August 2013 – Page 10 – North Platte Post Archive

Peru State Seeks Dismissal of Lawsuit by Missing Student’s Mother

Posted on August 28, 2013

(AP) — The Nebraska State Colleges’ board of trustees is asking a judge to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the mother of a Peru State College student who disappeared nearly three years ago.

Attorneys filed the motion earlier this month in the lawsuit filed by LaTanya Thomas.

Thomas alleges that the college and other officials failed to protect her daughter, Tyler “Ty” Thomas, from fellow student Joshua Keadle. Keadle is in prison for sexual assault in a separate case.

LaTanya Thomas alleges that Keadle murdered her daughter in December 2010. Her body has never been found. Authorities say they believe Keadle was the last person to see Ty Thomas alive.

A judge previously signed an order dismissing Peru State College, the state of Nebraska, and local officials as defendants in the lawsuit.

Former Hemingford Police Chief Sentenced in Teen Sex Case

Posted on August 28, 2013

(AP) — A former western Nebraska police chief has been sentenced to 20 to 24 years for a sexual relationship with a teenage girl.

The Nebraska Attorney General’s Office says former Hemingford police chief Mark Lindburg was sentenced Wednesday in Box Butte County District Court.

The 53-year-old Lindburg initially was charged with first-degree sexual assault and child abuse. In an agreement with prosecutors, Lindburg pleaded no contest last month to one count of attempted first-degree sexual assault of a child, and the child abuse count was dropped.

Lindburg had faced up to 50 years in prison.

An investigation showed Lindburg engaged in sexual interactions with a 15-year-old girl while on duty as Hemingford’s police chief. Investigators said Lindburg had known the girl “as long as she could remember.”

Nebraska Looking for New Education Commissioner

Posted on August 28, 2013August 28, 2013

(AP) — A job application is now available for anyone looking to oversee the Nebraska Department of Education.

Officials say the application for Nebraska Education Commissioner is accessible online. The deadline to apply is Oct. 15.

A search committee will interview semi-finalists in November before finalists are named in December. The eight-member State Board of Education will also interview finalists at a public meeting in December.

Roger Breed announced his plans to retire as commissioner earlier this year.

Seven Huskers Awarded Blackshirts

Posted on August 28, 2013August 29, 2013

Lincoln, Neb.- The Nebraska football team continued its game one preparations for Wyoming during a two-hour practice held inside the Hawks Center and outside at the Ed and Joyanne Gass Practice Fields in half pads Wednesday evening.

Defensive Coordinator John Papuchis met with media after practice, announcing that seven Husker defenders were awarded the coveted Blackshirt jersey today before practice.

“We decided that some of the veteran guys–some of the leaders have done a tremendous job in helping some of our younger guys on our defense come along, and their effort on the field and their attitude and work in the meeting group.” Papuchis said, “Part of being a Blackshirt is being defined by your work ethic and your attention to detail and your leadership you bring to the team.”

As for the players selected to be a part of the Blackshirt tradition in 2013, the list goes as follows.

Upfront seniors Jason Ankrah and Thad Randle were selected as defensive lineman in the Blackshirt group. Ankrah has started 18 games over the past two seasons, including the final seven games of 2012 and will be a vital player on the defensive side of the ball.

Randle, a defensive tackle, will also be looked upon as a key player that could help solidify the Husker front four. Randle has fought through multiple injuries in his career, but was a bright spot for NU during 2012, playing in 13 games, including six starts. Randle recorded 21 total tackles, 10 of which were unassisted with two quarterback hurries.

Sophomore David Santos was the only linebacker selected to wear the prestigious Blackshirt jersey. Santos, the likely starter at Mike linebacker, recorded 24 total tackles last season as a freshman, 11 of which were unassisted, with two tackles for loss. It will be crucial for Santos to lead the young linebacker corps during the 2013 season.

Three cornerbacks were selected to be Blackshirts, seniors Stanley Jean-Baptiste and Ciante Evans, as well as junior Josh Mitchell. Much has been said about the stout secondary Nebraska returns in 2013, and these three are leaders of the group, all with potential to play at the next level.

After switching from wide receiver to cornerback in 2011, Jean-Baptiste has settled in well to his new position, recording 24 total tackles in 2012, with nine PBU and two interceptions, one for a touchdown (Minnesota).

Nickel back Ciante Evans will look to lead the Blackshirt group from the secondary in 2013, Evans a first-team All-Big Ten selection in 2012 by CBS and ESPN should have another tremendous season in store, being a potential All-American selection. Evans returns after starting 12 games last year for NU, recording 56 total tackles, 38 of which were unassisted. Evans also recorded one interception in 2012.

Junior Josh Mitchell will look to continue to build on his already strong career at Nebraska during 2013. The undersized but vicious cornerback will be among the leaders of the secondary in 2013, after compiling 34 total tackles, 23 of which were unassisted.

Last but certainly not least, one safety was selected to wear the Blackshirt jersey as well, with junior Corey Cooper getting the nod. Cooper, a Maywood, Ill., product recorded 17 total tackles last season, but will likely see his production levels come up during 2013 as he is expected to start for NU.
The Blackshirts being handed out was not only noteworthy news to come out of practice today. Running back coach Ron Brown also announced today that true freshman running back Adam Taylor of Katy, Texas is expected to redshirt during the 2013 football season. The decision to redshirt Taylor allows him to get more acclimated to the challenges Division I football presents.

Nebraska will continue preparations Thursday as the team moves closer to its season opener. NU will face Wyoming on Aug. 31 at 7 p.m. CST. The game will be broadcast nationally on the Big Ten Network.

Royals Option Davis and Coleman to Minors

Posted on August 28, 2013August 29, 2013

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Kansas City Royals optioned pitchers Wade Davis and Louis Coleman to Class A Wilmington on Wednesday to make room for Danny Duffy and Luke Hochevar.

By sending Davis and Coleman to Class A, the Royals can recall them by Tuesday since Wilmington finishes its regular season on Monday and likely won’t make the postseason.

Players optioned to the minors must remain there for 10 days, but that rule doesn’t apply if the minor league club finishes its season.

Duffy is replacing the struggling Davis in the rotation and is starting Wednesday’s game against Minnesota. Hochevar returns from three days of paternity leave and has a 1.93 ERA in 44 games out of the bullpen.

NU Soccer: Huskers Ready for Pair of Road Tests in Utah

Posted on August 28, 2013August 29, 2013

Lincoln – The Nebraska soccer team looks to continue its impressive play against a pair of 2012 NCAA Tournament qualifiers in Utah over the upcoming Labor Day weekend. The Huskers will battle No. 6 Brigham Young on Saturday night, Aug. 31 at 8 p.m. (Central) before traveling to Utah State for a 2 p.m. kickoff with the Aggies on Monday, Sept. 2.

Saturday’s matchup between the Huskers and Cougars, an Elite Eight finisher from a year ago, will be the first meeting since 2001 when NU knocked BYU out of the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament. The Huskers have won all three meetings against the Cougars and will be making their first-ever visit to Provo. BYU defeated Cal State Fullerton 3-1 to open the season on Aug. 23 after a pair of goals from Rachel Manning.

Nebraska will finish out the second week of the season with its first-ever meeting on the pitch against Utah State. The Aggies are off to a 2-0 start with shutout victories against Creighton and Utah Valley. Utah State went 13-3-6 last year en route to an NCAA Tournament bid, before bowing out to BYU in a first round matchup.

Saturday’s contest will be shown live on BYUtv and byutvsports.com, with live stats on BYUCougars.com. Live stats for Monday’s game will available via UtahStateAggies.com.

High-Powered Husker Offense
The Huskers featured a high-octane offense over its season-opening homestand with a pair of victories that had many statistical similarities. Nebraska recorded 30 shots, 14 shots on goal and four goals in each of its first two matches of 2013.

The Huskers have already matched their season-high (30) from a year ago, which happened twice in 2012. The NU offense, aided by a strong defensive unit, outshot their opponents by a 60-14 margin through two matches, including a 28-4 shots on goal advantage. Seven of the Big Red’s eight goals have occurred in the second half.

Climbing the Husker Ranks
Senior Emma Stevens will be moving up the ranks in her fourth season as the Nebraska goalkeeper in a number of categories. Stevens ranks second in career games played in net (50) and third in starts in goal (47), minutes (4,210) and saves (185) amongst all-time Husker keepers. Stevens has also tallied 20 wins in her career, fifth most in NU history.

Huskers Open 2013 Season on the Road

Posted on August 28, 2013August 29, 2013

The No. 10 Nebraska volleyball team begins the 2013 season this weekend at the Marcia E. Hamilton Classic hosted by Saint Louis University. The Huskers will open the weekend with a match against Louisiana-Monroe on Friday, Aug. 30 at 4:30 p.m., at Chaifetz (SHAY-fetz) Arena. Nebraska will then take on Auburn on Saturday, Aug. 31 at 10 a.m., before facing Saint Louis at 7 p.m.

Friday’s meeting will be the first between the Huskers and Louisiana-Monroe.

The Huskers hold a 2-0 record over Saint Louis, last meeting in 2012. The last time the Huskers faced the Billikens, Nebraska won in three sets (25-13, 25-17, 25-18).

Nebraska and Auburn have met just once, with the Huskers leading the all-time series at 1-0. The Huskers faced the Tigers in the second round of the 2011 NCAA Tournament, winning in three sets (25-10, 25-17, 25-15).

Fans can listen to all of the action with John Baylor and Lindsay Peterson on the 25-station Husker Sports Network, including B107.3 FM in Lincoln and The Wolf 93.3 FM in Omaha. Fans outside the state will also be able to catch the live audio feed for free on Huskers.com. Saturday’s match will only be available on Huskers.com.

Live stats for all matches will be available on SLUBillikens.com.

Scouting the Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks

• Louisiana-Monroe is coming off a 5-18 season in 2012, where they finished 1-13 in the Sun Belt Conference.

• The Warhawks return six letter winners from a year ago, included four starters.

• LMU finished sixth in the west division of the Sun Belt Conference in 2012.

• Returning for LMU in 2013 is senior Blanca Ocana. She tallied 171 total kills as a junior, with an average of 2.09 kills per set.

• Marcela Araya also returns for the Warhawks at libero. She posted a total of 361 digs in 2012, with an average of 4.46 digs per set.

• Patrick Hiltz is in his first season at the helm of the Warhawks. He was previously the head coach at Nicholls State for one season.

Scouting the Auburn Tigers

• Auburn is coming off a 17-13 record and an 8-12 finish in the SEC Conference in 2012.

• The Tigers return senior Camila Jersonsky at middle blocker, leading the way for the Tigers up front. She was a second-team All-SEC pick as a junior and was also named to the Preseason All-SEC team this season. Jersonsky is Auburn’s all-time leader in career hitting percentage (.356) and had 118 blocks (1.09/set) in 2012.

• At outside hitter, Auburn returns Katherine Culwell, a fifth-year senior who ranks seventh among active SEC players in career kills (680) and was the team’s second-leading attacker last season with 330 kills (3.03/set).

• The Tigers will run a 6-2 offense in 2013, using the same duo of Chelsea Wintzinger and Ciara Richards as was used in 2012. Wintzinger averaged 6.24 assists per set last season and a total of 680 on the year. Richards recorded 541 assists (4.96/set) and also led the team with 26 aces as a freshman.

• Auburn returns one of the SEC’s most experienced liberos in senior Sarah Wroblicky. She recorded a team-high 431 digs (3.99/set), the third-most single-season digs in program history in 2012.

• Rick Nold is in this third season as head coach at Auburn, he has a 28-32 record at the helm of the Tigers.

Scouting the Saint Louis Billikens

• Saint Louis is coming off a 10-20 season in 2012, where the Billikens went 4-10 in the Atlantic 10 Conference and finished 10th overall.

• The Billikens return three starters and seven letterwinners from the 2012 squad.

• Sophomore Megan Gilbert returns for SLU after earning Atlantic 10 All-Rookie Team honors in 2012. She was second on the team in kills as a freshman with 245 and a hitting clip of .221. She also notched 63 total blocks.

• The Billikens also return defensive specialist Anna Church. She led the team with 24 aces in 2012. She also tallied 262 digs and 143 kills as a freshman.

• Kent Miller returns for his third season in 2013. He has a 25-33 record in three years with the Billikens.

Noting the Nebraska Cornhuskers

The information below provides a quick glimpse of a few statistics and brief notes heading into this weekend.

•The Huskers return AVCA Honorable-Mention All-Americans Morgan Broekhuis and Meghan Haggerty in 2013. They also welcomed 2011 AVCA Second-Team All-American Kelsey Robinson and 2011 AVCA Honorable-Mention All-American Mary Pollmiller to the 2013 roster after both transferred from Tennessee.

• Nebraska begins the 2013 season as the second-winningest program in Division I history with 1,166 wins and trails only UCLA (1,181) on the all-time list.

• NU was ranked No. 10 in the AVCA Preseason Coaches Poll, receiving 962 points

• The Huskers finished tied for second in the Big Ten in 2012. They were picked to finish fourth in the league in the Big Ten Coaches’ preseason poll.

• Nebraska carries a streak of 181 consecutive sellouts into the 2013 season, the longest sellout streak across all NCAA women’s athletics. The Huskers averaged 4,287 fans per home contest last season at the NU Coliseum.

• Nebraska has seven players on its 2013 roster who were Volleyball Magazine Fab 50 selections, representing the top-50 players in that year’s recruiting class. Six of the Huskers’ last nine recruiting classes have ranked in the top five nationally, including the 2009 class that was ranked second and the 2013 class that was ranked first by Prepvlleyball.com

• Nebraska continued its string of All-America success in 2012, as Lauren Cook was named an AVCA All-American. Cook upped Nebraska’s NCAA-leading totals to 36 players and 74 certificates. Nebraska has had at least one All-American every season since 1983, a total of 31 straight seasons, including 39 All-America awards in Cook’s 13 years at Nebraska.

AVCA All-America Certificates

No. School Awards

1. Nebraska 74

2. Stanford 66

3. Penn State 58

4. Hawaii 53

5. UCLA 45

• Head Coach John Cook welcomes a young team, including 10 newcomers, to the 2013 squad. The 2012 team finished 26-7 last season, while Cook has won over 90 percent (387-91) of his matches in 13 years as the Huskers’ leader.

The Last Time Nebraska…

• Won a match 3-0: vs. Washington, Dec. 7, 2012

• Won a match 3-1: vs. Northwestern, Nov. 24, 2012

• Won a match 3-2: vs. Purdue, Nov. 10, 2012

• Lost a match 0-3: at Purdue, Nov. 12, 2011

• Lost a match 1-3: vs. Oregon, Dec. 8, 2012

• Lost a match 2-3: at Minnesota, Nov. 16, 2012

• Had 100 kills in a match: vs. Texas Tech, Oct. 26, 1996

• Had 200 attacks in a match: vs. Iowa State (200), Oct. 21, 2009

• Had .500-or-more hitting pct.: vs. Kansas (.523), Oct. 10, 2001

• Had 10-or-more service aces: at Texas A&M (11), Nov. 5, 2008

• Had 40-or-more total blocks: vs. UCLA (41), Sept. 14, 1991

• Had 100-or-more digs: vs. USC (109), Dec. 11, 2004

The Last Time a Husker…

• Had 30-or-more kills: Sarah Pavan (31) at Kansas State, Nov. 3, 2007

• Had 10-or-more blocks: Brooke Delano (10) at Oklahoma, Sept. 29, 2010

• Had 25-or-more digs: Lara Dykstra (28) vs. New Mexico State, Aug. 26, 2011

• Had two players with 20-or-more kills: Tara Mueller (24) and Jordan Larson (21) at Washington, Dec. 13, 2008

• Had a triple-double: Greichaly Cepero (10 kills, 38 assists, 12 digs) vs. Texas Tech, Sept. 25, 2002

Nebraska…

• Is 357-71 (.834) when winning a first set under John Cook and 45-29 (.608) when it loses the opening set

• Has spent 409 weeks in the top 10 and were ranked in the top 10 for 115 consecutive weeks (2004-Sept. 5, 2011)

• Nebraska has currently been ranked in the top 10 for 26 consecutive weeks (Sept. 12, 2011-present)

• Is 214-0 under John Cook when hitting .300 or better

Huskers Call the Devaney Center Home

The Nebraska volleyball program opened a new era in its storied tradition by moving into a new permanent home court for the first time in almost 40 years. When Nebraska played its preseason Red-White Match on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2013, the Bob Devaney Sports Center became the official home of Husker volleyball. The Devaney Center, which received $20 million in renovations designed to create the nation’s premier home court advantage for volleyball, will allow nearly 4,000 more Nebraska fans per game to watch their beloved Huskers.

Nebraska volleyball, which carried the nation’s longest home sellout streak in the history of any NCAA women’s sport with 181 consecutive sellouts (2001-12) at the historic NU Coliseum, has guaranteed another season of sellouts in its first year at the Devaney Center. Not only did the Huskers quickly sell out the new 7,907-seat capacity at the Devaney Center long before the season began, they also have room for nearly 400 standing-room seats at each game and a season-ticket waiting list of well over 1,000.

During the last two decades, Nebraska has ranked among the nation’s top three volleyball programs in average home attendance every season. In 2012, the Huskers finished second nationally by averaging 4,287 fans per match. Hawaii, the NCAA’s annual attendance leader for many years, drew 6,675 per home match in 2012. As the Huskers’ new home in 2013, the Devaney Center will put Nebraska in position to lead the nation in volleyball attendance on an annual basis.

The renovations to the Devaney Center have done much more than change the capacity. Massive red ceiling trusses helped create a similar environment in the arena to the Huskers’ former home in the Coliseum. A great wall, which replicates the old Coliseum entry, adds to an atmosphere steeped in tradition. While the new Devaney Center pays homage to the history of the Coliseum, which served as the home to Husker NCAA Championship teams in 1995, 2000 and 2006, the innovative design and technological advances inside also symbolize the visionary contributions of AVCA All-Time Great Coaches Terry Pettit and John Cook.

Huskers Find Even More Talent for 2013

Head Coach John Cook’s 2013 Huskers include 10 talented additions. NU welcomed true freshmen Alexa Ethridge, Kelly Hunter, Melanie Keil, Kira Larson, Brenna Lyles, Amber Rolfzen, Kadie Rolfzen and Justine Wong-Orantes and transfers Mary Pollmiller and Kelsey Robinson.

The 2013 recruiting class was regarded as one of the best in the nation, with four players ranked as the top-25 prospects in the nation. Kadie Rolfzen came in at No. 5, while Amber Rolfzen was ranked eighth, Kelly Hunter was ranked 13th and Kira Larson was ranked 23rd.

Broekhuis Looks to Excel in Final Season

Nebraska senior Morgan Broekhuis embarks on her final season with the Huskers in 2013. She has produced a solid Husker career, including being named a 2011 AVCA Honorable-Mention All-American and Honorable-Mention All-Big Ten honoree. She closed out the 2012 season by earning NCAA Omaha Regional All-Tournament Team honors. She helped the Huskers to a second-place finish in the Big Ten in 2012 and was named to the CoSIDA Academic Second-Team District Seven squad. Broekhuis averaged 2.73 kills, 0.19 aces, 1.34 digs and 0.64 blocks per set on the season, posted 75 total assists in 2012 and notched at least five assists on five occasions. She was key for the Huskers in their win over defending NCAA Champion UCLA, notching 15 kills against the Bruins and the final two kills of the fifth set to seal the victory. She closed the season with 16 kills and six digs in a four-set loss to Oregon in the NCAA Regional Final.

Haggerty to Follow Up Successful Freshman Campaign

Meghan Haggerty became just the eighth true freshman to start a season opener during Coach John Cook’s career at Nebraska in 2012. She was named an AVCA Honorable-Mention All-American and All-Mideast selection and also earned Big Ten All-Freshman honors. Haggerty was honored with Big Ten Freshman of the Week accolades four times in 2012. She led the Huskers in hitting efficiency (.333) as a freshman and recorded a hitting percentage of .300 or better 18 times in 2012. Haggerty averaged 1.98 kills and 0.97 blocks per set and finished eighth in the conference in hitting percentage with an average of .333. She posted a team-high 17 kills against UCLA, notching a .600 hitting percentage (17-2-25).Her 17 kills were the most by a Nebraska middle blocker since Tracy Stalls tallied 17 (17-2-26) against UCLA during the 2006 National Semifinal match.

Thramer to Lead the Huskers in 2013

Senior Hayley Thramer suffered a knee injury in the spring of 2013 that will sideline her from competing during her senior season. She will fill the role as student coach and will help lead the Huskers in 2013. Thramer averaged 1.64 kills and 1.17 blocks as a junior, she totaled at least five blocks 16 times in 2012 and notched a career-high 10 blocks against Purdue in 2012.

Huskers Battle in Red/White Scrimmage

The 10th-ranked Nebraska volleyball team held its annual Red/White Match on Saturday, Aug. 24 at the Bob Devaney Sports Center in front of a sellout crowd of 8,243 fans. The Nebraska alumni team, led by Olympians Jordan Larson and Nancy Metcalf, took the match 2-1 (25-19, 17-25, 25-22) on the historic night at the Devaney.

Kelsey Fien and Morgan Broekhuis led the Huskers on the night with 12 kills each. Broekhuis tallied a .357 hitting percentage, while Fien notched a clip of .280. Husker setters Kelly Hunter and Mary Pollmiller both saw playing time during the match, with Pollmiller notching 24 assists and Hunter with seven assists. Justine Wong-Orantes had 12 digs.

Cook Selects Team Captains

Coach Cook selected team captains for the 2013 season prior to the Red/White Match. He selected Morgan Broekhuis, Kelsey Robinson and Hayley Thramer.

Manziel to Sit Half of Opener

Posted on August 28, 2013August 29, 2013

HOUSTON (AP) — Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel has been suspended for the first half of the Aggies’ season-opener against Rice on Saturday for what the school said was an “inadvertent” violation of NCAA rules by signing autographs.

The school issued a statement Wednesday saying it declared the Heisman Trophy winner ineligible and that the NCAA agreed to reinstate Manziel after he serves the half-game suspension.

Manziel was being investigated by the NCAA for allegedly accepting money from memorabilia brokers for signing autographs, which violates NCAA rules and could have compromised his eligibility.

According to the statement, Texas A&M and the NCAA “confirmed there is no evidence Manziel received money in exchange for autographs based on currently available information and statements by Manziel.”

Conditions for reinstatement include Manziel discussing his situation with teammates and A&M revising future education concerning student-athletes signing autographs.

Flacco Banner in Denver Draws Broncos Fans Ire

Posted on August 28, 2013August 29, 2013

DENVER (AP) — Joe Flacco looms larger than life in Denver, and not just because he engineered the stunning upset of the Broncos in the playoffs that propelled the Baltimore Ravens to the Super Bowl title.

The league’s marketing campaign for next week’s kickoff game features several large banners of Flacco fluttering from lamp posts on downtown streets — and a giant one several stories high that hangs at Sports Authority Field alongside a banner of Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning.

That has drawn an angry public reaction from Broncos fans who have taken to Twitter and to the streets to vent their frustration. One local sportscaster used a Sharpie to draw a mustache on a Flacco poster hanging along Denver’s 16th Street Mall, and covered another with tape.

BIG TEN to Enhance Football Gameday Experience

Posted on August 28, 2013August 29, 2013

Park Ridge, Ill. – Big Ten schools can now show an unlimited number of replays on football stadium videoboards, as recently approved by conference administrators. The enhanced replay program occurred as part of a broader discussion by the Big Ten Football Gameday Experience Subcommittee in an effort to supplement the in-stadium experience.

Previously, institutions were able to show one replay at no less than 75% of real time speed. The enhanced policy gives an institution the discretion to show multiple replays at any speed, similar to what is done for television audiences.

“Our goal on game day is to blend the best parts of an in-stadium experience with the best parts of an at-home experience,” said Big Ten Commissioner James E. Delany. “Enhanced replay is just one way to do that and we look forward to making it available to our fans this year.”

“This decision is another positive step forward as we strive to create remarkable experiences for our fans in these great stadiums where our teams play,” said Ohio State Director of Athletics Eugene Smith, the chair of the Big Ten Football Gameday Experience Subcommittee.

The subcommittee has encouraged each institution to explore the feasibility of adding full WiFi and Distributed Antenna System (DAS) coverage along with enhanced audio/video content (e.g., locker room video) that would be proprietary to stadium videoboards. The group also encouraged institutions to provide increased coverage of other Big Ten and NCAA games and to explore the possibility of creating lounge-style environments for fans to watch those games or to connect through social media. The subcommittee will continue to explore other possibilities for improving the in-stadium experience and fan suggestions can be sent to Kerry Kenny (kkenny@bigten.org), the Big Ten liaison to the subcommittee.

The 118th season of Big Ten football kicks off Thursday, August 29, and culminates with the third annual Big Ten Football Championship Game on Saturday, Dec. 7. The championship game will be played at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis and televised by FOX. The winner of the title game will earn the Big Ten Championship and a chance to play in either the Rose Bowl Game or Bowl Championship Series National Championship Game.