Story by NU Athletic Communications

Nebraska track and field opened the NCAA Outdoor Championships on Wednesday in Eugene, Ore., at Hayward Field with four athletes earning All-America honors.&nbsp;

Javelin school-record holder Keyshawn Strachan garnered his second-career first team honor tonight, placing fifth with a distance of 76.44m (250-9). Arthur Petersen joined him in the top eight of the javelin, throwing 75.50m (247-8), and claiming his second first-team recognition and fourth all-america honor overall. Dash Sirmon rounded out the group, finishing 14th (69.17m, 226-11) and becoming a three-time all-american.&nbsp;

In the shot put, Maxwell Otterdahl continued his impressive postseason performance, earning his sixth all-america honor overall and fourth in this event, throwing 18.55m (60-10 ½) for 19th.&nbsp;

Till Steinforth competed in the first round of the decathlon, sitting in 21st place with 3330 points. He placed third in the long jump (7.38m, 24-2 ½) and fifth in both the 100m (10.72) and the shot put (14.68m, 48-2).&nbsp;

The women are set to start competition tomorrow with Berlyn Schutz leading off Nebraska’s action in the 1500m at 6:21 p.m. (CT). Field events will be streamed on ESPN+ throughout the evening, while running events can be watched on ESPN.&nbsp;

NCAA Outdoor Championship Results Day One

19. Maxwell Otterdahl - 18.55m (60-10 ½)&nbsp;

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsNebraska track and field opened the NCAA Outdoor Championships on Wednesday in Eugene, Ore., at Hayward Field with four athletes earning All-America honors.&nbsp;Javelin school-record holder Keyshawn Strachan garnered his second-career first team honor tonight, placing fifth with a distance of 76.44m (250-9). Arthur Petersen joined him in the top eight of the javelin, throwing 75.50m (247-8), and claiming his second first-team recognition and fourth all-america honor overall. Dash Sirmon rounded out the group, finishing 14th (69.17m, 226-11) and becoming a three-time all-american.&nbsp;In the shot put, Maxwell Otterdahl continued his impressive postseason performance, earning his sixth all-america honor overall and fourth in this event, throwing 18.55m (60-10 ½) for 19th.&nbsp;Till Steinforth competed in the first round of the decathlon, sitting in 21st place with 3330 points. He placed third in the long jump (7.38m, 24-2 ½) and fifth in both the 100m (10.72) and the shot put (14.68m, 48-2).&nbsp;The women are set to start competition tomorrow with Berlyn Schutz leading off Nebraska’s action in the 1500m at 6:21 p.m. (CT). Field events will be streamed on ESPN+ throughout the evening, while running events can be watched on ESPN.&nbsp;NCAA Outdoor Championship Results Day OneDecathlon21. Till Steinforth - 3330 pts.&nbsp;5. 100m - 10.723. Long Jump - 7.38m (24-2 ½)5. Shot Put - 14.68m (48-2)13. High Jump - 1.92m (6-3 ½)DNF: 400m&nbsp;Men’s Javelin5. Keyshawn Strachan - 76.44m (250-9)7. Arthur Petersen - 75.50m (247-8)14. Dash Sirmon - 69.17m (226-11)Men’s Shot Put19. Maxwell Otterdahl - 18.55m (60-10 ½)&nbsp;

 Huskers collect Four All-America honors on Wednesday 

Story by NU Athletic Communication

The nationally ranked Nebraska track and field teams will have 14 entries at the NCAA Outdoor Championships this Wednesday-Saturday at Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore.&nbsp;

Entering the competition, the men are sixth and the women are 23rd in the USTFCCCA week 10 polls. The women lead the way in the javelin event, while the men sit atop both the javelin and high jump rankings.&nbsp;

NCAA Outdoor Championships Meet Information&nbsp;

Meet Schedule: <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.ncaa.com/championships/trackfield-outdoor/d1/events__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!AYGHoDM-YbkRGr1K3KcbfDpDcJHeiJorRA3p5zY2xaWrjJ5xuNNLQ8SnQzlDmrd4cq88hR_wd_TgcAsLOG5TR6GbXhJVJg$">Link</a>

Live Results: <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.rtspt.com/ncaa/d1outdoor25/__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!AYGHoDM-YbkRGr1K3KcbfDpDcJHeiJorRA3p5zY2xaWrjJ5xuNNLQ8SnQzlDmrd4cq88hR_wd_TgcAsLOG5TR6GP7XAGuw$">Link</a>

Each event will have a live stream on ESPN+. Television coverage for track events will be 6 p.m. (CT) on ESPN on Wednesday and Thursday, 7 p.m. (CT) on ESPN2 on Friday and 8 p.m. (CT) on ESPN2 on Saturday.

Nebraska NCAA Qualifiers (Event, PR, Scheduled Time of Competition)

Maxwell Otterdahl - Discus; 59.61m (195-7); 6:40 p.m. Friday

Maxwell Otterdahl - Shot Put; 19.18m (62-11 ¼); 8:10 p.m. Wednesday

Arthur Petersen - Javelin; 79.90m (262-2); 7:15 p.m. Wednesday

Dash Sirmon - Javelin; 80.86m (265-3); 7:15 p.m. Wednesday

Till Steinforth - Decathlon; 8,265 pts.; 2 p.m. Wednesday

Keyshawn Strachan - Javelin; 84.27m (276-6); 7:15 p.m. Wednesday

Desire Tonye-Nyemeck - High Jump; 2.17m (7-1 ½); 6:30 p.m. Friday

Tyus Wilson - High Jump; 2.29m (7-6); 6:30 p.m. Friday

Maddie Harris - Javelin; 59.12m (193-11); 7:15 p.m. Thursday

Kellyn Kortemeyer - Shot Put; 16.89m (55-5); 8:10 p.m. Thursday

 Kalynn Meyer - Shot Put; 17.96m (58-11 ¼); 8:10 p.m. Thursday&nbsp; 

Jenna Rogers - High Jump; 1.91m (6-3 ¼); 7:30 p.m. Saturday 

Eniko Sara - Javelin; 55.78m (183-0); 7:15 p.m. Thursday

Berlyn Schutz - 1500m; 4:11.01; 6:21 p.m. Thursday&nbsp;

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationThe nationally ranked Nebraska track and field teams will have 14 entries at the NCAA Outdoor Championships this Wednesday-Saturday at Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore.&nbsp;Entering the competition, the men are sixth and the women are 23rd in the USTFCCCA week 10 polls. The women lead the way in the javelin event, while the men sit atop both the javelin and high jump rankings.&nbsp;NCAA Outdoor Championships Meet Information&nbsp;Dates: June 11-14Location: Eugene, Ore. (Hayward Field)Meet Schedule: <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.ncaa.com/championships/trackfield-outdoor/d1/events__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!AYGHoDM-YbkRGr1K3KcbfDpDcJHeiJorRA3p5zY2xaWrjJ5xuNNLQ8SnQzlDmrd4cq88hR_wd_TgcAsLOG5TR6GbXhJVJg$">Link</a>Watch: ESPN+Live Results: <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.rtspt.com/ncaa/d1outdoor25/__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!AYGHoDM-YbkRGr1K3KcbfDpDcJHeiJorRA3p5zY2xaWrjJ5xuNNLQ8SnQzlDmrd4cq88hR_wd_TgcAsLOG5TR6GP7XAGuw$">Link</a>Each event will have a live stream on ESPN+. Television coverage for track events will be 6 p.m. (CT) on ESPN on Wednesday and Thursday, 7 p.m. (CT) on ESPN2 on Friday and 8 p.m. (CT) on ESPN2 on Saturday.Nebraska NCAA Qualifiers (Event, PR, Scheduled Time of Competition)Maxwell Otterdahl - Discus; 59.61m (195-7); 6:40 p.m. FridayMaxwell Otterdahl - Shot Put; 19.18m (62-11 ¼); 8:10 p.m. WednesdayArthur Petersen - Javelin; 79.90m (262-2); 7:15 p.m. WednesdayDash Sirmon - Javelin; 80.86m (265-3); 7:15 p.m. WednesdayTill Steinforth - Decathlon; 8,265 pts.; 2 p.m. WednesdayKeyshawn Strachan - Javelin; 84.27m (276-6); 7:15 p.m. WednesdayDesire Tonye-Nyemeck - High Jump; 2.17m (7-1 ½); 6:30 p.m. FridayTyus Wilson - High Jump; 2.29m (7-6); 6:30 p.m. FridayMaddie Harris - Javelin; 59.12m (193-11); 7:15 p.m. ThursdayKellyn Kortemeyer - Shot Put; 16.89m (55-5); 8:10 p.m. Thursday Kalynn Meyer - Shot Put; 17.96m (58-11 ¼); 8:10 p.m. Thursday&nbsp; Jenna Rogers - High Jump; 1.91m (6-3 ¼); 7:30 p.m. Saturday Eniko Sara - Javelin; 55.78m (183-0); 7:15 p.m. ThursdayBerlyn Schutz - 1500m; 4:11.01; 6:21 p.m. Thursday&nbsp;

Ranked Huskers ready for NCAA Outdoor Championships 

Story by NPCC Athletic Communications

The North Platte Community College volleyball team will begin accepting pre-orders for Sweet Saloon cinnamon rolls June 11.

The Sweet Saloon is a fundraiser for Knights Volleyball. It's hosted every year at the McDaid Activities Center in conjunction with NEBRASKAland Days, the official state celebration.

"Sweet Saloon is always an exciting time for our program," said Alexa McCall, NPCC Knights head volleyball coach. "The players get a glimpse of how well our community supports our program and all that goes into making this a successful fundraiser."

The "melt-in-your-mouth" cinnamon rolls have been a staple of the NEBRASKAland Days celebration for years. Athletes, coaches and volunteers spend days preparing and baking the delightful treats, with the proceeds going toward scholarships for NPCC volleyball student-athletes.

"We are always thankful for the volunteers that help, McDaid Elementary for the use of their kitchen, the pickup locations&nbsp;and Hiland Dairy for donating product,” McCall stated.

The actual event is June 17-19, but it's recommended that orders be called in or placed online ahead of time to ensure rolls are available. Pre-orders can be made at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://commerce.cashnet.com/MPCCNPWVS">https://commerce.cashnet.com/MPCCNPWVS</a>&nbsp;and (308) 535-3696 until noon the day before rolls are needed.

The cost is $30 per dozen and half dozen orders will also be accepted.

The cinnamon rolls can be picked up at McDaid Elementary, the Do-It Center, Westfield Pharmacy, Sports Shoppe and the Welcome Center on NPCC's South Campus.

A delivery option is also available with a $5 fee for those who order a minimum of two dozen rolls.

Story by NPCC Athletic CommunicationsThe North Platte Community College volleyball team will begin accepting pre-orders for Sweet Saloon cinnamon rolls June 11.The Sweet Saloon is a fundraiser for Knights Volleyball. It's hosted every year at the McDaid Activities Center in conjunction with NEBRASKAland Days, the official state celebration."Sweet Saloon is always an exciting time for our program," said Alexa McCall, NPCC Knights head volleyball coach. "The players get a glimpse of how well our community supports our program and all that goes into making this a successful fundraiser."The "melt-in-your-mouth" cinnamon rolls have been a staple of the NEBRASKAland Days celebration for years. Athletes, coaches and volunteers spend days preparing and baking the delightful treats, with the proceeds going toward scholarships for NPCC volleyball student-athletes."We are always thankful for the volunteers that help, McDaid Elementary for the use of their kitchen, the pickup locations&nbsp;and Hiland Dairy for donating product,” McCall stated.The actual event is June 17-19, but it's recommended that orders be called in or placed online ahead of time to ensure rolls are available. Pre-orders can be made at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://commerce.cashnet.com/MPCCNPWVS">https://commerce.cashnet.com/MPCCNPWVS</a>&nbsp;and (308) 535-3696 until noon the day before rolls are needed.The cost is $30 per dozen and half dozen orders will also be accepted.The cinnamon rolls can be picked up at McDaid Elementary, the Do-It Center, Westfield Pharmacy, Sports Shoppe and the Welcome Center on NPCC's South Campus.A delivery option is also available with a $5 fee for those who order a minimum of two dozen rolls.

Sweet Saloon pre-orders begin June 11

Nebraska swimmer Gena Jorgenson capped a series of record-setting performances by taking fifth in the 1,500-meter freestyle at the 2025 Toyota USA National Championships in Indianapolis on Saturday.

Jorgenson, a two-time first-team All-American in the 1,650-yard freestyle at the 2024 and 2025 NCAA Championships, posted a Nebraska school-record and lifetime best 16:19.28 in Saturday's 1,500-meter event at the national championships.

World-record holder Katie Ledecky won gold in the event with a time of 15:36.76, which was more than 20 seconds in front of runner-up Claire Weinstein, but more than 16 seconds off her world-record time. Jillian Cox took third at 16:05.88, while Kate Hurst swam to fourth in 16:16.06, just ahead of Jorgenson.

Jorgenson's time represented her fourth school-record and lifetime best time in her four events at the USA Championships. It was the third top-eight finish for the Husker senior-to-be from Aberdeen, South Dakota at nationals, with Ledecky winning all three of the events.

Jorgenson at Toyota National Championships

5th - 1,500M Free - 16:19.28 (school record)

6th – 800M Free – 8:33.79 (school record)

7th – 400M Free – 4:11.96 (school record)

21st – 200M Back – 2:12.79 (school record)&nbsp;

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsNebraska swimmer Gena Jorgenson capped a series of record-setting performances by taking fifth in the 1,500-meter freestyle at the 2025 Toyota USA National Championships in Indianapolis on Saturday.Jorgenson, a two-time first-team All-American in the 1,650-yard freestyle at the 2024 and 2025 NCAA Championships, posted a Nebraska school-record and lifetime best 16:19.28 in Saturday's 1,500-meter event at the national championships.World-record holder Katie Ledecky won gold in the event with a time of 15:36.76, which was more than 20 seconds in front of runner-up Claire Weinstein, but more than 16 seconds off her world-record time. Jillian Cox took third at 16:05.88, while Kate Hurst swam to fourth in 16:16.06, just ahead of Jorgenson.Jorgenson's time represented her fourth school-record and lifetime best time in her four events at the USA Championships. It was the third top-eight finish for the Husker senior-to-be from Aberdeen, South Dakota at nationals, with Ledecky winning all three of the events.Jorgenson at Toyota National Championships5th - 1,500M Free - 16:19.28 (school record)6th – 800M Free – 8:33.79 (school record)7th – 400M Free – 4:11.96 (school record)21st – 200M Back – 2:12.79 (school record)&nbsp;

Jorgenson earns third top-eight finish at USA Nationals

Eight players, or one-fourth of the West Roster, for the 47th annual West Nebraska All-Star Football Game this year, are recent graduates of schools from along Highway 20. Kickoff will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 7 at Bearcat Stadium in Scottsbluff.

              Three of the all-stars—Bryson Bickel, Caden Buskirk and Talon Jelinek—are from Chadron.  Hay Springs has four team members—Hunter McDonald, Dylan Raymer, Talan Smith and Dylan Young.  Lain Tausan of Gordon-Rushville also was chosen for the all-star contest.

              The other West team members follow:

              Bridgeport—Cole Katen; Chase County—Tristan Jablonski and Zach Tarin; Gering—Creighton Beals and Quinto Robbins; Mitchell—Adriane Garza, Landen Murphy and Wyatt Sauer; Mullen—Justin French; Ogallala—Ben Peters and Zach Plasch; Perkins County—Landon Noyes and Jackson Wykart; Scottsbluff—Julius Blanco, Chris Galindo, Ryan Hinman, Dez Smith and Jhett Webb; Sidney—Austin Christensen, Reid Fiscus, Owen Gillham, Shane Lilley and Pat McCartney; and Valentine—Cinch Miller.

              Chad Dormann of Garden County High at Oshkosh is the head coach. His assistants are Trevor Ginkens of Hay Springs, Scott Anderson of Sidney and Ian Bish of Valetine.

              The East’s roster follows:

              Ainsworth—Morgan Kinney; Anselmo-Merna—Josiah Griffith; Arapahoe—Wil Cacy, Alex Diaz, Grayson Koller, Eli Shafer and Jacen Smith; Arnold—AJ Starr; Cambridge—Jayden Ruf; Cozad—Jaydan Smith and Lane Wright;  Elm Creek—Brody Schopke; Gothenburg—Jackson Daum, Zander Hruza; Jackson Schwanz and Maxwell Wyatte; Hi-Line—Asher Hecox;  Lexington—Tony Espinoza; McCook—Beckett Heskett; North Platte—Eli Boman, Logan Bussard; Jaxon Halverson and Brecken Torrez; Overton—Hayden Muirhead; Sandhills Valley Co-op—Leyton Connell and Colton Miller; South Loup—James Tickle; Sumner-Eddyville-Miller—Maddox Jones and Cohen Rohde.

              The East’s head coach is Dustin Kronhofman of Arapahoe, assisted by John Strand, also of Arapahoe, and Andy Seaman of Brady.

By: Con MarshallEight players, or one-fourth of the West Roster, for the 47th annual West Nebraska All-Star Football Game this year, are recent graduates of schools from along Highway 20. Kickoff will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 7 at Bearcat Stadium in Scottsbluff. Three of the all-stars—Bryson Bickel, Caden Buskirk and Talon Jelinek—are from Chadron. Hay Springs has four team members—Hunter McDonald, Dylan Raymer, Talan Smith and Dylan Young. Lain Tausan of Gordon-Rushville also was chosen for the all-star contest. The other West team members follow: Bridgeport—Cole Katen; Chase County—Tristan Jablonski and Zach Tarin; Gering—Creighton Beals and Quinto Robbins; Mitchell—Adriane Garza, Landen Murphy and Wyatt Sauer; Mullen—Justin French; Ogallala—Ben Peters and Zach Plasch; Perkins County—Landon Noyes and Jackson Wykart; Scottsbluff—Julius Blanco, Chris Galindo, Ryan Hinman, Dez Smith and Jhett Webb; Sidney—Austin Christensen, Reid Fiscus, Owen Gillham, Shane Lilley and Pat McCartney; and Valentine—Cinch Miller. Chad Dormann of Garden County High at Oshkosh is the head coach. His assistants are Trevor Ginkens of Hay Springs, Scott Anderson of Sidney and Ian Bish of Valetine. The East’s roster follows: Ainsworth—Morgan Kinney; Anselmo-Merna—Josiah Griffith; Arapahoe—Wil Cacy, Alex Diaz, Grayson Koller, Eli Shafer and Jacen Smith; Arnold—AJ Starr; Cambridge—Jayden Ruf; Cozad—Jaydan Smith and Lane Wright; Elm Creek—Brody Schopke; Gothenburg—Jackson Daum, Zander Hruza; Jackson Schwanz and Maxwell Wyatte; Hi-Line—Asher Hecox; Lexington—Tony Espinoza; McCook—Beckett Heskett; North Platte—Eli Boman, Logan Bussard; Jaxon Halverson and Brecken Torrez; Overton—Hayden Muirhead; Sandhills Valley Co-op—Leyton Connell and Colton Miller; South Loup—James Tickle; Sumner-Eddyville-Miller—Maddox Jones and Cohen Rohde. The East’s head coach is Dustin Kronhofman of Arapahoe, assisted by John Strand, also of Arapahoe, and Andy Seaman of Brady.

West Nebraska All-Stars hit football field in Scottsbluff Saturday night

Chadron High School’s Kiara Haag and Gordon-Rushville’s Emma Martens will be members of the West team during the West Nebraska All-Star Volleyball Match on Saturday, June 7 starting at 3 p.m. in Cougar Palace at Western Nebraska Community College in Scottsbluff.  

              Haag was a defensive specialist and Martens generally played in the front row. 

              The West squad also includes from Bridgeport—Aubrey Watts, Chase County---Landree McNair and Olivia Spady, Garden County—Payton Fornander, Gering—Abby Schaneman and MaKenzie Todd, Leyton—Shawnee Gamble and Kaydence Haupt, Perkins County—Libby Cole, Scottsbluff—Emma Hergenrader and Sidney—Kayla Westby.

              The West coaches are Natasha Haupt of Leyton and Kristi McNair of Chase County.

              The East roster follows: Brady—Taryn Stearns, Broken Bow—Maren Chapin and Addison Ellis, Elm Creek—Halle Knapp, Gothenburg—Taryn O’Hare, Lexington—Halle Sund and Ella Young, Loomis—Autumn Holt, Medicine Valley—Remington Stout, North Platte St. Pat’s—Reese Fleck and Cara Roberg, and Southwest—Atleigh Nelms and Allison VanPelt.

              The East coaches are Rebecca Stearns of Brady and Maddy Krebs of North Platte St. Pats.

By: Con MarshallChadron High School’s Kiara Haag and Gordon-Rushville’s Emma Martens will be members of the West team during the West Nebraska All-Star Volleyball Match on Saturday, June 7 starting at 3 p.m. in Cougar Palace at Western Nebraska Community College in Scottsbluff. Haag was a defensive specialist and Martens generally played in the front row. The West squad also includes from Bridgeport—Aubrey Watts, Chase County---Landree McNair and Olivia Spady, Garden County—Payton Fornander, Gering—Abby Schaneman and MaKenzie Todd, Leyton—Shawnee Gamble and Kaydence Haupt, Perkins County—Libby Cole, Scottsbluff—Emma Hergenrader and Sidney—Kayla Westby. The West coaches are Natasha Haupt of Leyton and Kristi McNair of Chase County. The East roster follows: Brady—Taryn Stearns, Broken Bow—Maren Chapin and Addison Ellis, Elm Creek—Halle Knapp, Gothenburg—Taryn O’Hare, Lexington—Halle Sund and Ella Young, Loomis—Autumn Holt, Medicine Valley—Remington Stout, North Platte St. Pat’s—Reese Fleck and Cara Roberg, and Southwest—Atleigh Nelms and Allison VanPelt. The East coaches are Rebecca Stearns of Brady and Maddy Krebs of North Platte St. Pats.

West Nebraska All-Star Volleyball Match is Saturday

After having a terrific high school career as both a football player and a wrestler, recent Chadron High School graduate Quinn Bailey was the 31st former-Cardinals football player selected for the 67th annual Nebraska Shrine Bowl. That game will kick off at 3 p.m. MDT this Saturday, June 7 in Kearney.

              Bailey will play for the North team which, ironically, has Kevin Stein, a 1990 Chadron High graduate, as its head coach.  After teaching and coaching at Gordon for several years, Stein has been the football mentor at Grand Island Northwest since 2010.

In 1990—35 years ago—Stein was the primary quarterback for the North in the Shrine Bowl and was named its Most Valuable Offensive Player after leading the team to a 19-16 victory.

              The late Dick Stein, Kevin’s father and Chadron High’s head football coach for 22 years, compiling a 144-71 record, was the North’s head coach.

              Bailey is one of four players from the Panhandle on the North’s 45-man roster.  The others are Jackson Jenkins, a lineman from Mitchell, along with Landon Riddle of Sidney and Barron Williams of Gering, both wide receivers and defensive backs for their team last fall.

              Bailey, who is 5-foot-8 and was listed at 180 pounds last fall while playing football and won his third consecutive state wrestling championship as a 157-pounder, racked up amazing statistics in both sports for the Cardinals. 

              Last fall, he carried the football 356 times for 2,674 yards and scored 36 touchdowns to go with 20 two-point conversions for a total of 256 points.  He was the state’s second-leading 11-man rusher and was third in both touchdowns and points scored. 

              For his prep career, Bailey who will play college football at Western Colorado, rushed 848 times for 6,164 yards and scored 85 TDs and 558 points. He amassed 7,754 all-purpose yards.  All these statistics Chadron High records, as well as the most ever posted by a western Nebraska gridder. His career wrestling record is 181-10.

              Of course, the Shrine Bowl will have lots of outstanding players.  One of Bailey’s North teammates is Barrett Wilke of Stanton, the state’s leading 8-man ball carrier who played in 13 games in 2024 and rushed for 2,873 yards.  And, another Stanton standout, Becker Pohlman, a Chadron State College recruit who was a First Team All-State linebacker and also ran for 1,489 yards, is on the North roster.  

              The North’s quarterbacks include Braylon Anderson of Oakland-Craig, who threw for 3,055 yards in just nine games and was named the Class C-2 First-Team All-Stater at his position.  Another North signal caller is Nate Collins of Omaha Burke, who threw for 2,338 yards last fall, second highest in Class A.

              Both Sidney’s Riddle and Gering’s Williams could be targeted for passes.  Riddle became the Panhandle’s 11-man all-time single-season pass receiver last fall when he caught 59 tosses for 1,032 yards.  Williams had 51 receptions for 539 yards.

              The South’s leaders will likely include quarterback Dylan Van Dyke of Omaha Skutt, who threw for 3,457 yards while leading his team to the Class B state championship. Another South quarterback is Ethan Shaw, who led Sandy Creek to the D-1 8-man championship last fall while rushing for 1,700 yards and passing for 2,026. 

A third South quarterback is Chadron State recruit Noah Shoemaker of Cozad, the Class C-1 First Team All-State choice after throwing for 1,910 yards and tying the C-1 state record by throwing for eight touchdowns in on game last year.

Other Chadron State recruits in the game include Camden Walker, a wide receiver for Stein’s team at Grand Island Northwest, and Keagyn Linden of York, a lineman who will play for the South. 

Kevin Stein is hoping that his team Saturday will play as well as his dad’s team played in 1990.  As his MVP honor indicates, Kevin was among the reasons the North won the game.  He was the quarterback for most of the game, completing eight of 16 passes for 116 yards.

Five of those passes were caught by tight end Joe Planansky of Hemingford, including a 17-yarder that netted the North’s first touchdown in the opening quarter. Later in the game, the pair connected on passes of 15 and 21 yards during another scoring drive and they also hooked up on a 16-yard toss that helped the North post the winning touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Stein and Planansky were teammates at Chadron State four years in the early 1990s.

Terry Connealy of Hyannis and Tom Hernandez of Gering were other players from the Panhandle on the North roster in the 1990 game.  A photo that Marcia Stein, Kevin’s mother, possesses from the game, shows that he wore Connealy’s helmet during the Shine Bowl because Hyannis is written on the helmet.

              There are a few other “Chadron connections” in this year’s Shrine Bowl.  One of the North assistant coaches is Kevin Stein’s nephew, TD Stein, also a former Chadron High and Chadron State quarterback, and now the head football coach at Alliance.   

 Also on the North coaching staff is Mike Kozeal, who played fullback for the Chadron State Eagles in the mid-1980 and has taught and coached at his hometown of Sargent, Neb., for at least 30 years.    The South’s coaching staff includes Jonn McLain, an all-star quarterback at both Chadron High and Chadron State and now an assistant football coach at Boys Town in Omaha.

(In addition, Tyler Marshall, a standout basketball player at Chadron High in the late 1980s, is a member of the Scottsbluff crew that will referee this year’s game.)

McLain passed up a chance to play in the Shrine Bowl after he graduated from Chadron High and chose to instead play for his high school coach, Mike Lecher, in the West Nebraska All-Star Game in Scottsbluff.

  It was a successful venture.  McLain completed 19 of 24 passes for a record 365 yards and five touchdowns during the West’s 48-22 victory over the East while easily winning the Most Valuable Offensive Player honors.

By: Con MarshallAfter having a terrific high school career as both a football player and a wrestler, recent Chadron High School graduate Quinn Bailey was the 31st former-Cardinals football player selected for the 67th annual Nebraska Shrine Bowl. That game will kick off at 3 p.m. MDT this Saturday, June 7 in Kearney. Bailey will play for the North team which, ironically, has Kevin Stein, a 1990 Chadron High graduate, as its head coach. After teaching and coaching at Gordon for several years, Stein has been the football mentor at Grand Island Northwest since 2010.In 1990—35 years ago—Stein was the primary quarterback for the North in the Shrine Bowl and was named its Most Valuable Offensive Player after leading the team to a 19-16 victory. The late Dick Stein, Kevin’s father and Chadron High’s head football coach for 22 years, compiling a 144-71 record, was the North’s head coach. Bailey is one of four players from the Panhandle on the North’s 45-man roster. The others are Jackson Jenkins, a lineman from Mitchell, along with Landon Riddle of Sidney and Barron Williams of Gering, both wide receivers and defensive backs for their team last fall. Bailey, who is 5-foot-8 and was listed at 180 pounds last fall while playing football and won his third consecutive state wrestling championship as a 157-pounder, racked up amazing statistics in both sports for the Cardinals. Last fall, he carried the football 356 times for 2,674 yards and scored 36 touchdowns to go with 20 two-point conversions for a total of 256 points. He was the state’s second-leading 11-man rusher and was third in both touchdowns and points scored. For his prep career, Bailey who will play college football at Western Colorado, rushed 848 times for 6,164 yards and scored 85 TDs and 558 points. He amassed 7,754 all-purpose yards. All these statistics Chadron High records, as well as the most ever posted by a western Nebraska gridder. His career wrestling record is 181-10. Of course, the Shrine Bowl will have lots of outstanding players. One of Bailey’s North teammates is Barrett Wilke of Stanton, the state’s leading 8-man ball carrier who played in 13 games in 2024 and rushed for 2,873 yards. And, another Stanton standout, Becker Pohlman, a Chadron State College recruit who was a First Team All-State linebacker and also ran for 1,489 yards, is on the North roster. The North’s quarterbacks include Braylon Anderson of Oakland-Craig, who threw for 3,055 yards in just nine games and was named the Class C-2 First-Team All-Stater at his position. Another North signal caller is Nate Collins of Omaha Burke, who threw for 2,338 yards last fall, second highest in Class A. Both Sidney’s Riddle and Gering’s Williams could be targeted for passes. Riddle became the Panhandle’s 11-man all-time single-season pass receiver last fall when he caught 59 tosses for 1,032 yards. Williams had 51 receptions for 539 yards. The South’s leaders will likely include quarterback Dylan Van Dyke of Omaha Skutt, who threw for 3,457 yards while leading his team to the Class B state championship. Another South quarterback is Ethan Shaw, who led Sandy Creek to the D-1 8-man championship last fall while rushing for 1,700 yards and passing for 2,026. A third South quarterback is Chadron State recruit Noah Shoemaker of Cozad, the Class C-1 First Team All-State choice after throwing for 1,910 yards and tying the C-1 state record by throwing for eight touchdowns in on game last year.Other Chadron State recruits in the game include Camden Walker, a wide receiver for Stein’s team at Grand Island Northwest, and Keagyn Linden of York, a lineman who will play for the South. Kevin Stein is hoping that his team Saturday will play as well as his dad’s team played in 1990. As his MVP honor indicates, Kevin was among the reasons the North won the game. He was the quarterback for most of the game, completing eight of 16 passes for 116 yards.Five of those passes were caught by tight end Joe Planansky of Hemingford, including a 17-yarder that netted the North’s first touchdown in the opening quarter. Later in the game, the pair connected on passes of 15 and 21 yards during another scoring drive and they also hooked up on a 16-yard toss that helped the North post the winning touchdown in the fourth quarter.Stein and Planansky were teammates at Chadron State four years in the early 1990s.Terry Connealy of Hyannis and Tom Hernandez of Gering were other players from the Panhandle on the North roster in the 1990 game. A photo that Marcia Stein, Kevin’s mother, possesses from the game, shows that he wore Connealy’s helmet during the Shine Bowl because Hyannis is written on the helmet. There are a few other “Chadron connections” in this year’s Shrine Bowl. One of the North assistant coaches is Kevin Stein’s nephew, TD Stein, also a former Chadron High and Chadron State quarterback, and now the head football coach at Alliance. Also on the North coaching staff is Mike Kozeal, who played fullback for the Chadron State Eagles in the mid-1980 and has taught and coached at his hometown of Sargent, Neb., for at least 30 years. The South’s coaching staff includes Jonn McLain, an all-star quarterback at both Chadron High and Chadron State and now an assistant football coach at Boys Town in Omaha.(In addition, Tyler Marshall, a standout basketball player at Chadron High in the late 1980s, is a member of the Scottsbluff crew that will referee this year’s game.)McLain passed up a chance to play in the Shrine Bowl after he graduated from Chadron High and chose to instead play for his high school coach, Mike Lecher, in the West Nebraska All-Star Game in Scottsbluff. It was a successful venture. McLain completed 19 of 24 passes for a record 365 yards and five touchdowns during the West’s 48-22 victory over the East while easily winning the Most Valuable Offensive Player honors.

Chadron's Bailey continues Cardinals long tradition at Shrine Bowl all-star football game

Story by NPCC Athletic Communication

North Platte, Neb. – North Platte Community College releases the rosters for its inaugural Black &amp; Gold High School Basketball All-Star game June 7. The student-athletes, representing talent from throughout western Nebraska, were nominated by their high school coaches.

Current NPCC women’s basketball players Madi Cheleen and Joie Rodriguez have been chosen to serve as the head coaches for the girl's teams, while Jimmie Pack (North Platte) and Justin Hardin (Paxton) will lead the way on the boy's side.

The girl's game will begin at 3 p.m., with the boy's game to follow at 5 p.m. inside the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium on the NPCC South Campus, 601 W State Farm Rd.

Girl's Roster – Black TeamIsabelle Reichman - South PlatteZaili Benish - LeytonCrystal Dhooge - Potter-DixJordan Clouse - PaxtonJanae Marten - Broken BowEmmalee Nicholson - PaxtonReagen Stengel - Maywood-Hayes CenterMcKenzie Ewoldt - ArapahoeCasey Clements - St. Mary'sHead Coach:&nbsp;Madi Cheleen

Girl's Roster – Gold TeamAshley Bauer - Elm CreekAlex Beveridge - GothenburgGracyn Elfeldt - SutherlandKesli Cox - Maywood-Hayes CenterGaby Staples - Broken BowRagan Mauler – SargentCadence Carpenter – ArapahoeMaddie Diederichs - Broken BowSage Larson - ArapahoeHead Coach:&nbsp;Joie Rodriguez

Boy's Roster - Black TeamCole Huffman - MaxwellRyder Potts - Perkins CountyKellan Spearman - HersheyJasper Brewster - PaxtonJon Patell - McCookConnor Kennicutt - WallaceKyle Kramer - Sandhills ValleyHead Coach:&nbsp;Jimmie Pack&nbsp;

Boy's Roster – Gold TeamEthan Holm - SutherlandJaxson Anders - Maywood-Hayes CenterTyson Essex - LoomisMaddox Lee - Perkins CountyTanner Hebblethwaite - PaxtonEthan Hardin - PaxtonJason Fisher - WallaceHead Coach:&nbsp;Justin Hardin

Story by NPCC Athletic CommunicationNorth Platte, Neb. – North Platte Community College releases the rosters for its inaugural Black &amp; Gold High School Basketball All-Star game June 7. The student-athletes, representing talent from throughout western Nebraska, were nominated by their high school coaches.Current NPCC women’s basketball players Madi Cheleen and Joie Rodriguez have been chosen to serve as the head coaches for the girl's teams, while Jimmie Pack (North Platte) and Justin Hardin (Paxton) will lead the way on the boy's side.The girl's game will begin at 3 p.m., with the boy's game to follow at 5 p.m. inside the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium on the NPCC South Campus, 601 W State Farm Rd.Girl's Roster – Black TeamIsabelle Reichman - South PlatteZaili Benish - LeytonCrystal Dhooge - Potter-DixJordan Clouse - PaxtonJanae Marten - Broken BowEmmalee Nicholson - PaxtonReagen Stengel - Maywood-Hayes CenterMcKenzie Ewoldt - ArapahoeCasey Clements - St. Mary'sHead Coach:&nbsp;Madi CheleenGirl's Roster – Gold TeamAshley Bauer - Elm CreekAlex Beveridge - GothenburgGracyn Elfeldt - SutherlandKesli Cox - Maywood-Hayes CenterGaby Staples - Broken BowRagan Mauler – SargentCadence Carpenter – ArapahoeMaddie Diederichs - Broken BowSage Larson - ArapahoeHead Coach:&nbsp;Joie RodriguezBoy's Roster - Black TeamCole Huffman - MaxwellRyder Potts - Perkins CountyKellan Spearman - HersheyJasper Brewster - PaxtonJon Patell - McCookConnor Kennicutt - WallaceKyle Kramer - Sandhills ValleyHead Coach:&nbsp;Jimmie Pack&nbsp;Boy's Roster – Gold TeamEthan Holm - SutherlandJaxson Anders - Maywood-Hayes CenterTyson Essex - LoomisMaddox Lee - Perkins CountyTanner Hebblethwaite - PaxtonEthan Hardin - PaxtonJason Fisher - WallaceHead Coach:&nbsp;Justin Hardin

NPCC releases rosters for inaugural Black and Gold High School All-Star Game

By: Paxton Ritchie CSC Sports Information Director

Chadron State College has hired Skye Koehl (pronounced "sky kale") as the new head coach of the Eagle softball program following a national search, athletic director Mannie Reinsch announced Monday, June 2. 

Koehl will join CSC after two seasons as the head coach of Otero College, a junior college in La Junta, Colorado. Under Koehl's direction, the Rattlers finished in second place in NJCAA Region 9 in 2024, advancing to the regional championship game, and backed up a second-place regular season finish with a third-place tournament finish in 2025. Koehl's teams finished with a combined 34-14 record in conference play. 

"I am thankful and grateful to receive this opportunity to take the next step in my career," Koehl said. "I hope to continue to build the program and build a culture for success both in the classroom and on the field." 

Koehl will replace Dr. Robert Stack, who coached the 2025 season on an interim basis after previously piloting the CSC softball program from 2008-2017. Assistant coach Kayla Campuzano, who has been on staff at CSC since 2019, will remain with the program in that role. 

"Skye's track record of success and vision for mentoring our student-athletes stood out during the search process," Reinsch said. "We're very fortunate and lucky to have her lead our program at Chadron State."

As a student-athlete, Koehl was a junior college national champion with Temple College (Tex.) in 2018, a season in which she won both First Team All-Conference and Academic All-Conference honors. Koehl hit .392 with seven home runs, 26 RBI, six doubles, three triples and 20 walks during Temple's national championship season. 

Koehl transferred and played three years at Texas A&amp;M-Corpus Christi (NCAA Division I), appearing in 59 games and starting 34 for the Islanders from 2019-2021. Koehl's first Division I home run came in her final collegiate at-bat against Abilene Christian. 

Koehl began her coaching career as a volunteer assistant at Texas A&amp;M-Corpus Christi and the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (NCAA Division III). She also coached with youth club programs in Texas, including the South Texas Prospects and Central Texas Buzz, and served as a strength and conditioning intern for the Scrap Yard Dawgs, a professional softball team in Houston.

She was hired as the assistant coach at Otero ahead of the 2022-23 academic year and immediately took over the team's strength and conditioning program as well as recruiting, fundraising, travel arrangements and statistics. Koehl was named the program's head coach the following year. 

A native of Columbus, Texas, Koehl graduated with her associates from Temple College in 2018, her bachelor's from Texas A&amp;M-Corpus Christi in 2020 and her master's from TAMUCC in 2022, all in kinesiology and exercise science. 

Chadron State College softball finished 22-28 during the 2025 season, with a 18-26 record in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC). Since the program's re-introduction at the Division II level in 2006, the Eagles have qualified for the RMAC conference tournament six times, most recently in 2023. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749057531308.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By: Paxton Ritchie CSC Sports Information DirectorChadron State College has hired Skye Koehl (pronounced "sky kale") as the new head coach of the Eagle softball program following a national search, athletic director Mannie Reinsch announced Monday, June 2. Koehl will join CSC after two seasons as the head coach of Otero College, a junior college in La Junta, Colorado. Under Koehl's direction, the Rattlers finished in second place in NJCAA Region 9 in 2024, advancing to the regional championship game, and backed up a second-place regular season finish with a third-place tournament finish in 2025. Koehl's teams finished with a combined 34-14 record in conference play. "I am thankful and grateful to receive this opportunity to take the next step in my career," Koehl said. "I hope to continue to build the program and build a culture for success both in the classroom and on the field." Koehl will replace Dr. Robert Stack, who coached the 2025 season on an interim basis after previously piloting the CSC softball program from 2008-2017. Assistant coach Kayla Campuzano, who has been on staff at CSC since 2019, will remain with the program in that role. "Skye's track record of success and vision for mentoring our student-athletes stood out during the search process," Reinsch said. "We're very fortunate and lucky to have her lead our program at Chadron State."As a student-athlete, Koehl was a junior college national champion with Temple College (Tex.) in 2018, a season in which she won both First Team All-Conference and Academic All-Conference honors. Koehl hit .392 with seven home runs, 26 RBI, six doubles, three triples and 20 walks during Temple's national championship season. Koehl transferred and played three years at Texas A&amp;M-Corpus Christi (NCAA Division I), appearing in 59 games and starting 34 for the Islanders from 2019-2021. Koehl's first Division I home run came in her final collegiate at-bat against Abilene Christian. Koehl began her coaching career as a volunteer assistant at Texas A&amp;M-Corpus Christi and the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (NCAA Division III). She also coached with youth club programs in Texas, including the South Texas Prospects and Central Texas Buzz, and served as a strength and conditioning intern for the Scrap Yard Dawgs, a professional softball team in Houston.She was hired as the assistant coach at Otero ahead of the 2022-23 academic year and immediately took over the team's strength and conditioning program as well as recruiting, fundraising, travel arrangements and statistics. Koehl was named the program's head coach the following year. A native of Columbus, Texas, Koehl graduated with her associates from Temple College in 2018, her bachelor's from Texas A&amp;M-Corpus Christi in 2020 and her master's from TAMUCC in 2022, all in kinesiology and exercise science. Chadron State College softball finished 22-28 during the 2025 season, with a 18-26 record in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC). Since the program's re-introduction at the Division II level in 2006, the Eagles have qualified for the RMAC conference tournament six times, most recently in 2023.

Chadron State finds new softball head coach

Story by UNK Athletic Communications

Kearney, Neb. – Nebraska Kearney sophomore Fabiana Gamboa has been named an All-American in singles by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA).

To <a href="https://wearecollegetennis.com/2025/06/03/2025-ita-division-ii-womens-tennis-all-americans/">earn AA status</a> in either singles or doubles, a player must rank in the Top 20 (singles) or Top 10 (doubles) in the final ITA rankings of the season. This year those were announced on May 30.

Gamboa (Maracaibo, Venezuela) is UNK's first-ever Division II All-American (men's or women's) and joins Ron Goodman and Steve Rademacher as the only Loper tennis players to earn AA status. Both Goodman and Rademacher were tabbed by the NAIA in 1985. ​

In the <a href="https://colleges.wearecollegetennis.com/rankings?type=national&amp;gender=F&amp;divisionType=DIV2&amp;matchFormat=SINGLES&amp;date=2025-05-29">ITA rankings</a>, Gamboa was ranked as high as ninth in singles and finished 16th in Division II. She had six singles victories over nationally-ranked competition and typically won her matches in straight sets.

This past season Gamboa went 41-21 overall which included a 22-10 mark in singles and a 19-11 mark in doubles. During the dual season, she went 16-8 in singles and 17-7 in doubles. Playing at one singles and three doubles with junior Clare Plachy, she was tabbed first-team All-MIAA in singles.

Pete Komada of Central Oklahoma was the only other MIAA singles player to join Gamboa with the Washburn pair of Daniela Tijaro and Renske Ubachs making the AA doubles list.&nbsp;

UNK went 20-6 during the recently completed season, tying for the MIAA regular season title, winning Central Region #1 and reaching the NCAA "Sweet 16" for a second consecutive spring.

Story by UNK Athletic CommunicationsKearney, Neb. – Nebraska Kearney sophomore Fabiana Gamboa has been named an All-American in singles by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA).To <a href="https://wearecollegetennis.com/2025/06/03/2025-ita-division-ii-womens-tennis-all-americans/">earn AA status</a> in either singles or doubles, a player must rank in the Top 20 (singles) or Top 10 (doubles) in the final ITA rankings of the season. This year those were announced on May 30.Gamboa (Maracaibo, Venezuela) is UNK's first-ever Division II All-American (men's or women's) and joins Ron Goodman and Steve Rademacher as the only Loper tennis players to earn AA status. Both Goodman and Rademacher were tabbed by the NAIA in 1985. ​In the <a href="https://colleges.wearecollegetennis.com/rankings?type=national&amp;gender=F&amp;divisionType=DIV2&amp;matchFormat=SINGLES&amp;date=2025-05-29">ITA rankings</a>, Gamboa was ranked as high as ninth in singles and finished 16th in Division II. She had six singles victories over nationally-ranked competition and typically won her matches in straight sets.This past season Gamboa went 41-21 overall which included a 22-10 mark in singles and a 19-11 mark in doubles. During the dual season, she went 16-8 in singles and 17-7 in doubles. Playing at one singles and three doubles with junior Clare Plachy, she was tabbed first-team All-MIAA in singles.Pete Komada of Central Oklahoma was the only other MIAA singles player to join Gamboa with the Washburn pair of Daniela Tijaro and Renske Ubachs making the AA doubles list.&nbsp;UNK went 20-6 during the recently completed season, tying for the MIAA regular season title, winning Central Region #1 and reaching the NCAA "Sweet 16" for a second consecutive spring.

Gamboa becomes 3rd Loper Tennis All-American

Gena Jorgenson smashed her own Nebraska school record with a time of 8:33.79 on her way to a sixth-place finish at the 2025 Toyota USA National Championships in Indianapolis on Tuesday night.

Jorgenson, a two-time All-American for the Huskers in the 1,650-yard freestyle at the past two NCAA Championships, continued to slash time in her distance freestyle events. The senior-to-be from Aberdeen, S.D., swam head-to-head with world record-holder Katie Ledecky in the fastest heat of the 800 free at the U.S. Championships. Ledecky cruised to a victory in the event with a time of 8:05.76, which was more than a second off her world record time (8:04.12) set a month ago.

Claire Weinstein (8:19.67) and Jillian Cox (8:19.88) rounded out the top three finishers in the World Championship-qualifying event, while Kate Hurst (8:30.87) and Mila Nikanorov (8:32.64) rounded out the top five swimmers ahead of Jorgenson.

Jorgenson will compete in the 200 backstroke (June 4), 400 freestyle (June 6) and the 1,500 freestyle (June 7) as the Toyota USA National Championships continue this week.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsGena Jorgenson smashed her own Nebraska school record with a time of 8:33.79 on her way to a sixth-place finish at the 2025 Toyota USA National Championships in Indianapolis on Tuesday night.Jorgenson, a two-time All-American for the Huskers in the 1,650-yard freestyle at the past two NCAA Championships, continued to slash time in her distance freestyle events. The senior-to-be from Aberdeen, S.D., swam head-to-head with world record-holder Katie Ledecky in the fastest heat of the 800 free at the U.S. Championships. Ledecky cruised to a victory in the event with a time of 8:05.76, which was more than a second off her world record time (8:04.12) set a month ago.Claire Weinstein (8:19.67) and Jillian Cox (8:19.88) rounded out the top three finishers in the World Championship-qualifying event, while Kate Hurst (8:30.87) and Mila Nikanorov (8:32.64) rounded out the top five swimmers ahead of Jorgenson.Jorgenson will compete in the 200 backstroke (June 4), 400 freestyle (June 6) and the 1,500 freestyle (June 7) as the Toyota USA National Championships continue this week.

Jorgenson sets School record at USA Championships

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — North Platte Community College added its third commit of the offseason over the weekend with the signing of Freshman Guard/Forward Winston Allen.

Allen joins the Knights from Cowley College, which finished last season ranked No. 5 in the NJCAA Division I poll. In 25 games, Allen averaged 5.1 points, 3.2 rebounds and 0.5 assists per game.

A versatile player, Allen is expected to bolster a frontcourt led by returning big men Daniel Nwauzu and Joseph Badejo.

Last month, North Platte also secured a commitment from Deandre Nichols, a guard from Grandview High School (Mo.). Nichols averaged 10.2 points per game in 21 appearances for the Bulldogs last season.

Nichols joins a deep backcourt that includes returning players Sedrick Nari, Justus Michael and Dennis Rocha — who is expected back from injury — as well as incoming freshman John Sims IV from Omaha Westview.

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — North Platte Community College added its third commit of the offseason over the weekend with the signing of Freshman Guard/Forward Winston Allen.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748966839170.jpeg" alt="Winston Allen Guard/Forward, Cowley Kansas" />
 <figcaption>Winston Allen Guard/Forward, Cowley Kansas</figcaption>
 </figure>Allen joins the Knights from Cowley College, which finished last season ranked No. 5 in the NJCAA Division I poll. In 25 games, Allen averaged 5.1 points, 3.2 rebounds and 0.5 assists per game.A versatile player, Allen is expected to bolster a frontcourt led by returning big men Daniel Nwauzu and Joseph Badejo.Last month, North Platte also secured a commitment from Deandre Nichols, a guard from Grandview High School (Mo.). Nichols averaged 10.2 points per game in 21 appearances for the Bulldogs last season.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748967326207.jpeg" alt="Deandre Nichols, a guard from Grandview High School (Mo.)" />
 <figcaption>Deandre Nichols, a guard from Grandview High School (Mo.)</figcaption>
 </figure>Nichols joins a deep backcourt that includes returning players Sedrick Nari, Justus Michael and Dennis Rocha — who is expected back from injury — as well as incoming freshman John Sims IV from Omaha Westview.

NPCC Men's Basketball land 2 new recruits for 25-26 season

Lincoln, Neb.-&nbsp;&nbsp;Former Husker gymnast Yanni Chronopoulos and newcomer Sam Rakita competed at the Canadian National Championships in Alberta, Canada. At the Senior level, Chronopoulos claimed the bronze medal and Rakita earned second place in the Senior Next Gen level. The Ontario natives both placed in the top 20 in every event. Scores for each event are calculated by combining performances from both days.

Current Husker Nik Tarca competed for the Romanian National Team at the European Championships where he earned 37th place in the all-around.

Canadian National Championships - Senior Next Gen (19-20)

Rakita had a stellar weekend at the National Championships, grabbing gold on high bar with a 26.232 and posting a 26.432 on still rings. The incoming freshman earned silver on parallel bars, posting a 24.499. He also earned fourth place on floor with a 25.566 and on vault with a&nbsp; 26.266. The 19-year-old capped off his competition with a 21.899 on pommel horse for 13th place. His weekend performance totaled 150.894 to give Rakita the silver medal.&nbsp;

Canadian National Championships - Senior Competition (21+)

Chronopoulos performed best on pommel horse at the competition with a 26.80 for a bronze medal on the apparatus. The Big Ten Rings Champion took home fourth on rings with a 26.366. He scored fifth on parallel bars (27.033), sixth on vault (26.533), seventh on floor (26.266) and on 12th high bar (25.533). This was Chronopoulos’ first time competing in the all-around this season, where he excelled with a combined score of 157.798 for third place.&nbsp;

Tarca had his best finish on pommel horse, nabbing a 13.50 for 25th place. The sophomore took 45th on vault (13.566), 64th on high bar (11.933), 66th on still rings (12.20) and parallel bars (12.166) and 89th on floor (11.966). His performance totaled a 75.364 for 37th place.&nbsp;

Taylor Christopulos will continue international competition for Husker gymnasts, as he will travel to Panama to represent the U.S. Men’s National Team in the Pan-American Games from June 12 to June 15.&nbsp;

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsLincoln, Neb.-&nbsp;&nbsp;Former Husker gymnast Yanni Chronopoulos and newcomer Sam Rakita competed at the Canadian National Championships in Alberta, Canada. At the Senior level, Chronopoulos claimed the bronze medal and Rakita earned second place in the Senior Next Gen level. The Ontario natives both placed in the top 20 in every event. Scores for each event are calculated by combining performances from both days.Current Husker Nik Tarca competed for the Romanian National Team at the European Championships where he earned 37th place in the all-around.Canadian National Championships - Senior Next Gen (19-20)Rakita had a stellar weekend at the National Championships, grabbing gold on high bar with a 26.232 and posting a 26.432 on still rings. The incoming freshman earned silver on parallel bars, posting a 24.499. He also earned fourth place on floor with a 25.566 and on vault with a&nbsp; 26.266. The 19-year-old capped off his competition with a 21.899 on pommel horse for 13th place. His weekend performance totaled 150.894 to give Rakita the silver medal.&nbsp;Canadian National Championships - Senior Competition (21+)Chronopoulos performed best on pommel horse at the competition with a 26.80 for a bronze medal on the apparatus. The Big Ten Rings Champion took home fourth on rings with a 26.366. He scored fifth on parallel bars (27.033), sixth on vault (26.533), seventh on floor (26.266) and on 12th high bar (25.533). This was Chronopoulos’ first time competing in the all-around this season, where he excelled with a combined score of 157.798 for third place.&nbsp;European ChampionshipsTarca had his best finish on pommel horse, nabbing a 13.50 for 25th place. The sophomore took 45th on vault (13.566), 64th on high bar (11.933), 66th on still rings (12.20) and parallel bars (12.166) and 89th on floor (11.966). His performance totaled a 75.364 for 37th place.&nbsp;Taylor Christopulos will continue international competition for Husker gymnasts, as he will travel to Panama to represent the U.S. Men’s National Team in the Pan-American Games from June 12 to June 15.&nbsp;

Chronopoulos and Rakita collect Medals at Canadian Nationals

Two-time All-American&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://huskers.com/sports/swimming-and-diving/roster/player/gena-jorgenson">Gena Jorgenson</a>&nbsp;and Canadian&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://huskers.com/sports/swimming-and-diving/roster/player/marissa-laurin">Marissa Laurin</a>&nbsp;will represent the Nebraska swimming and diving team at national events this week in hopes of qualifying for the World Aquatics Championships later this summer.

Jorgenson, a two-time first-team All-American for the Huskers in the 1,650 freestyle, will compete in the 800 freestyle at the Toyota USA National Championships in Indianapolis on Tuesday, June 3. The senior-to-be from Aberdeen, S.D., has earned the No. 8 seed in the event and will compete in the fastest heat in the evening final session at approximately 4:15 p.m. (CT).

Jorgenson will also compete in the 200 backstroke (June 4), 400 freestyle (June 6) and the 1,500 freestyle (June 7).

The Toyota USA National Championships serve as the qualifier for the 2025 World Aquatics Championships (July 27-August 3, Singapore) and the 2025 World University Games (July 17-23, Berlin).

In addition to Jorgenson's competitive schedule this week, Husker teammate&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://huskers.com/sports/swimming-and-diving/roster/player/marissa-laurin">Marissa Laurin</a>&nbsp;will participate in the Bell Canadian Swimming Trials in Victoria, British Columbia, June 7-12. The trials serve as Canada's qualifier for the 2025 World Aquatics Championships.

Laurin, a sophomore-to-be from Grand Prairie, Alberta, will compete in the 200 backstroke on Wednesday, June 11.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsTwo-time All-American&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://huskers.com/sports/swimming-and-diving/roster/player/gena-jorgenson">Gena Jorgenson</a>&nbsp;and Canadian&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://huskers.com/sports/swimming-and-diving/roster/player/marissa-laurin">Marissa Laurin</a>&nbsp;will represent the Nebraska swimming and diving team at national events this week in hopes of qualifying for the World Aquatics Championships later this summer.Jorgenson, a two-time first-team All-American for the Huskers in the 1,650 freestyle, will compete in the 800 freestyle at the Toyota USA National Championships in Indianapolis on Tuesday, June 3. The senior-to-be from Aberdeen, S.D., has earned the No. 8 seed in the event and will compete in the fastest heat in the evening final session at approximately 4:15 p.m. (CT).Jorgenson will also compete in the 200 backstroke (June 4), 400 freestyle (June 6) and the 1,500 freestyle (June 7).The Toyota USA National Championships serve as the qualifier for the 2025 World Aquatics Championships (July 27-August 3, Singapore) and the 2025 World University Games (July 17-23, Berlin).In addition to Jorgenson's competitive schedule this week, Husker teammate&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://huskers.com/sports/swimming-and-diving/roster/player/marissa-laurin">Marissa Laurin</a>&nbsp;will participate in the Bell Canadian Swimming Trials in Victoria, British Columbia, June 7-12. The trials serve as Canada's qualifier for the 2025 World Aquatics Championships.Laurin, a sophomore-to-be from Grand Prairie, Alberta, will compete in the 200 backstroke on Wednesday, June 11.

Jorgenson, Laurin to compete in National Meets 

Nebraska great Ndamukong Suh is one of 79 players on the 2026 ballot for the National Football Foundation College Football Hall of Fame.&nbsp; Suh is included on the ballot in his first year of eligibility.

Suh had a dominant career at Nebraska from 2005 to 2009, capped by a 2009 season that is widely regarded as one of the best individual seasons in college football history. During his senior season Suh’s accomplishments included the following…

As a senior, Suh led Nebraska in tackles for the second straight season with 85 tackles. He also became the first defensive lineman to lead Nebraska in tackles in consecutive seasons. He also led the team in tackles for loss (24), sacks (12), quarterback hurries (26) and blocked kicks (3). His 24 tackles for loss were second on the Nebraska season list, while his 12 sacks ranked third in school history. Suh's 10 pass breakups were second on the team and led the nation's defensive linemen. He also added his fourth career interception, an NU record for defensive linemen.

Suh also had a standout 2008 season, with 7.5 sacks, 19 tackles for loss and two interceptions. Suh left Nebraska with his name prominently displayed in the Cornhusker record book. His 57 career tackles for loss are second in school history, while his 24 sacks rank fourth. He finished with 215 career tackles and a position-record 15 pass breakups. Suh’s six career blocked kicks are a record for defensive linemen and were one shy of the school record for blocked kicks by any player.

Suh will look to join 20 former Husker players and seven Nebraska coaches who are members of the College Football Hall of Fame. The announcement of the 2026 NFF College Football Hall of Fame Class will be made in early 2026, with specific details to be announced in the future.&nbsp;The 2026 NFF College Football Hall of Fame Class will be officially inducted during the 68th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas on Dec. 8, 2026, at the Bellagio Hotel &amp; Casino, and they will be honored at their respective schools with an NFF Hall of Fame On-Campus Salute, presented by Fidelity Investments, during the 2026 season.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationNebraska great Ndamukong Suh is one of 79 players on the 2026 ballot for the National Football Foundation College Football Hall of Fame.&nbsp; Suh is included on the ballot in his first year of eligibility.Suh had a dominant career at Nebraska from 2005 to 2009, capped by a 2009 season that is widely regarded as one of the best individual seasons in college football history. During his senior season Suh’s accomplishments included the following…<ul>
 <li>He was the first defensive player to win the Associated Press College Player of the Year Award since the inception of the honor in 1998.</li><li>Suh was the first defensive tackle invited to the Heisman ceremonies in New York since Warren Sapp in 1994. Suh's fourth-place finish in the voting tied for the best by a defensive lineman since Nebraska's Rich Glover was third in 1972. Suh also received the highest-ever point total for a fourth-place finisher and his 161 first-place votes were the most ever for an interior defensive lineman.</li><li>Suh won the Outland Trophy for the nation's top interior lineman, giving Nebraska a nation-leading nine Outland winners (eight players). &nbsp;Suh was the first Husker to win the award since offensive guard Aaron Taylor in 1997.</li><li>Suh won the Rotary Lombardi Award to become the fifth Husker to win the award.</li><li>Suh became the fourth Husker to sweep the Lombardi and Outland in the same season, joining Rich Glover (1972), Dave Rimington (1982) and Dean Steinkuhler (1983). At the time, Suh was just the 12th player to capture the Outland and Lombardi in the same season.</li><li>Suh made a clean sweep of the national defensive player-of-the-year awards by winning the Chuck Bednarik Award and the Bronko Nagurski Trophy. Suh was the first Husker to receive both of those awards, and he became just the fifth player to sweep those two awards, most recently Miami's Dan Morgan in 2000.</li><li>In addition to the awards he won, Suh was also a finalist for the Walter Camp Player of the Year and the Lott Trophy, and was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year.</li><li>Suh was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year by the league's coaches and every major outlet that chose a defender of the year. He was the first Nebraska defensive player to win Big 12 Player-of-the-Year honors since Grant Wistrom in 1996 and 1997.</li>
 </ul>As a senior, Suh led Nebraska in tackles for the second straight season with 85 tackles. He also became the first defensive lineman to lead Nebraska in tackles in consecutive seasons. He also led the team in tackles for loss (24), sacks (12), quarterback hurries (26) and blocked kicks (3). His 24 tackles for loss were second on the Nebraska season list, while his 12 sacks ranked third in school history. Suh's 10 pass breakups were second on the team and led the nation's defensive linemen. He also added his fourth career interception, an NU record for defensive linemen.Suh also had a standout 2008 season, with 7.5 sacks, 19 tackles for loss and two interceptions. Suh left Nebraska with his name prominently displayed in the Cornhusker record book. His 57 career tackles for loss are second in school history, while his 24 sacks rank fourth. He finished with 215 career tackles and a position-record 15 pass breakups. Suh’s six career blocked kicks are a record for defensive linemen and were one shy of the school record for blocked kicks by any player.Suh will look to join 20 former Husker players and seven Nebraska coaches who are members of the College Football Hall of Fame. The announcement of the 2026 NFF College Football Hall of Fame Class will be made in early 2026, with specific details to be announced in the future.&nbsp;The 2026 NFF College Football Hall of Fame Class will be officially inducted during the 68th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas on Dec. 8, 2026, at the Bellagio Hotel &amp; Casino, and they will be honored at their respective schools with an NFF Hall of Fame On-Campus Salute, presented by Fidelity Investments, during the 2026 season.

Suh on College Football Hall of Fame Ballot     

With opening day right around the corner for the North Platte 80s hosts of <a href="https://baseballslastfrontier.buzzsprout.com/2364678">Baseball's Last Frontier</a>, Evan Katz Bench Coach for the North Platte 80s, and Bruce McClure preview the season for the 80s. Guesting this week is Todd Everleth, manager of the North Platte 80s. He'll discuss this year's roster as well as how he built community connections in town in just a short time before last year's inaugural season. It's a master class on how to mentor these young men and how to help them sharpen their skills in order to advance to the next level. Enjoy this great discussion of team building in baseball's entry level!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655346441244.png" alt="<a href="http://www.npkubota.com/">Post Podcasts Sponsored by NP Kubota</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="http://www.npkubota.com/">Post Podcasts Sponsored by NP Kubota</a></figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Stories from the Pecos League: A North Platte 80s Season Preview with manager Todd Everleth" 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=ei6q4-18c2feb-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>With opening day right around the corner for the North Platte 80s hosts of <a href="https://baseballslastfrontier.buzzsprout.com/2364678">Baseball's Last Frontier</a>, Evan Katz Bench Coach for the North Platte 80s, and Bruce McClure preview the season for the 80s. Guesting this week is Todd Everleth, manager of the North Platte 80s. He'll discuss this year's roster as well as how he built community connections in town in just a short time before last year's inaugural season. It's a master class on how to mentor these young men and how to help them sharpen their skills in order to advance to the next level. Enjoy this great discussion of team building in baseball's entry level!

Stories from the Pecos League: A North Platte 80s Season Preview with manager Todd Everleth

High School Boys Golf State Tournament Results

Class B - Gering, NE State Champion Team: Elkhorn North, +29. State Champion Individual: Andrew Nietfeldt, Elkhorn North, -3. Won on 1st playoff hole. Top Local Finisher: Brett Elwell, Scottsbluff, +10, T-11th. <a href="https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/5428109">Full Class B Results</a>

Class C - Grand Island, NE State Champion Team: Kearney Catholic, +17. State Champion Individual: Nash Malone, Kearney Catholic, -5. Top Local Finisher: Zaybreon Hansen, Perkins County, +8, T-11th. <a href="https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/5428114">Full Class C Results</a>

Class D - Columbus, NE State Champion Team: Creighton, +107 State Champion Individual: Calvin Wilmes, Creighton, +10, Won on fourth playoff hole. Top Local Finisher: Jacob Walker, Mullen, +23, T-9th <a href="https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/5428119">Full Class D Results</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629461621684.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>High School Boys Golf State Tournament Results</h2>By: Dave Collins Sports DirectorClass B - Gering, NE State Champion Team: Elkhorn North, +29. State Champion Individual: Andrew Nietfeldt, Elkhorn North, -3. Won on 1st playoff hole. Top Local Finisher: Brett Elwell, Scottsbluff, +10, T-11th. <a href="https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/5428109">Full Class B Results</a>Class C - Grand Island, NE State Champion Team: Kearney Catholic, +17. State Champion Individual: Nash Malone, Kearney Catholic, -5. Top Local Finisher: Zaybreon Hansen, Perkins County, +8, T-11th. <a href="https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/5428114">Full Class C Results</a>Class D - Columbus, NE State Champion Team: Creighton, +107 State Champion Individual: Calvin Wilmes, Creighton, +10, Won on fourth playoff hole. Top Local Finisher: Jacob Walker, Mullen, +23, T-9th <a href="https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/5428119">Full Class D Results</a>

North Platte, Neb. — The final day of the NSAA Boys State Golf Championships concluded Thursday with area golfers from across Classes A, C, and D turning in solid performances and earning valuable experience on Nebraska’s biggest prep stage.

North Platte High School sent four seniors to compete in the Class A division. Leading the Bulldogs was Luke Borges, who tied for 33rd with a final score of +18. Rylan Perry tied for 42nd at +21, while Keilan Thomsen finished tied for 53rd at +27. Max Negley rounded out North Platte’s team, tying for 63rd with a +32.

Perkins County and Ogallala both represented in the team competition. Perkins County placed 12th overall with a team score of +109, while Ogallala finished 14th at +118.

Individually, Perkins County’s Zaybreon Hansen had a standout performance, tying for 11th with a +8. Freshman Cade Kroeker tied for 59th at +24, followed by Senior Oscar Boldt (86th, +36), Junior Jet Peterson (T-90th, +41), and Junior Myles Bishop (+46).

Ogallala’s top finisher was Junior Rulan Gilmore, who tied for 15th at +10. Junior Connor Bell tied for 82nd with a +30, while Senior Oliver Nielsen tied for 87th at +37. Freshman Gavin Peters tied for 90th with a +41, and Sophomore Rockton Rezac finished 99th with a +65.

Chase County Freshman Zakary Anderson made a strong debut in his first state appearance, tying for 15th with a +10.

Other area finishes in Class C included Broken Bow Sophomore Jack White, who tied for 55th with a +23, and Gothenburg’s Trey Barteles, also a Sophomore, who tied for 59th at +24.

Hitchcock County finished fifth in the team standings with a score of +138. North Platte St. Patrick’s tied with CWC for 10th at +158, and Sutherland placed 13th with a +179.

For Hitchcock County, Junior Jack Baker tied for 9th with a +23, while fellow Junior Brayden Melchert finished just outside the top 10, tying for 13th at +25. Senior Mason Schilke tied for 43rd (+36), Freshman Cale Graham tied for 88th (+60), and Junior Dylan Kollmorgen tied for 92nd (+76).

Sutherland’s Grady Dempcy matched Baker with a +23 to also tie for 9th. Ryker Copeland (T-55th, +42), Easton Smith (T-55th, +42), and Freshman Teagan Fitzpatrick (T-92nd, +76) rounded out the team.

North Platte St. Patrick’s saw Junior Landon Sheperd tie for 41st with a +35. Freshman Benjamin Hankla and Sophomore Timothy Blakely both tied for 52nd at +40. Junior Michael Furmanski placed 60th (+43), and Sophomore Tucker Kemp tied for 90th at +61.

Several schools were represented by individual qualifiers. Wallace’s Tyson Sullivan, a Sophomore, tied for 77th at +54. Medicine Valley Senior Tyce Pate finished 46th at +37. Paxton had two representatives: Ethan Hardin tied for 46th at +37 and Junior Tristen Hebblethwaite placed 64th with a +45.

North Platte, Neb. — The final day of the NSAA Boys State Golf Championships concluded Thursday with area golfers from across Classes A, C, and D turning in solid performances and earning valuable experience on Nebraska’s biggest prep stage.<h2>Class A Highlights</h2>North Platte High School sent four seniors to compete in the Class A division. Leading the Bulldogs was Luke Borges, who tied for 33rd with a final score of +18. Rylan Perry tied for 42nd at +21, while Keilan Thomsen finished tied for 53rd at +27. Max Negley rounded out North Platte’s team, tying for 63rd with a +32.<h2>Class C Highlights</h2>Perkins County and Ogallala both represented in the team competition. Perkins County placed 12th overall with a team score of +109, while Ogallala finished 14th at +118.Individually, Perkins County’s Zaybreon Hansen had a standout performance, tying for 11th with a +8. Freshman Cade Kroeker tied for 59th at +24, followed by Senior Oscar Boldt (86th, +36), Junior Jet Peterson (T-90th, +41), and Junior Myles Bishop (+46).Ogallala’s top finisher was Junior Rulan Gilmore, who tied for 15th at +10. Junior Connor Bell tied for 82nd with a +30, while Senior Oliver Nielsen tied for 87th at +37. Freshman Gavin Peters tied for 90th with a +41, and Sophomore Rockton Rezac finished 99th with a +65.Chase County Freshman Zakary Anderson made a strong debut in his first state appearance, tying for 15th with a +10.Other area finishes in Class C included Broken Bow Sophomore Jack White, who tied for 55th with a +23, and Gothenburg’s Trey Barteles, also a Sophomore, who tied for 59th at +24.<h2>Class D Highlights</h2>Hitchcock County finished fifth in the team standings with a score of +138. North Platte St. Patrick’s tied with CWC for 10th at +158, and Sutherland placed 13th with a +179.For Hitchcock County, Junior Jack Baker tied for 9th with a +23, while fellow Junior Brayden Melchert finished just outside the top 10, tying for 13th at +25. Senior Mason Schilke tied for 43rd (+36), Freshman Cale Graham tied for 88th (+60), and Junior Dylan Kollmorgen tied for 92nd (+76).Sutherland’s Grady Dempcy matched Baker with a +23 to also tie for 9th. Ryker Copeland (T-55th, +42), Easton Smith (T-55th, +42), and Freshman Teagan Fitzpatrick (T-92nd, +76) rounded out the team.North Platte St. Patrick’s saw Junior Landon Sheperd tie for 41st with a +35. Freshman Benjamin Hankla and Sophomore Timothy Blakely both tied for 52nd at +40. Junior Michael Furmanski placed 60th (+43), and Sophomore Tucker Kemp tied for 90th at +61.Several schools were represented by individual qualifiers. Wallace’s Tyson Sullivan, a Sophomore, tied for 77th at +54. Medicine Valley Senior Tyce Pate finished 46th at +37. Paxton had two representatives: Ethan Hardin tied for 46th at +37 and Junior Tristen Hebblethwaite placed 64th with a +45.

Area Teams, Golfers finish season at State Tournament

Nebraska softball junior pitcher and utility player Jordyn Bahl was named the NFCA DI Player of the Year on Wednesday. Bahl is the Huskers’ first NFCA Player of the Year honoree. She was also a unanimous NFCA First -Team All-America selection.&nbsp;

Bahl is the 29th player and the ninth pitcher to be named a three-time NFCA First-Team All-American after she earned the honor in 2022 and 2023 at Oklahoma. She is NU’s first NFCA First-Team All-American since MJ Knighten in 2016 and grabbed the Red Team’s 31st NFCA All-America honor.

The award adds to a long list of accolades for Bahl this season – she was named both the Big Ten Player of the Year and the Big Ten Pitcher of the Year, the first player in the conference’s history to earn both awards in the same year. The junior was also named to the All-Big Ten and NFCA All-Mountain Region first teams. She was a five-time Big Ten Pitcher of the Week, a one-time Big Ten Player of the Week and a two-time NFCA National Player of the Week.&nbsp;

Bahl also set numerous records for the Huskers this season. She owns the top season marks in program history in extra-base hits (41), home runs (23), runs scored (72), total bases (167), batting average (.462) and slugging percentage (.988). She became the first player in NCAA history with more than 20 wins in the circle and more than 20 home runs at the plate in the same season. She was also the second Husker ever to record 60+ hits, runs and RBIs in the same season and the first Husker with 15+ doubles and home runs in a season. Bahl is the first player since 2017 to score more runs (72) than she allowed (68) with a minimum of 130 innings pitched.

The Papillion, Neb., native finished the season with a .462 batting average and 72 runs, 78 hits, 16 doubles, two triples, 23 home runs and 66 RBIs. She logged a slugging percentage of .988 and an on-base percentage of .555. In the circle, Bahl compiled a record of 26-8 with a 1.56 ERA. She threw eight shutouts with 34 starts and 24 complete games and notched 286 strikeouts and only 46 earned runs across 206.1 innings pitched.

Bahl is ranked in the top 15 nationally in numerous categories – opponent batting average (3rd), strikeouts (3rd), hits allowed per seven innings (3rd), runs per game (4th), shutouts (4th), total bases (4th), complete games (5th), runs (5th), victories (5th), batting average (6th), strikeouts per seven innings (6th), WHIP (6th),&nbsp; slugging percentage (6th), games started (7th), home runs (7th), ERA (8th), home runs per game (9th), innings pitched (10th) and on-base percentage (13th).&nbsp;

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsNebraska softball junior pitcher and utility player Jordyn Bahl was named the NFCA DI Player of the Year on Wednesday. Bahl is the Huskers’ first NFCA Player of the Year honoree. She was also a unanimous NFCA First -Team All-America selection.&nbsp;Bahl is the 29th player and the ninth pitcher to be named a three-time NFCA First-Team All-American after she earned the honor in 2022 and 2023 at Oklahoma. She is NU’s first NFCA First-Team All-American since MJ Knighten in 2016 and grabbed the Red Team’s 31st NFCA All-America honor.The award adds to a long list of accolades for Bahl this season – she was named both the Big Ten Player of the Year and the Big Ten Pitcher of the Year, the first player in the conference’s history to earn both awards in the same year. The junior was also named to the All-Big Ten and NFCA All-Mountain Region first teams. She was a five-time Big Ten Pitcher of the Week, a one-time Big Ten Player of the Week and a two-time NFCA National Player of the Week.&nbsp;Bahl also set numerous records for the Huskers this season. She owns the top season marks in program history in extra-base hits (41), home runs (23), runs scored (72), total bases (167), batting average (.462) and slugging percentage (.988). She became the first player in NCAA history with more than 20 wins in the circle and more than 20 home runs at the plate in the same season. She was also the second Husker ever to record 60+ hits, runs and RBIs in the same season and the first Husker with 15+ doubles and home runs in a season. Bahl is the first player since 2017 to score more runs (72) than she allowed (68) with a minimum of 130 innings pitched.The Papillion, Neb., native finished the season with a .462 batting average and 72 runs, 78 hits, 16 doubles, two triples, 23 home runs and 66 RBIs. She logged a slugging percentage of .988 and an on-base percentage of .555. In the circle, Bahl compiled a record of 26-8 with a 1.56 ERA. She threw eight shutouts with 34 starts and 24 complete games and notched 286 strikeouts and only 46 earned runs across 206.1 innings pitched.Bahl is ranked in the top 15 nationally in numerous categories – opponent batting average (3rd), strikeouts (3rd), hits allowed per seven innings (3rd), runs per game (4th), shutouts (4th), total bases (4th), complete games (5th), runs (5th), victories (5th), batting average (6th), strikeouts per seven innings (6th), WHIP (6th),&nbsp; slugging percentage (6th), games started (7th), home runs (7th), ERA (8th), home runs per game (9th), innings pitched (10th) and on-base percentage (13th).&nbsp;