will help you fall in love with your home
Try a twist on the classic piña colada at Alice
Two high school State champs celebrate team wins
Located deep within the rocky, forested terrain of the Missouri Ozark Mountains, Big Cedar Lodge is a remote haven of natural beauty that brings conservation to life. Connect with family by connecting to the great outdoors. bigcedar.com
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prefer to spend this time of year under a cozy blanket or under a beach umbrella (I’ll take the beach umbrella), relaxation offers the opportunity for fresh ideas. Each business featured in this issue excels at creating new ways to improve our lives with a focus on providing an outstanding experience.
Our cover feature is a dynamic mother/ daughter duo—Lori Kirkpatrick and Tahnee Chedel with Hearts & Fire. They have combined their love for interior design with an edgy furniture and décor boutique that features one-of-a-kind curated pieces to bring out your individual personality and style.
For a fresh take on Indian cuisine, visit Kinaara at its new location inside Regency Court. Chef Ashish Sathyan and his wife Kimberly have crafted an upscale experience to delight your taste buds whether you prefer mild, medium, or extra hot. Want to experience a bit of paradise but can’t get away? Visit Alice for its classically inspired take on a piña colada that will rival any resort.
Our youth sections feature a young entrepreneur with a passion for sweet treats—Shining Sugar Cotton Candy Company—and two outstanding local high school student athletes who helped their teams to state championships last fall.
Be sure to check out the articles from our partners: The Exercise Coach, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska, Hightower Reff Law, and CountryHouse Residence, which provide insight on health and family-related topics.
Take time this winter to recharge and follow inspiration wherever it takes you.
Kathy Rygg Executive Editor
Perfectly curated to pair with our prime steaks and fresh seafood with cozy, warm flavors for the cooler months.
FEBRUARY 2023
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when Azita Soraya first moved to Omaha more than three decades ago, she found herself captivated by a neighborhood of homes located on 96th and Pacific Streets. At the time, she told herself that she would live in a home in that exact locale someday. Nearly 30 years later in the fall of 2019, her dream came true.
From the moment Soraya entered the home, she knew it was “the one.” While the home needed a lot of work, Soraya did not shy away. As she and her husband, Tim Martin, put in an offer for the home, design ideas were already dancing through her head.
Upon closing on the home, Soraya wasted no time getting started on the complete remodel project—which ended up taking three years to finish. Bringing her vision to life was quite enjoyable for Soraya, who owns an interior design company that focuses mostly on the healthcare industry. “I just envisioned what I wanted and then I created it,” she said. “And my husband, owner of Martin’s Countertops, sees a lot of amazing homes through his work. So, the two of us had a vision to make this house very special with quality work and top of the line features.”
On the outside of the home, distinct columns with stone marble offer an elegant first impression. The pristine landscaping doesn’t go unnoticed, either, and the home’s deck—which spans the length of the house—demonstrates the grand opportunities for outdoor entertaining before ever stepping foot inside the property.
Once inside the front entrance, details
such as intricate floor tile with complementary wallcoverings indicate the charming style that awaits. The dining room is spacious on its own, but a picturesque window stretching across the wall allows the space to appear particularly expansive and bright.
The spacious theme continues into the living room, thanks to an open floor plan that didn’t exist before Soraya and Martin moved into the home. The focal point of the room—a three-tone stone fireplace with a wine cellar and dry bar situated on either side—is another new
addition that the homeowners passionately designed.
A special feature in the kitchen includes the Corian cabinet doors that were crafted by Martin. While the previous kitchen featured wood paneling and darker tones, the new homeowners incorporated special touches like a stylish backsplash, high-end appliances, and a contrasting color scheme to enhance the now modern style of the home.
Even where darker colors are used throughout the home, Soraya noted the natural light from the oversized windows
ensures the space always remains open and airy. The master bath and walk-in closet were another undertaking that turned out precisely how Soraya intended. The spa-like details in the space create a retreat at the end of a long day.
The carpet throughout the six-bedroom, five-bathroom home is commercial grade, and custom commercial wood floors span the main living spaces. The walkout lower level features an expansive family room, bar, full kitchen, and two marbled bathrooms.
Soraya said every element of the home has a story, and each room was designed with both aesthetic and functionality in mind. For example, a second laundry room was conveniently added downstairs so that guests do not need to haul their laundry upstairs.
The location was one of the biggest selling points for Soraya and Martin, who have enjoyed being within walking distance of Countryside Village and Regency Shopping Center. They have especially appreciated the mature landscaping and well-established, safe neighborhood.
Yet, it’s the moments spent within the
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walls of the home that have meant the very most to the homeowners, who have celebrated birthdays, engagement parties, Sunday family dinners, and holidays with friends and family in the house. In some instances, there have been 60 to 70 guests in attendance at these gatherings, further illustrating that the home was intended for entertaining.
According to Soraya, the home has always been full of joy, celebration, and fun. “We hope the next homeowners receive all of the love and happiness that we had in this house,” she said. “Our advice is to enjoy the incredible neighbors and the neighborhood, and use this spacious home to create memories by hosting friends and family as often as possible.”
For more information, or to schedule a private showing, contact Teresa Elliott, realtor at NextHome Signature Real Estate at 402-690-1573 or teresa@elliottomaha.com.
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Kirsten Hilt 402-800-8271 kirsten.hilt@ houseofcolour.com
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Ashley Hedden 402-416-6776 ashley.hedden@ houseofcolour.com
We understand ending a marriage can be one of the hardest decisions you will make in your life. Our team of confident, clear and committed attorneys will help you untie your knot of worries. Let us handle the legal matters so you can focus on mapping your path forward. Call or message us to schedule a consultation, gain clarity and learn about your options. See
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“ She c hange d ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING. she saved my life.”
curated, edgy, conversational, one-of-a-kind—these are just a few words that describe the look, feel, and experience at Hearts & Fire furniture and décor boutique located in Rockbrook Village. Owned by mother/daughter team Lori Kirkpatrick and Tahnee Chedel, Hearts & Fire specializes in custom furniture and artisan-made pieces in a mix of vintage and modern styles that attract customers from across the country who want their homes to express their vivid, individual personalities.
After raising her family in North Platte, NE, Kirkpatrick moved to Arizona where she managed a furniture and décor boutique and then opened her own called Dos Corazones, which means Two Hearts—symbolic of the love between her and her husband. Meanwhile, Chedel lived in Omaha as a marketing professional but spent her vacation accompanying her mother on buying trips for the boutique. Each experience reawakened
a passion for interior design that Chedel had from a young age and now shares with Kirkpatrick.
The pair also shared a dream of one day owning a store together, but it didn’t seem feasible due to living in separate cities. However, Kirkpatrick surprised her daughter when she announced on Chedel’s wedding day that she and her husband had decided to move to Omaha to be closer to the family. “The day they
Story by KATHY RYGG | Photos by OMAHA HEADSHOT COMPANY Lori Kirkpatrick and Tahnee Chedel
announced they were moving back, we knew we were going to open a store together,” Chedel said.
The 4,000 sq. ft. boutique opened in October 2018. “Our goal was to curate a distinctive look and experience for Omaha filled with color, cutting-edge style, and inspiration-provoking items for those seeking out the next treasure to incorporate into their home,” Kirkpatrick said. “We were confident that Omaha would fall in love with the artisans we had sourced and established relationships with over the years. Omaha has gone crazy for them.”
Chedel and Kirkpatrick attend every major market across the country: Dallas, Atlanta, Las Vegas, New York City, High Point, NC, and visit smaller markets in Mexico. They approach these shows by seeking out pieces that likely aren’t sold anywhere else in Omaha. “We don’t know what we’re looking for until we go,” Kirkpatrick said. “We cover every square inch of the shows because you never know what you might find.” They move through the vendors quickly, starting early and staying late. They also visit the smaller vendors off the beaten path— anything that helps them to keep their offerings distinct.
Hearts & Fire purchases from a number of artists in Mexico who specialize in items such as hand-carved wood, hand-blown glass, and custom metal work. Kirkpatrick has even collaborated with artists to create the perfect piece for clients. Some of their favorite fabrics include cowhide, leather, velvet, and faux fur for a luxurious tactile experience. Every piece of furniture in the boutique has been fully vetted by the pair at market as well. “We’re very particular about quality, so we don’t order furniture without seeing it, feeling, it, and interacting with it at market first,” Kirkpatrick said.
Purchasing curated pieces for individual sale is one part of the Hearts & Fire business model. The majority of the boutique’s business comes from working with clients to design entire spaces in their homes, which is also Kirkpatrick and Chedel’s favorite aspect. The process starts with a visit to the client’s home to observe their style and determine if they want to keep it, change it, or design around a favorite item such as artwork. Kirkpatrick and Chedel take measurements of the space and then spend hours choosing furniture pieces, fabrics, and décor.
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Kirkpatrick said they don’t have a typical look or style they follow. Rather, they enjoy bending the rules and finding those fun, daring items that reflect a client’s personality. “Our clients come to us ready for a change but don’t know how to put together a look that represents them,” she said. “We love seeing the transformation that clients experience when they first see the fun, bold pieces we present, to when they see the finished concept months later and fall in love with their new space.”
Unlike most interior decorators who charge for their time by the hour, Hearts & Fire charges a retainer for services that is then applied toward items ordered. Chedel explained that this method allows them to design an entire space
from the bottom up without charging a separate fee. “Purchasing an entire room of furniture can be overwhelming, so this provides the client with a level of reassurance that we will help them from start to finish,” she said. “We give them an individual experience and help ensure their furniture suits their style and will stand the test of time.”
The boutique recently celebrated its four-year anniversary with a large event and typically holds three to four events each year that bring in clients from across the country. Kirkpatrick and Chedel’s next goal is to develop a design center where they can house fabric samples, have a presentation space, and invite other designers to collaborate on projects. They’d also like to create an e-commerce
For now, the co-owners encourage everyone to experience the boutique, which includes a complimentary glass of champagne, lively music, and an inviting space to sit back and relax or catch a game on TV for spouses who may prefer that over browsing. The boutique has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for modern or rustic, from a simple gift to custom-designed pieces.
Chedel described walking through the boutique as a journey of discovery that requires several laps to absorb everything it has to offer. Kirkpatrick added, “You don’t want to miss an opportunity to experience Hearts & Fire. Once you do, you’ll feel like you’re at home and will want to come back again and again.”
Maybe it was the worst holiday season ever or you have made a resolution to move on from a bad marriage. Either way, this time of year often inspires couples to resolve to dissolve their marriage. First, take a deep breath. Everything is going to be okay. We know this because we have helped thousands of clients move through divorce and forward with their lives. If you are contemplating divorce, you are likely seeking information and guidance. Your best first step, even if you are not certain about divorce, is to schedule a consultation with a reputable divorce attorney.
Ready. During an initial consultation, a good attorney will answer the big questions swirling in your head and determine what type of representation would work best for your unique circumstances. Most often, they will also give you a snapshot of what lies ahead and walk you through the process, from your consultation to the final court order. This time together also allows you to determine if you and the attorney you consult with are a good fit for one another.
Set. Assuming you want to proceed, a “Complaint for Dissolution of Marriage” (a legal pleading that serves as your re-
quest to the court to have your marriage dissolved), must be filed with the court. This document is filed in the district court in the county where either you or your spouse reside. Once the complaint is filed, a case number and a judge are assigned to your file.
Go. After your attorney has filed the complaint, proof must be given to the court that your spouse received notice of the filing. This is achieved by your spouse being served by the sheriff or by signing an acknowledgment called a Voluntary Appearance. From there you and your attorney may discuss asking the court to hold a temporary hearing to determine things such as financial and living arrangements while the divorce is pending. You will then begin an information gathering process known as discovery and eventually work your way to a final decree.
Your case is as unique as anyone else’s, and it is important to have a consultation with an experienced attorney who understands how to file for divorce in Nebraska and can expertly review the facts and circumstances of your case. You may already have specific questions about divorce laws, financial documentation,
settlement agreements, child custody and child support, property division, spousal support, and more. Schedule a consultation, bring your questions to the table, and take another deep breath. Everything will be okay.
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KINAARA
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kinaaraomaha.com
just before an unprecedented pandemic, Ashish and Kimberly Sathyan combined their unrelenting enthusiasm for hospitality by opening Kinaara in a tiny, unassuming space located in a Millard strip mall. Despite pandemic uncertainties, word of the Kerala cuisine spread quickly, and the co-owners soon outgrew the space. The new dining room, located inside Regency’s shopping center, is colorful and welcoming, dotted with robust green plants cared for by the local plant experts at Nodest.
After spending time abroad in India, Kimberly Sathyan developed a deep adoration for Indian food but didn’t imagine herself co-owning a restaurant. Inspired by her husband’s love for cooking and insatiable desire to share it, the former hair stylist, who has a degree in economics from the University of Nebraska Omaha, found herself navigating the business and getting to know customers in the original Millard restaurant.
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Ashish Sathyan’s love of cooking began at the elbows of his mother and grandmother. “I was always interested in how they made the food and thought attending culinary school after high school would be easier than engineering,” he said. The ambitious student fell in love with the food, the pace, and the customers, quickly moving up the ranks and soon working at a 5-star restaurant in Dubai.
Twenty years later, Sathyan crafts traditional
dishes from his childhood in Kinaara’s new space. Born of an affinity for shopping the daily market for fresh ingredients, he relishes relationships forged with, and ingredients found at local producers such as Miller Dohrmann Farm (wheat) and Long Walk Farm (spinach). “Better quality food is great medicine— better for your body and saves on health care in the long run,” he said.
In harmony with a love for all things local, Kinaara serves only local brews,
including craft beer from Jukes Ale Works, Nebraska Brewing Company, and Pint Nine Brewing Company. Craft cocktail ingredient quality mirrors that of the kitchen, using fresh squeezed juices, fresh herbs, and scratch mixers. In addition to a small list of classics, the menu features two unique offerings: a tamarind whiskey sour and a star anise and strawberry seltzer.
Kimberly Sathyan is proud of the inclusive service the front-of-house team
provides and credits former supervisors for teaching her to encourage and support staff so they feel listened to and cared about. “I love being able to employ people and help their lives,” she said.
Because the flavors, techniques, and ingredients are foreign to many diners, she ensures wait staff are knowledgeable about the menu and able to answer questions, gently guiding patrons to dishes they will enjoy. Additionally, the
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printed menu includes origin information, dish descriptions, and fun stories about each dish. Expanding diners’ palates is a privilege both owners appreciate. “We love to be asked for recommendations and take the time to explain and suggest the best dish,” Kimberly Sathyan said.
Popular appetizers include the Chat Samosas bejeweled with pomegranate seeds and drizzled with yogurt, or the aromatic Chilli Chicken. Entree offerings include standard Indian fare but focus primarily on the Kerala cuisine of Sathyan’s home state. Classics such as Pork Vindaloo are elevated with quality local ingredients such as Jon’s Naturals pork cheeks, resulting in tender, flavorful meat nestled in a zingy tomato-based sauce. Another local option is the Beef Coconut Fry made with Morgan Ranch Wagyu beef cubes.
Local Plum Creek Farms chicken is used in the Tandoori Chicken and frequent specials and collaborations often highlight and marry local products with Sathyan’s flavors. Close to the chef’s heart are dishes such as Grandma’s Fish and Mango Curry, featuring tender flaky salmon nestled in a beguiling sauce.
The couple is enthusiastic about Omaha, venturing out on their days off to visit other local establishments and supporting nonprofits where possible. One such nonprofit is the RISE Academy, an organization that helps people reassimilate after incarceration (Kinaara is on the list of employers willing to hire participants).
The Sathyans are bubbling over with future ideas and plans, including expanded bar menus, growing their own produce, additional collaborations and popups, and a chef’s table. Ashish Sathyan is especially excited about the latter option, describing it as “a special homestyle menu that feels as if you are visiting my house where my mom is preparing the dishes.” Reservations are recommended, but walk-ins are always welcome where the couple promises to treat you like family.
Story by EDGE CONTRIBUTOR Photos courtesy of BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD OF NEBRASKA
After months of holiday treats and cups of cheer, many of us find ourselves setting ambitious health goals for the year ahead. A few might even see those goals survive until February.
Caroline Kahnk makes a living helping colleagues keep their resolutions and enjoy the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. With over ten years of wellness leadership experience and a master’s in health promotion management, Kahnk is well-suited for her role as Wellness Coordinator at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE).
“I love helping people,” Kahnk said. “I love guiding this program that helps my friends live healthier and happier.” BCBSNE’s employees have 24/7 access to a fitness center at the company’s Aksarben Village headquarters, adjacent to Omaha’s Keystone Trail. Lockers and showers help Team Blue fit exercise into their workday.
Since the pandemic, Kahnk has flexed the program to keep up with BCBSNE’s hybrid workforce. “We want to meet our team wherever they are,” Kahnk explained. Two digital platforms, Wellbeats and Vitality, offer a library of guided workouts and a system for tracking activity. Recognizing the business case for employee health, BCBSNE offers cash rewards to employees who reach certain Vitality point thresholds.
Kahnk offers pointers for companies who want to promote a
healthy team but can’t provide a full Fitness Center experience or workers who don’t have a say in employers’ health programs. “Obviously, not every organization can make room for on-site treadmills and showers,” Kahnk said, “but they can partner with the gym down the road to give employees access.”
Leaders can foster health through daily interactions. Managers could encourage their team to flex wellness time into their day. For example, a busy parent’s only opportunity for exercise might be midmorning. “Maybe you encourage that person to block their calendar for a jog before lunch,” Kahnk said. “You seemingly lose a half-hour of
productivity, but in reality, the benefits the company gets back are so much greater.”
Groups with BCBSNE insurance have access to company experts for free consultations and support in creating their own customized wellness programs. Countless studies confirm what common sense knows: Even small changes go a long way toward clearer minds and sharper focus, fewer sick days and better work, higher morale and increased employee retention.
And while fitness centers can be attractive employee perks, BCBSNE is clear about the purpose behind its program. “We believe in ‘walking the
walk,’” Kahnk said. “We want to be a force for good in this state and help every Nebraskan live healthier and happier—to have more good years. That starts with us as an employer supporting healthy habits among our team. Then they carry the mission to our neighbors across the state.”
Vitality Health is an independent company providing workplace wellness services for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska. Wellbeats™ provides virtual fitness training for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
At only eight years old, Gloria Dickinson is already running her own successful business, the Shining Sugar Cotton Candy Company. Gloria was inspired by her sister Dagny, who also started her own business making hand-blended tea called Tiny Tea. Listening to her sister present concepts to their parents and watching Dagny’s hard work motivated Gloria to create her own business, which includes donating a portion of every sale to a non-profit organization.
Edge: What sparked the idea to start Shining Sugar?
Dickinson: My dad and I read aloud together every morning, and one day we read the Young Entrepreneur Shoutout section in a magazine called Tuttle Times, where two sisters decided to start a cotton candy business. It took me only minutes to realize that is what I wanted to do too! For my fifth birthday party, I received a mini cotton candy machine, so I already knew how to make cotton candy at home. I thought that if I can put my love of sugar and my love of
cotton candy into one business, I would be in paradise. I love the idea of getting to make something I enjoy eating and being able to sell it to others. I knew it would make people happy.
Edge: How do you prepare for sales events like the Omaha Children’s Business Fair?
Dickinson: I did lots of research on different types of cotton candy. I found a source that makes all kinds of really fun and unique flavors, and then I asked my neighbors, family, and friends which
Story by SHELLY NOSBISCH Photos courtesy of OMAHA HEADSHOT COMPANY
flavors they would most want to try. Next, I tried using my small cotton candy machine, but I realized it would not keep up with all of my orders. So, I decided to use my savings to buy a big commercial cotton candy machine. I drew labels for each of my special flavors, and my dad helped me make those designs on the computer for printing. I helped him do yard work to pay him for his help. My mom and dad help me make sure I have enough cotton candy in each of the bags because my hands get pretty sticky while spinning it.
Edge: What flavors do you sell?
Dickinson: My favorite holiday
flavor is candy cane, but my customers also liked hot chocolate, salted caramel, and apple pie.
Edge: What’s your biggest challenge with running your own business?
Dickinson: My biggest challenge is probably time management to make sure I get enough cotton candy made for each business fair. It has to be made fresh each time. Also, I have to do a lot of math to figure out how much my supplies cost and how much to charge per bag. Plus, I have to pay back my savings account for my new machine, which will take a while. Finally, I need to make sure I have enough sugar
on hand because at the Omaha Children’s Business Fair, I sold out of cotton candy!
Edge: What makes you most proud about starting Shining Sugar Cotton Candy Company?
Dickinson: I love that my cotton candy is special because it is organic and uses all natural flavors. It doesn’t have any artificial dyes or flavors in it. At the recent business fair, I loved it when moms, dads, and other kids would stop by my booth and say that normally they don’t get to have cotton candy because of the ingredients in it, but they could have mine. The kids’ faces were shining, and it made me happy.
At The Exercise Coach® we are on a mission to be the perfect fit for people who feel that standard workouts don’t work for them. Standard workouts and the associated guidelines are responsible for keeping 85% of people frustrated on the sidelines. These fitness approaches don’t fit nicely into the average person’s busy schedule, and standard workouts, health clubs, videos, and trainers really don’t address the needs of most people. Even for those who commit to the rigors recommended by exercise enthusiasts, there is no guarantee it will achieve the desired outcome.
No long-term study has demonstrated that an inactive individual will become healthier simply by becoming more active. Studies focused on specific wellness outcomes have demonstrated the outcomes of similar or superior results when brief, whole-effort exercise is deployed rather than standard exercise activities. This is why muscle quality matters more than movement quantity. Research supports that time and distance are irrelevant exercise metrics. Our core belief is the production of enhanced muscle tissue and the process that brings about this adaptation is the key to driving positive fitness and wellness outcomes.
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Senior Stella Adeyemi has grown as a volleyball player through playing for Papillion-LaVista (PLV) South High School as well as for Premier Nebraska Volleyball. “Playing for Papio South, I was able to strengthen my mental toughness as an athlete and learn how to handle high pressure situations,” she said. “Playing for my club has taught me how to respond in fast situations that will prepare me for the collegiate level, as well as how to lead in given moments.”
Shannon Smolinski, Premier Nebraska Volleyball coach said, “What I love most about Stella is how eager she is to learn and be a student of the game. Whether asking for practice film or getting the extra reps to improve in areas of her game, she has continued to embrace being a constant learner through feedback and technical work.”
When PLV South recently won the Class A State Volleyball championship, it was a huge high for the team. “Winning the State Championship was something that our team had envisioned since our very first day of workouts,” Adeyemi said. “With our physical and mental focus, we went into the tournament feeling that we were the best prepared. Winning State was a great feeling for myself and the rest of the team.”
Adeyemi had her own personal high point from State. “Going on a serving run at the end of the set during the state semi-final, and getting four kills in a row in the championship match were highlights for me.”
Adeyemi is proud of how she’s handled the pressure and adversity. “One obstacle that was tough for me for a while was balancing athletics with everything else. There can be times when there’s a lot of homework that you just don’t have time for. You also have to balance your sleep with your mind and body. My solution was finding better ways to organize my time and making a plan for when I needed to get things done.”
Adeyemi is planning to attend University of Hawaii at Manoa to play volleyball while studying for a career in the medical field. Her drive and motivation will help her succeed no matter what she chooses.
Story by SHELLY NOSBISCH
by KATIE BAUERLY PHOTOGRAPHY
A multi-sport athlete, Westside High School senior Tristan Alvano decided to give kicking a try between his eighth grade and freshman years—a decision that has had huge rewards. In his sophomore year, Westside won the Class A state championship in football; in his junior year, they made the finals but lost to Gretna High School. “This year, senior year, we knew we had a very good, experienced team back and had ‘unfinished business’ (one of our team mottos for the year). The season flew by and we ended up in the state finals for a rematch with Gretna.”
According to Alvano, “The Class A state championship game was an incredible night. A terrific game between two terrific programs. My personal highlight was watching the offense drive down the field in the last 1:30 of the game and setting me up to hit the 45-yard field goal as time expired to win the game, 43-41. As a kicker and as a senior, to be 5 for 5 for field goals on the night, do my job on kickoffs, and seal the win for the team was a dream come true. I couldn’t write a better story or a better ending. I’m so proud of this State finals and the performance of the whole kicking unit—our line, our snapper, and our holder. They made it easy for me to do my job.”
Westside varsity football coach Paul Limongi said, “Tristan is special because he dominates the things he can control. He works harder than others and loves to make big kicks. Pressure is something Tristan thrives upon.” Westside kicking coach Garet Moravec adds, “Tristan has the ability to laser focus on what he’s doing and tune out all distractions. Tristan is an extremely competitive athlete blended with being a highly thoughtful and kind person. He is a dream to coach.”
Alvano recently committed to play for the University of Nebraska Lincoln in 2023. “Since most college teams typically only have one kicker and one punter on scholarship, a scholarship offer to a high school kicker is a rare and valuable opportunity. Thankfully, Nebraska was one of a handful of schools to offer me a scholarship instead of a preferred walk-on offer. I’m excited about the next chapter in Lincoln. I’ll have an opportunity to compete and contribute to the program and bring Nebraska back to where it belongs among the best teams in college football.”
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