Courtesy: NU Athletic Communications

&nbsp;The Big Ten Conference Administrators Council, which includes the Directors of Athletics and Senior Women Administrators from all 14 member institutions, has approved the 2022 Big Ten football schedule. The nine conference opponents on Nebraska's 2022 schedule were unchanged, however the dates of several 2022 league contests have changed. In addition, the Big Ten has switched the sites of Nebraska's games with Wisconsin and Purdue, with the Badgers visiting Lincoln and Nebraska traveling to West Lafayette, Ind. Nebraska opens the 2022 season against Northwestern in Dublin, Ireland, with the Week Zero matchup set for Saturday, Aug. 27. The Huskers' non-conference schedule is unchanged with September home games against North Dakota (Sept. 3), Georgia Southern (Sept. 10) and Oklahoma (Sept. 17). The Huskers will now have a bye on Sept. 24, before resuming Big Ten play on Oct. 1 with its Homecoming contest against Indiana. Nebraska embarks on a two-game October road trip with matchups at Rutgers (Oct. 8) and at Purdue (Oct. 15), before a second off week on Oct. 22. Nebraska closes the season with five straight weeks of Big Ten play, beginning with home games against Illinois (Oct. 29) and Minnesota (Nov. 5), followed by a visit to defending Big Ten champion Michigan on Nov. 12. For the second straight year, Nebraska finishes with Big Ten West foes Wisconsin and Iowa. The Badgers will visit Memorial Stadium on Nov. 19, before the Huskers close the regular season with their traditional Black Friday matchup at Iowa. &nbsp; Fans interested in becoming Nebraska season ticket holders should visit Huskers.com/tickets and join the 2022 Season Ticket Request List. 2022 Nebraska Football Schedule Aug. 27—vs. Northwestern (Dublin, Ireland) Sept. 3—North Dakota Sept. 10—Georgia Southern Sept. 17—Oklahoma Sept. 24—BYE Oct. 1—Indiana (HC) Oct. 8—at Rutgers Oct. 15—at Purdue Oct. 22—BYE Oct. 29—Illinois Nov. 5—Minnesota Nov. 12—at Michigan Nov. 19—Wisconsin Nov. 25 (Fri.)—at Iowa

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581634971984.jpeg" alt="FB_vs_Northwestern_JW_0334 - Husker Athletics Credit" />
 <figcaption>FB_vs_Northwestern_JW_0334 - Husker Athletics Credit</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy: NU Athletic Communications&nbsp;The Big Ten Conference Administrators Council, which includes the Directors of Athletics and Senior Women Administrators from all 14 member institutions, has approved the 2022 Big Ten football schedule. The nine conference opponents on Nebraska's 2022 schedule were unchanged, however the dates of several 2022 league contests have changed. In addition, the Big Ten has switched the sites of Nebraska's games with Wisconsin and Purdue, with the Badgers visiting Lincoln and Nebraska traveling to West Lafayette, Ind. Nebraska opens the 2022 season against Northwestern in Dublin, Ireland, with the Week Zero matchup set for Saturday, Aug. 27. The Huskers' non-conference schedule is unchanged with September home games against North Dakota (Sept. 3), Georgia Southern (Sept. 10) and Oklahoma (Sept. 17). The Huskers will now have a bye on Sept. 24, before resuming Big Ten play on Oct. 1 with its Homecoming contest against Indiana. Nebraska embarks on a two-game October road trip with matchups at Rutgers (Oct. 8) and at Purdue (Oct. 15), before a second off week on Oct. 22. Nebraska closes the season with five straight weeks of Big Ten play, beginning with home games against Illinois (Oct. 29) and Minnesota (Nov. 5), followed by a visit to defending Big Ten champion Michigan on Nov. 12. For the second straight year, Nebraska finishes with Big Ten West foes Wisconsin and Iowa. The Badgers will visit Memorial Stadium on Nov. 19, before the Huskers close the regular season with their traditional Black Friday matchup at Iowa. &nbsp; Fans interested in becoming Nebraska season ticket holders should visit Huskers.com/tickets and join the 2022 Season Ticket Request List. 2022 Nebraska Football Schedule Aug. 27—vs. Northwestern (Dublin, Ireland) Sept. 3—North Dakota Sept. 10—Georgia Southern Sept. 17—Oklahoma Sept. 24—BYE Oct. 1—Indiana (HC) Oct. 8—at Rutgers Oct. 15—at Purdue Oct. 22—BYE Oct. 29—Illinois Nov. 5—Minnesota Nov. 12—at Michigan Nov. 19—Wisconsin Nov. 25 (Fri.)—at Iowa

Cornhusker 2022 football schedule now set

<div><iframe title="CSC Sports Journal: Eagle eSports Club Vide President Drew Kurtenbach" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=hand2-1178fb6-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=auto&btn-skin=7"></iframe></div><figure>
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🔊 CSC Sports Journal Podcast: Eagle eSports Club Vice President Drew Kurtenbach

🏀| High School Basketball Scoreboard - Tuesday, January 11

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638630719867.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By: Dave Collins, Sports Director🏀| High School Basketball Scoreboard - Tuesday, January 11BoysBayard 50, Morrill 46Bridgeport 77, Burns, WY 61Chadron 57, Hemingford 25Garden County 65, Minatare 36Gordon-Rushville 83, Hay Springs 51Potter-Dix 66, Kimball 11Scottsbluff 76, Ogallala 51Sidney 76, Mitchell 50GirlsBayard 60, Morrill 19Bridgeport 82, Burns, WY 54Chadron 54, Hemingford 32Garden County 50, Minatare 20Gordon-Rushville 72, Hay Springs 18Kimball 57, Potter-Dix 15Sidney 56, Mitchell 45

Courtesy: NU Athletic Communicatiions&nbsp; 

Nebraska stood toe-to-toe with No. 25 Illinois, but the Fighting Illini used a 12-2 run in the final four minutes to stave off the Huskers, 81-71 at&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/staff.aspx?staff=1168">Pinnacle Bank</a>&nbsp;Arena on Tuesday night. In a tightly contested battle, neither team led by more than five until the final stretch after Nebraska pulled even at 65-all&nbsp; on a pair of&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42989">Bryce McGowens'</a>&nbsp;free throws with 3:57 left. Coleman Hawkins' offensive putback started a decisive 7-0 run, as the Illini took a 72-65 lead on a 3-pointer from Da'Monte Williams with 2:20 left. NU pulled to within five at 72-67 on a pair of&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=43284">Alonzo Verge Jr.</a>&nbsp;free throws, but Illinois ran off five straight, including a 3-pointer from Trent Frazier, who led all scorers with 29 points. Frazier's 29 led three Illini (12-5, 5-0) in double figures, while Kofi Cockburn (16) and Jacob Grandison (12) also finished in double figures as Illinois won for the 10th time in the last 11 contests.&nbsp; McGowens paced three Huskers (6-11, 0-6) with 19 points and six rebounds.&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=43284">Alonzo Verge Jr.</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42983">Derrick Walker</a>&nbsp;each added 14 points. Walker added seven rebounds while Verge tallied nine assists. &nbsp;The Huskers shot 45.8 percent from the field (25-59) and was 6-for-12 from the three-point range (50 percent) to fall to 6-11 on the season.&nbsp; Nebraska started the first half off strong going on a 13-2 run in the first four minutes. Four threes, including a pair from&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42990">Keisei Tominaga</a>&nbsp;and one each from&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42977">Lat Mayen</a>&nbsp;and McGowens, put the Huskers up 16-4. Illinois cut the lead to 19-17 after a 7-0 run, and continued to stay hot throughout the middle of the first half. The Illini took a 23-21 lead with 8:53 to go in the first. A three-pointer by Plummer put Illinois up 28-21, their largest lead of the half.&nbsp; Trailing 31-23, the Huskers closed the half on an 11-0 spurt, holding the Illini without a field goal for nearly five minutes and took a 34-31 lead on a pair of free throws from Verge with 0.2 seconds left. Nebraska stretched the lead to 36-31 on a Walker putback, but Illinois answered pulling to within 40-38 after a Frazier basket before taking a 43-42 lead on a Granderson basket with 14:49 left. Neither team could seize momentum as the largest lead until the under four TO was four points. Nebraska trailed 65-61 with 4:27 left, but a basket from Walker and two McGowens free throws tied it up with 3:57 left. The Huskers will continue conference play on Friday, Jan. 14 as they travel to No. 7 Purdue. Tipoff is set for 4:30 p.m.&nbsp; MT&nbsp; and the game will be aired on FS1 and the Huskers Radio Network.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641996506264.jpeg" alt="Photo by: Scott Bruhn /Nebraska Communications" />
 <figcaption>Photo by: Scott Bruhn /Nebraska Communications</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy: NU Athletic Communicatiions&nbsp; Nebraska stood toe-to-toe with No. 25 Illinois, but the Fighting Illini used a 12-2 run in the final four minutes to stave off the Huskers, 81-71 at&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/staff.aspx?staff=1168">Pinnacle Bank</a>&nbsp;Arena on Tuesday night. In a tightly contested battle, neither team led by more than five until the final stretch after Nebraska pulled even at 65-all&nbsp; on a pair of&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42989">Bryce McGowens'</a>&nbsp;free throws with 3:57 left. Coleman Hawkins' offensive putback started a decisive 7-0 run, as the Illini took a 72-65 lead on a 3-pointer from Da'Monte Williams with 2:20 left. NU pulled to within five at 72-67 on a pair of&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=43284">Alonzo Verge Jr.</a>&nbsp;free throws, but Illinois ran off five straight, including a 3-pointer from Trent Frazier, who led all scorers with 29 points. Frazier's 29 led three Illini (12-5, 5-0) in double figures, while Kofi Cockburn (16) and Jacob Grandison (12) also finished in double figures as Illinois won for the 10th time in the last 11 contests.&nbsp; McGowens paced three Huskers (6-11, 0-6) with 19 points and six rebounds.&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=43284">Alonzo Verge Jr.</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42983">Derrick Walker</a>&nbsp;each added 14 points. Walker added seven rebounds while Verge tallied nine assists. &nbsp;The Huskers shot 45.8 percent from the field (25-59) and was 6-for-12 from the three-point range (50 percent) to fall to 6-11 on the season.&nbsp; Nebraska started the first half off strong going on a 13-2 run in the first four minutes. Four threes, including a pair from&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42990">Keisei Tominaga</a>&nbsp;and one each from&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42977">Lat Mayen</a>&nbsp;and McGowens, put the Huskers up 16-4. Illinois cut the lead to 19-17 after a 7-0 run, and continued to stay hot throughout the middle of the first half. The Illini took a 23-21 lead with 8:53 to go in the first. A three-pointer by Plummer put Illinois up 28-21, their largest lead of the half.&nbsp; Trailing 31-23, the Huskers closed the half on an 11-0 spurt, holding the Illini without a field goal for nearly five minutes and took a 34-31 lead on a pair of free throws from Verge with 0.2 seconds left. Nebraska stretched the lead to 36-31 on a Walker putback, but Illinois answered pulling to within 40-38 after a Frazier basket before taking a 43-42 lead on a Granderson basket with 14:49 left. Neither team could seize momentum as the largest lead until the under four TO was four points. Nebraska trailed 65-61 with 4:27 left, but a basket from Walker and two McGowens free throws tied it up with 3:57 left. The Huskers will continue conference play on Friday, Jan. 14 as they travel to No. 7 Purdue. Tipoff is set for 4:30 p.m.&nbsp; MT&nbsp; and the game will be aired on FS1 and the Huskers Radio Network.&nbsp;

Husker Men fall to #25 Illinois

(AP) The early list of interview requests include both of the Dallas Cowboys' coordinators, Dan Quinn, 51, and Kellen Moore, 33, along with Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, 42, and Patriots inside linebackers coach Jerod Mayo, 35.

Also in line for interviews with Paton are Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, 52, who surprisingly didn't get any calls last year, and Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon. 39.

Mayo is the only one of that list who hasn't had coordinator experience, but he is seen as an up-and-comer like Moore, a third-year offensive coordinator whose Cowboys led the NFL in scoring in 2021.

With five consecutive losing seasons and a six-year playoff drought, the Broncos head into an offseason of big changes, and not just at coach and quarterback.

The $3.5 billion franchise is expected to be sold this year, and both team president and CEO Joe Ellis and president of football operations John Elway will be stepping down this year.

Although Paton's first draft class featuring Patrick Surtain II, Javonte Williams, Quinn Meinerz, Baron Browning, Caden Sterns and Jonathon Cooper paid immediate dividends, Paton said that was just the start of a major makeover.

“We need to bring in more players. There is a foundation in place that I feel really, really good about," he said.

Led by safety Justin Simmons and Surtain, Denver's defense was the team's best unit once again. But it didn't produce takeaways at a good enough clip.

The offense was stuck in neutral with receivers Jerry Jeudy (zero touchdowns), Courtland Sutton and Tim Patrick struggling to get to the top of their routes before the pressure caved in on Bridgewater or Lock.

Tight end Noah Fant was the team's leading receiver with just 68 catches. Patrick led the team with five TD catches, and Sutton had just two touchdown receptions.

(AP) The early list of interview requests include both of the Dallas Cowboys' coordinators, Dan Quinn, 51, and Kellen Moore, 33, along with Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, 42, and Patriots inside linebackers coach Jerod Mayo, 35.Also in line for interviews with Paton are Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, 52, who surprisingly didn't get any calls last year, and Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon. 39.Mayo is the only one of that list who hasn't had coordinator experience, but he is seen as an up-and-comer like Moore, a third-year offensive coordinator whose Cowboys led the NFL in scoring in 2021.CHANGE OF DIRECTIONWith five consecutive losing seasons and a six-year playoff drought, the Broncos head into an offseason of big changes, and not just at coach and quarterback.The $3.5 billion franchise is expected to be sold this year, and both team president and CEO Joe Ellis and president of football operations John Elway will be stepping down this year.FOUNDATION AND CORNERSTONESAlthough Paton's first draft class featuring Patrick Surtain II, Javonte Williams, Quinn Meinerz, Baron Browning, Caden Sterns and Jonathon Cooper paid immediate dividends, Paton said that was just the start of a major makeover.“We need to bring in more players. There is a foundation in place that I feel really, really good about," he said.Led by safety Justin Simmons and Surtain, Denver's defense was the team's best unit once again. But it didn't produce takeaways at a good enough clip.The offense was stuck in neutral with receivers Jerry Jeudy (zero touchdowns), Courtland Sutton and Tim Patrick struggling to get to the top of their routes before the pressure caved in on Bridgewater or Lock.Tight end Noah Fant was the team's leading receiver with just 68 catches. Patrick led the team with five TD catches, and Sutton had just two touchdown receptions.

List of targets for Broncos head coaching job emerges

&nbsp;Nebraska Head Coach&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/coaches.aspx?rc=7076">Scott Frost</a>&nbsp;announced Monday the hiring of&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/staff.aspx?staff=1451">Bill Busch</a>&nbsp;as the Huskers' special teams coordinator. Busch moves into the role as a full-time assistant at Nebraska after spending the 2021 season as a defensive analyst in the program. Frost also announced that&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/coaches.aspx?rc=7507">Mike Dawson</a>&nbsp;will continue to coach Nebraska's edge rushers, while adding the duties of tutoring in the interior defensive linemen. Dawson previously coached the NU defensive line in 2018. Busch brings three decades of college coaching experience to the Nebraska staff and is in his third stint with the Cornhuskers. During Busch's career he has worked for three national championship coaches including Tom Osborne, Urban Meyer and Ed Orgeron. "<a href="https://huskers.com/staff.aspx?staff=1451">Bill Busch</a>&nbsp;is a strong addition to our full-time coaching staff," Frost said. "Bill has brought a veteran presence to our staff over the past year in his role as an analyst. I look forward to him coordinating all aspects of our special teams moving forward. Bill's experience and track record as both an outstanding coach and recruiter speaks for itself." Busch has previously worked at Nebraska as a full-time assistant from 2004 to 2007, and as a graduate assistant coach from 1990 to 1993. "I worked my entire professional career to get the opportunity to coach football at the University of Nebraska," Busch said. "Now, I have been blessed to do that twice—how cool is that?" Before joining Frost's Nebraska staff in February of 2021, Busch spent the previous three seasons as the safeties coach at LSU and helped the Tigers to a national championship in 2019. Under Busch's guidance, LSU led the SEC in interceptions in both 2018 and 2019 and safety Grant Delpit was a back-to-back first-team All-American in 2018 and 2019, while capturing the Thorpe Award in 2019. Off the field, Busch was one of LSU's top recruiters and played a key role in the Tigers landing Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow as a graduate transfer quarterback. Before his time at LSU, Busch spent the previous five seasons in the Big Ten Conference, with stops at Rutgers (2016-17), Ohio State (2015) and Wisconsin (2013-14). Busch worked with the defense at each stop and assisted with special teams with the Badgers. Busch was at Utah State for four seasons from 2009 to 2012, serving as the defensive coordinator for two seasons and working as the special teams coordinator and safeties coach in 2011-12. Busch worked as an assistant coach at Nebraska from 2004 to 2007. He was the special teams coordinator all four seasons, while also working with the safeties and outside linebackers. In those four seasons, the Huskers blocked 16 kicks, including seven in 2005. Nebraska ranked in the top 25 nationally in net punting (24th in 2006) and punt returns (17th in 2005) under Busch, and NU's kickoff coverage unit was ranked in the top 25 in both 2005 and 2006. Busch also worked as an assistant coach at Utah under Meyer from 2001 to 2003 and had full-time positions at New Mexico State and Northern Arizona. He was a graduate assistant coach at Nebraska from 1990 to 1993, helping the Huskers to three Big Eight championships. He spent one season as a graduate assistant at Wisconsin.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641850158695.jpeg" alt="Scott Bruhn photo" />
 <figcaption>Scott Bruhn photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy: NU Athletic Communications&nbsp;Nebraska Head Coach&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/coaches.aspx?rc=7076">Scott Frost</a>&nbsp;announced Monday the hiring of&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/staff.aspx?staff=1451">Bill Busch</a>&nbsp;as the Huskers' special teams coordinator. Busch moves into the role as a full-time assistant at Nebraska after spending the 2021 season as a defensive analyst in the program. Frost also announced that&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/coaches.aspx?rc=7507">Mike Dawson</a>&nbsp;will continue to coach Nebraska's edge rushers, while adding the duties of tutoring in the interior defensive linemen. Dawson previously coached the NU defensive line in 2018. Busch brings three decades of college coaching experience to the Nebraska staff and is in his third stint with the Cornhuskers. During Busch's career he has worked for three national championship coaches including Tom Osborne, Urban Meyer and Ed Orgeron. "<a href="https://huskers.com/staff.aspx?staff=1451">Bill Busch</a>&nbsp;is a strong addition to our full-time coaching staff," Frost said. "Bill has brought a veteran presence to our staff over the past year in his role as an analyst. I look forward to him coordinating all aspects of our special teams moving forward. Bill's experience and track record as both an outstanding coach and recruiter speaks for itself." Busch has previously worked at Nebraska as a full-time assistant from 2004 to 2007, and as a graduate assistant coach from 1990 to 1993. "I worked my entire professional career to get the opportunity to coach football at the University of Nebraska," Busch said. "Now, I have been blessed to do that twice—how cool is that?" Before joining Frost's Nebraska staff in February of 2021, Busch spent the previous three seasons as the safeties coach at LSU and helped the Tigers to a national championship in 2019. Under Busch's guidance, LSU led the SEC in interceptions in both 2018 and 2019 and safety Grant Delpit was a back-to-back first-team All-American in 2018 and 2019, while capturing the Thorpe Award in 2019. Off the field, Busch was one of LSU's top recruiters and played a key role in the Tigers landing Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow as a graduate transfer quarterback. Before his time at LSU, Busch spent the previous five seasons in the Big Ten Conference, with stops at Rutgers (2016-17), Ohio State (2015) and Wisconsin (2013-14). Busch worked with the defense at each stop and assisted with special teams with the Badgers. Busch was at Utah State for four seasons from 2009 to 2012, serving as the defensive coordinator for two seasons and working as the special teams coordinator and safeties coach in 2011-12. Busch worked as an assistant coach at Nebraska from 2004 to 2007. He was the special teams coordinator all four seasons, while also working with the safeties and outside linebackers. In those four seasons, the Huskers blocked 16 kicks, including seven in 2005. Nebraska ranked in the top 25 nationally in net punting (24th in 2006) and punt returns (17th in 2005) under Busch, and NU's kickoff coverage unit was ranked in the top 25 in both 2005 and 2006. Busch also worked as an assistant coach at Utah under Meyer from 2001 to 2003 and had full-time positions at New Mexico State and Northern Arizona. He was a graduate assistant coach at Nebraska from 1990 to 1993, helping the Huskers to three Big Eight championships. He spent one season as a graduate assistant at Wisconsin.

Huskers name Busch special teams coordinator

&nbsp;Nebraska All-American and Outland Trophy winner Zach Wiegert is one of 21 individuals who will make up the 2022 College Football Hall of Fame Class.&nbsp; The 18 players and three coaches were announced on Monday by the National Football Foundation and the College Hall of Fame. The 2022 Hall of Fame class includes nine winners of major college awards, 10 unanimous first-team All-Americans and four members of national championship teams. Wiegert is the only member of the 2022 College Football Hall of Fame class who was a member of four conference championship teams. A Fremont, Neb., native, Wiegert is among the group of players selected from the national ballot that included 78 All-Americans. Wiegert becomes the 20th Nebraska player to earn induction into the College Hall of Fame. Nebraska is one of 12 programs nationally with 20 or more players in the College Football Hall of Fame. Wiegert is the seventh Nebraska offensive linemen to join the College Football Hall of Fame, including four coached by Tom Osborne and offensive line coach Milt Tenopir. Overall, Nebraska has 26 members of the Hall, including six coaches. Wiegert is the eighth Husker inducted in the past 16 classes, most recently Eric Crouch, who was part of the 2020 class. Other recent inductees include Aaron Taylor (2018),&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/staff.aspx?staff=1497">Trev Alberts</a>&nbsp;(2015), Tommie Frazier (2013), Will Shields (2011), Grant Wistrom (2009) and Mike Rozier (2006). The 2022 College Football Hall of Fame Class will be officially inducted at the 64th NFF Annual Awards Dinner on Dec. 6, 2022. The inductees will also be recognized at their respective collegiate institutions with NFF Hall of Fame On-Campus Salutes, presented by Fidelity Investments, during the fall. Their accomplishments will be forever immortalized at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta. Wiegert was a 1994 unanimous first-team All-American and is one of eight Huskers to win the Outland Trophy. Wiegert helped lead the Huskers to 1994 National Championship after NU played in the 1993 title game. The Huskers averaged 340 rushing yards per game in 1994, and Wiegert led Nebraska with 113 pancake blocks. The leader of the famed 'Nebraska Pipeline' Wiegert earned one first-place vote for the Heisman, finishing tied for ninth with 27 points. In addition to winning the Outland, he was a finalist for the Lombardi Award, a consensus All-American, the UPI Lineman of the Year and the Touchdown Club of Columbus Offensive Lineman of the Year. His No. 72 jersey was retired before the 1995 season. Following his college career, Wiegert was a second-round NFL draft pick by the St. Louis Rams. He went on to play for 12 seasons with the Rams, Jaguars and Texans and made 137 starts in 145 career games played. Wiegert currently resides in Omaha and works in the commercial real estate business. Comments on Zach Wiegert's College Football Hall of Fame Selection Tom Osborne, Nebraska Head Coach, 1973-1997, 1998 College Football Hall of Fame Inductee "Zach Wiegert was a great player at Nebraska during the 1990s.&nbsp; Zach was very intelligent and was also very aggressive and athletic.&nbsp; He stood out as an exceptional offensive lineman among many who played on our offensive lines during that period.&nbsp; I am pleased that he has received Hall of Fame recognition as he is certainly most deserving of this honor." <a href="https://huskers.com/staff.aspx?staff=1497">Trev Alberts</a>, Director of Athletics, NU Teammate of Wiegert and 2015 College FB HOF Inductee "It is a fitting honor for Zach Wiegert to be selected to the College Football Hall of Fame. He was a key part of some great football teams at Nebraska and one of the driving forces behind Coach Osborne's first national championship. Zach was one of the most talented teammates I had during my time at Nebraska or in the National Football League. I know that going against him in practice at Nebraska made me a better player, and that type of daily competition is what made our teams successful. It is great to see Zach receive his well-deserved recognition, and to be the 20th&nbsp;Cornhusker football player enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame." Tommie Frazier, Nebraska Teammate of Wiegert, 2013 College FB HOF Inductee "Zach was one of the most competitive and toughest linemen I have seen. He would never back down from any challenge. I am pleased to see him join the fraternity of Nebraska players in the College Football Hall of Fame."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641849827317.jpeg" alt="Zach Wiegert: University Acrhives" />
 <figcaption>Zach Wiegert: University Acrhives</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy: NU Athletic Communications&nbsp;Nebraska All-American and Outland Trophy winner Zach Wiegert is one of 21 individuals who will make up the 2022 College Football Hall of Fame Class.&nbsp; The 18 players and three coaches were announced on Monday by the National Football Foundation and the College Hall of Fame. The 2022 Hall of Fame class includes nine winners of major college awards, 10 unanimous first-team All-Americans and four members of national championship teams. Wiegert is the only member of the 2022 College Football Hall of Fame class who was a member of four conference championship teams. A Fremont, Neb., native, Wiegert is among the group of players selected from the national ballot that included 78 All-Americans. Wiegert becomes the 20th Nebraska player to earn induction into the College Hall of Fame. Nebraska is one of 12 programs nationally with 20 or more players in the College Football Hall of Fame. Wiegert is the seventh Nebraska offensive linemen to join the College Football Hall of Fame, including four coached by Tom Osborne and offensive line coach Milt Tenopir. Overall, Nebraska has 26 members of the Hall, including six coaches. Wiegert is the eighth Husker inducted in the past 16 classes, most recently Eric Crouch, who was part of the 2020 class. Other recent inductees include Aaron Taylor (2018),&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/staff.aspx?staff=1497">Trev Alberts</a>&nbsp;(2015), Tommie Frazier (2013), Will Shields (2011), Grant Wistrom (2009) and Mike Rozier (2006). The 2022 College Football Hall of Fame Class will be officially inducted at the 64th NFF Annual Awards Dinner on Dec. 6, 2022. The inductees will also be recognized at their respective collegiate institutions with NFF Hall of Fame On-Campus Salutes, presented by Fidelity Investments, during the fall. Their accomplishments will be forever immortalized at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta. Wiegert was a 1994 unanimous first-team All-American and is one of eight Huskers to win the Outland Trophy. Wiegert helped lead the Huskers to 1994 National Championship after NU played in the 1993 title game. The Huskers averaged 340 rushing yards per game in 1994, and Wiegert led Nebraska with 113 pancake blocks. The leader of the famed 'Nebraska Pipeline' Wiegert earned one first-place vote for the Heisman, finishing tied for ninth with 27 points. In addition to winning the Outland, he was a finalist for the Lombardi Award, a consensus All-American, the UPI Lineman of the Year and the Touchdown Club of Columbus Offensive Lineman of the Year. His No. 72 jersey was retired before the 1995 season. Following his college career, Wiegert was a second-round NFL draft pick by the St. Louis Rams. He went on to play for 12 seasons with the Rams, Jaguars and Texans and made 137 starts in 145 career games played. Wiegert currently resides in Omaha and works in the commercial real estate business. Comments on Zach Wiegert's College Football Hall of Fame Selection Tom Osborne, Nebraska Head Coach, 1973-1997, 1998 College Football Hall of Fame Inductee "Zach Wiegert was a great player at Nebraska during the 1990s.&nbsp; Zach was very intelligent and was also very aggressive and athletic.&nbsp; He stood out as an exceptional offensive lineman among many who played on our offensive lines during that period.&nbsp; I am pleased that he has received Hall of Fame recognition as he is certainly most deserving of this honor." <a href="https://huskers.com/staff.aspx?staff=1497">Trev Alberts</a>, Director of Athletics, NU Teammate of Wiegert and 2015 College FB HOF Inductee "It is a fitting honor for Zach Wiegert to be selected to the College Football Hall of Fame. He was a key part of some great football teams at Nebraska and one of the driving forces behind Coach Osborne's first national championship. Zach was one of the most talented teammates I had during my time at Nebraska or in the National Football League. I know that going against him in practice at Nebraska made me a better player, and that type of daily competition is what made our teams successful. It is great to see Zach receive his well-deserved recognition, and to be the 20th&nbsp;Cornhusker football player enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame." Tommie Frazier, Nebraska Teammate of Wiegert, 2013 College FB HOF Inductee "Zach was one of the most competitive and toughest linemen I have seen. He would never back down from any challenge. I am pleased to see him join the fraternity of Nebraska players in the College Football Hall of Fame."

Former Husker "Pipeline" Member Zach Wiegert named to Hall of Fame

DENVER (AP) — The Denver Broncos are looking for a new head coach to lead them out of a six-year playoff drought and a half decade of losing seasons that marks the most protracted plunge by a Super Bowl champion in NFL history.

The Broncos fired Vic Fangio after he went 19-30 over three years, including 7-10 this season despite having one of the easiest schedules and the highest-paid defense in the league.

Had Fangio's dogged determination, unpretentious personality and first-rate professionalism led to better results on the field, he wouldn't have been let go Sunday morning by team president/CEO Joe Ellis and first-year general manager George Paton.

Paton sounded more like a man hiring Fangio than firing him when he declared, “He’s the best coach I’ve ever been around. And I don’t take that lightly. His attention to detail, his toughness, his work ethic and his football mind is unparalleled.”

"He put his heart and soul into this job,” Ellis concurred. "I've never seen a coach work harder. At the end of the day, we’re judged on one thing, and that’s winning.”

Fangio .387 winning percentage includes a 6-11 mark at home over the past two seasons, the worst two-year stretch in Denver since the team went 4-10 in 1967-68. His teams were just 5-13 against the AFC West.

The Broncos are the first team in league history to follow a Super Bowl championship with six straight non-playoff seasons, half of which came under Fangio's watch.

Fangio, 63, burnished his reputation as a defensive master during his first head coaching gig in Denver, yet his teams struggled mightily on offense under obdurate coordinator Pat Shurmur and on special teams under Tom McMahon.

Fangio isn’t expected to be out of work long. He will be a strong candidate for a defensive coordinator job in the new round of coaching changes this month.

The Broncos’ head coach opening is the third in the NFL. The Jaguars (Urban Meyer) and Raiders (Jon Gruden) fired their head coaches amid scandal during the season.

Ellis, who will step down later this year, said Paton will have “full authority to select the next head coach."

Paton said, however, he would consult both Ellis and John Elway, the outgoing president of football operations whose contract expires in 2022.

Paton said he would put out feelers to potential candidates on Monday and that he had no prerequisites regarding offensive or defensive roots or whether they have head coaching experience.

“Obviously, we want the best football coach,” he said. “Not worried about what side of the ball, not worried about a play caller. We want leadership. That's our No. 1 priority.

“We need someone to take over the whole operation," Paton said. "We're not just focused on one side of the ball even though we need to upgrade” an offense that averaged just 19.49 points per game in the six seasons since averaging 30 points a game during the Peyton Manning era.

The new head coach will be the Broncos' fifth in nine years, something Ellis said pointed to organizational failings rather than any coaching deficiencies.

“A lot of us here are responsible and we share in that accountability over what has happened here over the last several years,” Ellis said. “It's not just the coaching. There are a lot of fingerprints on this throughout our entire operation. And they include my fingerprints.”

Both Ellis and Paton insisted the uncertain ownership issue facing the franchise won't deter the Broncos from hiring the best coaching candidate.

There is expected to be an ownership transfer of the $3.5 billion franchise later this year once a court case regarding right of first refusal is cleared, ending a long simmering family feud that boiled over following Hall of Fame owner Pat Bowlen's death in 2019.

Fangio released a statement in which he thanked the organization and fans and praised Paton as one of the NFL's top GMs: “Broncos fans, you have a great one in George.”

Fangio said he appreciated the team's “fight and character you showed each and every week" and suggested the franchise has a solid foundation and is on the cusp of winning again.

Paton agreed but said there's plenty of work left to do, including finding a premier passer. And he decided to add a head coaching search to his long to-do list in 2022, someone who can keep Denver's defense top notch while adding excitement to a dull offense and discipline to a notoriously sloppy special teams.

Fangio's creative schemes helped the Broncos thwart some of the best young quarterbacks even with depleted defenses. The long list of QBs who have had some of the toughest days of their careers against Fangio's teams include Tua Tagovailoa, Justin Herbert, Patrick Mahomes and, just last month, Joe Burrow.

The Broncos averaged better than 10,000 no-shows over their final six home games, including nearly 15,000 Saturday when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-sports-kansas-city-chiefs-denver-broncos-drew-lock-505b25074850d9be34afb2cf64f85e04">they lost 28-24 to Kansas City</a>.

Losing has “become systemic here," Ellis lamented. "And that's got to change.”

Asked Saturday about his poor record against division opponents, Fangio said, “Well those other three teams have top-shelf quarterbacks, which is obvious to everybody.”

Equally clear is the Broncos' inability to find their own elite QB, churning as they have through 10 starting quarterbacks since Manning’s retirement after Denver's win in Super Bowl 50.

That includes Teddy Bridgewater, who went 7-7 before missing the final three games with a concussion, and Drew Lock, who went 0-3.

Thanks to his trade of Von Miller to the Rams, Paton has 11 draft picks, including five in the top 100, to either restock his roster or use as chips to acquire a veteran via a trade. He'll also have more than $50 million in cap space to sign free agents.

Job No. 1 was going to be finding the right quarterback, but now that's superseded by landing the right head coach.

“You can't keep recycling coaches and expect to sustain a winning culture,” Paton said. “But we're going to get it right. And we're going to get it right with this search, I can guarantee you that.”

DENVER (AP) — The Denver Broncos are looking for a new head coach to lead them out of a six-year playoff drought and a half decade of losing seasons that marks the most protracted plunge by a Super Bowl champion in NFL history.The Broncos fired Vic Fangio after he went 19-30 over three years, including 7-10 this season despite having one of the easiest schedules and the highest-paid defense in the league.Had Fangio's dogged determination, unpretentious personality and first-rate professionalism led to better results on the field, he wouldn't have been let go Sunday morning by team president/CEO Joe Ellis and first-year general manager George Paton.Paton sounded more like a man hiring Fangio than firing him when he declared, “He’s the best coach I’ve ever been around. And I don’t take that lightly. His attention to detail, his toughness, his work ethic and his football mind is unparalleled.”"He put his heart and soul into this job,” Ellis concurred. "I've never seen a coach work harder. At the end of the day, we’re judged on one thing, and that’s winning.”Fangio .387 winning percentage includes a 6-11 mark at home over the past two seasons, the worst two-year stretch in Denver since the team went 4-10 in 1967-68. His teams were just 5-13 against the AFC West.The Broncos are the first team in league history to follow a Super Bowl championship with six straight non-playoff seasons, half of which came under Fangio's watch.Fangio, 63, burnished his reputation as a defensive master during his first head coaching gig in Denver, yet his teams struggled mightily on offense under obdurate coordinator Pat Shurmur and on special teams under Tom McMahon.Fangio isn’t expected to be out of work long. He will be a strong candidate for a defensive coordinator job in the new round of coaching changes this month.The Broncos’ head coach opening is the third in the NFL. The Jaguars (Urban Meyer) and Raiders (Jon Gruden) fired their head coaches amid scandal during the season.Ellis, who will step down later this year, said Paton will have “full authority to select the next head coach."Paton said, however, he would consult both Ellis and John Elway, the outgoing president of football operations whose contract expires in 2022.Paton said he would put out feelers to potential candidates on Monday and that he had no prerequisites regarding offensive or defensive roots or whether they have head coaching experience.“Obviously, we want the best football coach,” he said. “Not worried about what side of the ball, not worried about a play caller. We want leadership. That's our No. 1 priority.“We need someone to take over the whole operation," Paton said. "We're not just focused on one side of the ball even though we need to upgrade” an offense that averaged just 19.49 points per game in the six seasons since averaging 30 points a game during the Peyton Manning era.The new head coach will be the Broncos' fifth in nine years, something Ellis said pointed to organizational failings rather than any coaching deficiencies.“A lot of us here are responsible and we share in that accountability over what has happened here over the last several years,” Ellis said. “It's not just the coaching. There are a lot of fingerprints on this throughout our entire operation. And they include my fingerprints.”Both Ellis and Paton insisted the uncertain ownership issue facing the franchise won't deter the Broncos from hiring the best coaching candidate.There is expected to be an ownership transfer of the $3.5 billion franchise later this year once a court case regarding right of first refusal is cleared, ending a long simmering family feud that boiled over following Hall of Fame owner Pat Bowlen's death in 2019.Fangio released a statement in which he thanked the organization and fans and praised Paton as one of the NFL's top GMs: “Broncos fans, you have a great one in George.”Fangio said he appreciated the team's “fight and character you showed each and every week" and suggested the franchise has a solid foundation and is on the cusp of winning again.Paton agreed but said there's plenty of work left to do, including finding a premier passer. And he decided to add a head coaching search to his long to-do list in 2022, someone who can keep Denver's defense top notch while adding excitement to a dull offense and discipline to a notoriously sloppy special teams.Fangio's creative schemes helped the Broncos thwart some of the best young quarterbacks even with depleted defenses. The long list of QBs who have had some of the toughest days of their careers against Fangio's teams include Tua Tagovailoa, Justin Herbert, Patrick Mahomes and, just last month, Joe Burrow.The Broncos averaged better than 10,000 no-shows over their final six home games, including nearly 15,000 Saturday when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-sports-kansas-city-chiefs-denver-broncos-drew-lock-505b25074850d9be34afb2cf64f85e04">they lost 28-24 to Kansas City</a>.Losing has “become systemic here," Ellis lamented. "And that's got to change.”Asked Saturday about his poor record against division opponents, Fangio said, “Well those other three teams have top-shelf quarterbacks, which is obvious to everybody.”Equally clear is the Broncos' inability to find their own elite QB, churning as they have through 10 starting quarterbacks since Manning’s retirement after Denver's win in Super Bowl 50.That includes Teddy Bridgewater, who went 7-7 before missing the final three games with a concussion, and Drew Lock, who went 0-3.Thanks to his trade of Von Miller to the Rams, Paton has 11 draft picks, including five in the top 100, to either restock his roster or use as chips to acquire a veteran via a trade. He'll also have more than $50 million in cap space to sign free agents.Job No. 1 was going to be finding the right quarterback, but now that's superseded by landing the right head coach.“You can't keep recycling coaches and expect to sustain a winning culture,” Paton said. “But we're going to get it right. And we're going to get it right with this search, I can guarantee you that.”

Broncos fire Head Coach Vic Fangio

🏀 | Saturday Prep Basketball Scoreboard - January 8

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641743273540.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By: Dave Collins, Sports Director🏀 | Saturday Prep Basketball Scoreboard - January 8BoysBridgeport 57, Broken Bow 45Chadron 56, Mitchell 41Chase County 75, Kimball 25Edgemont, SD 34, Sioux County 18Hyannis 76, Banner County 27Leyton 58, Hay Springs 32McCook 54, Sidney 48Minatare 65, Creek Valley 35Potter-Dix 60, South Platte 45<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629461621684.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>GirlsChadron 42, Mitchell 30Chase County 60, Kimball 19Creek Valley 62, Minatare 48Edgemont, SD 35, Sioux County 33Gordon-Rushville 60, Bayard 48Newcastle, WY 61, Gering 41South Platte 69, Potter-Dix 17

By: Kaleb Center, CSC Sports Information Director

&nbsp; The Chadron State College men's basketball team rallied hard in the second half on Saturday but came up a couple possessions short in a 73-67 loss in Chadron. The Eagles shot 30 percent in the first half, and they gave up 12 first half turnovers, and yet they still managed to be in the game down to the wire, thanks to a crafty defense. CSC kept the score respectable, at a single-digit margin, through the first eight minutes, before a 14-3 run by the Griffins made it 32-14 at 4:51 in the first. Senior forward Ryan Bell had a hand in 6 of the 14 points through that stretch. Westminster scored the last 11 points of the half, hitting its last three from long range, to go into halftime up 43-22. In the second half, CSC turned the tables on field goal shooting, turnovers, and offensive boards, reaching its lowest deficit of six points on four different occasions. Freshman guard&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4322">Gage Delimont</a>&nbsp;helped to keep the second-half output by the Griffins down to 30, taking a charge with around eight minutes remaining. Senior guard Matt Kitzman effectively kept the Grifins in the driver's seat, hitting a three-pointer and four free throws in the final two and a half minutes. The only other point down the stretch came from freshman forward Lewis Johnson, who hit a free throw with 23 seconds remaining to seal the final score. Kitzman was the leading scorer for the Griffins with 15 points, and he also led his team with nine rebounds. Senior forwards Braydon Johnson and Yusef Mohamed went for 11 points, eight boards, and 10 points, seven rebounds, respectively, to round out the Griffins production. CSC junior guard&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4653">Marcus Jefferson</a>&nbsp;led the game with 16 points, on 3-for-5 three-point shooting, while accruing a game-high four steals.&nbsp; Junior guard&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4652">KJ Harris</a>&nbsp;hit half of his shots from beyond the arc, finishing with 14 points and a game-high six assists in a full 40 minutes of play. CSC is on the road January 14 and 15 at Fort Lewis and Western Colorado before heading to Spearfish, South Dakota on Tuesday, January 18.&nbsp;&nbsp;

By: Kaleb Center, CSC Sports Information Director&nbsp; The Chadron State College men's basketball team rallied hard in the second half on Saturday but came up a couple possessions short in a 73-67 loss in Chadron. The Eagles shot 30 percent in the first half, and they gave up 12 first half turnovers, and yet they still managed to be in the game down to the wire, thanks to a crafty defense. CSC kept the score respectable, at a single-digit margin, through the first eight minutes, before a 14-3 run by the Griffins made it 32-14 at 4:51 in the first. Senior forward Ryan Bell had a hand in 6 of the 14 points through that stretch. Westminster scored the last 11 points of the half, hitting its last three from long range, to go into halftime up 43-22. In the second half, CSC turned the tables on field goal shooting, turnovers, and offensive boards, reaching its lowest deficit of six points on four different occasions. Freshman guard&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4322">Gage Delimont</a>&nbsp;helped to keep the second-half output by the Griffins down to 30, taking a charge with around eight minutes remaining. Senior guard Matt Kitzman effectively kept the Grifins in the driver's seat, hitting a three-pointer and four free throws in the final two and a half minutes. The only other point down the stretch came from freshman forward Lewis Johnson, who hit a free throw with 23 seconds remaining to seal the final score. Kitzman was the leading scorer for the Griffins with 15 points, and he also led his team with nine rebounds. Senior forwards Braydon Johnson and Yusef Mohamed went for 11 points, eight boards, and 10 points, seven rebounds, respectively, to round out the Griffins production. CSC junior guard&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4653">Marcus Jefferson</a>&nbsp;led the game with 16 points, on 3-for-5 three-point shooting, while accruing a game-high four steals.&nbsp; Junior guard&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4652">KJ Harris</a>&nbsp;hit half of his shots from beyond the arc, finishing with 14 points and a game-high six assists in a full 40 minutes of play. CSC is on the road January 14 and 15 at Fort Lewis and Western Colorado before heading to Spearfish, South Dakota on Tuesday, January 18.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Eagles' comeback from 22 down comes up just short Saturday

🏀| Panhandle High School Scoreboard - Friday, January 7

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641653073564.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By: Dave Collins, Sports Director🏀| Panhandle High School Scoreboard - Friday, January 7GirlsAlliance 67, Hay Springs 16Bayard 61, Potter-Dix 19Crawford 63, Lingle Ft. Laramie, WY 48Hemingford 67, Minatare 18Morrill 61, Guernsey-Sunrise, WY 12Ogallala 46, Cozad 40Scottsbluff 53, Mitchell 29Sidney 47, Gering 35South Platte 57, Hyannis 21Valentine 54, Gordon-Rushville 43<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629461621684.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BoysAlliance 50, Oelrichs, SD 33Bayard 63, Potter-Dix 60Chadron 46, Belle Fourche, SD 42Crawford 43, Lingle-Ft. Laramie, WY 36Hemingford 58, Minatare 36Hyannis 68, South Platte 28Ogallala 63, Cozad 49Scottsbluff 68, Mitchell 43Sidney 80, Gering 64

&nbsp; Four Huskers scored in double figures Wednesday night at Michigan State, and Nebraska tied its season high with 12 steals, but NU struggled with its shot in the second half in a 79-67 road loss to the 10th-ranked Spartans. Nebraska trailed by just four at halftime and it was still a two-possession game with seven minutes remaining before Michigan State pulled away with a 12-2 run. The Huskers hung in until the end despite shooting just 41 percent from the field in the second half. NU shot 45.0 percent in the game, but Michigan State knocked down 51.8 percent of its shots. The Spartans improved to 11-2 with the win and remained unbeaten in Big Ten play by moving to 4-0. Nebraska fell to 6-9 overall and 0-4 in conference action. <a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42983">Derrick Walker</a>&nbsp;tied his career high with 16 points and was 8-of-9 from the field.&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42989">Bryce McGowens</a>&nbsp;finished with 13 points, while&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42984">Kobe Webster</a>&nbsp;(13) and&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42988">C.J. Wilcher</a>&nbsp;(10) combined for 23 points off the bench.&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=43284">Alonzo Verge Jr.</a>&nbsp;added five points, five assists, four rebounds and two steals. Nebraska's defense forced Michigan State into 19 turnovers. Eight different Huskers had at least one steal to contribute to Nebraska's season-high-tying 12 takeaways. The Huskers outscored the Spartans in the paint (34-28), points off turnovers (20-16) and fast-break points (19-14) and bench points were even at 27 apiece, but Michigan State's strong shooting was the difference. When they did miss, the Spartans pulled down 11 offensive rebounds, outscoring Nebraska 16-7 in second-chance points. Max Christie led the Spartans with a career-high 21 points, going 7-of-9 from the field including 3-of-4 from beyond the arc. Three other Spartans joined Christie in double figures. The Huskers started hot, hitting their first seven shots – from four different players – to lead 17-12 five minutes into the game. Nebraska then missed its next five shots and Michigan State took advantage with an 8-0 run to grab a three-point lead. Nebraska regained the lead on a basket from&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42974">Eduardo Andre</a>, and the Huskers led 24-22 with nine minutes left in the half following a Webster 3-pointer. The Spartans then came back to build a five-point advantage after Nebraska missed five of its next six shots. But the Huskers answered with a 6-0 run in just over a minute to lead 32-31 with 2:59 remaining in the half. Nebraska would make just one basket the rest of the half, as Michigan State was able to take a 38-34 lead into the locker room. The Husker defense recorded eight steals and forced a dozen Michigan State turnovers in the first half. But when they were able to get shots, the Spartans shot 55 percent from the field, going 17-of-31 from the field, while Nebraska was 15-of-31 (48.4 percent). The Huskers outscored the Spartans by two in the paint but Michigan State had a 10-2 advantage in second-chance points. Walker led Nebraska with 10 first-half points on 5-of-6 shooting. McGowens added nine points, while Verge and Webster had five points apiece in the opening 20 minutes. Walker scored on the opening possession of the second half and a&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42977">Lat Mayen</a>&nbsp;3-pointer two minutes later trimmed the Michigan State lead to 41-39. The Spartans then hit back-to-back 3-pointers just 28 seconds apart to take a 47-39 lead four minutes into the second half, the first time either team had led by more than five points. Following a Nebraska timeout, Wilcher drained a 3-pointer but Nebraska made just one basket over the next five minutes as Michigan State stretched its lead to 10. The Spartans still led by double digits with nine minutes left before five straight Husker points cut the lead to 60-54 with 6:54 remaining. But Michigan State answered back, holding the Huskers scoreless for more than four minutes during a 12-2 run that put them on top 72-56 with two minutes left. Nebraska then scored five points in 16 and cut the lead to 10 twice in the final minute, but that was as close as the Huskers would get. Nebraska remains on the road for its next game, as the Huskers travel to New Jersey to take on Rutgers Saturday&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641481656096.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By: NU Athletic Communications&nbsp; Four Huskers scored in double figures Wednesday night at Michigan State, and Nebraska tied its season high with 12 steals, but NU struggled with its shot in the second half in a 79-67 road loss to the 10th-ranked Spartans. Nebraska trailed by just four at halftime and it was still a two-possession game with seven minutes remaining before Michigan State pulled away with a 12-2 run. The Huskers hung in until the end despite shooting just 41 percent from the field in the second half. NU shot 45.0 percent in the game, but Michigan State knocked down 51.8 percent of its shots. The Spartans improved to 11-2 with the win and remained unbeaten in Big Ten play by moving to 4-0. Nebraska fell to 6-9 overall and 0-4 in conference action. <a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42983">Derrick Walker</a>&nbsp;tied his career high with 16 points and was 8-of-9 from the field.&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42989">Bryce McGowens</a>&nbsp;finished with 13 points, while&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42984">Kobe Webster</a>&nbsp;(13) and&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42988">C.J. Wilcher</a>&nbsp;(10) combined for 23 points off the bench.&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=43284">Alonzo Verge Jr.</a>&nbsp;added five points, five assists, four rebounds and two steals. Nebraska's defense forced Michigan State into 19 turnovers. Eight different Huskers had at least one steal to contribute to Nebraska's season-high-tying 12 takeaways. The Huskers outscored the Spartans in the paint (34-28), points off turnovers (20-16) and fast-break points (19-14) and bench points were even at 27 apiece, but Michigan State's strong shooting was the difference. When they did miss, the Spartans pulled down 11 offensive rebounds, outscoring Nebraska 16-7 in second-chance points. Max Christie led the Spartans with a career-high 21 points, going 7-of-9 from the field including 3-of-4 from beyond the arc. Three other Spartans joined Christie in double figures. The Huskers started hot, hitting their first seven shots – from four different players – to lead 17-12 five minutes into the game. Nebraska then missed its next five shots and Michigan State took advantage with an 8-0 run to grab a three-point lead. Nebraska regained the lead on a basket from&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42974">Eduardo Andre</a>, and the Huskers led 24-22 with nine minutes left in the half following a Webster 3-pointer. The Spartans then came back to build a five-point advantage after Nebraska missed five of its next six shots. But the Huskers answered with a 6-0 run in just over a minute to lead 32-31 with 2:59 remaining in the half. Nebraska would make just one basket the rest of the half, as Michigan State was able to take a 38-34 lead into the locker room. The Husker defense recorded eight steals and forced a dozen Michigan State turnovers in the first half. But when they were able to get shots, the Spartans shot 55 percent from the field, going 17-of-31 from the field, while Nebraska was 15-of-31 (48.4 percent). The Huskers outscored the Spartans by two in the paint but Michigan State had a 10-2 advantage in second-chance points. Walker led Nebraska with 10 first-half points on 5-of-6 shooting. McGowens added nine points, while Verge and Webster had five points apiece in the opening 20 minutes. Walker scored on the opening possession of the second half and a&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42977">Lat Mayen</a>&nbsp;3-pointer two minutes later trimmed the Michigan State lead to 41-39. The Spartans then hit back-to-back 3-pointers just 28 seconds apart to take a 47-39 lead four minutes into the second half, the first time either team had led by more than five points. Following a Nebraska timeout, Wilcher drained a 3-pointer but Nebraska made just one basket over the next five minutes as Michigan State stretched its lead to 10. The Spartans still led by double digits with nine minutes left before five straight Husker points cut the lead to 60-54 with 6:54 remaining. But Michigan State answered back, holding the Huskers scoreless for more than four minutes during a 12-2 run that put them on top 72-56 with two minutes left. Nebraska then scored five points in 16 and cut the lead to 10 twice in the final minute, but that was as close as the Huskers would get. Nebraska remains on the road for its next game, as the Huskers travel to New Jersey to take on Rutgers Saturday&nbsp;&nbsp;

Strong defense not enough to pull off upset at #10 Michigan State

🏀 | Western Nebraska Prep Basketball Scoreboard - Tuesday, January 4

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638630719867.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By: Dave Collins, Sports Director🏀 | Western Nebraska Prep Basketball Scoreboard - Tuesday, January 4BoysBurns, WY 49, Alliance 33Chadron 50, Hot Springs, SD 44Oelrichs, SD 52, Hay Springs 46Ogallala 60, Bridgeport 43Scottsbluff 61, Norris 56Sioux County 43, Banner County 25South Platte 70, Kimball 34GirlsBridgeport 70, Ogallala 38Burns, WY 52, Alliance 37Mitchell 47, Bayard 43Perkins County 57, Potter-Dix 30Scottsbluff 57, Norris 49Sioux County 82, Banner County 15South Platte 54, Kimball 32

2020 Alliance High School Graduate Jordan Hopp was honored Tuesday as a 12 Letter winner, just the 8th AHS student athlete to do so.&nbsp; Jordan lettered in Volleyball, Basketball and Track &amp; Field all 4 of her high school years.&nbsp;

Jordan is currently at Sophomore at Iowa State University and a member of the Cyclone Volleyball team.&nbsp; &nbsp;She was named to the&nbsp;Big 12 Commissioner's Honor Roll&nbsp; in the Spring of&nbsp; 2021.&nbsp; &nbsp;ISU went 16-12 this season and qualified for the NCAA National Tournament, falling to 18th ranked Stanford in the opening round.&nbsp;

Jordan is the daughter of Trista and Steve Hopp formally of Alliance.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641394302629.jpeg" alt="L-R:&nbsp; AHS Coach Sandra Pilfold, Coach Heidi Manion, Jordan Hopp, Coach Jessica Kaiser, Coach Nate Lanik, Coach Angie Hiemstra." />
 <figcaption>L-R:&nbsp; AHS Coach Sandra Pilfold, Coach Heidi Manion, Jordan Hopp, Coach Jessica Kaiser, Coach Nate Lanik, Coach Angie Hiemstra.</figcaption>
 </figure>By: Mike Glesinger2020 Alliance High School Graduate Jordan Hopp was honored Tuesday as a 12 Letter winner, just the 8th AHS student athlete to do so.&nbsp; Jordan lettered in Volleyball, Basketball and Track &amp; Field all 4 of her high school years.&nbsp;Jordan is currently at Sophomore at Iowa State University and a member of the Cyclone Volleyball team.&nbsp; &nbsp;She was named to the&nbsp;Big 12 Commissioner's Honor Roll&nbsp; in the Spring of&nbsp; 2021.&nbsp; &nbsp;ISU went 16-12 this season and qualified for the NCAA National Tournament, falling to 18th ranked Stanford in the opening round.&nbsp;Jordan is the daughter of Trista and Steve Hopp formally of Alliance.&nbsp;

AHS honors 2020 grad Jordan Hopp as 12 letter winner

Courtesy: NU Athletic Communications&nbsp;

&nbsp;Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42706">Alexis Markowski</a>&nbsp;erupted for a career-high 20 points in her first career start, while&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42985">Jaz Shelley</a>&nbsp;added her fourth double-double of the season with 12 points and 12 rebounds to lead Nebraska to an impressive 79-58 women's basketball win over No. 8 Michigan on Tuesday night at&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/staff.aspx?staff=1168">Pinnacle Bank</a>&nbsp;Arena. The Huskers, who improved to 13-1 overall and 2-1 in the Big Ten, led from start to finish and won going away, taking their biggest lead of the night on&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42772">Kendall Coley's</a>&nbsp;three-pointer with 11 seconds left.&nbsp; The 21-point win over the Wolverines (12-2, 3-1 Big Ten) marked Nebraska's first win over a top-10 AP foe since defeating No. 9 Duke at&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/staff.aspx?staff=1168">Pinnacle Bank</a>&nbsp;Arena in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge in December of 2014. The Huskers defeated five AP top-25 teams a year ago, including three teams ranked No. 15 at game time. The victory was Nebraska's 10th straight at home, as the Huskers improved to 9-0 in Lincoln this season, while snapping Michigan's five-game winning streak that included back-to-back victories over No. 5 Baylor and No. 25 Ohio State. Markowski, a 6-3 forward/center from Lincoln, drew her first start in place of injured starter&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42003">Bella Cravens</a>&nbsp;who sat out with an ankle injury suffered in practice on Monday afternoon. The 2021 Nebraska High School Player of the Year, Markowski wasted little time in establishing herself against Michigan All-American Naz Hillmon, scoring the Huskers' first two points just one minute into the game.&nbsp; The Huskers jumped out to an 8-2 lead behind stifling team defense and strong rebounding, and extended the margin to eight points on a Markowski bucket with 1:04 left in the first quarter that made it 16-8. Shelley then closed the quarter with a three-pointer on Nebraska's first attempt of the night to send the Big Red to the second period with a 19-8 lead to cap a 7-0 run to close the quarter. Nebraska extended the margin to 23-8 early in the second after a three-pointer by&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42004">Annika Stewart</a>&nbsp;with 8:45 left to cap an 11-0 run. Hillmon stopped the bleeding with a free throw with 8:37 left to snap a 4:49 scoring drought by the Wolverines, but Nebraska continued to control the game, leading by 15 points throughout most of the quarter before Michigan cut the margin to 34-21 at the half. Michigan cut Nebraska's lead to nine points with back-to-back baskets to open the second half, before Markowski took over, scoring nine consecutive points for the Huskers including her three-pointer with 5:53 left in the period to put the the Big Red back up 43-29. Moments later,&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=41996">Sam Haiby</a>,&nbsp;who finished with 10 points, six rebounds, four assists and three steals, sank a pair of free throws to give Nebraska its biggest lead at the time at 45-29. Markowski finished with 13 points in the third quarter and the Huskers carried a 53-41 lead into the fourth quarter. Hillmon, who managed 10 points and seven rebounds on the night, scored early in the fourth to cut NU's margin to 10, but Stewart answered with a three-pointer before Markowski&nbsp;banged in a tough layup, was fouled and hit the free throw to complete a three-point play to put the Big Red back up by 15 with less than seven minutes to play. Michigan mustered one last rally to cut the margin to 63-52 with five minutes left, but a Shelley three-pointer and a traditional three-point play by Husker freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42709">Allison Weidner</a>&nbsp;pushed the margin back to 15 at 69-54 with 3:19 left.&nbsp; An&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=41999">Ashley Scoggin</a>&nbsp;three-pointer 30 seconds later extend the margin to 17 and ended any hopes of a Wolverine comeback. Scoggin finished with six points on a pair of threes. Nebraska shot a strong 51.7 percent (30-58) from the field against the Wolverines, including 8-of-20 from three-point range. The Huskers also knocked down 11-of-16 free throws. NU's suffocating defense held Michigan to just 36.7 percent shooting (22-60), including just 1-of-12 from long range. The Wolverines attempted only six three-pointers through the first three quarters, starting the game 0-for-6. Michigan also went just 13-for-22 (.591) from the free throw line. However, the biggest stat for Nebraska came in the rebounding department, as the Huskers out-rebounded the Big Ten's best rebounding team 42-34, and outscored Michigan 17-7 in second-chance points. Last season in a 64-62 loss in Ann Arbor, Nebraska was out-rebounded 59-32, including 30 offensive rebounds by Michigan. Hillmon finished that game with 35 points and 22 rebounds, including 13 offensive boards. On Tuesday night, Michigan managed 13 offensive rebounds as a team. <a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=41993">Isabelle Bourne</a>&nbsp;added 11 points, four rebounds and three assists for Nebraska while drawing the primary responsibility of guarding Hillmon. Bourne, who went 5-for-7 from the field, helped hold Hillmon to 4-for-14 shooting and just two offensive rebounds. Hillmon also committed six turnovers. Emily Kiser led Michigan with 13 points, while Maddie Nolan added 11 points, including Michigan's lone three-pointer of the night. Former Husker Leigha Brown added 10 points, five rebounds, four assists and four steals for the Wolverines, but went just 3-for-13 from the floor. Michigan's Amy Dilk returned to the court for the Wolverines to play 16 minutes in her first action since the opening minute of the season when she suffered a knee injury against IUPUI. The two-time All-Big Ten guard managed three points. Nebraska continues Big Ten home action on Sunday when the Huskers play host to No. 21 Iowa. Tip-off between the Big Red and the Hawkeyes is set for 12 p.m.&nbsp; MT,&nbsp; with tickets available now at Huskers.com. Live television coverage will be provided by FS1. while free live audio will be provided by the Huskers Radio Network on Huskers.com.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641392985635.jpeg" alt="Photo by: Jordyn Senstock/NU Athletic Communications" />
 <figcaption>Photo by: Jordyn Senstock/NU Athletic Communications</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy: NU Athletic Communications&nbsp;&nbsp;Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42706">Alexis Markowski</a>&nbsp;erupted for a career-high 20 points in her first career start, while&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42985">Jaz Shelley</a>&nbsp;added her fourth double-double of the season with 12 points and 12 rebounds to lead Nebraska to an impressive 79-58 women's basketball win over No. 8 Michigan on Tuesday night at&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/staff.aspx?staff=1168">Pinnacle Bank</a>&nbsp;Arena. The Huskers, who improved to 13-1 overall and 2-1 in the Big Ten, led from start to finish and won going away, taking their biggest lead of the night on&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42772">Kendall Coley's</a>&nbsp;three-pointer with 11 seconds left.&nbsp; The 21-point win over the Wolverines (12-2, 3-1 Big Ten) marked Nebraska's first win over a top-10 AP foe since defeating No. 9 Duke at&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/staff.aspx?staff=1168">Pinnacle Bank</a>&nbsp;Arena in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge in December of 2014. The Huskers defeated five AP top-25 teams a year ago, including three teams ranked No. 15 at game time. The victory was Nebraska's 10th straight at home, as the Huskers improved to 9-0 in Lincoln this season, while snapping Michigan's five-game winning streak that included back-to-back victories over No. 5 Baylor and No. 25 Ohio State. Markowski, a 6-3 forward/center from Lincoln, drew her first start in place of injured starter&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42003">Bella Cravens</a>&nbsp;who sat out with an ankle injury suffered in practice on Monday afternoon. The 2021 Nebraska High School Player of the Year, Markowski wasted little time in establishing herself against Michigan All-American Naz Hillmon, scoring the Huskers' first two points just one minute into the game.&nbsp; The Huskers jumped out to an 8-2 lead behind stifling team defense and strong rebounding, and extended the margin to eight points on a Markowski bucket with 1:04 left in the first quarter that made it 16-8. Shelley then closed the quarter with a three-pointer on Nebraska's first attempt of the night to send the Big Red to the second period with a 19-8 lead to cap a 7-0 run to close the quarter. Nebraska extended the margin to 23-8 early in the second after a three-pointer by&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42004">Annika Stewart</a>&nbsp;with 8:45 left to cap an 11-0 run. Hillmon stopped the bleeding with a free throw with 8:37 left to snap a 4:49 scoring drought by the Wolverines, but Nebraska continued to control the game, leading by 15 points throughout most of the quarter before Michigan cut the margin to 34-21 at the half. Michigan cut Nebraska's lead to nine points with back-to-back baskets to open the second half, before Markowski took over, scoring nine consecutive points for the Huskers including her three-pointer with 5:53 left in the period to put the the Big Red back up 43-29. Moments later,&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=41996">Sam Haiby</a>,&nbsp;who finished with 10 points, six rebounds, four assists and three steals, sank a pair of free throws to give Nebraska its biggest lead at the time at 45-29. Markowski finished with 13 points in the third quarter and the Huskers carried a 53-41 lead into the fourth quarter. Hillmon, who managed 10 points and seven rebounds on the night, scored early in the fourth to cut NU's margin to 10, but Stewart answered with a three-pointer before Markowski&nbsp;banged in a tough layup, was fouled and hit the free throw to complete a three-point play to put the Big Red back up by 15 with less than seven minutes to play. Michigan mustered one last rally to cut the margin to 63-52 with five minutes left, but a Shelley three-pointer and a traditional three-point play by Husker freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=42709">Allison Weidner</a>&nbsp;pushed the margin back to 15 at 69-54 with 3:19 left.&nbsp; An&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=41999">Ashley Scoggin</a>&nbsp;three-pointer 30 seconds later extend the margin to 17 and ended any hopes of a Wolverine comeback. Scoggin finished with six points on a pair of threes. Nebraska shot a strong 51.7 percent (30-58) from the field against the Wolverines, including 8-of-20 from three-point range. The Huskers also knocked down 11-of-16 free throws. NU's suffocating defense held Michigan to just 36.7 percent shooting (22-60), including just 1-of-12 from long range. The Wolverines attempted only six three-pointers through the first three quarters, starting the game 0-for-6. Michigan also went just 13-for-22 (.591) from the free throw line. However, the biggest stat for Nebraska came in the rebounding department, as the Huskers out-rebounded the Big Ten's best rebounding team 42-34, and outscored Michigan 17-7 in second-chance points. Last season in a 64-62 loss in Ann Arbor, Nebraska was out-rebounded 59-32, including 30 offensive rebounds by Michigan. Hillmon finished that game with 35 points and 22 rebounds, including 13 offensive boards. On Tuesday night, Michigan managed 13 offensive rebounds as a team. <a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=41993">Isabelle Bourne</a>&nbsp;added 11 points, four rebounds and three assists for Nebraska while drawing the primary responsibility of guarding Hillmon. Bourne, who went 5-for-7 from the field, helped hold Hillmon to 4-for-14 shooting and just two offensive rebounds. Hillmon also committed six turnovers. Emily Kiser led Michigan with 13 points, while Maddie Nolan added 11 points, including Michigan's lone three-pointer of the night. Former Husker Leigha Brown added 10 points, five rebounds, four assists and four steals for the Wolverines, but went just 3-for-13 from the floor. Michigan's Amy Dilk returned to the court for the Wolverines to play 16 minutes in her first action since the opening minute of the season when she suffered a knee injury against IUPUI. The two-time All-Big Ten guard managed three points. Nebraska continues Big Ten home action on Sunday when the Huskers play host to No. 21 Iowa. Tip-off between the Big Red and the Hawkeyes is set for 12 p.m.&nbsp; MT,&nbsp; with tickets available now at Huskers.com. Live television coverage will be provided by FS1. while free live audio will be provided by the Huskers Radio Network on Huskers.com.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Husker Women upset #8 Michigan

🏀| High School Basketball - Monday, January 3 - Final Scores

Hemingford 47, Niobrara County (Lusk), WY 37

Hemingford 53, Niobrara County (Lusk), WY 28

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638630719867.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By: Dave Collins, Sports DirectorUpdated: Monday, 9:50 pm🏀| High School Basketball - Monday, January 3 - Final ScoresBoysHemingford 47, Niobrara County (Lusk), WY 37Potter-Dix 55, Morrill 39Waverly 69, Scottsbluff 58GirlsHemingford 53, Niobrara County (Lusk), WY 28Morrill 48, Potter-Dix 44Scottsbluff 64, South Sioux City 48

🏀| High School Basketball Scoreboard - Monday, January 3

Broncos eliminated from playoff contention for sixth straight season

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Freshman Malaki Branham scored 35 points, Jamari Wheeler made two 3-pointers early in overtime and No. 13 Ohio State beat Nebraska 87-79 Sunday night. Ohio State (9-2, 3-0 Big Ten) hadn’t played since Dec. 11 because of a COVID-19 outbreak in their program. E.J. Liddell, who came in averaging 21.6 points per game, was just 2 of 14 for Ohio State. Bryce McGowens led the Huskers (6-8, 0-3) with 18 points. Branham had scored in double figures only once prior to Sunday, and his breakout game was well-timed, getting 21 of the Buckeyes’ first 32 points.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Freshman Malaki Branham scored 35 points, Jamari Wheeler made two 3-pointers early in overtime and No. 13 Ohio State beat Nebraska 87-79 Sunday night. Ohio State (9-2, 3-0 Big Ten) hadn’t played since Dec. 11 because of a COVID-19 outbreak in their program. E.J. Liddell, who came in averaging 21.6 points per game, was just 2 of 14 for Ohio State. Bryce McGowens led the Huskers (6-8, 0-3) with 18 points. Branham had scored in double figures only once prior to Sunday, and his breakout game was well-timed, getting 21 of the Buckeyes’ first 32 points.

#13 Ohio State bounces Huskers after long Covid layoff

&nbsp; The Chadron State College men's basketball team once led by 17 points, had the lead most of the game, but couldn't quite cash in the chips as Colorado School of Mines went ahead for keeps with 55 seconds remaining and edged the Eagles 65-62 in a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference game played in Golden on Friday evening. Mines is now 5-5 for the season and 3-3 in the RMAC. CSC is 6-9 and 2-5.&nbsp; The Eagles had their chances.&nbsp; The veteran Orediggers entered the game shooting 46.5% from the field through their first nine games, but made just two of their first 16 field goal attempts while Chadron State opened a 25-10 lead midway in the opening half. &nbsp; The Eagles' largest lead was 30-13 with 7:24 left.&nbsp; At that point they had sunk 13-of-20 shots from the field. &nbsp;They didn't stay hot, making just two of their next 13 attempts, but were still clinging to a 34-31 lead at halftime. Despite the disastrous letdown, the visitors continued to battle in the second half and forced the outcome to go to the wire. Chadron State was ahead 43-35 after three minutes were gone in the second half. Mines finally went ahead 48-47 with 11:44 remaining, but the Eagles reclaimed the advantage at 56-55 on&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4663">CJ Jennings'</a>&nbsp;trey with 5:17 to play. When Jennings hit a two-point jumper 69 seconds later, CSC had a three-point margin. The Eagles held the lead until senior Justin Engesser hit his only shot of the game, a three-pointer with 55 seconds left, that put the Orediggers ahead 62-60 with 55 seconds left on the clock.&nbsp; Chadron State missed a three on its ensuing possession. Engesser got the rebound, teammate Titus Reed was fouled and made both free throws. The Eagles missed from the field again.&nbsp; Another of the Miners, Kobi Betts, grabbed that carom and was fouled.&nbsp; He made one of two charity tosses to put the hosts ahead 65-60 with 16 seconds remaining. Something unusual then occurred.&nbsp; The Eagles' Mason Heimstra quickly bagged a three-pointer, but the officials ruled Engesser had fouled the Eagles'&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4653">Marcus Jefferson</a>&nbsp;prior to the shot and the trey was for naught. Jefferson made both of his free shots with 10 seconds left. Mines inadvertently turned the ball over with about a second to play, giving the Eagles a last gasp shot, but it was off target. After shooting 45.5% from the field during their hot and cold first half, the Eagles hit just 30.8% (8-26) in the second half, but still finished with 23 field goals, four more than the Orediggers.&nbsp; Each team managed just four treys with Mines taking 21 shots from behind the arc and CSC 14. Mines shot 34.5% (19-55) from the field. In the final analysis, the difference was at the free throw line where the Orediggers were 23-28 and the Eagles 12-18. &nbsp;Both teams were called for 21 fouls. Mines out-rebounded CSC 44-36, but the Eagles had only 10 turnovers, four fewer than the hosts. Jennings, who played all 40 minutes, was the game's top scorer with 24 points. Fellow guard&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4654">Teddy Parham, Jr.</a>,&nbsp;added 17 points and&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4653">Marcus Jefferson</a>&nbsp;12, but the remaining Eagles combined for only nine. As has been the situation all season, the Eagles were not at full force. They were without their starting center,&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8006">Porter Anderson</a>, and another post player, 6-10&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8008">Joniya Gadson</a>, played the first 13 minutes, but seemed to be in distress when he left the floor and did not play in the second half. Mines was led by 6-6 forwards Brendan Sullivan, a senior, and Riley Schroeder, a sophomore, with 12 points apiece.&nbsp; Adam Krasovec, a 6-10 freshman from Hungary, scored 11. &nbsp;Titus Reed added eight and Betts and Boone each contributed seven.&nbsp; All three are seniors. Chadron State was scheduled to play at Regis today (Saturday) during the trip to Denver, but the Rangers postponed the game because of COVID issues.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Chadron State—<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4663">CJ Jennings</a>&nbsp;24, Teddy Parham 17,&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4653">Marcus Jefferson</a>&nbsp;12,&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8008">Joniya Gadson</a>&nbsp;4,&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6804">Bryant Jefferson</a>&nbsp;3, Mason Heimstra 2. Totals: 23-59 (4-14) 12-18 62 points, 36 rebounds, 5 assists, 10 turnovers. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Colorado Mines—Brenden Sullivan 12, Riley Schroeder 12, Adam Krasovec 11, Titus Reed 8, Kobi Betts 7, Ben Boone 7, Trent Dykema 5, Justin Engesser 3. Totals: 19-55 (4-21) 23-28 65 points, 44 rebounds, 15 assists, 14 turnovers. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Chadron State&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;34&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 28&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ----62 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Colorado Mines&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 31&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 34&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ----65 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 3-pointers: CSC—Jennings 3, Parham 1.&nbsp; CSM—Sullivan, Schroeder, Boone, Engesser, all 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641055756485.jpeg" alt="IMG_0640_crop.jpg" />
 <figcaption>IMG_0640_crop.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>By: Con Marshall, CSC Sports Information&nbsp; The Chadron State College men's basketball team once led by 17 points, had the lead most of the game, but couldn't quite cash in the chips as Colorado School of Mines went ahead for keeps with 55 seconds remaining and edged the Eagles 65-62 in a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference game played in Golden on Friday evening. Mines is now 5-5 for the season and 3-3 in the RMAC. CSC is 6-9 and 2-5.&nbsp; The Eagles had their chances.&nbsp; The veteran Orediggers entered the game shooting 46.5% from the field through their first nine games, but made just two of their first 16 field goal attempts while Chadron State opened a 25-10 lead midway in the opening half. &nbsp; The Eagles' largest lead was 30-13 with 7:24 left.&nbsp; At that point they had sunk 13-of-20 shots from the field. &nbsp;They didn't stay hot, making just two of their next 13 attempts, but were still clinging to a 34-31 lead at halftime. Despite the disastrous letdown, the visitors continued to battle in the second half and forced the outcome to go to the wire. Chadron State was ahead 43-35 after three minutes were gone in the second half. Mines finally went ahead 48-47 with 11:44 remaining, but the Eagles reclaimed the advantage at 56-55 on&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4663">CJ Jennings'</a>&nbsp;trey with 5:17 to play. When Jennings hit a two-point jumper 69 seconds later, CSC had a three-point margin. The Eagles held the lead until senior Justin Engesser hit his only shot of the game, a three-pointer with 55 seconds left, that put the Orediggers ahead 62-60 with 55 seconds left on the clock.&nbsp; Chadron State missed a three on its ensuing possession. Engesser got the rebound, teammate Titus Reed was fouled and made both free throws. The Eagles missed from the field again.&nbsp; Another of the Miners, Kobi Betts, grabbed that carom and was fouled.&nbsp; He made one of two charity tosses to put the hosts ahead 65-60 with 16 seconds remaining. Something unusual then occurred.&nbsp; The Eagles' Mason Heimstra quickly bagged a three-pointer, but the officials ruled Engesser had fouled the Eagles'&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4653">Marcus Jefferson</a>&nbsp;prior to the shot and the trey was for naught. Jefferson made both of his free shots with 10 seconds left. Mines inadvertently turned the ball over with about a second to play, giving the Eagles a last gasp shot, but it was off target. After shooting 45.5% from the field during their hot and cold first half, the Eagles hit just 30.8% (8-26) in the second half, but still finished with 23 field goals, four more than the Orediggers.&nbsp; Each team managed just four treys with Mines taking 21 shots from behind the arc and CSC 14. Mines shot 34.5% (19-55) from the field. In the final analysis, the difference was at the free throw line where the Orediggers were 23-28 and the Eagles 12-18. &nbsp;Both teams were called for 21 fouls. Mines out-rebounded CSC 44-36, but the Eagles had only 10 turnovers, four fewer than the hosts. Jennings, who played all 40 minutes, was the game's top scorer with 24 points. Fellow guard&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4654">Teddy Parham, Jr.</a>,&nbsp;added 17 points and&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4653">Marcus Jefferson</a>&nbsp;12, but the remaining Eagles combined for only nine. As has been the situation all season, the Eagles were not at full force. They were without their starting center,&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8006">Porter Anderson</a>, and another post player, 6-10&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8008">Joniya Gadson</a>, played the first 13 minutes, but seemed to be in distress when he left the floor and did not play in the second half. Mines was led by 6-6 forwards Brendan Sullivan, a senior, and Riley Schroeder, a sophomore, with 12 points apiece.&nbsp; Adam Krasovec, a 6-10 freshman from Hungary, scored 11. &nbsp;Titus Reed added eight and Betts and Boone each contributed seven.&nbsp; All three are seniors. Chadron State was scheduled to play at Regis today (Saturday) during the trip to Denver, but the Rangers postponed the game because of COVID issues.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Chadron State—<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4663">CJ Jennings</a>&nbsp;24, Teddy Parham 17,&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4653">Marcus Jefferson</a>&nbsp;12,&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8008">Joniya Gadson</a>&nbsp;4,&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6804">Bryant Jefferson</a>&nbsp;3, Mason Heimstra 2. Totals: 23-59 (4-14) 12-18 62 points, 36 rebounds, 5 assists, 10 turnovers. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Colorado Mines—Brenden Sullivan 12, Riley Schroeder 12, Adam Krasovec 11, Titus Reed 8, Kobi Betts 7, Ben Boone 7, Trent Dykema 5, Justin Engesser 3. Totals: 19-55 (4-21) 23-28 65 points, 44 rebounds, 15 assists, 14 turnovers. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Chadron State&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;34&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 28&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ----62 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Colorado Mines&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 31&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 34&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ----65 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 3-pointers: CSC—Jennings 3, Parham 1.&nbsp; CSM—Sullivan, Schroeder, Boone, Engesser, all 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Jennings' 24 points not enough to hold off Colorado Mines comeback

By: Zach Carattini, CSC Sports Information

The Chadron State College women's basketball team (5-7,4-3 RMAC) was&nbsp;dropped&nbsp;87-41&nbsp;Friday night&nbsp;by&nbsp;Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference&nbsp;foe Colorado School of Mines (11-1, 6-0 RMAC).&nbsp;

The loss on New Year's Eve extended the Eagles' losing streak to seven&nbsp;on the road this season. They were outmatched on both sides of the ball in Golden against the nationally ranked Orediggers, whose only loss so far this season&nbsp;came to #10 Nebraska Kearney (10-1, 5-0 MIAA).&nbsp;

The biggest factor in Friday's loss was poor shooting. The Eagles shot 27.5% from the field&nbsp;(14-51), 16.7%&nbsp;on three-pointers&nbsp;(2-12), and 52.4% on free throws&nbsp;(11-21).&nbsp;In comparison, the Orediggers shot 42.9% on field goals (33-77), 34.8% on three-pointers (8-23), and&nbsp;65.0% on free throws (13-20).&nbsp;

The score at the end of the first quarter was 12-11 Orediggers. Junior transfer&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8024">Olyvia Pacheco</a>&nbsp;landed&nbsp;a three-pointer and&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4644">Ashayla Powers</a>&nbsp;put up back-to-back lay ups to keep the score close heading into the second quarter.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;Orediggers'&nbsp;offense exploded for 32 points in the second quarter while holding the Eagles to only seven points, which came from two lay ups and three free throws.&nbsp;Mines'&nbsp;Quincey Baum landed two deep three-pointers while&nbsp;three other Orediggers each landed a trey&nbsp;to extend the lead to 44-18 at the end of the first half.&nbsp;

The Eagles were able to&nbsp;improve their overall scoring in the second half&nbsp;but simply could not keep up with&nbsp;Mines' heavy attack on offense and defense.&nbsp;Pacheco put away another three-pointer in the third quarter, making her the only Eagle to have a three-pointer in the game.&nbsp;Colorado Mines scored 43 second-half points compared to the Eagles' 23 points to close the game.&nbsp;

The Eagles will head to Denver&nbsp;on New Year's Day&nbsp;to take on the Regis Rangers (7-5, 3-3 RMAC), who lost 78-70 to Colorado Mines at the end of November.&nbsp;

Chadron State—&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4644">Ashayla Powers</a>&nbsp;9,&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8024">Olyvia Pacheco</a>&nbsp;8,&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4348">Brittni McCully</a>&nbsp;8,&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8029">Samiyah Worrell</a>&nbsp;5,&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8014">Riley Aiono</a>&nbsp;5&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4350">Jori Peters</a>&nbsp;2,&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8017">Micheala Dammann</a>&nbsp;2,&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4351">Tatum Peterson</a>&nbsp;2. Totals:&nbsp;14-51&nbsp;(2-12) 11-21,&nbsp;41&nbsp;points,&nbsp;30&nbsp;rebounds,&nbsp;13&nbsp;assists,&nbsp;20&nbsp;turnovers.&nbsp;

Colorado Mines—&nbsp;Sammy Van Sickle 18, Ashley&nbsp;Steffeck&nbsp;13, Josephine Howery 11, Megan Van de Graaf 11, Quincey Baum 9, Denali Pinto&nbsp;8, Courtney Stanton 8, McKale Grant 4, Liz Holter 3, Shelby Nichols 2. Totals:&nbsp;33-77&nbsp;(8-23)&nbsp;13-20,&nbsp;87&nbsp;points,&nbsp;60&nbsp;rebounds,&nbsp;24&nbsp;assists, 10&nbsp;turnovers.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641055597417.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By: Zach Carattini, CSC Sports InformationThe Chadron State College women's basketball team (5-7,4-3 RMAC) was&nbsp;dropped&nbsp;87-41&nbsp;Friday night&nbsp;by&nbsp;Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference&nbsp;foe Colorado School of Mines (11-1, 6-0 RMAC).&nbsp;The loss on New Year's Eve extended the Eagles' losing streak to seven&nbsp;on the road this season. They were outmatched on both sides of the ball in Golden against the nationally ranked Orediggers, whose only loss so far this season&nbsp;came to #10 Nebraska Kearney (10-1, 5-0 MIAA).&nbsp;The biggest factor in Friday's loss was poor shooting. The Eagles shot 27.5% from the field&nbsp;(14-51), 16.7%&nbsp;on three-pointers&nbsp;(2-12), and 52.4% on free throws&nbsp;(11-21).&nbsp;In comparison, the Orediggers shot 42.9% on field goals (33-77), 34.8% on three-pointers (8-23), and&nbsp;65.0% on free throws (13-20).&nbsp;The score at the end of the first quarter was 12-11 Orediggers. Junior transfer&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8024">Olyvia Pacheco</a>&nbsp;landed&nbsp;a three-pointer and&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4644">Ashayla Powers</a>&nbsp;put up back-to-back lay ups to keep the score close heading into the second quarter.&nbsp;The&nbsp;Orediggers'&nbsp;offense exploded for 32 points in the second quarter while holding the Eagles to only seven points, which came from two lay ups and three free throws.&nbsp;Mines'&nbsp;Quincey Baum landed two deep three-pointers while&nbsp;three other Orediggers each landed a trey&nbsp;to extend the lead to 44-18 at the end of the first half.&nbsp;The Eagles were able to&nbsp;improve their overall scoring in the second half&nbsp;but simply could not keep up with&nbsp;Mines' heavy attack on offense and defense.&nbsp;Pacheco put away another three-pointer in the third quarter, making her the only Eagle to have a three-pointer in the game.&nbsp;Colorado Mines scored 43 second-half points compared to the Eagles' 23 points to close the game.&nbsp;The Eagles will head to Denver&nbsp;on New Year's Day&nbsp;to take on the Regis Rangers (7-5, 3-3 RMAC), who lost 78-70 to Colorado Mines at the end of November.&nbsp;Chadron State—&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4644">Ashayla Powers</a>&nbsp;9,&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8024">Olyvia Pacheco</a>&nbsp;8,&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4348">Brittni McCully</a>&nbsp;8,&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8029">Samiyah Worrell</a>&nbsp;5,&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8014">Riley Aiono</a>&nbsp;5&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4350">Jori Peters</a>&nbsp;2,&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8017">Micheala Dammann</a>&nbsp;2,&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4351">Tatum Peterson</a>&nbsp;2. Totals:&nbsp;14-51&nbsp;(2-12) 11-21,&nbsp;41&nbsp;points,&nbsp;30&nbsp;rebounds,&nbsp;13&nbsp;assists,&nbsp;20&nbsp;turnovers.&nbsp;Colorado Mines—&nbsp;Sammy Van Sickle 18, Ashley&nbsp;Steffeck&nbsp;13, Josephine Howery 11, Megan Van de Graaf 11, Quincey Baum 9, Denali Pinto&nbsp;8, Courtney Stanton 8, McKale Grant 4, Liz Holter 3, Shelby Nichols 2. Totals:&nbsp;33-77&nbsp;(8-23)&nbsp;13-20,&nbsp;87&nbsp;points,&nbsp;60&nbsp;rebounds,&nbsp;24&nbsp;assists, 10&nbsp;turnovers.&nbsp;

Eagles overpowered on the road by Colorado Mines

Fourteen swimmers from the Chadron Sharks Swim Team competed in the Christmas Classic Swim Meet, hosted by the Rapid City Racers Swim Team, against 226 athletes from 10 teams from South Dakota, Wyoming, and Nebraska,&nbsp; December 11-12, 2021.&nbsp; &nbsp;This was the third swim meet in which the Sharks have competed this season. &nbsp;

Chadron hosted the Chadron Spooktacular Triangular on October 30, 2021.&nbsp; It was the first meet hosted by the Sharks in over a decade, and welcomed teams from Scottsbluff, NE and Hot Springs, SD, bringing more than 65 swimmers to Chadron.&nbsp; The Sharks traveled November 20-21, 2021 to Spearfish, SD for the Black Hills Gold Invitational, swimming against 171 swimmers from 9 teams.&nbsp;

Results from the Christmas Classic Swim Meet are as follows (PR denotes a personal record was set, NT denotes new event-no time previously set): Age 7-8:&nbsp;

Duncan Bennett (age 7)- 25 Yard Fly: 26.50 (PR), 3rdplace; 50 Yard Back: 47.97 (PR), 2ndplace; 50 Yard Breast: 52.94 (PR), 1stplace; 50 yard Fly: DQ; 25 Yard Back: 24.05 (PR), 5thplace; 25 Yard Breast: 25.81 (PR), 1stplace.

Gavin Harris (age 7)- 25 Yard Free: 38.21 (PR), 8thplace; 50 Yard Back: 1”08.01 (NT), 6thplace.

Zane Frost (age 10)- 100 Yard IM: 1:44.49 (NT), 7thplace; 50 Yard Back: 47.35 (NT), 5thplace; 50 Yard Free: 38.42 (NT), 5thplace.

Kael Bennett (age 12)- 50 Yard Back: 43.25 (PR), 6thplace; 50 Yard Free: 34.99 (PR), 10thplace; 50 Yard Breast: 50.75 (PR), 9thplace; 100 Yard Back: 1:37.31, 7thplace; 100 Yard Free: 1:23.01, 6thplace; 100 Yard Breast: 1:49.87 (PR), 7thplace.

Carter Peters (age 12)- 100 Yard IM: 1:28.78 (PR) 6thplace; 50 Yard Back: 43.31 (PR), 7thplace; 50 Yard Free: 33.29 (PR), 5thplace; 50 Yard Breast: 46.09 (PR), 7thplace; 200 Yard IM: 3:22.54 (PR), 4thplace; 50 Yard Fly: 41.80 (PR), 4thplace; 100 Yard Back: 1:35.70 (PR), 5thplace; 100 Yard Free: 1:14.39 (PR), 4thplace: 100 Yard Breast: 1:44.43 (PR), 6thplace; 500 Yard Free: 7:59.98 (NT), 6thplace.

Valeria Benitez (age 13)- 200 yard Free: 3:22.61 (NT), 9thplace; 200 Yard Back: 3:34.56 (NT), 5thplace; 50 yard Free: 36.67 (PR), 10thplace; 100 Yard Back: 1:37.87 (PR), 9thplace; 100 Yard Free: 1:30.55 (NT), 12thplace; 100 Yard Breast: 1:52.31 (NT), 10thplace.

Ethan Brown (age 13)- 50 Yard Free: 37.88 (PR), 17thplace; 200 Yard Breast: 3:57.70 (NT), 9thplace; 100 Yard Back: DQ; 100 Yard Free: 1:29.00 (PR), 11thplace; 100 Yard Breast: 1;54.33 (PR, 8thplace.

Isaiah Horst (age 14)- 200 Yard Free: 2:46.58 (NT), 13thplace; 100 Yard Fly: 1:30.16 (NT, 7thplace; 50 yard Free: 31:20 (NT), 12thplace. Timothy Johnson (age 14)-200 Yard Free: 2:44.23 (NT), 12thplace; 50 Yard Free: 29.52 (PR), 7thplace.

Raylie Pourier (age&nbsp; 13)- 200 Yard Free: 2:45.95, 8thplace; 50 Yard Free: 30.27 (PR), 5thplace); 200 Yard IM: DQ; 100 Yard Back: 1:22.95 (PR), 5thplace; 100 Yard Free: DQ; 100 Yard Breast: 1:36.84 (PR), 8thplace.

Carlye Kresle (age 15)- 200 Yard Free: 3:12.72 (NT), 12thplace; 50 Yard Free: 34.64 (NT), 13thplace.

Matthew Peters (age 15)- 200 Yard Free: 2:42.64 (PR), 9thplace; 100 Yard Fly: DQ; 50 Yard Free: 28.09 (PR), 8thplace; 200 Yard IM: 2:55.97 (PR), 11thplace; 100 yard Free: 1:08.65 (PR), 11thplace; 100 Yard Breast: 1:32.34 (PR), 5thplace; 500 Yard Free: 8:12.45, 5thplace.

Kenzie Pourier (age 15)- 200 Yard Free: 2:57.45, 11thplace; 200 Yard Back: 3:07.02 (PR), 10thplace; 50 Yard Free: 34.25 (PR), 12thplace; 200 Yard Breast: 3:45.92, 7thplace; 200 Yard IM: 3:18.85, 9thplace; 100 Yard Back: 1:23.64 (PR), 12thplace; 100 Yard Free: 1:18.60, 12thplace; 100 Yard Breast: 1:46.82, 11thplace; 500 Yard Free: 7:51.46, 6thplace.

Emma Peters (age 17)-200 Yard Free: 3:16.65 (PR), 6thplace; 50 Yard Free: 34.01 (PR), 7thplace; 200 yard Breast: 4:01.09 (PR), 3rdplace; 200 Yard IM: 3:43.08 (PR), 7thplace; 100 Y ard Free: 1:22.40 (PR), 9thplace; 100 Yard Breast: 1:48.18 (PR), 4thplace.

The next meet for the Chadron Sharks will be in Deadwood, SD January 7-9, 2022 Sharks Team spokesman Alyssa Peters says ...."These kids have been working incredibly hard and have been making enormous strides in their times! "

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/9/1568167797682.jpeg" alt="swimming pool" />
 <figcaption>swimming pool</figcaption>
 </figure>Thanks to:&nbsp;Alyssa Peters Fourteen swimmers from the Chadron Sharks Swim Team competed in the Christmas Classic Swim Meet, hosted by the Rapid City Racers Swim Team, against 226 athletes from 10 teams from South Dakota, Wyoming, and Nebraska,&nbsp; December 11-12, 2021.&nbsp; &nbsp;This was the third swim meet in which the Sharks have competed this season. &nbsp; Chadron hosted the Chadron Spooktacular Triangular on October 30, 2021.&nbsp; It was the first meet hosted by the Sharks in over a decade, and welcomed teams from Scottsbluff, NE and Hot Springs, SD, bringing more than 65 swimmers to Chadron.&nbsp; The Sharks traveled November 20-21, 2021 to Spearfish, SD for the Black Hills Gold Invitational, swimming against 171 swimmers from 9 teams.&nbsp; Results from the Christmas Classic Swim Meet are as follows (PR denotes a personal record was set, NT denotes new event-no time previously set): Age 7-8:&nbsp; Duncan Bennett (age 7)- 25 Yard Fly: 26.50 (PR), 3rdplace; 50 Yard Back: 47.97 (PR), 2ndplace; 50 Yard Breast: 52.94 (PR), 1stplace; 50 yard Fly: DQ; 25 Yard Back: 24.05 (PR), 5thplace; 25 Yard Breast: 25.81 (PR), 1stplace. Gavin Harris (age 7)- 25 Yard Free: 38.21 (PR), 8thplace; 50 Yard Back: 1”08.01 (NT), 6thplace. Age 9-10:&nbsp; Zane Frost (age 10)- 100 Yard IM: 1:44.49 (NT), 7thplace; 50 Yard Back: 47.35 (NT), 5thplace; 50 Yard Free: 38.42 (NT), 5thplace. Age 11-12: Kael Bennett (age 12)- 50 Yard Back: 43.25 (PR), 6thplace; 50 Yard Free: 34.99 (PR), 10thplace; 50 Yard Breast: 50.75 (PR), 9thplace; 100 Yard Back: 1:37.31, 7thplace; 100 Yard Free: 1:23.01, 6thplace; 100 Yard Breast: 1:49.87 (PR), 7thplace. Carter Peters (age 12)- 100 Yard IM: 1:28.78 (PR) 6thplace; 50 Yard Back: 43.31 (PR), 7thplace; 50 Yard Free: 33.29 (PR), 5thplace; 50 Yard Breast: 46.09 (PR), 7thplace; 200 Yard IM: 3:22.54 (PR), 4thplace; 50 Yard Fly: 41.80 (PR), 4thplace; 100 Yard Back: 1:35.70 (PR), 5thplace; 100 Yard Free: 1:14.39 (PR), 4thplace: 100 Yard Breast: 1:44.43 (PR), 6thplace; 500 Yard Free: 7:59.98 (NT), 6thplace. Age 13-14:&nbsp; Valeria Benitez (age 13)- 200 yard Free: 3:22.61 (NT), 9thplace; 200 Yard Back: 3:34.56 (NT), 5thplace; 50 yard Free: 36.67 (PR), 10thplace; 100 Yard Back: 1:37.87 (PR), 9thplace; 100 Yard Free: 1:30.55 (NT), 12thplace; 100 Yard Breast: 1:52.31 (NT), 10thplace. Ethan Brown (age 13)- 50 Yard Free: 37.88 (PR), 17thplace; 200 Yard Breast: 3:57.70 (NT), 9thplace; 100 Yard Back: DQ; 100 Yard Free: 1:29.00 (PR), 11thplace; 100 Yard Breast: 1;54.33 (PR, 8thplace. Isaiah Horst (age 14)- 200 Yard Free: 2:46.58 (NT), 13thplace; 100 Yard Fly: 1:30.16 (NT, 7thplace; 50 yard Free: 31:20 (NT), 12thplace. Timothy Johnson (age 14)-200 Yard Free: 2:44.23 (NT), 12thplace; 50 Yard Free: 29.52 (PR), 7thplace. Raylie Pourier (age&nbsp; 13)- 200 Yard Free: 2:45.95, 8thplace; 50 Yard Free: 30.27 (PR), 5thplace); 200 Yard IM: DQ; 100 Yard Back: 1:22.95 (PR), 5thplace; 100 Yard Free: DQ; 100 Yard Breast: 1:36.84 (PR), 8thplace. Age 15-16:Carlye Kresle (age 15)- 200 Yard Free: 3:12.72 (NT), 12thplace; 50 Yard Free: 34.64 (NT), 13thplace. Matthew Peters (age 15)- 200 Yard Free: 2:42.64 (PR), 9thplace; 100 Yard Fly: DQ; 50 Yard Free: 28.09 (PR), 8thplace; 200 Yard IM: 2:55.97 (PR), 11thplace; 100 yard Free: 1:08.65 (PR), 11thplace; 100 Yard Breast: 1:32.34 (PR), 5thplace; 500 Yard Free: 8:12.45, 5thplace. Kenzie Pourier (age 15)- 200 Yard Free: 2:57.45, 11thplace; 200 Yard Back: 3:07.02 (PR), 10thplace; 50 Yard Free: 34.25 (PR), 12thplace; 200 Yard Breast: 3:45.92, 7thplace; 200 Yard IM: 3:18.85, 9thplace; 100 Yard Back: 1:23.64 (PR), 12thplace; 100 Yard Free: 1:18.60, 12thplace; 100 Yard Breast: 1:46.82, 11thplace; 500 Yard Free: 7:51.46, 6thplace. Age 17-18:&nbsp; Emma Peters (age 17)-200 Yard Free: 3:16.65 (PR), 6thplace; 50 Yard Free: 34.01 (PR), 7thplace; 200 yard Breast: 4:01.09 (PR), 3rdplace; 200 Yard IM: 3:43.08 (PR), 7thplace; 100 Y ard Free: 1:22.40 (PR), 9thplace; 100 Yard Breast: 1:48.18 (PR), 4thplace. The next meet for the Chadron Sharks will be in Deadwood, SD January 7-9, 2022 Sharks Team spokesman Alyssa Peters says ...."These kids have been working incredibly hard and have been making enormous strides in their times! "

Chadron Sharks Swim Team competes in several events

John Madden, the Hall of Fame coach turned broadcaster whose exuberant calls combined with simple explanations provided a weekly soundtrack to NFL games for three decades, died Tuesday morning, the league said. He was 85.

The NFL said he died unexpectedly and did not detail a cause.

Madden gained fame in a decade-long stint as the coach of the renegade Oakland Raiders, making it to seven AFC title games and winning the Super Bowl following the 1976 season. He compiled a 103-32-7 regular-season record, and his .759 winning percentage is the best among NFL coaches with more than 100 games.

But it was his work after prematurely retiring as coach at age 42 that made Madden truly a household name. He educated a football nation with his use of the telestrator on broadcasts; entertained millions with his interjections of “Boom!” and “Doink!” throughout games; was an omnipresent pitchman selling restaurants, hardware stores and beer; became the face of “Madden NFL Football,” one of the most successful sports video games of all-time; and was a best-selling author.

Most of all, he was the preeminent television sports analyst for most of his three decades calling games, winning an unprecedented 16 Emmy Awards for outstanding sports analyst/personality, and covering 11 Super Bowls for four networks from 1979-2009.

“People always ask, are you a coach or a broadcaster or a video game guy?” he said when was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. “I’m a coach, always been a coach.”

He started his broadcasting career at CBS after leaving coaching in great part because of his fear of flying. He and Pat Summerall became the network’s top announcing duo. Madden then helped give Fox credibility as a major network when he moved there in 1994, and went on to call prime-time games at ABC and NBC before retiring following Pittsburgh’s thrilling 27-23 win over Arizona in the 2009 Super Bowl.

“I am not aware of anyone who has made a more meaningful impact on the National Football League than John Madden, and I know of no one who loved the game more,” Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said in a statement.

Burly and a little unkempt, Madden earned a place in America’s heart with a likable, unpretentious style that was refreshing in a sports world of spiraling salaries and prima donna stars. He rode from game to game in his own bus because he suffered from claustrophobia and had stopped flying. For a time, Madden gave out a “turducken” — a chicken stuffed inside a duck stuffed inside a turkey — to the outstanding player in the Thanksgiving game that he called.

“Nobody loved football more than Coach. He was football,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. “He was an incredible sounding board to me and so many others. There will never be another John Madden, and we will forever be indebted to him for all he did to make football and the NFL what it is today.”

When he finally retired from the broadcast booth, leaving NBC’s “Sunday Night Football,” colleagues universally praised Madden’s passion for the sport, his preparation, and his ability to explain an often-complicated game in down-to-earth terms.

“No one has made the sport more interesting, more relevant and more enjoyable to watch and listen to than John,” play-by-play announcer Al Michaels said at the time.

For anyone who heard Madden exclaim “Boom!” while breaking down a play, his love of the game was obvious.

“For me, TV is really an extension of coaching,” Madden wrote in “Hey, Wait a Minute! (I Wrote a Book!).”

“My knowledge of football has come from coaching. And on TV, all I’m trying to do is pass on some of that knowledge to viewers.”

Madden was raised in Daly City, California. He played on both the offensive and defensive lines for Cal Poly in 1957-58 and earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the school.

Madden was chosen to the all-conference team and was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles, but a knee injury ended his hopes of a pro playing career. Instead, Madden got into coaching, first at Hancock Junior College and then as defensive coordinator at San Diego State.

Al Davis brought him to the Raiders as a linebackers coach in 1967, and Oakland went to the Super Bowl in his first year in the pros. He replaced John Rauch as head coach after the 1968 season at age 32, beginning a remarkable 10-year run.

With his demonstrative demeanor on the sideline and disheveled look, Madden was the ideal coach for the collection of castoffs and misfits that made up those Raiders teams.

“Sometimes guys were disciplinarians in things that didn’t make any difference. I was a disciplinarian in jumping offsides; I hated that,” Madden once said. “Being in bad position and missing tackles, those things. I wasn’t, ‘Your hair has to be combed.’”

“I always thought his strong suit was his style of coaching,” quarterback Ken Stabler once said. “John just had a great knack for letting us be what we wanted to be, on the field and off the field. ... How do you repay him for being that way? You win for him.”

And boy, did they ever. Many years, the only problem was the playoffs.

Madden went 12-1-1 in his first season, losing the AFL title game 17-7 to Kansas City. That pattern repeated itself during his tenure; the Raiders won the division title in seven of his first eight seasons, but went 1-6 in conference title games during that span.

Still, Madden’s Raiders played in some of the sport’s most memorable games of the 1970s, games that helped change rules in the NFL. There was the “Holy Roller” in 1978, when Stabler purposely fumbled forward before being sacked on the final play. The ball rolled and was batted to the end zone before Dave Casper recovered it for the winning touchdown against San Diego.

The most famous of those games went against the Raiders in the 1972 playoffs at Pittsburgh. With the Raiders leading 7-6 and 22 seconds left, the Steelers had a fourth-and-10 from their 40. Terry Bradshaw’s desperation pass deflected off either Oakland’s Jack Tatum or Pittsburgh’s Frenchy Fuqua to Franco Harris, who caught it at his shoe tops and ran in for a TD.

In those days, a pass that bounced off an offensive player directly to a teammate was illegal, and the debate continues to this day over which player it hit. The catch, of course, was dubbed the “Immaculate Reception.”

Oakland finally broke through with a loaded team in 1976 that had Stabler at quarterback; Fred Biletnikoff and Cliff Branch at receiver; tight end Dave Casper; Hall of Fame offensive linemen Gene Upshaw and Art Shell; and a defense that included Willie Brown, Ted Hendricks, Tatum, John Matuszak, Otis Sistrunk and George Atkinson.

The Raiders went 13-1, losing only a blowout at New England in Week 4. They paid the Patriots back with a 24-21 win in their first playoff game and got over the AFC title game hump with a 24-7 win over the hated Steelers, who were crippled by injuries.

Oakland won it all with a 32-14 Super Bowl romp against Minnesota.

“Players loved playing for him,” Shell said. “He made it fun for us in camp and fun for us in the regular season. All he asked is that we be on time and play like hell when it was time to play.”

Madden battled an ulcer the following season, when the Raiders once again lost in the AFC title game. He retired from coaching at age 42 after a 9-7 season in 1978.

By Josh Dubow - Associated PressJohn Madden, the Hall of Fame coach turned broadcaster whose exuberant calls combined with simple explanations provided a weekly soundtrack to NFL games for three decades, died Tuesday morning, the league said. He was 85.The NFL said he died unexpectedly and did not detail a cause.Madden gained fame in a decade-long stint as the coach of the renegade Oakland Raiders, making it to seven AFC title games and winning the Super Bowl following the 1976 season. He compiled a 103-32-7 regular-season record, and his .759 winning percentage is the best among NFL coaches with more than 100 games.But it was his work after prematurely retiring as coach at age 42 that made Madden truly a household name. He educated a football nation with his use of the telestrator on broadcasts; entertained millions with his interjections of “Boom!” and “Doink!” throughout games; was an omnipresent pitchman selling restaurants, hardware stores and beer; became the face of “Madden NFL Football,” one of the most successful sports video games of all-time; and was a best-selling author.Most of all, he was the preeminent television sports analyst for most of his three decades calling games, winning an unprecedented 16 Emmy Awards for outstanding sports analyst/personality, and covering 11 Super Bowls for four networks from 1979-2009.“People always ask, are you a coach or a broadcaster or a video game guy?” he said when was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. “I’m a coach, always been a coach.”He started his broadcasting career at CBS after leaving coaching in great part because of his fear of flying. He and Pat Summerall became the network’s top announcing duo. Madden then helped give Fox credibility as a major network when he moved there in 1994, and went on to call prime-time games at ABC and NBC before retiring following Pittsburgh’s thrilling 27-23 win over Arizona in the 2009 Super Bowl.“I am not aware of anyone who has made a more meaningful impact on the National Football League than John Madden, and I know of no one who loved the game more,” Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said in a statement.Burly and a little unkempt, Madden earned a place in America’s heart with a likable, unpretentious style that was refreshing in a sports world of spiraling salaries and prima donna stars. He rode from game to game in his own bus because he suffered from claustrophobia and had stopped flying. For a time, Madden gave out a “turducken” — a chicken stuffed inside a duck stuffed inside a turkey — to the outstanding player in the Thanksgiving game that he called.“Nobody loved football more than Coach. He was football,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. “He was an incredible sounding board to me and so many others. There will never be another John Madden, and we will forever be indebted to him for all he did to make football and the NFL what it is today.”When he finally retired from the broadcast booth, leaving NBC’s “Sunday Night Football,” colleagues universally praised Madden’s passion for the sport, his preparation, and his ability to explain an often-complicated game in down-to-earth terms.“No one has made the sport more interesting, more relevant and more enjoyable to watch and listen to than John,” play-by-play announcer Al Michaels said at the time.For anyone who heard Madden exclaim “Boom!” while breaking down a play, his love of the game was obvious.“For me, TV is really an extension of coaching,” Madden wrote in “Hey, Wait a Minute! (I Wrote a Book!).”“My knowledge of football has come from coaching. And on TV, all I’m trying to do is pass on some of that knowledge to viewers.”Madden was raised in Daly City, California. He played on both the offensive and defensive lines for Cal Poly in 1957-58 and earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the school.Madden was chosen to the all-conference team and was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles, but a knee injury ended his hopes of a pro playing career. Instead, Madden got into coaching, first at Hancock Junior College and then as defensive coordinator at San Diego State.Al Davis brought him to the Raiders as a linebackers coach in 1967, and Oakland went to the Super Bowl in his first year in the pros. He replaced John Rauch as head coach after the 1968 season at age 32, beginning a remarkable 10-year run.With his demonstrative demeanor on the sideline and disheveled look, Madden was the ideal coach for the collection of castoffs and misfits that made up those Raiders teams.“Sometimes guys were disciplinarians in things that didn’t make any difference. I was a disciplinarian in jumping offsides; I hated that,” Madden once said. “Being in bad position and missing tackles, those things. I wasn’t, ‘Your hair has to be combed.’”The Raiders responded.“I always thought his strong suit was his style of coaching,” quarterback Ken Stabler once said. “John just had a great knack for letting us be what we wanted to be, on the field and off the field. ... How do you repay him for being that way? You win for him.”And boy, did they ever. Many years, the only problem was the playoffs.Madden went 12-1-1 in his first season, losing the AFL title game 17-7 to Kansas City. That pattern repeated itself during his tenure; the Raiders won the division title in seven of his first eight seasons, but went 1-6 in conference title games during that span.Still, Madden’s Raiders played in some of the sport’s most memorable games of the 1970s, games that helped change rules in the NFL. There was the “Holy Roller” in 1978, when Stabler purposely fumbled forward before being sacked on the final play. The ball rolled and was batted to the end zone before Dave Casper recovered it for the winning touchdown against San Diego.The most famous of those games went against the Raiders in the 1972 playoffs at Pittsburgh. With the Raiders leading 7-6 and 22 seconds left, the Steelers had a fourth-and-10 from their 40. Terry Bradshaw’s desperation pass deflected off either Oakland’s Jack Tatum or Pittsburgh’s Frenchy Fuqua to Franco Harris, who caught it at his shoe tops and ran in for a TD.In those days, a pass that bounced off an offensive player directly to a teammate was illegal, and the debate continues to this day over which player it hit. The catch, of course, was dubbed the “Immaculate Reception.”Oakland finally broke through with a loaded team in 1976 that had Stabler at quarterback; Fred Biletnikoff and Cliff Branch at receiver; tight end Dave Casper; Hall of Fame offensive linemen Gene Upshaw and Art Shell; and a defense that included Willie Brown, Ted Hendricks, Tatum, John Matuszak, Otis Sistrunk and George Atkinson.The Raiders went 13-1, losing only a blowout at New England in Week 4. They paid the Patriots back with a 24-21 win in their first playoff game and got over the AFC title game hump with a 24-7 win over the hated Steelers, who were crippled by injuries.Oakland won it all with a 32-14 Super Bowl romp against Minnesota.“Players loved playing for him,” Shell said. “He made it fun for us in camp and fun for us in the regular season. All he asked is that we be on time and play like hell when it was time to play.”Madden battled an ulcer the following season, when the Raiders once again lost in the AFC title game. He retired from coaching at age 42 after a 9-7 season in 1978.

John Madden, Hall of Fame coach and broadcaster, dies at 85

&nbsp;Nebraska head volleyball coach&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/staff.aspx?staff=265">John Cook</a>&nbsp;announced Tuesday that assistant coach and recruiting coordinator&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/staff.aspx?staff=271">Jaylen Reyes</a>&nbsp;will move into the Huskers' lead assistant role following the departure of associate head coach Tyler Hildebrand. Hildebrand was announced Sunday as the new head women's volleyball coach at Long Beach State. Reyes joined the Nebraska staff in March 2018. As the Huskers' recruiting coordinator, he has helped NU land the nation's No. 1 recruiting class for 2021 and the No. 2 class for 2022, according to PrepVolleyball.com. Reyes coaches the Husker liberos and defense while helping coordinate game plans and scouting reports and assisting with other positions. In 2021, Nebraska boasted an elite defense and held opposing teams to just .148 hitting for the year. Libero&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=43123">Lexi Rodriguez</a>&nbsp;was the 2021 AVCA National Freshman of the Year and a first-team All-American, starring alongside fellow All-America selections&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=43484">Kayla Caffey</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=43487">Madi Kubik</a>. As a team, the Huskers claimed an NCAA runner-up finish. "Jaylen is committed to Nebraska Volleyball, and we're thrilled to see him rewarded for his hard work, especially with our stellar recruiting classes," Cook said. "He's putting down roots in Lincoln, and our program will continue to succeed with a young coach of his caliber on our bench." In just six years of coaching at the collegiate level, Reyes has built a strong reputation nationally for his recruiting. A former BYU libero, Reyes was previously an assistant coach for the BYU men's volleyball team from 2016-18. He handled player development and was the recruiting coordinator for the Cougars, who reached the NCAA Championship match in 2016 and 2017 and were NCAA semifinalists in 2018. "I'm thrilled to continue my journey with the Nebraska volleyball program into the future," Reyes said. "It has been a privilege to coach these incredible student-athletes over the last four seasons, and I'm excited to be a part of our current and future Huskers' journey for a championship. "I want to thank Chancellor Ronnie Green and Vice Chancellor, Athletic Director&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/staff.aspx?staff=1497">Trev Alberts</a>&nbsp;for their generous support. I also want to sincerely thank Coach Cook for taking a chance on a 25-year-old coach in 2018. I am grateful for his mentorship and for the opportunity to be a part of the best volleyball program in the country for years to come. There is no place like Nebraska."&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640197549215.jpeg" alt="Karlie Moore/Nebraska&nbsp; Communications" />
 <figcaption>Karlie Moore/Nebraska&nbsp; Communications</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy: NU Athletic Communications&nbsp;Nebraska head volleyball coach&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/staff.aspx?staff=265">John Cook</a>&nbsp;announced Tuesday that assistant coach and recruiting coordinator&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/staff.aspx?staff=271">Jaylen Reyes</a>&nbsp;will move into the Huskers' lead assistant role following the departure of associate head coach Tyler Hildebrand. Hildebrand was announced Sunday as the new head women's volleyball coach at Long Beach State. Reyes joined the Nebraska staff in March 2018. As the Huskers' recruiting coordinator, he has helped NU land the nation's No. 1 recruiting class for 2021 and the No. 2 class for 2022, according to PrepVolleyball.com. Reyes coaches the Husker liberos and defense while helping coordinate game plans and scouting reports and assisting with other positions. In 2021, Nebraska boasted an elite defense and held opposing teams to just .148 hitting for the year. Libero&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=43123">Lexi Rodriguez</a>&nbsp;was the 2021 AVCA National Freshman of the Year and a first-team All-American, starring alongside fellow All-America selections&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=43484">Kayla Caffey</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=43487">Madi Kubik</a>. As a team, the Huskers claimed an NCAA runner-up finish. "Jaylen is committed to Nebraska Volleyball, and we're thrilled to see him rewarded for his hard work, especially with our stellar recruiting classes," Cook said. "He's putting down roots in Lincoln, and our program will continue to succeed with a young coach of his caliber on our bench." In just six years of coaching at the collegiate level, Reyes has built a strong reputation nationally for his recruiting. A former BYU libero, Reyes was previously an assistant coach for the BYU men's volleyball team from 2016-18. He handled player development and was the recruiting coordinator for the Cougars, who reached the NCAA Championship match in 2016 and 2017 and were NCAA semifinalists in 2018. "I'm thrilled to continue my journey with the Nebraska volleyball program into the future," Reyes said. "It has been a privilege to coach these incredible student-athletes over the last four seasons, and I'm excited to be a part of our current and future Huskers' journey for a championship. "I want to thank Chancellor Ronnie Green and Vice Chancellor, Athletic Director&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/staff.aspx?staff=1497">Trev Alberts</a>&nbsp;for their generous support. I also want to sincerely thank Coach Cook for taking a chance on a 25-year-old coach in 2018. I am grateful for his mentorship and for the opportunity to be a part of the best volleyball program in the country for years to come. There is no place like Nebraska."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Huskers promote Reyes to Volleyball lead assistant

Courtesy: NU Athletic Communications&nbsp;

Nebraska associate head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/staff.aspx?staff=270">Tyler Hildebrand</a>&nbsp;will return to his alma mater as the head women's volleyball coach at Long Beach State, it was announced Sunday evening. Hildebrand is the fourth Nebraska assistant coach in the last six years to land a Division I head coaching job. "First, I would like to say how proud I am -- and we all are -- of the fight our girls just had in their postseason run," Hildebrand said. "I have never seen a team play with that much heart and grit to will big wins down the stretch. "Ultimately, this is an opportunity to be a head coach at my alma mater. We look forward to the journey ahead at Long Beach State, but we will never forget our time at Nebraska, which has been incredibly memorable. Our program, the student-athletes and Husker Nation are the reason we say 'There is no place like Nebraska.' I have loved every minute of it, and Nebraska will always hold a special place in my heart." Hildebrand has spent three seasons on the staff at Nebraska over the last five years. As an assistant coach in 2017, he helped the Huskers to their fifth NCAA championship, and three players –&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/staff.aspx?staff=1302">Kelly Hunter</a>, Mikaela Foecke and Annika Albright -- were named All-Americans. Hildebrand was responsible for the Husker defense, which led the Big Ten with an opponent hitting percentage of .154. Spending two years away as the Director of Coaching for the USA Volleyball Beach National Team program, Hildebrand remained connected to Nebraska, serving as a consultant for&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/staff.aspx?staff=265">John Cook</a>&nbsp;in his spare time. In Hildebrand's role with the national team, he has identified and recruited athletes to join the beach program and worked directly with the four beach teams that represented Team USA at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. He had also previously coached at the 2016 Games in Rio. Hildebrand returned for his second stint in Lincoln in 2020 as the first associate head coach in Cook's tenure (2000-present). In his first season back at NU, he helped coach&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=43482">Nicklin Hames</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=43492">Lauren Stivrins</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=43488">Lexi Sun</a>&nbsp;to All-America recognition, and Nebraska qualified for the NCAA Elite Eight during the spring season. Hildebrand was instrumental in NU's success in 2021, as the Huskers finished as national runner-up and made their 10th NCAA Final appearance in program history. NU counted three All-Americans in&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=43123">Lexi Rodriguez</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=43484">Kayla Caffey</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=43487">Madi Kubik</a>. "I'm sad that Tyler is moving on from Nebraska, but we are very happy for the Long Beach State program," Cook said. "They are getting a respected coach who's returning to his alma mater, which is a tremendous opportunity for him. Long Beach State's tradition is as rich as any program in the country, and he has a chance to make that an elite program again. Tyler knows that, and he has a great plan for them to succeed. "I want to personally thank Tyler on behalf of our team and staff for everything he has done for Nebraska Volleyball over the last five years. I wish him and his family the best, and I'm excited to see what he's going to do with the Long Beach State program." Hildebrand, a three-time first-team All-America setter at Long Beach State, spent five seasons on the coaching staff of the men's volleyball program there, including two years as associate head coach.&nbsp;In his final season on staff, Hildebrand was tabbed the 2017 AVCA Assistant Coach of the Year. He also served as the program's the top assistant from 2013-15.&nbsp; Hildebrand boasts collegiate, professional and international coaching experience on both the men's and women's sides. He traveled with the U.S. Men's National Team to Tokyo as the squad's setting consultant for the 2015 FIVB World Cup. The U.S. went 10-1 over the two-week round robin tournament to win its first World Cup since 1985 and qualify for the 2016 Olympics. Hildebrand played professionally on the Men's AVP Tour for two years (2006-07), then moved on to play internationally. He was a member of the U.S. Men's National Team from 2006 to 2012, winning four Pan American Cup championships over that period as part of his decorated career. While continuing his playing career, Hildebrand returned to the bench for the first time in 2008 as a volunteer assistant coach for Long Beach State under Alan Knipe. Hildebrand joins Dani Busboom Kelly (Louisville), Chris Tamas (Illinois) and Kayla Banwarth (Ole Miss) as recent Husker assistants to take over Division I programs. "Thank you to Coach Cook, who will forever be one of my greatest mentors and friends," Hildebrand said. "Thank you to the players for another opportunity to coach amazing young women doing amazing things. And thank you to our administration and staff for everything they have done to welcome our family to Lincoln. I can't wait to see what comes of the next few years of Nebraska Volleyball. It's going to be special, and we will root them on every step of the way."&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640009623572.jpeg" alt="Scott Bruhn/Nebraska Communications" />
 <figcaption>Scott Bruhn/Nebraska Communications</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy: NU Athletic Communications&nbsp;Nebraska associate head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/staff.aspx?staff=270">Tyler Hildebrand</a>&nbsp;will return to his alma mater as the head women's volleyball coach at Long Beach State, it was announced Sunday evening. Hildebrand is the fourth Nebraska assistant coach in the last six years to land a Division I head coaching job. "First, I would like to say how proud I am -- and we all are -- of the fight our girls just had in their postseason run," Hildebrand said. "I have never seen a team play with that much heart and grit to will big wins down the stretch. "Ultimately, this is an opportunity to be a head coach at my alma mater. We look forward to the journey ahead at Long Beach State, but we will never forget our time at Nebraska, which has been incredibly memorable. Our program, the student-athletes and Husker Nation are the reason we say 'There is no place like Nebraska.' I have loved every minute of it, and Nebraska will always hold a special place in my heart." Hildebrand has spent three seasons on the staff at Nebraska over the last five years. As an assistant coach in 2017, he helped the Huskers to their fifth NCAA championship, and three players –&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/staff.aspx?staff=1302">Kelly Hunter</a>, Mikaela Foecke and Annika Albright -- were named All-Americans. Hildebrand was responsible for the Husker defense, which led the Big Ten with an opponent hitting percentage of .154. Spending two years away as the Director of Coaching for the USA Volleyball Beach National Team program, Hildebrand remained connected to Nebraska, serving as a consultant for&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/staff.aspx?staff=265">John Cook</a>&nbsp;in his spare time. In Hildebrand's role with the national team, he has identified and recruited athletes to join the beach program and worked directly with the four beach teams that represented Team USA at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. He had also previously coached at the 2016 Games in Rio. Hildebrand returned for his second stint in Lincoln in 2020 as the first associate head coach in Cook's tenure (2000-present). In his first season back at NU, he helped coach&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=43482">Nicklin Hames</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=43492">Lauren Stivrins</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=43488">Lexi Sun</a>&nbsp;to All-America recognition, and Nebraska qualified for the NCAA Elite Eight during the spring season. Hildebrand was instrumental in NU's success in 2021, as the Huskers finished as national runner-up and made their 10th NCAA Final appearance in program history. NU counted three All-Americans in&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=43123">Lexi Rodriguez</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=43484">Kayla Caffey</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=43487">Madi Kubik</a>. "I'm sad that Tyler is moving on from Nebraska, but we are very happy for the Long Beach State program," Cook said. "They are getting a respected coach who's returning to his alma mater, which is a tremendous opportunity for him. Long Beach State's tradition is as rich as any program in the country, and he has a chance to make that an elite program again. Tyler knows that, and he has a great plan for them to succeed. "I want to personally thank Tyler on behalf of our team and staff for everything he has done for Nebraska Volleyball over the last five years. I wish him and his family the best, and I'm excited to see what he's going to do with the Long Beach State program." Hildebrand, a three-time first-team All-America setter at Long Beach State, spent five seasons on the coaching staff of the men's volleyball program there, including two years as associate head coach.&nbsp;In his final season on staff, Hildebrand was tabbed the 2017 AVCA Assistant Coach of the Year. He also served as the program's the top assistant from 2013-15.&nbsp; Hildebrand boasts collegiate, professional and international coaching experience on both the men's and women's sides. He traveled with the U.S. Men's National Team to Tokyo as the squad's setting consultant for the 2015 FIVB World Cup. The U.S. went 10-1 over the two-week round robin tournament to win its first World Cup since 1985 and qualify for the 2016 Olympics. Hildebrand played professionally on the Men's AVP Tour for two years (2006-07), then moved on to play internationally. He was a member of the U.S. Men's National Team from 2006 to 2012, winning four Pan American Cup championships over that period as part of his decorated career. While continuing his playing career, Hildebrand returned to the bench for the first time in 2008 as a volunteer assistant coach for Long Beach State under Alan Knipe. Hildebrand joins Dani Busboom Kelly (Louisville), Chris Tamas (Illinois) and Kayla Banwarth (Ole Miss) as recent Husker assistants to take over Division I programs. "Thank you to Coach Cook, who will forever be one of my greatest mentors and friends," Hildebrand said. "Thank you to the players for another opportunity to coach amazing young women doing amazing things. And thank you to our administration and staff for everything they have done to welcome our family to Lincoln. I can't wait to see what comes of the next few years of Nebraska Volleyball. It's going to be special, and we will root them on every step of the way."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Husker volleyball assistant Tyler Hildebrand named Head Coach at Long Beach State

NEW YORK (AP) —The NBA on Sunday postponed a total of five games involving nine teams in response to rising coronavirus numbers, raising the number of contests that have been pushed back this season to seven.

Called off were three Sunday games: Cleveland at Atlanta, Denver at Brooklyn and New Orleans at Philadelphia. Also shelved were Orlando's game at Toronto on Monday and Washington's game at Brooklyn on Tuesday.

The postponements came on the same day that Atlanta announced star guard Trae Young entered the league's health and safety protocols and the Los Angeles Lakers said coach Frank Vogel also was added to the list.

Leaguewide, through Sunday afternoon, there were at least 68 players who have either been ruled out to play — or in the case of the postponed games, would have been ruled out — because they are in the protocols. That number has soared in recent days, with the NBA just one of many sports leagues worldwide dealing with a rapidly worsening issue.

U.S. officials are expecting a wave of breakthrough infections among the vaccinated given the surge of holiday travelers and gatherings expected in the coming days. The NBA has said 97% of players are fully vaccinated and somewhere around 60% had received boosters as of last week. It was not clear how many of the current positive cases involve those who are ineligible for a booster shot or those who have chosen not to receive one.

Also not clear is how many of the NBA cases involve asymptomatic players. The NFL has revised its protocols so that only unvaccinated players and those experiencing possible symptoms of COVID-19 will be tested. The NHL has five teams shut down through Christmas because of outbreaks, and numerous college games at all levels have been canceled in recent days.

“It is what it is. Just trying to stay safe as possible and that’s all you can do,” Lakers guard Russell Westbrook said of the NBA’s rising numbers. Westbrook was briefly in the protocols late last week, before returning at least three negative coronavirus tests and being cleared to return to play without missing a game.

The league and the National Basketball Players Association have been discussing a plan in which teams in desperate need of players would be able to sign reinforcements to 10-day contracts but without those deals impacting salary cap and luxury tax figures. That deal has not yet been finalized, though talks are continuing.

The Cavaliers had five players enter the protocols on Sunday, the team said. All five — center Jarrett Allen, forwards Lamar Stevens and Dylan Windler and guards Denzel Valentine and RJ Nembhard — tested positive for COVID-19, according to a person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the team did not release that specific detail.

They joined Isaac Okoro and Evan Mobley, who entered the protocols previously.

Vogel won't be on the bench when his Lakers play Sunday at Chicago. David Fizdale will coach in Vogel's place, the Lakers said. The Bulls are returning to the court after having two games postponed last week.

Chicago still doesn't have all of its players back yet, either. Among those listed as out Sunday and still in protocols is Olympic gold medalist Zach LaVine.

Through Saturday’s games, those were the only games the NBA had pushed back during this outbreak. But on Sunday, the league added significantly to the list of postponements, with teams simply not having enough players to compete.

Brooklyn alone has 10 players, plus some staff, in the protocols.

“It’s just crazy,” Nets forward Blake Griffin said.

Brooklyn's list of players in protocols includes Kevin Durant, James Harden and — even though he’s still not yet able to play — Kyrie Irving, who has sat out all season for not complying with New York City's vaccine mandate. The team reversed course Friday and said Irving would be welcomed back “for games and practices in which he is eligible to participate,” knowing he’d still miss two games at the Knicks and trips to Toronto and Golden State.

The Nets had eight available players for Saturday night's game against Orlando. The Magic had nine, including four players — Aleem Ford, Hassani Gravett, B.J. Johnson and Admiral Schofield — who were signed late last week to hardship contracts because of virus issues and injuries decimating Orlando's roster.

Here's how necessary they were: Magic coach Jamahl Mosley had all four on the court together in two separate stretches of Orlando's win.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639341015562.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) —The NBA on Sunday postponed a total of five games involving nine teams in response to rising coronavirus numbers, raising the number of contests that have been pushed back this season to seven.Called off were three Sunday games: Cleveland at Atlanta, Denver at Brooklyn and New Orleans at Philadelphia. Also shelved were Orlando's game at Toronto on Monday and Washington's game at Brooklyn on Tuesday.The postponements came on the same day that Atlanta announced star guard Trae Young entered the league's health and safety protocols and the Los Angeles Lakers said coach Frank Vogel also was added to the list.Leaguewide, through Sunday afternoon, there were at least 68 players who have either been ruled out to play — or in the case of the postponed games, would have been ruled out — because they are in the protocols. That number has soared in recent days, with the NBA just one of many sports leagues worldwide dealing with a rapidly worsening issue.U.S. officials are expecting a wave of breakthrough infections among the vaccinated given the surge of holiday travelers and gatherings expected in the coming days. The NBA has said 97% of players are fully vaccinated and somewhere around 60% had received boosters as of last week. It was not clear how many of the current positive cases involve those who are ineligible for a booster shot or those who have chosen not to receive one.Also not clear is how many of the NBA cases involve asymptomatic players. The NFL has revised its protocols so that only unvaccinated players and those experiencing possible symptoms of COVID-19 will be tested. The NHL has five teams shut down through Christmas because of outbreaks, and numerous college games at all levels have been canceled in recent days.“It is what it is. Just trying to stay safe as possible and that’s all you can do,” Lakers guard Russell Westbrook said of the NBA’s rising numbers. Westbrook was briefly in the protocols late last week, before returning at least three negative coronavirus tests and being cleared to return to play without missing a game.The league and the National Basketball Players Association have been discussing a plan in which teams in desperate need of players would be able to sign reinforcements to 10-day contracts but without those deals impacting salary cap and luxury tax figures. That deal has not yet been finalized, though talks are continuing.The Cavaliers had five players enter the protocols on Sunday, the team said. All five — center Jarrett Allen, forwards Lamar Stevens and Dylan Windler and guards Denzel Valentine and RJ Nembhard — tested positive for COVID-19, according to a person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the team did not release that specific detail.They joined Isaac Okoro and Evan Mobley, who entered the protocols previously.Vogel won't be on the bench when his Lakers play Sunday at Chicago. David Fizdale will coach in Vogel's place, the Lakers said. The Bulls are returning to the court after having two games postponed last week.Chicago still doesn't have all of its players back yet, either. Among those listed as out Sunday and still in protocols is Olympic gold medalist Zach LaVine.Through Saturday’s games, those were the only games the NBA had pushed back during this outbreak. But on Sunday, the league added significantly to the list of postponements, with teams simply not having enough players to compete.Brooklyn alone has 10 players, plus some staff, in the protocols.“It’s just crazy,” Nets forward Blake Griffin said.Brooklyn's list of players in protocols includes Kevin Durant, James Harden and — even though he’s still not yet able to play — Kyrie Irving, who has sat out all season for not complying with New York City's vaccine mandate. The team reversed course Friday and said Irving would be welcomed back “for games and practices in which he is eligible to participate,” knowing he’d still miss two games at the Knicks and trips to Toronto and Golden State.The Nets had eight available players for Saturday night's game against Orlando. The Magic had nine, including four players — Aleem Ford, Hassani Gravett, B.J. Johnson and Admiral Schofield — who were signed late last week to hardship contracts because of virus issues and injuries decimating Orlando's roster.Here's how necessary they were: Magic coach Jamahl Mosley had all four on the court together in two separate stretches of Orlando's win.———