Kearney, Neb. -&nbsp;Nebraska Kearney head men's basketball coach Marty Levinson&nbsp;announced today that three players from the 2023-24 National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II National Champions -- National Park College (Hot Springs, Ark.) -- have joined the&nbsp;Loper&nbsp;program. On June 10,&nbsp;Levison&nbsp;announced the&nbsp;<a href="https://lopers.com/news/2024/6/10/four-transfers-join-mens-basketball.aspx">first four recruits</a>&nbsp;of his tenure. The roster will continue to grow throughout the summer. The NPC Nighthawks went 31-1 this past season and won the national title after beating the top two seeds,&nbsp;Davidson-Davie&nbsp;(N.C.) and South Suburban (Ill.), in the Final Four and Championship game. The Nighthawks were the fifth seed in a tournament held in Danville, Ill. The transfers are post&nbsp;Taylor Harrell&nbsp;(Huntsville, Texas), guard&nbsp;Ja'Bryant&nbsp;Hill&nbsp;(Duncanville, Texas) and forward&nbsp;Anthony Swift&nbsp;(Las Vegas, Nev.). Each has two years of eligibility remaining .Harrell led NJCAA Division II in field goal percentage this season (76.7) as he averaged 10.3 points, 8.0 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game. Starting all 32 contests, he earned All-Region honors and was the MVP of the National Tourney. In the title game vs. South Suburban, he had 22 points on 10 of 12 shooting. In a regular season win, Harrell scored a season-best 25 points by going 11 of 12 from the floor." Taylor is a physical center who scores at a very efficient rate. At 6'11 and 280 pounds, he brings a presence and physicality that will instantly impact a game. He can use his physicality to dominate at times because he is very intelligent, instinctual, and uses his positioning to his advantage. When position and size meet skill, you have a real problem and that is exactly how Taylor plays," said Levinson. Having 19 double figure games, Harrell ended up at NPC after scoring 41 points against the Nighthawks a year prior. At Huntsville High, he hit a last second shot to help the Hornets win an area championship and was part of a conference winning squad a year later." He shot the ball a very impressive 77% rate from the floor and completely dominated the National Championship game. Taylor's productivity can be seen on a box score but perhaps his biggest impact is being the vocal leader that he naturally is.&nbsp;Loper&nbsp;fans are going to really enjoy that Taylor is on our side," said Levinson. A 5-10, 160-pound guard, Hill earned second-team All-American this year after averaging 17.3 points, 4.0 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game. He had seven 20-point efforts including a 50 burger in a win over North Arkansas. He made 15 of 25 shots (7 of 10) and went 13 of 15 at the line in a 108-66 victory."Ja'Bryant brings more positivity to a roster than maybe any player I have ever seen. JB can impact a game on both sides of the ball. His quickness and instincts are special, on and off the ball, as he will get into a ball handler as well as jump a passing lane that most others would never see," said Levinson. "Not only known as a defensive problem, JB can also score from all three levels, sets up his teammates at the right time, and rebounds especially well for his size." Setting a school-record for steals in a game (10) vs. nationally ranked Des Moines Area (Ia.) C.C., Hill shot 83% from the line and 45% from the floor. He leaves the Nighthawks as the all-time leader in both steals (125) and made free throws (234). After spending a redshirt season at Western Texas College, Hill averaged 14.5 points, 3.8 assists and 2.5 rebounds per game for NPC in 2022-23. Finally, he helped lead Duncanville High to its first state tourney appearance in 12 years." During his career, he is a Texas High School state champion and is now a NJCAA national champion; you can see why as he is not only a leader on the floor, in the locker room, on campus and around the community. I am really excited to add Ja'Bryant to our community and be around him every day," said Levinson.​Swift (6-7, 210 lbs.) took a redshirt season at Division I Southern Utah before spending his redshirt freshman campaign at the College of Southern Nevada. There, he was teammates with fellow Loper newcomer Kendrick Gilbert. Swift averaged 9.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.0 blocks a night that season in helping CSN go 23-10."Anthony gives us versatility, size, and skill as he has shown he can be productive and influence winning everywhere he has played. He can guard multiple positions and can score in the post as well as on the perimeter," said Levinson. "Growing up in Las Vegas and playing against a lot of high-level competition, Anthony has developed a very effective all-around game and knows how to compliment his teammates but can also take over at times." At NPC this year, Swift appeared in 31 games and was at 7.4 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game. He had nine games with at least 10 boards including a season-best 20 in a win over Southern Arkansas Tech. Posting two double doubles, Swift made 50% of his shots and 74% of his free throws. At Desert Pines High in Las Vegas, he was a double figure scorer who helped his team make two state appearances." The talents Anthony brings to a team are invaluable as he played a big part in helping National Park win the National Championship, but he was also a big part of these three wanting to play together. Relationships matter to Anthony, and I will lean on his perspective to help guide this team," said Levinson. The Levinson Era begins Nov. 8 (Friday) with a game at Southwest Minnesota State; the home opener is to be determined.

Kearney, Neb. -&nbsp;Nebraska Kearney head men's basketball coach Marty Levinson&nbsp;announced today that three players from the 2023-24 National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II National Champions -- National Park College (Hot Springs, Ark.) -- have joined the&nbsp;Loper&nbsp;program. On June 10,&nbsp;Levison&nbsp;announced the&nbsp;<a href="https://lopers.com/news/2024/6/10/four-transfers-join-mens-basketball.aspx">first four recruits</a>&nbsp;of his tenure. The roster will continue to grow throughout the summer. The NPC Nighthawks went 31-1 this past season and won the national title after beating the top two seeds,&nbsp;Davidson-Davie&nbsp;(N.C.) and South Suburban (Ill.), in the Final Four and Championship game. The Nighthawks were the fifth seed in a tournament held in Danville, Ill. The transfers are post&nbsp;Taylor Harrell&nbsp;(Huntsville, Texas), guard&nbsp;Ja'Bryant&nbsp;Hill&nbsp;(Duncanville, Texas) and forward&nbsp;Anthony Swift&nbsp;(Las Vegas, Nev.). Each has two years of eligibility remaining .Harrell led NJCAA Division II in field goal percentage this season (76.7) as he averaged 10.3 points, 8.0 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game. Starting all 32 contests, he earned All-Region honors and was the MVP of the National Tourney. In the title game vs. South Suburban, he had 22 points on 10 of 12 shooting. In a regular season win, Harrell scored a season-best 25 points by going 11 of 12 from the floor." Taylor is a physical center who scores at a very efficient rate. At 6'11 and 280 pounds, he brings a presence and physicality that will instantly impact a game. He can use his physicality to dominate at times because he is very intelligent, instinctual, and uses his positioning to his advantage. When position and size meet skill, you have a real problem and that is exactly how Taylor plays," said Levinson. Having 19 double figure games, Harrell ended up at NPC after scoring 41 points against the Nighthawks a year prior. At Huntsville High, he hit a last second shot to help the Hornets win an area championship and was part of a conference winning squad a year later." He shot the ball a very impressive 77% rate from the floor and completely dominated the National Championship game. Taylor's productivity can be seen on a box score but perhaps his biggest impact is being the vocal leader that he naturally is.&nbsp;Loper&nbsp;fans are going to really enjoy that Taylor is on our side," said Levinson. A 5-10, 160-pound guard, Hill earned second-team All-American this year after averaging 17.3 points, 4.0 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game. He had seven 20-point efforts including a 50 burger in a win over North Arkansas. He made 15 of 25 shots (7 of 10) and went 13 of 15 at the line in a 108-66 victory."Ja'Bryant brings more positivity to a roster than maybe any player I have ever seen. JB can impact a game on both sides of the ball. His quickness and instincts are special, on and off the ball, as he will get into a ball handler as well as jump a passing lane that most others would never see," said Levinson. "Not only known as a defensive problem, JB can also score from all three levels, sets up his teammates at the right time, and rebounds especially well for his size." Setting a school-record for steals in a game (10) vs. nationally ranked Des Moines Area (Ia.) C.C., Hill shot 83% from the line and 45% from the floor. He leaves the Nighthawks as the all-time leader in both steals (125) and made free throws (234). After spending a redshirt season at Western Texas College, Hill averaged 14.5 points, 3.8 assists and 2.5 rebounds per game for NPC in 2022-23. Finally, he helped lead Duncanville High to its first state tourney appearance in 12 years." During his career, he is a Texas High School state champion and is now a NJCAA national champion; you can see why as he is not only a leader on the floor, in the locker room, on campus and around the community. I am really excited to add Ja'Bryant to our community and be around him every day," said Levinson.​Swift (6-7, 210 lbs.) took a redshirt season at Division I Southern Utah before spending his redshirt freshman campaign at the College of Southern Nevada. There, he was teammates with fellow Loper newcomer Kendrick Gilbert. Swift averaged 9.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.0 blocks a night that season in helping CSN go 23-10."Anthony gives us versatility, size, and skill as he has shown he can be productive and influence winning everywhere he has played. He can guard multiple positions and can score in the post as well as on the perimeter," said Levinson. "Growing up in Las Vegas and playing against a lot of high-level competition, Anthony has developed a very effective all-around game and knows how to compliment his teammates but can also take over at times." At NPC this year, Swift appeared in 31 games and was at 7.4 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game. He had nine games with at least 10 boards including a season-best 20 in a win over Southern Arkansas Tech. Posting two double doubles, Swift made 50% of his shots and 74% of his free throws. At Desert Pines High in Las Vegas, he was a double figure scorer who helped his team make two state appearances." The talents Anthony brings to a team are invaluable as he played a big part in helping National Park win the National Championship, but he was also a big part of these three wanting to play together. Relationships matter to Anthony, and I will lean on his perspective to help guide this team," said Levinson. The Levinson Era begins Nov. 8 (Friday) with a game at Southwest Minnesota State; the home opener is to be determined.

UNK adds three from National Park College

Story by NU Athletic Communications

Senior Brett Sears was named a second-team Academic All-American by College Sports Communicators on Tuesday.

Sears is the first Husker baseball player to be an Academic All-American since 2016 and is the first Husker to be an All-American and Academic All-American in the same season since Aaron Marsden in 2003.

The Westphalia, Iowa, native becomes the 19th player in program history to be named an Academic All-American, increasing Nebraska’s total to 22 all-time Academic All-Americans.

In the classroom, Sears carried a 3.65 cumulative grade-point average while earning a degree in child, youth and family studies in May.

A unanimous second-team All-American and semifinalist for the Dick Howser Trophy and National Pitcher of the Year, Sears picked up first-team all-region recognition and was tabbed the District 6 Player of the Year last month.

The Big Ten Pitcher of the Year and first-team All-Big Ten honoree posted a 9-1 record with a 2.16 ERA and 101 strikeouts in 104 innings this season.

Sears had a breakout 2024 campaign, ranking among the national leaders throughout the season. The senior finished the year ranked fourth with a 0.88 WHIP, fifth in ERA (2.16), 19th in strikeout-to-walk ratio (5.32), 20th in hits allowed/9 inn. (6.23) and 24th in walks allowed/9 inn. (1.64).

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsSenior Brett Sears was named a second-team Academic All-American by College Sports Communicators on Tuesday.Sears is the first Husker baseball player to be an Academic All-American since 2016 and is the first Husker to be an All-American and Academic All-American in the same season since Aaron Marsden in 2003.The Westphalia, Iowa, native becomes the 19th player in program history to be named an Academic All-American, increasing Nebraska’s total to 22 all-time Academic All-Americans.In the classroom, Sears carried a 3.65 cumulative grade-point average while earning a degree in child, youth and family studies in May.A unanimous second-team All-American and semifinalist for the Dick Howser Trophy and National Pitcher of the Year, Sears picked up first-team all-region recognition and was tabbed the District 6 Player of the Year last month.The Big Ten Pitcher of the Year and first-team All-Big Ten honoree posted a 9-1 record with a 2.16 ERA and 101 strikeouts in 104 innings this season.Sears had a breakout 2024 campaign, ranking among the national leaders throughout the season. The senior finished the year ranked fourth with a 0.88 WHIP, fifth in ERA (2.16), 19th in strikeout-to-walk ratio (5.32), 20th in hits allowed/9 inn. (6.23) and 24th in walks allowed/9 inn. (1.64).

Brett Sears named Academic All-American

Nebraska sophomores Bergen Reilly and Andi Jackson led the U.S. U21 National Team to the gold medal at the NORCECA U21 Continental Championship in Toronto, Canada on Sunday. Nebraska assistant coach Jaylen Reyes served as an assistant coach for the U21 National Team.

Team USA swept Puerto Rico 25-12, 25-16, 25-16 in the gold medal match to finish the tournament without dropping a set in five matches. Jackson finished with nine kills, three blocks and one ace, while Reilly set the U.S. to a .464 hitting percentage.&nbsp;

In other international competition, Nebraska seniors Merritt Beason, Taylor Landfair and Lexi Rodriguez took the silver medal at the NORCECA Final Six as the U.S. National Team fell to Dominican Republic in five sets, 14-25, 25-17, 25-23, 16-25, 11-15. The U.S. National Team - comprising only college players for this tournament - went toe to toe with the senior national team of the Dominican Republic. Beason had a team-high 14 kills in the final, while Rodriguez had 10 digs.&nbsp;

Women's NORCECA Final Six (Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic)FinalDominican Republic 3, USA 2 (25-14, 17-25, 23-25, 25-16, 15-11)Merritt Beason - 14 killsLexi Rodriguez - 10 digsSemifinalsUSA 3, Puerto Rico 0 (25-21, 21-25, 25-23, 25-16)Merritt Beason - 13 killsLexi Rodriguez - 19 digs

USA 3, Canada 0 (25-15, 25-21, 25-13)Merritt Beason - 4 kills, 3 digsTaylor Landfair - 5 kills, 6 digs, 1 block, 1 ace&nbsp;Lexi Rodriguez - 3 digs

USA 3, Mexico 0 (33-31, 27-25, 25-15)Lexi Rodriguez - 14 digs

U21 NORCECA Continental Championship (Toronto, Canada)FinalUSA 3, Puerto Rico 0 (25-12, 25-16, 25-16)Andi Jackson - 9 kills, 3 blocks, 1 aceBergen Reilly - Set Team USA to a .464 hitting percentage

SemifinalsUSA 3, Dominican Republic 0 (25-20, 25-13, 25-12)Andi Jackson - 8 kills, 1 block, 1 aceBergen Reilly - 6 digs, 3 aces, helped set U.S. to a .410 hitting percentage

Group StageUSA 3, Puerto Rico 0 (25-10, 25-17, 25-15)Andi Jackson - 8 kills, 2 blocks, 3 acesBergen Reilly - helped set U.S. to a .314 hitting percentage

USA 3, Suriname 0 (25-10, 25-5, 25-9)Andi Jackson - 5 killsBergen Reilly - 8 assists

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsNebraska sophomores Bergen Reilly and Andi Jackson led the U.S. U21 National Team to the gold medal at the NORCECA U21 Continental Championship in Toronto, Canada on Sunday. Nebraska assistant coach Jaylen Reyes served as an assistant coach for the U21 National Team.Team USA swept Puerto Rico 25-12, 25-16, 25-16 in the gold medal match to finish the tournament without dropping a set in five matches. Jackson finished with nine kills, three blocks and one ace, while Reilly set the U.S. to a .464 hitting percentage.&nbsp;In other international competition, Nebraska seniors Merritt Beason, Taylor Landfair and Lexi Rodriguez took the silver medal at the NORCECA Final Six as the U.S. National Team fell to Dominican Republic in five sets, 14-25, 25-17, 25-23, 16-25, 11-15. The U.S. National Team - comprising only college players for this tournament - went toe to toe with the senior national team of the Dominican Republic. Beason had a team-high 14 kills in the final, while Rodriguez had 10 digs.&nbsp;Women's NORCECA Final Six (Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic)FinalDominican Republic 3, USA 2 (25-14, 17-25, 23-25, 25-16, 15-11)Merritt Beason - 14 killsLexi Rodriguez - 10 digsSemifinalsUSA 3, Puerto Rico 0 (25-21, 21-25, 25-23, 25-16)Merritt Beason - 13 killsLexi Rodriguez - 19 digsGroup StageUSA 3, Canada 0 (25-15, 25-21, 25-13)Merritt Beason - 4 kills, 3 digsTaylor Landfair - 5 kills, 6 digs, 1 block, 1 ace&nbsp;Lexi Rodriguez - 3 digsUSA 3, Mexico 0 (33-31, 27-25, 25-15)Lexi Rodriguez - 14 digsU21 NORCECA Continental Championship (Toronto, Canada)FinalUSA 3, Puerto Rico 0 (25-12, 25-16, 25-16)Andi Jackson - 9 kills, 3 blocks, 1 aceBergen Reilly - Set Team USA to a .464 hitting percentageSemifinalsUSA 3, Dominican Republic 0 (25-20, 25-13, 25-12)Andi Jackson - 8 kills, 1 block, 1 aceBergen Reilly - 6 digs, 3 aces, helped set U.S. to a .410 hitting percentageGroup StageUSA 3, Puerto Rico 0 (25-10, 25-17, 25-15)Andi Jackson - 8 kills, 2 blocks, 3 acesBergen Reilly - helped set U.S. to a .314 hitting percentageUSA 3, Suriname 0 (25-10, 25-5, 25-9)Andi Jackson - 5 killsBergen Reilly - 8 assists

Reilly, Jackson lead U.S. U21 Team to Gold Medal

Story by Supernovas Communications&nbsp;

OMAHA, Neb.&nbsp;– The&nbsp;Omaha Supernovas&nbsp;are thrilled to officially announce&nbsp;Laura “Bird” Kuhn&nbsp;as head coach, dropping the interim title that she inherited from last season.&nbsp;

Kuhn continues her stay in Omaha after winning the first-ever Pro Volleyball Federation Championship on May 18 when the Supernovas swept the Grand Rapids Rise inside the&nbsp;CHI Health Center&nbsp;to cap off a storybook season. Originally hired as an assistant coach, Kuhn took over as Interim Head Coach on Feb. 6, only two matches into the inaugural season. Kuhn would lead Omaha to a 17-7 overall record under her watch, which includes the two postseason victories.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Omaha is a special place and truly is the volleyball capital of the world,” Kuhn said. “The Supernovas organization is full of amazing people who have invested in one another to establish a culture of success. Creating such an impact in a one-of-kind community has been a life-changing experience, making this a huge drawback for me. I’m looking forward to being back with NovasNation!”&nbsp;

Kuhn was the main voice in balancing and managing a roster, widely seen as one of the best in the first season of the PVF. That became even more important as the Supernovas were one of the most injury-riddled teams in the league, losing three key contributors for substantial parts of the season.&nbsp;

"We couldn’t be more excited for Bird to continue her tenure in Omaha,”&nbsp;Supernovas Team President Diane Mendenhall&nbsp;said. “She took the reins in February with this team and did a phenomenal job of guiding them to the championship. She fostered a championship culture with a united sense of purpose. We saw that play out in the championship semi-finals with the reserve sweep over San Diego and followed by the sweep of Grand Rapids to capture the inaugural championship.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kuhn isn’t new to this role, serving as the head volleyball coach for Texas A&amp;M from 2018 through 2022. Bird was named the 2019 SEC Coach of the Year after leading the Aggies to a Sweet 16 appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Prior to Texas A&amp;M, Kuhn established herself as one of the top assistants in the country, winning the 2015 AVCA National Assistant of the Year, as the Associate Head Coach at the University of Kansas where she helped the team reach its first Final Four in school history.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kuhn will lead the coaching staff and collaborate with the front office in evaluating and signing talent for the 2025 Omaha Supernovas roster, which began with&nbsp;<a href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001kb0tKyzOBTfWcMNEoELvFYPFTQ8Cnl37Hsc5p-RCxR3aZOdQEBcw7JoX9GoXvNTtbYFVFhAMQjgxY7fDkkHYq0NbRzApEf-yDgQpKDvCz5ETlVguFufueSJkm8VUCn06fBUNigEF6dlouCHPFQPtSpMnXY6zbCvc6fzlFz_MxBskl-XK135c-FoT2KM9iSk_BlCP8hNqyYOy_W1YCmjysS5gDzjzrukkerobXVR4TsdTEDDwCbgWwDRGlPmiBgUYXh8BnVBqhPYTm3gN56vN4OJMxHniF84NCa7godXLsb-S1GkQ5J206g==&amp;c=9NjQRfHS_0tnygIYIR1DOGzbiD83i63UDTvNLBII3wmNEg-eGV3vmg==&amp;ch=r7lwjP9VTWca4VpEqtPioctwULYIBeFZRzaya-jl5egmsTbeLjSmSQ==">nine signees on the first day of the PVF Free Agency</a>&nbsp;period on June 30. Omaha will return to the CHI Health Center for the second season of the Pro Volleyball Federation, set to begin in January 2025.&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 href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001kb0tKyzOBTfWcMNEoELvFYPFTQ8Cnl37Hsc5p-RCxR3aZOdQEBcw7LNoIC1RgVi9g6tMoVJqEo8CEZk0uuHLL-6U1Pt772K1ncNFSi84JCBBFuKwPB2ULwVXWCGmhsaYNdZcIZ1d1fhiIf92lzpgeIEuQ70x_bYi_6W62oOR8BKMthiNAguZDB_47ZuSmgs9&amp;c=9NjQRfHS_0tnygIYIR1DOGzbiD83i63UDTvNLBII3wmNEg-eGV3vmg==&amp;ch=r7lwjP9VTWca4VpEqtPioctwULYIBeFZRzaya-jl5egmsTbeLjSmSQ==">link</a>&nbsp;to see where the Supernovas are this summer!&nbsp;

Story by Supernovas Communications&nbsp;OMAHA, Neb.&nbsp;– The&nbsp;Omaha Supernovas&nbsp;are thrilled to officially announce&nbsp;Laura “Bird” Kuhn&nbsp;as head coach, dropping the interim title that she inherited from last season.&nbsp;Kuhn continues her stay in Omaha after winning the first-ever Pro Volleyball Federation Championship on May 18 when the Supernovas swept the Grand Rapids Rise inside the&nbsp;CHI Health Center&nbsp;to cap off a storybook season. Originally hired as an assistant coach, Kuhn took over as Interim Head Coach on Feb. 6, only two matches into the inaugural season. Kuhn would lead Omaha to a 17-7 overall record under her watch, which includes the two postseason victories.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Omaha is a special place and truly is the volleyball capital of the world,” Kuhn said. “The Supernovas organization is full of amazing people who have invested in one another to establish a culture of success. Creating such an impact in a one-of-kind community has been a life-changing experience, making this a huge drawback for me. I’m looking forward to being back with NovasNation!”&nbsp;Kuhn was the main voice in balancing and managing a roster, widely seen as one of the best in the first season of the PVF. That became even more important as the Supernovas were one of the most injury-riddled teams in the league, losing three key contributors for substantial parts of the season.&nbsp;"We couldn’t be more excited for Bird to continue her tenure in Omaha,”&nbsp;Supernovas Team President Diane Mendenhall&nbsp;said. “She took the reins in February with this team and did a phenomenal job of guiding them to the championship. She fostered a championship culture with a united sense of purpose. We saw that play out in the championship semi-finals with the reserve sweep over San Diego and followed by the sweep of Grand Rapids to capture the inaugural championship.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Kuhn isn’t new to this role, serving as the head volleyball coach for Texas A&amp;M from 2018 through 2022. Bird was named the 2019 SEC Coach of the Year after leading the Aggies to a Sweet 16 appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Prior to Texas A&amp;M, Kuhn established herself as one of the top assistants in the country, winning the 2015 AVCA National Assistant of the Year, as the Associate Head Coach at the University of Kansas where she helped the team reach its first Final Four in school history.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kuhn will lead the coaching staff and collaborate with the front office in evaluating and signing talent for the 2025 Omaha Supernovas roster, which began with&nbsp;<a href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001kb0tKyzOBTfWcMNEoELvFYPFTQ8Cnl37Hsc5p-RCxR3aZOdQEBcw7JoX9GoXvNTtbYFVFhAMQjgxY7fDkkHYq0NbRzApEf-yDgQpKDvCz5ETlVguFufueSJkm8VUCn06fBUNigEF6dlouCHPFQPtSpMnXY6zbCvc6fzlFz_MxBskl-XK135c-FoT2KM9iSk_BlCP8hNqyYOy_W1YCmjysS5gDzjzrukkerobXVR4TsdTEDDwCbgWwDRGlPmiBgUYXh8BnVBqhPYTm3gN56vN4OJMxHniF84NCa7godXLsb-S1GkQ5J206g==&amp;c=9NjQRfHS_0tnygIYIR1DOGzbiD83i63UDTvNLBII3wmNEg-eGV3vmg==&amp;ch=r7lwjP9VTWca4VpEqtPioctwULYIBeFZRzaya-jl5egmsTbeLjSmSQ==">nine signees on the first day of the PVF Free Agency</a>&nbsp;period on June 30. Omaha will return to the CHI Health Center for the second season of the Pro Volleyball Federation, set to begin in January 2025.&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 href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001kb0tKyzOBTfWcMNEoELvFYPFTQ8Cnl37Hsc5p-RCxR3aZOdQEBcw7LNoIC1RgVi9g6tMoVJqEo8CEZk0uuHLL-6U1Pt772K1ncNFSi84JCBBFuKwPB2ULwVXWCGmhsaYNdZcIZ1d1fhiIf92lzpgeIEuQ70x_bYi_6W62oOR8BKMthiNAguZDB_47ZuSmgs9&amp;c=9NjQRfHS_0tnygIYIR1DOGzbiD83i63UDTvNLBII3wmNEg-eGV3vmg==&amp;ch=r7lwjP9VTWca4VpEqtPioctwULYIBeFZRzaya-jl5egmsTbeLjSmSQ==">link</a>&nbsp;to see where the Supernovas are this summer!&nbsp;

Supernovas officially hire Laura “Bird” Kuhn as Head Coach, drops Interim Title

McCook, Neb. - Dillon Hargrove, who coached National Park College to a national championship in March, has been named the new coach of McCook Community College men's basketball program.

Hargrove has been the men's head basketball coach at the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II program in Hot Springs, Ark. since July of 2020.

He compiled an 82-27 coaching record while leading the Nighthawks to Region II regular season championships the past two years and a program best 31-1 record during the 2023-24 campaign.

He said there were two main things that attracted him to the McCook job.

"The Peter and Dolores Graff Events Center is top-notch. It is one of the best facilities in junior college," he said. "The other thing is that when I got to McCook, one of the first things I realized and felt is that strong sense of community."

He said that community pride was visible not only with athletics, and not just on campus but throughout the community.

"As a basketball coach that's huge," he said. "To make that move, you want to feel that sense of community and family and this is pretty obvious here in McCook."

During his fourth season, the Nighthawks rattled off 27 straight wins as the team spent seven weeks ranked No. 1 in the nation.

Following the team's lone loss in the NJCAA Region II Championship, NPC received an at-large bid to its first NJCAA National Tournament as the No. 5 seed, where the Nighthawks soared to the program's first NJCAA Division II Men's Basketball National Championship.

NPC averaged 91.1 points per game on the offensive side while giving up 74.0 points per game on defense. They complimented that with 5.6 blocks per game (seventh in the nation) and 11.8 steals per game (eighth in the nation).

In addition to being named NJCAA Region II Coach of the Year, Hargrove was named the 2023-24 NJCAA Division II Men's Basketball Championship Coach of the Tournament and the 2023-24 National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Two-Year College Coach of the Year.

In his time at NPC, Hargrove coached one championship MVP, three DII All-Americans, two Region II players of the year, six all-region players and five second-team all-region players.

MCC Athletic Director Jon Olsen said the last two times the men's basketball head coach has opened up, there have been between 50 to 80 applications. A seven-person Mid-Plains Community College search committee screened candidates and conducted the interviews. Hargrove will also have responsibilities as a Career Coach in the Learning Commons.

"His resume to me just stood out, he interviewed really well and we saw why he would be so successful," said Olsen. "I'm really excited for him to be here."

Hargrove said recruiting is one of his immediate priorities. He and assistant Drake Henderson, whom he brought with him from Arkansas, plan to meet with current players and begin the process of replacing nine sophomores.

"We like to develop teams that play really hard, and we'll expect that out of our team this year, good athletes as well as good people," he said.

He received his bachelor's degree in communications from Arkansas Tech University in August of 2016. Hargrove began his coaching career as an assistant with men's basketball program at Lyon College in Benton, Ark. in 2016. The following year he coached at Flippin High School before joining the staff in 2019 at Little Priest Tribal College in Winnebago, Neb.

MCC's new men's basketball coach comes from a family of basketball coaches and educators. His dad has been coaching in Arkansas and Missouri for 32 years and mom has been an educator. His twin sister is a basketball coach. Younger sister isn't a coach but is pursuing her master's degree in sports management.

He and his wife Brooke both come from small towns in Arkansas and met in high school seven years ago. They were married last summer. She is a certified speech pathologist.

Hargrove takes over for North Platte native Jacob Brandl, who left MCC last month to take over at his alma mater North Platte Community College. Brandl spent four years as MCC with a 47-72 record. In 2021 Brandl helped guide the Indians to a Region IX tournament championship appearance, their first since 1997. The Indians went 11-21 this past season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719332175959.jpeg" alt="(Photo from MPCC Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>(Photo from MPCC Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>MPCC AthleticsMcCook, Neb. - Dillon Hargrove, who coached National Park College to a national championship in March, has been named the new coach of McCook Community College men's basketball program.Hargrove has been the men's head basketball coach at the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II program in Hot Springs, Ark. since July of 2020.He compiled an 82-27 coaching record while leading the Nighthawks to Region II regular season championships the past two years and a program best 31-1 record during the 2023-24 campaign.He said there were two main things that attracted him to the McCook job."The Peter and Dolores Graff Events Center is top-notch. It is one of the best facilities in junior college," he said. "The other thing is that when I got to McCook, one of the first things I realized and felt is that strong sense of community."He said that community pride was visible not only with athletics, and not just on campus but throughout the community."As a basketball coach that's huge," he said. "To make that move, you want to feel that sense of community and family and this is pretty obvious here in McCook."During his fourth season, the Nighthawks rattled off 27 straight wins as the team spent seven weeks ranked No. 1 in the nation.Following the team's lone loss in the NJCAA Region II Championship, NPC received an at-large bid to its first NJCAA National Tournament as the No. 5 seed, where the Nighthawks soared to the program's first NJCAA Division II Men's Basketball National Championship.NPC averaged 91.1 points per game on the offensive side while giving up 74.0 points per game on defense. They complimented that with 5.6 blocks per game (seventh in the nation) and 11.8 steals per game (eighth in the nation).In addition to being named NJCAA Region II Coach of the Year, Hargrove was named the 2023-24 NJCAA Division II Men's Basketball Championship Coach of the Tournament and the 2023-24 National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Two-Year College Coach of the Year.In his time at NPC, Hargrove coached one championship MVP, three DII All-Americans, two Region II players of the year, six all-region players and five second-team all-region players.MCC Athletic Director Jon Olsen said the last two times the men's basketball head coach has opened up, there have been between 50 to 80 applications. A seven-person Mid-Plains Community College search committee screened candidates and conducted the interviews. Hargrove will also have responsibilities as a Career Coach in the Learning Commons."His resume to me just stood out, he interviewed really well and we saw why he would be so successful," said Olsen. "I'm really excited for him to be here."Hargrove said recruiting is one of his immediate priorities. He and assistant Drake Henderson, whom he brought with him from Arkansas, plan to meet with current players and begin the process of replacing nine sophomores."We like to develop teams that play really hard, and we'll expect that out of our team this year, good athletes as well as good people," he said.He received his bachelor's degree in communications from Arkansas Tech University in August of 2016. Hargrove began his coaching career as an assistant with men's basketball program at Lyon College in Benton, Ark. in 2016. The following year he coached at Flippin High School before joining the staff in 2019 at Little Priest Tribal College in Winnebago, Neb.MCC's new men's basketball coach comes from a family of basketball coaches and educators. His dad has been coaching in Arkansas and Missouri for 32 years and mom has been an educator. His twin sister is a basketball coach. Younger sister isn't a coach but is pursuing her master's degree in sports management.He and his wife Brooke both come from small towns in Arkansas and met in high school seven years ago. They were married last summer. She is a certified speech pathologist.Hargrove takes over for North Platte native Jacob Brandl, who left MCC last month to take over at his alma mater North Platte Community College. Brandl spent four years as MCC with a 47-72 record. In 2021 Brandl helped guide the Indians to a Region IX tournament championship appearance, their first since 1997. The Indians went 11-21 this past season.

National champion coach to head MCC men’s basketball

Kearney, Neb. –&nbsp;Nebraska-Kearney&nbsp;standout&nbsp;Wes Ferguson&nbsp;runs in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usatf.org/events/2024/2024-u-s-olympic-team-trials-%E2%80%94-track-field">2024 U.S. Olympic Trials</a>&nbsp;this Thursday (June 27) in Eugene, Oreg.

The men's 800-meter first round/quarterfinals are set for 6:30 p.m. Central and can be viewed on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.peacocktv.com/">Peacock</a>. The start list will be revealed closer to race day;&nbsp;<a href="https://results.usatf.org/2024trials/">live results</a>&nbsp;are available as well.&nbsp;

If Ferguson (Fremont) finishes in the top six of his heat or has one of the next three fastest times, he'll advance to Friday's semifinals (three heats of seven). That begins at 8:39 p.m. Central and can be seen on Peacock&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usanetwork.com/">USA</a>. Finally, to reach Sunday's finals at 6:51 p.m. Central, he'll have to finish in the top two of a heat or have one of the next three fastest times. Once again, the finals (nine qualifiers) will air on Peacock and NBC.&nbsp;

Unlike some other nations that have a wildcard spot available, the U.S. policy on making the Olympic team is straight forward; finish in the top three and head to Paris (July 26-Aug. 11).&nbsp;

Ferguson currently ranks eighth in the country this year with a time of 1:45.06. Bryce Hoppel (adidas/Kansas Alum; 1:43.68), Isaiah Jewett (NIKE/Southern Cal Alum; 1:44.02) and Brandon Miller (Brooks/Texas A&amp;M Alum; 1:44.24) lead the field. &nbsp;&nbsp;

A five-time NCAA Division II national champion and nine-time All-American, Ferguson is one of six declared runners with D2 ties. Before transferring to Power 5 schools, Shane Cohen (Tampa) and Abraham Alvarado (Cal State&nbsp;Stanislaus) were D2 student-athletes with Benjamin Allen (Concordia-St. Paul), Robert Downs (Texas A&amp;M-Kingsville) and Derek Holdsworth (Western Oregon) each being D2 standouts during their careers. &nbsp;

UNK has had two Olympic athletes in recent times in wrestler&nbsp;Tervel&nbsp;Dlagnev&nbsp;(2012 and 2016) and track team member Curtis Harry (two-man bobsleigh).&nbsp;Dlagnev&nbsp;eventually earned a bronze medal in 2016 with Harry representing Trinidad &amp; Tobago in the 1994 and 1998 Winter games. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719244993599.png" alt="Wes Ferguson (Photo courtesy of UNK Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Wes Ferguson (Photo courtesy of UNK Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>UNK AthleticsKearney, Neb. –&nbsp;Nebraska-Kearney&nbsp;standout&nbsp;Wes Ferguson&nbsp;runs in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usatf.org/events/2024/2024-u-s-olympic-team-trials-%E2%80%94-track-field">2024 U.S. Olympic Trials</a>&nbsp;this Thursday (June 27) in Eugene, Oreg.The men's 800-meter first round/quarterfinals are set for 6:30 p.m. Central and can be viewed on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.peacocktv.com/">Peacock</a>. The start list will be revealed closer to race day;&nbsp;<a href="https://results.usatf.org/2024trials/">live results</a>&nbsp;are available as well.&nbsp;If Ferguson (Fremont) finishes in the top six of his heat or has one of the next three fastest times, he'll advance to Friday's semifinals (three heats of seven). That begins at 8:39 p.m. Central and can be seen on Peacock&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usanetwork.com/">USA</a>. Finally, to reach Sunday's finals at 6:51 p.m. Central, he'll have to finish in the top two of a heat or have one of the next three fastest times. Once again, the finals (nine qualifiers) will air on Peacock and NBC.&nbsp;Unlike some other nations that have a wildcard spot available, the U.S. policy on making the Olympic team is straight forward; finish in the top three and head to Paris (July 26-Aug. 11).&nbsp;Ferguson currently ranks eighth in the country this year with a time of 1:45.06. Bryce Hoppel (adidas/Kansas Alum; 1:43.68), Isaiah Jewett (NIKE/Southern Cal Alum; 1:44.02) and Brandon Miller (Brooks/Texas A&amp;M Alum; 1:44.24) lead the field. &nbsp;&nbsp;A five-time NCAA Division II national champion and nine-time All-American, Ferguson is one of six declared runners with D2 ties. Before transferring to Power 5 schools, Shane Cohen (Tampa) and Abraham Alvarado (Cal State&nbsp;Stanislaus) were D2 student-athletes with Benjamin Allen (Concordia-St. Paul), Robert Downs (Texas A&amp;M-Kingsville) and Derek Holdsworth (Western Oregon) each being D2 standouts during their careers. &nbsp;UNK has had two Olympic athletes in recent times in wrestler&nbsp;Tervel&nbsp;Dlagnev&nbsp;(2012 and 2016) and track team member Curtis Harry (two-man bobsleigh).&nbsp;Dlagnev&nbsp;eventually earned a bronze medal in 2016 with Harry representing Trinidad &amp; Tobago in the 1994 and 1998 Winter games. &nbsp;

UNK Grad Ferguson Runs in the Olympic Trials this Weekend

Story by UNK Athletic Communications&nbsp;



Kearney, Neb. –&nbsp;Nebraska Kearney head women's soccer coach&nbsp;Rob Breton&nbsp;announced today the names of four newcomers who'll take to the pitch for the&nbsp;Lopers&nbsp;this fall.&nbsp;

In January, Breton announced the signing of a&nbsp;<a href="https://lopers.com/news/2024/1/31/womens-soccer-soccer-goes-far-wide-to-add-talent-to-2024-roster.aspx" target="_blank">mid-year transfer and five incoming freshmen.</a>&nbsp;This latest group features transfers&nbsp;Hanna&nbsp;Schimmer&nbsp;(Midland U.) and&nbsp;Keila Gillispie&nbsp;(Kansas State U.), freshmen&nbsp;Camrynn&nbsp;Nitta&nbsp;(Honolulu,&nbsp;Hawai'i) and&nbsp;redshirt&nbsp;sophomore&nbsp;Riley Jensen&nbsp;(Bellevue&nbsp;East). She previously played basketball for the&nbsp;Lopers.&nbsp;Jensen (5-10) starred on the Bellevue East soccer, volleyball and basketball teams from 2019-22. Missing one season of soccer due to the pandemic, the two-time Class A all-state defender had 30 career points (13 goals and four assists) to help the Chieftains win 17 games in 2011 and 2022. A member of Sporting Nebraska, she was recruited by national power Central Missouri, among others, for soccer.&nbsp;"Adding Riley to our team is a huge asset to our defense. Not only does she bring a winning mentality, having been on the UNK women's basketball team that qualified for the NCAA Tournament and won a MIAA regular season title, but she also was a two-time Class A defender," said Breton. "She has shown the abilities to compete and strengthen our defense."​A native of Newton, Kan., Gillispie (5-8) has at least one year of eligibility remaining after four seasons at Kansas State. In the spring of 2024, she was an assistant coach at Butler (Kan.) C.C. The midfielder/defender was a three-time Big 12 Commissioner's Honor Roll qualifier who battled some injuries and appeared in six games for the Wildcats. Majoring in Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology,&nbsp;Gillispie&nbsp;graduated last month. Finally, Gillispie was a Class 5A all-state pick for Newton High and a member of the Wichita Rush S.C.&nbsp; "We're very excited to be adding&nbsp;Keila&nbsp;to our defense this fall. She'll bring a new level of experience to the program having played at the highest level of college soccer for four years," said Breton. "She has a fluid presence on the ball&nbsp;on the ball, has strong leadership skills and a desire to have an immediate impact that will help push our defense to a new height in the fall. I'm looking forward to seeing the impact&nbsp;Keila&nbsp;will have within our program."Schimmer (5-8) is a forward from Council Bluffs, Ia., that scores at an elite level. She tallied 39 points (16 goals and four assists) for the Warriors this past fall to earn first-team&nbsp;All-GPAC&nbsp;honors and help Midland reach the NAIA National Tournament. At Iowa Western C.C. in 2022,&nbsp;Schimmer&nbsp;was part of an&nbsp;NJCAA&nbsp;National Championship squad that posted a 19-3-1 record. The Region Player of the Year, she also was tabbed as a first-team All-American after a 53-point (20 goals and 13 assists) effort. Finally, at Abraham Lincoln High, she produced 125 points (55 goals and 15 assists) over her final two seasons. Not surprisingly, the Lynx posted a 33-4 record during that time.&nbsp;&nbsp;​"Bringing&nbsp;Hanna into our&nbsp;team&nbsp;this year adds a whole new dynamic to our attack. Her pace, ability to create space both on and off the ball, and her desire to score will make her a threat in every game," said Breton. "She also brings a winning mentality, having won a National Title at Iowa Western while being named the Offensive Player of the National Tournament and then won a league title with Midland last season." Nitta&nbsp;(5-4), a forward, played for the&nbsp;Leahi&nbsp;S.C. and Pac-Five High School. She led her high school team in scoring this past year and was a first-team all-state pick. The Pac-Five Wolfpack also has won the past three Division II state titles. Playing for the "Premier"&nbsp;Leahi&nbsp;S.C. team, she won another state title, a Far West Regional title and played in tournaments around the country.

"Camrynn&nbsp;completes our incoming class and bring in a new style of attack to our front line that will help us be much more creative. She has a wonderful understanding of the game with her movements off the ball, as well as her technical ability to keep the ball and finish chances she gets," said Breton. "What I think will be her great attribute is her tenacity when she plays; that allows her to make an impact in many ways."UNK reports to fall camp on Monday, Aug. 19, with the regular season opener set for Friday, Sept. 6, at Sioux Falls.



Story by UNK Athletic Communications&nbsp;

Kearney, Neb. –&nbsp;Nebraska Kearney head women's soccer coach&nbsp;Rob Breton&nbsp;announced today the names of four newcomers who'll take to the pitch for the&nbsp;Lopers&nbsp;this fall.&nbsp;In January, Breton announced the signing of a&nbsp;<a href="https://lopers.com/news/2024/1/31/womens-soccer-soccer-goes-far-wide-to-add-talent-to-2024-roster.aspx" target="_blank">mid-year transfer and five incoming freshmen.</a>&nbsp;This latest group features transfers&nbsp;Hanna&nbsp;Schimmer&nbsp;(Midland U.) and&nbsp;Keila Gillispie&nbsp;(Kansas State U.), freshmen&nbsp;Camrynn&nbsp;Nitta&nbsp;(Honolulu,&nbsp;Hawai'i) and&nbsp;redshirt&nbsp;sophomore&nbsp;Riley Jensen&nbsp;(Bellevue&nbsp;East). She previously played basketball for the&nbsp;Lopers.&nbsp;Jensen (5-10) starred on the Bellevue East soccer, volleyball and basketball teams from 2019-22. Missing one season of soccer due to the pandemic, the two-time Class A all-state defender had 30 career points (13 goals and four assists) to help the Chieftains win 17 games in 2011 and 2022. A member of Sporting Nebraska, she was recruited by national power Central Missouri, among others, for soccer.&nbsp;"Adding Riley to our team is a huge asset to our defense. Not only does she bring a winning mentality, having been on the UNK women's basketball team that qualified for the NCAA Tournament and won a MIAA regular season title, but she also was a two-time Class A defender," said Breton. "She has shown the abilities to compete and strengthen our defense."​A native of Newton, Kan., Gillispie (5-8) has at least one year of eligibility remaining after four seasons at Kansas State. In the spring of 2024, she was an assistant coach at Butler (Kan.) C.C. The midfielder/defender was a three-time Big 12 Commissioner's Honor Roll qualifier who battled some injuries and appeared in six games for the Wildcats. Majoring in Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology,&nbsp;Gillispie&nbsp;graduated last month. Finally, Gillispie was a Class 5A all-state pick for Newton High and a member of the Wichita Rush S.C.&nbsp; "We're very excited to be adding&nbsp;Keila&nbsp;to our defense this fall. She'll bring a new level of experience to the program having played at the highest level of college soccer for four years," said Breton. "She has a fluid presence on the ball&nbsp;on the ball, has strong leadership skills and a desire to have an immediate impact that will help push our defense to a new height in the fall. I'm looking forward to seeing the impact&nbsp;Keila&nbsp;will have within our program."Schimmer (5-8) is a forward from Council Bluffs, Ia., that scores at an elite level. She tallied 39 points (16 goals and four assists) for the Warriors this past fall to earn first-team&nbsp;All-GPAC&nbsp;honors and help Midland reach the NAIA National Tournament. At Iowa Western C.C. in 2022,&nbsp;Schimmer&nbsp;was part of an&nbsp;NJCAA&nbsp;National Championship squad that posted a 19-3-1 record. The Region Player of the Year, she also was tabbed as a first-team All-American after a 53-point (20 goals and 13 assists) effort. Finally, at Abraham Lincoln High, she produced 125 points (55 goals and 15 assists) over her final two seasons. Not surprisingly, the Lynx posted a 33-4 record during that time.&nbsp;&nbsp;​"Bringing&nbsp;Hanna into our&nbsp;team&nbsp;this year adds a whole new dynamic to our attack. Her pace, ability to create space both on and off the ball, and her desire to score will make her a threat in every game," said Breton. "She also brings a winning mentality, having won a National Title at Iowa Western while being named the Offensive Player of the National Tournament and then won a league title with Midland last season." Nitta&nbsp;(5-4), a forward, played for the&nbsp;Leahi&nbsp;S.C. and Pac-Five High School. She led her high school team in scoring this past year and was a first-team all-state pick. The Pac-Five Wolfpack also has won the past three Division II state titles. Playing for the "Premier"&nbsp;Leahi&nbsp;S.C. team, she won another state title, a Far West Regional title and played in tournaments around the country."Camrynn&nbsp;completes our incoming class and bring in a new style of attack to our front line that will help us be much more creative. She has a wonderful understanding of the game with her movements off the ball, as well as her technical ability to keep the ball and finish chances she gets," said Breton. "What I think will be her great attribute is her tenacity when she plays; that allows her to make an impact in many ways."UNK reports to fall camp on Monday, Aug. 19, with the regular season opener set for Friday, Sept. 6, at Sioux Falls.

UNK adds Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas and & Nebraska natives   

LINCOLN, Neb.&nbsp;(June 12, 2024)&nbsp;—&nbsp;Nebraska Sports Council officials have issued a reminder that the deadline to receive a free shirt with paid registration in the Cornhusker State Games (CSG) is June 19.&nbsp;Officials also shared details about Opening Night festivities scheduled for Thursday, July 11 from 7-8 p.m. in front of Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln.

More than 3,800 Nebraskans are already registered, and organizers expect more than 10,000 will participate in the 40th annual Games, which features competition in more than 70 sports over two weekends from July 11-21.&nbsp;Those interested can find information and register at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cornhuskerstategames.com/" target="_blank">CornhuskerStateGames.com</a>.

All participants registered by June 19 not only receive the free athlete shirt, but a host of Summer Fun Freebies valued at more than $50, including a certificate for a free Arby’s Roast Beef Sandwich and vouchers for free admission to the Lancaster County Super Fair, the Nebraska State Fair, a Lincoln Saltdogs baseball game and an Omaha Storm Chasers baseball game.

CSG Opening Night festivities are free and open to the public.&nbsp;Free ice cream treats will be provided by Hiland Dairy.&nbsp;The event also includes a meet-and-greet with current and former Husker athletes, notably including women’s volleyball standout Rebekah Allick and men’s basketball standout Josiah Allick, both of whom will be involved in the lighting of the Games caldron at 7:15 p.m.

Opening Night sponsors include presenting partners: Arby’s of Lincoln, Liberty First Credit Union, J &amp; H Specialty Contracting, and Visit Lincoln.&nbsp;Black Hills Energy is the Torch Lighting sponsor and other contributing partners include: Crete Carrier Corp./Shaffer Trucking, Amigos/Kings Classic, Hiland Dairy, News Channel Nebraska, Digital Sky and Complete Weddings and Events.

The Cornhusker State Games is produced by the Nebraska Sports Council, which also conducts the Lincoln and Omaha Corporate Games, the Pumpkin Run, Nebraska DiamondFest, Nebraska NetFest, the Nebraska Showdown Volleyball Tournament, Heartland Havoc Wrestling Tournament, and the WellPower Movement.&nbsp;Platinum sponsors include: Farmers Mutual of Nebraska, the Nebraska Medical Association, Nebraska Orthopaedic Center and Pepsi-Cola of Lincoln.&nbsp;Learn more at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nebraskasportscouncil.com/" target="_blank">NebraskaSportsCouncil.com</a>.

Nebraska Sports CouncilLINCOLN, Neb.&nbsp;(June 12, 2024)&nbsp;—&nbsp;Nebraska Sports Council officials have issued a reminder that the deadline to receive a free shirt with paid registration in the Cornhusker State Games (CSG) is June 19.&nbsp;Officials also shared details about Opening Night festivities scheduled for Thursday, July 11 from 7-8 p.m. in front of Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln.More than 3,800 Nebraskans are already registered, and organizers expect more than 10,000 will participate in the 40th annual Games, which features competition in more than 70 sports over two weekends from July 11-21.&nbsp;Those interested can find information and register at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cornhuskerstategames.com/" target="_blank">CornhuskerStateGames.com</a>.All participants registered by June 19 not only receive the free athlete shirt, but a host of Summer Fun Freebies valued at more than $50, including a certificate for a free Arby’s Roast Beef Sandwich and vouchers for free admission to the Lancaster County Super Fair, the Nebraska State Fair, a Lincoln Saltdogs baseball game and an Omaha Storm Chasers baseball game.CSG Opening Night festivities are free and open to the public.&nbsp;Free ice cream treats will be provided by Hiland Dairy.&nbsp;The event also includes a meet-and-greet with current and former Husker athletes, notably including women’s volleyball standout Rebekah Allick and men’s basketball standout Josiah Allick, both of whom will be involved in the lighting of the Games caldron at 7:15 p.m.Opening Night sponsors include presenting partners: Arby’s of Lincoln, Liberty First Credit Union, J &amp; H Specialty Contracting, and Visit Lincoln.&nbsp;Black Hills Energy is the Torch Lighting sponsor and other contributing partners include: Crete Carrier Corp./Shaffer Trucking, Amigos/Kings Classic, Hiland Dairy, News Channel Nebraska, Digital Sky and Complete Weddings and Events.The Cornhusker State Games is produced by the Nebraska Sports Council, which also conducts the Lincoln and Omaha Corporate Games, the Pumpkin Run, Nebraska DiamondFest, Nebraska NetFest, the Nebraska Showdown Volleyball Tournament, Heartland Havoc Wrestling Tournament, and the WellPower Movement.&nbsp;Platinum sponsors include: Farmers Mutual of Nebraska, the Nebraska Medical Association, Nebraska Orthopaedic Center and Pepsi-Cola of Lincoln.&nbsp;Learn more at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nebraskasportscouncil.com/" target="_blank">NebraskaSportsCouncil.com</a>.

CSG Shirt Deadline is Today (June 19th)

North Platte, NE- The North Platte Chamber Ambassadors are pleased to host the Junior Ambassador Golf Classic. &nbsp; On Tuesday and Wednesday July 30-31, the 2024 Junior Ambassador Classic Two Day Golf Tournament will take place at our local Rivers Edge and Lake Maloney Golf Courses.&nbsp; Many junior golf entrants ages 7 to 18, from around the state, will participate in one of the most prominent junior golf tournaments in Nebraska.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The North Platte Chamber Ambassadors include the infamous “Junior Slugfest” and BBQ on the evening of July 30th at Rivers Edge Golf Club.&nbsp; &nbsp; Junior Golfers are randomly grouped into Scramble teams that compete in a Sudden Death scramble playoff for trophies.&nbsp; &nbsp; This event is unique to this youth tournament and has become a very popular feature of this event. &nbsp; This event is designed to help install courage and confidence in players who are new to competitive golf and introduce youth golfers to other players.

Day 1: July 30th, play will start at Rivers Edge Golf Club 9:00am – 4:30pm.&nbsp;

Slugfest: July 30th, Rivers Edge Golf Club 6:00pm-8:00pm

Day 2: July 31th, play will start at Lake Maloney Golf Course 9:00am – 3:00pm.

There is an optional instruction clinic, in lieu of playing in the tournament for new or novice youth golfers on July 30th at Rivers Edge.

Big Trophies will be awarded for the top performers in all flights and divisions for the two-day tournament.&nbsp; The trophy presentations will be held at the end of play on July 31st at Lake Maloney Golf Club from 1:00pm to 3:00pm.&nbsp; &nbsp; If media members would like a text message for the exact time of the trophy presentation, please email <a href="mailto:tlucas@nlnb.com">tlucas@nlnb.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Due to the generous sponsorship of over 25 local businesses and these golf courses, the entry fee for the full tournament is only $30 for 9-hole players and $40 for 18-hole players.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Golfer Registration forms can be downloaded at the NP Chamber's website&nbsp;

(www.NParea.com) or picked up at the River’s Edge and Lake Maloney Golf Shops.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718717735872.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ty LucasNorth Platte Chamber AmbassadorsNorth Platte, NE- The North Platte Chamber Ambassadors are pleased to host the Junior Ambassador Golf Classic. &nbsp; On Tuesday and Wednesday July 30-31, the 2024 Junior Ambassador Classic Two Day Golf Tournament will take place at our local Rivers Edge and Lake Maloney Golf Courses.&nbsp; Many junior golf entrants ages 7 to 18, from around the state, will participate in one of the most prominent junior golf tournaments in Nebraska.&nbsp;&nbsp;The North Platte Chamber Ambassadors include the infamous “Junior Slugfest” and BBQ on the evening of July 30th at Rivers Edge Golf Club.&nbsp; &nbsp; Junior Golfers are randomly grouped into Scramble teams that compete in a Sudden Death scramble playoff for trophies.&nbsp; &nbsp; This event is unique to this youth tournament and has become a very popular feature of this event. &nbsp; This event is designed to help install courage and confidence in players who are new to competitive golf and introduce youth golfers to other players.The Tournament Schedule:&nbsp;Day 1: July 30th, play will start at Rivers Edge Golf Club 9:00am – 4:30pm.&nbsp;Slugfest: July 30th, Rivers Edge Golf Club 6:00pm-8:00pmDay 2: July 31th, play will start at Lake Maloney Golf Course 9:00am – 3:00pm.There is an optional instruction clinic, in lieu of playing in the tournament for new or novice youth golfers on July 30th at Rivers Edge.Big Trophies will be awarded for the top performers in all flights and divisions for the two-day tournament.&nbsp; The trophy presentations will be held at the end of play on July 31st at Lake Maloney Golf Club from 1:00pm to 3:00pm.&nbsp; &nbsp; If media members would like a text message for the exact time of the trophy presentation, please email <a href="mailto:tlucas@nlnb.com">tlucas@nlnb.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Due to the generous sponsorship of over 25 local businesses and these golf courses, the entry fee for the full tournament is only $30 for 9-hole players and $40 for 18-hole players.&nbsp;&nbsp;Golfer Registration forms can be downloaded at the NP Chamber's website&nbsp;(www.NParea.com) or picked up at the River’s Edge and Lake Maloney Golf Shops.

2024 Junior Ambassador Classic Two-Day Golf Tournament

Alliance, Neb. - Eagle Media, Panhandle Post and KCOW Radio are excited to welcome Canon Rath as the new “Voice” of the Alliance Bulldogs. Rath currently serves as a News Director for Eagle Media and works throughout the Nebraska Markets for North Platte Post, Sandhills Post and Panhandle Post. He will maintain his current position with this new expanded role.

Last season, Rath called games for our sister market, Sandhills Post, calling local area games of the week on Flatrock 100.7. His duties included doing play-by-play for football and basketball.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We are thrilled to have Canon expand his role at Eagle, becoming an integral part of our team in Alliance and Chadron,” said Olivia Hasenauer, Nebraska Regional Manager. “With his extensive experience in play-by-play coverage and his deep knowledge of the teams and players in Western Nebraska, Canon is the perfect fit. His grandpa, has&nbsp;ties in the Bayard area&nbsp;further enhance this seamless transition.”&nbsp;

Rath has over eight years of sports broadcasting experience and six years of radio broadcasting. Throughout his career, he has called games at the high school and collegiate level. Canon also had a once in a lifetime opportunity to call the 2020 Class D2 Football State Championship between Dundy County Stratton and Burwell for Nebraska Public Media (formerly known as NET).&nbsp;

“I’m very excited for the opportunity to become the new “Voice” of the Alliance Bulldogs and getting to know the coaches, student-athletes and community starting this fall,” said Rath. “I can’t wait to get to work and bring Bulldog athletics on KCOW radio!”&nbsp;

KCOW Radio and Panhandle Post&nbsp;are excited for this next chapter and looking to be the premier provider of coverage for the Panhandle Region.&nbsp;

“This is an exciting time not only for our dedicated audience, who passionately follow AHS sports on KCOW 1400AM/92.5FM and Panhandle Post, but also for the schools we cover. In Western Nebraska, being local and embedded in our communities is crucial,” said Hasenauer.&nbsp;“We pride ourselves on providing top-notch coverage for our young student-athletes. At Eagle, we are committed to being the premier provider of news, sports, and entertainment in the Panhandle Region.”&nbsp;

Rath graduated from the University of Nebraska at Kearney in May 2023 as a dual major in Sports Communication and Sports Management. During his 5-year tenure as a Loper, he was heavily involved with the student run radio station 91.1 KLPR, where he hosted a weekly sport show, hosted a weekly sports update and did play-by-play/color for Loper Athletics. 

He spent four years on the KLPR Sports Staff and was Sports Director for his last three years of college. He has been nominated many times at the national level for his work for Loper Athletic broadcast, his weekly sports update “Loper Update” and the longest student running show “Throwin Lopes” where he created it with fellow student Grant Tighe in 2020.&nbsp;

Rath got his start in broadcasting when he was a Junior at Kearney High School when he joined the Bearcat Sports Network, which is Kearney High School’s Striv program. Canon got his start in radio his freshman year in college when he joined Platte River Radio as a board op and producer. He would regularly produce the Doug and Daddy Show, studio engineering many sporting events, and more. Rath also hosted the "Rutts and Rivals Scoreboard Show" for two years. After a 2-year stint, Canon would join KRGI as a color analyst announcer for the St. Paul Wildcats football team.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Rath just recently celebrated one year with Eagle Media earlier this month. He has done work for Panhandle Post along with Sandhills Post and North Platte Post. During his free time, Rath enjoys playing golf with his grandpa, going on walks, playing pickleball and playing video games. Feel free to follow <a href="https://x.com/Canon_K9_Sports">Canon Rath on X</a> (Formerly Twitter).&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718645739737.jpeg" alt="Canon Rath calling the UNK Women's basketball game in November 2022 (Courtesy Photo)" />
 <figcaption>Canon Rath calling the UNK Women's basketball game in November 2022 (Courtesy Photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>Panhandle Post&nbsp;Alliance, Neb. - Eagle Media, Panhandle Post and KCOW Radio are excited to welcome Canon Rath as the new “Voice” of the Alliance Bulldogs. Rath currently serves as a News Director for Eagle Media and works throughout the Nebraska Markets for North Platte Post, Sandhills Post and Panhandle Post. He will maintain his current position with this new expanded role.Last season, Rath called games for our sister market, Sandhills Post, calling local area games of the week on Flatrock 100.7. His duties included doing play-by-play for football and basketball.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We are thrilled to have Canon expand his role at Eagle, becoming an integral part of our team in Alliance and Chadron,” said Olivia Hasenauer, Nebraska Regional Manager. “With his extensive experience in play-by-play coverage and his deep knowledge of the teams and players in Western Nebraska, Canon is the perfect fit. His grandpa, has&nbsp;ties in the Bayard area&nbsp;further enhance this seamless transition.”&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718645909086.jpeg" alt="Canon Rath and former KLPR sport staff at the 2024 NSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament. L-R: Canon Rath, Jon Willis and Ethan McCormick (Courtesy Photo)" />
 <figcaption>Canon Rath and former KLPR sport staff at the 2024 NSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament. L-R: Canon Rath, Jon Willis and Ethan McCormick (Courtesy Photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>Rath has over eight years of sports broadcasting experience and six years of radio broadcasting. Throughout his career, he has called games at the high school and collegiate level. Canon also had a once in a lifetime opportunity to call the 2020 Class D2 Football State Championship between Dundy County Stratton and Burwell for Nebraska Public Media (formerly known as NET).&nbsp;“I’m very excited for the opportunity to become the new “Voice” of the Alliance Bulldogs and getting to know the coaches, student-athletes and community starting this fall,” said Rath. “I can’t wait to get to work and bring Bulldog athletics on KCOW radio!”&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718646404753.jpeg" alt="L-E: Trevor Bentley and Canon Rath calling the 2020 Class D2 Football State Championship for Nebraska Public Media (formerly known as NET) (Courtesy Photo)" />
 <figcaption>L-E: Trevor Bentley and Canon Rath calling the 2020 Class D2 Football State Championship for Nebraska Public Media (formerly known as NET) (Courtesy Photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>KCOW Radio and Panhandle Post&nbsp;are excited for this next chapter and looking to be the premier provider of coverage for the Panhandle Region.&nbsp;“This is an exciting time not only for our dedicated audience, who passionately follow AHS sports on KCOW 1400AM/92.5FM and Panhandle Post, but also for the schools we cover. In Western Nebraska, being local and embedded in our communities is crucial,” said Hasenauer.&nbsp;“We pride ourselves on providing top-notch coverage for our young student-athletes. At Eagle, we are committed to being the premier provider of news, sports, and entertainment in the Panhandle Region.”&nbsp;About Canon Rath&nbsp;Rath graduated from the University of Nebraska at Kearney in May 2023 as a dual major in Sports Communication and Sports Management. During his 5-year tenure as a Loper, he was heavily involved with the student run radio station 91.1 KLPR, where he hosted a weekly sport show, hosted a weekly sports update and did play-by-play/color for Loper Athletics. He spent four years on the KLPR Sports Staff and was Sports Director for his last three years of college. He has been nominated many times at the national level for his work for Loper Athletic broadcast, his weekly sports update “Loper Update” and the longest student running show “Throwin Lopes” where he created it with fellow student Grant Tighe in 2020.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718646125193.jpeg" alt="Canon Rath in New York City in March of 2020 with his IBS Award for "Best Sports Update" (Courtesy Photo)" />
 <figcaption>Canon Rath in New York City in March of 2020 with his IBS Award for "Best Sports Update" (Courtesy Photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>Rath got his start in broadcasting when he was a Junior at Kearney High School when he joined the Bearcat Sports Network, which is Kearney High School’s Striv program. Canon got his start in radio his freshman year in college when he joined Platte River Radio as a board op and producer. He would regularly produce the Doug and Daddy Show, studio engineering many sporting events, and more. Rath also hosted the "Rutts and Rivals Scoreboard Show" for two years. After a 2-year stint, Canon would join KRGI as a color analyst announcer for the St. Paul Wildcats football team.&nbsp;&nbsp;Rath just recently celebrated one year with Eagle Media earlier this month. He has done work for Panhandle Post along with Sandhills Post and North Platte Post. During his free time, Rath enjoys playing golf with his grandpa, going on walks, playing pickleball and playing video games. Feel free to follow <a href="https://x.com/Canon_K9_Sports">Canon Rath on X</a> (Formerly Twitter).&nbsp;&nbsp;

Eagle Media, KCOW Radio welcomes Canon Rath as the next “Voice” of the Alliance Bulldogs

Story by Buffalo Bill Rodeo Communications

North Platte, Neb. (June 15, 2024) –&nbsp;Ean Price’s bank account has some additional padding after a Saturday night at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo in North Platte, Neb.

The Leedey, Oklahoma saddle bronc rider scored 85 points on the Beutler horse Fight Night to take the 2024 title and win more than $2800.

The mare, a nine-year-old sorrel, could have been intimidating to any other saddle bronc riders, but not to Price.

“When you look up her stats online, it could make a guy nervous because of the zero (scores) on there, but I figured it’s just because she bucks.”

And she did buck. The mare was rested, having had time off; her last rodeo was Austin, Texas in March.

“Rhett (Beutler) told me she was fresh, and I just told myself to take the fight to her and don’t wait for it to happen,” he said. “I kind of bobbled the ride at the beginning, but she was bucking and I just felt like I finished a good ride on a great horse. I thank God for the opportunity to come and do this.”

This is the second year the 25-year-old cowboy has rodeoed hard, and he’d like to be able to rodeo full time.

“I’d like to rodeo good enough to stay on the road,” he said. With his win in North Platte, “it feels like I’m getting closer.”

Winning a big check from the Buffalo Bill Rodeo helps.

“It takes a lot of the financial burden off. If you can go out there and know you’re just having fun and know you don’t have to worry about where your next tank of gas is coming from, it changes a lot. You can go out there and have fun more than anything.”

In the team roping, the number one and two man in the world standings paired up to win the 2024 title.

Dustin Egusquiza, the header, and Levi Lord, the heeler, turned in a time of 4.5 seconds to be this year’s champs.

It was on a good steer as well. “That really helps,” Lord said, “when you have one on the better end.”

They competed on Friday, June 14, in the rain, which wasn’t ideal.

“It’s definitely tougher,” Lord said. “You obviously prefer nice ground and nice weather, but it happens with rodeo. It’s something you have to deal with. I think you can either shy away from it, or lean into it and we were excited to be there.”

The rain and mud has followed Egusquiza and Lord all spring.

“Honestly, this spring we’ve been unlucky with the mud. Everywhere we’ve gone, it’s been either rainy or muddy. It’s following us around, but it’s worked out OK.”

This is the second year for the duo to rope together, and Lord loves it.

Roping with Egusquiza as a header “is pretty awesome,” he said. “It’s like cheating sometimes. He can reach the steer from pretty much anywhere in the arena, and that sure makes it easy on me, to know you’ll get a lot of throws and most of the time it’ll be pretty fast.”

Lord, roping with Nelson Wyatt, set the arena record in the team roping in 2020 (3.8 seconds). Lord is from Sturgis, S.D.; Egusquiza calls Marianna, Florida home.

A new arena record was set in the barrel racing by a repeat Buffalo Bill Rodeo champion.

Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi rounded the barrels in 16.55 seconds to set the record, which was broken several times this weekend, due to a smaller barrel pattern.

The Lampasas, Texas cowgirl won the North Platte rodeo in 2013, and loves coming to North Platte.

“I’ve been coming to this rodeo for 21 years,” she said. “This rodeo gets my summer kicked off.” She complimented the arena conditions as well. “I think the ground conditions are the best they’ve ever been. The committee has done an amazing job.”

She was aboard an eleven-year-old stallion, SR Industry Titan, whose barn name is Titan, a horse owned by the 70 Ranch.

“He helped me break the record last year for single season earnings,” she said. Her 2023 earnings were $270,563.

Stallions can often have aggressive personalities, but not so for Titan.

“He’s just the sweetest guy. He has so much heart and so much try. You would never know he’s a stud. My seven-year-old daughter has ridden him.”

Pozzi Tonozzi is a three-time and reigning world champion barrel racer.

The bull riding came down to the final night of rodeo.

Kansas man JR Stratford won his event with an 86.5 point ride on the Beutler bull Mayhem.

Injuries in the second half of last year plagued the 21-year-old. A bull stepped on his head in Kennewick, Wash. in late August, causing a brain bleed. And two torn shoulders didn’t help either.

He qualified for his first Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, but didn’t ride well, and after winning round three, he broke his leg in round four, which took him out of competition.

“My goal is to be the world champion,” he said. “God willing, if I can stay healthy, I can do it.”

Stratford is ranked seventh in the world standings.

Other champions at the 2024 Buffalo Bill Rodeo include bareback rider Rocker Steiner, Weatherford, Texas (88 points); steer wrestler Travis Munro, Townsville, Queensland, Australia (8.7 seconds on 2 head); tie-down roper Conner Matheson, Stephenville, Texas (19.5 seconds on 2 head); and breakaway roper Layni Masters, Leon, Iowa.

During the rodeo, the 2024 Trail Boss Award was given to Jim Gragg. The Tryon man has volunteered at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo for the past fifty years, untying calves after each tie-down roping run. He has never missed a performance in the last half-century and has missed very few rodeo slack mornings.

NebraskalandDays activities continue next week with a prime rib feed, competitive art show, beer garden and food court, and concerts by Parker McCollum with support from Flatland Cavalry and Meg McRee on June 21 and Jelly Roll with support from Priscilla Block and Austin Snell on June 22.

For more information, visit the website at NebraskalandDays.com

Results, North Platte, Nebraska – Buffalo Bill Rodeo June 12-15, 2024

All-around champion: Austin Hurlburt, Norfolk, Neb. (tie-down roping, steer wrestling)

<a></a><a>Bareback riding – 2024 champion:&nbsp; Rocker Steiner, Weatherford, Texas</a>

1. Rocker Steiner, Weatherford, Texas 88 points on Happy Hour; 2. Keenan Hayes, Hayden, Colo. 84.5; 3. Cole Franks, Clarendon, Wyo. 84; 4. Gauge McBride, Kearney, Neb. 83; 5. Waylon Bourgeois, Church Point, La. 82; 6. Garrett Shadbolt, Merriman, Neb. 80.5; 7. Spencer DeNaeyer, Seneca, Neb. 80; 8. Jake Kesl, Tendoy, Idaho 78.5

<a>Steer wrestling – 2024 champion: Travis Munro, Queensland, Australia</a>

1. Travis Munro, Townsville, Queensland, Aus. 4.0 seconds; 2. (tie) Austin Hurlburt, Norfolk, Neb. and Riley Duvall, Checotah, Okla. 4.1 each; 4. Seth Peterson, Wellington, Colo. 4.3; 5. Marc Joiner, Loranger, La. 4.5; 6. Kalane Anders, Bayard, Neb. 4.7.

1. Tyler Pearson, Atoka, Okla. 3.5 seconds; 2. Eli Lord, Sturgis, S.D. 3.9; 3. Tanner Brunner, Ramona, Kan. 4.1; 4. Logan Lemmel, Whitewood, S.D. and Jacob Sterkel, Brighton, Colo. 4.4 each; 6. (tie) Sawyer Strand, Sioux Falls, S.D. and Payden McIntyre, Douglas, Wyo. 4.5.

Travis Munro, Townsville, Queensland, Aus. 8.7 seconds on 2 head; 2. Eli Lord, Sturgis, S.D. 8.8; 3. Austin Hurlburt, Norfolk, Neb. 9.1; 4. Kalane Anders, Bayard, Neb. 9.2; 5. Tyler Ravenscroft, Nenzel, Neb. 9.3; 6. Cody Devers, Perryton, Texas 9.4.

Tie-down roping – 2024 champion: Connor Matheson, Stephenville, Texas

1. Lane Livingston, Seymour, Texas 8.9; 2. JD McCuistion, Estes Park, Colo. 9.0; 3. Denton Oestmann, Auburn, Neb. 9.3; 4. Zane Kilgus, Pryor, Okla. 9.6; 5. Connor Matheson, Stephenville, Texas 9.8; 6. Clint Graves, Oxford, Kan. 9.9.

1. (tie) Ryan Belew, La Junta, Colo. and Coy Arnold, Abilene, Kan. 9.1 seconds each; 3. Chance Wall, Cheraw, Colo. 9.5; 4. Ty Moser, Volga, S.D. 9.6; 5. Connor Matheson, Stephenville, Texas 9.7; 6. Trey Hall, Rolla, Kan. 9.9.

1. Connor Matheson, Stephenville, Texas 19.5 seconds on 2 head; 2. Jase Staudt, Saguache, Colo. 20.9; 3. Lane Livingston, Seymour, Texas 21.1; 4. Clint Graves, Oxford, Kan. 21.3; 5. Glenn Jackson, Okmulgee, Okla. 21.8; 6. (tie) Cole Robinson, Moorcroft, Wyo. and Ty Moser, Volga, S.D. 21.9 each.

<a></a><a>Saddle bronc riding – 2024 champion:&nbsp; Ean Price, Leedey, Okla.</a>

<a>1. Ean Price, Leedey, Okla. 85 points on Fight Night; 2. Joe Priebe, Cody, Wyo. 84; 3. (tie) Talon Elshere, Hereford, S.D. and Kasey Rosendahl, Meeker, Colo. 79 each; 5. Jack Skavdahl, Harrison, Neb. 78.5 6. (tie) Roper Kiesner, Ripley, Okla. and Wade Sundell, Boxholm, Iowa 78 each; 8. Garrett Long, Valentine, Neb. 77.</a>

<a>Breakaway Roping -2024 champion: Layni Masters</a>

1. Layni Masters, Leon, Iowa 2.5 seconds; 2. Brooke Curuchet, Belle Fourche, S.D. 2.6; 3. Devin Robinson, Moorcroft, Wyo. 2.7; 4. Beau Peterson, Council Grove, Kan. 2.8; 5. Rylee George, Oakdale, Calif. 2.9; 6. (tie) Morgan Foss, Rhame, N.D., Kristy Farris, Sentinel, Okla. and Josie Mousel, Colman, S.D. 3.2 each; 9. Taylor Raupe, Douglas, Kan. 3.3; 10. (tie) Josie Conner, Iowa, La. and Lauren Hopkins, Lipan, Texas 3.4 each; 12. Bailey Witt, Coleman, Okla. 3.6.&nbsp;

Team roping – 2024 champions: Dustin Egusquiza, Marianna, Fla. and Levi Lord, Sturgis, S.D.

1. Dustin Egusquiza, Marianna, Fla./Levi Lord, Sturgis, S.D. 4.5 seconds; 2. Payton Pirrung, Hartford, S.D./Logan Schliinz, Whitewood, S.D. 4.9; 3. Cyle Denison, Iowa, La./Tanner Braden, Dewey, Okla. 5.3; 4. Trevor Olson, Mud Butte, S.D./Tracer Olson, Wanblee, S.D. 5.4; 5. Jake Poncost, Wittmann, Ariz./Cole Cooper, Montrose, Colo. 5.5; 6. Coleman Proctor, Pryor, Okla./Logan Medlin, Tatum, N.M. 5.6; 7. Erich Rogers, Round Rock, Az./Paul Eaves, Lonedell, Mo. 5.7; 8. Jay Tittel, Pueblo, Colo./TJ Watts, Eads, Colo. 6.0; 9. (tie) Cooper Brott, Gothenburg, Neb./Dawson McMaster, Madison, Kan. and Andrew Ward, Edmond, Okla./Kollin VonAhn, Blanchard, Okla. 6.1 each.

Barrel racing -2024 champion: Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, Lampasas, Texas

1. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, Lampasas, Texas 16.55 seconds; 2. Paige Jones, Wayne, Okla. 16.74; 3. Shelley Morgan, Eustace, Texas 16.77; 4. Summer Kosel, Glenham, S.D. 16.79; 5. Dona Kay Rule, Minco, Okla. 16.80; 6. Emily Beisel, Weatherford, Okla. 16.87; 7. Leslie Smalygo, Skiatook, Okla. 16.88; 8. Tillar King, Ft. Worth, Texas 16.93; 9. Stevi Hillman, Weatherford, Texas 16.95; 10. Ari-Anna Flynn, Charleston, Ark. 16.99; 11. (tie) Patty Finney, Ainsworth, Neb., Angie Meadors, Blanchard, Okla. and Ashley Day, Volborg, Mont. 17.04 each.

Bull riding – 2024 champion: JR Stratford, Byers, Kansas

1. JR Stratford, Byers, Kan. 86.5 points on Mayhem; 2. Colton Byram, Mound City, Kan. 86; 3. Chase Dougherty, Canby, Ore. 85; 4. Hudson Bolton, Milan, Tenn. 83.5; 5. Garrett Uptain, Craig, Colo. 83; 6. Brandon Ballard, New Hope, Kent. 81; 7. Riggen Hughes, Kempner, Texas 73.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718537082137.jpeg" alt="A team roper competes at the 2024 Buffalo Bill Rodeo. The rodeo concluded on June 15 and paid over $135,000 to the winners. Photo by Kami Freeman." />
 <figcaption>A team roper competes at the 2024 Buffalo Bill Rodeo. The rodeo concluded on June 15 and paid over $135,000 to the winners. Photo by Kami Freeman.</figcaption>
 </figure>Story by Buffalo Bill Rodeo CommunicationsNorth Platte, Neb. (June 15, 2024) –&nbsp;Ean Price’s bank account has some additional padding after a Saturday night at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo in North Platte, Neb.The Leedey, Oklahoma saddle bronc rider scored 85 points on the Beutler horse Fight Night to take the 2024 title and win more than $2800.The mare, a nine-year-old sorrel, could have been intimidating to any other saddle bronc riders, but not to Price.“When you look up her stats online, it could make a guy nervous because of the zero (scores) on there, but I figured it’s just because she bucks.”And she did buck. The mare was rested, having had time off; her last rodeo was Austin, Texas in March.“Rhett (Beutler) told me she was fresh, and I just told myself to take the fight to her and don’t wait for it to happen,” he said. “I kind of bobbled the ride at the beginning, but she was bucking and I just felt like I finished a good ride on a great horse. I thank God for the opportunity to come and do this.”This is the second year the 25-year-old cowboy has rodeoed hard, and he’d like to be able to rodeo full time.“I’d like to rodeo good enough to stay on the road,” he said. With his win in North Platte, “it feels like I’m getting closer.”Winning a big check from the Buffalo Bill Rodeo helps.“It takes a lot of the financial burden off. If you can go out there and know you’re just having fun and know you don’t have to worry about where your next tank of gas is coming from, it changes a lot. You can go out there and have fun more than anything.”In the team roping, the number one and two man in the world standings paired up to win the 2024 title.Dustin Egusquiza, the header, and Levi Lord, the heeler, turned in a time of 4.5 seconds to be this year’s champs.It was on a good steer as well. “That really helps,” Lord said, “when you have one on the better end.”They competed on Friday, June 14, in the rain, which wasn’t ideal.“It’s definitely tougher,” Lord said. “You obviously prefer nice ground and nice weather, but it happens with rodeo. It’s something you have to deal with. I think you can either shy away from it, or lean into it and we were excited to be there.”The rain and mud has followed Egusquiza and Lord all spring.“Honestly, this spring we’ve been unlucky with the mud. Everywhere we’ve gone, it’s been either rainy or muddy. It’s following us around, but it’s worked out OK.”This is the second year for the duo to rope together, and Lord loves it.Roping with Egusquiza as a header “is pretty awesome,” he said. “It’s like cheating sometimes. He can reach the steer from pretty much anywhere in the arena, and that sure makes it easy on me, to know you’ll get a lot of throws and most of the time it’ll be pretty fast.”Lord, roping with Nelson Wyatt, set the arena record in the team roping in 2020 (3.8 seconds). Lord is from Sturgis, S.D.; Egusquiza calls Marianna, Florida home.A new arena record was set in the barrel racing by a repeat Buffalo Bill Rodeo champion.Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi rounded the barrels in 16.55 seconds to set the record, which was broken several times this weekend, due to a smaller barrel pattern.The Lampasas, Texas cowgirl won the North Platte rodeo in 2013, and loves coming to North Platte.“I’ve been coming to this rodeo for 21 years,” she said. “This rodeo gets my summer kicked off.” She complimented the arena conditions as well. “I think the ground conditions are the best they’ve ever been. The committee has done an amazing job.”She was aboard an eleven-year-old stallion, SR Industry Titan, whose barn name is Titan, a horse owned by the 70 Ranch.“He helped me break the record last year for single season earnings,” she said. Her 2023 earnings were $270,563.Stallions can often have aggressive personalities, but not so for Titan.“He’s just the sweetest guy. He has so much heart and so much try. You would never know he’s a stud. My seven-year-old daughter has ridden him.”Pozzi Tonozzi is a three-time and reigning world champion barrel racer.The bull riding came down to the final night of rodeo.Kansas man JR Stratford won his event with an 86.5 point ride on the Beutler bull Mayhem.Injuries in the second half of last year plagued the 21-year-old. A bull stepped on his head in Kennewick, Wash. in late August, causing a brain bleed. And two torn shoulders didn’t help either.He qualified for his first Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, but didn’t ride well, and after winning round three, he broke his leg in round four, which took him out of competition.“My goal is to be the world champion,” he said. “God willing, if I can stay healthy, I can do it.”Stratford is ranked seventh in the world standings.Other champions at the 2024 Buffalo Bill Rodeo include bareback rider Rocker Steiner, Weatherford, Texas (88 points); steer wrestler Travis Munro, Townsville, Queensland, Australia (8.7 seconds on 2 head); tie-down roper Conner Matheson, Stephenville, Texas (19.5 seconds on 2 head); and breakaway roper Layni Masters, Leon, Iowa.During the rodeo, the 2024 Trail Boss Award was given to Jim Gragg. The Tryon man has volunteered at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo for the past fifty years, untying calves after each tie-down roping run. He has never missed a performance in the last half-century and has missed very few rodeo slack mornings.NebraskalandDays activities continue next week with a prime rib feed, competitive art show, beer garden and food court, and concerts by Parker McCollum with support from Flatland Cavalry and Meg McRee on June 21 and Jelly Roll with support from Priscilla Block and Austin Snell on June 22.For more information, visit the website at NebraskalandDays.com- ### -Results, North Platte, Nebraska – Buffalo Bill Rodeo June 12-15, 2024All-around champion: Austin Hurlburt, Norfolk, Neb. (tie-down roping, steer wrestling)<a></a><a>Bareback riding – 2024 champion:&nbsp; Rocker Steiner, Weatherford, Texas</a>1. Rocker Steiner, Weatherford, Texas 88 points on Happy Hour; 2. Keenan Hayes, Hayden, Colo. 84.5; 3. Cole Franks, Clarendon, Wyo. 84; 4. Gauge McBride, Kearney, Neb. 83; 5. Waylon Bourgeois, Church Point, La. 82; 6. Garrett Shadbolt, Merriman, Neb. 80.5; 7. Spencer DeNaeyer, Seneca, Neb. 80; 8. Jake Kesl, Tendoy, Idaho 78.5<a>Steer wrestling – 2024 champion: Travis Munro, Queensland, Australia</a><a>1st&nbsp;round results</a>1. Travis Munro, Townsville, Queensland, Aus. 4.0 seconds; 2. (tie) Austin Hurlburt, Norfolk, Neb. and Riley Duvall, Checotah, Okla. 4.1 each; 4. Seth Peterson, Wellington, Colo. 4.3; 5. Marc Joiner, Loranger, La. 4.5; 6. Kalane Anders, Bayard, Neb. 4.7.2nd&nbsp;round results1. Tyler Pearson, Atoka, Okla. 3.5 seconds; 2. Eli Lord, Sturgis, S.D. 3.9; 3. Tanner Brunner, Ramona, Kan. 4.1; 4. Logan Lemmel, Whitewood, S.D. and Jacob Sterkel, Brighton, Colo. 4.4 each; 6. (tie) Sawyer Strand, Sioux Falls, S.D. and Payden McIntyre, Douglas, Wyo. 4.5.Average:Travis Munro, Townsville, Queensland, Aus. 8.7 seconds on 2 head; 2. Eli Lord, Sturgis, S.D. 8.8; 3. Austin Hurlburt, Norfolk, Neb. 9.1; 4. Kalane Anders, Bayard, Neb. 9.2; 5. Tyler Ravenscroft, Nenzel, Neb. 9.3; 6. Cody Devers, Perryton, Texas 9.4.Tie-down roping – 2024 champion: Connor Matheson, Stephenville, Texas1st&nbsp;round results1. Lane Livingston, Seymour, Texas 8.9; 2. JD McCuistion, Estes Park, Colo. 9.0; 3. Denton Oestmann, Auburn, Neb. 9.3; 4. Zane Kilgus, Pryor, Okla. 9.6; 5. Connor Matheson, Stephenville, Texas 9.8; 6. Clint Graves, Oxford, Kan. 9.9.2nd&nbsp;round results1. (tie) Ryan Belew, La Junta, Colo. and Coy Arnold, Abilene, Kan. 9.1 seconds each; 3. Chance Wall, Cheraw, Colo. 9.5; 4. Ty Moser, Volga, S.D. 9.6; 5. Connor Matheson, Stephenville, Texas 9.7; 6. Trey Hall, Rolla, Kan. 9.9.Average1. Connor Matheson, Stephenville, Texas 19.5 seconds on 2 head; 2. Jase Staudt, Saguache, Colo. 20.9; 3. Lane Livingston, Seymour, Texas 21.1; 4. Clint Graves, Oxford, Kan. 21.3; 5. Glenn Jackson, Okmulgee, Okla. 21.8; 6. (tie) Cole Robinson, Moorcroft, Wyo. and Ty Moser, Volga, S.D. 21.9 each.<a></a><a>Saddle bronc riding – 2024 champion:&nbsp; Ean Price, Leedey, Okla.</a><a>1. Ean Price, Leedey, Okla. 85 points on Fight Night; 2. Joe Priebe, Cody, Wyo. 84; 3. (tie) Talon Elshere, Hereford, S.D. and Kasey Rosendahl, Meeker, Colo. 79 each; 5. Jack Skavdahl, Harrison, Neb. 78.5 6. (tie) Roper Kiesner, Ripley, Okla. and Wade Sundell, Boxholm, Iowa 78 each; 8. Garrett Long, Valentine, Neb. 77.</a><a>Breakaway Roping -2024 champion: Layni Masters</a>1. Layni Masters, Leon, Iowa 2.5 seconds; 2. Brooke Curuchet, Belle Fourche, S.D. 2.6; 3. Devin Robinson, Moorcroft, Wyo. 2.7; 4. Beau Peterson, Council Grove, Kan. 2.8; 5. Rylee George, Oakdale, Calif. 2.9; 6. (tie) Morgan Foss, Rhame, N.D., Kristy Farris, Sentinel, Okla. and Josie Mousel, Colman, S.D. 3.2 each; 9. Taylor Raupe, Douglas, Kan. 3.3; 10. (tie) Josie Conner, Iowa, La. and Lauren Hopkins, Lipan, Texas 3.4 each; 12. Bailey Witt, Coleman, Okla. 3.6.&nbsp;Team roping – 2024 champions: Dustin Egusquiza, Marianna, Fla. and Levi Lord, Sturgis, S.D.1. Dustin Egusquiza, Marianna, Fla./Levi Lord, Sturgis, S.D. 4.5 seconds; 2. Payton Pirrung, Hartford, S.D./Logan Schliinz, Whitewood, S.D. 4.9; 3. Cyle Denison, Iowa, La./Tanner Braden, Dewey, Okla. 5.3; 4. Trevor Olson, Mud Butte, S.D./Tracer Olson, Wanblee, S.D. 5.4; 5. Jake Poncost, Wittmann, Ariz./Cole Cooper, Montrose, Colo. 5.5; 6. Coleman Proctor, Pryor, Okla./Logan Medlin, Tatum, N.M. 5.6; 7. Erich Rogers, Round Rock, Az./Paul Eaves, Lonedell, Mo. 5.7; 8. Jay Tittel, Pueblo, Colo./TJ Watts, Eads, Colo. 6.0; 9. (tie) Cooper Brott, Gothenburg, Neb./Dawson McMaster, Madison, Kan. and Andrew Ward, Edmond, Okla./Kollin VonAhn, Blanchard, Okla. 6.1 each.Barrel racing -2024 champion: Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, Lampasas, Texas1. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, Lampasas, Texas 16.55 seconds; 2. Paige Jones, Wayne, Okla. 16.74; 3. Shelley Morgan, Eustace, Texas 16.77; 4. Summer Kosel, Glenham, S.D. 16.79; 5. Dona Kay Rule, Minco, Okla. 16.80; 6. Emily Beisel, Weatherford, Okla. 16.87; 7. Leslie Smalygo, Skiatook, Okla. 16.88; 8. Tillar King, Ft. Worth, Texas 16.93; 9. Stevi Hillman, Weatherford, Texas 16.95; 10. Ari-Anna Flynn, Charleston, Ark. 16.99; 11. (tie) Patty Finney, Ainsworth, Neb., Angie Meadors, Blanchard, Okla. and Ashley Day, Volborg, Mont. 17.04 each.Bull riding – 2024 champion: JR Stratford, Byers, Kansas1. JR Stratford, Byers, Kan. 86.5 points on Mayhem; 2. Colton Byram, Mound City, Kan. 86; 3. Chase Dougherty, Canby, Ore. 85; 4. Hudson Bolton, Milan, Tenn. 83.5; 5. Garrett Uptain, Craig, Colo. 83; 6. Brandon Ballard, New Hope, Kent. 81; 7. Riggen Hughes, Kempner, Texas 73.** All results are unofficial.&nbsp;

Buffalo Bill Rodeo Crowns 2024 Champs

North Platte, Neb. (June 13, 2024) –&nbsp;During the second night of the Buffalo Bill Rodeo, a Wyoming cowboy took over the bareback riding lead with an eight second ride on the Beutler horse Level Out.

Joe Priebe, Cody, scored 84 points on a horse he’d been told would be a good draw.

Priebe, who is in his second year of pro rodeo competition, was ready for the ride.

The horse “left clean, and I felt him take a bit of a scoot, and I was saying to myself, I hope this horse breaks (into bucking) and I kept lifting my rein.”

“That’s a really good horse to have.”

Priebe competed in North Platte two years ago, but didn’t do well. He’s grown and progressed in his bronc riding since then.

“I was not as good as I am now,” he said. “I wasn’t near as prepared and I didn’t have the confidence I have now.”

Time has helped his skills mature, and he’s worked at it, too.

“I read a lot of books about sports psychology and mental preparation, and I applied them. I prayed a lot, and I put a lot of work into it,” he said.

“I used to write down a list of everything I needed to do every day, to get better, and I’d cross things off,” as they were accomplished. “Once I started doing that, it made a difference.”

A farrier by trade, when he travels to rodeos throughout Wyoming, he’ll schedule appointments with clients as he travels to rodeos.

“If I’m not out rodeoing, I’m shoeing horses. I try to separate the bronc riding and horse shoeing a little bit, but they overlap.”

In the bareback riding, a household name in the rodeo world leads his event.

Rocker Steiner, known for his “rebel” image, scored 88 points on Beutler’s Happy Hour to take the lead.

It was the second time for the Weatherford, Texas cowboy to ride the mare; he won the long round in Tucson, Ariz. on the horse in 2023.

“That’s probably my favorite horse of Bennie (Beutler’s),” he said. “She’s probably not the rankest horse he has, by any means, but she gives you confidence, makes you feel like you’re doing everything right.”

The twenty-year-old cowboy is ranked fifth in the world standings; his dad, Sid, was the 2002 PRCA Steer Wrestling World Champion; his granddad, Bobby, won the 1973 PRCA Bull Riding World title.

Beutler’s horse Happy Hour is an eight-year-old mare who has been selected to buck at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo several times.

Other high scores and fast times from the morning slack and the evening competition include steer wrestler Eli Lord, Sturgis, S.D. (3.9 seconds); tie-down roper Ryan Belew, La Junta, Colo. (9.1); breakaway roper Rylee George, Oakdale, Calif. (2.9); team ropers&nbsp;. Erich Rogers, Round Rock, Ariz. and Paul Eaves, Lonedell, Mo. (5.7); barrel racer Shelley Morgan, Eustace, Texas (16.77) and bull rider Colton Byram, Mound City, Kan. (86 points).

The third night of action at the Buffalo Bill rodeo takes place Friday, June 14 starting at 8 pm. The rodeo is broadcast on the Cowboy Channel app and on local radio station KODY 1240 AM.

Story by Buffalo Bill Rodeo CommunicationsNorth Platte, Neb. (June 13, 2024) –&nbsp;During the second night of the Buffalo Bill Rodeo, a Wyoming cowboy took over the bareback riding lead with an eight second ride on the Beutler horse Level Out.Joe Priebe, Cody, scored 84 points on a horse he’d been told would be a good draw.Priebe, who is in his second year of pro rodeo competition, was ready for the ride.The horse “left clean, and I felt him take a bit of a scoot, and I was saying to myself, I hope this horse breaks (into bucking) and I kept lifting my rein.”“That’s a really good horse to have.”Priebe competed in North Platte two years ago, but didn’t do well. He’s grown and progressed in his bronc riding since then.“I was not as good as I am now,” he said. “I wasn’t near as prepared and I didn’t have the confidence I have now.”Time has helped his skills mature, and he’s worked at it, too.“I read a lot of books about sports psychology and mental preparation, and I applied them. I prayed a lot, and I put a lot of work into it,” he said.He set goals as well.“I used to write down a list of everything I needed to do every day, to get better, and I’d cross things off,” as they were accomplished. “Once I started doing that, it made a difference.”A farrier by trade, when he travels to rodeos throughout Wyoming, he’ll schedule appointments with clients as he travels to rodeos.“If I’m not out rodeoing, I’m shoeing horses. I try to separate the bronc riding and horse shoeing a little bit, but they overlap.”In the bareback riding, a household name in the rodeo world leads his event.Rocker Steiner, known for his “rebel” image, scored 88 points on Beutler’s Happy Hour to take the lead.It was the second time for the Weatherford, Texas cowboy to ride the mare; he won the long round in Tucson, Ariz. on the horse in 2023.“That’s probably my favorite horse of Bennie (Beutler’s),” he said. “She’s probably not the rankest horse he has, by any means, but she gives you confidence, makes you feel like you’re doing everything right.”The twenty-year-old cowboy is ranked fifth in the world standings; his dad, Sid, was the 2002 PRCA Steer Wrestling World Champion; his granddad, Bobby, won the 1973 PRCA Bull Riding World title.Beutler’s horse Happy Hour is an eight-year-old mare who has been selected to buck at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo several times.Other high scores and fast times from the morning slack and the evening competition include steer wrestler Eli Lord, Sturgis, S.D. (3.9 seconds); tie-down roper Ryan Belew, La Junta, Colo. (9.1); breakaway roper Rylee George, Oakdale, Calif. (2.9); team ropers&nbsp;. Erich Rogers, Round Rock, Ariz. and Paul Eaves, Lonedell, Mo. (5.7); barrel racer Shelley Morgan, Eustace, Texas (16.77) and bull rider Colton Byram, Mound City, Kan. (86 points).The third night of action at the Buffalo Bill rodeo takes place Friday, June 14 starting at 8 pm. The rodeo is broadcast on the Cowboy Channel app and on local radio station KODY 1240 AM.

Wyoming, Texas cowboys jump to the top; PRCA action continues in North Platte

North Platte, Neb. (June 12, 2024) –&nbsp;A world champ left his mark on his first trip to the Buffalo Bill Rodeo in North Platte.

Keenan Hayes, Hayden, Colo., scored 84.5 points on the Beutler horse Top Gun to take the lead in the bareback riding.

The 2023 PRCA world champion bareback rider hadn’t been on the horse he’d drawn, a seven-year-old gelding, but he’d scouted by watching videos of his rides.

“He looked like a lot of work,” he said, “but if you could stay with him, you’d do well. He wasn’t easy to ride.”

Last year, Hayes dominated his event in pro rodeo, setting the PRCA record for the most money won by a bareback rider in the regular season ($265,805), and winning the world title with more than $434,000 in season earnings, more than $100,000 ahead of the reserve world champion.

This year, there’s been more competition at the top of the dogpile of bareback riders.

Hayes and fellow riders Leighton Berry and Cooper Cook have all three been vying for the number one spot.

Right now, Hayes is at the top, but the three are close, trading spots nearly every week. “We’re all within $2,000 of each other,” Hayes said.

He likes contending with the others. “It’s kind of a fistfight right now. It’s pretty fun, having that kind of competition this year.”

Story by Buffalo Bill Rodeo CommunicationsNorth Platte, Neb. (June 12, 2024) –&nbsp;A world champ left his mark on his first trip to the Buffalo Bill Rodeo in North Platte.Keenan Hayes, Hayden, Colo., scored 84.5 points on the Beutler horse Top Gun to take the lead in the bareback riding.The 2023 PRCA world champion bareback rider hadn’t been on the horse he’d drawn, a seven-year-old gelding, but he’d scouted by watching videos of his rides.“He looked like a lot of work,” he said, “but if you could stay with him, you’d do well. He wasn’t easy to ride.”Last year, Hayes dominated his event in pro rodeo, setting the PRCA record for the most money won by a bareback rider in the regular season ($265,805), and winning the world title with more than $434,000 in season earnings, more than $100,000 ahead of the reserve world champion.This year, there’s been more competition at the top of the dogpile of bareback riders.Hayes and fellow riders Leighton Berry and Cooper Cook have all three been vying for the number one spot.Right now, Hayes is at the top, but the three are close, trading spots nearly every week. “We’re all within $2,000 of each other,” Hayes said.He likes contending with the others. “It’s kind of a fistfight right now. It’s pretty fun, having that kind of competition this year.”In the steer wrestling, an Australian is at the top of the pack.Travis Munro, who lived in Townsville, Queensland, Australia till 2021, when he moved to Balko, Okla., turfed his steer in 4.0 seconds to win the first round in his event.&nbsp;Munro, who didn’t begin steer wrestling till he was in his twenties, excelled at the sport and decided to move to the U.S. to pursue steer wrestling in the States, where there is more money to be made in the sport.On TV in Australia, the 31 year old watched his heroes: world champion steer wrestlers like Tyler Waguespack, Kyle Irwin, and others, and now he’s competing against them.“Rodeo is a lot bigger in the U.S., and I wanted to be the best of the best.”He became friends with fellow steer wrestlers Cody Devers and Marc Joiner, who he travels with, and their help has been immense.“They’ve helped me out a bunch. I call them my best friends in this country. I wouldn’t be where I am without them.”Making the transition to a new continent and culture halfway around the globe wasn’t easy.“It was tough,” he said. “The fact of not knowing anyone, and stepping out of my comfort zone, and trying to meet people,” he said. “I’m not really an outgoing person anyway, so I had to step out of my comfort zone.”But his efforts paid off.“I had to try, and it was worth it. It was the best thing I’ve ever done.”&nbsp;Last year, he finished the 2023 season in seventeenth place in the world standings, two holes away from the top fifteen, who advance on to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, where world titles are determined.This year, his goal is to make the Wrangler NFR. “I want to be the first Australian to qualify for the National Finals (in the timed events.) I won’t stop until I make it happen, and this year’s going to be the year.”In the barrel racing, a new arena record was set.The reigning world champion barrel racer Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi rounded the barrels in 16.55 seconds to take the lead and set the record.During the rodeo, the 2025 Miss Rodeo Nebraska was crowned.Danielle Forster, Elwood, won the title. A graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a bachelor of science in animal science with an equine focus, she will work towards her master’s degree in animal science with specialization in extension and education from the University this fall.The 2024 Miss Teen Rodeo Nebraska was crowned earlier in the day. The title went to Blue Hill resident Jaelyn Himmelberg. Himmelberg will begin her post-high school education at Doane University this fall, majoring in biology with an emphasis on a pre-physician assistant path.Other leaders after the day’s slack and the evening’s competition include tie down roper Lane Livingston, Seymour, Texas (8.9 seconds); saddle bronc rider Jack Skavdahl, Harrison, Neb. (78.5 points); breakaway roper Layni Masters, Leon, Iowa (2.5 seconds); team ropers Payton Pirrung, Hartford, S.D. and Logan Schliinz, Whitewood, S.D. (4.9 seconds); and bull rider Chase Dougherty, Canby, Ore. (85 points).The Buffalo Bill Rodeo continues with its second performance of four on Thursday, June 13 at 8 pm. Tickets range in price from $11 to $24 and are available online at www.NebraskalandDays.com and at the gate.- ### -Results, 1st&nbsp;Performance and slack, June 12, 2024North Platte, Nebraska – Buffalo Bill RodeoBareback riding1. Keenan Hayes, Hayden, Colo. 84.5 points on Top Gun; 2. Jake Kesl, Tendoy, Idaho 78.5; 3. Colton Clemens, Blackfoot, Idaho 77.Steer wrestling1st&nbsp;round1. Travis Munro, Townsville, Queensland, Australia 4.0 seconds; 2. (tie Riley Duvall, Checotah, Okla. and Austin Hurlburt, Norfolk, Neb. 4.1 each; 4. Seth Peterson, Wellington, Colo. 4.3; 5. Marc Joiner, Loranger, La. 4.5; 6. Kalane Anders, Bayard, Neb. 4.7.Tie-down roping1st&nbsp;round1. Lane Livingston, Seymour, Texas 8.9 seconds; 2. JD MCuistion, Estes Park, Colo. 9.0; 3. Denton Oestmann, Auburn, Neb. 9.3; 4. Zane Kilgus, Pryor, Okla. 9.6; 5. Connor Matheson, Stephenville, Texas 9.8; 6. Clint Graves, Oxford, Kan. 9.9.Saddle bronc riding1.&nbsp;Jack Skavdahl, Harrison, Neb. 78.5 points on Mean Dream; 2. Wade Sundell, Boxholm, Iowa 78; 3. Garrett Long, Valentine, Neb. 77; 4. Cooper West, Phillip, S.D. 72.Breakaway roping1. Layni Masters, Leon, Iowa 2.5 seconds; 2. Brooke Curuchet, Belle Fourche, S.D. 2.6; 3. Beau Peterson, Council Grove, Kan. 2.8; 4. (tie) Morgan Foss, Rhame, N.D. and Josie Mousel, Colman, S.D. 3.2 each.Team roping1. Payton Pirrung, Hartford, S.D./Logan Schliinz, Whitewood, S.D. 4.9 seconds; 2. Trevor Olson, Mud Butte, S.D./Tracer Olson, Wanblee, S.D. 5.4; 3. Coleman Proctor, Pryor, Okla./Logan Medlin, Tatum, N.M. 5.6; 4. Layne Carson, Grassy Butte, N.D./Jesse Chase, Mandaree, N.D. 6.2; 5. (tie) Rio Nutter, Rapid City, S.D./Coy Johnson, Buffalo, Wyo. and Bodie Mattson, Sturgis, S.D./Trae Smith, Georgetown, Idaho 6.3 each.Barrel racing1. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, Lampasas, Texas 16.55 seconds; 2.&nbsp;Summer Kosel, Glenham, S.D. 16.79; 3. Dona Kay Rule, Minco, Okla. 16.80;&nbsp;4. Leslie Smalygo, Skiatook, Okla. 16.88.Bull riding1. Chase Dougherty, Canby, Ore. 85 points on Bracket Buster; 2. Hudson Bolton, Milan, Tenn. 83.5; 3. Garrett Uptain, Craig, Colo. 83; 4. Brandon Ballard, New Hope, Kentucky 81.** All results are unofficial.&nbsp;