Sports – Page 582 – North Platte Post Archive

BTN Announces 2014 Baseball & Softball Coverage

Posted on March 19, 2014

CHICAGO – BTN will offer its most extensive baseball and softball coverage ever, with over 240 events airing on BTN, BTN2Go and the Big Ten Digital Network (BTDN) for the 2014 season.

BTN’s television coverage of Big Ten baseball begins with the third game of a three-game series between Indiana and Michigan. Coverage begins at 1 PM ET on Sunday from Bloomington. Last season, Indiana won both the Big Ten Championship and Tournament, and advanced to the College World Series, becoming the first Big Ten squad to reach Omaha since Michigan in 1984.

BTN’s television coverage of Big Ten softball begins with Nebraska hosting Creighton on Wednesday, April 2. Coverage begins at 7 PM ET from Lincoln. Last season, Michigan captured a conference-record sixth-straight Big Ten Championship, its 16^th in the last 22 seasons. Four Big Ten teams participated in the NCAA Softball Championship,with the Wolverines and Huskers advancing to the Women’s College World Series, marking the first time since 2001 that two Big Ten teams appeared in the event.

Highlights and coverage of Big Ten baseball and softball will be featured on This Week in the Big Ten, a new studio show which airs Sunday nights beginning Sunday, April 6. Hosts Rick Pizzo, Mike Hall and various analysts will discuss Big Ten matchups and breakout performances from the weekend’s games. The Diamond Report will return with nightly airings during the baseball and softball tournaments.

Below is a preliminary schedule. Additional games will be added at a later date. The BTDN streaming schedule can be viewed at video.btn.com

BTN & BTN2Go BASEBALL SCHEDULE: (All times Eastern)

DATE	TIME	MATCH-UP	LOCATION
Sunday, March 23	1 PM	Michigan @ Indiana	Bloomington, IN
Sunday, March 30	2 PM	UNLV @ Nebraska	Lincoln, NE
Thursday, April 3	7 PM	Michigan State @ Lansing Lugnuts	Lansing, MI
Friday, April 4	6:30 PM	Penn State @ Purdue	West Lafayette, IN
Sunday, April 6	NOON	Penn State @ Purdue	West Lafayette, IN
Sunday, April 6	3 PM	Illinois @ Northwestern	Evanston, IL
Sunday, April 13	3:00 PM	Nebraska @ Minnesota	Minneapolis, MN
Tuesday, April 15	7:30 PM	Kansas State @ Nebraska	Lincoln, NE
Friday, April 18	8 PM	Northwestern @ Nebraska	Lincoln, NE
Sunday, April 20	NOON	Illinois @ Penn State	University Park, PA
Saturday, May 3	2:00 PM	Purdue @ Indiana	Bloomington, IN
Sunday, May 4	NOON	Purdue @ Indiana	Bloomington, IN
Sunday, May 4	3:00 PM	Iowa @ Ohio State	Columbus, OH
Monday, May 5	7 PM	Iowa @ Ohio State	Columbus, OH
Sunday, May 11	NOON	Ohio State @ Michigan	Ann Arbor, MI
Sunday, May 11	3 PM	Nebraska @ Michigan State	East Lansing, MI
Monday, May 12	1 PM	Nebraska @ Michigan State	East Lansing, MI
Thursday, May 15	5 PM	Northwestern @ Ohio State	Columbus, OH
Thursday, May 15	8 PM	Minnesota @ Indiana	Bloomington, IN
Friday, May 16	5 PM	Northwestern @ Ohio State	Columbus, IN
Friday, May 16	8 PM	Minnesota @ Indiana	Bloomington, IN
Saturday, May 17	NOON	Northwestern @ Ohio State	Columbus, OH
Saturday, May 17	3 PM	Minnesota @ Indiana	Bloomington, IN
Wednesday, May 21	TBD	Big Ten Baseball Tournament, Seed 1 vs. Seed 8	Omaha, NE
Wednesday, May 21	TBD	Big Ten Baseball Tournament, Seed 4 vs. Seed 5	Omaha, NE
Thursday, May 22	TBD	Big Ten Baseball Tournament, Game 1 Winner vs. Game 2 Winner	Omaha, NE
Thursday, May 22	TBD	Big Ten Baseball Tournament, Game 3 Winner vs. Game 4 Winner	Omaha, NE
Friday, May 23	TBD	Big Ten Baseball Tournament, Game 5 Winner vs. Game 7 Loser	Omaha, NE
Friday, May 23	TBD	Big Ten Baseball Tournament, Game 6 Winner vs. Game 8 Loser	Omaha, NE
Saturday, May 24	TBD	Big Ten Baseball Tournament, Game 7 Winner vs. Game 10 Winner	Omaha, NE
Saturday, May 24	TBD	Big Ten Baseball Tournament, Game 8 Winner vs. Game 9 Winner	Omaha, NE
Saturday, May 24	TBD	Big Ten Baseball Tournament, Game 13 (if necessary)	Omaha, NE
Saturday, May 24	TBD	Big Ten Baseball Tournament, Game 14 (if necessary)	Omaha, NE
Sunday, May 25	TBD	Big Ten Tournament Championship Game	Omaha, NE

BTN & BTN2Go SOFTBALL SCHEDULE: (All times Eastern)

DATE	TIME	MATCH-UP	LOCATION
Wednesday, April 2	7 PM	Creighton @ Nebraska	Lincoln, NE
Tuesday, April 8	4 PM	Minnesota @ Iowa	Iowa City, IA
Tuesday, April 8	6:30 PM	Minnesota @ Iowa	Iowa City, IA
Wednesday, April 9	4 PM	Michigan State @ Indiana	Bloomington, IN
Wednesday, April 9	6:30 PM	Michigan State @ Indiana	Bloomington, IN
Sunday, April 13	Noon	Michigan @ Michigan State	East Lansing, MI
Saturday, April 19	Noon	Wisconsin @ Penn State	University Park, PA
Saturday, April 19	2:30 PM	Wisconsin @ Penn State	University Park, PA
Saturday, April 19	TBD	Illinois @ Purdue	West Lafayette, IN
Saturday, April 19	7 PM	Minnesota @ Michigan	Ann Arbor, MI
Sunday, April 20	3 PM	Minnesota @ Michigan	Ann Arbor, MI
Tuesday, April 22	5 PM	Northwestern @ Illinois	Champaign, IL
Tuesday, April 22	7:30 PM	Northwestern @ Illinois	Champaign, IL
Wednesday, April 23	4 PM	Penn State @ Ohio State	Columbus, OH
Wednesday, April 23	6:30 PM	Penn State @ Ohio State	Columbus, OH
Friday, April 25	8 PM	Michigan @ Illinois	Champaign, IL
Sunday, April 27	NOON	Nebraska @ Michigan State	East Lansing, MI
Wednesday, April 30	4 PM	Nebraska @ Wisconsin	Madison, WI
Wednesday, April 30	6:30 PM	Nebraska @ Wisconsin	Madison, WI
Saturday, May 3	TBD	Wildcard @ Wildcard	TBD
Friday, May 9	TBD	Big Ten Softball Tournament, Seed 4 vs. Game 1 Winner	Evanston, IL
Friday, May 9	TBD	Big Ten Softball Tournament, Seed 1 vs. Game 2 Winner	Evanston, IL
Friday, May 9	TBD	Big Ten Softball Tournament, Seed 3 vs. Game 3 Winner	Evanston, IL
Friday, May 9	TBD	Big Ten Softball Tournament, Seed 2 vs. Game 4 Winner	Evanston, IL
Saturday, May 10	TBD	Big Ten Softball Tournament, Game 5 Winner vs. Game 6 Winner	Evanston, IL
Saturday, May 10	TBD	Big Ten Softball Tournament, Game 7 Winner vs. Game 8 Winner	Evanston, IL
Saturday, May 10	TBD	Big Ten Tournament Championship Game	Evanston, IL

Boy, 11, Signs 1-Day Deal with Pro Hockey Team

Posted on March 19, 2014

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (AP) — A Michigan boy who said he didn’t want an 11th birthday party because he had no friends is getting a new gig.

Professional hockey player.

Colin and his family were surprised by players, coaches and representatives of the Kalamazoo Wings at a restaurant Tuesday. The team presented the Richland boy with a one-day contract that will allow him to join the Wings for their home game Sunday.

Colin has a condition similar to Asperger’s syndrome that makes it difficult to relate to peers. His mother created a “Happy Birthday Colin” Facebook page that drew more than 2 million “likes.” He also received thousands of cards.

The family asked that their last name not be used.

Colin tells the Kalamazoo Gazette (https://bit.ly/1gG57hO ) that the outpouring of affection has “been very heartwarming.”

MPCC Rodeo Team Spring Banquet Deemed Success

Posted on March 19, 2014

The Mid-Plains Community College Rodeo Team’s Spring Banquet held March 15 at the Holiday Inn Express in North Platte was deemed a resounding success by event coordinators.

According to Dustin Elliott, MPCC Rodeo Team Coach, ticket sales and auction items brought in more than $7,000. The funds will be used to purchase team gear and for traveling expenses.

“All ten members of our current rodeo team, their families, and many college employees were involved in everything from selling tickets to soliciting donations for auction items,” he said. “It wouldn’t have been nearly as successful without all the help and support we received.”

Elliott said approximately 140 tickets were sold and about 40 items were donated for the silent auction.

“Our biggest auction item, which came from an anonymous donor, was tickets to the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas,” he said. “The Cowboy Connection in North Platte also generously donated a saddle that sold for $800 in the auction.”

Other auction items included sculptures of rodeo events that were made by NPCC welding student Eric Rasmussen and a quilt made by Elliott’s mother and grandmother.

“The community really stepped up to the plate to support us,” Elliott said. “If they didn’t buy a ticket most of them donated.”

Along with the auction, those who attended enjoyed a nice dinner and entertainment by Rascal.

Elliott said the committee is already planning next year’s event; however it will possibly take place earlier in the year to avoid calving season and spring break.

“We want to accommodate everybody and give them a chance to have fun while contributing to a worthy cause,” he said.

Family Trout-Fishing Events

Posted on March 19, 2014

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will be holding several Family Trout-Fishing events

that will be in conjunction with the Commission’s March trout stocking in area lakes.

Dates and times for the separate events are as follows:

Family Trout-Fishing at McCook/Barnett Pond, Tuesday, March 25 2014, 5:30pm to 7:30pm CDT

Family Trout-Fishing at Curtis/Arrowhead Meadows Golf Course Pond, Wednesday, March 26 2014, 5:30pm to 7:30pm CDT

Family Trout-Fishing at Ogallala/Lake Ogallala, Thursday, March 27 2014, 5:30pm to 7:30pm MDT

The free events are open to the public – individuals, friends and families are invited to come learn about trout fishing, tackle, equipment and experience trout fishing fun.

Those wishing to attend and are 16 years of age and older must have a valid Nebraska fishing permit. Permits are available online or at local vendors.

The Bulldogs Handout Postseason Awards

Posted on March 19, 2014

The North Platte Bulldogs boys basketball team held their season end banquet on Tuesday night and handed out the postseason awards.

The Dawgs season came to an end in the A-1 district finals with a 42-31 loss to the No. 1 ranked team, Omaha Benson. The loss made it so North Platte finished below .500 with a 12-14 record on the year. Coach Matt Kaminski chronicled the highs and lows of the season for North Platte at the team’s banquet. One of the highs of the season was that North Platte nearly defended their GNAC tournament title, but fell just short to a highly-ranked Norfolk team in the championship game. The varsity team received their second-place medals last night from that tournament.

Two Bulldogs received All-Conference awards. Seniors Drew Callaghan and Kade Erickson were honored by the GNAC for the seasons they had. There were also four players that received All-Conference Academic awards. Alec Wesslund, Darian Allberry, Drew Callaghan and Shane Mauch were honored for their success in the classroom and on the court. Of those four, two of them were nominated for the NCPA NSAA All-Academic team. Seniors Drew Callaghan and Darian Allberry were the nominees.

Coach Kaminski also handed out his yearly Mister Awards at the banquet. The list for all of the awards handed out last night can be seen below.

All-GNAC 2013-14

Drew Callaghan, Senior
Kade Erickson, Senior

All-GNAC Academic 2013-14

Alec Wesslund, Senior
Darian Allberry, Senior
Drew Callaghan, Senior
Shane Mauch, Junior

NCPA NSAA All-Academic Nominees

Drew Callaghan, Senior
Darian Allberry, Senior

Coach K’s Mister Awards 2013-14

Mr. Dedication- Dustin Horton, Senior
Mr. Western Community College- Nick Wilkinson, Senior
Mr. Teammate- Alec Wesslund, Senior
Mr. Perseverance- Kolby Foote, Senior
Mr. Big Game- Drew Callaghan, Senior
Mr. Floor General- Kade Erickson, Senior
Mr. Slash- Bradey Anderson, Senior
Dr. Defense- Bradey Anderson, Senior
Mr. Whopper- Shane Mauch, Junior
Mr. Reliable- Darian Allberry, Senior
Mr. Spark- Brady Mason, Senior
Mr. Slender- Josh Merz, Junior

Two ATV Jamborees Scheduled for Lake McConaughy SRA

Posted on March 18, 2014March 18, 2014

LINCOLN – Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area (SRA) will host ATV riding events April 4-6 and Oct. 3-5.

Each weekend will include open riding, Poker Run, dealer displays, food vendors and live entertainment. Organizers are planning to add Sand Drag Races and Kids’ Barrel Races to the lineup.

The event is open to all ATV/UTV riders age 18 and older. Riders younger than age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian or have a signed and notarized release. Helmets are required for all riders 14 and under, and eye protection is required for all riders.

Registration is $50 per vehicle for the weekend and is limited to the first 500 vehicles registered. Register at explorekeithcounty.com or call 800-658-4390.

A park entry permit is required of each vehicle entering the SRA. Camping will be available at all modern campgrounds; however water availability will be limited.

ATVs will not be allowed at Lake McConaughy at any other time. Only registered ATVs are allowed and are considered a part of the event.

New Pine Ridge Mule Deer Survey Improves Population Data

Posted on March 18, 2014March 18, 2014

LINCOLN – Nebraska Game and Parks Commission employees used a bird’s-eye view of the rugged high country of the Pine Ridge last month to obtain more accurate deer population data for northwestern Nebraska.

During five days in early February, Game and Parks staff members boarded a contracted helicopter and surveyed eight areas of the Pine Ridge Management Unit, which encompasses 429 square miles. The project marked first time Game and Parks has used a helicopter to survey mule deer. In all, staff members counted 862 mule deer – 68 bucks, 477 does and 317 fawns.

Todd Nordeen, northwestern district wildlife manager, said the survey’s findings will be valuable in setting hunting regulations and other management strategies for mule deer, a species that biologists suspect to be struggling in some areas because of disease and other challenges.

The aerial survey is expected to take place annually for at least five years, providing the agency with accurate population counts and helping identify growths or declines in herds.

In addition to mule deer, the 11 staff members counted 659 white-tailed deer, 96 elk and 11 bighorn sheep during the flights.

Private Pond Owners Encouraged to Report Winter Fish Kills

Posted on March 18, 2014

LINCOLN – Private pond owners are encouraged to report severe winter fish kills to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission following ice-out.

Winter fish kills occur when oxygen levels fall too low to support fish under the ice. Ice prevents the direct absorption of oxygen from the atmosphere, so oxygen produced by plant photosynthesis is crucial. Oxygen levels drop because of plant decomposition and respiration by aquatic organisms. Shallow ponds with heavy vegetation are particularly susceptible.

Once the ice is gone, pond owners should check their shorelines for dead fish and note the species, size and quantity. If hundreds of dead fish are observed, owners may call Jeff Blaser, Game and Parks’ private waters specialist, at 402-471-5435, to discuss options for restoring the fish community.

SPVA All-Conference Basketball Awards

Posted on March 18, 2014

The SPVA conference announced its 2013-14 All-Conference basketball players for both boys and girls on Tuesday.

North Platte St. Patrick’s led the way in the boys awards by having five players receive honors. Mark Mayfield and Alex Harms are both on the first-team, while Andrew O’Neill is on the second team and Drew McClellan and Bryce Byrn are honorable mention.

Sutherland had two players receive All-Conference honors. Tyler Fear made the second-team and Kadin Copeland is honorable mention.

Hershey and Maxwell each had one player on the honorable mention team. Landon Maassen for the Panthers and Zach Miller for the Wildcats.

The SPVA Boys All-Conference teams can be seen below.

The Irish of St. Patrick’s led the way in the SPVA Girls All-Conference awards as well with four players honored. Brittany Lawrence and Anna O’Malley are on the first-team and Toni Caudillo and Bree Saner made the second team.

The Lady Sailors of Sutherland had three players make All-Conference. Sam Staggs and Jalyne Schuster are on the first-team and Kayley Stokey is second-team.

Hershey also had three players awarded. Maegan Hiatt is first-team with Tayler Baker and Maddie Seamann on the second-team.

Maxwell had two players honored by the SPVA. Josie Cox is second-team and Anna Crane is honorable mention.

The SPVA Girls All-Conference teams can be seen below.

Boys Basketball All-SPVA 2013-14

First Team

Mike Daum, Kimball, Senior, 6’9″
Mark Mayfield, NPSP, Senior, 6’3″
Alex Harms, NPSP, Senior, 6’2″
Jeffery Dickey, Chase Co., Junior, 6’0″
Jake Reader, Kimball, Senior, 6’3″

Second Team

Kelton Fisher, Chase Co., Junior, 6’4″
Tyler Fear, Sutherland, Senior, 6’0″
Andrew O’Neill, NPSP, Junior, 6’1″
Tim Johnson, Perkins Co., Senior, 6’2″
Justus Wallin, Chase Co., Senior 6’1″

Honorable Mention

Travis Luhrs, Chase Co., Junior, 6’0″
Landon Maassen, Hershey, Senior, 6’0″
Zach Miller, Maxwell, Sophomore, 6’4″
Drew McClellen, NPSP, Junior, 5’10”
Bryce Byrn, NPSP, Sophomore, 5’10”
Derek Sis, Perkins Co., Freshman, 5’10”
Kadin Copeland, Sutherland, Sophomore, 5’10”
Colton Stull, Kimball, Junior, 5’11”

Girls Basketball All-SPVA 2013-14

First Team

Maegan Hiatt, Hershey, Senior, PG
Sam Staggs, Sutherland, Senior, F
Brittany Lawrence, NPSP, Senior, C
Jalyne Schuster, Sutherland, Senior, F
Anna O’Malley, NPSP, Junior, G

Second Team

Tayler Baker, Hershey, Senior, G
Shelby Vogel, Kimball, Senior, G
Maddie Seamann, Hershey, Senior, C
Kayley Stokey, Sutherland, Junior, PG
Josie Cox, Maxwell, Sophomore, F

Honorable Mention

Danika Daum, Kimball, Sophomore, F
Paige Spady, Chase Co., Junior, F
Toni Caudillo, NPSP, Junior, G
Anna Crane, Maxwell, Senior, G
Bree Saner, NPSP, Senior, F
Jessica Hanks, Kimball, Junior, F
Mariah Curtis, Perkins Co., Junior, G

Chiefs GM Dorsey Says Sanders Fiasco ‘Put to Bed’

Posted on March 18, 2014

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs general manager John Dorsey says the controversial signing of wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders by AFC West-rival Denver has been “put to bed” and that he’s focused on what he can do during the rest of free agency and in the draft.

Sanders had visited the Chiefs last week when reports began to surface he had agreed to a contract. His agent, Steve Weinberg, said that was never the case, and reports citing unnamed sources that claimed he was “shopping” the Chiefs’ offer to other teams were inaccurate.

Sanders ultimately signed an $18 million, three-year deal with Denver, and the Chiefs’ lengthy and frustrating pursuit of a wide receiver to help out quarterback Alex Smith rolls on.

Dorsey said Tuesday in his first availability since the start of free agency that “that deal was put to bed, we have to move forward and we have to build for this organization.”