last two seasons and the work he put into the gym every day. Lat has been a pleasure to coach and look forward to him embarking on a pro career." Last season, Mayen started 30 games for the Huskers, averaging 5.8 points and 3.7 rebounds per game. He had a season-high 13 points in the Huskers' win at Penn State and had 11 points in a loss to No. 11 Wisconsin. Mayen grabbed seven-or-more rebounds four times, including eight against both Rutgers and at No. 7 Purdue. Mayen was one of two Huskers to start all 27 games in 2020-21, as the junior college transfer averaged 8.6 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. He ranked fourth on the team in scoring and topped NU with 48 3-pointers while shooting 35 percent from beyond the arc. He poured in a career-high 25 points, including five 3-pointers, in a win over Rutgers and collected a double-double at No. 5 Iowa with 14 points and a career-high 13 rebounds. Mayen, who spent two seasons at TCU prior to playing at Chipola College, finishes his collegiate career with 444 career points, 254 rebounds and 28 blocked shots in 74 contests.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mayen Signs Professional Contract in Australia

North Platte Saint Patrick's finish runner up in NSAA Golf Championship. Senior Teegan Sonneman took the individual Championship.

North Platte Plainsmen host doubleheader following rainout tonight at 5 p.m.

North Platte Community College announces its players for their annual high school all-star basketball game. The roster comprised of talent from western Nebraska will have the opportunity to showcase their skills on the court of the North Platte Community College Knights on June 3.

The girl’s game will begin at 6 p.m., with the boy’s game to follow at 7:45 p.m. inside the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium on the NPCC South Campus, 601 W. State Farm Rd.

Girl’s Roster Bria Delimont - Ainsworth Tracy Roskop – Arapahoe Hope Koller – Arapahoe Jerzee Milner - Chase County Jordan Jablonski - Chase County Avery Sindt - Elm Creek Skylar Gronewold - Elm Creek Joszelyn Nichelson - Hi-Line Aimee Merrill - Hitchcock County Ashlyn Henderson – Hyannis Harley Kuenning - Maxwell Kaylyn Roblee - Medicine Valley Taylor Svoboda – Mullen Shelby Welsh – Mullen Kate Stienike - North Platte St. Pats Brea Branic – Sandhills/Thedford Cylee Jameson – Sandhills/Thedford Sadie Dimmitt – Sandhills Valley Ashtyn Gunderson – Sutherland Allee Hiatt – Sutherland Faith Stewart – Sutherland Mariah Gardner – Wallace

Boy’s Roster Mason Nichols – Bridgeport Braxten Swires – Bridgeport Dillon Critel – Burwell Nolan Burrell - Dundy County Mark Nelms - Dundy County PJ Lynch - Gordon-Rushville Carson Rhodes – Gothenburg Garrett Brannan – Hershey Cade Schmidt - Hi-Line Liam Kostman – Hyannis Kade Mohr - North Platte High Caleb Tonkinson - North Platte High Caleb Munson - North Platte St. Pats Jack Heiss - North Platte St. Pats Weston Morrow – Maywood Jack Meyer – Maxwell Sebastian Kramer - Medicine Valley Trevor Kuncl – Mullen Cameron Bush – Ogallala Jake Hiltibrand – Ogallala Caden Holm – Paxton Ethan Nicholson – Sandhills Valley Hayden Foster - Perkins County Hunter Garner - Perkins County Triston Hite - Perkins County Kolton Hager – Wallace Camden McConnell – Wallace

Story by NPCC Athletic CommunicationsNorth Platte Community College announces its players for their annual high school all-star basketball game. The roster comprised of talent from western Nebraska will have the opportunity to showcase their skills on the court of the North Platte Community College Knights on June 3.The girl’s game will begin at 6 p.m., with the boy’s game to follow at 7:45 p.m. inside the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium on the NPCC South Campus, 601 W. State Farm Rd.Girl’s Roster Bria Delimont - Ainsworth Tracy Roskop – Arapahoe Hope Koller – Arapahoe Jerzee Milner - Chase County Jordan Jablonski - Chase County Avery Sindt - Elm Creek Skylar Gronewold - Elm Creek Joszelyn Nichelson - Hi-Line Aimee Merrill - Hitchcock County Ashlyn Henderson – Hyannis Harley Kuenning - Maxwell Kaylyn Roblee - Medicine Valley Taylor Svoboda – Mullen Shelby Welsh – Mullen Kate Stienike - North Platte St. Pats Brea Branic – Sandhills/Thedford Cylee Jameson – Sandhills/Thedford Sadie Dimmitt – Sandhills Valley Ashtyn Gunderson – Sutherland Allee Hiatt – Sutherland Faith Stewart – Sutherland Mariah Gardner – WallaceBoy’s Roster Mason Nichols – Bridgeport Braxten Swires – Bridgeport Dillon Critel – Burwell Nolan Burrell - Dundy County Mark Nelms - Dundy County PJ Lynch - Gordon-Rushville Carson Rhodes – Gothenburg Garrett Brannan – Hershey Cade Schmidt - Hi-Line Liam Kostman – Hyannis Kade Mohr - North Platte High Caleb Tonkinson - North Platte High Caleb Munson - North Platte St. Pats Jack Heiss - North Platte St. Pats Weston Morrow – Maywood Jack Meyer – Maxwell Sebastian Kramer - Medicine Valley Trevor Kuncl – Mullen Cameron Bush – Ogallala Jake Hiltibrand – Ogallala Caden Holm – Paxton Ethan Nicholson – Sandhills Valley Hayden Foster - Perkins County Hunter Garner - Perkins County Triston Hite - Perkins County Kolton Hager – Wallace Camden McConnell – Wallace

North Platte Community College announces roster for high school all-star basketball game

Day 1 of NSAA State Golf Championship for Class D results 

The FNBO Nationals Vs. Kearney has been cancelled due to inclement weather in the Kearney area. Stay tuned for more information on makeup games as well as replacement games. Next game for the Nationals is this Friday against Grand Island with first pitch at 7:00 pm.&nbsp;

The FNBO Nationals Vs. Kearney has been cancelled due to inclement weather in the Kearney area. Stay tuned for more information on makeup games as well as replacement games. Next game for the Nationals is this Friday against Grand Island with first pitch at 7:00 pm.&nbsp;

FNBO Nationals Vs. Kearney cancelled due to Weather.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska's gameday tradition of fans releasing helium-filled red balloons to celebrate the Cornhuskers' first touchdown is ending.

Balloons have been handed out to fans near the stadium entrance before games since the early 1960s. Athletic director Trev Alberts said on his radio show Monday night a global shortage of helium led to the decision to end the practice.

Russia is one of the top helium suppliers, and Alberts said U.S. sanctions in response to the war in Ukraine have caused a shortage. Alberts said university leaders want the helium that would have been used in the balloons to go to the University of Nebraska Medical Center for medical use.

The release of balloons at football games has drawn criticism for at least a decade because of environmental concerns. A lawsuit filed in 2016 claimed the balloons were a health hazard to birds and other wildlife when they return to the ground. The university's student government, in a symbolic move, voted in November to end the tradition.

The Huskers' home opener is Sept. 3 against North Dakota.

<a href="https://northplattepost.com/posts/2ddcec21-000f-4ace-b19e-4250120d6629">&nbsp;&nbsp;Download The Post app for iOs or Android</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653410360589.jpg" alt="" />
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 </figure>By ASSOCIATED PRESSLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska's gameday tradition of fans releasing helium-filled red balloons to celebrate the Cornhuskers' first touchdown is ending.Balloons have been handed out to fans near the stadium entrance before games since the early 1960s. Athletic director Trev Alberts said on his radio show Monday night a global shortage of helium led to the decision to end the practice.Russia is one of the top helium suppliers, and Alberts said U.S. sanctions in response to the war in Ukraine have caused a shortage. Alberts said university leaders want the helium that would have been used in the balloons to go to the University of Nebraska Medical Center for medical use.The release of balloons at football games has drawn criticism for at least a decade because of environmental concerns. A lawsuit filed in 2016 claimed the balloons were a health hazard to birds and other wildlife when they return to the ground. The university's student government, in a symbolic move, voted in November to end the tradition.The Huskers' home opener is Sept. 3 against North Dakota.<a href="https://northplattepost.com/posts/2ddcec21-000f-4ace-b19e-4250120d6629">&nbsp;&nbsp;Download The Post app for iOs or Android</a><figure>
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