Phil Bergman
- Multimedia Director, Naval Academy Athletic Association
Chicago
Associate AD, Brand Strategy & Broadcasting @UICFlames | @Mizzou, @OhioUSportsAD alum | Philly-native | Likes/Retweets not endorsements, opinions my own.
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Articles by Phil Bergman
UIC ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME CLASS: Jim Schmidt
This feature is part of a series profiling the seven members of the UIC Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2023. This year's class will be inducted during ceremonies on Sept. 23 as part of the inaugural Flames Fest weekend at UIC. By Phil Bergman, UIC Associate Athletics Director – Creative Services & Broadcasting For nearly four decades, Jim Schmidt was synonymous with UIC Athletics.
The Kid from Kosovo: Lirion Murtezi’s journey to Navy
Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium serves a purpose bigger than football. Bordering the stadium field is a wall featuring U.S. Navy or Marine Corps battle names. Situated along the southwest portion of this wall is the name Kosovo, to remember the United States and NATO’s efforts in Eastern Europe. For one current Navy football player, this war is extremely personal. “If it wasn’t for America, my family would be dead,” said Lirion Murtezi, a junior guard for the Midshipmen.
The Kid from Kosovo: Lirion Murtezi’s journey to Navy
Football | 9/7/2022 9:21:00 AM Story Links Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium serves a purpose bigger than football. Bordering the stadium field is a wall featuring U.S. Navy or Marine Corps battle names. Situated along the southwest portion of this wall is the name Kosovo, to remember the United States and NATO's effort in Eastern Europe. For one current Navy football player, this war is extremely personal.
Nebraska Athletics moving to mobile ticketing
LINCOLN, Neb. (KMTV) — Nebraska Athletics announced starting this fall, all home sporting events will be using mobile tickets instead of the traditional paper tickets. "This was an adjustment we made on the fly, something we've looked at for years and saw professional teams use for years and due to everything going on we thought it was the right year to adopt," said Brandon Meier, the Sr. Associate AD for Marketing & Multimedia with Nebraska Athletics.
Topgolf Omaha to open next week
OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Topgolf Omaha announced it will be opening to the public next week on Monday July 13th. The interactive driving range was scheduled to open in late March but never did due to the coronavirus pandemic. “We feel now is the time to open up to this community,” said Marcus Parent, Topgolf Omaha’s Director of Operations. “We wanted to make sure that we opened up in a very safe manner.” Parent said the 72 bays are 11 feet apart and are perfect for social distancing.
90,000 fans in Memorial Stadium? Health experts weigh in
OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — On Monday evening 3 News Now reported eight huskers athletes staff and student-athletes tested positive for COVID-19, including five members of the football team. With the start of college football just over two months away, 3 News Now has been asking health experts and administrators if it's time to start looking at whether fans should be in the stands for opening kickoff.
Pinnacle Bank Championship details changes to tournament
OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — The Pinnacle Bank Championship announced earlier this week it will be playing without spectators next month. One Wednesday, 3 News Now learned more about how the tournament will run. “Safety is our top concern so we’re using our time and energy to make sure it can be a safe event for the community,” said Jessica Brabec, the Pinnacle Bank Championship Tournament Director. She said the tournament is putting in strong safety measures including having people tested on site.
With no CWS, businesses near TD Ameitrade Park hurting financially
OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Without the 2020 College World Series taking place this June, businesses located near TD Ameritrade Park area seeing a hit financially. On Friday, The Dugout, a sports apparel store located across the street from TD Ameritrade Park at the corner of 13th and Cuming, announced it would be closing its doors at the end of the month. Opened in 1997, the Dugout has been at its location across the street from the stadium since 2011.
What Should've Been: 2020 College World Series Opening Ceremony
OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Friday night was supposed to be the start of the 2020 College World Series opening ceremonies. But due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the collegiate baseball championship tournament is not taking place. The event has been held in Omaha since 1950 and this season was going to be the tenth College World Series at TD Ameritrade Park.
Omaha Storm Chasers host "Field of Dreams" events at Werner Park
OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — With minor league baseball on hold during the coronavirus pandemic, the Omaha Storm Chasers are hosting small groups at Werner Park to play on the field. Called “Field of Dreams," the team lets families and groups of under ten people rent out the ball field for an hour at the price of $100 an hour. “I am just so excited for the kids,” said John O’Neill, an assistant coach with Papillion Storm Chasers 13U Black, who rented the field for an hour on June 4.
Family of James Scurlock speaks out after his death
OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) - On Monday we learned that the Douglas County Attorney’s Office would not be charging Gatsby Bar owner Jake Gardner in connection to the death of 22-year-old James Scurlock at this time. 3 News Now reporter Phil Bergman talked with Scurlock’s brother and mom in an interview you can only see on 3 News Now. Watch the interview in full at the top of the page. It’s been just under 72 hours since Scurlock was shot and killed near 13th and Harney.
Patrons head to bars in Iowa after reopening
COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (KMTV) — On Thursday, bars across Iowa were allowed to open back up to patrons, as long as they still followed certain directed health measures. 3 News Now went out to Council Bluffs to talk with patrons who were getting drinks Friday afternoon. “Just to meet up again but be distanced is a good thing...to see a familiar face in a familiar spot,” said Jessie Stoffel, a customer at Barley’s Bar who met up with Nikki Clausen at the bar’s patio.
As COVID-19 cases rise, area hospitals handle surge
OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — On Tuesday the Omaha Metropolitan Healthcare Coalition, which covers Douglas, Dodge, Sarpy, Saunders and Washington counties, reported that there are 141 total inpatients diagnosed with COVID-19 and just over 75-percent of the ICU beds at their hospitals are occupied. These numbers have been updated since 3 News Now reported on the growing amount of coronavirus cases in the region and how hospital occupancy rates are trending upward.
Nebraska Medicine reports COVID-19 inpatients at an all-time high
By: Kent Luetzen , Aaron Hegarty , Phil Bergman OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Nebraska Medicine is reporting an all time high in the number of inpatients with confirmed COVID-19. Taylor Wilson, a spokesperson for the hospital, says they are seeing an increase in new patients infected with the virus, a trend the hospital has noticed in the last few days. Omaha Metro Healthcare Coalition is reporting 72 percent of ICU beds are currently filled, though not all are coronavirus related.
University of Nebraska-Omaha professor discusses Omaha road bond passage
OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Last week, voters in Omaha approved a bond issuance that will allow the city to create its first pavement maintenance program. As part of the $200-million bond issuance, the city can now spend $75 million a year on roads, compared to $41 million and will potentially be able to resurface each road over a 20-year period.
A mixed bag for restaurants in Douglas County
OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — It’s been 11 days since Governor Pete Ricketts loosened in-person dining restrictions in 59 Nebraska counties, including Douglas County. A week and a half later, how are these restaurants faring? “It’s been slow, but we expected it to be slow,” said Zoe Olson, the Nebraska Restaurant Association Executive Director. Olson said restaurants have upped their already high sanitation standards and are making sure staff and guests are protected at all times.
Midland University becomes first school in Nebraska to add women's flag football as a varsity sport
OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Midland University announced this week it will be adding women’s flag football as its 33rd varsity sport. The program will start pay in Spring 2021 and will have 25 student-athletes on the roster. “Flag football has actually been growing in terms of youth,” said Midland President Jody Horner.
Polling precincts see low numbers due to coronavirus pandemic
OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — With many people deciding to vote early and via mail, polling places saw some of its lowest numbers in years for the 2020 Nebraska primary. “By far this is the slowest we’ve ever been,” said Gary Bussard, the inspector of the precinct at Omaha Burke High School. At the Burke location only nine voters came in during the first three hours the polls were open. Across town at Elkhorn South, the three precincts combined for 50 voters over its first four hours.
Nebraska National Guard tests 305 guests at Open Door Mission for COVID-19
OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — On Monday the Open Door Mission, in partnership with the Nebraska National Guard, tested 305 guests for coronavirus. The group is roughly 92-percent of the those at the Open Door Mission who were eligible to be tested. “The facility, their personnel, helped in processing the patients for us. [It] went a lot smoother for us and it made it able for us to get the 300 number in a three hour time lapse,” said Capt. Trevor Bellows of the Nebraska National Guard.
Minority populations make up more than half of the positive coronavirus cases in Douglas County
OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Minorities make up more than 65 percent of the coronavirus cases in Douglas County, according to the Douglas County Health Department. In an afternoon press conference Douglas County Health Department Director Dr. Adi Pour said 69 percent of the cases come from minorities, up from 26 percent a month ago. Of this group, 15 percent are Asian, 15 percent are African-American and 39 percent are Hispanic.
Creighton biologists discuss the Asian giant hornet, nicknamed the "Murder Hornet"
OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Over the weekend social media blew up over news that the murder hornet, an insect known for its ability to kill other insects, had arrival to the United States this past fall. The vespa mandarinia, or the asian giant hornet is considered the largest hornet in the world, tallying nearly two inches in length and has been given the nickname murder hornet.
Sports psychologist discusses mental impact of COVID-19 on high school athletes
OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Over the past month and a half 3 News Now has shared stories about how the coronavirus is affecting high school activities such as prom and high school sports. But how are these high schoolers supposed to handle these changes mentally? “A lot of our kids haven’t had a lot of tough times in their life so when something like this comes along it really hits them extra hard,” said Jack Stark, a psychologist who specializes in sports and mental health issues.
Four current and former University of Nebraska-Lincoln students file suit against NCAA
OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Seven women, four of them current or former University of Nebraska students, have sued the NCAA for negligence, fraud and breach of contract among others, saying the organization didn’t protect them from sexual assaults made by college athletes.
University of Nebraska journalism class discusses state's coverage of coronavirus
OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Over the past month and a half, journalism coverage across the country has shifted to nonstop coverage of the coronavirus pandemic. While media outlets think they're doing a good job with their coverage, 3 News Now wanted to find out what aspiring journalists think of coverage of the pandemic at the state level.
Hamburg Community School District adapting to virtual classrooms
HAMBURG, Iowa (KMTV) — The Hamburg Community School District in southwest Iowa is still adjusting to virtual learning. Instead of attending classes in person, students attend lectures via Zoom, YouTube or Google Classroom and turn in assignments to their teachers. "This is totally different," said Wendy Duncan, the fourth grade teacher at the school who has taught for 22 years. "Is it ideal?
Omaha roofing company repairs roof for free for 21-year Marine Corps veteran
SIDNEY, Iowa (KMTV) — An Omaha roofing company repaired a 21-year Marine Corps veterans’ roof for free after being nominated by friends and his wife. Each year for Veterans Day, D&M Roofing and Siding in Omaha provides a free roof to a veteran. The 2019 recipient was Mike Crecelius, a veteran and current Fremont County Emergency Management Coordinator. On Wednesday, the company came out to Crecelius’ house in Sidney, Iowa to repair and update his roof. “It was surprising,” Crecelius said.
Cancer patients' access to treatment affected by coronavirus
OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — People across the world are facing the effects of the coronavirus in some way but the pandemic is causing serious concerns for cancer patients. Limits to non-emergency medical treatments and financial hardships are placing those in the fight against cancer in a tougher position than normal.
University of Nebraska System announces free tuition for low income families
Posted at 10:42 AM, Apr 17, 2020 and last updated 2020-04-17 11:42:51-04 LINCOLN, Neb. (KMTV) — The University of Nebraska System announced low-income students will be able to attend the University of Nebraska tuition-free moving forward. Called "Nebraska Promise", the program allows any Nebraska student with a family income of $60K or less to attend the University of Nebraska tuition free.
Omaha Storm Chasers still operating with season on hold due to COVID-19 pandemic
OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Tuesday was supposed to be Opening Day at Werner Park for the Omaha Storm Chasers as the team kicked off its 52nd season in Omaha and its tenth in Sarpy County. However, due to the coronavirus, Minor League Baseball postponed the 2020 season, leaving the Storm Chasers, and soccer partner Union Omaha, waiting to kick off competition this year.
Former Huskers Katerian LeGrone, Andre Hunt expelled from the University of Nebraska
OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Former Nebraska football players Katerian LeGrone and Andre Hunt have been expelled from the University of Nebraska, according to a university spokesperson. As first reported Monday by ESPN, 3 News Now learned the former student-athletes were expelled for violating the school’s sexual misconduct policy. As part of the expulsion they're not allowed on campus and do not have the possibility of readmission. The expulsion will stay on the student's permanent academic records.
With no directive health measures in place, Nebraska City businesses staying open
NEBRASKA CITY, Neb. (KMTV) — In Nebraska there are currently no state-wide directive health measures in place. Otoe County is just 45 minutes south of Omaha and to the east of Lincoln and is one of the counties in the state where there are no directive health measures in place. “We have to survive,” said Tammy Woods, the owner of Curl Up and Dye Salon in Nebraska City.
Iowa distillery making hand sanitizer facing challenges
EARLING, Iowa (KMTV) — A distillery in Shelby County, Iowa has switched from producing vodka and bourbon to hand sanitizer during the coronavirus pandemic. Lonely Oak Distillery in Earling, Iowa started making hand sanitizer two weeks ago. Its owners, Pat and Amy Hoffmann, were both former health care workers and wanted to do their part to help stop the spread of coronavirus. “We know what it’s like to be on the front lines and need supplies and not know where to get them,” Pat Hoffmann said.
Following the Floods: Pacific Junction
PACIFIC JUNCTION, Iowa (KMTV) — It's been just over one year since flooding devastated parts of Nebraska and southwestern Iowa. In the year since, communities are recovering, balancing the act of rebuilding with living what they call the new normal. Over the month, 3 News Now is heading to some of the communities affected by the 2019 flood and see how they're doing a year later.
Fans can receive refunds for NCAA Tournament games scheduled to be played in Omaha
OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Earlier Wednesday the NCAA announced men's basketball tournament games will be played without any spectators, meaning fans will not be able to attend first and second round games at CHI Health Center Omaha. With thousands of tickets already sold for the six games in Omaha next week, fans are wondering what options they have for now worthless pieces of paper.
Creighton Blue Crew entertains fans, cheers on team at home sporting events
OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — The Creighton Blue Crew is part of the spirit squad at Creighton. Decked out in blue and white striped pants and donning face-paint, the Blue Crew is a staple at Creighton home sporting events for men's and women's basketball, men's and women's soccer and volleyball. At basketball games, the group stands the entire game behind the opposing team's basket, cheering on the Bluejays throughout the game.
The debate of paying college athletes in Nebraska
LINCOLN, Neb. (KMTV) — The topic of name, image and likeness in the world of college athletics has been up for debate for some time. Just this week, NCAA leadership answered questions from the U.S. senate committee on commerce, science and transportation in Washington D.C. Here in Nebraska, a bill is being discussed which would allow college athletes to profit off their name, image and likeness.
Web Extra: UNL law professor discusses proposed name, image, and likeness bill
LINCOLN, Neb. (KMTV) — Nebraska senator Megan Hunt is proposing a name, image and likeness bill which would allow college athletes to be compensated. Reporter Phil Bergman sat down with Jo Potuto, a law professor at UNL who is one of the nation's top legal scholars on name, image and likeness. They touch on pay to play, gender equity and how sponsorship will be affected by the bill. Watch the full interview in the above video. Copyright 2020 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
Economic impact of 2020 U.S. Olympic Swim Trials
OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — The U.S. Olympic Swim Trials will be returning to Omaha in June 2020 and this time around, taxpayers, sponsors and city officials helped pay more than $1 million to keep the trials in Omaha. Big events are big business and it costs a lot of money to keep away competing bid cities. City organizers promised $3.1 million dollars from donors, sponsors and taxpayers to keep the event in town, with the public paying $1.3-million towards the trials.
U.S. evacuees from China expected to arrive in Omaha Friday
OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — The Wuhan coronavirus is continuing to spread. On Friday a plane full of Americans is headed to Omaha from China for quarantine at Camp Ashland. To prepare for the arrival, officials went through a rundown of what Friday's events were going to be like. Dana Hall, a regional administrator with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said this will be the largest quarantine her team has been responsible for on U.S. soil.
"If You Give a Child a Book" Drive at Franklin Elementary
OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Thursday is National Reading Day. In honor of the holiday 3 News Now's parent company, E.W. Scripps, sponsored a national "If You Give a Child a Book" campaign to help promote literacy in children. 3 News Now, Scholastic Books and the Scripps-Howard Foundation teamed up to provide funding to pay for four free books for each student at Franklin Elementary in Omaha.
Former Huskers Katerian LeGrone, Andre Hunt in Lancaster County Court Thursday
LINCOLN, Neb. (KMTV) — Former Nebraska football players Katerian LeGrone and Andre Hunt were back in Lancaster County Court Thursday afternoon. The two men are charged with first-degree sexual assault . A preliminary hearing is set for February 26th for LeGrone and Hunt. "My client hasn't committed any sexual assaults, my client is innocent," said Carlos A. Monzon, Andre Hunt's attorney. "We have somebody that decided to swipe right on Tinder. She set up a date with my client to have sex with him.
Omaha couples looking for wedding venues after Noah's Event Venue closes
OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Noah's Event Venue, a popular event space and wedding venue in Omaha announced in an email to customers it will be closing it's location at 17121 Marcy Street, leaving engaged couples stranded without a venue and wondering if they'll get their money back. "My heart sank right away, as soon as I got the email I thought this could not be happening," said Kyndra Jensen, a 25-year old physical therapy student who was planning on using the space for her wedding on August 28, 2020.
National Safety Council, Nebraska State Patrol give tips for driving safely during winter weather
OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — With multiple crashes in the area coupled with winter weather, safety experts are urging drivers to be extra-cautious on the roads. The number of Nebraska vehicle deaths in December are up 43-perecent from this time last year. The 239 deaths in 2019 is an eight-percent increase from 2018. "We encourage people to reduce their speed which allows you to increase that stopping distance," said Trooper Keith Bell of the Nebraska State Patrol.
Reports: 2020 MLB Draft coming to Omaha
OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Omaha is home to the College World Series, but come 2020 it is expected another major baseball event will take place in the city. Multiple reports indicate Major League Baseball is planning on moving the 2020 first-year player draft to Omaha. "I think those of us within the college baseball world have been hoping for this for a while because it made sense," said Kyle Peterson, a college baseball analyst who's covered the CWS for ESPN.
Congresswoman Cindy Axne, local business owner discuss TRACED Act
COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (KMTV) — On Wednesday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the TRACED Act, legislation to stop illegal and unwanted robocalls. "This is a big inconvenience for folks," said U.S. Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03). "It's interrupting people's ability to get their work done, it's interrupting their livelihoods and they're also violating laws." Congresswoman Axne is an avid opponent of robocalls.
Phil in the Blank with Wyatt Mazour
Posted: 6:51 PM, Nov 27, 2019 Updated: 2019-11-27 19:51:56-05 This week on Phil in the Blank, 3 News Now Reporter Phil Bergman discusses movies, music and time travel with former walk-on Wyatt Mazour. OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) —This week on Phil in the Blank, 3 News Now Reporter Phil Bergman discusses movies, music and time travel with former walk-on Wyatt Mazour. Copyright 2019 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Phil in the Blank: Chase Urbach
Posted: 6:59 PM, Nov 20, 2019 Updated: 2019-11-20 19:59:10-05 The Nebraska long snapper sat down with Phil Bergman on this week's segment LINCOLN, Neb. (KMTV) — On this week's segment of Phil in the Blank, reporter Phil Bergman sat down with Nebraska senior long snapper Chase Urbach to discus his specialty position, favorite songs and his field goal celebrations. Watch the interview in the above video. Copyright 2019 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
Omaha men's basketball hosts "kids day"
OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — On Thursday, more than 1,600 elementary school students from 16 schools in the Omaha area attended the Omaha Mavericks men's basketball home opener as part of the program's "Kids Day". "They love it, they bring a lunch, come out and enjoy a fun day," said Pam Schwarting, the Assistant Athletic Director of Community Relations. The Mavericks hosted nearby Midland for the home opener and scheduled the game for noon so the students could attend.
Phil in the Blank: Jacob Epperson
Posted: 7:01 PM, Nov 06, 2019 Updated: 2019-11-06 20:01:41-05 OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — On this week's segment of Phil in the Blank, reporter Phil Bergman was joined by Creighton basketball sophomore Jacob Epperson to talk childhood heroes, nicknames and what it was like growing up in Australia. Watch the interview in the above video. Copyright 2019 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Bill Moos, Ronnie Green comment on NCAA name, image and likeness announcement
LINCOLN, Neb. (KMTV) — Nebraska Athletic Director Bill Moos and UNL Chancellor Ronnie Green released the following statement in regards to the NCAA's recent announcement regarding name, image and likeness. “The University of Nebraska is always interested in providing the best and most meaningful collegiate experience for all of our student-athletes. We are closely monitoring the latest information and discussions regarding the use of a student-athlete’s name, image and likeness.
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