Sports – Page 408 – North Platte Post Archive

Huskers Invite Fans to Red-White Series

Posted on October 8, 2014

Lincoln – The Nebraska baseball is set to conclude fall practice next week when it hosts its annual Red-White Series, starting on Sunday, Oct. 19 at 6 p.m. The series continues on Monday, Oct. 20 at 6 p.m. and concludes on Tuesday, Oct. 21 at Noon. Admission is free all three days and concession stands will be open with a limited selection.

Gates will open two hours prior to first pitch for Sunday’s game, while the gates will open 90 minutes prior to first pitch on Monday and Tuesday. Season tickets for the 2015 season will be available for purchase all three days.

Each day a special event will be planned at Hawks Field, including:

Sunday: Baseball Team Meet and Greet
4 p.m. – Gates open at Haymarket Park
4:30 p.m. – 2015 Nebraska Baseball Team Introductions
4:40 p.m. – Autograph session begins
5:30 p.m. – 2015 Nebraska Baseball Team takes the field for batting practice
6 p.m. – First Pitch of Game 1 Red/White Fall Series

Monday: $1 Hotdogs and $1 Pepsi
The first 1,000 fans will be able to purchase $1 hotdogs (limit 2) and Pepsi products will be served in the concession stand for $1 during the entire game.

Tuesday: Costume Contest
Players will play the game in Halloween costumes. The player with the best costume will win an award, voted on by fans.

Kokesh to Compete at NWCA All-Star Classic

Posted on October 8, 2014

Senior 174-pounder Robert Kokesh will face Pittsburgh’s Tyler Wilps in the NWCA All-Star Classic at the Palestra in Philadelphia, Pa. on Saturday, Nov. 1.

Kokesh, a two-time All-American, will begin his senior season at the event, as he joins teammate James Green (157) at the NWCA All-Star Classic. Kokesh finished fourth at the 2014 NCAA Championships after capturing the 174-pound Big Ten title. The Wagner, S.D., native took third place in 2013, and holds a career record of 105-14 heading into his final season in a Husker singlet.

Kokesh squared off against Wilps in the consolation quarterfinals of last year’s national tournament, with Kokesh emerging victorious by a 2-1 decision in the first tiebreaker. Wilps notched a seventh-place finish, and holds a career record of 70-28, as he starts the 2014-15 season. Wilps, a two-time NCAA qualifier, captured the 174-pound ACC title in 2014, and will be a senior this season.

Kokesh compiled a 37-3 record last season, which included a perfect 14-0 dual record. He led the team in dual points (67) and pins (9), while adding five technical falls and 10 major decisions.

Kokesh and Green become the 30th and 31st Husker wrestlers to compete at the NWCA All-Star Classic and the first since 2009 when Jordan Burroughs, Stephen Dwyer and Craig Brester all competed.

The NWCA has already announced six other matches for this year’s event and will reveal three others over the coming weeks leading up to the competition.

The Huskers open the season by hosting their annual Intrasquad on Friday, Oct. 31 at the Devaney Center at 5 p.m. Nebraska’s first dual is set for Friday, Nov. 7 at Wyoming, starting at 4 p.m. (CT).

O’Dowd Leaves as Rockies Longtime GM

Posted on October 8, 2014

DENVER (AP) — Colorado Rockies general manager Dan O’Dowd and senior vice president Bill Geivett (gy-VET’) are leaving the front office after the team turned in a fourth straight losing season.

Jeff Bridich (BRID’ich) is taking over as the new GM.

O’Dowd spent 15 seasons in charge of the Rockies, the highlight of which was an appearance in the 2007 World Series, where the team was swept by Boston. His power dwindled in recent years with the rise of Geivett, who was promoted to senior vice present of baseball operations in August 2012. He had an office next to manager Walt Weiss in the clubhouse.

The Rockies finished 66-96 and 28 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West.

Bridich has been the team’s senior director of player development since 2011.

Storm Alumni Bobby Robins Makes Bruins’ Roster

Posted on October 8, 2014

KEARNEY, Neb. – After an eight-year journey through minor professional hockey, former Storm forward Bobby Robins has made the Boston Bruins’ opening night roster and is ready to make his NHL debut at the age of 32.

Robins, who suited up for Tri-City for 60 games during the 2001-02 season, is looking to become the 10th Storm player to play in the NHL when the Bruins open up the 2014-15 NHL season against the Philadelphia Flyers on Wednesday night.

A native of Peshtigo, Wis., Robins spent the past three seasons in the American Hockey League with the Bruins’ affiliate in Providence, R.I.

In total, Robins has played in 499 minor league games during his career, but he’s hoping his 500th will be a special one.

“It’s pretty amazing,” Robins told ESPN Boston yesterday after learning he’d made it. “It definitely proves that sticking to the game plan and the program of just working hard every day, and getting a little bit better every day and over the course of a long time you can improve and get better and accomplish your dream.”

The forward is known for his fighting prowess, and has spent plenty of time in the penalty box. Last season in Providence, Robins appeared in 68 games, scoring five goals and nine assists, while racking up 221 penalty minutes.

While in Kearney, Robins had 176 PIMs to go along with 16 goals and 14 assists. After the USHL, he attended UMass-Lowell, and played with the Riverhawks in the Hockey East for four seasons while earning his degree in English.

The Storm welcome the Chicago Steel to Kearney for a two-game series this weekend. Friday’s game starts at 7:30 p.m., while Saturday’s contest begins at 7:05.

Saturday’s game will feature a special appearance from Sean and Catherine Lowe of ABC’s The Bachelor Season 17. Tickets are available atstormhockey.com or by calling 308.338.8011.

Favre Says He’s Glad Manning Will Break His Record

Posted on October 8, 2014

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Brett Favre says he couldn’t be happier to see Peyton Manning on the brink of breaking his NFL record of 508 touchdown throws.

Manning has 503 heading into Denver’s road game Sunday against the New York Jets.

Favre told The Associated Press he’s thrilled for Manning, who’s coming off a career-best 479-yard passing performance against Arizona that included four TDs.

That made Manning the second QB to reach 500 and moved him within striking distance of Favre’s record.

In a phone interview from his home in Kiln, Miss,. Favre told the AP, “I’m glad it’s Peyton that’s doing it. I think a lot of Peyton. I know him well. I know his family well. His dad was one of my idols.”

Coach, 2 Players Suspended over Duct-Taped Player

Posted on October 8, 2014

NATRONA HEIGHTS, Pa. (AP) — A Pennsylvania high school soccer coach and two players have been suspended for at least five days after an autistic teammate told police the two teens duct-taped him to a goalpost.

Sixteen-year-old Austin Babinsack told Harrison Township police he was left taped to the goal for 15 to 20 minutes Sunday evening before passers-by heard his screams and freed him.

The Highlands School District says coach Jim Turner, who was not present at the time, and two 17-year-old players identified by Babinsack have been suspended. Police may also file juvenile court charges against the two teammates.

The Associated Press couldn’t locate the coach’s phone number. The district says it doesn’t take hazing or bullying lightly.

Kristy Babinsack, the victim’s mother, says she hopes the coach will be fired and the other players expelled.

Poll: Most NFL Fans Think Goodell Should Keep Job

Posted on October 8, 2014

NEW YORK (AP) — Most NFL fans believe Commissioner Roger Goodell should keep his job after his handling of recent domestic violence cases, according to a new Associated Press-GfK Poll.

Only 32 percent say Goodell should lose his job over the issue, with 66 percent saying he shouldn’t.

Support for his handling of the cases is much lower, though, with 42 percent saying they disapprove. The same percentage neither approve nor disapprove, with just 15 percent approving.

Goodell initially suspended Ray Rice for two games after the Baltimore Ravens running back was charged with assaulting his then-fiancee. The commissioner defended the punishment at first, before admitting more than a month later that he “didn’t get it right.”

When a video of the assault later surfaced, Goodell suspended Rice indefinitely, saying the images constituted new evidence. Rice was released earlier that day by the Ravens.

AP Source: Nuggets, Faried Agree to Extension

Posted on October 8, 2014

DENVER (AP) — A person familiar with the negotiations says Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried has agreed to a four-year, $50 million contract extension.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on Tuesday night on condition of anonymity because the team has yet to announce the deal.

Denver had until Oct. 31 to negotiate a new contract for Faried or he would have become a restricted free agent next summer.

The high-flying Faried averaged 13.7 points and 8.6 rebounds last season.

Faried also was a member of the U.S. team that captured a gold medal at the Basketball World Cup last month. He was asked by coach Mike Krzyzewski to be one of the leaders on the American team, a role he’s hoping to bring to the Nuggets this season.

Huskers Visit Gophers for Thursday Showdown

Posted on October 8, 2014

The Nebraska soccer team (5-6-2) continues its road trip this week as the Huskers journey to Minneapolis, Minn., to face Minnesota on Thursday at 7 p.m. (CT). The game, which will be contested at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium, will be streamed on BTN Plus.

NU leads the all-time series against the Golden Gophers, 7-2-0. Last season, the Huskers emerged with a 1-0 victory during their run to the Big Ten title.

Last Time Out: Huskers Drop Two in Michigan
Nebraska fell to Michigan and Michigan State during a two-game road trip to the Great Lakes State to start October.

Mayme Conroy scored the lone goal for the Huskers against the Wolverines in the eighth minute. Michigan’s Nicky Waldeck responded, though, with a hat trick to lead U-M to a 3-1 triumph.

Against the Spartans, Jaycie Johnson scored in the 83rd minute off a penalty kick, but it came after Michigan State had scored three goals. The goal marked Johnson’s eighth of the season.

Scouting the Minnesota Golden Gophers
Minnesota is 6-6-1 on the season, and holds a 3-3-1 record in the Big Ten entering Thursday night’s game. The Golden Gophers opened the season with a 10-0 win over Stetson before dropping a 4-1 decision to then-No. 2 Florida State on the road. After stringing together home wins over Marquette and South Dakota State, Minnesota lost three consecutive games to Ole Miss, Auburn and Michigan. The Gophers defeated Michigan State, Purdue and Indiana during conference play, while falling to Iowa and Penn State, and tied Ohio State in their most recent outing.

Simone Kolander leads Minnesota’s offense with five goals and six assists this season. Olivia Schultz and Sydney Squires each have four goals, while Rachel McCloskey has three and Josee Stiever and Ashley Pafko each have two. Goalkeeper Tarah Hobbs holds a 6-5-1 record this season with five shutouts. Hobbs has 54 saves this season in 12 games.

Huskers Showing Ability to Score Late
Nebraska has scored in the 75th minute or later in eight of its 13 games this season. Jaycie Johnson has scored three times in the 75th minute or later, while Courtney Claassen, Caroline Flynn, Katie Kraeutner, Mayme Conroy and Sydney Miramontez have each added one during that time stretch.

The Huskers failed to score down the stretch against Wisconsin, Illinois, Oklahoma, Rutgers and Michigan, but made late goals in each of their first four games of the season. Overall, NU is 5-2-1 when scoring in the last 15 minutes. The Huskers are 0-4-1 when they don’t.

Schatz Filling Goalkeeper Role
Sophomore Kelly Schatz has started all 13 games at goalkeeper for the Huskers this season, playing more than 1,189 minutes. Schatz has 35 saves and has earned two complete game shutouts. She also contributed to a third NU shutout as she played the first 48 minutes against North Dakota. Schatz has given up 23 goals on the season and holds a .603 save percentage.

Johnson Continues to Produce on Offense
Nebraska’s leading goal scorer from 2013, Jaycie Johnson, started 2014 where she left off from last season and has eight goals through 13 games.

Johnson scored two goals in each of the first three weekends, managing a pair of scores in both the Marquette and North Dakota matches. She scored once against SMU, DePaul, Maryland and Michigan State.

A Lake Winnebago, Mo. native, Johnson has taken 47 shots this season, 31 of which have been on goal.

Conroy Collects Big Ten Honor
Senior forward Mayme Conroy earned Big Ten Offensive Player-of-the-Week accolades on Monday, Sept. 29, after scoring three goals in two games during the previous week.

Conroy, an Omaha, Neb., native, tallied two goals in Nebraska’s 4-3 overtime triumph over Maryland, including the game winner in the 96th minute. Her first score of the game came in the 22nd minute off an assist from Katie Kraeutner.

On Thursday, Sept. 25, Conroy delivered in the 37th minute against No. 25 Rutgers, helping the Huskers’ to a 1-1 tie at the Nebraska Soccer Field. She took three shots in 105 minutes of action while facing the Scarlet Knights.

Conroy Leads NU to Win, Tie
Nebraska got back to its winning ways on Sunday, Sept. 28 at the Nebraska Soccer Field as the Huskers posted a 4-3 overtime win over Maryland after tying No. 25 Rutgers on Thursday, Sept. 25.

Against the Scarlet Knights, senior Mayme Conroy scored in the 37th minute off a pass from Jourden Casey to tie the game at 1. Neither team scored for the remainder of the game, as goalkeeper Kelly Schatz registered a career-high seven saves.

Conroy scored two goals, including the game winner in the 96th minute, against Maryland in Sunday’s match. Caroline Gray and Jacyie Johnson also scored for the Huskers, and Casey earned two assists.

Huskers Fall to No. 13 Wisconsin, 3-0
Nebraska outshot Wisconsin 10-7 at McClimon Soccer Complex in Madison, Wis., but fell by a 3-0 margin on Saturday, Sept. 20. The Badgers scored goals in the first, 20th and 86th minutes.

Jaycie Johnson (three shots on goal), Caroline Gray (two shots on goal), Mayme Conroy (one shot on goal) and Caroline Flynn (one shot on goal) led Nebraska’s offense.

NU Ties Big Ten Opener, Falls to Illinois
Nebraska opened its Big Ten season with a pair of home matches on Thursday, Sept. 11 and Sunday, Sept. 14. The Huskers tied Northwestern in the first game, 1-1, before dropping a 3-0 decision to Illinois.

Against the Wildcats, Northwestern’s Sami Schrakamp struck first in the 12th minute to put the Wildcats up 1-0. With time winding down in the game, Katie Kraeutner scored off an assist from Jaycie Johnson in the 88th minute to tie the game. Neither team scored in the extra time.

Against the Fighting Illini, the Huskers took six shots but failed to score in a 3-0 setback. Illinois’ Allison Stucky scored in the 40th minute, while Jannelle Flaws added two goals, scoring in the 71st and 80th minute.

NU Responds to 2OT Loss with 4-0 Win
Nebraska went 1-1 at home in its third weekend of play, falling to No. 20 Oklahoma in double overtime on Friday, Sept. 5, before dominating North Dakota by a 4-0 margin on Sunday, Sept. 7.

Against the Sooners, Katie Kraeutner scored in the sixth minute to put NU up early, but Oklahoma tied the score 1-1 in the 71st minute with Ayana O’Neal’s goal. Despite Nebraska controlling on offense to start the second overtime, Oklahoma’s defense managed to withstand the pressure and scored in the 107th minute for the win.

On Sunday, the Huskers outshot North Dakota 32-2, as Jaycie Johnson scored twice, and Mayme Conroy and Courtney Claassen each added one goal in the 4-0 win.

Both of Johnson’s goals came in the first three minutes of the second half. Conroy scored NU’s first goal of the game in the ninth minute. Claassen scored off a rebound in the 76th minute for her first career goal. Caroline Flynn recorded two assists.

Huskers Sweep Butler, Marquette
Nebraska took down Butler, 1-0, on Friday, Aug. 29 at the Nebraska Soccer Field before defeating Marquette, 3-2, on Sunday, Aug. 31 at Valley Fields in Milwaukee, Wis.

The Huskers outshot the Bulldogs 17-2, but it wasn’t until Caroline Flynn’s goal in the 83rd minute that NU got on the scoreboard. Flynn scored from 30 yards out to the top left corner of the net from the right side of the field. Goalkeeper Kelly Schatz earned two saves during the shutout.

Against the Golden Eagles, Nebraska trailed 2-0 before scoring three goals in the final 26 minutes en route to a 3-2 triumph. Jaycie Johnson scored twice, making her first goal in the 65th minute before adding the game winner off an assist from Caroline Gray in the 83rd minute. Mayme Conroy added a goal for the Huskers in the 69th minute.

Huskers Split Opening Weekend Games
Nebraska opened the regular season on Friday, Aug. 22 with a 4-0 victory over SMU before falling to DePaul, 2-1, on Sunday, Aug. 24 at the Nebraska Soccer Field.

Against the Mustangs, goalkeeper Kelly Schatz earned a shutout in her first career start at the position. She compiled five saves, four of which came in the second half. Caroline Gray, Caroline Flynn, Jaycie Johnson and Sydney Miramontez each scored for the Huskers in the home opener.

Against the Blue Demons, Johnson scored the lone goal for the Huskers in the 89th minute off an assist from Flynn, but DePaul had already built a 2-0 lead. Elise Wyatt scored for the Blue Demons in the 16th minute before Abby Reed added a goal in the 85th minute.

Final Season at Nebraska Soccer Field
The Huskers are in their 10th and final season at the Nebraska Soccer Field before moving into the Nebraska Soccer and Tennis Complex next season. Since moving to campus in 2005, NU has compiled a 67-27-14 record and has three home games remaining in 2014.

2014 Season Outlook
Nebraska’s 2014 team includes five seniors in Head Coach John Walker’s 21st season at the helm of the school’s soccer program. The Huskers also welcomed back All-Big Ten second-team member Jaycie Johnson, who is a sophomore in 2014 after leading the team with 17 goals last season. The Huskers added 12 newcomers in the offseason in addition to their 12 returning letterwinners from 2013.

Donovan to Captain US in National Team Finale

Posted on October 7, 2014

BOSTON (AP) — Landon Donovan will captain the United States on Friday in his national team finale.

U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann said Tuesday the 32-year-old Los Angeles Galaxy forward will start and play about 30 minutes against Ecuador in the exhibition at East Hartford, Connecticut.

Donovan, who is retiring at the end of Major League Soccer’s season, is the American leader with 57 goals and 58 assists. It will be the 157th international appearance for Donovan, a veteran of three World Cups who was controversially dropped by Klinsmann for this year’s tournament in Brazil.