NORTH PLATTE – Lane Foote, a sophomore, and Phoenix Brown, a freshman at North Platte High School have earned positions on the Nebraska National High School rodeo team and will be traveling with fellow teammates to Rock Springs, Wyoming July 13–19 to compete at the 77th annual National High School Finals Rodeo (NHSFR). Lane will compete in Reined Cow Horse and Phoenix in the Pole Bending competition.

Featuring more than 1,800 contestants from 44 states, five Canadian Provinces, Australia, Mexico, New Zealand, and Guatemala, the NHSFR is the world’s largest rodeo. In addition to competing for more than $150,000 in prizes and over $200,000 in added money, NHSFR contestants will also be competing for more than $375,000 in college scholarships and the chance to be named an NHSFR World Champion. To earn this title, contestants must finish in the top 20 — based on their combined times/scores in the first two rounds — to advance to Saturday evening’s final round. World champions will then be determined based on their three-round combined times/scores.

Again, this year, the Saturday championship performance will be televised nationally as a part of the Cinch High School Rodeo Tour telecast series. LIVE broadcasts of each NHSFR performance will air online at <a href="http://www.thecowboychannel.com">www.thecowboychannel.com</a>. Performance times begin @ 7pm on July 13th and competition continues daily at 9am and 7pm through July 19th. Make sure to catch the action!

Along with great rodeo competition and the chance to meet new friends from around the world, NHSFR contestants have the opportunity to enjoy volleyball, contestant dances, family-oriented activities, church services sponsored by Golden Spur Ministries, and shopping at the NHSFR tradeshow.

To follow your local favorites at the NHSFR, visit NHSRA.com daily for complete results. For ticket information, visit <a>https://www.sweetwaterevents.com/p/nhsfr/tickets</a>.

NORTH PLATTE – Lane Foote, a sophomore, and Phoenix Brown, a freshman at North Platte High School have earned positions on the Nebraska National High School rodeo team and will be traveling with fellow teammates to Rock Springs, Wyoming July 13–19 to compete at the 77th annual National High School Finals Rodeo (NHSFR). Lane will compete in Reined Cow Horse and Phoenix in the Pole Bending competition.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751029030167.jpeg" alt="NHSFR Lane Foote" />
 <figcaption>NHSFR Lane Foote</figcaption>
 </figure>Featuring more than 1,800 contestants from 44 states, five Canadian Provinces, Australia, Mexico, New Zealand, and Guatemala, the NHSFR is the world’s largest rodeo. In addition to competing for more than $150,000 in prizes and over $200,000 in added money, NHSFR contestants will also be competing for more than $375,000 in college scholarships and the chance to be named an NHSFR World Champion. To earn this title, contestants must finish in the top 20 — based on their combined times/scores in the first two rounds — to advance to Saturday evening’s final round. World champions will then be determined based on their three-round combined times/scores.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751029105165.jpeg" alt="NHSRA Phoenix Brown" />
 <figcaption>NHSRA Phoenix Brown</figcaption>
 </figure>Again, this year, the Saturday championship performance will be televised nationally as a part of the Cinch High School Rodeo Tour telecast series. LIVE broadcasts of each NHSFR performance will air online at <a href="http://www.thecowboychannel.com">www.thecowboychannel.com</a>. Performance times begin @ 7pm on July 13th and competition continues daily at 9am and 7pm through July 19th. Make sure to catch the action!Along with great rodeo competition and the chance to meet new friends from around the world, NHSFR contestants have the opportunity to enjoy volleyball, contestant dances, family-oriented activities, church services sponsored by Golden Spur Ministries, and shopping at the NHSFR tradeshow.To follow your local favorites at the NHSFR, visit NHSRA.com daily for complete results. For ticket information, visit <a>https://www.sweetwaterevents.com/p/nhsfr/tickets</a>.

Local Student Qualify to compete at world's largest rodeo

Story by NU Athletic Communication

The Nebraska men’s basketball team will face New Mexico in the opening round of the 2025 Hall of Fame Classic, as the NABC announced the tournament pairings on Thursday.&nbsp;

The Huskers, coming off a 21-14 season and a championship in the College Basketball Crown, will face a New Mexico team that went 27-8 and reached the second round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament. Head Coach Eric Olen is in his first season after leading UC San Diego to the 2025 NCAA Tournament

This is only the second time that Nebraska and New Mexico have squared off on the hardwood and the first since the 2009 NIT, an 83-71 New Mexico win in in Albuquerque.

Tipoff for the Nov. 20 matchup is set for 6 p.m. (central) and the game will be streamed live on Peacock and <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.nbcsports.com/now?utm_tags=nbcs1163__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!Ev474q1t95404lcRR5WS-MT_IA7kASascuELMZDkL50bRp0uAwSLg7eKuZwFAsJbrzQmgyyQqIhKQUj6KQAoQNev2BwdtP-f$">NBC Sports NOW</a>. The other first-round matchup will feature Kansas State and Mississippi State and that game will tip off at 8:30 p.m.&nbsp; The consolation and title games will take place the following night, as both games will be streamed on Peacock and on NBC Sports Now.

Tickets for the 2025 Hall of Fame Classic will go on sale via the T-Mobile Center box office and t-mobilecenter.com on Sept. 3.

Nebraska returns five letterwinners from a team that went 21-14 in 2024-25. The group includes returning starters Berke Büyüktuncel and Sam Hoiberg, along with senior guard Connor Essegian, who averaged 10.7 ppg off the bench last season.&nbsp; The Huskers also regain the services of two other significant contributors to the 2024 NCAA Tournament team in All-Big Ten forward senior Rienk Mast, who averaged 12.3 points and led NU in both rebounding (7.5 rpg) and assists (3.0 apg) and Jamarques Lawrence, who played in all 34 games at NU in 2023-24 and averaged 6.9 points and 2.5 assists per game before playing at Rhode Island last season.

Lawrence (9.9 ppg at Rhode Island) is part of a six-member transfer class which includes Kendall Blue (12.3 pp, 4.4 rpg at St. Thomas), Will Cooper (5.3 ppg at Air Force) Jared Garcia (9.6 ppg, 4.2 rpg at Tulsa), Ugnius Jarusevicius (16.2 ppg, 7.3 rpg at Central Michigan) and Pryce Sandfort (8.8 ppg at Iowa). Nebraska also adds a pair of freshmen who are among the nation’s top 125 recruits in Leo Curtis (CATS Academy) and Quentin Rhymes (Hillcrest Prep).

Nebraska vs. New Mexico – 6:00 p.m., Peacock/NBC Sports NOW

Kansas State vs. Mississippi State – 8:30 p.m., Peacock/NBC Sports NOW

Consolation Game – 6:00 p.m., Peacock/NBC Sports NOW

Championship Game – 8:30 p.m., Peacock/NBC Sports NOW

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationThe Nebraska men’s basketball team will face New Mexico in the opening round of the 2025 Hall of Fame Classic, as the NABC announced the tournament pairings on Thursday.&nbsp;The Huskers, coming off a 21-14 season and a championship in the College Basketball Crown, will face a New Mexico team that went 27-8 and reached the second round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament. Head Coach Eric Olen is in his first season after leading UC San Diego to the 2025 NCAA TournamentThis is only the second time that Nebraska and New Mexico have squared off on the hardwood and the first since the 2009 NIT, an 83-71 New Mexico win in in Albuquerque.Tipoff for the Nov. 20 matchup is set for 6 p.m. (central) and the game will be streamed live on Peacock and <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.nbcsports.com/now?utm_tags=nbcs1163__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!Ev474q1t95404lcRR5WS-MT_IA7kASascuELMZDkL50bRp0uAwSLg7eKuZwFAsJbrzQmgyyQqIhKQUj6KQAoQNev2BwdtP-f$">NBC Sports NOW</a>. The other first-round matchup will feature Kansas State and Mississippi State and that game will tip off at 8:30 p.m.&nbsp; The consolation and title games will take place the following night, as both games will be streamed on Peacock and on NBC Sports Now.Tickets for the 2025 Hall of Fame Classic will go on sale via the T-Mobile Center box office and t-mobilecenter.com on Sept. 3.Nebraska returns five letterwinners from a team that went 21-14 in 2024-25. The group includes returning starters Berke Büyüktuncel and Sam Hoiberg, along with senior guard Connor Essegian, who averaged 10.7 ppg off the bench last season.&nbsp; The Huskers also regain the services of two other significant contributors to the 2024 NCAA Tournament team in All-Big Ten forward senior Rienk Mast, who averaged 12.3 points and led NU in both rebounding (7.5 rpg) and assists (3.0 apg) and Jamarques Lawrence, who played in all 34 games at NU in 2023-24 and averaged 6.9 points and 2.5 assists per game before playing at Rhode Island last season.Lawrence (9.9 ppg at Rhode Island) is part of a six-member transfer class which includes Kendall Blue (12.3 pp, 4.4 rpg at St. Thomas), Will Cooper (5.3 ppg at Air Force) Jared Garcia (9.6 ppg, 4.2 rpg at Tulsa), Ugnius Jarusevicius (16.2 ppg, 7.3 rpg at Central Michigan) and Pryce Sandfort (8.8 ppg at Iowa). Nebraska also adds a pair of freshmen who are among the nation’s top 125 recruits in Leo Curtis (CATS Academy) and Quentin Rhymes (Hillcrest Prep).2025 Hall of Fame Classic (All times CT)Thursday, Nov. 20Nebraska vs. New Mexico – 6:00 p.m., Peacock/NBC Sports NOWKansas State vs. Mississippi State – 8:30 p.m., Peacock/NBC Sports NOWFriday, Nov. 21Consolation Game – 6:00 p.m., Peacock/NBC Sports NOWChampionship Game – 8:30 p.m., Peacock/NBC Sports NOW

Huskers to face Lobos in Hall of Fame Classic

Nebraska swimmers Gena Jorgenson and Beatrix Tanko will represent the Huskers and their home countries at the 2025 FISU World University Games in Berlin, Germany (July 16-27).

Jorgenson, a senior-to-be from Aberdeen, S.D., earned an invitation to represent the United States after her fifth-place finish in the 1,500-meter freestyle (16:19.28) at the Toyota USA Championships in Indianapolis. A two-time All-American in the 1,650-yard free for the Huskers at the NCAA Championships (2024, 2025), Jorgenson added a sixth-place finish in the 800-meter free (8:33.79) and a seventh-place finish in the 400-meter free (4:11.96) at the USA Championships. All three swims set school records and lifetime bests for Jorgenson. She added a fourth school record by taking 21st in the 200-meter backstroke (2:12.79) at nationals.

Tanko, a junior-to-be for the Big Red from Budapest, Hungary, earned a roster spot for the Hungarian team at the World University Games after winning gold in the 50-meter butterfly (27:04), while adding silvers in the 50-meter freestyle (25.58) and the 100 butterfly (1:00.67) at the Hungarian National Championships in mid-April.

"We are proud to have two Huskers qualify for the World University Games," Nebraska Head Coach Pablo Morales said. "It is always our goal to have our student-athletes represent Nebraska and their national teams at the highest levels. Gena and Beatrix have worked hard for this honor and have been preparing well for the Games. We are definitely looking forward to watching them compete at a global championship."

The swimming competition at the World University Games in Berlin is set to begin July 17 and continue through July 23.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationNebraska swimmers Gena Jorgenson and Beatrix Tanko will represent the Huskers and their home countries at the 2025 FISU World University Games in Berlin, Germany (July 16-27).Jorgenson, a senior-to-be from Aberdeen, S.D., earned an invitation to represent the United States after her fifth-place finish in the 1,500-meter freestyle (16:19.28) at the Toyota USA Championships in Indianapolis. A two-time All-American in the 1,650-yard free for the Huskers at the NCAA Championships (2024, 2025), Jorgenson added a sixth-place finish in the 800-meter free (8:33.79) and a seventh-place finish in the 400-meter free (4:11.96) at the USA Championships. All three swims set school records and lifetime bests for Jorgenson. She added a fourth school record by taking 21st in the 200-meter backstroke (2:12.79) at nationals.Tanko, a junior-to-be for the Big Red from Budapest, Hungary, earned a roster spot for the Hungarian team at the World University Games after winning gold in the 50-meter butterfly (27:04), while adding silvers in the 50-meter freestyle (25.58) and the 100 butterfly (1:00.67) at the Hungarian National Championships in mid-April."We are proud to have two Huskers qualify for the World University Games," Nebraska Head Coach Pablo Morales said. "It is always our goal to have our student-athletes represent Nebraska and their national teams at the highest levels. Gena and Beatrix have worked hard for this honor and have been preparing well for the Games. We are definitely looking forward to watching them compete at a global championship."The swimming competition at the World University Games in Berlin is set to begin July 17 and continue through July 23.

Jorgenson, Tanko Earn Trips to World University Games

On today's episode of Knight's Weekly, we welcome back Jacob Brandl, the Head Coach of the North Platte Community College Men's Basketball team, to discuss offseason recruiting and how he is feeling after a long recruiting offseason as well as his thoughts on the upcoming schedule and so much more.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655346441244.png" alt="<a href="https://www.npkubota.com/">Post Podcast Sponsored By North Platte Kubota</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://www.npkubota.com/">Post Podcast Sponsored By North Platte Kubota</a></figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="(Audio) Knight's Weekly #11 featuring North Platte Community College Men's Basketball Coach Jacob Brandl" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=ek7q3-18eb2a5-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>On today's episode of Knight's Weekly, we welcome back Jacob Brandl, the Head Coach of the North Platte Community College Men's Basketball team, to discuss offseason recruiting and how he is feeling after a long recruiting offseason as well as his thoughts on the upcoming schedule and so much more.

(Audio) Knight's Weekly #11 Recruiting special featuring Coach Jacob Brandl Head Coach for NPCC Men's team

By: Paxton Ritchie CSC Sports Information Director

CHADRON, Neb. – Chadron State College and athletic director Mannie Reinsch have announced the hiring of Jalen Little to lead the CSC women's basketball program as head coach. Little will be the 12th head coach in program history and the sixth in the program's Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC)/Division II history.

Little brings nearly a decade of coaching experience within the RMAC and will be a familiar name for many CSC fans after serving as an assistant for the Chadron State men's basketball program from 2016-2020 under former Eagles coach Houston Reed. 

"It is an incredible honor to be named the head coach of Chadron State College women's basketball," Little said. "Thank you to Mannie Reinsch and the search committee for the opportunity to be part of a culture that values community and relationships in addition to competitive excellence. I'm looking forward to building something special with our student-athletes, both on and off the court. We will Protect the Rock!" 

For the past five seasons, Little has served as the lead assistant women's basketball coach at RMAC foe CSU Pueblo. During Little's time on staff, the ThunderWolves qualified for four consecutive RMAC tournaments from 2022-25, including a fifth-place finish (18-11, 13-7 RMAC) in the league standings last year. He was instrumental in recruiting Alisha Little, the two-time reigning RMAC Defensive Player of the Year who ranked second in Division II in scoring last season with 24.9 points per game. 

"I'd like to welcome Jalen and his family back to Chadron, Nebraska," Reinsch said. "Throughout the process, Jalen showcased his energy and passion for developing our student-athletes and building his culture the right way. After growing in his career and learning from some great leaders, I'm excited to see Jalen put his footprint on our women's basketball program."

Little began his coaching career by spending four seasons as an assistant coach with the Chadron State men's basketball program under Houston Reed, who coached Little as a player. During Little's tenure, the Eagles had seven All-RMAC selections and 22 All-Academic Honor Roll selections.

"Houston Reed's belief in me and bringing me to Chadron laid out an unbelievable foundation for me as a coach," Little said. "He allowed me to find my coaching voice and showed me what pouring into student-athletes at an elite level looked like."

At CSU Pueblo, Little and head coach Tommie Johnson orchestrated a 20-win turnaround for the ThunderWolves in 2021-22, which was tied for the best in the NCAA that year. After the ThunderWolves went 3-13 in a COVID-19 impacted 2020-21 season, CSU Pueblo rallied to a 23-9 record the next year, highlighted by a third-place RMAC regular season finish, runner-up finish in the RMAC Tournament and a berth in the 2022 NCAA Tournament. 

"Learning from Tommie Johnson for the past five seasons was a blessing," Little said. "He always showed what it looked like to aim high in recruiting and the value of genuine relationships. He made my transition from coaching the men's side to the women's side seamless, and I wouldn't be in this position without his leadership." 

As a student-athlete, Little played one season at Alaska Anchorage (Division II, GNAC) before transferring to Otero Junior College, where he played for Houston Reed. In his one season with the Rattlers, Little averaged 11.6 points and 6.7 assists per game. 

Little closed his playing career at the Division I level for Abiliene Christian University (Texas), where he was the Wildcats' starter at point guard for two seasons. He finished among the top six in the NCAA Division I Southland Conference both seasons for assist-to-turnover ratio, carrying a combined 2.3 ratio through the end of his ACU career.

Immediately after his playing career, Little completed a fundraising internship with Abilene Christian athletic director Lee De Leon, who at the time was the youngest athletic director in NCAA Division I. 

A native of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Little completed his Associate of Arts in psychology from Otero Junior College in 2014 and his Bachelor of Science in communications from Abilene Christian University in 2016. 

He and his wife Shantelle have two daughters, Nevaeh and Anaiya. 

Little's official start date will be July 1. A press conference introducing Little to the community will take place later this fall, with details announced at a later date.

By: Paxton Ritchie CSC Sports Information DirectorCHADRON, Neb. – Chadron State College and athletic director Mannie Reinsch have announced the hiring of Jalen Little to lead the CSC women's basketball program as head coach. Little will be the 12th head coach in program history and the sixth in the program's Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC)/Division II history.Little brings nearly a decade of coaching experience within the RMAC and will be a familiar name for many CSC fans after serving as an assistant for the Chadron State men's basketball program from 2016-2020 under former Eagles coach Houston Reed. "It is an incredible honor to be named the head coach of Chadron State College women's basketball," Little said. "Thank you to Mannie Reinsch and the search committee for the opportunity to be part of a culture that values community and relationships in addition to competitive excellence. I'm looking forward to building something special with our student-athletes, both on and off the court. We will Protect the Rock!" For the past five seasons, Little has served as the lead assistant women's basketball coach at RMAC foe CSU Pueblo. During Little's time on staff, the ThunderWolves qualified for four consecutive RMAC tournaments from 2022-25, including a fifth-place finish (18-11, 13-7 RMAC) in the league standings last year. He was instrumental in recruiting Alisha Little, the two-time reigning RMAC Defensive Player of the Year who ranked second in Division II in scoring last season with 24.9 points per game. "I'd like to welcome Jalen and his family back to Chadron, Nebraska," Reinsch said. "Throughout the process, Jalen showcased his energy and passion for developing our student-athletes and building his culture the right way. After growing in his career and learning from some great leaders, I'm excited to see Jalen put his footprint on our women's basketball program."Little began his coaching career by spending four seasons as an assistant coach with the Chadron State men's basketball program under Houston Reed, who coached Little as a player. During Little's tenure, the Eagles had seven All-RMAC selections and 22 All-Academic Honor Roll selections."Houston Reed's belief in me and bringing me to Chadron laid out an unbelievable foundation for me as a coach," Little said. "He allowed me to find my coaching voice and showed me what pouring into student-athletes at an elite level looked like."At CSU Pueblo, Little and head coach Tommie Johnson orchestrated a 20-win turnaround for the ThunderWolves in 2021-22, which was tied for the best in the NCAA that year. After the ThunderWolves went 3-13 in a COVID-19 impacted 2020-21 season, CSU Pueblo rallied to a 23-9 record the next year, highlighted by a third-place RMAC regular season finish, runner-up finish in the RMAC Tournament and a berth in the 2022 NCAA Tournament. "Learning from Tommie Johnson for the past five seasons was a blessing," Little said. "He always showed what it looked like to aim high in recruiting and the value of genuine relationships. He made my transition from coaching the men's side to the women's side seamless, and I wouldn't be in this position without his leadership." As a student-athlete, Little played one season at Alaska Anchorage (Division II, GNAC) before transferring to Otero Junior College, where he played for Houston Reed. In his one season with the Rattlers, Little averaged 11.6 points and 6.7 assists per game. Little closed his playing career at the Division I level for Abiliene Christian University (Texas), where he was the Wildcats' starter at point guard for two seasons. He finished among the top six in the NCAA Division I Southland Conference both seasons for assist-to-turnover ratio, carrying a combined 2.3 ratio through the end of his ACU career.Immediately after his playing career, Little completed a fundraising internship with Abilene Christian athletic director Lee De Leon, who at the time was the youngest athletic director in NCAA Division I. A native of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Little completed his Associate of Arts in psychology from Otero Junior College in 2014 and his Bachelor of Science in communications from Abilene Christian University in 2016. He and his wife Shantelle have two daughters, Nevaeh and Anaiya. Little's official start date will be July 1. A press conference introducing Little to the community will take place later this fall, with details announced at a later date.

Chadron State hires familiar coach to take over women's basketball program

John Haimowitz Joins Evan and Bruce this week to discuss preparation in professional baseball. The North Platte 80s C talks about his notebooks and how they're vital to him when it comes to moving forward in this great sport. It's another fascinating interview with another great personality in this league. Don't miss it. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655346441244.png" alt="<a href="http://www.npkubota.com/">Post Podcasts sponsored by North Platte Kubota</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="http://www.npkubota.com/">Post Podcasts sponsored by North Platte Kubota</a></figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Another great week in the Pecos League! This week, we visit with John Haimowitz, North Platte 80s Catcher!" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=z9kyg-18e539a-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>John Haimowitz Joins Evan and Bruce this week to discuss preparation in professional baseball. The North Platte 80s C talks about his notebooks and how they're vital to him when it comes to moving forward in this great sport. It's another fascinating interview with another great personality in this league. Don't miss it.

Another great week in the Pecos League! This week, we visit with John Haimowitz, North Platte 80s Catcher!

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — North Platte Community College continues to add to it's roster this offseason as it picks up True Freshman Guard Brady Kennison from Collin College.

Kennison averaged 10 points per game while shooting 34 percent from the three point line. Kennison also averaged 3.2 rebounds per game and 2.6 assists per game. Kennison joins an already stacked recruiting class at the guard position with incoming freshman Deandre Nichols and John Sims IV from Omaha Westview.

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — North Platte Community College continues to add to it's roster this offseason as it picks up True Freshman Guard Brady Kennison from Collin College.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750692832541.jpeg" alt="True Freshman Guard Brady Kennison from Collin College." />
 <figcaption>True Freshman Guard Brady Kennison from Collin College.</figcaption>
 </figure>Kennison averaged 10 points per game while shooting 34 percent from the three point line. Kennison also averaged 3.2 rebounds per game and 2.6 assists per game. Kennison joins an already stacked recruiting class at the guard position with incoming freshman Deandre Nichols and John Sims IV from Omaha Westview.<div><iframe width='1920' height='1080' scrolling='no' frameborder='0' style='border: none;' src='https://www.wevideo.com/embed/#3840840684' allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

North Platte Community College lands 4th commit of the offseason 

North Platte, Neb. –June 23, 2025 – It’s the last rodeo for bullfighter Zach Call.

The Seneca, Neb. native retired from professional bullfighting after the Buffalo Bill Rodeo in North Platte June 18-21.

Call, who is 32 years old, got his start in rodeo as a youngster. In college, first at Dodge City (Kan.) Community College, then at Panhandle State University in Goodwell, Okla., he rode bulls. But he didn’t find a lot of success at it.

“I knew I wasn’t ever going to be good enough at it to go real far,” he said. He caught the attention of another Nebraska legend, bullfighter Miles Hare, who grew up in Gordon. “In a round-about way, he told me I was good at it,” so Call pursued the career.

In 2014, he got his PRCA card, and began working rodeos.

Since then, he has worked rodeos across the nation, including the Buffalo Bill Rodeo in North Platte since 2017.

Call also mixed in some freestyle bullfighting: competitions between bullfighters, (with no riders riding the bulls), judged on the bullfighter’s ability to control and maneuver around the bull. In 2016, he was the runner-up at the Bullfighters Only World Finals, and the next year, he finished third at the Finals.

Of the things he’s enjoyed about his rodeo career, it’s the people who rank at the top.

“Most of my close friends are bullfighters,” he said. “They’re like family to me.” The rodeo committees are also special to him. “They treat you like family.’

He’s also loved the travel that comes with rodeo. “It’s been cool, going from state to state, seeing everything. Honestly, it’s been like a big vacation.”

Now living in Weatherford, Texas, Call has found a new passion: reined cow horses.

He was at a snaffle bit futurity when his interest was sparked. “It got my adrenaline going in my system again,” he said. “I hadn’t gotten that excited for something in quite a while. It is something that I think I can be competitive at. It’s the route I’m taking now.”

He has been training and riding performance horses for several years in Texas.

He loves the idea of competition. “I don’t know what I would do if I wasn’t competing at something.”

Call’s decision to retire did not come easily. “I am being drawn two ways: training horses and bullfighting. I’m neglecting one or the other. It’s time for me to pursue one thing.

“I can train horses a long time. Unfortunately, bullfighting is a young man’s game.”

He chose to leave the bullfighting career while he was at the top of his game.

“I didn’t want to lose my step,” he said. “I wanted to walk away on my terms, and on good terms, too.”

Being in North Platte for his final rodeo performance was fitting, he said. It’s the closest pro rodeo to his hometown, and he was “tickled” when they hired him. It was also the first pro rodeo he attended as a child.

North Platte, Neb. –June 23, 2025 – It’s the last rodeo for bullfighter Zach Call.The Seneca, Neb. native retired from professional bullfighting after the Buffalo Bill Rodeo in North Platte June 18-21.Call, who is 32 years old, got his start in rodeo as a youngster. In college, first at Dodge City (Kan.) Community College, then at Panhandle State University in Goodwell, Okla., he rode bulls. But he didn’t find a lot of success at it.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750680169481.jpeg" alt="Zach Call works as a bullfighter in a sailor’s hat borrowed from one of the USS Nebraska sailors attending the Buffalo Bill Rodeo. The Seneca, Neb. native retired from rodeo this weekend. Photo by Don Christner." />
 <figcaption>Zach Call works as a bullfighter in a sailor’s hat borrowed from one of the USS Nebraska sailors attending the Buffalo Bill Rodeo. The Seneca, Neb. native retired from rodeo this weekend. Photo by Don Christner.</figcaption>
 </figure>“I knew I wasn’t ever going to be good enough at it to go real far,” he said. He caught the attention of another Nebraska legend, bullfighter Miles Hare, who grew up in Gordon. “In a round-about way, he told me I was good at it,” so Call pursued the career.In 2014, he got his PRCA card, and began working rodeos.Since then, he has worked rodeos across the nation, including the Buffalo Bill Rodeo in North Platte since 2017.Call also mixed in some freestyle bullfighting: competitions between bullfighters, (with no riders riding the bulls), judged on the bullfighter’s ability to control and maneuver around the bull. In 2016, he was the runner-up at the Bullfighters Only World Finals, and the next year, he finished third at the Finals.Of the things he’s enjoyed about his rodeo career, it’s the people who rank at the top.“Most of my close friends are bullfighters,” he said. “They’re like family to me.” The rodeo committees are also special to him. “They treat you like family.’He’s also loved the travel that comes with rodeo. “It’s been cool, going from state to state, seeing everything. Honestly, it’s been like a big vacation.”Now living in Weatherford, Texas, Call has found a new passion: reined cow horses.He was at a snaffle bit futurity when his interest was sparked. “It got my adrenaline going in my system again,” he said. “I hadn’t gotten that excited for something in quite a while. It is something that I think I can be competitive at. It’s the route I’m taking now.”He has been training and riding performance horses for several years in Texas.He loves the idea of competition. “I don’t know what I would do if I wasn’t competing at something.”Call’s decision to retire did not come easily. “I am being drawn two ways: training horses and bullfighting. I’m neglecting one or the other. It’s time for me to pursue one thing.“I can train horses a long time. Unfortunately, bullfighting is a young man’s game.”He chose to leave the bullfighting career while he was at the top of his game.“I didn’t want to lose my step,” he said. “I wanted to walk away on my terms, and on good terms, too.”Being in North Platte for his final rodeo performance was fitting, he said. It’s the closest pro rodeo to his hometown, and he was “tickled” when they hired him. It was also the first pro rodeo he attended as a child.Call is the son of Craig and Lori Call.

Last Call; Neb. bullfighter announces retirement from rodeo 

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — June 21, 2025 — While the College National Finals Rodeo wrapped up in Wyoming this weekend, two college rodeo athletes made a splash at the professional level in Nebraska, claiming victories during the final night of the Buffalo Bill Rodeo in North Platte on Saturday.

Montana State University student Piper Cordes earned her first professional win in barrel racing, clocking in at 17.32 seconds aboard her 10-year-old gelding, Fiesta. The victory was especially meaningful for the Bozeman, Montana, freshman after a challenging college rodeo season.

“It was surreal,” Cordes said. “I’m glad all the ups and downs happened because it brought me here.”

Fiesta, whose dam Rosa was a six-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier with veteran barrel racer Lisa Lockhart, thrived in the wide-open layout of North Platte’s Wild West Arena.

In the bull riding, recent Sul Ross State University graduate Gavin Mitchell of Graford, Texas, was one of just three cowboys to make a qualified ride, scoring 77.5 points on Beutler &amp; Son Rodeo’s Six Shooter. Mitchell, who holds a degree in animal science, took home more than $5,500.

“My plan A is to ride bulls, and my plan B is to make plan A work,” said Mitchell, currently ranked fourth in the PRCA permit standings.

In breakaway roping, Cedar Jandreau of Kennebec, South Dakota, claimed the title with a quick 2.5-second run—just shy of the arena record. She rode a 5-year-old gelding named Dollar, owned by her father and trained by family friend Tate Cowan. The win comes after Jandreau spent last season recovering from a car accident that left her with two broken ankles.

Nebraska was well represented in steer wrestling, where Hoyt Kraeger of Weeping Water took home top honors with a combined time of 8.2 seconds on two head. Riding a horse trained by his brother Reed, who also hazed for him during the competition, Kraeger credited his win to the support of his family and team.

“It takes a lot of help,” Kraeger said. “You can’t do it yourself, especially in steer wrestling.”

Austin Hurlburt of Norfolk, Nebraska, was named the all-around champion (tie-down roping and steer wrestling).

During Saturday’s rodeo, the 2025 Trail Boss Award was presented to Deb Cox of Mullen, Nebraska. A lifelong horse trainer and barrel racer, Cox is celebrated for her six decades of involvement in the sport and her leadership in Rodeo Bible Camps.

The Buffalo Bill Rodeo is a central feature of NebraskalandDays, which continues next week with events including a prime rib feed, pickleball tournament, and concerts featuring Luke Bryan (June 27) and Bailey Zimmerman (June 28).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750599115792.jpeg" alt="The Buffalo Bill Rodeo is Piper Cordes’ first professional rodeo win. The barrel racer is from Wall, S.D. Photo by Clay Guardipee, Rodeo Ready." />
 <figcaption>The Buffalo Bill Rodeo is Piper Cordes’ first professional rodeo win. The barrel racer is from Wall, S.D. Photo by Clay Guardipee, Rodeo Ready.</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;Ruth NicolausNORTH PLATTE, Neb. — June 21, 2025 — While the College National Finals Rodeo wrapped up in Wyoming this weekend, two college rodeo athletes made a splash at the professional level in Nebraska, claiming victories during the final night of the Buffalo Bill Rodeo in North Platte on Saturday.Montana State University student Piper Cordes earned her first professional win in barrel racing, clocking in at 17.32 seconds aboard her 10-year-old gelding, Fiesta. The victory was especially meaningful for the Bozeman, Montana, freshman after a challenging college rodeo season.“It was surreal,” Cordes said. “I’m glad all the ups and downs happened because it brought me here.”Fiesta, whose dam Rosa was a six-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier with veteran barrel racer Lisa Lockhart, thrived in the wide-open layout of North Platte’s Wild West Arena.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750599204187.jpeg" alt="Gavin Mitchell won the bull riding title at the 2025 Buffalo Bill Rodeo. Photo by Clay Guardipee, Rodeo Ready." />
 <figcaption>Gavin Mitchell won the bull riding title at the 2025 Buffalo Bill Rodeo. Photo by Clay Guardipee, Rodeo Ready.</figcaption>
 </figure>In the bull riding, recent Sul Ross State University graduate Gavin Mitchell of Graford, Texas, was one of just three cowboys to make a qualified ride, scoring 77.5 points on Beutler &amp; Son Rodeo’s Six Shooter. Mitchell, who holds a degree in animal science, took home more than $5,500.“My plan A is to ride bulls, and my plan B is to make plan A work,” said Mitchell, currently ranked fourth in the PRCA permit standings.In breakaway roping, Cedar Jandreau of Kennebec, South Dakota, claimed the title with a quick 2.5-second run—just shy of the arena record. She rode a 5-year-old gelding named Dollar, owned by her father and trained by family friend Tate Cowan. The win comes after Jandreau spent last season recovering from a car accident that left her with two broken ankles.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750599032772.jpeg" alt="Hoyt Kraeger, Weeping Water, Neb. is the 2025 Buffalo Bill Rodeo steer wrestling champion. Photo by Clay Guardipee, Rodeo Ready." />
 <figcaption>Hoyt Kraeger, Weeping Water, Neb. is the 2025 Buffalo Bill Rodeo steer wrestling champion. Photo by Clay Guardipee, Rodeo Ready.</figcaption>
 </figure>Nebraska was well represented in steer wrestling, where Hoyt Kraeger of Weeping Water took home top honors with a combined time of 8.2 seconds on two head. Riding a horse trained by his brother Reed, who also hazed for him during the competition, Kraeger credited his win to the support of his family and team.“It takes a lot of help,” Kraeger said. “You can’t do it yourself, especially in steer wrestling.”Overall event champions were:<ul>
 <li>Bareback Riding: Rocker Steiner, Weatherford, Texas (86 points)
</li><li>Saddle Bronc Riding: Wyatt Casper, Miami, Texas (84 points)
</li><li>Tie-Down Roping: Jacob Haren, Callaway, Neb. (19.5 seconds on two head)
</li><li>Team Roping: Co-champions Garrett Tonozzi, Lampasas, Texas/Conner Herren, Crooks, S.D., and Eric Martin, Aurora, Colo./Ryon Tittel, Pueblo, Colo. (6.1 seconds)
</li><li>Bull Riding: Gavin Mitchell, Graford, Texas (77.5 points)
</li>
 </ul>Austin Hurlburt of Norfolk, Nebraska, was named the all-around champion (tie-down roping and steer wrestling).During Saturday’s rodeo, the 2025 Trail Boss Award was presented to Deb Cox of Mullen, Nebraska. A lifelong horse trainer and barrel racer, Cox is celebrated for her six decades of involvement in the sport and her leadership in Rodeo Bible Camps.The Buffalo Bill Rodeo is a central feature of NebraskalandDays, which continues next week with events including a prime rib feed, pickleball tournament, and concerts featuring Luke Bryan (June 27) and Bailey Zimmerman (June 28).

College athletes among winners at Buffalo Bill Rodeo Saturday night (Overall Winners)

North Platte, Neb. (June 19, 2025) – Rocker Steiner is looking to earn himself a second Buffalo Bill Rodeo buckle.

The Weatherford, Texas bareback rider, the 2024 Buffalo Bill Rodeo bareback riding champ, took the lead in his event during the second night of the rodeo on June 19.

On his way to North Platte, however, he questioned his decision to compete in North Platte on the Beutler and Son Rodeo horse named Dodge Avenger.

When he vetted the horse, what he heard wasn’t what he wanted to hear.

“What I heard from my bronc riding buddies is the horse is real treacherous, out of line, and hard to ride, and I didn’t know that until I was about three hours into my drive today. I was expecting the worst.”

The horse’s first jump was “super hard,” Steiner said, “and jerked my riggin away from me. Somehow I picked it back up and I finished it off and I’m leading it now.

Steiner is currently ranked second in the PRCA world standings, and is on a roll, after battling through wear and tear and concussions suffered at last year’s Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

“I get real hot in the summer,” he said. “June, July and August are my best months, which is perfect. Last year, I think I won $40,000 in June alone. These first rodeos for the summer run, Woodward (Okla.), North Platte, and Pleasant Grove (Utah), I have a history of winning them.”

Steiner won the Woodward rodeo this year and last year; he is the 2024 Pleasant Grove champion.

He’ll hit the trail hard over the next few months, as the rodeo season heats up and there’s plenty of money to be made. His rodeo schedule includes Pleasant Grove; Nampa, Idaho; Santa Ynez, Calif.; Springdale, Ark.; Pecos, Texas; Greeley, Colo.; and Ponoka, Alberta, all by July 4.

“It’s a real cool little rodeo. It’s very country, my kind of people. Any rodeo Bennie Beutler has, I’m going. They’re great friends of ours. I love this rodeo.”

Other high scores and fast times from the morning slack and the evening competition include steer wrestler Hoyt Kraeger, Weeping Water, Neb. (3.8 seconds); tie-down roper Monty Lewis, Hereford, Texas (8.6 seconds); saddle bronc rider John Thelen, Pierre, S.D. (81.5 points) breakaway roper Jessica McMaster, Madison, Kan. (3.3 seconds); team ropers Jay Tittel, Pueblo, Colo. and Cullen Teller, Ault, Colo. (6.5 seconds); and barrel racer Alyssa Allen, Oelrichs, S.D. (17.79 seconds.) No bull rider made a qualified ride.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The third night of action at the Buffalo Bill rodeo takes place Friday, June 20 starting at 7:30 pm. The rodeo is broadcast on the Cowboy Channel app and on local radio station KODY 1240 AM.

Results, 2nd Performance and slack, June 19, 2025

North Platte, Nebraska – Buffalo Bill Rodeo

1. Rocker Steiner, Weatherford, Texas 86 points on Dodge Avenger; 2. Waylon Bourgeois, Church Point, La. 84; 3. Cole Franks, Clarendon, Texas 83.5; 4. Owen Brouillette, St. Francisville, La. 80.&nbsp;&nbsp;

1. Hoyt Kraeger, Weeping Water, Neb. 3.8 seconds; 2. Trisyn Kalawaia, Alva, Okla. 4.1;

3. (tie) Riley Westhaver, High River, Alb., Austin Eller, Glendo, Wyo. and Marc Joiner, Wayne, Okla. 4.6 each.

1. Monty Lewis, Hereford, Texas 8.6 seconds; 2. Zane Rampey, Pryor, Okla. 9.2; 3. Hunter Herrin, Elgin, Okla. 9.6; 4. New Bruley, Willow Lake, S.D. 10.6.

1. John Thelen, Pierre, S.D. 81.5 points on Revenge; 2. Kyle Wanchuk, Sherwood Park, Alb. 81; 3. (tie) Tyrel Roberts, Charlie Lake, B.C. and Mitchell Story, Bayfield, Colo. 79 each.

1. Jessica McMaster, Madison, Kan. 3.3 seconds; 2. Taylor Raupe, Douglas, Kan. 3.6; no other qualified runs.

1. Jay Tittel, Pueblo, Colo./Cullen Teller, Ault, Colo. 6.5 seconds; 2. Cooper Brott, Gothenburg, Neb./Dustin Harris, O’Neill, Neb. 10.2; 3. Brayden Fillmore, Pueblo, Colo./Cody Lansing, Cortez, Colo. 16.2; 4. Gary Haynes, Orchard, Colo./Bryton Scheller, Ault, Colo. 19.7.

1. Alyssa Allen, Oelrichs, S.D. 17.79 seconds; 2. Jodi Nelson, Hartford, S.D. 17.80; 3. Emily Beisel, Weatherford, Okla. 17.81; 4. Karson Bradley Berger, Saratoga, Wyo. 17.88.

North Platte, Neb. (June 19, 2025) – Rocker Steiner is looking to earn himself a second Buffalo Bill Rodeo buckle.The Weatherford, Texas bareback rider, the 2024 Buffalo Bill Rodeo bareback riding champ, took the lead in his event during the second night of the rodeo on June 19.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750428996299.jpeg" alt="Rocker Steiner leads the bareback riding after the second night of the Buffalo Bill Rodeo. Photo courtesy Clay Guardipee." />
 <figcaption>Rocker Steiner leads the bareback riding after the second night of the Buffalo Bill Rodeo. Photo courtesy Clay Guardipee.</figcaption>
 </figure>On his way to North Platte, however, he questioned his decision to compete in North Platte on the Beutler and Son Rodeo horse named Dodge Avenger.When he vetted the horse, what he heard wasn’t what he wanted to hear.“What I heard from my bronc riding buddies is the horse is real treacherous, out of line, and hard to ride, and I didn’t know that until I was about three hours into my drive today. I was expecting the worst.”But things worked out.The horse’s first jump was “super hard,” Steiner said, “and jerked my riggin away from me. Somehow I picked it back up and I finished it off and I’m leading it now.“So not a bad day.”Steiner is currently ranked second in the PRCA world standings, and is on a roll, after battling through wear and tear and concussions suffered at last year’s Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.“I get real hot in the summer,” he said. “June, July and August are my best months, which is perfect. Last year, I think I won $40,000 in June alone. These first rodeos for the summer run, Woodward (Okla.), North Platte, and Pleasant Grove (Utah), I have a history of winning them.”Steiner won the Woodward rodeo this year and last year; he is the 2024 Pleasant Grove champion.He’ll hit the trail hard over the next few months, as the rodeo season heats up and there’s plenty of money to be made. His rodeo schedule includes Pleasant Grove; Nampa, Idaho; Santa Ynez, Calif.; Springdale, Ark.; Pecos, Texas; Greeley, Colo.; and Ponoka, Alberta, all by July 4.He likes coming to North Platte.“It’s a real cool little rodeo. It’s very country, my kind of people. Any rodeo Bennie Beutler has, I’m going. They’re great friends of ours. I love this rodeo.”Other high scores and fast times from the morning slack and the evening competition include steer wrestler Hoyt Kraeger, Weeping Water, Neb. (3.8 seconds); tie-down roper Monty Lewis, Hereford, Texas (8.6 seconds); saddle bronc rider John Thelen, Pierre, S.D. (81.5 points) breakaway roper Jessica McMaster, Madison, Kan. (3.3 seconds); team ropers Jay Tittel, Pueblo, Colo. and Cullen Teller, Ault, Colo. (6.5 seconds); and barrel racer Alyssa Allen, Oelrichs, S.D. (17.79 seconds.) No bull rider made a qualified ride.&nbsp;&nbsp;The third night of action at the Buffalo Bill rodeo takes place Friday, June 20 starting at 7:30 pm. The rodeo is broadcast on the Cowboy Channel app and on local radio station KODY 1240 AM.- ### -Results, 2nd Performance and slack, June 19, 2025North Platte, Nebraska – Buffalo Bill RodeoBareback riding1. Rocker Steiner, Weatherford, Texas 86 points on Dodge Avenger; 2. Waylon Bourgeois, Church Point, La. 84; 3. Cole Franks, Clarendon, Texas 83.5; 4. Owen Brouillette, St. Francisville, La. 80.&nbsp;&nbsp;Steer wrestlingStart of the 2nd round1. Hoyt Kraeger, Weeping Water, Neb. 3.8 seconds; 2. Trisyn Kalawaia, Alva, Okla. 4.1;3. (tie) Riley Westhaver, High River, Alb., Austin Eller, Glendo, Wyo. and Marc Joiner, Wayne, Okla. 4.6 each.Tie-down ropingStart of the 2nd round1. Monty Lewis, Hereford, Texas 8.6 seconds; 2. Zane Rampey, Pryor, Okla. 9.2; 3. Hunter Herrin, Elgin, Okla. 9.6; 4. New Bruley, Willow Lake, S.D. 10.6.Saddle bronc riding1. John Thelen, Pierre, S.D. 81.5 points on Revenge; 2. Kyle Wanchuk, Sherwood Park, Alb. 81; 3. (tie) Tyrel Roberts, Charlie Lake, B.C. and Mitchell Story, Bayfield, Colo. 79 each.Breakaway roping1. Jessica McMaster, Madison, Kan. 3.3 seconds; 2. Taylor Raupe, Douglas, Kan. 3.6; no other qualified runs.Team roping1. Jay Tittel, Pueblo, Colo./Cullen Teller, Ault, Colo. 6.5 seconds; 2. Cooper Brott, Gothenburg, Neb./Dustin Harris, O’Neill, Neb. 10.2; 3. Brayden Fillmore, Pueblo, Colo./Cody Lansing, Cortez, Colo. 16.2; 4. Gary Haynes, Orchard, Colo./Bryton Scheller, Ault, Colo. 19.7.Barrel racing1. Alyssa Allen, Oelrichs, S.D. 17.79 seconds; 2. Jodi Nelson, Hartford, S.D. 17.80; 3. Emily Beisel, Weatherford, Okla. 17.81; 4. Karson Bradley Berger, Saratoga, Wyo. 17.88.Bull ridingNo qualified rides.** All results are unofficial.&nbsp;

Repeat performance; second night of the Buffalo Bill Rodeo 

Story by Buffalo Bill Rodeo Communication

North Platte, Neb. (June 18, 2025) – A Colorado cowboy is in the steer wrestling lead after the first night of the Buffalo Bill Rodeo in North Platte.

Tait Kvistad, Hudson, Colo., had a time of 4.2 seconds during slack on June 18 to win the first round.

The 42-year-old cowboy had done his homework on the steer, asking other steer wrestlers how the animal would run.

Tagged #110, Kvistad knew the steer might “slip a horn,” when the steer’s left horn slips across the steer wrestler’s belt line and the steer gets away.

“I was just trying to stay on my feet,” Kvistad said, “get in there to the nose early, and hope for the best.”

And the best is what happened: he won the round and a check for $1653.

Kvistad isn’t too old to steer wrestle, but he’s among the upper percentile in his age bracket among wrestlers.

It’s the horses that keep him in the game.

In North Platte, he rode a seven-year-old gelding named Cactus who is “still a little green.” Kvistad started him last summer, roping on him “a bunch.”

“He’s just a good horse,” he said. “My son (Trigg, age 14), was just riding him back to the trailer. If you’re around him, you wouldn’t even know he was a bulldogging horse. He’s really broke and just an easy horse to get along with. Between me and my fiancée (Selina Wiseman), he’s one of our favorite horses.”

He trains most of the horses he rides and takes great enjoyment in that process. “That’s what keeps me going, is the training part of it,” he said, “being able to train my own and haul them, and when you get those wins on them.”&nbsp; It’s part financial, that he’s able to win money on his home-trained horses, but it’s also incentive, “motivation to get out there, keep practicing, and stay hooked even though I’m 42 years old.”

In the saddle bronc riding, the number twelve man in the PRCA world standings is leading after the first night of the rodeo.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Miami, Texas cowboy was aboard a Beutler and Son horse named Ridge Walker. “That horse, he got me worked up in the chute,” Casper said. “He’s a bugger to saddle and get my halter on.” But the ride went well, to the tune of 84 points. “He came out there to the right, was pretty danged good, so I just stayed ahead of him and did what I could.”

The busiest part of the rodeo season is about to heat up, and Casper’s schedule is evidence.

He has off tomorrow, June 19, then competes in Pleasant Grove, Utah; and Elko and Reno, Nevada before coming home to Texas for a few days. Then he’s off to Springdale, Ark., Greeley, Colo., and Pecos, Texas, all before July 1.

He’s competed at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo a few times.

“It’s been a few years since I could fit this one into my schedule,” Casper said.

“It’s nice to be back here in North Platte. I’ve got friends all around here that cowboy and raise cattle, so it’s fun to see them and hang out.”

Other leaders after the day’s slack and the evening’s competition include bareback rider Quintonn Lunsford, McCune, Kan. (77); tie-down roper JD McCuistion, Estes Park, Colo. (8.9 seconds); breakaway roper Cedar Jandreau, Kennebec, S.D. (2.5 seconds); team ropers Marty McPherson, Piedmont, S.D. and Wroper Kosel, Mobridge, S.D. (6.2 seconds); barrel racer Amy Jo Reisdorfer, Cheyenne, Wyo. (17.61 seconds) and bull rider Jad Fogelsonger, Jefferson, Colo. (76 points).

The 2026 Miss Rodeo Nebraska was crowned during tonight’s rodeo.

Brylee Thompson, Hershey, won the crown. A graduate of Mid-Plains Community College in North Platte, she will serve as ambassador and representative of pro rodeo in the Cornhusker State in 2026 and will compete in the Miss Rodeo America pageant in December 2026.

The 2025 Miss Teen Rodeo Nebraska was crowned on June 17. Dakota Glasshoff, Murdock, Neb., won the title. This fall, she will be a senior at Elmwood-Murdock Public Schools.

The Buffalo Bill Rodeo continues with its second of four shows on Thursday, June 19 at 8 pm. Tickets range in price from $11 to $24 and are available online at www.NebraskalandDays.com and at the gate.

Results, 1st Performance and slack, June 18, 2025

1. Quintonn Lunsford, McCune, Kan. 77 points on Hot Rod; 2. Gauge McBride, Kearney, Neb. 76; 3. Darren Doporto, Milan, Mo. 59; 4. Stetson Bierman, Hidalgo, Ill. 57.

1. Tait Kvistad, Hudson, Colo. 4.2 seconds; 2. Aaron Vosler, Laramie, Wyo. 4.3; 3. (tie) Charlie Smith, Killdeer, N.D. and Hoyt Kraeger, Weeping Water, Neb. 4.4 each.

1. JD McCuistion, Estes Park, Colo. 8.9 seconds; 2. (tie) Macon Murphy, Keatchie, La. and Zane Kilgus, 9.1 each; 4. Austin Lawrence, Sperry, Okla. 9.4.

1. Wyatt Casper, Miami, Texas 84 points on Ridge Walker; 2. Jake Clark, Crane, Ore. 80.5; 3. (tie) Jake Schlattmann, Greybull,Wyo. and Kade Bruno, Challis, Idaho 80 each.&nbsp;&nbsp;

1. Cedar Jandreau, Kennebec, S.D. 2.5 seconds; 2. Samantha Fulton, Miller, S.D. 3.4; 3. Ally Brennaman, Deerfield, Kan. 3.5; 4. (tie) Kayla Olson, Chadron, Neb. and Misti Brown, Valentine, Neb. 3.6 each.

1. Marty McPherson, Piedmont, S.D./Wroper Kosel, Mobridge, S.D. 6.2 seconds; 2. JB Lord, Menoken, N.D./Ed Shearer, Parshall, N.D. 11.0; 3. Corben Culley, Lawton, Iowa/Trent Vaught, Mena, Ark. 11.4; 4. Guy Howell, Belle Fourche, S.D./Logan Schliinz, Whitewood, S.D. 11.6.

1. Amy Jo Reisdorfer, Cheyenne, Wyo. 17.61; 2. Jamie Olsen, Brock, Texas 17.88; 3. Prairie Rose Robbins, Brooksville, Kan. 17.93; 4. Hadley Tate, Apache, Okla. 17.96.

1. Jad Fogelsonger, Jefferson, Colo. 76 points on No. Y72; no other qualified rides.

Story by Buffalo Bill Rodeo CommunicationNorth Platte, Neb. (June 18, 2025) – A Colorado cowboy is in the steer wrestling lead after the first night of the Buffalo Bill Rodeo in North Platte.Tait Kvistad, Hudson, Colo., had a time of 4.2 seconds during slack on June 18 to win the first round.The 42-year-old cowboy had done his homework on the steer, asking other steer wrestlers how the animal would run.Tagged #110, Kvistad knew the steer might “slip a horn,” when the steer’s left horn slips across the steer wrestler’s belt line and the steer gets away.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750333722291.jpeg" alt="Tait Kvistad, Hudson, Colo., won the first round of the steer wrestling at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo. Photo courtesy Clay Guardipee/Rodeo Ready Photography" />
 <figcaption>Tait Kvistad, Hudson, Colo., won the first round of the steer wrestling at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo. Photo courtesy Clay Guardipee/Rodeo Ready Photography</figcaption>
 </figure>“I was just trying to stay on my feet,” Kvistad said, “get in there to the nose early, and hope for the best.”And the best is what happened: he won the round and a check for $1653.Kvistad isn’t too old to steer wrestle, but he’s among the upper percentile in his age bracket among wrestlers.It’s the horses that keep him in the game.In North Platte, he rode a seven-year-old gelding named Cactus who is “still a little green.” Kvistad started him last summer, roping on him “a bunch.”“He’s just a good horse,” he said. “My son (Trigg, age 14), was just riding him back to the trailer. If you’re around him, you wouldn’t even know he was a bulldogging horse. He’s really broke and just an easy horse to get along with. Between me and my fiancée (Selina Wiseman), he’s one of our favorite horses.”He trains most of the horses he rides and takes great enjoyment in that process. “That’s what keeps me going, is the training part of it,” he said, “being able to train my own and haul them, and when you get those wins on them.”&nbsp; It’s part financial, that he’s able to win money on his home-trained horses, but it’s also incentive, “motivation to get out there, keep practicing, and stay hooked even though I’m 42 years old.”In the saddle bronc riding, the number twelve man in the PRCA world standings is leading after the first night of the rodeo.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Miami, Texas cowboy was aboard a Beutler and Son horse named Ridge Walker. “That horse, he got me worked up in the chute,” Casper said. “He’s a bugger to saddle and get my halter on.” But the ride went well, to the tune of 84 points. “He came out there to the right, was pretty danged good, so I just stayed ahead of him and did what I could.”The busiest part of the rodeo season is about to heat up, and Casper’s schedule is evidence.He has off tomorrow, June 19, then competes in Pleasant Grove, Utah; and Elko and Reno, Nevada before coming home to Texas for a few days. Then he’s off to Springdale, Ark., Greeley, Colo., and Pecos, Texas, all before July 1.He’s competed at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo a few times.“It’s been a few years since I could fit this one into my schedule,” Casper said.“It’s nice to be back here in North Platte. I’ve got friends all around here that cowboy and raise cattle, so it’s fun to see them and hang out.”Other leaders after the day’s slack and the evening’s competition include bareback rider Quintonn Lunsford, McCune, Kan. (77); tie-down roper JD McCuistion, Estes Park, Colo. (8.9 seconds); breakaway roper Cedar Jandreau, Kennebec, S.D. (2.5 seconds); team ropers Marty McPherson, Piedmont, S.D. and Wroper Kosel, Mobridge, S.D. (6.2 seconds); barrel racer Amy Jo Reisdorfer, Cheyenne, Wyo. (17.61 seconds) and bull rider Jad Fogelsonger, Jefferson, Colo. (76 points).The 2026 Miss Rodeo Nebraska was crowned during tonight’s rodeo.Brylee Thompson, Hershey, won the crown. A graduate of Mid-Plains Community College in North Platte, she will serve as ambassador and representative of pro rodeo in the Cornhusker State in 2026 and will compete in the Miss Rodeo America pageant in December 2026.The 2025 Miss Teen Rodeo Nebraska was crowned on June 17. Dakota Glasshoff, Murdock, Neb., won the title. This fall, she will be a senior at Elmwood-Murdock Public Schools.The Buffalo Bill Rodeo continues with its second of four shows on Thursday, June 19 at 8 pm. Tickets range in price from $11 to $24 and are available online at www.NebraskalandDays.com and at the gate.- ### -Results, 1st Performance and slack, June 18, 2025North Platte, Nebraska – Buffalo Bill RodeoBareback riding1. Quintonn Lunsford, McCune, Kan. 77 points on Hot Rod; 2. Gauge McBride, Kearney, Neb. 76; 3. Darren Doporto, Milan, Mo. 59; 4. Stetson Bierman, Hidalgo, Ill. 57.Steer wrestling1st round1. Tait Kvistad, Hudson, Colo. 4.2 seconds; 2. Aaron Vosler, Laramie, Wyo. 4.3; 3. (tie) Charlie Smith, Killdeer, N.D. and Hoyt Kraeger, Weeping Water, Neb. 4.4 each.Tie-down roping1st round1. JD McCuistion, Estes Park, Colo. 8.9 seconds; 2. (tie) Macon Murphy, Keatchie, La. and Zane Kilgus, 9.1 each; 4. Austin Lawrence, Sperry, Okla. 9.4.Saddle bronc riding1. Wyatt Casper, Miami, Texas 84 points on Ridge Walker; 2. Jake Clark, Crane, Ore. 80.5; 3. (tie) Jake Schlattmann, Greybull,Wyo. and Kade Bruno, Challis, Idaho 80 each.&nbsp;&nbsp;Breakaway roping1. Cedar Jandreau, Kennebec, S.D. 2.5 seconds; 2. Samantha Fulton, Miller, S.D. 3.4; 3. Ally Brennaman, Deerfield, Kan. 3.5; 4. (tie) Kayla Olson, Chadron, Neb. and Misti Brown, Valentine, Neb. 3.6 each.Team roping1. Marty McPherson, Piedmont, S.D./Wroper Kosel, Mobridge, S.D. 6.2 seconds; 2. JB Lord, Menoken, N.D./Ed Shearer, Parshall, N.D. 11.0; 3. Corben Culley, Lawton, Iowa/Trent Vaught, Mena, Ark. 11.4; 4. Guy Howell, Belle Fourche, S.D./Logan Schliinz, Whitewood, S.D. 11.6.Barrel racing1. Amy Jo Reisdorfer, Cheyenne, Wyo. 17.61; 2. Jamie Olsen, Brock, Texas 17.88; 3. Prairie Rose Robbins, Brooksville, Kan. 17.93; 4. Hadley Tate, Apache, Okla. 17.96.Bull riding1. Jad Fogelsonger, Jefferson, Colo. 76 points on No. Y72; no other qualified rides.** All results are unofficial.&nbsp;

First night of action at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo 

Story by NU Athletic Communications

Nebraska softball pitcher and utility player Jordyn Bahl was named a CSC first-team Academic All-American, the organization announced on Tuesday. The honor marks Bahl’s second Academic All-America award, as she grabbed second-team recognition at Oklahoma in 2023.

Bahl is the 24th Husker to earn Academic All-America honors and the fifth Husker to be named an NFCA All-American and a CSC Academic All-American in the same season. She is only the third NU softball player and first since 1986 (Lori Richins) to earn first-team honors both athletically and academically in the same year.

Bahl brought the Big Red’s Academic All-America award total to 32, which ranks first in the Big Ten and third nationally.

The Academic All-America first-team recognition adds to a long list of accolades for Bahl’s junior season. She was named the NFCA National Player of the Year, along with the Big Ten Player of the Year and Big Ten Pitcher of the year. The Papillion, Neb., native was a first-team NFCA All-American, a first-team All-Big Ten team member and an NFCA All-Mountain Region first-team honoree. She was one of three finalists for the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year award and the Honda Award for Softball.

In the classroom, Bahl has maintained a 3.64 cumulative grade-point average while studying human development and family sciences. She was an Academic All-Big Ten team member and has been on the Nebraska Scholar-Athlete honor roll every semester she has been at NU. 

In the circle, Bahl amassed a record of 26-8 with a 1.56 ERA. She allowed only 46 earned runs and 114 hits across 206.1 innings, while striking out 286 batters. Bahl started 34 games and grabbed eight shutouts and two saves. Her opponents averaged .156 at the plate. 

At the plate, Bahl posted a program-record .462 batting average and logged 72 runs, 78 hits and 66 RBIs. She added 23 home runs, the most in Nebraska history, along with 16 doubles and two triples to total a school-record .988 slugging percentage. She drew 27 walks and 11 hit-by-pitches and struck out only 17 times for a .555 on-base percentage.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsNebraska softball pitcher and utility player Jordyn Bahl was named a CSC first-team Academic All-American, the organization announced on Tuesday. The honor marks Bahl’s second Academic All-America award, as she grabbed second-team recognition at Oklahoma in 2023.Bahl is the 24th Husker to earn Academic All-America honors and the fifth Husker to be named an NFCA All-American and a CSC Academic All-American in the same season. She is only the third NU softball player and first since 1986 (Lori Richins) to earn first-team honors both athletically and academically in the same year.Bahl brought the Big Red’s Academic All-America award total to 32, which ranks first in the Big Ten and third nationally.The Academic All-America first-team recognition adds to a long list of accolades for Bahl’s junior season. She was named the NFCA National Player of the Year, along with the Big Ten Player of the Year and Big Ten Pitcher of the year. The Papillion, Neb., native was a first-team NFCA All-American, a first-team All-Big Ten team member and an NFCA All-Mountain Region first-team honoree. She was one of three finalists for the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year award and the Honda Award for Softball.In the classroom, Bahl has maintained a 3.64 cumulative grade-point average while studying human development and family sciences. She was an Academic All-Big Ten team member and has been on the Nebraska Scholar-Athlete honor roll every semester she has been at NU. In the circle, Bahl amassed a record of 26-8 with a 1.56 ERA. She allowed only 46 earned runs and 114 hits across 206.1 innings, while striking out 286 batters. Bahl started 34 games and grabbed eight shutouts and two saves. Her opponents averaged .156 at the plate. At the plate, Bahl posted a program-record .462 batting average and logged 72 runs, 78 hits and 66 RBIs. She added 23 home runs, the most in Nebraska history, along with 16 doubles and two triples to total a school-record .988 slugging percentage. She drew 27 walks and 11 hit-by-pitches and struck out only 17 times for a .555 on-base percentage.

Bahl garners First-Team Academic All-America Honors

The Nebraska women's basketball team will travel to Florida to compete in the second annual Emerald Coast Classic ahead of the 2025 Thanksgiving holiday (Nov. 24-25), Global Sports announced on Tuesday, June 17.

Nebraska, which finished 21-12 and advanced to its second consecutive NCAA Tournament, will play two games in the four-team Beach Bracket at Raider Arena on the campus of Northwest Florida State College in Niceville, Fla.&nbsp;

“Our team is excited to be a part of the Emerald Coast Classic this November,” Nebraska Coach Amy Williams said. “It is great to get back in a tournament Thanksgiving week in Florida, and we are thrilled to be able to return home to Nebraska to celebrate the holiday together after we play. The teams in our side of the bracket will provide us with great challenges as we prepare for the Big Ten season ahead of us.”

Nebraska's opening-round game will come on Monday, Nov. 24, when the Huskers face off with Purdue Fort Wayne at 5 p.m. (CT). The Mastodons finished with a 27-9 record (18-2, Horizon League) and advanced to the WNIT Great 8 in 2025.

The other first-round game in the Beach Bracket will include Virginia (17-15) taking on Northwestern State (16-16) at 7:30 p.m. The Cavaliers won four of their final five games in 2024-25, including a 78-75 win over No. 8 North Carolina to close the regular season and a 20-point win over Stanford. Virginia finished 8-10 in the ACC. Northwestern State earned a trip to the first round of the 2025 WNIT after the Lady Demons went 12-8 in the Southland Conference.

The winners of the first-round battles will meet in the Beach Bracket championship game on Tuesday, Nov. 25 at 7:30 p.m. The title game will be preceded by the third-place game at 5 p.m.

The eight-team Emerald Coast Classic also includes a four-team Bay Bracket that features Mississippi State, Providence, Middle Tennessee State and Alcorn State. Bay Bracket games will follow a similar format with games at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 24 and 25.

Online tickets for the tournament will go on sale later this summer through <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.emeraldcoastclassic.com__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!AXYyY7K3o-_2bgk_9YCEVpbyEav920Gh9PoQyRvi6BYH8gecFQVZKzRi2Z38HCzePrKwus6i7tYvV90IKK1POtIZ_m4sFOw$">www.emeraldcoastclassic.com</a>. FloSports will live stream all of the games in the Emerald Coast Classic.

Emerald Coast ClassicNiceville, Fla. (Northwest Florida State College)

Beach BracketMonday, Nov. 24Nebraska (21-12) vs. Purdue Fort Wayne (27-9), 5 p.m. (CT) - FloSportsNorthwestern State (16-16) vs. Virginia (17-15), 7:30 p.m. (CT) - FloSports

Tuesday, Nov. 25Third-Place Game, 5 p.m. (CT) - FloSportsChampionship Game, 7:30 p.m. (CT) - FloSports

Bay BracketMonday, Nov. 24Middle Tennessee State (26-8) vs. Providence (13-19), 11 a.m. (CT) - FloSportsAlcorn State (14-18) vs. Mississippi State (22-12), 1:30 p.m. (CT) - FloSports

Tuesday, Nov. 25Third-Place Game, 11 a.m. (CT) - FloSportsChampionship Game, 1:30 p.m. (CT) - FloSports

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsThe Nebraska women's basketball team will travel to Florida to compete in the second annual Emerald Coast Classic ahead of the 2025 Thanksgiving holiday (Nov. 24-25), Global Sports announced on Tuesday, June 17.Nebraska, which finished 21-12 and advanced to its second consecutive NCAA Tournament, will play two games in the four-team Beach Bracket at Raider Arena on the campus of Northwest Florida State College in Niceville, Fla.&nbsp;“Our team is excited to be a part of the Emerald Coast Classic this November,” Nebraska Coach Amy Williams said. “It is great to get back in a tournament Thanksgiving week in Florida, and we are thrilled to be able to return home to Nebraska to celebrate the holiday together after we play. The teams in our side of the bracket will provide us with great challenges as we prepare for the Big Ten season ahead of us.”Nebraska's opening-round game will come on Monday, Nov. 24, when the Huskers face off with Purdue Fort Wayne at 5 p.m. (CT). The Mastodons finished with a 27-9 record (18-2, Horizon League) and advanced to the WNIT Great 8 in 2025.The other first-round game in the Beach Bracket will include Virginia (17-15) taking on Northwestern State (16-16) at 7:30 p.m. The Cavaliers won four of their final five games in 2024-25, including a 78-75 win over No. 8 North Carolina to close the regular season and a 20-point win over Stanford. Virginia finished 8-10 in the ACC. Northwestern State earned a trip to the first round of the 2025 WNIT after the Lady Demons went 12-8 in the Southland Conference.The winners of the first-round battles will meet in the Beach Bracket championship game on Tuesday, Nov. 25 at 7:30 p.m. The title game will be preceded by the third-place game at 5 p.m.The eight-team Emerald Coast Classic also includes a four-team Bay Bracket that features Mississippi State, Providence, Middle Tennessee State and Alcorn State. Bay Bracket games will follow a similar format with games at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 24 and 25.Online tickets for the tournament will go on sale later this summer through <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.emeraldcoastclassic.com__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!AXYyY7K3o-_2bgk_9YCEVpbyEav920Gh9PoQyRvi6BYH8gecFQVZKzRi2Z38HCzePrKwus6i7tYvV90IKK1POtIZ_m4sFOw$">www.emeraldcoastclassic.com</a>. FloSports will live stream all of the games in the Emerald Coast Classic.Emerald Coast ClassicNiceville, Fla. (Northwest Florida State College)Beach BracketMonday, Nov. 24Nebraska (21-12) vs. Purdue Fort Wayne (27-9), 5 p.m. (CT) - FloSportsNorthwestern State (16-16) vs. Virginia (17-15), 7:30 p.m. (CT) - FloSportsTuesday, Nov. 25Third-Place Game, 5 p.m. (CT) - FloSportsChampionship Game, 7:30 p.m. (CT) - FloSportsBay BracketMonday, Nov. 24Middle Tennessee State (26-8) vs. Providence (13-19), 11 a.m. (CT) - FloSportsAlcorn State (14-18) vs. Mississippi State (22-12), 1:30 p.m. (CT) - FloSportsTuesday, Nov. 25Third-Place Game, 11 a.m. (CT) - FloSportsChampionship Game, 1:30 p.m. (CT) - FloSports

Huskers plan Thanksgiving trip to Florida for Emerald Coast Classic

The Nebraska women’s tennis team continues to build its 2025-26 roster with the addition of transfer Catherine Gagnon. After spending two seasons at Washington, Gagnon joins the Big Red with success as part of a ranked doubles duo in her time with the No. 18 Huskies.

“I am super excited to add Catherine to the Husker family,” Dalmagro said. “During our conversations, her enthusiasm and great energy made me feel great about having her on the team. She has big goals and wants to be a part of our culture here in Nebraska. She will be a great addition and fit for our program and what we are trying to build. She’s a hard worker, very competitive and an even better person. She is also a very positive person, a great teammate and will represent Nebraska the right way. I look forward to working with her and seeing her compete and grow on and off the courts.”

Originally from Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Gagnon has earned ITA All-Academic in both of her collegiate seasons, as well as an Academic All-Big Ten selection in 2025. She currently holds UTR rankings of 9.65 in singles and 10.00 in doubles. Outside of her college career, Gagnon was the 2022 U16 Canadian Jr. Nationals Doubles Champ and a 2023 U18 Canadian Jr. Nationals Singles &amp; Doubles Finalist. In 2024, she made the doubles semifinals at both the W35 Saskatoon and W75 Granby tournaments.

“I chose Nebraska because from the beginning, I felt like more than just an athlete—I felt truly valued,” Gagnon said. “The coaches believe in me, the support extends far beyond the court and there's a deep sense of community. I know this experience will foster my growth, while ensuring I feel supported at every turn.“

In her freshman season in Seattle, Gagnon went 7-5 in doubles partnered with Melissa Sakar. The pair was ranked by ITA as high as No. 72 and collected victories over No. 36 Piper/Fry (USC) and No. 66 Vagramov/Guichard (UCLA). She also went 6-3 in singles in the 2024-25 season, as she only competed in the fall.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsThe Nebraska women’s tennis team continues to build its 2025-26 roster with the addition of transfer Catherine Gagnon. After spending two seasons at Washington, Gagnon joins the Big Red with success as part of a ranked doubles duo in her time with the No. 18 Huskies.“I am super excited to add Catherine to the Husker family,” Dalmagro said. “During our conversations, her enthusiasm and great energy made me feel great about having her on the team. She has big goals and wants to be a part of our culture here in Nebraska. She will be a great addition and fit for our program and what we are trying to build. She’s a hard worker, very competitive and an even better person. She is also a very positive person, a great teammate and will represent Nebraska the right way. I look forward to working with her and seeing her compete and grow on and off the courts.”Originally from Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Gagnon has earned ITA All-Academic in both of her collegiate seasons, as well as an Academic All-Big Ten selection in 2025. She currently holds UTR rankings of 9.65 in singles and 10.00 in doubles. Outside of her college career, Gagnon was the 2022 U16 Canadian Jr. Nationals Doubles Champ and a 2023 U18 Canadian Jr. Nationals Singles &amp; Doubles Finalist. In 2024, she made the doubles semifinals at both the W35 Saskatoon and W75 Granby tournaments.“I chose Nebraska because from the beginning, I felt like more than just an athlete—I felt truly valued,” Gagnon said. “The coaches believe in me, the support extends far beyond the court and there's a deep sense of community. I know this experience will foster my growth, while ensuring I feel supported at every turn.“In her freshman season in Seattle, Gagnon went 7-5 in doubles partnered with Melissa Sakar. The pair was ranked by ITA as high as No. 72 and collected victories over No. 36 Piper/Fry (USC) and No. 66 Vagramov/Guichard (UCLA). She also went 6-3 in singles in the 2024-25 season, as she only competed in the fall.

Huskers sign transfer Catherine Gagnon

Former Nebraska All-American libero Lexi Rodriguez is one of 14 players on the U.S. Women's National Team roster for week two of the Volleyball Nations League this week.&nbsp;

Rodriguez is making her VNL debut, though she competed for the senior national team at the 2024 Pan American Cup.&nbsp;

The VNL brings together the world’s top 18 teams for three action-packed weeks of preliminary play, with each team competing in four matches per week. Only the top eight teams will earn a spot in the Final Round, where a VNL title will be on the line.

The U.S. went 1-3 in the first week of competition and sits in 13th place. They begin week two against Serbia on Wednesday at 1 p.m. (CT).&nbsp;

The U.S. Women are the reigning Olympic silver medalists and ranked No. 3 in the world. They have won the VNL three times (2018, 2019, 2021) since its inception in 2018. In 2024, they lost in the quarterfinals to eventual Olympic champion Italy.

U.S. Women’s Week Two Roster for 2025 VNL

No. Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, College, USAV Region)6&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://usavolleyball.org/athlete/morgan-hentz/__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!FhxBo0vR9MDx8K7z3u72ynVxObolWC6NUSWGmnUedwoVADqxBBhcXIHhl2kVLr3bk9ODh4YwxaZsXDoYCTL-zi1LYq6z1Q$">Morgan Hentz</a>&nbsp;(L, 5-9, Lakeside Park, Ky., Stanford Univ., Pioneer)

7&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://usavolleyball.org/athlete/lexi-rodriguez/__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!FhxBo0vR9MDx8K7z3u72ynVxObolWC6NUSWGmnUedwoVADqxBBhcXIHhl2kVLr3bk9ODh4YwxaZsXDoYCTL-zi3xWcSrFg$">Lexi Rodriguez</a>&nbsp;(L, 5-5, Sterling, Ill., Univ. of Nebraska, Great Lakes)

8&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://usavolleyball.org/athlete/brionne-butler/__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!FhxBo0vR9MDx8K7z3u72ynVxObolWC6NUSWGmnUedwoVADqxBBhcXIHhl2kVLr3bk9ODh4YwxaZsXDoYCTL-zi0zoWmMDA$">Brionne Butler</a>&nbsp;(MB, 6-4, Kendleton, Texas, Univ. of Texas, Lone Star)

9&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://texassports.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/madisen-skinner/13357__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!FhxBo0vR9MDx8K7z3u72ynVxObolWC6NUSWGmnUedwoVADqxBBhcXIHhl2kVLr3bk9ODh4YwxaZsXDoYCTL-zi2LxtllWQ$">Madisen Skinner</a>&nbsp;(OH, 6-2, Katy, Texas, Univ. of Kentucky and Univ. of Texas, Lone Star)

13&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.lovb.com/athletes/amber-igiede__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!FhxBo0vR9MDx8K7z3u72ynVxObolWC6NUSWGmnUedwoVADqxBBhcXIHhl2kVLr3bk9ODh4YwxaZsXDoYCTL-zi2ThEOkGw$">Amber Igiede</a>&nbsp;(MB, 6-3, Baton Rouge, La., Univ. of Hawaii, Delta)

16&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://uwbadgers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/dana-rettke/9803__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!FhxBo0vR9MDx8K7z3u72ynVxObolWC6NUSWGmnUedwoVADqxBBhcXIHhl2kVLr3bk9ODh4YwxaZsXDoYCTL-zi04MEwbQQ$">Dana Rettke</a>&nbsp;(MB, 6-8, Riverside, Ill., Univ. of Wisconsin, Great Lakes)21&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://usavolleyball.org/athlete/roni-jones-perry/__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!FhxBo0vR9MDx8K7z3u72ynVxObolWC6NUSWGmnUedwoVADqxBBhcXIHhl2kVLr3bk9ODh4YwxaZsXDoYCTL-zi1x5ipcAg$">Roni Jones-Perry</a>&nbsp;(OH, 6-0, West Jordan, Utah, BYU, Intermountain)

22&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://uwbadgers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/sarah-franklin/13117__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!FhxBo0vR9MDx8K7z3u72ynVxObolWC6NUSWGmnUedwoVADqxBBhcXIHhl2kVLr3bk9ODh4YwxaZsXDoYCTL-zi2XBlmN2Q$">Sarah Franklin</a>&nbsp;(OH, 6-4, Lake Worth, Fla., Univ. of Wisconsin, Florida)

24&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://usavolleyball.org/athlete/olivia-babcock/__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!FhxBo0vR9MDx8K7z3u72ynVxObolWC6NUSWGmnUedwoVADqxBBhcXIHhl2kVLr3bk9ODh4YwxaZsXDoYCTL-zi0wFwGv2Q$">Olivia Babcock</a>&nbsp;(Opp, 6-4, Los Angeles, Calif., Pitt, Southern California)

27&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://gohuskies.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/ella-may-powell/14505__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!FhxBo0vR9MDx8K7z3u72ynVxObolWC6NUSWGmnUedwoVADqxBBhcXIHhl2kVLr3bk9ODh4YwxaZsXDoYCTL-zi28py6KTw$">Ella Powell</a>&nbsp;(S, 6-0, Fayetteville, Ark., Univ. of Washington, Delta)

28&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://usavolleyball.org/athlete/logan-lednicky/__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!FhxBo0vR9MDx8K7z3u72ynVxObolWC6NUSWGmnUedwoVADqxBBhcXIHhl2kVLr3bk9ODh4YwxaZsXDoYCTL-zi3cjADTEw$">Logan Lednicky</a>&nbsp;(Opp, 6-3, Sugar Land, Texas, Univ. of Texas A&amp;M, Lone Star)

29&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://usavolleyball.org/athlete/molly-mccage/__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!FhxBo0vR9MDx8K7z3u72ynVxObolWC6NUSWGmnUedwoVADqxBBhcXIHhl2kVLr3bk9ODh4YwxaZsXDoYCTL-zi2Tk7U9Yw$">Molly McCage</a>&nbsp;(MB, 6-3, Spring, Texas, Univ. of Texas, Lone Star)

32&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://usavolleyball.org/athlete/saige-kaahaaina-torres/__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!FhxBo0vR9MDx8K7z3u72ynVxObolWC6NUSWGmnUedwoVADqxBBhcXIHhl2kVLr3bk9ODh4YwxaZsXDoYCTL-zi3LNir4hA$">Saige Ka’aha’aina-Torres</a>&nbsp;(S, Honolulu, Hawaii, Univ. of Texas, Aloha)

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationFormer Nebraska All-American libero Lexi Rodriguez is one of 14 players on the U.S. Women's National Team roster for week two of the Volleyball Nations League this week.&nbsp;Rodriguez is making her VNL debut, though she competed for the senior national team at the 2024 Pan American Cup.&nbsp;The VNL brings together the world’s top 18 teams for three action-packed weeks of preliminary play, with each team competing in four matches per week. Only the top eight teams will earn a spot in the Final Round, where a VNL title will be on the line.The U.S. went 1-3 in the first week of competition and sits in 13th place. They begin week two against Serbia on Wednesday at 1 p.m. (CT).&nbsp;The U.S. Women are the reigning Olympic silver medalists and ranked No. 3 in the world. They have won the VNL three times (2018, 2019, 2021) since its inception in 2018. In 2024, they lost in the quarterfinals to eventual Olympic champion Italy.U.S. Women’s Week Two Roster for 2025 VNLNo. Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, College, USAV Region)6&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://usavolleyball.org/athlete/morgan-hentz/__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!FhxBo0vR9MDx8K7z3u72ynVxObolWC6NUSWGmnUedwoVADqxBBhcXIHhl2kVLr3bk9ODh4YwxaZsXDoYCTL-zi1LYq6z1Q$">Morgan Hentz</a>&nbsp;(L, 5-9, Lakeside Park, Ky., Stanford Univ., Pioneer)7&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://usavolleyball.org/athlete/lexi-rodriguez/__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!FhxBo0vR9MDx8K7z3u72ynVxObolWC6NUSWGmnUedwoVADqxBBhcXIHhl2kVLr3bk9ODh4YwxaZsXDoYCTL-zi3xWcSrFg$">Lexi Rodriguez</a>&nbsp;(L, 5-5, Sterling, Ill., Univ. of Nebraska, Great Lakes)8&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://usavolleyball.org/athlete/brionne-butler/__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!FhxBo0vR9MDx8K7z3u72ynVxObolWC6NUSWGmnUedwoVADqxBBhcXIHhl2kVLr3bk9ODh4YwxaZsXDoYCTL-zi0zoWmMDA$">Brionne Butler</a>&nbsp;(MB, 6-4, Kendleton, Texas, Univ. of Texas, Lone Star)9&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://texassports.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/madisen-skinner/13357__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!FhxBo0vR9MDx8K7z3u72ynVxObolWC6NUSWGmnUedwoVADqxBBhcXIHhl2kVLr3bk9ODh4YwxaZsXDoYCTL-zi2LxtllWQ$">Madisen Skinner</a>&nbsp;(OH, 6-2, Katy, Texas, Univ. of Kentucky and Univ. of Texas, Lone Star)13&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.lovb.com/athletes/amber-igiede__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!FhxBo0vR9MDx8K7z3u72ynVxObolWC6NUSWGmnUedwoVADqxBBhcXIHhl2kVLr3bk9ODh4YwxaZsXDoYCTL-zi2ThEOkGw$">Amber Igiede</a>&nbsp;(MB, 6-3, Baton Rouge, La., Univ. of Hawaii, Delta)16&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://uwbadgers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/dana-rettke/9803__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!FhxBo0vR9MDx8K7z3u72ynVxObolWC6NUSWGmnUedwoVADqxBBhcXIHhl2kVLr3bk9ODh4YwxaZsXDoYCTL-zi04MEwbQQ$">Dana Rettke</a>&nbsp;(MB, 6-8, Riverside, Ill., Univ. of Wisconsin, Great Lakes)21&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://usavolleyball.org/athlete/roni-jones-perry/__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!FhxBo0vR9MDx8K7z3u72ynVxObolWC6NUSWGmnUedwoVADqxBBhcXIHhl2kVLr3bk9ODh4YwxaZsXDoYCTL-zi1x5ipcAg$">Roni Jones-Perry</a>&nbsp;(OH, 6-0, West Jordan, Utah, BYU, Intermountain)22&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://uwbadgers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/sarah-franklin/13117__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!FhxBo0vR9MDx8K7z3u72ynVxObolWC6NUSWGmnUedwoVADqxBBhcXIHhl2kVLr3bk9ODh4YwxaZsXDoYCTL-zi2XBlmN2Q$">Sarah Franklin</a>&nbsp;(OH, 6-4, Lake Worth, Fla., Univ. of Wisconsin, Florida)24&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://usavolleyball.org/athlete/olivia-babcock/__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!FhxBo0vR9MDx8K7z3u72ynVxObolWC6NUSWGmnUedwoVADqxBBhcXIHhl2kVLr3bk9ODh4YwxaZsXDoYCTL-zi0wFwGv2Q$">Olivia Babcock</a>&nbsp;(Opp, 6-4, Los Angeles, Calif., Pitt, Southern California)27&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://gohuskies.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/ella-may-powell/14505__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!FhxBo0vR9MDx8K7z3u72ynVxObolWC6NUSWGmnUedwoVADqxBBhcXIHhl2kVLr3bk9ODh4YwxaZsXDoYCTL-zi28py6KTw$">Ella Powell</a>&nbsp;(S, 6-0, Fayetteville, Ark., Univ. of Washington, Delta)28&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://usavolleyball.org/athlete/logan-lednicky/__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!FhxBo0vR9MDx8K7z3u72ynVxObolWC6NUSWGmnUedwoVADqxBBhcXIHhl2kVLr3bk9ODh4YwxaZsXDoYCTL-zi3cjADTEw$">Logan Lednicky</a>&nbsp;(Opp, 6-3, Sugar Land, Texas, Univ. of Texas A&amp;M, Lone Star)29&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://usavolleyball.org/athlete/molly-mccage/__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!FhxBo0vR9MDx8K7z3u72ynVxObolWC6NUSWGmnUedwoVADqxBBhcXIHhl2kVLr3bk9ODh4YwxaZsXDoYCTL-zi2Tk7U9Yw$">Molly McCage</a>&nbsp;(MB, 6-3, Spring, Texas, Univ. of Texas, Lone Star)32&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://usavolleyball.org/athlete/saige-kaahaaina-torres/__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!FhxBo0vR9MDx8K7z3u72ynVxObolWC6NUSWGmnUedwoVADqxBBhcXIHhl2kVLr3bk9ODh4YwxaZsXDoYCTL-zi3LNir4hA$">Saige Ka’aha’aina-Torres</a>&nbsp;(S, Honolulu, Hawaii, Univ. of Texas, Aloha)33&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://usavolleyball.org/athlete/logan-eggleston/__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!FhxBo0vR9MDx8K7z3u72ynVxObolWC6NUSWGmnUedwoVADqxBBhcXIHhl2kVLr3bk9ODh4YwxaZsXDoYCTL-zi0Xms3c_w$">Logan Eggleston</a>&nbsp;(OH, 6-2, Brentwood, Tenn., Univ. of Texas, Southern)Reserve15&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://usavolleyball.org/athlete/rachel-fairbanks/__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!FhxBo0vR9MDx8K7z3u72ynVxObolWC6NUSWGmnUedwoVADqxBBhcXIHhl2kVLr3bk9ODh4YwxaZsXDoYCTL-zi29RTXiBA$">Rachel Fairbanks</a>&nbsp;(S, 6-0, Tustin, Calif., Pitt, Southern California)CoachesHead Coach:&nbsp; Erik SullivanAssistant Coach: Mike WallSecond Assistant Coach: Brandon TaliaferroSecond Assistant Coach: Tayyiba Haneef-ParkSecond Assistant Coach: Joe TrinseyTeam Manager: Rob BrowningTeam Doctors:&nbsp; William Briner, James Suchy, Chris Lee, Andrew GregoryPhysiotherapist: Kara KessansPhysical Trainers: Shawn Hueglin, Shannon BooneMental Performance Coach: Andrea Becker, Katy StanfillPerformance Analyst:&nbsp;Virginia PhamWeek 2 Schedule: Belgrade, Serbia (all times CDT)Matches will be shown on VBTV, Big Ten Network and/or CBS Sports Network. Please check listings for BTN and CBSN.June 18 at 1 p.m. vs. SerbiaJune 19 at 9:30 a.m. vs. PolandJune 21 at 9:30 a.m. vs. NetherlandsJune 22 at 9:30 a.m. vs. FranceWeek 1 Results: Rio de Janeiro, BrazilJune 4 Italy def. USA, 3-0 (25-13, 25-13, 30-28)June 5 Brazil def. USA, 3-0 (25-18, 25-17, 25-19)June 6 Czechia def. USA, 3-2 (23-25, 20-25, 25-17, 25-20, 27-25)June 8 USA def Korea, 3-0 (25-13, 28-26, 25-17)