Story by NU Athletic Communications&nbsp;

Lincoln&nbsp;- A total of 11 current and former Husker student-athletes across all sports will receive their degrees during University of Nebraska-Lincoln Summer Commencement ceremonies at Pinnacle Bank Arena on Saturday, Aug. 17 at 9 a.m.

Former Husker Niles Paul (Omaha, Neb.), who spent six NFL seasons with Washington after being drafted in the fifth round in 2011, will earn his degree to headline a group of four football student-athletes in the graduating class. In his four seasons as a Husker (2007-10), Paul hauled in more than 100 receptions for more than 1,500 yards, while racking up more than 4,000 all-purpose yards for the Big Red. He claimed All-Big 12 honors as both a returner and wide receiver during his career while also earning Academic All-Big 12 accolades.

Teddy Prochazka (Elkhorn, Neb.), Braden Klover (Wymore, Neb.) and Keegan Menning (Fremont, Neb.) add three more homegrown Huskers to football’s graduating class.

Former Nebraska men’s basketball starter Trey McGowens (Pendleton, S.C.) also leads the group of graduates. McGowens, who spent his final season at Nebraska in 2021-22, spent time in the NBA G League with the Long Island Nets in 2023-24, while also playing for the Edmonton Stingers in Canada’s CEBL. He was the MVP of the 2023 FIBA 3x3 U23 Men’s World Cup for USA Basketball.

Clay Bradford (Humble, Texas) and Rans Sanders (Grand Island, Neb.) add a pair of graduates for the Nebraska baseball program, while Brooke Bream (Phoenix, Ariz.) represents the Husker women’s golf team.

A trio of international students round out the class of summer graduates, led by men’s tennis student-athlete Nic Wiedenhorn (Stuttgart, Germany), women’s tennis player Raphaelle Lacasse (Montreal, Quebec, Canada) and women’s gymnast Lucy Stanhope (Warrington, England).

Overall, the 11 Husker graduates in August came to Nebraska from four states and three foreign countries. Over the last three graduations (December 2023, May 2024, August 2024), a school-record total of 154 Husker student-athletes from 27 states and 12 foreign countries have earned their degrees from the University of Nebraska.

Nebraska continues to feature one of the highest graduation rates in the nation, while leading the nation in NCAA Today’s Top Ten Award winners (18) across all sports. Nebraska also leads the Big Ten and ranks second in NCAA Division I with 362 College Sports Communicators Academic All-Americans (362) across all sports. More than 100 Nebraska student-athletes all time have earned prestigious NCAA Postgraduate Scholarships.

August 2024 Nebraska Student-Athlete Graduates (11)

Student-Athlete (Sport), Hometown - Major

Story by NU Athletic Communications&nbsp;Lincoln&nbsp;- A total of 11 current and former Husker student-athletes across all sports will receive their degrees during University of Nebraska-Lincoln Summer Commencement ceremonies at Pinnacle Bank Arena on Saturday, Aug. 17 at 9 a.m.Former Husker Niles Paul (Omaha, Neb.), who spent six NFL seasons with Washington after being drafted in the fifth round in 2011, will earn his degree to headline a group of four football student-athletes in the graduating class. In his four seasons as a Husker (2007-10), Paul hauled in more than 100 receptions for more than 1,500 yards, while racking up more than 4,000 all-purpose yards for the Big Red. He claimed All-Big 12 honors as both a returner and wide receiver during his career while also earning Academic All-Big 12 accolades.Teddy Prochazka (Elkhorn, Neb.), Braden Klover (Wymore, Neb.) and Keegan Menning (Fremont, Neb.) add three more homegrown Huskers to football’s graduating class.Former Nebraska men’s basketball starter Trey McGowens (Pendleton, S.C.) also leads the group of graduates. McGowens, who spent his final season at Nebraska in 2021-22, spent time in the NBA G League with the Long Island Nets in 2023-24, while also playing for the Edmonton Stingers in Canada’s CEBL. He was the MVP of the 2023 FIBA 3x3 U23 Men’s World Cup for USA Basketball.Clay Bradford (Humble, Texas) and Rans Sanders (Grand Island, Neb.) add a pair of graduates for the Nebraska baseball program, while Brooke Bream (Phoenix, Ariz.) represents the Husker women’s golf team.A trio of international students round out the class of summer graduates, led by men’s tennis student-athlete Nic Wiedenhorn (Stuttgart, Germany), women’s tennis player Raphaelle Lacasse (Montreal, Quebec, Canada) and women’s gymnast Lucy Stanhope (Warrington, England).Overall, the 11 Husker graduates in August came to Nebraska from four states and three foreign countries. Over the last three graduations (December 2023, May 2024, August 2024), a school-record total of 154 Husker student-athletes from 27 states and 12 foreign countries have earned their degrees from the University of Nebraska.Nebraska continues to feature one of the highest graduation rates in the nation, while leading the nation in NCAA Today’s Top Ten Award winners (18) across all sports. Nebraska also leads the Big Ten and ranks second in NCAA Division I with 362 College Sports Communicators Academic All-Americans (362) across all sports. More than 100 Nebraska student-athletes all time have earned prestigious NCAA Postgraduate Scholarships.August 2024 Nebraska Student-Athlete Graduates (11)Student-Athlete (Sport), Hometown - Major<ul>
 <li>Clay Bradford&nbsp;(Baseball), Humble, Texas - Child, Youth &amp; Family Studies</li><li>Brooke Bream&nbsp;(Women’s Golf), Phoenix, Arizona - Economics</li><li>Braden Klover&nbsp;(Football), Wymore, Nebraska - Nutrition &amp; Health Sciences</li><li>Raphaelle Lacasse&nbsp;(Women’s Tennis), Montreal, Quebec, Canada - Finance</li><li>Trey McGowens&nbsp;(Men’s Basketball), Pendleton, South Carolina&nbsp;- Child, Youth &amp; Family Studies</li><li>Keegan Menning&nbsp;(Football), Fremont, Nebraska - Accounting/Finance</li><li>Niles Paul&nbsp;(Football), Omaha, Nebraska - Individualized Program of Studies</li><li>Teddy Prochazka&nbsp;(Football), Elkhorn, Nebraska - Sports Media &amp; Communication</li><li>Rans Sanders&nbsp;(Baseball), Grand Island, Nebraska - Child, Youth &amp; Family Studies</li><li>Lucy Stanhope&nbsp;(Women’s Gymnastics), Warrington, England - Psychology</li><li>Nic Wiedenhorn&nbsp;(Men’s Tennis), Stuttgart, Germany - Sports Media &amp; Communication</li>
 </ul>

11 Huskers to earn Degrees at August commencement

Story by NU Athletic Communications

Sarah Weber netted three goals, good for the 35th hat trick in program history and first since 2018, as the sixth-ranked Nebraska soccer team defeated Colorado State 3-2 on Sunday afternoon at Hibner Stadium in front of 1,336 fans.

Weber’s hat trick marked her first, second and third goals of the season and improved her career mark to 35 finishes, which ties her for 10th in Husker history. Florence Belzile, who finished the 2023 season ranked second nationally with 17 assists, tallied a pair of dishes along with Jordan Zade who recorded her 17th and 18th career assists. Grad transfer Gracie English rounded out the group with an assist of her own, good for the first point of her Husker career.&nbsp;

With the win, Nebraska improves to 1-1-0 on the season, while Colorado State suffers its first loss of the year (0-1-0).

To get the scoring started, Zade sent a throw to Belzile, who dribbled and dished to Weber, gathering and scoring into the back left corner of the net in the 14th minute. Less than 10 minutes later, the Huskers stretched the lead to 2-0, as Belzile sent a pass into the 18, which was intercepted by the goalie, before Weber gathered and shot for the finish. Colorado State outshot the Huskers 9-6 in the first half but were unable to capitalize, and Nebraska held the score advantage at half.&nbsp;

In the second half, Colorado State evened the game with goals by Mia Massey and Maggie Altman in the 63rd and 70th minute before Weber recorded the hat trick. In the 71st minute, Zade got the play started as she dribbled across midfield and passed to English. The Belleville, Ill., native then sent a cross to Weber who netted the goal.&nbsp;

Cece Villa started for the Huskers in goal, as she tallied the win and played the complete game along with Lauryn Anglim and Zade.&nbsp;

The Huskers continue their five-game homestand on Thursday, Aug. 22 at 7:05 p.m. (CT). Action will be streamed on Big Ten Plus.&nbsp;

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsSarah Weber netted three goals, good for the 35th hat trick in program history and first since 2018, as the sixth-ranked Nebraska soccer team defeated Colorado State 3-2 on Sunday afternoon at Hibner Stadium in front of 1,336 fans.Weber’s hat trick marked her first, second and third goals of the season and improved her career mark to 35 finishes, which ties her for 10th in Husker history. Florence Belzile, who finished the 2023 season ranked second nationally with 17 assists, tallied a pair of dishes along with Jordan Zade who recorded her 17th and 18th career assists. Grad transfer Gracie English rounded out the group with an assist of her own, good for the first point of her Husker career.&nbsp;With the win, Nebraska improves to 1-1-0 on the season, while Colorado State suffers its first loss of the year (0-1-0).To get the scoring started, Zade sent a throw to Belzile, who dribbled and dished to Weber, gathering and scoring into the back left corner of the net in the 14th minute. Less than 10 minutes later, the Huskers stretched the lead to 2-0, as Belzile sent a pass into the 18, which was intercepted by the goalie, before Weber gathered and shot for the finish. Colorado State outshot the Huskers 9-6 in the first half but were unable to capitalize, and Nebraska held the score advantage at half.&nbsp;In the second half, Colorado State evened the game with goals by Mia Massey and Maggie Altman in the 63rd and 70th minute before Weber recorded the hat trick. In the 71st minute, Zade got the play started as she dribbled across midfield and passed to English. The Belleville, Ill., native then sent a cross to Weber who netted the goal.&nbsp;Cece Villa started for the Huskers in goal, as she tallied the win and played the complete game along with Lauryn Anglim and Zade.&nbsp;The Huskers continue their five-game homestand on Thursday, Aug. 22 at 7:05 p.m. (CT). Action will be streamed on Big Ten Plus.&nbsp;

Weber’s hat trick powers Huskers past CSU

Despite holding the 22-13 advantage in shots, the No. 6 Nebraska soccer team (0-1-0) dropped the season opener against Oklahoma State (1-0-0) 2-0 at Hibner Stadium on Thursday evening in front of 1,379 fans.

In a matchup between two former Big 12 foes, the teams saw a scoreless first 45 minutes, but Nebraska led in shots (9-6) and corners (8-1). The Huskers had action from 18 athletes led by Sarah Weber with two shots and a full 45 minutes of play.

The Huskers continued to hold the momentum in the first half taking seven shots to Oklahoma State’s two, but it was the Cowgirls who found the back of the net twice in the final 45 minutes. Lexi Lee scored in the 67th minute, with assists from Laudan Wilson and Xcaret Pineda, before Adelhia Ghonda recorded the finish in the 75th minute, with the dish from Reganne Morris.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sami Hauk recorded three saves and played the entire 90 minutes, along with Reese Borer and Lauryn Anglim. Weber and Sadie Waite combined for 10 shots, and midfielder Florence Belzile tallied the team’s lone pair of shots on goal.&nbsp;

Up next, NU continues its homestand as the Huskers host Colorado State on Sunday, Aug. 18 at 7:05 p.m. (CT). Action will be streamed on Big Ten Plus.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsDespite holding the 22-13 advantage in shots, the No. 6 Nebraska soccer team (0-1-0) dropped the season opener against Oklahoma State (1-0-0) 2-0 at Hibner Stadium on Thursday evening in front of 1,379 fans.In a matchup between two former Big 12 foes, the teams saw a scoreless first 45 minutes, but Nebraska led in shots (9-6) and corners (8-1). The Huskers had action from 18 athletes led by Sarah Weber with two shots and a full 45 minutes of play.The Huskers continued to hold the momentum in the first half taking seven shots to Oklahoma State’s two, but it was the Cowgirls who found the back of the net twice in the final 45 minutes. Lexi Lee scored in the 67th minute, with assists from Laudan Wilson and Xcaret Pineda, before Adelhia Ghonda recorded the finish in the 75th minute, with the dish from Reganne Morris.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sami Hauk recorded three saves and played the entire 90 minutes, along with Reese Borer and Lauryn Anglim. Weber and Sadie Waite combined for 10 shots, and midfielder Florence Belzile tallied the team’s lone pair of shots on goal.&nbsp;Up next, NU continues its homestand as the Huskers host Colorado State on Sunday, Aug. 18 at 7:05 p.m. (CT). Action will be streamed on Big Ten Plus.

Huskers fall to Cowgirls, 2-0 

Nebraska Rifle Head Coach Richard Clark announced the hiring of Kristen Derting as assistant coach for the Husker program on Thursday. 

Derting will enter the coaching ranks during the 2024-25 season with the Big Red. She is a graduate of Ole Miss and competed on the Rebel rifle team for five years. During that time, she was a six-time CRCA All-American and an 11-time All-GARC (Great American Rifle Conference) team member. During her collegiate career, Derting posted career highs of 594 in the smallbore, 598 in the air rifle and 1,188 in the aggregate.&nbsp;“I am very excited to be joining the Nebraska rifle team as its assistant coach,” Derting said. “I look forward to growing and improving the skills of the team this season.” 

In addition to competing for Ole Miss, Derting qualified for the USA National Team and has competed in five international competitions over the last two years, including the World Cup in 2023 and the Continental American Championships in 2022.“We are excited to welcome Kristen to the Nebraska rifle program,” Clark said. “Her experience as a collegiate athlete at Ole Miss and member of the USA National Team make her an excellent addition to our coaching staff. She brings a wealth of technical knowledge and leadership skills that will help push our program to the next level.”

The Salem, Ore., native was a force for the Rebels, as the team qualified for four straight NCAA Championships during her tenure. In 2023-24, Derting led the team with an air rifle average of 593.4 and competed in both the smallbore and air rifle in every match for Ole Miss.&nbsp;Derting earned her bachelor’s degree in hospitality management from the University of Mississippi in December of 2023 and her master’s degree in hospitality administration/management from Mississippi in August of 2024.

Story by NU Athletic Communications&nbsp;Nebraska Rifle Head Coach Richard Clark announced the hiring of Kristen Derting as assistant coach for the Husker program on Thursday. Derting will enter the coaching ranks during the 2024-25 season with the Big Red. She is a graduate of Ole Miss and competed on the Rebel rifle team for five years. During that time, she was a six-time CRCA All-American and an 11-time All-GARC (Great American Rifle Conference) team member. During her collegiate career, Derting posted career highs of 594 in the smallbore, 598 in the air rifle and 1,188 in the aggregate.&nbsp;“I am very excited to be joining the Nebraska rifle team as its assistant coach,” Derting said. “I look forward to growing and improving the skills of the team this season.” In addition to competing for Ole Miss, Derting qualified for the USA National Team and has competed in five international competitions over the last two years, including the World Cup in 2023 and the Continental American Championships in 2022.“We are excited to welcome Kristen to the Nebraska rifle program,” Clark said. “Her experience as a collegiate athlete at Ole Miss and member of the USA National Team make her an excellent addition to our coaching staff. She brings a wealth of technical knowledge and leadership skills that will help push our program to the next level.”The Salem, Ore., native was a force for the Rebels, as the team qualified for four straight NCAA Championships during her tenure. In 2023-24, Derting led the team with an air rifle average of 593.4 and competed in both the smallbore and air rifle in every match for Ole Miss.&nbsp;Derting earned her bachelor’s degree in hospitality management from the University of Mississippi in December of 2023 and her master’s degree in hospitality administration/management from Mississippi in August of 2024.

Huskers hire Derting as Assistant Coach

OMAHA, Neb.&nbsp;–The&nbsp;Omaha Supernovas, Nebraska’s professional volleyball team and first Pro Volleyball Champions, have officially sold out its inaugural clinics which are set to kick off next week. 120 fourth- through eighth-graders will attend the three clinics that will run from&nbsp;August 19 through 21 at the&nbsp;College of Saint Mary Fieldhouse, the Supernovas home practice facility.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Supernovas Head Coach&nbsp;Laura “Bird” Kuhn, Assistant Coach&nbsp;Thomas Robson&nbsp;and outside hitter&nbsp;Brooke Nuneviller&nbsp;will run the clinics.&nbsp;

August 19 will be the one and only Serving Clinic with a mix between technical training and games. The Supernovas were the best serving team in the PVF last season, leading the league with 98 aces and a 1.00 aces per set average. That also included outside hitter&nbsp;Bethania de la Cruz&nbsp;winning the PVF Server of the Year award with a league-leading 35 aces. August 20 and 21 will be the All Skills Clinic to improve an athlete’s all-around volleyball skills.&nbsp;

Supernovas season tickets for the 2025 season are officially on sale and going fast! To become a season ticket member and secure the best seat in professional volleyball, click this&nbsp;<a href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001S5EehWRkElHW5LjS-13riEQag5hwD89IU2uqzEUM1bhP-7na0eWB5-uPjG9oHCb0PRIb3rbNYgt-jsS6m1yChap8wJNzpllUkiF4LEJSC75Et5XiCT-i30voVnZSmXiaSq1NUNIlTgUSB2kbYSsvnCLPID6cXU-WLBkHsWU6O9rm17ohzU9zD3-dja4jmDvU&amp;c=_Z-o2Lbp-hb61ymyamvHGtIvAN0c8kMyQ-p3nb1PmlvNsezCIWVR4A==&amp;ch=zwVfsIWJc98_UJ2d8DI5KcmUVm9YK6pjntqNXtQLQoO5UMB4So5wnA==" target="_blank">link</a>&nbsp;or call 402-502-5268.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Fans will be able to see the Supernovas and championship trophy as part of the Championship Trophy Tour. Please click this&nbsp;<a href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001S5EehWRkElHW5LjS-13riEQag5hwD89IU2uqzEUM1bhP-7na0eWB5yBvk8SiH6Nn-QThZEnq3d6fZnuGOuYAk5txe1InaWFR5-O-19hBbtyhG6PSynLm39VLNqM_Fl97CmejpcpkKqdvlWjsu4XnFw9N7WVvoMVTnBlAS5XP38lAWmek2rSPcdN3BU93BjQu&amp;c=_Z-o2Lbp-hb61ymyamvHGtIvAN0c8kMyQ-p3nb1PmlvNsezCIWVR4A==&amp;ch=zwVfsIWJc98_UJ2d8DI5KcmUVm9YK6pjntqNXtQLQoO5UMB4So5wnA==" target="_blank">link</a>&nbsp;to see where the Supernovas are this summer!&nbsp;&nbsp;

Story by Supernovas Commination'sOMAHA, Neb.&nbsp;–The&nbsp;Omaha Supernovas, Nebraska’s professional volleyball team and first Pro Volleyball Champions, have officially sold out its inaugural clinics which are set to kick off next week. 120 fourth- through eighth-graders will attend the three clinics that will run from&nbsp;August 19 through 21 at the&nbsp;College of Saint Mary Fieldhouse, the Supernovas home practice facility.&nbsp;&nbsp;Supernovas Head Coach&nbsp;Laura “Bird” Kuhn, Assistant Coach&nbsp;Thomas Robson&nbsp;and outside hitter&nbsp;Brooke Nuneviller&nbsp;will run the clinics.&nbsp;August 19 will be the one and only Serving Clinic with a mix between technical training and games. The Supernovas were the best serving team in the PVF last season, leading the league with 98 aces and a 1.00 aces per set average. That also included outside hitter&nbsp;Bethania de la Cruz&nbsp;winning the PVF Server of the Year award with a league-leading 35 aces. August 20 and 21 will be the All Skills Clinic to improve an athlete’s all-around volleyball skills.&nbsp;Supernovas season tickets for the 2025 season are officially on sale and going fast! To become a season ticket member and secure the best seat in professional volleyball, click this&nbsp;<a href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001S5EehWRkElHW5LjS-13riEQag5hwD89IU2uqzEUM1bhP-7na0eWB5-uPjG9oHCb0PRIb3rbNYgt-jsS6m1yChap8wJNzpllUkiF4LEJSC75Et5XiCT-i30voVnZSmXiaSq1NUNIlTgUSB2kbYSsvnCLPID6cXU-WLBkHsWU6O9rm17ohzU9zD3-dja4jmDvU&amp;c=_Z-o2Lbp-hb61ymyamvHGtIvAN0c8kMyQ-p3nb1PmlvNsezCIWVR4A==&amp;ch=zwVfsIWJc98_UJ2d8DI5KcmUVm9YK6pjntqNXtQLQoO5UMB4So5wnA==" target="_blank">link</a>&nbsp;or call 402-502-5268.&nbsp;&nbsp;Fans will be able to see the Supernovas and championship trophy as part of the Championship Trophy Tour. Please click this&nbsp;<a href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001S5EehWRkElHW5LjS-13riEQag5hwD89IU2uqzEUM1bhP-7na0eWB5yBvk8SiH6Nn-QThZEnq3d6fZnuGOuYAk5txe1InaWFR5-O-19hBbtyhG6PSynLm39VLNqM_Fl97CmejpcpkKqdvlWjsu4XnFw9N7WVvoMVTnBlAS5XP38lAWmek2rSPcdN3BU93BjQu&amp;c=_Z-o2Lbp-hb61ymyamvHGtIvAN0c8kMyQ-p3nb1PmlvNsezCIWVR4A==&amp;ch=zwVfsIWJc98_UJ2d8DI5KcmUVm9YK6pjntqNXtQLQoO5UMB4So5wnA==" target="_blank">link</a>&nbsp;to see where the Supernovas are this summer!&nbsp;&nbsp;

Supernovas sell out Inaugural Clinics

Chadron State College is experiencing a unique turn of events this season. One of their football coaches from last year has transitioned to a player role this year. This unusual situation is not only a testament to the coach's dedication but also a potential game-changer for the Eagles this fall.

A year ago, Nick Gossage, a native of Colorado Springs, was a graduate assistant helping Head Coach Jay Long tutor the offensive line.  Now, he's seeking playing time alongside players he coached last season.

Gossage, a 24-year-old standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 320 pounds, didn't let his injuries define his future. He thought his playing days were over at the end of the 2021 season at Fort Hays State in Kansas,  where he'd started at right guard all season but played with a painful left shoulder that he knew needed surgery when the schedule ended.  He'd had the same surgery in 2019 when he was a redshift freshman and played in about half of the Tigers' games when they won their second straight conference championship.

Because of COVID-19, the Fort Hays football team didn't play any games in 2000, even though it practiced most of the fall. Gossage's participation was cut short when he broke a bone in his right foot during workouts. However, he recovered to participate in spring drills and earned a starting job for the '21 season.

But, because of his second shoulder injury and surgery at the end of that season, he decided his college football career was over.  

"I was mentally done playing," Gossage recalls.  "I still loved football, but the injuries had taken their toll. I was still recovering from my surgery when spring practice occurred in 2022, so I missed that season and graduated in December."

He earned a bachelor's degree in social science, emphasizing secondary education, with the intention to teach and coach.  He moved home during Christmas vacation.  By then, his father, Erick Gossage, who had taught K-5 physical education for 30 years, had become the head football coach at Liberty High in Colorado Springs where Nick had attended and earned two-time all-conference and all-area player honors and a team captain for two years.

Nick sometimes hung around the school that spring, helping his dad and, by chance, was there when Chadron State Offensive Coordinator Micah Smith stopped to see if Liberty had any college prospects he could recruit.   

"I met Coach Smith and told him I was looking for a chance to earn a master's degree and help coach college football. I told him to tell me if something opened up," Gossage recalls.  "Early that summer, he called me and told me Chadron State was looking for someone to be an assistant offensive line coach.  I jumped at that opportunity, arrived in Chadron in July (2023), and helped Coach Long last season."

Since earning a master's degree takes two years, Gossage also helped with spring football last April.  While chatting with Coach Long, he mentioned that he probably had another semester of football eligibility since he had redshirted as a true freshman in 2018 and Fort Hays had not played in 2020.  The supposition proved to be true. He was NCAA eligibile and cleared to play this fall, returned home after the CSC school year ended in May, and began working out to get back into playing shape.

"After school was out at Liberty, Dad had his football players running and lifting four days a week, and I joined them," Gossage said.  "I worked hard.  I knew I needed to get back into serious shape and be ready to play.  In July, I returned to Chadron to work with the players who had stayed here for the summer. I was a little nervous about how I'd be received by the guys I had coached last year when I told them I was going to play again," Gossage noted. "But that only lasted about one day. Sometimes, they still call me 'coach.'  We've gotten along great."

When the first week of practice ended last Saturday, Gossage said there are no guarantees that he'll be among the starting linemen or even get to play much, but he's trying to do his best to contribute.

"There's a lot of competition up front this year. Competition breeds championships. I saw it happen at Fort Hays," he said. "Coach Long has brought in some good transfers, and we have five or six other seniors besides me on the O-line roster. We'll have a unique line and an exceptional team this fall. We've got the right kind of zip at quarterback now and good competition at every position. It should be a fun year. I'm competing to start, but if that doesn't happen, I'll try to help those ahead of me succeed. I've had a lot of experience and might be able to give them some tips," Gossage continued.  "I want this team to win."   

Here's a footnote to the story:  Nick has a famous relative from Colorado Springs who still lives there.  He's Richard "Goose" Gossage, one of major league baseball's first and all-time outstanding closers, primarily with the New York Yankees and San Diego Padres in the late 1970s and much of the '80s.   Altogether, Goose pitched 22 years in the majors, struck out 1,502 batters, was an All-Star Game selection eight times, and was inducted into Baseball's Hall of Fame in 2008.

Nick said Goose is a third cousin, but the family is close, and Goose and his wife, Corna, often attend family birthday parties and graduations.  

"It's nice to be related to someone famous," Nick noted. "That's how some people remember my last name."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723645264333.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By: Con Marshall CSC AthleticsChadron State College is experiencing a unique turn of events this season. One of their football coaches from last year has transitioned to a player role this year. This unusual situation is not only a testament to the coach's dedication but also a potential game-changer for the Eagles this fall.A year ago, Nick Gossage, a native of Colorado Springs, was a graduate assistant helping Head Coach Jay Long tutor the offensive line. Now, he's seeking playing time alongside players he coached last season.Gossage, a 24-year-old standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 320 pounds, didn't let his injuries define his future. He thought his playing days were over at the end of the 2021 season at Fort Hays State in Kansas, where he'd started at right guard all season but played with a painful left shoulder that he knew needed surgery when the schedule ended. He'd had the same surgery in 2019 when he was a redshift freshman and played in about half of the Tigers' games when they won their second straight conference championship.Because of COVID-19, the Fort Hays football team didn't play any games in 2000, even though it practiced most of the fall. Gossage's participation was cut short when he broke a bone in his right foot during workouts. However, he recovered to participate in spring drills and earned a starting job for the '21 season.But, because of his second shoulder injury and surgery at the end of that season, he decided his college football career was over. "I was mentally done playing," Gossage recalls. "I still loved football, but the injuries had taken their toll. I was still recovering from my surgery when spring practice occurred in 2022, so I missed that season and graduated in December."He earned a bachelor's degree in social science, emphasizing secondary education, with the intention to teach and coach. He moved home during Christmas vacation. By then, his father, Erick Gossage, who had taught K-5 physical education for 30 years, had become the head football coach at Liberty High in Colorado Springs where Nick had attended and earned two-time all-conference and all-area player honors and a team captain for two years.Nick sometimes hung around the school that spring, helping his dad and, by chance, was there when Chadron State Offensive Coordinator Micah Smith stopped to see if Liberty had any college prospects he could recruit. "I met Coach Smith and told him I was looking for a chance to earn a master's degree and help coach college football. I told him to tell me if something opened up," Gossage recalls. "Early that summer, he called me and told me Chadron State was looking for someone to be an assistant offensive line coach. I jumped at that opportunity, arrived in Chadron in July (2023), and helped Coach Long last season."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723647297644.jpeg" alt="Gossage hitting the weight room" />
 <figcaption>Gossage hitting the weight room</figcaption>
 </figure>Since earning a master's degree takes two years, Gossage also helped with spring football last April. While chatting with Coach Long, he mentioned that he probably had another semester of football eligibility since he had redshirted as a true freshman in 2018 and Fort Hays had not played in 2020. The supposition proved to be true. He was NCAA eligibile and cleared to play this fall, returned home after the CSC school year ended in May, and began working out to get back into playing shape."After school was out at Liberty, Dad had his football players running and lifting four days a week, and I joined them," Gossage said. "I worked hard. I knew I needed to get back into serious shape and be ready to play. In July, I returned to Chadron to work with the players who had stayed here for the summer. I was a little nervous about how I'd be received by the guys I had coached last year when I told them I was going to play again," Gossage noted. "But that only lasted about one day. Sometimes, they still call me 'coach.' We've gotten along great."When the first week of practice ended last Saturday, Gossage said there are no guarantees that he'll be among the starting linemen or even get to play much, but he's trying to do his best to contribute."There's a lot of competition up front this year. Competition breeds championships. I saw it happen at Fort Hays," he said. "Coach Long has brought in some good transfers, and we have five or six other seniors besides me on the O-line roster. We'll have a unique line and an exceptional team this fall. We've got the right kind of zip at quarterback now and good competition at every position. It should be a fun year. I'm competing to start, but if that doesn't happen, I'll try to help those ahead of me succeed. I've had a lot of experience and might be able to give them some tips," Gossage continued. "I want this team to win." Here's a footnote to the story: Nick has a famous relative from Colorado Springs who still lives there. He's Richard "Goose" Gossage, one of major league baseball's first and all-time outstanding closers, primarily with the New York Yankees and San Diego Padres in the late 1970s and much of the '80s. Altogether, Goose pitched 22 years in the majors, struck out 1,502 batters, was an All-Star Game selection eight times, and was inducted into Baseball's Hall of Fame in 2008.Nick said Goose is a third cousin, but the family is close, and Goose and his wife, Corna, often attend family birthday parties and graduations. "It's nice to be related to someone famous," Nick noted. "That's how some people remember my last name."

CSC coach trades whistle for another season in pads on the field

After playing a pair of exhibition matches, the Nebraska soccer team begins its regular season this week at home against Oklahoma State and Colorado State.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Both matches will be played at Hibner Stadium, with Thursday’s game set for 7:05 p.m. (CT) and Sunday’s game kicking off at 1:05 p.m. (CT). Action will be streamed on B1G+ (subscription required), and fans can purchase general admission and single match tickets to each game by calling 1-800-8 BIG RED or by visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://huskers.com/tickets" target="_blank">Huskers.com/tickets</a>.&nbsp;

NU continues its five-match homestand as it hosts Duke on Thursday, Aug. 22 at 7:05 p.m. (CT).&nbsp;

Scouting the Oklahoma State Cowgirls

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsAfter playing a pair of exhibition matches, the Nebraska soccer team begins its regular season this week at home against Oklahoma State and Colorado State.&nbsp;&nbsp;Both matches will be played at Hibner Stadium, with Thursday’s game set for 7:05 p.m. (CT) and Sunday’s game kicking off at 1:05 p.m. (CT). Action will be streamed on B1G+ (subscription required), and fans can purchase general admission and single match tickets to each game by calling 1-800-8 BIG RED or by visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://huskers.com/tickets" target="_blank">Huskers.com/tickets</a>.&nbsp;Next UpNU continues its five-match homestand as it hosts Duke on Thursday, Aug. 22 at 7:05 p.m. (CT).&nbsp;Quick Notes<ul>
 <li>Seniors Florence Belzile, Sarah Weber and Jordan Zade received Big Ten Preseason Honors recognition, announced by the conference on Tuesday.</li><li>The Big Ten also released its preseason poll on Tuesday, as voted by the head coaches. Nebraska is picked to finish fourth in the conference and currently sits in sixth in the United Soccer Coaches Preseason Poll.&nbsp;</li><li>The 2023 season was one to remember as NU ended the year ranked No. 7 in the United Soccer Coaches poll after an impressive NCAA-tournament run, finishing in the Elite Eight for the first time since 1999.&nbsp;</li><li>Last season, the Husker coaching staff was named the NCAA North Region Staff of the Year by the United Soccer Coaches and Eleanor Dale, Weber and Zade earned spots on the 2023 All-North Region team. Dale also garnered first-team NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer All-America honors, as she became the 20th All-American in program history and the fourth first-team honoree.</li><li>The 2023 Big Ten Champs finished the season atop the conference rankings in goals scored with 68, also good for fifth in the nation. The Huskers received numerous conference awards led by NCAA First-Team All-American Dale who became the first Husker to claim the Big Ten Forward of the Year honor. Dale was joined by Weber as a first-team All-Big Ten member, and defender Zade and midfielder Haley Peterson were named to the second team.</li><li>The Huskers have 10 regular-season home games scheduled for their 10th season at Hibner Stadium in 2024. Additionally, NU will host one exhibition, five non-conference and five conference matches.</li><li>Nebraska went 3-1-2 during the spring season with victories over Colorado, Kansas and Omaha.&nbsp;</li><li>NU returns three of four All-Big Ten performers from last season, seniors Weber, Peterson and Zade. Nebraska’s all-time all-conference total increased to 110, including 38 honorees since joining the Big Ten in 2011.</li><li>Last season, many Huskers were high in individual standings as Weber tallied 16 total goals, good for fifth in the nation, and midfielder Belzile recorded a team-high 17 assists, which ranked first in the conference and second nationally. Additionally, Belzile’s assists tied for second-most in both conference and Husker history.&nbsp;</li><li>During the 2023 season, the Huskers averaged 1,326 fans per game at Hibner Stadium, third most in Husker history and 15th in the nation. NU garnered 2,318 fans in the NCAA Second Round match versus Tennessee, the most fans in attendance since 2015.</li><li>Head Coach John Walker enters his 31st season, alongside assistant coaches Savanah Anderson-Baer (second season), Ian Bridge (ninth season) and Marty Everding (27th season).&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Scouting the Oklahoma State Cowgirls<ul>
 <li>Oklahoma State finished the 2023 season with a 12-8 record overall and 5-5 mark in conference play. OSU opened conference play winning four-straight matches, but eventually fell to Oklahoma in the first round of the Big 12 tournament to end its season.&nbsp;</li><li>The Cowgirls will host Oral Roberts for their home opener on Sunday, Aug. 18 in Stillwater, Okla.&nbsp;</li><li>Head Coach Colin Carmichael enters his 20th season at the helm of the Oklahoma State soccer program. He was previously an assistant with Team USA and has a 251-105-50 collegiate coaching record.&nbsp;</li><li>Players to Watch</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>#13 Xcaret Pineda (Junior MF): Appeared in all the team’s matches and led OSU last season with 60 shots, 25 of which were on goal. Pineda was named to the Preseason All-Big 12 Soccer team.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>#11 Lauden Wilson (Sophomore MF): Started in 14 of OSU’s matches last season and was tied for the team lead of six assists which gave her a spot on the All-Big 12 Freshman team.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Scouting the Colorado State Rams<ul>
 <li>Colorado State finished the 2023 season with a 12-6-4 record overall and 6-3-2 mark in conference play. CSU made it all the way to the Mountain West Conference Championship game, but eventually fell to Utah State to end its season.&nbsp;</li><li>The Rams will finish off their short road trip on Thursday, Aug. 22 at Northern Colorado.&nbsp;</li><li>Head Coach Keeley Hagen enters her fourth season at the helm of the Colorado State soccer program. She was previously an assistant at Texas and has a 22-21-15 coaching record.&nbsp;</li><li>Players to Watch</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>#18 Olivia Fout (Junior F): Started in all 21 matches she appeared in and set a CSU single-season record with 12 goals. Fout was named the Mountain West Newcomer of the Year and made First team All-Mountain West.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>#15 Avery Vander Ven (Senior M): Started in all 22 of CSU’s matches last season and set the CSU single-season record with nine assists. Vander Ven was named to the Second-Team All-Mountain Team and the Mountain West All-Newcomer Team.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>

Huskers welcome Cowgirls, Rams to start 2024

By: Dave Collins Sports Director X: @DMCbroadcasting

Chadron State is 15 days away from kickoff of the season opener and continues to work in fall camp.&nbsp; The Eagles donned full pads Tuesday morning under comfortable temperatures and light band of clouds.&nbsp; I checked in with senior cornerback Deonte Jackson.

The San Diego, California native got in six games last season and picked off a pass.&nbsp; He should be in the mix for significant playing time this fall as the Eagles re-stock the secondary.&nbsp; Transfers Omar Ali and Tasean Young are two newcomers with strong talent and veteran experience that will help bolster the Eagles pass coverage.

Jackson talks about the summer work the team put in to improve heading into fall camp.

I asked Jackson how hungry the team is to get this season started after last year's 5-6 finish.

CSC will hold practices all week and be back in full pads at Elliott Field on Saturday.&nbsp; Practices are open to the public if fans want to catch an early glimpse of this year's team.

CSC fall camp coverage is sponsored by Great Plains Communications.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723645264333.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By: Dave Collins Sports Director X: @DMCbroadcastingChadron State is 15 days away from kickoff of the season opener and continues to work in fall camp.&nbsp; The Eagles donned full pads Tuesday morning under comfortable temperatures and light band of clouds.&nbsp; I checked in with senior cornerback Deonte Jackson.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1897112958&color=%23601030&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/deonte-jackson" title="Deonte Jackson - CSC CB Cut #1" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Deonte Jackson - CSC CB Cut #1</a></div></div>The San Diego, California native got in six games last season and picked off a pass.&nbsp; He should be in the mix for significant playing time this fall as the Eagles re-stock the secondary.&nbsp; Transfers Omar Ali and Tasean Young are two newcomers with strong talent and veteran experience that will help bolster the Eagles pass coverage.Jackson talks about the summer work the team put in to improve heading into fall camp.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1897114314&color=%23601030&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/deonte-jackson-csc-cb-cut-2" title="Deonte Jackson - CSC CB Cut #2" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Deonte Jackson - CSC CB Cut #2</a></div></div>I asked Jackson how hungry the team is to get this season started after last year's 5-6 finish.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1897116219&color=%23601030&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/my-recording-1" title="Deonte Jackson - CSC CB Cut #3" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Deonte Jackson - CSC CB Cut #3</a></div></div>CSC will hold practices all week and be back in full pads at Elliott Field on Saturday.&nbsp; Practices are open to the public if fans want to catch an early glimpse of this year's team. CSC fall camp coverage is sponsored by Great Plains Communications.

🔊 Returning corner Deonte Jackson joins veteran transfers to bolster Eagle pass defense

By: Con Marshall CSC Sports Information

&nbsp;The first week of practice was a good one for the Chadron State College football team, Head Coach Jay Long said Saturday after the Eagles had what he called a “situational scrimmage” that lasted about an hour and 15 minutes.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; With four quarterbacks seeing action, each offensive unit took turns running six plays at a time.&nbsp; Long said the defense often had the upper hand when the top unit on both offense and defense collided, but when the second and third units matched up, he said the offenses held their own.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “That was our sixth practice and I think we’re ahead of schedule,” Long said. “We’ve got good competition for playing time at most of the positions. That means we’ll have good depth.”&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; There will be 17 more practices beginning Monday before the Eagles open their season by hosting Nebraska-Kearney at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 29.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Long predicted that the Eagles’ defensive line, which includes Hunter O’Conner and Tanner True, both First-Team All-Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference choices last fall, will make it difficult for the opponents to run the ball this fall.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The coach was particularly pleased that there were no injuries during Saturday’s scrimmage.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722893488889.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By: Con Marshall CSC Sports Information&nbsp;The first week of practice was a good one for the Chadron State College football team, Head Coach Jay Long said Saturday after the Eagles had what he called a “situational scrimmage” that lasted about an hour and 15 minutes.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; With four quarterbacks seeing action, each offensive unit took turns running six plays at a time.&nbsp; Long said the defense often had the upper hand when the top unit on both offense and defense collided, but when the second and third units matched up, he said the offenses held their own.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “That was our sixth practice and I think we’re ahead of schedule,” Long said. “We’ve got good competition for playing time at most of the positions. That means we’ll have good depth.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; There will be 17 more practices beginning Monday before the Eagles open their season by hosting Nebraska-Kearney at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 29.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Long predicted that the Eagles’ defensive line, which includes Hunter O’Conner and Tanner True, both First-Team All-Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference choices last fall, will make it difficult for the opponents to run the ball this fall.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The coach was particularly pleased that there were no injuries during Saturday’s scrimmage.

Week 1 in the books for CSC at fall camp, coaches pleased with progress

By&nbsp;Kendall Grayson/Tri City Storm

KEARNEY, NE.&nbsp;–&nbsp;The NHL’s Colorado Avalanche has hired Tri-City Storm Goaltending Coach Matt Zaba as the Goalie Coach for the organization’s AHL affiliate, the Colorado Eagles. Zaba was Tri-City’s Goaltending Coach for the past seven seasons, and coached three USHL Goaltenders of the Year during his time with the organization (Filip Larsson in 2018, Isaiah Saville in 2019, and Arsenii Sergeev in 2022). Five goalies who played under Zaba during his tenure with the Storm were selected in the NHL Draft. &nbsp;Matt Zaba, 40, from Yorkton, Saskatchewan, was hired by the organization on July 27th, 2017.

He was drafted 231st&nbsp;overall by the Los Angeles Kings in the 2003 NHL Draft following a junior hockey career in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) with the Penticton Panthers &amp; Vernon Vipers. Zaba played four years of college hockey with the Colorado College Tigers.&nbsp;His professional hockey career began during the 2007-2008 season in the ECHL&nbsp;with the Charlotte Checkers and Idaho Steelheads. Zaba made his NHL debut with the New York Rangers on January 23rd, 2010, in a road game against the Montreal Canadiens. He spent five seasons in Europe playing for HC Bolzano (Bolzano, Italy) and the Vienna Capitals (Vienna, Austria). Zaba boasted the best Goals Against Average (GAA) in Italy during the 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 seasons, and led HC Bolzano to an Italian League Championship during his second season with the organization. 

Following his&nbsp;professional playing career, Zaba joined Colorado College as a Volunteer Assistant Coach from 2016-2017 before joining the Storm.&nbsp;“I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who I have had the pleasure of working with and getting to know in my last seven seasons working with the Tri-City Storm. I loved every second of it and will be forever grateful for all the success we had on the ice and the lifelong friends I gained because of it. I look forward to following the team and wish them nothing but the best moving forward.” – Matt Zaba

By&nbsp;Kendall Grayson/Tri City StormKEARNEY, NE.&nbsp;–&nbsp;The NHL’s Colorado Avalanche has hired Tri-City Storm Goaltending Coach Matt Zaba as the Goalie Coach for the organization’s AHL affiliate, the Colorado Eagles. Zaba was Tri-City’s Goaltending Coach for the past seven seasons, and coached three USHL Goaltenders of the Year during his time with the organization (Filip Larsson in 2018, Isaiah Saville in 2019, and Arsenii Sergeev in 2022). Five goalies who played under Zaba during his tenure with the Storm were selected in the NHL Draft. &nbsp;Matt Zaba, 40, from Yorkton, Saskatchewan, was hired by the organization on July 27th, 2017. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723131769808.jpeg" alt="Matt Zaba named Goalie Coach for Colorado Eagles" />
 <figcaption>Matt Zaba named Goalie Coach for Colorado Eagles</figcaption>
 </figure>He was drafted 231st&nbsp;overall by the Los Angeles Kings in the 2003 NHL Draft following a junior hockey career in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) with the Penticton Panthers &amp; Vernon Vipers. Zaba played four years of college hockey with the Colorado College Tigers.&nbsp;His professional hockey career began during the 2007-2008 season in the ECHL&nbsp;with the Charlotte Checkers and Idaho Steelheads. Zaba made his NHL debut with the New York Rangers on January 23rd, 2010, in a road game against the Montreal Canadiens. He spent five seasons in Europe playing for HC Bolzano (Bolzano, Italy) and the Vienna Capitals (Vienna, Austria). Zaba boasted the best Goals Against Average (GAA) in Italy during the 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 seasons, and led HC Bolzano to an Italian League Championship during his second season with the organization. Following his&nbsp;professional playing career, Zaba joined Colorado College as a Volunteer Assistant Coach from 2016-2017 before joining the Storm.&nbsp;“I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who I have had the pleasure of working with and getting to know in my last seven seasons working with the Tri-City Storm. I loved every second of it and will be forever grateful for all the success we had on the ice and the lifelong friends I gained because of it. I look forward to following the team and wish them nothing but the best moving forward.” – Matt Zaba

Tri Cities' Matt Zaba named Goalie Coach for Colorado Eagles

&nbsp; By: Dave Collins Sports Director X: @DMCbroadcasting

Tommy Thomas and Xavier Harrell are two of the returning vets that Chadron State will count on for big plays and leadership this fall.

Normally more of a "show-me rather than tell-me leader," Harrell said at RMAC Football Media Day he's ready to take his leadership up a level and help the young Eagles on defense prepare and succeed.

Wide receiver Tommy Thomas echoed Harrell's leadership responsibility and also feels the freshmen need to feel like they're already part of the Eagle Family as the team grows together in fall camp.

Thomas remembers back when he was a freshman and his only opportunity to play beyond high school came from the faith CSC had in him.&nbsp; And he learned quickly that hard work and gratitude are keys to his success as one of the RMAC's best pass catchers, and something he hopes to pass along to the young Eagles.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722898978182.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp; By: Dave Collins Sports Director X: @DMCbroadcastingTommy Thomas and Xavier Harrell are two of the returning vets that Chadron State will count on for big plays and leadership this fall.Normally more of a "show-me rather than tell-me leader," Harrell said at RMAC Football Media Day he's ready to take his leadership up a level and help the young Eagles on defense prepare and succeed.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1889785218&color=%23601030&auto_play=false&hide_related=true&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=false"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/xavier-harrell-on-how-he-leads-the-young-guys" title="Xavier Harrell On How He Leads The Young Guys" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Xavier Harrell On How He Leads The Young Guys</a></div></div>Wide receiver Tommy Thomas echoed Harrell's leadership responsibility and also feels the freshmen need to feel like they're already part of the Eagle Family as the team grows together in fall camp.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1889786928&color=%23601030&auto_play=false&hide_related=true&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=false"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/tommy-thomas-on-leading-the-young-guys" title="Tommy Thomas On Leading The Young Guys" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Tommy Thomas On Leading The Young Guys</a></div></div>Thomas remembers back when he was a freshman and his only opportunity to play beyond high school came from the faith CSC had in him.&nbsp; And he learned quickly that hard work and gratitude are keys to his success as one of the RMAC's best pass catchers, and something he hopes to pass along to the young Eagles.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1889787954&color=%23601030&auto_play=false&hide_related=true&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=false"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/tommy-thomas-on-work-ethic" title="Tommy Thomas On Work Ethic" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Tommy Thomas On Work Ethic</a></div></div>

🔊 Harrell & Thomas taking on big leadership roles in CSC fall camp

Kearney, Neb. –&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://lopers.com/sports/football/roster">The 118th football team</a>&nbsp;in Nebraska Kearney history reported to fall camp this past weekend with the first practice happening on Monday, Aug. 5.

The Lopers will practice daily (8:30-10:30 a.m.) and then hold a walkthrough (4-5 p.m.). Some key dates are Sunday, Aug. 11 (first full padded practice; 2:30-4:30 p.m.), Tuesday, Aug. 13 (first scrimmage; morning) and Thursday, Aug. 21 (second scrimmage; 7-9 p.m.). Practices and scrimmages are free and open to the public. Finally, UNK’s fall semester begins on Monday, Aug. 26.

Head coach&nbsp;Ryan Held&nbsp;and his staff have a roster of 133 players that includes 66 Nebraska natives and players from 19 other states. Picked 10th&nbsp;in the MIAA preseason coaches’ and media polls, the Lopers have 13 returning starters (six defense, four offense and three on special teams) as well as 20 other letterwinners.

Returning All-MIAA players are left tackle&nbsp;Kooper Reece&nbsp;(Valentine) and defensive end&nbsp;Quillan Felton&nbsp;(Lithonia, Ga.). Reece received his honor in 2021 and is trying to return from a major injury sustained in Oct. 2022. Next, graduate transfer&nbsp;Reagan Jones&nbsp;(Wichita) is the new starting quarterback racking up over 4,000 yards of total offense and 31 touchdowns in four years at Missouri Western. F

Finally, UNK brought in 19 other transfers including back&nbsp;Isaiah Harris&nbsp;(Nebraska), receiver&nbsp;Shane Dailey Jr.&nbsp;(Idaho State), defensive back&nbsp;Chandler Brown&nbsp;(U. of Buffalo) and three offensive and three defensive linemen.

The year kicks off Thursday, Aug. 29 at Chadron State with the home opener set for the night of Sept. 7 vs. Northwest Missouri.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722970380465.jpeg" alt="Kooper Reece (UNK Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Kooper Reece (UNK Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>UNK AthleticsKearney, Neb. –&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://lopers.com/sports/football/roster">The 118th football team</a>&nbsp;in Nebraska Kearney history reported to fall camp this past weekend with the first practice happening on Monday, Aug. 5.The Lopers will practice daily (8:30-10:30 a.m.) and then hold a walkthrough (4-5 p.m.). Some key dates are Sunday, Aug. 11 (first full padded practice; 2:30-4:30 p.m.), Tuesday, Aug. 13 (first scrimmage; morning) and Thursday, Aug. 21 (second scrimmage; 7-9 p.m.). Practices and scrimmages are free and open to the public. Finally, UNK’s fall semester begins on Monday, Aug. 26.Head coach&nbsp;Ryan Held&nbsp;and his staff have a roster of 133 players that includes 66 Nebraska natives and players from 19 other states. Picked 10th&nbsp;in the MIAA preseason coaches’ and media polls, the Lopers have 13 returning starters (six defense, four offense and three on special teams) as well as 20 other letterwinners.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722970399450.jpeg" alt="Quillan Felton (UNK Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Quillan Felton (UNK Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>Returning All-MIAA players are left tackle&nbsp;Kooper Reece&nbsp;(Valentine) and defensive end&nbsp;Quillan Felton&nbsp;(Lithonia, Ga.). Reece received his honor in 2021 and is trying to return from a major injury sustained in Oct. 2022. Next, graduate transfer&nbsp;Reagan Jones&nbsp;(Wichita) is the new starting quarterback racking up over 4,000 yards of total offense and 31 touchdowns in four years at Missouri Western. FFinally, UNK brought in 19 other transfers including back&nbsp;Isaiah Harris&nbsp;(Nebraska), receiver&nbsp;Shane Dailey Jr.&nbsp;(Idaho State), defensive back&nbsp;Chandler Brown&nbsp;(U. of Buffalo) and three offensive and three defensive linemen.The year kicks off Thursday, Aug. 29 at Chadron State with the home opener set for the night of Sept. 7 vs. Northwest Missouri.&nbsp;

Lopers Prepping for Rival Chadron State on Aug. 29th

The Big Ten Network announced its 2024 volleyball TV schedule on Monday. Nebraska will appear on BTN, FS1 and NBC a total of 17 times during the season, including 14 of 20 conference matches.&nbsp;

In addition to the 17 matches on BTN, FS1 and NBC, Nebraska will play Kentucky on ESPN2 on Aug. 27 at the AVCA First Serve Showcase in Louisville, Ky. Any additional matches selected for TV, including those on Nebraska Public Media, will be announced at a later date.&nbsp;

The Huskers will appear on NBC on Saturday, Oct. 19 at Ohio State at 2:30 p.m. (CT). Nebraska's match on FS1 will be Thursday, Oct. 3 at Illinois at 6 p.m.&nbsp;

NU's first BTN match will be against in-state foe Creighton on Tuesday, Sept. 10 at 7 p.m. at the Devaney Center. Seven of Nebraska's eight matches to end the season will be televised on BTN, including the final weekend at Penn State on Friday, Nov. 29 at 4 p.m. (CT), and at Maryland on Saturday, Nov. 30 at 6 p.m. (CT).&nbsp;

Additionally, one date changed from the original schedule announced in June. Nebraska's match at Northwestern will now be played on Sunday, Nov. 3 at Noon. It was originally scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 2. The Huskers play at Wisconsin that Friday, Nov. 1 at 8 p.m.

2024 Nebraska Volleyball TV Schedule(As of Aug. 5; NPM matches still to be determined):

Big Ten Network Announces 2024 Volleyball TV Schedule

Chadron State opened fall football camp on Monday with 129 players registered and ready to begin the college football journey in 2024.&nbsp; 

According to CSC historian and reporter Con Marshall the preliminary roster includes 20 seniors, 26 juniors, 17 sophomores, 23 redshirt freshmen and 49 brand new freshmen.  Thirty-eight of the returnees earned letters last year, when the Eagles finished with a 5-6 record overall and had a 4-5 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference mark.

Since Dalton Holst's graduation two seasons ago the Eagles have used a revolving door at quarterback by design, competition for the job or due to injury.&nbsp; It's one of the biggest question marks coming into the 2024 season once again, but the coaching staff believes they've already identified who QB1 is before he's taken his first regular season snap at the school.&nbsp; Head Coach Jay Long:

Saddleback College / San Diego State transfer DJ Ralph got to play with the team for the first time at the spring game at Wayne State in April. 

At RMAC Media Day Coach Long shared his excitement for what he sees in Ralph, as well as the excitement shown from his new teammates Tommy Thomas (WR) and Xavier Harrell (LB):

I talked to Ralph's former teammate at Saddleback and current Western Colorado starting QB Drew Nash at media day, and he had glowing things to report about Ralph as a person and a player.

 Following the spring session, veteran quarterback Mason Hamilton chose to end his football career with the Eagles and focus on finishing his degree according to Coach Long.

Despite shifting positions to wide receiver in the spring, Junior Preston Pearson took several snaps in the scrimmage at Wayne State but will remain on the outside catching passes rather than throwing them this fall.&nbsp; If needed, Pearson will be available to play QB should depth be hampered by injury, or if the Eagles decide they want to go to the QB power-run game with Pearson as they've done in the past.

Redshirt freshman Kasey Jones, true freshman Wyatt Sprague and JUCO transfer Miguel Larios are the other quarterbacks on the roster that will battle behind Ralph on the depth chart and look to standout in fall camp.

It'll be a fun position to watch unfold over the next few weeks in camp and during the season with another group of guys who all bring unique characteristics and varying experience to the position for this season and into the future.

By: Dave Collins Sports Director X: @DMCbroadcasting<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722893488889.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Chadron State opened fall football camp on Monday with 129 players registered and ready to begin the college football journey in 2024.&nbsp; According to CSC historian and reporter Con Marshall the preliminary roster includes 20 seniors, 26 juniors, 17 sophomores, 23 redshirt freshmen and 49 brand new freshmen. Thirty-eight of the returnees earned letters last year, when the Eagles finished with a 5-6 record overall and had a 4-5 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference mark.Since Dalton Holst's graduation two seasons ago the Eagles have used a revolving door at quarterback by design, competition for the job or due to injury.&nbsp; It's one of the biggest question marks coming into the 2024 season once again, but the coaching staff believes they've already identified who QB1 is before he's taken his first regular season snap at the school.&nbsp; Head Coach Jay Long:<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1889719155&color=%23601030&auto_play=false&hide_related=true&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=false"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/coach-long-on-qb-starter" title="Coach Long On QB Starter" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Coach Long On QB Starter</a></div></div>Saddleback College / San Diego State transfer DJ Ralph got to play with the team for the first time at the spring game at Wayne State in April. At RMAC Media Day Coach Long shared his excitement for what he sees in Ralph, as well as the excitement shown from his new teammates Tommy Thomas (WR) and Xavier Harrell (LB):<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1889725260&color=%23601030&auto_play=false&hide_related=true&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=false"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/coach-long-on-dj-ralph-leading" title="Coach Long On DJ Ralph Leading" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Coach Long On DJ Ralph Leading</a></div></div>I talked to Ralph's former teammate at Saddleback and current Western Colorado starting QB Drew Nash at media day, and he had glowing things to report about Ralph as a person and a player. Following the spring session, veteran quarterback Mason Hamilton chose to end his football career with the Eagles and focus on finishing his degree according to Coach Long.Despite shifting positions to wide receiver in the spring, Junior Preston Pearson took several snaps in the scrimmage at Wayne State but will remain on the outside catching passes rather than throwing them this fall.&nbsp; If needed, Pearson will be available to play QB should depth be hampered by injury, or if the Eagles decide they want to go to the QB power-run game with Pearson as they've done in the past.Redshirt freshman Kasey Jones, true freshman Wyatt Sprague and JUCO transfer Miguel Larios are the other quarterbacks on the roster that will battle behind Ralph on the depth chart and look to standout in fall camp.It'll be a fun position to watch unfold over the next few weeks in camp and during the season with another group of guys who all bring unique characteristics and varying experience to the position for this season and into the future.

🔊 Eagles heading into fall camp with starting QB known, competition for depth

Chadron State opens the football season at home on a Thursday night this month against rival Nebraska-Kearney (UNK). Eagles Head Coach Jay Long said at RMAC Media Day in Denver that the series will now feature a trophy the teams will play for and he announced that its name will sound familiar.

The Eagles will have back-to-back night contests before conference play begins, and the match-up against the rival Lopers will continue into the foreseeable future.

Senior defensive star Xavier Harrell has ridden thousands of miles on the team's charter buses over his career and is excited for several reasons to open the season at home for the Eagles' first three games.

I'll have much more coverage from media day as well as coverage from fall camp all month long leading up to kickoff of the season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722893488889.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By: Dave Collins Sports Director X: @DMCbroadcastingChadron State opens the football season at home on a Thursday night this month against rival Nebraska-Kearney (UNK). Eagles Head Coach Jay Long said at RMAC Media Day in Denver that the series will now feature a trophy the teams will play for and he announced that its name will sound familiar.<div><iframe width="100%" height="450" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1889531646&color=%23601030&auto_play=false&hide_related=true&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=false&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/coach-long-on-unk-good-life-trophy" title="Coach Long On UNK Good Life Trophy" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Coach Long On UNK Good Life Trophy</a></div></div>The Eagles will have back-to-back night contests before conference play begins, and the match-up against the rival Lopers will continue into the foreseeable future.<div><iframe width="100%" height="450" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1889536020&color=%23601030&auto_play=false&hide_related=true&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=false&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/coach-long-on-unk-3y-contract" title="Coach Long On UNK - 3Y Contract" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Coach Long On UNK - 3Y Contract</a></div></div>Senior defensive star Xavier Harrell has ridden thousands of miles on the team's charter buses over his career and is excited for several reasons to open the season at home for the Eagles' first three games.<div><iframe width="100%" height="450" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1889538732&color=%23601030&auto_play=false&hide_related=true&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=false&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/xavier-harrell-on-3-home-games-to-open" title="Xavier Harrell On 3 Home Games To Open Season" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Xavier Harrell On 3 Home Games To Open Season</a></div></div>I'll have much more coverage from media day as well as coverage from fall camp all month long leading up to kickoff of the season.

🔊 New rivalry trophy for CSC-UNK football series begins this fall

Nebraska defensive back Isaac Gifford was named to the 2024 to Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List on Thursday.&nbsp; The Wuerffel Trophy highlights athletic and community service accomplishments.

Gifford has been active in the Huskers’ Life Skills program, including volunteering extensively at the Lincoln Food Bank, speaking at schools and helping with hospital visits and the Huskers’ annual road race to race money for the fight against pediatric brain cancer. For his efforts, he received the Sam Foltz 27 Hero Leadership Award last spring. He was also named to the Tom Osborne and Brook Berringer Citizenship Teams for his work in the community.

On the field, Gifford is a two-year starter who has anchored the Huskers’ defensive backfield. An All-Big Ten performer in 2023, he led Nebraska with 86 tackles, including 6.5 tackles for loss. Gifford was also second on the Blackshirts with eight pass breakups. He played a major role in Nebraska ranking in the top-20 nationally in both total defense and scoring defense.

This season, the 11 semifinalists for the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy will be honored as part of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.

The 2024 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy finalists and recipient will be selected by an illustrious national voting committee, including a fan vote component, and announced on ESPN’s Home Depot College Football Awards Show on December 12th.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Presentation Gala will take place February 1, 2025, at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsNebraska defensive back Isaac Gifford was named to the 2024 to Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List on Thursday.&nbsp; The Wuerffel Trophy highlights athletic and community service accomplishments.Gifford has been active in the Huskers’ Life Skills program, including volunteering extensively at the Lincoln Food Bank, speaking at schools and helping with hospital visits and the Huskers’ annual road race to race money for the fight against pediatric brain cancer. For his efforts, he received the Sam Foltz 27 Hero Leadership Award last spring. He was also named to the Tom Osborne and Brook Berringer Citizenship Teams for his work in the community.On the field, Gifford is a two-year starter who has anchored the Huskers’ defensive backfield. An All-Big Ten performer in 2023, he led Nebraska with 86 tackles, including 6.5 tackles for loss. Gifford was also second on the Blackshirts with eight pass breakups. He played a major role in Nebraska ranking in the top-20 nationally in both total defense and scoring defense.This season, the 11 semifinalists for the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy will be honored as part of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.The 2024 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy finalists and recipient will be selected by an illustrious national voting committee, including a fan vote component, and announced on ESPN’s Home Depot College Football Awards Show on December 12th.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Presentation Gala will take place February 1, 2025, at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.

Gifford named to Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List

Five student-athletes from the Nebraska volleyball team were named to the Preseason All-Big Ten Team on Thursday after a vote by the league's 18 head coaches.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a target="_blank" href="https://huskers.com/sports/volleyball/roster/player/merritt-beason">Merritt Beason</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://huskers.com/sports/volleyball/roster/player/lexi-rodriguez">Lexi Rodriguez</a>&nbsp;were unanimous selections to the 18-player Preseason All-Big Ten Team. They were joined by fellow Huskers&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://huskers.com/sports/volleyball/roster/player/taylor-landfair">Taylor Landfair</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://huskers.com/sports/volleyball/roster/player/harper-murray">Harper Murray</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://huskers.com/sports/volleyball/roster/player/bergen-reilly">Bergen Reilly</a>&nbsp;on the team. All five players were All-Big Ten selections in 2023. Seventeen of the 18 players on the team were either All-Big Ten or All-Pac 12 First Team selections last season. NU's five selections were the most for any team in the conference; no one else had more than three.&nbsp;

The coaches picked Nebraska as the top team in the preseason poll. The Huskers won their fourth Big Ten title in 2023 with a 19-1 conference record. Nebraska finished the season at 33-2 and reached the NCAA Championship match, falling 3-0 to Texas in Tampa, Fla. Wisconsin, Penn State, Purdue and Minnesota rounded out the top five, followed by three of the conference's newcomers in Oregon, USC and UCLA. &nbsp;

Beason earned AVCA All-America First Team honors in 2023 and was selected as the AVCA North Region Player of the Year, becoming the second Husker (<a target="_blank" href="https://huskers.com/staff/kelly-hunter">Kelly Hunter</a>) to earn that distinction. She was named to the AVCA All-Region Team and All-Big Ten First Team unanimously in her first year at Nebraska. Beason averaged 3.76 kills per set on .282 hitting with 2.05 digs per set.&nbsp;

Rodriguez also was named to the AVCA All-America First Team in 2023, her third career All-America honor and second selection to the first team. She became the 14th Husker in school history to earn at least three All-America honors at Nebraska. The Sterling, Ill., native also was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year for the second time in her career, becoming the fifth player in Big Ten history to receive that honor twice in a career. She was chosen to the AVCA All-Region and All-Big Ten First Team for the third straight year. Rodriguez led the Huskers to a nation-leading opponent hitting percentage for the second year in a row with 3.60 digs per set.&nbsp;

At Minnesota last season, Landfair earned AVCA All-Region honors and All-Big Ten First Team accolades for the third time. She averaged 3.19 kills and 2.03 digs per set for the Golden Gophers. Landfair was a first-team AVCA All-American and the Big Ten Player of the Year in 2022, as well as the AVCA North Region Player of the Year.&nbsp;

Murray was an AVCA All-America Third Team selection and the Big Ten Freshman of the Year. She earned AVCA North Region Freshman of the Year, as well as All-Big Ten First Team, Big Ten All-Freshman Team and AVCA All-Region accolades. Murray finished second on the team with 3.23 kills per set and had a .237 hitting percentage to go with 2.07 digs per set and a team-high 36 service aces.&nbsp;

Reilly was named an AVCA Second-Team All-American, AVCA All-Region, Big Ten Setter of the Year, All-Big Ten First Team and Big Ten All-Freshman Team in her first season as a Husker. She became the first freshman to win Big Ten Setter of the Year since the award originated in 2012. Reilly led all Big Ten setters with 10.51 assists per set, and set the Huskers to a .273 hitting percentage on the season, which ranked second in the Big Ten and in the top 25 nationally.&nbsp;

2024 BIG TEN VOLLEYBALL PRESEASON POLL1. Nebraska2. Wisconsin3. Penn State4. Purdue5. Minnesota6. Oregon7. USC8. UCLA9. Ohio State10. Indiana11. Illinois12. Michigan State13. Washington14. Maryland15. Michigan16. Northwestern17. Rutgers18. Iowa

2024 PRESEASON ALL-BIG TEN TEAMRaina Terry, Gr., OH, IllinoisCamryn Haworth, Sr., S, IndianaMelani Shaffmaster, RS-Sr., S, Minnesota<a target="_blank" href="https://huskers.com/sports/volleyball/roster/player/merritt-beason">MERRITT BEASON</a>, Sr., OPP, Nebraska<a target="_blank" href="https://huskers.com/sports/volleyball/roster/player/taylor-landfair">Taylor Landfair</a>, Sr., OH, Nebraska<a target="_blank" href="https://huskers.com/sports/volleyball/roster/player/harper-murray">Harper Murray</a>, So., OH, Nebraska<a target="_blank" href="https://huskers.com/sports/volleyball/roster/player/bergen-reilly">Bergen Reilly</a>, So., S, Nebraska<a target="_blank" href="https://huskers.com/sports/volleyball/roster/player/lexi-rodriguez">LEXI RODRIGUEZ</a>, Sr., L, NebraskaEmily Londot, Fifth-Year, OH/OPP, Ohio StateMimi Colyer, Jr., OH, OregonJESS MRUZIK, Gr., OH, Penn StateChloe Chicoine, So., OH, PurdueEva Hudson, Jr., OH, PurdueAnna Dodson, Gr., MB, UCLAMia Tuaniga, Sr., S, USCCarter Booth, Jr., MB, WisconsinSarah Franklin, Sr., OH, WisconsinAnna Smrek, Sr., MB/OPP, Wisconsin

Unanimous selection listed in ALL CAPS

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsFive student-athletes from the Nebraska volleyball team were named to the Preseason All-Big Ten Team on Thursday after a vote by the league's 18 head coaches.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://huskers.com/sports/volleyball/roster/player/merritt-beason">Merritt Beason</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://huskers.com/sports/volleyball/roster/player/lexi-rodriguez">Lexi Rodriguez</a>&nbsp;were unanimous selections to the 18-player Preseason All-Big Ten Team. They were joined by fellow Huskers&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://huskers.com/sports/volleyball/roster/player/taylor-landfair">Taylor Landfair</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://huskers.com/sports/volleyball/roster/player/harper-murray">Harper Murray</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://huskers.com/sports/volleyball/roster/player/bergen-reilly">Bergen Reilly</a>&nbsp;on the team. All five players were All-Big Ten selections in 2023. Seventeen of the 18 players on the team were either All-Big Ten or All-Pac 12 First Team selections last season. NU's five selections were the most for any team in the conference; no one else had more than three.&nbsp;The coaches picked Nebraska as the top team in the preseason poll. The Huskers won their fourth Big Ten title in 2023 with a 19-1 conference record. Nebraska finished the season at 33-2 and reached the NCAA Championship match, falling 3-0 to Texas in Tampa, Fla. Wisconsin, Penn State, Purdue and Minnesota rounded out the top five, followed by three of the conference's newcomers in Oregon, USC and UCLA. &nbsp;Beason earned AVCA All-America First Team honors in 2023 and was selected as the AVCA North Region Player of the Year, becoming the second Husker (<a target="_blank" href="https://huskers.com/staff/kelly-hunter">Kelly Hunter</a>) to earn that distinction. She was named to the AVCA All-Region Team and All-Big Ten First Team unanimously in her first year at Nebraska. Beason averaged 3.76 kills per set on .282 hitting with 2.05 digs per set.&nbsp;Rodriguez also was named to the AVCA All-America First Team in 2023, her third career All-America honor and second selection to the first team. She became the 14th Husker in school history to earn at least three All-America honors at Nebraska. The Sterling, Ill., native also was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year for the second time in her career, becoming the fifth player in Big Ten history to receive that honor twice in a career. She was chosen to the AVCA All-Region and All-Big Ten First Team for the third straight year. Rodriguez led the Huskers to a nation-leading opponent hitting percentage for the second year in a row with 3.60 digs per set.&nbsp;At Minnesota last season, Landfair earned AVCA All-Region honors and All-Big Ten First Team accolades for the third time. She averaged 3.19 kills and 2.03 digs per set for the Golden Gophers. Landfair was a first-team AVCA All-American and the Big Ten Player of the Year in 2022, as well as the AVCA North Region Player of the Year.&nbsp;Murray was an AVCA All-America Third Team selection and the Big Ten Freshman of the Year. She earned AVCA North Region Freshman of the Year, as well as All-Big Ten First Team, Big Ten All-Freshman Team and AVCA All-Region accolades. Murray finished second on the team with 3.23 kills per set and had a .237 hitting percentage to go with 2.07 digs per set and a team-high 36 service aces.&nbsp;Reilly was named an AVCA Second-Team All-American, AVCA All-Region, Big Ten Setter of the Year, All-Big Ten First Team and Big Ten All-Freshman Team in her first season as a Husker. She became the first freshman to win Big Ten Setter of the Year since the award originated in 2012. Reilly led all Big Ten setters with 10.51 assists per set, and set the Huskers to a .273 hitting percentage on the season, which ranked second in the Big Ten and in the top 25 nationally.&nbsp;2024 BIG TEN VOLLEYBALL PRESEASON POLL1. Nebraska2. Wisconsin3. Penn State4. Purdue5. Minnesota6. Oregon7. USC8. UCLA9. Ohio State10. Indiana11. Illinois12. Michigan State13. Washington14. Maryland15. Michigan16. Northwestern17. Rutgers18. Iowa2024 PRESEASON ALL-BIG TEN TEAMRaina Terry, Gr., OH, IllinoisCamryn Haworth, Sr., S, IndianaMelani Shaffmaster, RS-Sr., S, Minnesota<a target="_blank" href="https://huskers.com/sports/volleyball/roster/player/merritt-beason">MERRITT BEASON</a>, Sr., OPP, Nebraska<a target="_blank" href="https://huskers.com/sports/volleyball/roster/player/taylor-landfair">Taylor Landfair</a>, Sr., OH, Nebraska<a target="_blank" href="https://huskers.com/sports/volleyball/roster/player/harper-murray">Harper Murray</a>, So., OH, Nebraska<a target="_blank" href="https://huskers.com/sports/volleyball/roster/player/bergen-reilly">Bergen Reilly</a>, So., S, Nebraska<a target="_blank" href="https://huskers.com/sports/volleyball/roster/player/lexi-rodriguez">LEXI RODRIGUEZ</a>, Sr., L, NebraskaEmily Londot, Fifth-Year, OH/OPP, Ohio StateMimi Colyer, Jr., OH, OregonJESS MRUZIK, Gr., OH, Penn StateChloe Chicoine, So., OH, PurdueEva Hudson, Jr., OH, PurdueAnna Dodson, Gr., MB, UCLAMia Tuaniga, Sr., S, USCCarter Booth, Jr., MB, WisconsinSarah Franklin, Sr., OH, WisconsinAnna Smrek, Sr., MB/OPP, WisconsinUnanimous selection listed in ALL CAPS

Five Huskers named to Preseason All-Big Ten Team

Story by Omaha Supernovas Communication

OMAHA, Neb.&nbsp;– The&nbsp;Omaha Supernovas, Nebraska’s professional volleyball team and inaugural Pro Volleyball Federation Champions, have signed former Creighton libero&nbsp;Allison Whitten.&nbsp;

The South Carolina native spent her fifth and final season of college volleyball with Creighton. Under head coach&nbsp;Kirsten Bernthal Booth, Whitten served as the team’s libero for each set of the 2022 season that saw the Bluejays reach the NCAA Tournament.

"We are thrilled to welcome Allison back to Omaha as she joins the Supernovas. As a former Bluejay with robust experience at a high level, Allison will be a fantastic addition to our team,” said Supernovas Head Coach&nbsp;Laura “Bird” Kuhn. “Her all gas and no brakes mentality are a perfect fit for our roster and aligns seamlessly with our culture as we build towards the 2025 season."&nbsp;

A four-year starting transfer from Morehead State, Whitten quickly excelled when inserted into Creighton’s lineup, recording 3.65 digs per set across 26 matches which included a season-high 29 against Florida State. She totaled 2,289 career digs which wound up being sixth on the active players list that season.&nbsp;

Prior to Creighton, Whitten became one of the best liberos in Morehead State’s history, racking up 1,823 digs and a 4.37 digs per set mark across four seasons for the Eagles. That also included 103 aces and 149 assists. She would become the 27th member of Morehead State’s 1,000 dig club and had her senior season rank inside the top five for most digs in a single campaign with 577 digs in 119 sets.&nbsp;

“Allison Whitten is a special player and an even more special person,” said Bernthal Booth. “She is going to work hard every day to be the best she can be, and she will always have the team at the forefront of any decision she makes. The Supernovas are adding a great one and I’m thrilled she’ll be here in Omaha.”&nbsp;

Whitten also has a prolific high school background as one of the best volleyball players to come out of South Carolina. She won an unprecedented six state titles with two coming from Hillcrest High School and the other four from St. Joeseph's High School. She was a two-time South Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year nominee and was named the 1A Player of the Year in 2015 and the 2A Player of the Year in 2016. Whitten piled up more than 1,000 career kills and digs while being a finalist for PrepVolleyball’s National Freshman, Sophomore and Junior Player of the Year.&nbsp;

Whitten becomes the second libero to join the Supernovas roster and 12th overall addition this offseason. Whitten joins&nbsp;Camila Gómez&nbsp;as the other libero. Gómez signed from the Grand Rapids Rise who lost to the Supernovas in the inaugural Pro Volleyball Federation Championship in May.&nbsp;

To keep up to date who the Supernovas have signed in the PVF Free Agency period, check out the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Xl1qUBfd6pkjXrzJThV43X0tseLnJBaq7bbBQs9MEpnN8Z5LMCYBkpitZrQqneujgqefrBEI5ZSY8Gl0dpL36c2QoWwCVkHPwSkmYAqLHN5BGP6CEPG0jAA3TXzxJYd6NA-bNqiEHtAgcx_DTpdDdBiCtcz6CmItVh43cGcJo_akKNSddoeSGeTe2VdfI7xCq12M2fzYI1ThM_ZftiNd7fVRSX2bwXqJ&amp;c=E9IjFAwlqbP6zw4FjO74n967_3N-66Ny8UQqIsL86EJ5MTDh79cicQ==&amp;ch=aSNkozJhsVKxu0nnuXdhDIAhHccDVbJvRi5PbILJS5e2ZKkWvTIE1w==">Supernovas Free Agency Live Tracker.</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

To celebrate the first-ever PVF Championship, fans will be able to see the Supernovas and championship trophy as part of the Championship Trophy Tour. Please click this&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Xl1qUBfd6pkjXrzJThV43X0tseLnJBaq7bbBQs9MEpnN8Z5LMCYBkkWLMMvfOpIc0OIqzw3Aon6KNcjfNOJatYYQS0dcAEasz8e_tVYQA7Dtc7wTox0L0VwoR-VzucPjTdHUhYbOUw7V6DgfTxNHHyWl1J-X0ZHEbIVQVQbR7lHVSgK3NXnKBQBDj09drSav&amp;c=E9IjFAwlqbP6zw4FjO74n967_3N-66Ny8UQqIsL86EJ5MTDh79cicQ==&amp;ch=aSNkozJhsVKxu0nnuXdhDIAhHccDVbJvRi5PbILJS5e2ZKkWvTIE1w==">link</a>&nbsp;to see where the Supernovas are this summer!&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Season tickets are now on sale! For more information on becoming a 2025 season ticket member, visit the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Xl1qUBfd6pkjXrzJThV43X0tseLnJBaq7bbBQs9MEpnN8Z5LMCYBkrFENv3VWGSrWHUBuI4dYghuyj7Sg9cxOQJHvZAzrzEnwDKrZtgzansOFcIK0DboPmAttW_pzcS-19UuSRFSHNM-MaDmSjjErmvh2eGXQBWKDBNSORNWGrY=&amp;c=E9IjFAwlqbP6zw4FjO74n967_3N-66Ny8UQqIsL86EJ5MTDh79cicQ==&amp;ch=aSNkozJhsVKxu0nnuXdhDIAhHccDVbJvRi5PbILJS5e2ZKkWvTIE1w==">Supernovas Ticket FAQ page</a>&nbsp;or by calling 402-502-5268.&nbsp;

Story by Omaha Supernovas CommunicationOMAHA, Neb.&nbsp;– The&nbsp;Omaha Supernovas, Nebraska’s professional volleyball team and inaugural Pro Volleyball Federation Champions, have signed former Creighton libero&nbsp;Allison Whitten.&nbsp;The South Carolina native spent her fifth and final season of college volleyball with Creighton. Under head coach&nbsp;Kirsten Bernthal Booth, Whitten served as the team’s libero for each set of the 2022 season that saw the Bluejays reach the NCAA Tournament."We are thrilled to welcome Allison back to Omaha as she joins the Supernovas. As a former Bluejay with robust experience at a high level, Allison will be a fantastic addition to our team,” said Supernovas Head Coach&nbsp;Laura “Bird” Kuhn. “Her all gas and no brakes mentality are a perfect fit for our roster and aligns seamlessly with our culture as we build towards the 2025 season."&nbsp;A four-year starting transfer from Morehead State, Whitten quickly excelled when inserted into Creighton’s lineup, recording 3.65 digs per set across 26 matches which included a season-high 29 against Florida State. She totaled 2,289 career digs which wound up being sixth on the active players list that season.&nbsp;Prior to Creighton, Whitten became one of the best liberos in Morehead State’s history, racking up 1,823 digs and a 4.37 digs per set mark across four seasons for the Eagles. That also included 103 aces and 149 assists. She would become the 27th member of Morehead State’s 1,000 dig club and had her senior season rank inside the top five for most digs in a single campaign with 577 digs in 119 sets.&nbsp;“Allison Whitten is a special player and an even more special person,” said Bernthal Booth. “She is going to work hard every day to be the best she can be, and she will always have the team at the forefront of any decision she makes. The Supernovas are adding a great one and I’m thrilled she’ll be here in Omaha.”&nbsp;Whitten also has a prolific high school background as one of the best volleyball players to come out of South Carolina. She won an unprecedented six state titles with two coming from Hillcrest High School and the other four from St. Joeseph's High School. She was a two-time South Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year nominee and was named the 1A Player of the Year in 2015 and the 2A Player of the Year in 2016. Whitten piled up more than 1,000 career kills and digs while being a finalist for PrepVolleyball’s National Freshman, Sophomore and Junior Player of the Year.&nbsp;Whitten becomes the second libero to join the Supernovas roster and 12th overall addition this offseason. Whitten joins&nbsp;Camila Gómez&nbsp;as the other libero. Gómez signed from the Grand Rapids Rise who lost to the Supernovas in the inaugural Pro Volleyball Federation Championship in May.&nbsp;To keep up to date who the Supernovas have signed in the PVF Free Agency period, check out the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Xl1qUBfd6pkjXrzJThV43X0tseLnJBaq7bbBQs9MEpnN8Z5LMCYBkpitZrQqneujgqefrBEI5ZSY8Gl0dpL36c2QoWwCVkHPwSkmYAqLHN5BGP6CEPG0jAA3TXzxJYd6NA-bNqiEHtAgcx_DTpdDdBiCtcz6CmItVh43cGcJo_akKNSddoeSGeTe2VdfI7xCq12M2fzYI1ThM_ZftiNd7fVRSX2bwXqJ&amp;c=E9IjFAwlqbP6zw4FjO74n967_3N-66Ny8UQqIsL86EJ5MTDh79cicQ==&amp;ch=aSNkozJhsVKxu0nnuXdhDIAhHccDVbJvRi5PbILJS5e2ZKkWvTIE1w==">Supernovas Free Agency Live Tracker.</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;To celebrate the first-ever PVF Championship, fans will be able to see the Supernovas and championship trophy as part of the Championship Trophy Tour. Please click this&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Xl1qUBfd6pkjXrzJThV43X0tseLnJBaq7bbBQs9MEpnN8Z5LMCYBkkWLMMvfOpIc0OIqzw3Aon6KNcjfNOJatYYQS0dcAEasz8e_tVYQA7Dtc7wTox0L0VwoR-VzucPjTdHUhYbOUw7V6DgfTxNHHyWl1J-X0ZHEbIVQVQbR7lHVSgK3NXnKBQBDj09drSav&amp;c=E9IjFAwlqbP6zw4FjO74n967_3N-66Ny8UQqIsL86EJ5MTDh79cicQ==&amp;ch=aSNkozJhsVKxu0nnuXdhDIAhHccDVbJvRi5PbILJS5e2ZKkWvTIE1w==">link</a>&nbsp;to see where the Supernovas are this summer!&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Season tickets are now on sale! For more information on becoming a 2025 season ticket member, visit the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Xl1qUBfd6pkjXrzJThV43X0tseLnJBaq7bbBQs9MEpnN8Z5LMCYBkrFENv3VWGSrWHUBuI4dYghuyj7Sg9cxOQJHvZAzrzEnwDKrZtgzansOFcIK0DboPmAttW_pzcS-19UuSRFSHNM-MaDmSjjErmvh2eGXQBWKDBNSORNWGrY=&amp;c=E9IjFAwlqbP6zw4FjO74n967_3N-66Ny8UQqIsL86EJ5MTDh79cicQ==&amp;ch=aSNkozJhsVKxu0nnuXdhDIAhHccDVbJvRi5PbILJS5e2ZKkWvTIE1w==">Supernovas Ticket FAQ page</a>&nbsp;or by calling 402-502-5268.&nbsp;

Supernovas sign former Creighton Libero Allison Whitten 

ROSEMONT, Ill.&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Big Ten Conference announced Wednesday that Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis will host the 2025 TIAA Big Ten Women’s and Men’s Basketball Tournaments, with future events headed to United Center in Chicago, T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.

“We look forward to partnering with the cities of Chicago, Detroit, Indianapolis, and Las Vegas as they host the Big Ten Basketball Tournaments from 2025-28,” said Big Ten Commissioner, Tony Petitti. “Each city will be an exciting postseason opportunity for our student-athletes, coaches, and fans, both locally and from across the country.”

The 2025 TIAA Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament will take place March 5-9, followed by the 2025 TIAA Men’s Basketball Tournament from March 12-16. The events will be the first to feature a 15-team field following the additions of Oregon, UCLA, USC and Washington this summer.

The Big Ten also announced basketball tournament locations for 2026-28. The women’s tournament will remain in Indianapolis in 2026 before moving to Las Vegas in 2027 and Detroit in 2028. The Big Ten will host the men’s tournament in Chicago for the 12th&nbsp;time in 2026, return to Indianapolis in 2027, and head to Las Vegas in 2028. This will mark the first time Big Ten Tournaments will be held in Las Vegas or Detroit.

The TIAA Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament&nbsp;returns&nbsp;to Indianapolis next season, where it has been&nbsp;held&nbsp;27 times since the tournament began in 1982. Eight different programs have claimed&nbsp;a&nbsp;tournament title,&nbsp;with Iowa winning the last three tournament championships.

The TIAA Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament&nbsp;is back in&nbsp;Indianapolis for the 14th time. Seven different teams have claimed the Big Ten Tournament title since the inaugural event in 1998, including Illinois&nbsp;winning&nbsp;its fourth tournament championship in 2024.

An overview of future Big Ten Women’s and Men’s Basketball Tournament sites can be found below.

Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament Future Sites:

Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament Future Sites:

Story by Big Ten CommunicationsROSEMONT, Ill.&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Big Ten Conference announced Wednesday that Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis will host the 2025 TIAA Big Ten Women’s and Men’s Basketball Tournaments, with future events headed to United Center in Chicago, T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.“We look forward to partnering with the cities of Chicago, Detroit, Indianapolis, and Las Vegas as they host the Big Ten Basketball Tournaments from 2025-28,” said Big Ten Commissioner, Tony Petitti. “Each city will be an exciting postseason opportunity for our student-athletes, coaches, and fans, both locally and from across the country.”The 2025 TIAA Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament will take place March 5-9, followed by the 2025 TIAA Men’s Basketball Tournament from March 12-16. The events will be the first to feature a 15-team field following the additions of Oregon, UCLA, USC and Washington this summer.The Big Ten also announced basketball tournament locations for 2026-28. The women’s tournament will remain in Indianapolis in 2026 before moving to Las Vegas in 2027 and Detroit in 2028. The Big Ten will host the men’s tournament in Chicago for the 12th&nbsp;time in 2026, return to Indianapolis in 2027, and head to Las Vegas in 2028. This will mark the first time Big Ten Tournaments will be held in Las Vegas or Detroit.The TIAA Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament&nbsp;returns&nbsp;to Indianapolis next season, where it has been&nbsp;held&nbsp;27 times since the tournament began in 1982. Eight different programs have claimed&nbsp;a&nbsp;tournament title,&nbsp;with Iowa winning the last three tournament championships.The TIAA Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament&nbsp;is back in&nbsp;Indianapolis for the 14th time. Seven different teams have claimed the Big Ten Tournament title since the inaugural event in 1998, including Illinois&nbsp;winning&nbsp;its fourth tournament championship in 2024.An overview of future Big Ten Women’s and Men’s Basketball Tournament sites can be found below.Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament Future Sites:<ul>
 <li>March 5-9, 2025 – Gainbridge Fieldhouse (Indianapolis)</li><li>March 4-8, 2026 – Gainbridge Fieldhouse (Indianapolis)</li><li>March 3-7, 2027 – T-Mobile Arena (Las Vegas)</li><li>March 1-5, 2028 – Little Caesars Arena (Detroit)</li>
 </ul>Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament Future Sites:<ul>
 <li>March 12-16, 2025 – Gainbridge Fieldhouse (Indianapolis)</li><li>March 11-15, 2026 – United Center (Chicago)</li><li>March 10-14, 2027 – Gainbridge Fieldhouse (Indianapolis)</li><li>March 8-12, 2028 – T-Mobile Arena (Las Vegas)</li>
 </ul>

Big Ten Conference announces 2025-28 Basketball Tournament sites

Nebraska Soccer Head Coach John Walker announced Wednesday that 2023 Oregon Gatorade Player of the Year Ellie Felt will transfer from Oregon State and join the Huskers in January of 2025.&nbsp;

A Portland, Oregon native, Felt has an impressive resume as she played in the 2022 High School All-American Game, was named to the Sports Illustrated Best High School Players in the Nation last year and earned two-time All-American honors. Additionally, she was a two-time USA Today HSSA Girls Soccer Player of the Year and Metro League Player of the Year.&nbsp;

On the club side, the midfielder competed for Coach Joaquim Capuia at Portland Thorns Academy where she was ranked top five nationwide in assists and was named to the Best 11 for the Northwest Conference, three-time All-American USCA for Club Youth Girls, ECNL All-Conference in 2022 and 2023, and an IMG Top 150 Players in the U.S. for 2024 graduates.&nbsp;

“I chose Nebraska because of the incredible coaching staff and their ability to develop players to the next level, as well as the hard working and competitive culture of the girls,” Felt said. “I also appreciate the support that Nebraska provides their athletes to help them succeed at the highest level.”

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsNebraska Soccer Head Coach John Walker announced Wednesday that 2023 Oregon Gatorade Player of the Year Ellie Felt will transfer from Oregon State and join the Huskers in January of 2025.&nbsp;A Portland, Oregon native, Felt has an impressive resume as she played in the 2022 High School All-American Game, was named to the Sports Illustrated Best High School Players in the Nation last year and earned two-time All-American honors. Additionally, she was a two-time USA Today HSSA Girls Soccer Player of the Year and Metro League Player of the Year.&nbsp;On the club side, the midfielder competed for Coach Joaquim Capuia at Portland Thorns Academy where she was ranked top five nationwide in assists and was named to the Best 11 for the Northwest Conference, three-time All-American USCA for Club Youth Girls, ECNL All-Conference in 2022 and 2023, and an IMG Top 150 Players in the U.S. for 2024 graduates.&nbsp;“I chose Nebraska because of the incredible coaching staff and their ability to develop players to the next level, as well as the hard working and competitive culture of the girls,” Felt said. “I also appreciate the support that Nebraska provides their athletes to help them succeed at the highest level.”

Huskers add Oregon Gatorade Player of the Year

North Platte, Ne - The annual North Platte Ambassadors Junior Golf Tournament was held this week in North Platte for youth golfers. Tuesday's golf was held at the Lake Maloney Golf Course and Wednesday's FINALS were held at Rivers Edge Golf Course. 105 golfers golfed in the 2-day event.

North Platte, Ne - The annual North Platte Ambassadors Junior Golf Tournament was held this week in North Platte for youth golfers. Tuesday's golf was held at the Lake Maloney Golf Course and Wednesday's FINALS were held at Rivers Edge Golf Course. 105 golfers golfed in the 2-day event.RESULTS<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722514135822.jpeg" alt="Girls 7-9" />
 <figcaption>Girls 7-9</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>7-9 Girls</h2>1st Place Hanami Kitabatake 1682nd Place Jozlyn Weber&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722514299929.jpeg" alt="Girls 11-14" />
 <figcaption>Girls 11-14</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Girls 11-14</h2>1st Place Janee Wagner 1002nd place Gia Baker 1013rd place Myla Panas 1154th place Izetta Schultz 1215th place Hadley Amen 124&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722514381127.jpeg" alt="Girls 15-18" />
 <figcaption>Girls 15-18</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Girls 15-18</h2>1st Place Allie Jones 1732nd place Laney Peters 187&nbsp;3rd place Stephanie Budke 1884th place Amelia Wenburg 1945th place Kaylee Olsen 195&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722514464396.png" alt="Boys 7-9" />
 <figcaption>Boys 7-9</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Boys 7-9</h2>1st place Henry Amen, 702nd place Cooper Rippen, 833rd place Ryan O’Neill 924th place Ryder Schmoldt 1105th place Aric Sharp 117&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722514543308.png" alt="Boys 10-11" />
 <figcaption>Boys 10-11</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Boys 10-11</h2>1st place Greyson Roelfs 852nd place Kaden Brown 873rd place Alec Simonson 964th place Colin Bode 985th place Seve Jarzynka 105&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722514617211.png" alt="Boys 12-13" />
 <figcaption>Boys 12-13</figcaption>
 </figure>Boys 12-131st place Jude Swarm, 1722nd place Jackson Weaver 1743rd place Mattix Woodburn 182&nbsp;4th place Tucker Ehlers 1835th place Teetsn O’Brien 194&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722514701965.png" alt="Boys 14-15" />
 <figcaption>Boys 14-15</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Boys 14-15&nbsp;</h2>1st place Keaton Loop, 1612nd place Ben Werner 1663rd place Aidan Truesdale 1674th place Chase Wingett 1745th place Ty Vaughn 177&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722514780901.jpeg" alt="Boys 16-18" />
 <figcaption>Boys 16-18</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Boys 16-18&nbsp;</h2>1st place Luke Borges&nbsp; 1532nd place Landon Kmoch 1543rd Reid Loop 1594th place Landon Shepherd 1665th place Kyce Shimmin 167

Jr Ambassadors Golf Tournament FINAL Results

North Platte, Neb. - Day 2 of the Junior Ambassador Classic Golf Tournament kicked off this morning at the Lake Maloney Golf course earlier this morning. Boys and Girls ages 7-18 from around the state gather around North Platte to not only compete for the top prize at one of the most prominent Junior Golf Tournaments in Nebraska but, also to help new Golfers looking to get into their first-ever tournament.&nbsp;The Junior Ambassador Classic is designed to help instill courage and confidence in players who are new to competitive golf and introduce youth golfers to other players.

Trophies will be awarded to the top performers in all flights and divisions for the two-day tournament.  The trophy presentations will be held at the end of play on July 31st at Lake Maloney Golf Club from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.&nbsp;

Results will also be posted on northplatepost.com following the conclusion of each day.&nbsp;

North Platte PostNorth Platte, Neb. - Day 2 of the Junior Ambassador Classic Golf Tournament kicked off this morning at the Lake Maloney Golf course earlier this morning. Boys and Girls ages 7-18 from around the state gather around North Platte to not only compete for the top prize at one of the most prominent Junior Golf Tournaments in Nebraska but, also to help new Golfers looking to get into their first-ever tournament.&nbsp;The Junior Ambassador Classic is designed to help instill courage and confidence in players who are new to competitive golf and introduce youth golfers to other players.Trophies will be awarded to the top performers in all flights and divisions for the two-day tournament. The trophy presentations will be held at the end of play on July 31st at Lake Maloney Golf Club from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.&nbsp;Results will also be posted on northplatepost.com following the conclusion of each day.&nbsp;

Day 2 of the Junior Ambassador Classic Golf Tournament gets under way

<h2>Boys 7-9</h2>Henry Amen 34Cooper Rippen 42Ryder Schmoldt 57Max Burwick 59<h2>Boys 10-11</h2>Kaden Brown 45Greyson Roelfs 46Colin Bode 49Alec Simonson 49Seve Jarzynka 60<h2>Boys 12-13</h2>Jude Swarm 88Jaxson Weedman 88Tucker Ehlers 91Mattix Woodburn 94Teegan O’Brien 99<h2>Boys 14-15</h2>Keaton Loop 79Ben Werner 80Aidan Truesdale 83Karter Phillips 85Chase Wingett 89<h2>Boys 16-18</h2>Luke Borges 73Kyce Shimmin 77Landon&nbsp; Kmoch 79Landon Shepherd 80Reid Loop 85

Jr Ambassadors Golf Tournament boys results from Day 1

Lincoln, Neb. — The 2024 Cornhusker State Games concluded Sunday, with 27 sports across venues in Lincoln, Omaha, Weeping Water, Raymond, and other locations.

Overall, the Cornhusker State Games attracted&nbsp;8,157&nbsp;participants in 70 sports compared to 8,127 in 2023. Shooting sports brought in the most participants with 633. Track and Field drew 617, while Volleyball hosted 507 athletes. Ice Hockey and Basketball followed with 458 each.&nbsp;

In Youth Golf, Anna Midyett from Bennington secured gold in Girls 11 and under stroke play and, alongside Perrey Hernon from Elkhorn, won the 9-11 division 2-person scramble. This followed her recent gold in the Girls 11-12 division at the Youth Golf State Championships from last weekend in Columbus, further highlighting her achievements as last year's CSG Youth Female Athlete of the Year.

In Cornhole, Jerry Hill and Greg Mazankowski, both from Kearney, took home gold medals in the competitive doubles and senior doubles categories.

Joseph Dustin from Lincoln secured the title of 5K Road Race champion with a finish time of 16:30. Hana Takahashi of Blair earned the title of overall female winner, crossing the line in 22:30.

Diego Serkel of Lincoln had a standout performance in Karate, winning gold in KATA adult brown belt, KUMITE men brown/red belt, and KATA adult brown/red belt. Maria Snyder, also from Lincoln, matched this success by taking gold in KATA adult black belt, KUMITE women black belt, and KATA adult black belt 3rd degree.&nbsp;

Powerlifting saw Marsha Busse from Lincoln dominate, winning four gold medals in women's raw master (40+), women's raw master (40+) - 100 kg, women's raw open - 100 kg, and women's raw master (40+) bench only. She also earned a bronze in women's raw open bench only (all). Busse was also the 2021 Senior Female Athlete of the Year.

In Racquetball, Roscoe (Ross) Halsey from Olathe, KS, claimed gold in men's A singles and men's doubles with partner Ron Bacon from Lincoln, who also secured a silver in men's A singles.

Alexander Atkinson from Council Bluffs, IA, excelled in the .22 Prone Shooting event, capturing gold medals in both the open sub junior and match sub junior categories.

Nebraska Sports CouncilLincoln, Neb. — The 2024 Cornhusker State Games concluded Sunday, with 27 sports across venues in Lincoln, Omaha, Weeping Water, Raymond, and other locations.Overall, the Cornhusker State Games attracted&nbsp;8,157&nbsp;participants in 70 sports compared to 8,127 in 2023. Shooting sports brought in the most participants with 633. Track and Field drew 617, while Volleyball hosted 507 athletes. Ice Hockey and Basketball followed with 458 each.&nbsp;In Youth Golf, Anna Midyett from Bennington secured gold in Girls 11 and under stroke play and, alongside Perrey Hernon from Elkhorn, won the 9-11 division 2-person scramble. This followed her recent gold in the Girls 11-12 division at the Youth Golf State Championships from last weekend in Columbus, further highlighting her achievements as last year's CSG Youth Female Athlete of the Year.In Cornhole, Jerry Hill and Greg Mazankowski, both from Kearney, took home gold medals in the competitive doubles and senior doubles categories.Joseph Dustin from Lincoln secured the title of 5K Road Race champion with a finish time of 16:30. Hana Takahashi of Blair earned the title of overall female winner, crossing the line in 22:30.Diego Serkel of Lincoln had a standout performance in Karate, winning gold in KATA adult brown belt, KUMITE men brown/red belt, and KATA adult brown/red belt. Maria Snyder, also from Lincoln, matched this success by taking gold in KATA adult black belt, KUMITE women black belt, and KATA adult black belt 3rd degree.&nbsp;Powerlifting saw Marsha Busse from Lincoln dominate, winning four gold medals in women's raw master (40+), women's raw master (40+) - 100 kg, women's raw open - 100 kg, and women's raw master (40+) bench only. She also earned a bronze in women's raw open bench only (all). Busse was also the 2021 Senior Female Athlete of the Year.In Racquetball, Roscoe (Ross) Halsey from Olathe, KS, claimed gold in men's A singles and men's doubles with partner Ron Bacon from Lincoln, who also secured a silver in men's A singles.Alexander Atkinson from Council Bluffs, IA, excelled in the .22 Prone Shooting event, capturing gold medals in both the open sub junior and match sub junior categories.In Adult Trap shooting, Aemal Khattak from Lincoln won gold in the 16-yard senior and HOA senior categories and took silver in the handicap senior division. Braeden Cooper from Waverly also had a notable performance, winning gold in the HOA open and handicap open events, and a bronze in ATA class B in Adult Trap. He also received a gold in the 12 gauge junior division (18U) in Adult Skeet.Josalin Stock from Lincoln shined in Tennis, securing gold in the G16 singles, G16 doubles with Pearl Stempson (Lincoln), and women's open doubles with Stacia Jacobsen (Lincoln).For a complete list of results, visit the CSG&nbsp;<a href="https://b8oyr9bab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qn0ZrYafFTGTZ0uC5v2zkbD6hsEvwUXYQyCmMZHRBAsHIR_OalToLjFQGhLLuFZLHe5tfTeps5YygDrhu-6GZY_f50RTIsi_dND6QMVpw_tjplsXmVYjb_QamdTWCKcMY2uVQ7l2Oy5HPauV8luiWCQcO8SR-HKh3rq3FCLrYlnvoXP_wMysIQGVpolptGq2&amp;c=R5MXqdb9_OM4uP8el4Ke7jbugmHVdoaNnuRRAbGSCs_FjXygrTV15w==&amp;ch=43munseePKU-Z8zB2EgS66TRn5Gnq42SSp6FU7Lz0-ZHaZfvRjEUqg==" target="_blank">RESULTS</a>&nbsp;page.&nbsp;Those interested can still purchase CSG merchandise for a limited time&nbsp;<a href="https://b8oyr9bab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qn0ZrYafFTGTZ0uC5v2zkbD6hsEvwUXYQyCmMZHRBAsHIR_OalToLhHpTnnDYLgRlza7R3BcNJn5JNEvulErDXL5DQjZijgSE5QptRnfHqkki3_gZrISS5ZOs9_plFGZ_tH6kWWsDhmLAoYYXihsHvo40mdHF1-pYyj1iHJJwGQxGSmZ9kRZ3QM7s4gOi-GP5escHK7_5RXVCjWU6vZZL3kQkI1VMwSlER8rcXcBrZeHbctAWDRdjg0SguOMSMEYOFY8jl0emmKi2Rbh_7cXIKwW9YFmuyCAHOuiYBY8NzTko8vwUPvHVQiKi5XS-u6J9a2SSEprs3Nz0OVZtq15j8YEATZWzQSL&amp;c=R5MXqdb9_OM4uP8el4Ke7jbugmHVdoaNnuRRAbGSCs_FjXygrTV15w==&amp;ch=43munseePKU-Z8zB2EgS66TRn5Gnq42SSp6FU7Lz0-ZHaZfvRjEUqg==" target="_blank">HERE</a>.&nbsp;Photos of most CSG events can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://b8oyr9bab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qn0ZrYafFTGTZ0uC5v2zkbD6hsEvwUXYQyCmMZHRBAsHIR_OalToLr7JYKWTdiNX3fO4vgCTVt3XHifUkBWe8OB-r5dj5mAnHDxoYnKThA3aVNhO1-_UDGQUzflD788VIEqIf07MBgwQhzZ5GGLadG0aq83-djF9Yj78vX5j7C9K9-RL2gAJyg==&amp;c=R5MXqdb9_OM4uP8el4Ke7jbugmHVdoaNnuRRAbGSCs_FjXygrTV15w==&amp;ch=43munseePKU-Z8zB2EgS66TRn5Gnq42SSp6FU7Lz0-ZHaZfvRjEUqg==" target="_blank">HERE</a>.The Cornhusker State Games is conducted by the Nebraska Sports Council.&nbsp;Platinum partners include the Nebraska Medical Association, Pepsi-Cola of Lincoln, Nebraska Orthopaedic Center and Farmers Mutual of Nebraska.&nbsp;Learn more at&nbsp;<a href="https://b8oyr9bab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qn0ZrYafFTGTZ0uC5v2zkbD6hsEvwUXYQyCmMZHRBAsHIR_OalToLlMubcw9dAEenreFo97xwkzShlhOlXd4j_u1-ibMxw2eufM44ZTr42zXWQVIpLmVEWHjn6hyEA-2PKTizIvxrfDFzVaFFq1Bq3qqbLiIbqYBcA-lhH1bc-4=&amp;c=R5MXqdb9_OM4uP8el4Ke7jbugmHVdoaNnuRRAbGSCs_FjXygrTV15w==&amp;ch=43munseePKU-Z8zB2EgS66TRn5Gnq42SSp6FU7Lz0-ZHaZfvRjEUqg==" target="_blank">NebraskaSportsCouncil.com</a>.