KEARNEY — Once a staple business in the Kearney sports scene, Misko Sports has made its return to the community after the store shut its doors over a decade ago.
Misko Sports was born in Ord as Misko Harness and Leather Goods, a saddle and tack store, in 1883 and has operated in the community since. The business expanded into sporting goods in the 1950s.
Misko Sports opened a location in downtown Kearney in 1972 and it operated until the decision was made to close in January 2012, according to a press release from the time. The Ord store continues to operate today.
In 2021, Miko Sports was purchased by Russ Staton, who also owns Shirt Shack and Zimmerman Printing in Kearney.
Staton said he had worked with Colin Pfeiffer, head of sales with Misko Sports in the past and when the option came up to buy the business, his working relationship with Pfeiffer played a role in his decision.
The new Misko Sports location in Kearney is 221 West 44th St. A soft opening was held on Saturday, Oct. 14. The current store hours are 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Monday – Friday; 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday and 1 – 5 p.m. on Sunday.
The decision to bring Misko Sports back to Kearney was the result of conversations between Straton and Pfeiffer, who felt that the community was lacking a sporting goods store that operated on their model.
Straton described their model as being a “hybrid,” offering the traditional sporting goods, while offering custom screen printing and embroidery services and carry items such as scopes, knives, and wide variety of brand name items.
Pfeiffer is also a football coach for Amherst and hears the needs from teams across the region, Staton said. He added that they strive to make a local connection with the youth leagues, teams etc.
Scott Bauer is the general manager of the Misko Sports Kearney location and speaking of their inventory, he said that while they cannot have it all, they will sure try.
Scott Bauer, General Manager of Kearney Misko Sports (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today)
Customers are encouraged to continue visiting the store in the future as their inventory will continue to expand.
“We carry a vast product assortment for a wide range of sports including football, volleyball, wrestling, basketball, track, baseball and softball,” Misko Sports website states, “You can rely on Misko Sports for team apparel, fan wear, booster club merchandise, and more.”
Pfeiffer cited Misko Sports motto, “Team, Tradition, Performance,” when asked what the one take away he would want people to know about the business. He added that they strive to be the “one-stop shop” for sporting goods.
“Our motto is what we hang out hat on,” Pfeiffer stated.
A grand opening event for the Kearney location will be held Nov. 16-22.
