Nebraska State Volleyball Predictions

Class A

First round: Bellevue East over Omaha Burke; Omaha Marian over North Platte; Elkhorn over Papillion-LaVista; PLV-South over Lincoln Southwest.

Second round: Omaha Marian over Bellevue East; PLV-South over Ekhorn.

Third place: Elkhorn

Finals: Omaha Marian over PLV-South

Class B

First round: Seward over Omaha Skutt; Northwest over Gretna; Omaha Gross over Omaha Duchesne; Lincoln Pius X over Ogallala.

Second round: Seward over Northwest; Omaha Gross over Lincoln Pius X.

Third Place: Northwest

Finals: Omaha Gross over Seward.

Class C-1

First round: Syracuse over Lutheran High NE; Columbus Scotus over Wisner-Pilger; Kearney Catholic over Bennington; Grand Island CC over Wood River.

Second round: Columbus Scotus over Syracuse; Grand Island CC over Kearney Catholic.

Third Place: Kearney Catholic

Finals: Columbus Scotus over Grand Island CC

Class C-2

First round: Sutton over Alma; Sandy Creek over Tri County; David City Aquinas over Bridgeport; North Platte SP over Bancroft-Rosalie.

Second round: Sutton over Sandy Creek; David City Aquinas over North Platte SP.

Third Place: North Platte SP

Finals: Sutton over David City Aquinas.

Class D-1

First round: Pawnee City over Hay Springs; Howells over Leyton; Exeter-Milligan over Winside; Meridian over Ansley.

Second round: Howells over Pawnee City; Exeter-Milligan over Meridian.

Third Place: Meridian

Finals: Exeter-Milligan over Howells.

Class D-2

First round: Chambers over Falls City SH; Clay Center over Mullen; Wallace over Dodge; Paxton over Greeley-Wolbach.

Second round: Chambers over Clay Center; Paxton over Wallace.

Third Place: Wallace

Finals: Chambers over Paxton.

NEBRASKA FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS PREDICTION

CLASS A

First round: Millard South over Omaha Benson; Creighton Prep over Papillion LaVista; Omaha North over Grand Island; Elkhorn over Lincoln North Star; Millard West over Bellevue West; Norfolk over Omaha Central; Millard North over Lincoln Southwest; Lincoln Southeast over Lincoln Northeast.

Second round: Millard South over Creighton Prep; Elkhorn over Omaha North; Norfolk over Millard West; Lincoln Southeast over Millard North.

Semifinals: Millard South over Elkhorn; Lincoln Southeast over Norfolk.

Finals: Lincoln Southeast over Millard South 24-17

Darkhorse: Elkhorn.

CLASS B

First round: Aurora over Alliance; McCook over Ogallala; Adams Central over Seward; Gering over Lexington; Omaha Skutt over South Sioux City; Crete over Plattsmouth; Blair over Omaha Gross; Waverly over Gretna.

Second round: Aurora over McCook; Adams Central over Gering; Skutt over Crete; Waverly over Blair.

Semifinals: Aurora over Adams Central; Skutt over Waverly.

Finals: Skutt over Aurora.

Darkhorse: Adams Central

Class C-1

First round: Norfolk Catholic over Wayne; David City over Centennial; Wahoo over Arlington; Wahoo Neumann over Falls City; Boys Town over Fort Calhoun; Ashland/Greenwood over Wisner/Pilger; Bennington over Milford; Syracuse over Fairbury; Chadron over Boone Central; Pierce over St. Paul; Gothenburg over Minden; Broken Bow over Mitchell; Crofton over Cozad; Grand Island CC over Fillmore Central; Gordon/Rushville over Valentine; Hastings SC over Battle Creek.

Second round: Norfolk Catholic over David City; Wahoo Neumann over Wahoo; Boys Town over Ashland/Greenwood; Syracuse over Bennington; Pierce over Chadron; Gothenburg over Broken Bow; Grand Island CC over Crofton; Hastings SC over Gordon/Rushville.

Quarterfinals: Norfolk Catholic over Wahoo Neumann; Boys Town over Syracuse; Pierce over Gothenburg; Hastings SC over Grand Island CC.

Semifinals: Boys Town over Norfolk Catholic; Hastings SC over Pierce.

Finals: Boys Town over Hastings SC.

Darkhorse: Pierce

CLASS C-2

First round: Elm Creek over Randolph; Creighton over Stanton; Hartington CC over Thayer Central; Racenna over Kearney Catholic; North Platte SP over Perkins County; Cambridge over Chase County; Sutherland over Cross County; Blue Hill over Southwest; Ponca over Palmyra; Malcolm over Lourdes CC; Lincoln Christian over Elmwood-Murdock; Fremont Bergan over Laurel-Concord; HTRS over Johnson County Central; Oakland-Craig over Tri-County; West Point CC over Wilber/Clatonia; David City Aquinas over Homer.

Second round: Elm Creek over Crieghton; Hartington CC over Ravenna; Cambridge over North Platte SP; Blue Hill over Sutherland; Ponca over Malcolm; Fremont Bergan over Lincoln Christian; Oakland-Craig over HTRS; David City Aquinas over West Point CC.

Quarterfinals: Hartington CC over Elm Creek; Blue Hill over Cambridge; Ponca over Fremont Bergan; David City Aquinas over Oakland-Craig.

Semifinals: Blue Hill over Hartington CC; David City Aquinas over Ponca.

Finals: Blue Hill over David City Aquinas.

Darkhorse: Oakland-Craig

CLASS D-1

First round: Johnson-Brock over Clarkson; Freeman over Shelby; Pawnee City over Humphrey; Bancroft-Rosalie over Omaha Christian; Exeter-Milligan; Winside over Emerson-Hubbard; Osmond over Meridian; Howells over Hartington; Giltner over Franklin; Axtell over Burwell; Garden County over Crawford; Overton over Clearwater/Orchard; Maxwell over Callaway; Arapahoe over Amherst; Silver Lake over Eustis/Farnam; Palmer over Alma.

Second round: Johnson-Brock over Freeman; Bancroft-Rosalie over Pawnee City; Exeter-Milligan over Winside; Howells over Osmond; Giltner over Axtell; Overton over Garden County; Maxwell over Arapahoe; Palmer over Silver Lake.

Quarterfinals:

Bancroft-Rosalie over Johnson-Brock; Howells over Exeter-Milligan; Overton over Giltner; Maxwell over Palmer.

Semifinals: Howells over Bancroft-Rosalie; Overton over Maxwell.

Finals: Howells over Overton

Darkhorse: Axtell

CLASS D-2

First round: Hayes Center over SEM; Hyannis over Spalding/SA; Chambers over Stuart; Anselmo-Merna over Brady; Mullen over Lynch; Sargent over Ansley; St.Mary;s over Loomis; Pleasanton over Potter-Dix; Ewing over Lindsay HF; Wynot over Cedar Rapids; Hampton over Dodge; Sterling over Bruning/Davenport; Humphrey SF over Newcastle; Falls City SH over Allen; Lawrence-Nelson over Elgin Pope John; Bloomfied over Shickley.

Second round: Hayes Center over Hyannis; Anselmo-Merna over Chambers; Mullen over Sargent; Pleasanton over St. Mary's; Ewing over Wynot; Hampton over Sterling; Humphrey SF over Falls City SH; Bloomfield over Lawrence/Nelson.

Quarterfinals: Anselmo-Merna over Hayes Center; Pleasanton over Mullen; Ewing over Hampton; Humphrey SF over Bloomfield.

Semifinals: Pleasanton over Anselmo-Merna; Ewing over Humphrey SF.

Finals: Ewing over Pleasanton.

Darkhorse: Bloomfield

L Nino's Super Six Selections

After yet another week of stellar selections, I have declared that six predictions will be made for the October 15th weekend of contests. It is nitty-gritty time for many of the teams that need to pick up wins to support their possible cause of making the post season.

Cozad vs. Gothenburg

The Swedes are getting prepped for a big run here at the end of the season. Cozad will look to grind out the clock with a consistent rushing attack, against the speed of Gothenburg. As it has been said before, "speed kills," and in this case there is a chance that the lights on the scoreboard could get blown out completely. Gothenburg rolls big, in a game that they could practically choose the score.

Gothenburg 44 Cozad 8

Lexington vs. Ogallala

It is very tough to earn victories on the road, let along winning in Ogallala. Lexington will try to regroup after the storm that blew in via a wintery front and the McCook Bison from last week. It will be a closer game than expected, but I see the Indians escaping with a win in this very important district contest.

Ogallala 17 Lexington 13

Eustis/Farnam vs. Maxwell

This contest matches the top two teams in the district. Maxwell has been rolling since a few early season defeats. Eustis/Farnam has been building confidence and strength throughout the season. The Knights have a punishing run game that has emerged in the past weeks, that should push them over the edge in one of the best matchups in the state for this week. The athletes of Eustis/Farnam will not stop Cody Calhoun, but will keep him in check enough to escape the Maxwell madhouse with a win.

Eustis/Farnam 40 Maxwell 36

Elwood vs. Medicine Valley

If you want to watch an exciting, offense-filled game? This should be a game to check out; the passing game of the Raiders and Pirates are strengths offensively. Both quarterbacks, will spread the field and use numerous receivers to move the ball up and down the field, that could turn into a potential track meet. I do think that one of the teams is going to need to encounter some success on the ground to become the victor in this matchup. My gut feeling is that the Raiders of Medicine Valley will fall victim to the Pirates, due to great team continuity and ability to run the ball along with their aerial assault.

Elwood 40 Medicine Valley 32

Nebraska Kearney vs. Western New Mexico

Every game that Western New Mexico has played in has turned into an 'Old-School' RMAC offensive shootout. If your offense is struggling, seeing Western New Mexico on the schedule should solve any offensive issues. Not so fast though, as UNK is on a roll on offense, defense and special teams. The Loper attack is running on all cylinders, and on homecoming, most individuals that suit up will play in this blowout win.

UNK 62 Western New Mexico 7

Nebraska vs. Texas Tech

In a battle of the North versus the South, it will remind people of the blue versus the grey. Both teams have had their share of yellow being thrown. It seems that there are a lot of colors in this matchup, but it will be the men in Black, from Nebraska that will be the game clinchers. The Cornhuskers are victorious, in the offensive showcase.

Nebraska 35 Texas Tech 20

Dusting off the Crystal Ball October 9-11

There is a chill in the air that has some anticipating and others dreading what is coming. No I am not speaking of the weather and thoughts of snow, but of the anticipation some of the successful teams are having in hopes of a deep playoff run, where others are dreading the last time that they take off their jersey's for the season.

Gothenburg vs. Valentine

After getting the short end of the stick from the officials and falling in the previous weeks district matchup, Gothenburg goes on the road to reek havoc on the Valentine Badgers. The only thing that Valentine has going for them is the long road trip that Gothenburg has to endure. The Swedes will step off the bus hungry, and wanting to get the big red rushing attack back on track, and will not have much trouble, since it isn't "Valentine's Day."

Gothenburg 40 Valentine 7

Ainsworth vs. Cozad

Cozad will look to bounce back from defeat, and playing at home adds some extra confidence. It will take a full-game effort to walk away the winner in this contest. Both the Bulldogs and Haymakers are looking for their first district wins. The running game of Cozad has the chance to re-establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with, and turn the Bulldogs back to the pound puppies.

Cozad 21 Ainsworth 6

McCook vs. Lexington

The Bison and their red plague following will travel to Lexington in a district opener for each team. Both teams are 4-2 and looking for their fifth win. If depth is an issue, McCook definitely has the edge, but on the other hand, only 11 players can be on the field at a time and if the Minutemen can get Quarterback Seberger time to throw, it could be devastating to the Bison. It will be a knockdown, dragout type of game, where every little detail could be the difference maker. I feel the Minutemen magic at home will have a slight edge.

Lexington 20 McCook 17

Eustis/Farnam vs. Wauneta/Palisade

This is a battle that should be closer than expected, due to some key injuries on both sides for the Broncos and Knights. A balanced run, pass attack by the Knights, who on paper have a quantity of stellar athletes, will definitely be the difference as Eustis/Farnam prevails.

Eustis/Farnam 30 Wauneta/Palisade 12

Nebraska-Kearney vs. New Mexico Highlands

The Lopers should be able to pick their score in this contest. It is far from the Nebraska prairies, but the Antelopes will run wild all over the field. Offense, Defense and Special teams will be dominated by UNK.

UNK 56 New Mexico Highlands 7

October 2-4 TRIBUNE Sports crystal ball readings.

Two of the hosts schools in the TRIBUNE coverage area are enjoying the homecoming festivities this week in hopes of celebration a Friday night victory. Some people will be happy, whereas some supporters and fans on Friday nights will be disappointed.

Cozad vs. Chadron

Two issues that the Haymakers have working in their favor are that the Cardinals have battled sickness and have had to postpone last weeks game due to illness, and that as the bird flies, it is a long trip from Chadron to Cozad. Cozad will use their "grind it out" running game in an attempt to shorten the game, and better the Haymakers chances of success. As a result the Cardinals will be weary in the early going but will adjust to Cozad's game plan due to stellar athletic ability and depth, will take a victory trip back to Chadron.

Chadron 42 Cozad 7

Eustis/Farnam vs. Callaway

Roadtripping like many of the TRIBUNE area teams, will be the Eustis/Farnam Knights as they will go into enemy territory and run, and pass against the Bears. Eustis/Farnam has a renewed interest in establishing the run game, to slow down pass rushers in the Callaway contest. A good mix of run and pass will propel the Knights in a game that will be very offensively minded, the Knights escape with a very valuable win on the road.

Eustis/Farnam 30 Callaway 16

Lexington vs. Sidney

Long road trips is the name of the game for many high school gridiron teams this week, and Lexington is one of the many. In an attempt to get back on the winning track, Lexington will stay balanced offensively, and have to endure the smashing running game of the Red Raiders. Year in and year out, the defense of Sidney is always a strength and the Minutemen will do everything they can, to break the walls of Sidney's defense. The fast-paced offense of Lexington along with the blitzing defense will be just enough in a see-saw battle.

Lexington 19 Sidney 17

Broken Bow vs. Gothenburg

In one of the two matchups in Class C-1 along with the Battle Creek vs. Norfolk Catholic contest, that could decide go a long ways in deciding the leaders of the west division come playoff time. Last year the game was as good as advertised, with the home crowd and field being enough of an advantage for Broken Bow to get the nod on the scoreboard. The times have changed and the Swedes speed in all three facets of the game have improved. In a game that will most likely determine the district champion, Gothenburg will have to get a few breaks, and that is just what happens in home games, as the Swedes pick up a homecoming win on a late Landen Haake touchdown run.

Gothenburg 22 Broken Bow 14

CSU-Pueblo vs. Nebraska-Kearney

UNK enters the contest on a four game winning streak, where as the Thunderwolves are reeling after a loss and are one game back of the Leaders in the RMAC team standings. It will be one of the first trips for CSU-Pueblo to make the trip to Foster field and deliver the Thunder, it is too bad that the Lopers Lightning attack will strike first and outdue the Thunder of the CSU-Pueblo. Running, passing and on the defensive side of the ball, UNK will prevail, which is more than enough on the scoreboard.

Nebraska-Kearney 41 CSU-Pueblo 13

The above mentioned scores and predictions are opinions of Me, Kelly Ninas and if you have a differing opinion, you are thus allowed to have a different view and opinion. If you so want to express that opinion, there is a comments button below, where you can express your opinions.

September 25-27 Sports Crystal Ball readings

Cozad vs. Valentine

Cozad has the luxury of preparing for this game for two weeks, but has to endure the dreaded long roadtrip to Valentine to play the Badgers. Valentine is recovering from the beating they received from Winner (SD) and will have to again face a bruising running game of the Haymakers. In what is a SWC battle, I see Cozad's running game getting on track just enough to stay with the Badgers, but Valentine's balanced gameplan to win out in a close contest.

Cozad 20 Valentine 24

Gering vs. Lexington

Lexington looks to avenge a lose out in Gering last season, by a close margin (22-20). Gering has to make the long trip to Lexington and brings plenty of power offensively. A ton of yards will be chewed up in this matchup of the Minutemen and Bulldogs, but the Minutemen will do the last of the chewing by edging Gering in a heartbreaker for Bulldog faithful.

Gering 24 Lexington 27

Callaway vs. Elwood

The Elwood Pirates have a never-say-die attitude and continue to compete no matter what the scoreboard reads, and it has propelled the Pirates to rally late in ballgames. Defensively Brandt Banzhaf is a terror to opposing offenses and it will happen again as offensively, Elwood will air it out and use a better than average run game to win in a shootout.

Callaway 30 Elwood 44

Medicine Valley vs. Eustis/Farnam

A gridiron battle of Highway 23 will ensue on Friday night, and recently the Knights have controlled the road. A balanced effort with solid production on the ground will be needed for the Knights to have a chance. If the timing of the Eustis/Farnam offense gets on track, look out, it could be lights out in Farnam on Friday.

Medicine Valley 20 Eustis/Farnam 46

Speaking of rivalry games, it has come to the time in the schedule for my beloved UNK Lopers to battle it out on the gridiron with the Chadron State Eagles. The Lopers on paper should win this game going away, but as anybody that knows anything about sports knows, rivalry games aren't played on paper. With most of the running back stable healthy again, it will take all of them and a Spitzelberger all-around game to be victorious. The X-factor in the contest, will be which team's wideout will help their team win this contest. Will it be Kyle Kaiser or Brandon Harrington? I am going with Kaiser, considering he is on a roll and having a memorable season. When was the last time UNK had a wideout that had a standout campaign, was it one of the last times the "Lope Show" clipped the Eagles?

UNK 24 Chadron State 17

“Look at that machine, he/she is on Steroids!” Critics of Hardworkers

Why is that no matter what an improving athlete does in the offseason, there are always critics? Why do the critics always jump to the conclusion that the critics always jokingly, but yet seriously always quote, “Steroids”?
How many people in this world, at first glance called Ben Johnson, the former Canadian world-class sprinter a, “doper” or steroid user? Johnson first came on to the world scene of track and field in 1982 at the Commonwealth Games in Australia and was last noted in the 1988 Olympics in Korea. In 1982, at the ripe age of 21 years old Johnson ran 10.05 seconds in the 100 meters and six years later ran a unofficial world-record time of 9.79 seconds in the 100 meter dash in Seoul, Korea, before being disqualified due to failing a drug test. Johnson was fast when he came onto the scene, and through hard work and a “few” artificial helpers elevated his performance. But lets stop and think about this for one second, it has been almost 20 years since Johnson’s feat of 9.79 seconds and what is the world-record 100 meter time now, are the current runners on steroids too, since back in 1988, it was humanly impossible to run faster that 9.8 seconds in the 100?
Just this past weekend, Jamaica’s Usain Bolt ran 9.58 seconds in the 100 meter dash at the World Championships in Germany to shatter his own record set one year before at the Beijing Olympics. If Bolt were on steroids, wouldn’t the drug tests show?
I have never understood the thought of hard work being criticized, but in this day and age it is always easier to cut somebody else down, than actually do something yourself. The person who talks a good game is too busy talking, when the competitors trying to get better are in the gym or on the field attempting to get better. The person who is usually talking the talk, trips over their own feet, while they are walking the walk, too bad they can’t choke on their own words, when accusing of, “Steroids”.
Everybody needs to encourage and give accolades to some of the few that choose to put in the hours and sweat to make themselves and their teams better in the offseason.
Why does everybody always consider great accomplishments to be tainted, in some peculiar way, no matter the achievement?

"Walk don't Run," should stay a song and remain out of Sports.

In the stick sports; mainly baseball, and softball, walking or earning a base on balls has become very prevalent in the present times. There are many components that have to fail for a walk to be considered valid in my mind. If the pitcher throws a pitch that gives the hitter no chance at all in hitting the ball, it would be considered valid. Really there are many cogs that are essential to fight against walks. It all starts with the pitcher, he/she has to deliver a hittable ball, and in some cases the umpire doesn't reward the pitcher for his efforts, and forcing the offensive player to become a hitter.
In the world we live in, how does not everybody want to jump at the chance and swing the bat, in the "toot your own horn" society, what is "cool" about walking? Some players are feared and issued intentional walks, which is a little more understanding, but still pretty cowardly, by the defense to not take the chance in that the hitter can make a mistake and you can get a well-earned out. I have seen kids baseball and softball all the way to adult softball and baseball be issued walks, due to the batter not even considering swinging the bat throughout the whole at-bat, and the umpire doesn't force them to swing the bat by calling a strike on a close pitch. The fans in the stands, and in attendance at these games didn't show up to watch somebody walk, if that were the case, why not stay at home and watch the athlete walk across the front yard, what is the difference? The emphasis on walking by many coaches and athletes are setting stick sports back 20 years, maybe we should petition for cable networks to show the Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine commercial that was themed, "Chicks dig the long ball." I think it is everybody that wants to see action in sports, and baseball/softball is falling behind if something doesn't change.
In one of the greatest baseball movie's ever made, Eddie Harris from the movie, entitled, "Major League" made a very good statement when speaking to Pedro Cerrano about religion and baseball. "You trying to say Jesus Christ can't hit a curveball?" said Eddie Harris. At Least our savior would get the bat off his shoulder and attempt to hit the ball.
As much money that people spend on bats, for themselves or their children, don't worry the lifespan of bats is pretty good anymore, that swinging and possibly hitting a ball in most cases can be done 1000's of times before the bat becomes fatigued or broken.
Stick sports aren't the only genre of sport that involve walking. There is racewalking in Track and Field competition, are you kidding me, that a walker can become an All-American or National Champion in racewalking?

Be a Minority

“The test of courage comes when we are in the minority. The test of tolerance comes when we are in the majority.”

Ralph W. Sockman

In every crowd, there is always one person who wants to stand out and be noticed. Rather it be in blazing their own trail or be joined by others in blazing the new trail. Always remember there are other sports throughout the country, that maybe aren’t played in the state of Nebraska, or maybe the sports are played at a higher level, with better teams or individuals participating in the activities.
I am a proud Oregon Duck fan, and can say that in less than 50 days, the Oregon Ducks debut their 2009 football season against a perennial power, the Boise State Broncos on the blue turf in a primetime Thursday night contest.It should be a thriller to start the college football season, and in the state of Nebraska, I can honestly say that I am a minority supporter of the ‘Quack Attack’. The amount of criticism I have met due to actually opening up my eyes, and seeing that there is good football played outside the state of Nebraska. In the state of Nebraska, it is a no-brainer, the majority of people support the Husker sports program and there is nothing wrong with supporting the home team, why not step out and do something different and not be a cookie cutter fan. Speaking of the Huskers football team, who do they play in their opening game, I am guessing it isn’t a team the caliber of Boise State?
Don’t get me wrong, I am a follower of Nebraska athletics and the Huskers, but will always remember my true loyalties in Nebraska belong to a team that wears blue and the name of Nebraska-Kearney on their uniforms. Annually the UNK athletic programs combine to compete for the All-Sports trophy in the RMAC conference, and I do believe, they have won the hardware a couple times. In the economy we currently are encountering, why not go support a team that is just a short road trip for most, and you are able to buy tickets and snacks for the whole family, for what one single ticket cost to a Nebraska Football game. I have been to a plethora of different sporting events in support of multiple schools, but the top two fan environments that I have ever experienced was the 2003 NCAA Division II Central Regional Basketball tournament in Kearney, that UNK won and the 2004 Division II Volleyball Elite Eight and especially the National Championship game that UNK played in, on their own home court. The aura was magical, and will never be forgotten by all the people in attendance at those events. I have been accused of having blue blood running through my veins, due to my loyalty and support of Loper athletics and I am proud of the accusations.

The majority is always an easy place to hide, How many people does Memorial Stadium in Lincoln hold, approximately 80,000? Foster Field or the Health and Sports Center in Kearney wouldn't know what to think if 80,000 people showed up for a game, but the faithful that attend Loper sporting events make themselves heard when they are present. The volleyball and hoops teams have always played in front of large crowds, and for the premier games, the Loper football team has had good attendance numbers. A person has to stand up and be noticed,give the team you are supporting a home-field or court advantage.


Thinking of home-field advantage, it doesn’t get much better than the Oregon Ducks, Autzen Stadium. Autzen Stadium holds less than 60,000 people, but has recorded a a record decibel level of 127 at the Michigan vs. Oregon football game. A couple people that would know this the best would be the opposing coach, Michigan’s Lloyd Carr said, “Autzen Stadium is the loudest stadium he had ever been in,” and ESPN’s Lee Corso has always quoted, “Per person Autzen Stadium is the loudest stadium that I have ever been in my entire life.” I am not sure, but I do believe that they have been in quite a few stadiums, and they are not in the minority by speaking of the ruckus crowd of Autzen.
Always remember that in Nebraska, you might be a minority, but there are other athletic teams in Nebraska and the United States that you can support, don't be shy, stand up and be proud!

Superstitions and Rituals

“Fear is the main source of superstition and one of the main sources of cruelty. To conquer fear is the beginning of wisdom.”

Bertrand Russell

Most athletes and fans have never heard of Bertrand Russell, who was a British philosopher, that can be accredited with the above quote that explains the main motive behind superstitions and rituals. 

There isn’t an athlete anywhere who at some time or another hasn’t been superstitious or competed against a superstitious believer. 

First off, clothing is always a target item for superstition. If a team and/or athlete is having success, they don’t wash their clothes or they make sure they wear the same gear. A prime example would be basketball player, Michael Jordan. No matter what team Jordan played for, he always wore his blue North Carolina shorts under his uniform. I do think that having great basketball skill and a drive to succeed and be the best also didn't hurt Mr. Jordan either. 

Back in the Jordan’s glory days, there was and still continues, in this day and age to be the Cover jinx. If an athlete or team was selected to be the printed on the cover of a newspaper, and/or magazine, it usually resulted in less than desireable results.  

  Sports Illustrated cover jinx has always been a problem for elite teams and competitors, it seems that luck is not on the side of the team that is chosen for covers of the Magazine. The specific sports previews, make it seem that the individual experts, don't have a clue between good and bad teams at the beginning of the season. Its not an absolute crap shoot, in no way should a team be chosen as the preseason number one, and then struggle to finish over .500. Even Punxsutawney Phil gets it right most of the time, and he is a non omniscient animal. 

In this day and age, it is much easier for teens and adults to relate to television and video games. Everybody has their opinion on the good and bad influences of video games on society, but one fact that holds true is the superstition of being printed on the cover of the Madden NFL video game. Since 1999, every Madden NFL cover boy has been hurt or performed at a subpar level during the season, such players that come to mind are Eddie George, Daunte Culpepper, Marshall Faulk, Ray Lewis, Michael Vick, Donovan McNabb, Shaun Alexander and last years cover boy Brett Farve. You tell me, why nobody wants to be on the cover of the highly touted Madden video game?

Baseball pitchers and Hockey goaltenders are quite similar when it comes down to superstitions. When success is occurring during a contest, whether be a shutout, perfect game, and/or no hitter, in no instance should any teammate or coach speak of the shutout, perfect game and/or no hitter. Pitchers and Goalies like to separate themselves from the others on an island, so accidental communication doesn’t occur. 

 Patrick Roy, the all-time NHL leader in wins, shutouts, and playoff games played, is very experienced with the superstitions. Roy is one of the most superstitious and his stats speak the truth as he speaks to the posts on the goal, instead of teammates during the game. They have helped him, so something must be the difference?

Hockey is a very superstitious sport, possible near the most. Pittsburgh Penguin superstar, Sidney Crosby went against the traditions and superstitions by touching the conference championship trophy after the Penguins won the Eastern Conference, and as history has shown, nobody that is soon to win the Stanley Cup has touched the conference title hardware. Will history repeat itself?

"Greatest high school sports spectacle in Nebraska"

Everybody is always looking for a sure thing, and the first thing that enters my mind is that the NSAA’s State Track competition at Omaha Burke Stadium is the greatest high school sports spectacle that culminates each and every athletic season. 

Where else do you find sports fans and participants competing  and watching from all walks of life and from all corners of the state of Nebraska, all in one place?

The State track meet has been a staple at Omaha Burke Stadium for all classes, boys and girls since 1981. Prior to the 1981 State track meet at Omaha Burke, the boys and girls were separated and competed at different locations throughout the state: Kearney, Lincoln and North Platte.

 

After speaking with a few esteemed individuals about the track meet moving to Burke the first time for all athletes to compete at the same venue in a two day event, there were many doubters, but look what it has become? Look at what can happen when some people take a chance, and have a no-quit attitude.

Since 1981, Burke Stadium in Omaha has hosted the annual event of State track and field for all classes. In this day and age, everybody wants a piece of the pie, in hosting state championships. The bidding process to host state championships is evaluated by the NSAA Board of Control each year it seems like, but track and field hasn't been one of those lately. There has only ever been preliminary talks about any organization or community trying to take state track out of Omaha since the championship arrived in Omaha in 1981. 

The improvements that have been made over the years to the Burke Stadium are astounding and have helped Omaha keep the meet, anywhere from safety concerns for athletes and fans, to eliminating congestion near the concession areas and advancements to make the meet run much smoother and more efficiently. The money to make these improvements are from you the families and fans that attend the state track meet, and purchase programs and t-shirts. The amount of financial burden supplied to make improvements is in excess of $1.2 million. Coming up with that type of money can be quite the hurdle to overcome, if it weren’t for the track and field faithful that attend every year. 

Speaking of, there are new hurdles at Burke Stadium this year, that were purchased with the profits from program and t-shirt sales. The improvements are visible, each and every time I attend the State track meet.  The volunteer help and participating athletes are always needed to run a good meet, and it seems that people are willing to bend over backwards to lend a helping hand. 

Another intriguing site to many will be a new concession area that was constructed in the Northwest corner of the complex, only problem is climbing all those stairs to get there. Which makes a person think, do 

the stairs ever end? How many stairs are there actually? 

There are always people cheering for great performances from their specific school or other schools, rivalries are chilled during the state track and field meet. 

Others waited patiently to perform at the best sports spectacle in Nebraska high school sports. 

Who would ever be against a sport that allows the athletes to have a little creativity? Whether it be shoes designed like sharks?

Bright colors are always good too. 

Sports questions of the blog: In what year did the boys Nebraska state track and field contest quit running at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln? Why was Lincoln no longer a viable option for the State meet?

Risen from the Dead

Have you ever meet one of those people that outstays their welcome? Most common people collect the hints and will vanish, but in professional sports, this is not the case. 

Veteran quarterback, Brett Farve instantly comes to mind. Farve has played quarterback

 in the NFL for 17 seasons and is possibly considering another season after retiring twice already. Brett Farve has established his name atop the NFL record book in many categories, career touchdowns, career passing yards, career completions, career attempts, most interceptions thrown and most consecutive NFL starts. After evaluating all the accomplishments of Farve, why does he think he needs to continue to prove himself, when it was obvious to many viewers that his play proved costly for the New York Jets this past season. Why would a team want to take a chance on a has-been that is past his prime?

Normally the lasting of NFL stars, are not labeled as overstaying their welcome. I do believe that Farve is only one year older than a quarter that played in the Super Bowl last season, who was that signal caller?