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Articles by Tony Chapman
2026 NSAA boys golf championships recap
It’s twice as nice for Lincoln East and Creighton; a first for Bennington and Bergan’s title takes extra work By Tony Chapman, Chris Basnett and Terry Douglass – For the Nebraska School Activities Association There was a little bit of everything at the Nebraska School Activities Association state golf tournaments that brought the 2025-26 school year championships to a close on May 28.
2026 NSAA track and field championships recap: Classes C and D
Dundy County Stratton completes a second consecutive sweep in Class D; multiple records go down in the Class C event as Chase County and Kearney Catholic win titles By Tony Chapman – For the Nebraska School Activities Association After the rain went away, the stars came out to shine on Friday and Saturday in the Class C and D state track meet at Omaha Burke Stadium. And shine they did.
2026 NSAA track and field championships preview
Some of the best track and field athletes in state history will be at Burke Stadium for the 2026 state meet By Tony Chapman and Chris Basnett – For the Nebraska School Activities Association In any given year, spectators at the NSAA state track meet might be lucky enough to see a class record holder or two perform on the state’s grandest stage at Omaha Burke Stadium.
Some of the best track and field athletes in state history will compete in State Meet
Some of the best track and field athletes in state history will compete in State Meet By Tony Chapman and Chris Basnett – For the Nebraska School Activities Association
Archangels claim Neb. D2 State title
LINCOLN — The state tournament t-shirts said “30th state tournament appearance” but the Nebraska Public Television graphic said a first state title for Archangels Catholic. Both were right, but it didn’t seem to matter much. It was the former Humphrey St. Francis’ new nickname that stuck out the most during the Class D-2 state basketball tournament. The Defenders.
G.I. Police investigate suspicious device in mailbox
GRAND ISLAND – The Grand Island Police Department responded to a report of a suspicious device located in a mailbox in the 4300 block of Sherwood Road at 1:40 p.m. March 10. Officers were dispatched to the scene at approximately 1:40 p.m. March 10 after a resident reported observing an unusual item inside their mailbox and provided a photo of the device to responding officers. After reviewing the image, officers determined the item appeared suspicious and initiated additional safety precautions.
Grass fire breaks out north of Kearney, west of Glenwood roundabout
KEARNEY — A grass fire broke out north of Kearney and west of Glenwood Corners during the afternoon hours of Tuesday, March 10. Around 2:45 p.m., the Kearney Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched near the intersection of Highway 40 and 5th Ave., just west of the Glenwood roundabout, for the report of a grass fire that was spreading. On scene, a grass fire was spreading on the south side of Highway 40 and was approaching several structures, one which appeared to be abandoned.
Grand Island VA Medical Center welcomes nurses to job fair
Grand Island VA Medical Center (Courtesy photo) GRAND ISLAND – The Grand Island VA Medical Center is hosting a job fair for registered nurses and licensed practical nurses interested in joining the VA nursing team from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 28 at the Medical Center at 2201 N. Broadwell Ave. Attendees will be able to learn about open positions and benefits, tour the Grand Island VA Medical Center, and participate in on-the-spot interviews.
Fire Weather Watch issued for central Nebraska on Thursday
A Kearney Volunteer Fire Department grass rig on scene, near the scene of a structure fire and large wildfire north of Riverdale in March 2025, (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today) HASTINGS — A Fire Weather Watch has been issued for all of south-central Nebraska during the afternoon and early evening hours of Thursday, March 12.
UNK Volleyball Spring match vs Wayne State to be part of Omaha Supernovas “Volleyball After Dark Showcase”
The Omaha Supernovas, the world’s leading professional volleyball franchise, are excited to announce they will host the Nebraska-Kearney (UNK) and Wayne State volleyball programs for a spring match April 10 on Kiewit Court at the CHI Health Center as part of the Supernovas’ Second Annual “Volleyball After Dark Showcase.” First serve is scheduled for 5 p.m. CDT, leading into the Supernovas’match against the Grand Rapids Rise at 8 p.m. CDT.
Attorneys will now be automatically appointed for juvenile misdemeanor, infraction cases
(From left) Local Bar Association President Ben Shanahan, Hall County Attorney Marty Klein, Hall County Public Defenders' Office juvenile division head Sidnea Brown, and Hall County Public Defender Vicky Kenney talk to Hall County Commissioners March 10 about an addition of having an attorney appointed for juveniles charged with misdemeanors or infractions.
Train, Play & Compete Volleyball program to be held at Kearney SportsPlex
City of Kearney SportsPlex, (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today) KEARNEY — The Nebraska Volleyball Academy and the Kearney Park and Recreation Department have team-up to offer an innovative youth volleyball program called Train, Play & Compete Volleyball. This program is built on a proven methodology created by former University of Iowa coach, Ruth Nelson. Fun, skill development and game readiness will be the focus of the program, led by certified, experienced and trained coaches.
2026 NSAA Boys Basketball Championships Preview
Rick Tucker, Central Nebraska Today LINCOLN — The 2026 Nebraska School Activities Association’s state boys basketball championships begin play on Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena and the Bob Devaney Sports Center. Opening round games at both sites will tip off at 9 a.m. each day of the tournament. Five of six defending champions have returned: Papillon-LaVista South (A), Omaha Skutt Catholic (B), Ashland-Greenwood (C-1), Archbishop Bergan (C-2), and St. Mary’s (D-2).
Fred Love wins Democratic nomination for governor in Arkansas primary election
Ashley Bell wins Democratic nomination for U.S. House in North Carolina's 10th Congressional District
Randy Weber wins Republican nomination for U.S. House in Texas' 14th Congressional District
Randy Weber wins Republican nomination for U.S. House in Texas' 14th Congressional District Randy Weber wins Republican nomination for U.S. House in Texas' 14th Congressional District
2026 NSAA Girls Basketball Championships Preview
Photo Courtesy: Donna Wiedeburg / Sidney Public Schools LINCOLN - The Nebraska School Activities Association’s state basketball championships this week will be a historic one on the girls side, marking the 50th state tournament which began with a four-class field in 1977 and state championships for Lincoln East (Class A), York (Class B), Hastings St. Cecilia (Class C) and Shickley (Class D).
2026 NSAA Girls Basketball Championships Preview
LINCOLN - The Nebraska School Activities Association’s state basketball championships this week will be a historic one on the girls side, marking the 50th state tournament which began with a four-class field in 1977 and state championships for Lincoln East (Class A), York (Class B), Hastings St. Cecilia (Class C) and Shickley (Class D). Classes A, C-2 and D-2 will kick off the championships on Wednesday with Classes B, C-1 and D-1 playing opening round contests on Thursday.
C2 Girls State Basketball Preview
LINCOLN – There are some loaded fields in this year’s state girls tournament and then there is Class C-2. The past five champions – all different schools – are all in the round of eight which begins on Wednesday morning when Pender faces Centura at the Bob Devaney Center. In order, those past five champions are: Oakland-Craig (2025), Yutan (2024), Pender (2023), Hastings St. Cecilia (2022) and Crofton (2021). St. Cecilia also won in 2019 and 2020.
Strong start helps St. Cecilia defeat Northwest
GRAND ISLAND – Any basketball coach would tell you getting off to a good start is a key to victory. Not a requirement, of course, but it sure helps. kAm$F49 H2D E96 42D6 7@C r=2DD r\a[ }@] f w2DE:?8D $E] r64:=:2 @? %F6D52J ?:89E 2E #@D6?4C2?ED vJ>] %96 w2H<6EE6D ;F>A65 E@ 2 `a\_ =625 @? vC2?5 xD=2?5 }@CE9H6DE Wd\fX 2?5 ?6G6C EC2:=65 :? 2 dc\cd H:?
Weekend Warriors: Big prep performances from the weekend
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Nebraska girls hoops season is off to a strong start. Each Monday during the season we will highlight a top player from each class in our "Weekend Warriors" column. Six players. Six classes.
Nebraska High School Girls Basketball Coaches Poll 12-15-25
Each week during the Nebraska high school girls basketball season, select coaches from the six Nebraska classes rate the teams in their class and our Tony Chapman compiles the rankings. Here is the first in-season poll for the 2025-26 season.
Weekend Warriors: a prospect that shined from each class
Prep Hoops Graphic In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Nebraska girls hoops season got off to a strong start over the weekend. Each Monday during the season we will highlight a top player from each class in our "Weekend Warriors" column. Six players. Six classes. And a weekend full of big performances. Here is our first crack.
2025 NSAA State Football Championship Finals - Classes D1, D2 and D6 Preview
The Nebraska School Activities Association state football championships begin their three-day march over a five-day span on Friday night in Kearney with the 6-man championship game at Ron and Carol Cope Stadium. The 8-man championship games will kick off the six-game set at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Monday, Nov. 24. The 6-man final will feature first time participants Garden County (11-0) and Southwest (11-0) with the game televised on News Channel Nebraska.
Garden County Wins Six Man Title Over Southwest, 41-22
Nov 21, 2025 / By Tony Chapman – For the Nebraska School Activities Association Photo Credit: KRGI Sports Network Sometimes in football, especially six-man football, it’s the weird play that can turn the tide. So it went for Garden County as they opened the floodgates on Southwest in the second quarter of the Class D-6 State Championship game on Friday night at Ron and Carol Cope Stadium at Nebraska-Kearney.
State’s Top Talent and Four Champions Back at State Volleyball
The 54th Nebraska School Activities Association state volleyball championships will begin their four day run in Lincoln on Wednesday. Classes A, B and C-1 will kick off the championships on Wednesday with Classes C-2, D-1 and D-2 playing opening round contests on Thursday. Quarterfinal and semifinal matches will be played at Pinnacle Bank Arena before Saturday’s state championship matches are played at the Bob Devaney Center.
Ord pulls away to defeat Doniphan-Trumbull in opening round
DONIPHAN — Unfortunately for Doniphan-Trumbull, Ord looked like a team that’s ready to make a deep run in the Class C-2 state football playoffs on Friday night. kAm%96 r92?ED D4@C65 @? E96:C 7:CDE A=2J 7C@> D4C:>>286 – 2 ch\J2C5 y@C52? (:==:2>D CF? – E92E D6E E96 E@?6 7@C 2 eb\b_ H:? E92E ~C5 3C@<6 @A6? 27E6C 92=7E:>6]k^Am kAm“%96:C 23:=:EJ E@ CF? E96 32== 2?5 A=2J H:E9 E6>A@ :D D@>6E9:?8 J@F ;FDE 42?’E D:>F=2E6[“ D2:5 r2C5:?2= 4@249 y@C52?
Kearney hosting Nebraska high school state cross country championships on Friday
By Tony Chapman and Chris Basnett / For the Nebraska School Activities Association The 66th NSAA boys state cross country championships and 46th girls edition take their place in the championship rotation on Friday, October 24 at the Kearney Country Club. Through district qualifying last Thursday, 862 individuals qualified with most runners a part of the 114 teams that advanced to the state meet.
Nebraska High School Volleyball Coaches Poll 10-6-25
Each week during the Nebraska high school volleyball season, select coaches from the six Nebraska classes rate the teams in their class, our Tony Chapman compiles the rankings. Here are the Nebraska High School Volleyball Coaches Poll ratings for week six of the 2025 season.
Nebraska High School Volleyball Coaches Poll 9-8-25
Each week during the Nebraska high school volleyball season, select coaches from the six Nebraska classes rate the teams in their class and our Tony Chapman compiles the rankings. Here are the Nebraska High School Volleyball Coaches Poll ratings for week two of the 2025 season.
The Beginning of Something Big
FOOTBALL FRIDAY: On opening night, fans packed the stands at Preferred Popcorn Field in Central City as the Bison defeated Ord, 38-7. (Harvest Sports / Dante Boelhower) Ahhhh, Saturday morning. You are either 1-0 or 0-1. “Hey, the biggest improvement comes from week one to week two.” (Will Compton voice) The Newsletter is hoping we can give you week four or five effort to get things going in late August. Heck, even the Huskers are 1-0 before our first letter hits your inbox. Can’t beat that.
Under the Radar: Five 2027 Players to Watch
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Just like we did with our "Under the Radar" list for 2026 unranked players, we add a first look at some 2027 players in some of Nebraska's small classes who could have a big impact on the high school season. We again keep this to Class C and D athletes and will try to dive in to the bigger classes in the coming weeks.
Under the Radar: Six 2026 Players to Watch
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our first look at 2026 players in some of Nebraska's small classes is on tap. We look back to some Class C and D standouts from last season and also a few we saw this summer that improved their games. All of these players are not currently in our 2026 Top-50, but players we feel could make big strides for their schools this year and also play at the small-college level.
Sandy Creek, St. Cecilia battle in epic 3,200 relay
OMAHA - Sandy Creek's Anna Paus knew exactly what she had to do on Friday afternoon in the opening track event of the Class C state meet. "I saw who was in first place and I had her in my sight," Paus said. "And, I just knew I couldn't lose. I knew I had to go, that's all."
2025 NSAA State Girls Tennis Championships Preview
LINCOLN — The NSAA state tennis championships get underway on Thursday at Lincoln’s Woods Tennis Center with the Class B tournament on Thursday and Friday, May 22 and 23. With the Memorial Day weekend off, the Class A meet will also be at Woods on Tuesday, May 27 and 28. Matches begin at 9:00 AM each day, with championship matches at 1:00 on Friday and Wednesday. All first round matches are played in an 8-game pro set.
2025 NSAA State Track & Field Championships Preview
A new and improved Burke Stadium and some familiar record setters ready for the 2025 NSAA State Track and Field Championships The Nebraska School Activities Association’s state track meet begins its four-day run at Omaha Burke Stadium on Wednesday for the opening day of the Class A and B meets. Both classes will conclude on Thursday before giving way on Friday and Saturday for the Class C and D meets.
2025 NSAA Boys Basketball Championships Preview
LINCOLN — The state’s longest running state championship – there has been a state basketball tournament each year since 1911 – begins on Wednesday morning with the opening round in three of the six classes at the NSAA State Boys Basketball Championships. Classes A, C-1 and D-1 will kick off the championships on Wednesday with Classes B, C-2 and D-2 playing opening round contests on Thursday.
NSAA Girls State Basketball Tournament Preview
Photo Credit: Nebraska Schools Activities Association March Madness begins in full force on Wednesday with the opening round in three of the six classes at the 49th NSAA State Girls Basketball Championships. Classes A, C-1 and D-1 will kick off the championships on Wednesday with Classes B, C-2 and D-2 playing opening round contests on Thursday.
NSAA State Girls Basketball Championships Preview
March Madness begins in full force on Wednesday with the opening round in three of the six classes at the 49th NSAA State Girls Basketball Championships. Classes A, C-1 and D-1 will kick off the championships on Wednesday with Classes B, C-2 and D-2 playing opening round contests on Thursday. Four of the six defending champions have returned: Millard West (A), Lincoln Christian (C-1), Yutan (C-2) and Pender (D-1) are back to defend their 2024 titles.
Breakfast With Champions
Winter championship season is in full swing and the Newsletter is just hoping we can make it to mid-March without getting sick. A full Newsletter upon us before we get Class C and D sub-district girls basketball seeding later today. But, one other quick note before we dive in to another Power 20. This state bowling thing was completely mindblowing to us on Nebraska Public Television. The amount of pressure those kids face with each roll of the ball, each frame is maddening. And, how they handle it?
Nebraska High School Girls Basketball Coaches Poll 1.27.25
Each week during the Nebraska high school girls basketball season, select coaches from the six Nebraska classes rate the teams in their class and our Tony Chapman compiles the rankings. Here is the seventh poll for the 2024-25 season. Records are through games played on Saturday, January 25th.
After two tough tests, No. 9 Silver Lake bounces back with win over Pleasanton
ROSELAND - The lessons of playing the top two teams in Class C-1 over the holiday break paid off for Silver Lake on Tuesday night. The Class D-2, No. 9 Mustangs (7-2) used a gritty man-to-man defense coupled with a 40-30 edge in rebounding to hold off Pleasanton, 44-36.
Nebraska High School Girls Basketball Coaches Poll 12.2.24
Each week during the Nebraska high school girls basketball season, select coaches from the six Nebraska classes rate the teams in their class and our Tony Chapman compiles the rankings. Here is the preseason poll for the 2024-25 season.
Wood River defeats Doniphan-Trumbull for first playoff win since 1996
Tony Chapman HASTINGS TRIBUNE WOOD RIVER – For the second straight week, Wood River’s running game was too much for Doniphan-Trumbull. The unranked Eagles racked up 447 yards on the ground with Beau Rohrich and Mason Brabec leading the way to a 41-30 win over the Cardinals in the first round of the Class C-2 playoffs. “Beau Rohrich is a really good player,” D-T coach Jordan Conner said. “He’s pretty thick on the bottom half and he runs really hard.
State Softball Championship Finals Preview
The NSAA State Softball Championships return to Omaha’s Connie Claussen Field on Monday with first pitch slated for 12:30 in the Class C championship game between Bishop Neumann and Douglas County West. It will be the second year for the winner-take-all championship games with Class B to follow at 3:30 and Class A set for a 6:30 first pitch. “Last year was great for our sport,” said Millard North coach Travis Unzicker, whose Mustangs are one of two teams to return in 2024.
2024 Preseason Volleyball Coaches Poll
Each week during the high school volleyball season, select coaches from the six Nebraska classes rate the teams in their class and our Tony Chapman compiles the rankings. Here is the preseason poll for the 2024 season.
Final 2024 Girls Basketball Coaches Poll
Each week during the high school basketball season, select coaches from the six Nebraska classes rate the teams in their class and our Tony Chapman compiles the rankings. Here is the final girls basketball coaches poll for the 2023-2024 season presented by Pinnacle Bank.
Bison break out early to hand Tigers season-ending loss in B-7 semifinal
GRAND ISLAND — Hastings High’s furious comeback to extend the basketball season came up just short on Monday night against McCook at Northwest High School. Trailing 50-35 with 1:54 left, the Tigers went on a flurry, cutting the lead to 50-44 in just 51 seconds, but McCook would survive with 5-of-6 free throw shooting in the final 60 seconds for a 55-46 victory in the girls Class B, Subdistrict 7 semifinals. kAm%96 %:86CD 6?5 E96:C D62D@?
Girls Basketball Coaches Poll 2.12.24
Each week during the high school basketball season, select coaches from the six Nebraska classes rate the teams in their class and our Tony Chapman compiles the rankings. Here is the ninth in-season poll for the 2023-2024 season, presented by Pinnacle Bank Arena. Records are for games played through Saturday, Feb. 10. Class A (Record), Previous 1. Millard West (20-1), 1 2. Lincoln Southwest (18-3), 2 3. Lincoln Northeast (17-5), 5 4. Lincoln North Star (16-4), 4 5. Millard North (14-6), 3 6.
Patriots power past Class B Vikings with help from hot start
GRAND ISLAND — Adams Central girls coach Evan Smith was weary of running into a hot-shooting Northwest team on Thursday night at Rosencrants Gym. Instead, it was his Class C-1 No. 8 Patriots who took control of the game early and cruised to a 57-36 win that was never really in doubt. It was a little inside and a little outside for AC, which sprinted to a 17-8 first quarter lead and never looked back.
Girls Basketball Coaches Poll 1.15.24
Each week during the high school basketball season, select coaches from the six Nebraska classes rate the teams in their class and our Tony Chapman compiles the rankings. Here is the fifth in-season poll for the 2023-2024 season, presented by Pinnacle Bank. Records are for games played through Saturday, Jan. 13. Class A (Record), Previous 1. Millard West (11-0), 1 2. Millard North (10-2), 2 3. Omaha Central (12-2), 3 4. Lincoln Southwest (10-1), 4 5. Lincoln Northeast (10-2), 5 6. Omaha Marian (8-2), 6 7.
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