Sports – Page 701 – North Platte Post Archive

Seven Husker Walk-Ons Earn Scholarships

Posted on August 24, 2013

Lincoln, Neb.-Nebraska wrapped up preseason camp on Saturday morning with a light workout inside Memorial Stadium. The Huskers practiced in helmets and shorts, wrapping up three weeks of intense work, as Nebraska now turns its attention to game preparation with the season opener with Wyoming a week away.

Following Saturday’s practice, Head Coach Bo Pelini announced that seven Husker players who originally joined the program as walk-ons will be on scholarship for the 2013 season.

The group includes three 2013 seniors who were on scholarship during the spring semester and will remain on scholarship for their final season as Huskers. That trio includes quarterback Ron Kellogg III, tight end Jake Long and safety Wil Richards.

Kellogg III served as Nebraska’s No. 2 quarterback last season and is a prime candidate for that role again this fall. Long was part of Nebraska’s regular rotation at tight end the past two seasons and is the likely starter at the position in 2013. Jake Long joins his twin brother, Spencer, as walk-ons who have went on to earn a scholarship as Spencer Long received the honor last fall. Richards has been a key member of the Nebraska special teams the past two years.

Four additional Huskers have been placed on scholarship for the first time including senior defensive tackle Brodrick Nickens, senior linebacker Colby Starkebaum, junior center Mark Pelini and sophomore fullback Andy Janovich.

Nickens made the move from offensive line to defensive tackle in the spring, and is in line for playing time this fall. Starkebaum is a second-generation Husker, following in the footsteps of his father, John, who lettered for NU from 1972-74. The younger Starkebaum has been a reserve linebacker and key scout team performer throughout his career.

Pelini is in a battle for the starting center position after serving as the backup at the spot last season. Janovich played as a true freshman at fullback last season and is expected to share playing time with the top unit at that spot in 2013. Janovich earned a scholarship in just his second season in the program, the quickest any player has moved from walk-on to scholarship under Pelini.

Overall, the group of new scholarship recipients includes four native Nebraskans in Kellogg, Long, Janovich and Nickens. Richards joined the NU program from Lee’s Summit, Mo., Pelini is a Youngstown, Ohio native, while Starkebaum joined the NU program from Sterling, Colo.

Saturday’s announcement continues a long Husker tradition of walk-ons earning scholarships during their career at Nebraska. In fact, Pelini has now placed 26 former walk-ons on scholarship during his six seasons as Nebraska’s head coach.

When asked if this was one of his favorite parts of the job, Pelini quickly responded affirmatively.

“Absolutely, they put in such hard work and obviously they don’t have all the luxuries or the advantages being on scholarship financially, and obviously they are on the football team and have the same requirements as kids on scholarship.” Pelini said, “That’s what makes this program special and different, the walk-on tradition continues and it will continue forever.”

Pelini took a wait and see approach on where he thinks the team is at going into game week, saying, “Well we will find next week, I like our camp, I think we got a lot done and a lot accomplished.”

Pelini also noted that incoming freshman linebacker Marcus Newby is on campus and will join the football team next week. Newby was a top 150 prospect according to multiple recruiting services and joins a young NU linebacker corps.

Nebraska will return to the practice field on Monday afternoon as the Huskers get ready for their prime-time matchup with Wyoming next Saturday. Monday will also mark the first day of the fall semester on the UNL campus.

Skies over MetLife Stadium a Focus for Super Bowl

Posted on August 24, 2013

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Will it snow?

That’s a main question for next year’s Super Bowl at the Meadowlands, the first to be held in a cold-weather locale.

Behind the scenes, the focus is on much more, including how to move people in and around — and over — MetLife Stadium.

Federal aviation officials say they’re working on flight restrictions over the stadium for Super Bowl Sunday. It’s a challenge because MetLife Stadium sits a few miles from Teterboro Airport to the north and several miles from Newark Liberty International Airport to the south. Those two airports and New York’s LaGuardia and JFK combine to make the most congested airspace in the country.

No-fly zones have been used at Super Bowls since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Ty Lawson Domestic Hearing Delayed until September

Posted on August 24, 2013

CENTENNIAL, Colo. (AP) — An initial hearing in the domestic violence case against Denver Nuggets guard Ty Lawson is being delayed until September.

Prosecutors asked for the postponement on Friday to give them more time to investigate.

Both Lawson and his pregnant girlfriend Ashley Pettiford were arrested following a fight at their home Saturday. Pettiford said she heard Lawson on the phone with another woman and said Lawson pushed her as she packed her things. She’s accused of breaking Lawson’s phone.

Arapahoe County Sheriff Grayson Robinson tells KMGH-TV that the conflict “was a mutual situation.” Both were arrested and held over the weekend.

Nationals Rally Back, Hold off Royals 11-10

Posted on August 23, 2013

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jayson Werth hit a two-run homer, Bryce Harper drove in three runs and the Washington Nationals rallied from a six-run hole before holding off the Kansas City Royals for an 11-10 victory Friday night.

Harper also made a terrific catch in the ninth for Washington, which scored seven times in the fourth inning of its fourth consecutive win. Ian Desmond had a pair of hits during the outburst.

Denard Span, Ryan Zimmerman, Tyler Moore and Anthony Rendon also had RBIs as the Nationals piled up 11 runs for the second time in three games — they beat the Cubs 11-6 on Tuesday night.

NPCC Lady Knights Volleyball Start Season 2-0

Posted on August 23, 2013

The North Platte Community College Lady Knights volleyball team opened up their season with a resounding 3-0 (25-23, 25-17, 25-14) victory over the Williston State College Tetons. The Knights returned to the floor immediately to face the Sheridan College Lady Generals where the Lady Knights knocked off the Lady Generals 3-1 (25-22, 23-25, 25-14, 27-25)

The first set of the year saw the Lady Knights emerge victorious 25-23 over the Tetons. The Lady Knights then cruised to a 25-17 victory in the second set before winning the third set in dominating fashion 25-14. The Lady Knights were led in kills by Sabrina Hallahan and Samantha Kennedy who both recorded nine. Kylie Wroot also chipped in eight kills. Joli Hopping contributed 19 assists while Laura Beckman had 12. Shannon Liewer led the Lady Knights in digs with 31.

The difference in the game was the Lady Knights controlled the net and did a good job receiving serves according to head coach Sally Thalken. “I was very happy with the way we played,” said coach Thalken. “We started out a little tentative but did a lot of good things. We have a lot of improving to still do but game experience is invaluable for our kids.”

The Lady Knights opened up their second game of the young season with another hard fought opening set win 25-22 over the Lady Generals. The set was knotted at 22 apiece before three freshman made plays to seal the win. Kylie Wroot got things started with a big kill before Samantha Byrn had an ace serve to give the Lady Knights game point. Samantha Kennedy delivered the winning kill to give the Lady Knights the opening set win.

The second set saw the Lady Generals take a highly contested battle 23-25 from the Lady Knights. The Lady Knights responded by dominating the third set on the way to a 25-14 victory. The fourth set was a hard fought battle as the game went back and forth before the Lady Knights were able to pull out the 27-25 set and game victory.

“I was really proud of our kids,” said coach Thalken. “They really stuck in there and played some scrappy ball. I thought we really played aggressive.”

The Lady Knights were paced by Sandrina Hallahan with nine kills and six blocks. Samantha Kennedy had eight blocks. Laura Beckman had 48 assists and Joli Hopping had 42. Shannon Liewer led the Lady Knights with 23 digs.

“I thought we controlled the game with our passing and ball control,” said Shannon Liewer. “We really worked hard on our serve receive. I thought we were able to keep our momentum up and we really connected as a team.”

The Subway Invite resumes on Saturday morning at 9 a.m. with games also at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. The Lady Knights will face the Eastern Wyoming College Lady Lancers at 11 a.m. The Lady Lancers were 0-2 on day one falling to Northeastern Junior College and Williston State College. The Lady Knights then turn around and face the Colby Community College Lady Trojans at 1 p.m. The Lady Trojans went 1-1 on day one defeating Sheridan College before falling to Northeastern Junior College.

Both games for the Lady Knights can be heard on ESPN Radio 1410 with Robert Lovell and Scott Carlson on the call.

Huskers Dominant in 4-0 Victory Over Redhawks

Posted on August 23, 2013

Lincoln – The Nebraska soccer team controlled play for the much of the contest and outshot Southeast Missouri State by a 30-3 margin en route to a 4-0 regular season-opening victory on Friday evening at the Nebraska Soccer Field.

The Huskers wasted no time getting some offensive production, taking the lead less than three minutes into the contest. Freshman Jaycie Johnson’s shot from the right side was deflected and landed in the path of a hustling Mayme Conroy who put it into the left side of the goal from close range for the early 1-0 advantage.

NU held possession for much of the first half as the strong Husker defense did not allow the Redhawks to record a shot in the period, while Nebraska notched 14 shots with seven coming on goal.

The Huskers continued to dominate early in the second half with a perfectly executed corner kick off the foot of Sam Areman that was headed in by Conroy for her second goal of the game and 17th of her career at the 48:21 mark for the 2-0 lead.

Nebraska quickly extended the lead to 3-0 when Johnson earned her first career goal as a Husker in the 52nd minute, beating the Southeast Missouri keeper to the far post after a give-and-go pass from Caroline Flynn.

Johnson made it a multi-goal debut with just minutes remaining as she was taken down in the penalty area after she eluded the Redhawks defender. Johnson converted on the ensuing penalty kick as she fooled the keeper to the right side, giving NU the 4-0 victory to open the season.

The 30 shots on offense for the Huskers equaled its season-high from last year. NU also recorded 14 shots on goal, a total that was bested twice in 2012.

Freshman Kelly Schatz made a pair of saves in 17 minutes of action after she came on in relief for starting goalkeeper Emma Stevens, who moved into second place alone on the all-time list of Husker keepers for games played in goal with 49.

Stevens did not have to make a save on the evening as the NU defensive pressure kept the Redhawks at bay until the 74:19 mark of the contest when Southeast Missouri recorded its first shot of the night.

The Huskers will be back in action looking to start a winning streak this Sunday when they host the Cincinnati Bearcats for a Noon contest.

Wheeler’s RBI Double in Eighth Lifts Rockies

Posted on August 23, 2013

MIAMI (AP) — Ryan Wheeler hit a tiebreaking RBI double in the eighth to help give the Colorado Rockies a 3-2 win over the Miami Marlins on Friday night.

Jhoulys Chacin (12-7) allowed two runs and four hits in seven innings for the Rockies.

Adam Ottavino pitched the eighth and Lex Brothers picked up his 12th save in 13 opportunities.

Colorado’s Wilin Rosario had his hitting streak snapped at 13 with an 0-for-4 night while Troy Tulowitzki extended his hitting streak to 10 games with a double in the first.

Ed Lucas homered and Tom Koehler allowed one run in seven innings for Miami, which has lost four in a row.

Chad Qualls (4-2) took the loss.

NSAA Board of Directors Meeting, August 21st, 2013

Posted on August 23, 2013

The following is a recap of the main points of discussion:
 Volleyball- After much deliberation over the outstanding bids brought forth by the cities of Grand Island and
Lincoln, the Board or Directors passed a motion to bring the NSAA State Volleyball Championship to Lincoln for
2014, 2015 & 2016.
 Transgender discussion- The NSAA will move forward with the legislation process putting the topic of a
Transgender Policy in motion for the member schools to discuss.
 Speech/Play Production-A policy has been put in place to require content to be approved by school
administration. This policy is an attempt to prevent inappropriate content.
 Cross Country- Board of Directors approved the request to add an additional Coach’s pass to teams participating
in the NSAA State Cross Country Championship.
 Media Manual- A revised Media Manual including updated Broadcast Rights Fees was reviewed and is now
available under the “MEDIA” tab on the NSAA website.
 Concussion Update-In July the Board passed the requirement that all Coaches for member school complete the
NFHS “Concussion in Sports” course. Member schools are in the implementation phase.
 Softball-The Board of Directors approved the removal of individual game tickets. Moving forward, the NSAA
State Softball Championship will offer the DAY-PASS which remains $7 for kids, $9 for adults.
 Officials- Through strong recruitment initiatives, attendance at recent NHSOA/NSAA clinics is up showing
heightened interest in participation.
 Championship Programs- The format for the 2013-2014 Championship programs has been upgraded to
showcase team photos of participant teams.
The August meeting was extremely productive and encouraging.

Nebraska School Activities Association and MaxPreps.com Sign Multi-Year Agreement for Customized Sports Information Platform

Posted on August 23, 2013

The Nebraska School Activities Association (NSAA) and MaxPreps.com, the online high school
sports leader and a CBSSports.com site, have signed a five-year partnership agreement that
will enable the NSAA to provide a customized sports information platform for its member
schools.
MaxPreps.com and the NSAA will provide all member schools with a streamlined publishing
platform for managing and promoting their sports information across desktop, tablet, and
mobile. As teams will be required to submit their scores and stats to MaxPreps.com after each
game, all box score information will be published on MaxPreps.com and automatically provided
to the NSAA for use in managing various initiatives across the state, including NSAA postseason qualifications, wild card points, statistical leader boards, a state record book, media guides and more. Teams will also be able to immediately send their post-game reports to statewide media contacts after each game.
“Our partnership with MaxPreps.com will deliver broader Nebraska prep exposure and a
statistics platform that cannot be duplicated with our current system,” said Rhonda BlanfordGreen, Executive Director of the NSAA. “We look forward to providing a higher level of data output to our membership and communities that support interscholastic participation.”

“We are excited to work with the NSAA to serve its member schools through the seamless
sharing of scores, stats and more,” said Andy Beal, President and Founder of MaxPreps.com.
“We are unwavering in our commitment to celebrate Nebraska high school sports and look
forward to a long partnership with the NSAA.”
MaxPreps.com, one of the nation’s most visited sites for high school sports coverage, has been
on the prep sports scene since 2002 and has successfully partnered with 13 other high school
state associations.

Tickets Now on Sale for ‘2013 Railtown U.S.A. Collegiate Rodeo’

Posted on August 23, 2013

Tickets are now on sale for the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association’s “2013 Railtown U.S.A. Collegiate Rodeo” that is scheduled to take place during Railfest, Sept. 20-21, at the Nebraskaland Days Wild West Arena in North Platte.

The NIRA Great Plains Region awarded the collegiate rodeo competition to Mid-Plains Community College earlier this summer. Twelve men’s teams and nine women’s collegiate rodeo teams from Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, North Dakota and Wisconsin compete in the Great Plains Region.

The rodeo will begin at 7 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday nights. General admission tickets for each night are $11 for adults and $8 for children. Tickets are available at the Nebraskaland Days office, 509 E. 4th St. in North Platte, or online athttps://www.elevate.com/boxoffice/?cref=bd322850-b5ac-4bc3-b8cd-406ccad7fbac.