FRIDAY AFTERNOON SPORTS 8/18

UNK VOLLEYBALL TAKES TOP SPOT IN MIAA PRESEASON POLL

UNK Volleyball took the top spot in the MIAA preseason coaches poll, which was announced by the conference on Friday morning.

The Lopers took four first-place votes in the poll, while regular season champion Northwest Missouri State took second place with three first-place votes. Central Oklahoma took third, and MIAA Tournament Champion Washburn took fourth place. The top five was rounded out by the Central Missouri Jennies.

The Lopers now await to see where they land in the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) poll, which will be announced on Tuesday. UNK finished 15th in last year’s final poll. 

MORE SINGLE DIGIT JERSEYS ASSIGNED FOR SELECT HUSKERS:

The Single-Digit squad had more additions on Thursday night for Nebraska Football. 

First year Head Coach Matt Rhule’s running tradition with his teams at Temple and Baylor allowed players to vote on what teammates would earn the honor of wearing a single digit jersey during gameday. 

Previously, receiver Billy Kemp (#1), defensive back Isaac Gifford (#2), linebacker Luke Reimer (#4), and quarterback Jeff Sims (#7) were voted as the first players to receive the single-digit distinction.

The Husker Football social media pages posted three new player representatives on Thursday, as defensive lineman Nash Hutmacher (#0) and linebackers Nick Henrich (#3) and John Bullock (#5).

The remaining player numbers available include #6, #8, and #9. 

Rhule stated previously that it is no guarantee that any Nebraska Football players will wear these assigned numbers this season.

TWO HUSKER FRESHMEN ADDED TO TRUE FRESHMAN ALL-AMERICAN TEAM:

24/7 Sports recently released their true freshman All-American team, placing two Husker defenders on their priority list of players to watch.

Defensive lineman and edge rushers Cameron Lenhardt and Princewill Umanmielen (OO-man-me-ellen) were added as the defensive starters to the All-Freshman team. Both players were early enrollees and participated in spring practices and the Red-White Spring Game in April. 

Lendhardt was rated as the No. 43 overall EDGE Rusher while Umanmielen was a Top 250 recruit as the No. 24 rated EDGE.

NEBRASKA FOOTBALL FRIDAY PRACTICE COMMENTS – DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR TONY WHITE

WHITE -THERES SOME GUYS WHO PLAYED VERY FAST AND PHYSICAL:

Nebraska Defensive Coordinator Tony White spoke to the media after Friday’s practice and addressed his expectations for the defense in this upcoming season and the versatile roster…

White and defensive back Quinton Newsome and Matt Coatney will stop by Sports Nightly tonight, which is from 6-8 PM on KGFW.

WHITE – GOOD BALANCE BETWEEN FUN AND SERIOUSNESS

Nebraska Defensive Coordinator Tony White is pleased with the leadership within the Blackshirts, even if theres a second or two to goof off

Husker Football is 13 days away from the season opener at Minnesota.

FORMER BEARCAT KEEPER HEELAN NAMED LSC PRESEASON GOALKEEPER OF YEAR

Reagan Heelan, Kearney native and junior goalkeeper for West Texas A&M University, was named the Lone Star Conference’s Preseason Goalkeeper of the year, as announced by the school.

The Lincoln Journal Star and Omaha World Herald honorable mention goalkeeper with the Bearcats from 2017-2020, Heelan had 22 starts for the Lady Buffs. She was named Named All-LSC Second Team last season and went 14-4-4.

BEARCAT ATHLETICS WRAP FIRST DAY OF COMPETITION:

The Kearney High Fall Athletics began their seasons on Thursday, as varsity competition and organized scrimmages began across the area.

The Bearcat Girls Golf team won over Grand Island and Columbus in their varsity triangular at Jackrabbit Golf Course in Grand Island yesterday. Olivia James led the way shooting 40 for a team score at 173. 

Kearney Softball hosted Lincoln Pius at Patriot Park in their season opener, winning the opening matchup 10-2 but falling in the second matchup 13-1 to the Thunderbolts. 

Finally, Bearcat Volleyball was at Broken Bow High School for jamboree action, sweeping past North Platte and Broken Bow in four combined sets. 

The annual Kearney Football scrimmage held at Ron & Carol Cope Stadium is set for tonight at Ron & Carol Cope Stadium.

For a full schedule of Kearney Athletics and to see the KGFW Sports Broadcast calendar for this fall, visit KGFW.com.

AREA SCHOOLS SET VARSITY COMPETITION, SCRIMMAGES TODAY:

Other area schools begin their varsity fall seasons today with scrimmages or opening season competitions. 

For Kearney Catholic, the Stars host their Football PowerAde Scrimmages later this evening. The softball co-op team with Amherst hosts Ord at 4:30 PM. 

The Amherst Bronco Football season begins with their scrimmage at 6:30 PM. 

Pleasanton Volleyball and Football hold their scrimmages at 5 and 7 PM respectively. 

Shelton and Ravenna also host their volleyball and football scrimmages tonight as well. 

For more, visit KGFW.com. 

STANFORD MAKES OFFER TO JOIN ACC:

It appears that Stanford is willing to do whatever it takes to remain in a prominent conference.

The Associated Press reports that the school informed remaining members of the Pac-12 that the Cardinal would be willing to take significant sacrifices to join the Atlantic Coast Conference. 

Stanford told the ACC they were open to joining the conference at a greatly reduced or even no media rights payout for several years. 

Stanford – although a great fit academically for the ACC – would struggle with the geographical mismatch as the closest potential conference opponent would be Louisville at over 2,000 miles away.

NEBRASKA FOOTBALL TUESDAY PRACTICE COMMENTS – TE COACH JOSH MARTIN & PLAYERS:

MARTIN – SUPPORT HAS BEEN HUGE FROM TEAM, STAFF:

Newly minted interim tight ends coach for Nebraska Football Josh Martin spoke to the media for the first time after Tuesday’s practice. He added that it has been a busy few weeks, but the support has never wavered…

The Huskers named Martin the new tight ends coach for the season after the resignation of Bob Wager due to a suspected DUI in Lincoln prior to the start of fall camp.

MARTIN – RELATIONSHIPS HAVE BEEN STRONG WITH TIGHT ENDS:

Assistant coach Josh Martin stated after Tuesday’s practice he was already very comfortable stepping into the tight end room prior to his announcement as the next tight ends coach for Nebraska…

The Huskers are hoping Martin can elevate the play of oft-injured Thomas Fidone and are still awaiting an eligibility announcement from Arik Gilbert, the talented Georgia transfer.

MARTIN – WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW ABOUT THOMAS FIDONE:

Interim tight ends coach Josh Martin was asked his impressions of Thomas Fidone, the uber-talented Council Bluffs native who has struggled to be on the field due to sustained injuries the past few seasons…

The Huskers lost Fidone for most of his freshman season and the entirety of last season due to knee injuries. Fidone was the top rated tight end in the 2020 recruitment class.

FIDONE – RHULE RELATIONSHIP IS GREAT:

Tight end Thomas Fidone stuck with Nebraska Football despite back-to-back knee injuries, losing seasons, and a coaching change. The Council Bluffs native spoke on his relationship with Matt Rhule after Tuesday’s practice…

Rhule has reiterated several times – including one of his introductory pressers – that Fidone was a key piece for the Huskers and his relationship was a high priority.

FIDONE – WHATEVER HUSKERS NEED, I CAN DO:

Thomas Fidone was the top rated tight end in the Class of 2020 out of Council Bluffs, but has not had a chance to show off due to sustained injuries the last two years. Fidone added after Tuesday’s practice he’s willing to do whatever is needed for Nebraska this year…

The Huskers aim to use Fidone to the full extent in offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield’s new huddle oriented, tight end and fullback based scheme.

GRANT – FULLY ADJUSTED TO BIG TEN:

Running back Anthony Grant was a newcomer last season to the Big Red, stating after Tuesday’s practice that he needed some time to adjust to the Power Five conference…

Grant added he’s comfortable with the speed and size of the conference after his first year, and is looking forward to continuing to compete for the starting position after leading the Huskers with over 900 rushing yards last season.

NFL PRESEASON SCHEDULE:

THURSDAY RESULTS:

Cleveland Browns 18-18 Philadelphia Eagles (Tie)

FRIDAY SCHEDULE:

Carolina Panthers @ New York Giants – 6 PM

Cincinnati Bengals @ Atlanta Falcons – 6:30 PM

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL SCHEDULE:

FRIDAY SCHEDULE:

Detroit Tigers @ Cleveland Guardians – 3:10 PM

Toronto Blue Jays @ Cincinnati Reds – 5:40 PM

Boston Red Sox @ New York Yankees – 6:05 PM

Philadelphia Phillies @ Washington Nationals – 6:05 PM

San Francisco Giants @ Atlanta Braves – 6:20 PM

Detroit Tigers @ Cleveland Guardians – 6:40 PM

Milwaukee Brewers @ Texas Rangers – 7:05 PM

Seattle Mariners @ Houston Astros – 7:10 PM

Pittsburgh Pirates @ Minnesota Twins – 7:10 PM

New York Mets @ St. Louis Cardinals – 7:15 PM

Chicago White Sox @ Colorado Rockies – 7:40 PM

Tampa Bay Rays @ Los Angeles Angels – 8:38 PM

Baltimore Orioles @ Oakland Athletics – 8:40 PM

Arizona Diamondbacks @ San Diego Padres – 8:40 PM

Miami Marlins @ Los Angeles Dodgers – 9:10 PM

Local Results & Schedules:

THIS WEEK IN LOCAL SPORTS

THURSDAY:

High School Sports:

• KEARNEY HIGH:
  • Girls Golf: Varsity Triangular @ Grand Island Jackrabbit Course
    • KHS = 1st in Triangular
  • Softball: Varsity Doubleheader v. Lincoln Pius X @ Patriot Park
    • GAME 1: KHS 10-2 LPX (K: 10 R, 4 H, 1 E / LPX: 2 R, 4 H, 2 E)
    • GAME 2: LPX 13-1 KHS (LPX: 13 R, 11 H, 0 E / KHS: 1 R, 2 H, 3 E)
  • Volleyball: Varsity Jamboree @ Broken Bow
    • GAME 1: v. North Platte – KHS 2-0 NP
    • GAME 2: @ Broken Bow – KHS 2-0 BB
• AMHERST:
  • Volleyball: @ Adams Central – 

College Athletics:

• NEBRASKA CORNHUSKERS:
  • Women’s Soccer: @ Creighton – 2-2 (Tie)

FRIDAY:

High School Sports:

• KEARNEY HIGH:
  • N/a
• KEARNEY CATHOLIC:
  • PoweAde Scrimmages @ KCHS
  • Softball: v. Ord – 4:30 PM
• AMHERST:
  • Softball: v. Ord @ Patriot Park – 4:30 PM
  • Football: Varsity Scrimmage – 6:30 PM
• PLEASANTON:.
  • Volleyball: Scrimmage – 5 PM
  • Football: Scrimmage – 7 PM
• GIBBON:
  • N/a
• SHELTON:
  • Football: Scrimmage @ Shelton High School
  • Volleyball: Scrimmage @ Shelton High School
• ELM CREEK:
  • N/a
• RAVENNA:
  • Volleyball: Scrimmage – 4 PM
  • Football: Scrimmage – 5 PM

College Athletics:

• UNK LOPERS:
  • N/a
• HASTINGS COLLEGE BRONCOS:
  • N/a
• NEBRASKA CORNHUSKERS:
  • N/a

KGFW Sports Schedule:

• Sports Nightly (6 PM – 8 PM)

SATURDAY:

High School Sports:

• KEARNEY HIGH:
  • N/a
• KEARNEY CATHOLIC:
  • Boys Tennis: @ GICC Invite – 9 AM
  • Softball: @ Holdrege Invite – 9 AM
  • Volleyball: @ Bill Marshall Classic – 12:30 PM / 4:30 PM
• AMHERST:
  • N/a
• PLEASANTON:.
  • N/a
• GIBBON:
  • N/a
• SHELTON:
  • N/a
• ELM CREEK:
  • N/a
• RAVENNA:
  • N/a

College Athletics:

• UNK LOPERS:
  • N/a
• HASTINGS COLLEGE BRONCOS:
  • N/a
• NEBRASKA CORNHUSKERS:
  • Volleyball: v. Red-White Scrimmage @ Bob Devaney Sports Center – 6 PM

KGFW Sports Schedule:

• Nebraska Volleyball v. Red-White Scrimmage (5 PM – 8 PM)

SUNDAY:

High School Sports:

• KEARNEY HIGH:
  • N/a
• KEARNEY CATHOLIC:
  • N/a
• AMHERST:
  • N/a
• PLEASANTON:.
  • N/a
• GIBBON:
  • N/a
• SHELTON:
  • N/a
• ELM CREEK:
  • N/a
• RAVENNA:
  • N/a

College Athletics:

• UNK LOPERS:
  • N/a
• HASTINGS COLLEGE BRONCOS:
  • N/a
• NEBRASKA CORNHUSKERS:
  • Women’s Soccer: v. Baylor @ Kansas City – 1:05 PM

KGFW Sports Schedule:

• N/a