Cougar Beat Athletic Newsletter -- Issue 5, Oct. 31, 2020

The Latest in Cougar Athletic News

COUGAR

October 31, 2020 – Issue 5

BEAT Newsletter

Staying Safe What it takes for sports to be played in the spring

Staying Safe WNCC athletes know what it will take to play in the spring

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t is nearing the end of October and Halloween is about to hit and people will be looking forward to Thanksgiving.

With Halloween and Thanksgiving comes the goblins, the ghosts, and the mummies, along with the turkeys and pilgrims.

At the same time, this time of the year should bring Region IX soccer and volleyball playoffs and the start of the basketball season.

That would be the typical year, but 2020 has become nothing but unpredictable.

Every sport has been shifted to the spring semester or into 2021 and athletes are practicing day-by-day with hopes of playing contests come this spring.

The WNCC athletes are doing everything possible to make playing in the spring a possibility in this unusual season.

“I believe all of us (athletes) can’t wait to play this spring semester; it will take a lot of discipline and perseverance in order to have a great season,” men’s soccer player Esteban Tavira said. “Being healthy and safe will take a huge roll, on behalf of the soccer team we will follow the healthy guidelines that the school will be providing so we can play our season and keep each other safe.”

Freshman women’s soccer player Andrea Jimenez said staying healthy is the only way to play in the spring.

“Our health always comes first no matter the circumstances are. Without healthy students or athletes, the semester will take a completely different path than expected,” Jimenez said. “With this pandemic changing constantly there is no set plan, but the hope is for the best.”

The WNCC volleyball team knows that they have to be careful for the next three months in order to play in the spring. Olivia Schaub, a sophomore from Gering, said this year’s team is taking extra precaution.

“To be able to play in the spring, we are all

This is what the norm has been for WNCC athletes during the fall, where intersquad scrimmages and scrimmage games have become the norm with plenty of practicing. Here sophomore Karen Cordero hammers home a kill past the block of her teammate freshman Angel Nahinu during the Homecoming Intersquad scrimmage on Oct. 16. going to need to stay as healthy as we can,” Schaub said. “We are being extra careful and washing our hands often.”

The players know what it takes to accomplish that feat. They are abiding by the rules set forth by the different entities.

Jimenez said that the first wave of the virus everybody handled well. The second wave is setting things back. She said a third wave could mean the cancellation of matches in the spring or even the season. She said she doesn’t want that to happen and wants everyone to abide by the COVID precautions set forth by the NJCAA, state of Nebraska, and WNCC. “Things were off to a great start but with this second wave hitting us now, it affects us greatly as students and as athletes,” Jimenez said. “In order to avoid the third wave to occur, our best option is to maintain the six-feet distance amongst one another. Also, by continuing the use of facial coverings at all times and washing our hands thoroughly can keep us

maintaining to be healthy during this pandemic. Most importantly eating healthy can also be another way to build our immune system to avoid any kind of sickness.”

Tavira said wearing masks is one of the most important things that individuals can do to stay save right now.

“As athletes we will need to wear our face masks every where we go, wash our hands and social distance,” Tavira said. “If we follow these simple rules, we will have a great second semester.”

What is hard is adjusting to the second wave of the coronavirus as positive numbers are skyrocketing in the Nebraska Panhandle.

Schaub said now is the time to take that extra precaution.

“To slow this second wave, stay six feet away from people,” Schaub said. “Be smart about who you are around and if you feel

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n A different look to the fall semester ... symptoms stay home.”

Before the second-wave really hit, the teams got in some scrimmages. Softball, baseball, and soccer had the most scrimmages against other teams or themselves.

The men’s basketball team scrimmaged Air Force Prep on Oct. 17, but now spectators were allowed because of the rise in postitive cases.

The women’s basketball team had scrimmages against EWC and Miles canceled on Oct. 24 because of the cases. Instead, the women just scrimmaged themselves in a four-quarter, six-minute a quarter game.

After all these scrimmages in the fall by all the teams, the actual seasons will begin in January. The first contests will be a men’s and women’s basketball doubleheader when they host Central Wyoming College on Wednesday, Jan. 20.

After that, the volleyball team will open up the season on Friday and Saturday, January 22-23 when they host a Crossover Classic.

Those dates are scheduled, but anything can happen to change games and dates. The college even changed when the spring semester will begin. Classes were originally slated to start January 11, but now classes won’t begin until January 18. In moving the start day back, the college did away with Spring Break.

Spring Break was slated for March 8-12,

but because the 2020-21 year is not typical, there are basketball, volleyball, softball and baseball games scheduled for that week.

The Cougar volleyball team will have three home games during what would have been Spring Break, hosting Casper College on March 9 and then hosting a triangular with McCook and Iowa Western on March 12.

The women’s and men’s basketball teams will have home games on March 5 and 6 against Otero and Trinidad and then the women have McCook on March 12 on the road, while the men will face McCook and North Platte on March 12 and 13 on the road.

Baseball and softball will be on the road for that Spring Break week with several games.

Baseball will begin the week in Otero and then travel to Arizona for games. Softball will have a little Region IX showcase in Lamar, Colorado March 5-7 and then come back to travel to Otero on March 13.

The soccer teams will have plenty of home matches when they begin play the first weekend in April and run through the middle of May. Tavira said men’s soccer coach Todd Rasnic has been making them work to get in shape even without their entire team on campus because of the Pandemic.

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Freshman Agwa Nywesh dribbles past an Air Force Prep defender during a scrimmage on Oct. 17. The Cougar men beat Air Force Prep in their first scrimmage of the season. The rest of the scrimmages are on hold with the rise in COVID cases in Scotts Bluff County.

NJCAA grants all 20-21 athletes an extra year of eligibility as non-counters

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he NJCAA Board of Regents discussed on Thursday the eligibility of athletes for the 202021 academic year.

Following the Regents’ vote, all 2020-21 NJCAA sport seasons (fall, winter, spring) will not count towards student-athlete eligibility. The eligibility relief is provided to all NJCAA student-athletes regardless of sport season participation in the 20-21 academic year.

“The Board of Regents feels this decision is best for the success and well-being of our student-athletes and member colleges at this time,” stated Dr. Christopher Parker, NJCAA President & CEO. “There is no right answer to this challenge and situation, but as an association, we are going to support the eligibility of all our student-athletes to help them succeed in their academic and athletic careers.”

Returning student-athletes will be considered “non-counters” for letter of intent and NJCAA eligibility purposes. The NJCAA Eligibility Committee will continue to review and evaluate the impact of the blanket waiver on eligibility requirements.

The NCAA has not commented on the NJCAA waiver, but it has traditionally worked with the junior college organization. What the ruling means is that freshmen could play this spring and still enter a four-year school with four years of eligibility. Likewise, junior college athletes would be eligible to return for a third season.

“The uncertainty surrounding the pandemic has put collegiate sports in a very challenging situation,” stated Troy Tucker, NJCAA Eligibility Committee Chair. “Today’s decision by the Board of Regents to grant a blanket year of participation waiver provides our institutions and student-athletes

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n NJCAA grants 20-21 athletes ... with the ability to choose to participate this academic year without the fear of using a year of eligibility for a potentially shortened or interrupted season.”

Current eligibility and academic requirements will still apply in order for student-athletes to compete in 2020-21 regular and postseason competition.

The eligibility committee will continue to review the participation requirements for the 2021-22 academic year and reassess for adoption and approval by the

NJCAA Board of Regents.

The NJCAA ruling follows in part what the NCAA did in August when the NCAA Division I Council approved a proposal to grant all fall athletes an extra year of eligibility, even if they play their sport during a 2020-21 season.

The NCAA fall ruling was similar to the spring when they granted spring sports athletes an extra year after their seasons were cut short by the coronavirus pandemic in March.

n A different look to the fall semester “Honestly, I believe our coach has done an amazing job with the players that we have at the moment,” Tavira said. “We (men’s soccer team) are missing many of our players and our coach has managed ways to make us work hard in order to be ready for the spring. Our scrimmages went well, we played good as a unit and showed that we can compete with any team in our region.”

The men and women open the season with a spring scrimmage at Colorado Mesa the end of October and then travel to Columbus to face Southeast Community College and Central Community College-Columbus the first weekend of April.

“I see a strong, united and competitive team for this upcoming season,” Tavira said.

“Even though, I have not seen all of our players, many of them have played at a high level and I’m excited to have all the squad together.”

The women’s soccer team is in the same boat as the men’s team with a lot of their players not on campus yet because of the international travel restrictions. Hopefully, if visas can be obtained for the freshman, the entire team will be complete.

Jimenez said even with the small numbers, the women’s team could surprise some teams.

The men and women will have their first home matches April 9-10 when they host Otero and Trinidad State.

“Despite the challenges we’ve faced with this pandemic alone, fall practices were accommodated for the safety of the players and coaches,” she said. “Being part of the women’s soccer team has been a great experience but it’s difficult not having all of our players with us to practice due to closed borders. We only had two scrimmages this fall and with only 12 players, it was hard to play a full 90-minute game without a sub. As a first year

Cougar Trivia

Test your knowledge of Cougar Athletics with these trivia questions. Answers are on the second to last page of the newsletter.

1) Who had the most kills in a match last season for the volleyball team and against who.

2) How many times last year did the Cougar men’s soccer team have a 3-game winning streaks?

3) Only two women’s soccer players last season had more than two goals in a match. Who were the players and what matches were they against?

4) How many 3-pointers did the WNCC women’s basketball team make in their season-opening game a year ago against the Nebraska All-stars in the 106-51 win?

5) WNCC’s Teddy Allen scored 879 points in his one year at the college last year. How many games did he score double figures in?

WNCC’s Shanti Henery works her around Payton Fields during an intersquad game recently. The Cougar women will open the season in January. college player, this was not the experience I had in mind but I have faith that next semester will turn out great for all of our Cougar athletes.

“We’re in great hope that this pandemic will soon be over with and have the borders open up again for our international students.

We will certainly have a great and strong team for this spring so I’m really looking forward on winning the championship as a first-year student.”

The volleyball team, who should be preparing for regionals the first of November are instead practicing when they can as they pre-

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6) During the 1990s, what Cougar coaches had offices on the lower level of Cougar Palace and what coaches had offices on the top ring?

7) Who was the first baseball coach at WNCC? 8) Who was the first softball coach at WNCC? 9) Who were the individuals inducted into the Cougar Hall of Fame?

10) How many times has there been 3 or more Gering High players on the volleyball team and who?

n A different look to the fall semester pare for the unusual spring volleyball season along with volleyball divisions in the NCAA Division I, II, and III and NAIA. Some volleyball teams are playing some matches in the split season, but the Big 10 is not as well of the entire NJCAA. The volleyball team has had one intersquad scrimmage where the Blue team topped the Gold team and in that scrimmage; good things were seen by the coaching staff. The scrimmage was part of WNCC’s homecoming festivities, but spectators were not allowed because of the new precautions put into effect to combat the second wave.

Schaub said things are going well and she sees this team competing for a regional title.

“This fall has been interesting with different girls being gone some weeks, but we’ve adapted well to all of the change happening,” she said. “Our scrimmage went well and I think we are improving a lot. We are looking forward to competing in the spring and I think we are going to do really well. Our goal is to win the Region Championship.”

The players are hoping that everyone stays healthy and save so they can play in January through May. “To all the athletes out there please follow the safety guidelines, we all want to play and continue to have a great time at the college,” Tavira said. “Together we can beat this pandemic and go back to our regular lifestyle.”

Jimenez said it is wise to just follow the guidelines so this virus can get lost out of the world.

“My best advice for both students and athletes would be to follow the recommendations

WNCC players Ashley Panem and Bella Sparaco scramble for a ball during their inter-squad scrimmage on Oct. 24. The Cougar women were scheduled to scrimmage EWC and Miles that day, but because of the rise in COVID tests in the county, competition against other teams were postponed and the team scrimmaged themselves. The players are following the guidelines in staying safe to play in the spring. so we can soon be over with this whole situation,” she said. “We have to think about the safety of others and not only about ourselves.

The more we cooperate, the closer will be to ending this horrible nightmare.”

Schaub has a message for all WNCC athletes and that is to be save and take this COVID virus serious.

“My advice is to wash your hands often and be smart about who you are around.

COVID is very unpredictable, so if you have

any symptoms stay home,” Schaub said. “Just stay positive and make others smile. We will get through this.”

Jimenez echoed the same as Schaub, you have to stay positive through all of this.

“I want everyone to finish this semester strong regardless of the obstacles we’re facing due to this virus issue,” she said. “Like they say, ‘Before the rain comes the sun.’ Have a positive mindset and stay healthy!”

By Mark Rein, Sports Information

Softball team picking up litter in costumes Serving the community is something the softball team does every year. On Halloween, the softball players and coaches donned Halloween costumes as they went out and helped Phi Theta Kappa pick-up litter along Highway 26 and Sugar Factory Road. Many of the people on the day said you don’t realize the amount of garbage that is on the side of the road until one walks it.

Former Cougar Rodriguez attends World Series, catches foul ball

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scar Rodriguez had the opportunity to attend Game 5 of the World Series in Texas on Sunday and in the process brought home a souvenir from the game -- a foul ball of the bat of Tampa Bay’s Randy Arozarena.

That is right, with only a handful of participants in attendance, Rodriguez, a former WNCC baseball player, was one of those watching the Dodgers beat the Tampa Bay Rays 4-2 on the night to take a 3-2 lead in the series.

Ironically enough, Rodriguez actually knew Arozarena, who he met in Washington D.C. in 2018.

“I caught Randy Arozarena’s foul ball in the bottom of the first inning. I honestly just reacted. The ball bounced a row or two behind us and it was between me and another guy in our row and I just saw the ball in the air and snagged it with my left hand. It was awesome!

“I didn’t realize it was Randy that hit the foul ball until after I sat down. Funny thing is that I translated for Randy at the Futures game in Washington DC back in 2018 and later that season he visited us in Round Rock while a member of the Memphis Redbirds.

So I’ve known Randy for a few years now.”

Rodriguez, who played baseball for WNCC from 2008-10, said he is cheering for Tampa Bay. He said the ending of Game 4 when Arozarena scored the winning run was epic in more ways than one.

“I thought it was absolute chaos and I loved every second of it [how Tampa won game four],” he said. “My cousin is the third base coach for the Tampa Bay Rays so it was really cool to see him and Randy be a part of such a historic play. I thought the initial Kiermaier send was great! After the initial error Arozarena would’ve scored if he didn’t stumble. However, credit to him for the athleticism to get back on his feet and quickly switch directions twice to score the winning run.”

Even with limited fans and the non-interaction between players and spectators, Rodriguez said it was an electric atmosphere.

“It was an amazing experience [to be

Former Cougar Oscar Rodriguez poses with the foul ball he caught off the bat of Tampa Bay’s Randy Arozarena

at the World Series]. The atmosphere was great, fans were excited and Globe Life Field in Arlington is an incredible venue. I can’t wait for more fans to experience that ballpark in 2021,” he said. “The atmosphere was great and I’d say about 85 percent of fans were wearing Dodger Blue. The rest were Rays fans and baseball fans in general. I’m grateful for such an amazing opportunity. Thank you to our team president Chris Almendarez and our amazing ownership group.”

The only downside to the World Series is all the precautions the teams have to take, so Rodriguez didn’t get a chance to meet any of the players.

“With COVID precautions, all players and coaches are basically in a bubble,” he said. “The new safety precautions limit play-

er/fan interactions which is the approach with it being such a challenging season/ year.”

Rodriguez is one of those baseball fans.

Not only knowing players and coaches on the Rays roster, Rodriguez is still involved in baseball in the Houston Astros minor league system.

“I am the Manager of Season Memberships and Service for the Round Rock Express, the Triple A affiliate of the Houston Astros. Round Rock is just north of Austin, Texas,” he said. “[Instead of playing] I am now on the business side of things and more of a liaison between fans and the game, which is a sweet spot for me in my opinion.”

Rodriguez said the COVID pandemic has effected baseball at all levels in different

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n Former Cougars attend World Series in Texas ways and the World Series is one of those.

“This year alone, the pandemic has changed the game tremendously,” he said.

“At the Minor League level, every team had to figure out solutions for a year without baseball. Not only that, but the financial hit the MiLB took as a whole ended up costing a lot of people their jobs. Most minor leaguers missed out on a year of development. Many amateur players who could’ve been drafted, did not because of the limited draft.

“At the Major League level, players had to get used to playing without fans. Who knows how that impacted players individually? Most players had to be away from their families for most of the season. Also MLB had a non-traditional 60 game season and expanded playoffs. Hopefully, we have a full season in 2021. More importantly, I hope fans are able to attend games and support their favorite teams at all levels. I think players need it just as much as fans.”

The major league season consisted of just 60 games and games without fans. Championship series and World Series were played in select locations, making a bubble for the players.

Rodriguez said that was necessary this year.

“I think it was necessary for this year.

However, I would like for it to go back to the way it was,” he said. “I feel that it makes it easier for fans to support their teams and not have to worry about travel as much. Also, I believe that a fan base could have an impact on home field advantage under traditional circumstances.”

Fans are a big part of baseball and Rodriguez was lucky enough to be one of the fans in attendance on Sunday. Rodriguez said fans are a vital part of baseball.

“It has had an incredible impact on fans.

Sometimes we overlook that attending a sporting event is often times an escape for many people,” he said. “Not having that this year has been challenging.

Also, financial impact on organizations. Remember, we’re event-driven businesses without events until recently. I think precaution is the way to go. MLB has done a tremendous job during the playoffs and I was very impressed with the NBA’s bubble system.”

Rodriguez, however, wasn’t the only WNCC athlete to attend this year’s World Series between the Dodgers and the Rays. Former Cougar softball player Courtney Medina attended Game 3 in Texas with her dad, Pete.

It was Medina’s second World Series in the past three years as she attended the World Series in Fenway Park in 2018.

“I was fortunate enough to get to go back after being at the one in 2018 at Fenway and it [this year] was a lot different than that,” she said.

“Still, it was very fun but it was a lot more relaxed!”

The atmosphere this year Courtney Medina and her dad, Pete, at the World Series Game totally different from 2018, 3 between the Dodgers and Rays.

Medina said.

“I was at the World Series in 2018 and I got to see games 1 & 2 in Boston. It was super fun,” she said. “This year’s game had a different vibe but the crowd was absolutely awesome. I think with it being at a neutral site had a big influence on the crowd being more 50/50 of dodgers fans and Rays fans.”

Medina is a true Dodger fan and even named her dog after Dodger outfielder Mookie Betts.

“I’m a huge Mookie Betts fan!” she said.

“I named my dog after him even when he was with the Red Sox, so for him to become a dodger was awesome.”

While Medina is a Dodger fan, Rodriguez is cheering the Rays on.

“I am praying for a Game 7,” Rodriguez said. “If there is, we’ll have to find a way to make that happen. Also, I’m a big Mets fan (I know it’s rough) so when they make it back, I plan to be there.”

Rodriguez said the World Series is amazing to attend.

“If you’re a baseball fan or your team is in the World Series, try to go,” he said. “This is a very difficult sport to play and you never know when your team will get another chance to make it to the World Series. So if you can, attend. You’ll eventually get that money back because that experience will forever stay with you.”

Rodriguez said that when he played for WNCC, he loved it here.

“I loved coach Mike Jones and Coach Ryan Burgner. I took a lot of great memories and lessons from my time there,” he said.

His advice to all the younger players is working hard and don’t think long term.

“To the upcoming players, stay in the moment. Don’t worry about where you are going to go next,” he said. “You’ll look back at your experience at WNCC later in life and realize how special it was. So do yourself a favor, stay in the moment and enjoy it. Also, learn as much as you can. Let go of the ego and ask for help if you need it in any area of the game or academics. Develop grit and find solutions to the daily obstacles. It’s a grind, but if you focus on strengthening your mind and your body every day, you’ll be better than you were yesterday which should always be the number one goal”

By Mark Rein, Sports Information

Adia Sherbeyn’s volleyball playing at Lyon College is being done remotely

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dia Sherbeyn is still looking forward to her time on the court at Lyon College. Bur, for now, the Torrington High School graduate is taking classes at Lyon remotely, from her apartment in Batesville, Arkansas, while working out community clubs and high schools.

“Unfortunately everything at Lyon is remote this semester. We found this news out a few weeks before we were supposed to move down here to start our pre-season,” Sherbeyn said. “Instead of moving to Batesville early August, I moved into an apartment with one of my teammates (Madison James, a freshman OH/M from Fayetteville, Arkansas, and her dog Dani) late August.”

Sherbeyn said that she is fitting in perfectly especially the high academics that they have.

“As far as online learning goes, I feel like I am still getting a quality education.,” she said. “Something different and new to me about Lyon is their honor code system which is a huge thing in remote learning to ensure that we really are learning.”

The sporting world totally is different this semester with some colleges not playing until the spring while some are playing a split season between the first and second semesters.

That is the case for Lyon, they are on hold of playing or practicing this semester, but other teams in their conference are playing.

Lyon College is an NAIA school and Sherbeyn said while many of the other conference schools are playing some games, her school has been put on remote learning for the first semester.

“It has been tough because we’re the only team in our conference who is not playing right now,” she said. “We just recently got it approved to have access to the gym and weight room at Lyon and that only applies if you are local. Before we got this approved, me and some of

Former Cougar Adia Sherbeyn looking forward to volleyball at Lyon College, but first she is attending Lyon remotely as the volleyball program just got clearance to workout in the gym and weight room because of the coronavirus.

my teammates who are local would utilize the community center they have here and the high school.”

Sherbeyn said the way the team is practicing, they are molding together as a team.

“The good thing is I believe NAIA moved all the big tournaments to the spring season so we will get to participate in those,” she said. “Everything is still up in the air on when we will be able to start our season but Coach Dustin mentioned something about January 18 the other day in the weight room. Right now the girls who are in Batesville are training and doing what we can everyday to get better for season in hopes that

we have one. Also, Coach Dustin Sahlmann is utilizing this time to recruit for the upcoming years and even is planning a visit to Western Nebraska!”

That, in turn, has helped Sherbeyn get used to the culture of Arkansas as she is getting to know her new team.

The biggest thing is the climate from western Nebraska where it snowed over the weekend to where she is at and they had 80 degree temperatures.

“I enjoy it a lot! It’s very green, humid, and while y’all got snow right now, we have 80 degree weather so that’s nice too,” she said. “The town is surprisingly a lot like Scottsbluff size-wise and

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n Adia Sherbeyn at Lyon College ... shopping-wise. The people are so friendly and welcoming here and it’s just a nice environment to be in. Hadden Henley, one of my teammates (FR DS/L from Batesville, AR) describes it as that ‘southern hospitality’.”

While some of the players are in town, they haven’t been together as a unit on the court.

Sherbeyn said, though, from what she has seen, they look pretty good.

“I wish I could tell you [how we really look], but we really haven’t had the chance to all be on the court together due to the circumstances at Lyon,” she said.

“However, I’m very confident in saying that we will be a solid team just by the chemistry aspect of it by getting to know the girls through socials, which is sometimes the most important part of a winning team!”

What Sherbeyn said what they are looking forward to is that chance to be on campus and on the floor.

“Honestly, our team is just looking forward to being able to practice together and all being in the same place,” she said.

“But, I know that we are all excited to actually be on campus and finally start playing for sure!”

Just like Sherbeyn did here at WNCC, she plans to be active on campus. Sherbeyn was a student ambassador her sophomore year at WNCC. “Right now I am not involved in anything else,” she said. “But, I feel like once I’m on campus next semester, I’ll definitely be more involved in other activities than just volleyball.”

While she is away from her family, she is adjusting. But she also misses the people in the Wyo-Braska area.

“Continuing somewhere else has really made me appreciate where I have come from,” Sherbeyn said. “I will always miss my Western Nebraska family!”

By Mark Rein, Sports Information

Snow don’t stop baseball from practicing WNCC Cougar baseball players Duce Ortiz and Noah Baumann play catch out in the parking lot since they can’t get their field to practice with the 10 inches of show that Scottsbluff received earlier in the week. The Cougar baseball team found ways to get practice and conditioning in despite the snowfall in October.

20 QUESTIONS WITH ...

Ana Von Ruden, Women’s Soccer

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na Von Ruden is a sophomore on the women’s soccer team and is a goalkeeper. Last year, Ana played goalkeeper and also suited up as a defender. Ana comes to WNCC from Lebanon, Oregon, but her family moved to Oshkosh last year. Here is a 20-plus questions with the WNCC sophomore goalkeeper, who is also involved in FCA. MR: What does the season look like?

ANA: This season is definitely different with the virus going around, but I don’t think that it affects our training that much. Our girls work hard on and off the field, and that work ethic will show in our performance. This fall has definitely picked up a few surprises, but it’s nothing that we won’t attack head on.

We’re still being respectful to the social distancing regulation and making sure to keep things sanitized, as well as wearing our masks when needed to. Spring season is looking extremely promising,

and we expect to play to our full potential.

ment and positivity, as do many other girls on this team.

MR: How hard has fall been with everything going on and how are you and the team looking forward to the spring?

ANA: Fall season definitely feels different. One, we don’t have our full team yet because of covid. Two, our season has pushed to spring. But I don’t think that affects how much we want to win each game that we come into. We still train hard, but are mindful that we need to train properly as well if we want to get as far as we do.

MR: What high school did you attend and what memories do you have playing sports in high school?

ANA: I took Connections Academy, which is a homeschool program, but I did play on my town’s high school soccer team as well as club teams and indoor soccer. My favorite memory of playing soccer for Lebanon High School was in my junior year. Our team won their first playoff game, and I broke a few records.

It was an exciting moment that I’ll hold close.

MR: What do you bring to the Cougar team?

ANA: As a sophomore, I feel that I have some experience from last year about the playing style that we’re attempting to achieve, but also adapting techniques.

We need to adapt to situations quickly, and I’d like to say that I bring encourage-

MR: What were the reasons that you picked to come to WNCC? ANA: My dad got a job in Omaha, and my parents were going to move to Nebraska before I chose to come here.

Based on a last minute decision, I decided that I wanted to be close to my family,

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n 20 questions with ... and I got the opportunity to play soccer here.

MR: How did playing sports in high school or college help you become the person you are today?

ANA: In sports, you learn how to work together and you learn discipline. It takes hard work to get to the goal that you make for yourself, but that’s what makes the victory all the sweeter. There’s going to be failure, but it’s through failing that you learn and win. I think that by playing sports I have become someone who doesn’t give up, no matter how hard it may get.

MR: Who do you look up to for your athletic talents?

ANA: My family has definitely played a huge role in helping me build myself as a soccer player. They haven’t played soccer before, but they would always work with me if I needed it. My high school coaches have also played a major role, as they would work with me one on one and always encourage me and push me to be my best and to never give up.

MR: How important is academics in school?

ANA: Academics are extremely important in school. In order to play, you have to keep your grades up, but there are some pretty important skills that you can learn from classes.

MR: Who in your family is the better athlete?

ANA: I’m not sure, my uncle is very athletic and has made a name for himself in my hometown. He has worked hard for everything and inspires me to work harder than yesterday, everyday. (Her uncled is John Von Ruden and he was a baseball player and wrestler. He is from Lebanon, Oregon,) MR: What is the worst injury you suffered in sports and how did it happen?

ANA: The worst injury that I can think of is when I fractured my thumb. It was the first day of tryouts, and I was playing goalkeeper in a scrimmage, and it was a

Ana Von Ruden poses with her dad, Jeremy (in the car), while at HiWay 92 Raceway Park in June, where she was in the pit by the Legend car that her dad helped sponsor.

one-on-one against a striker. I stepped towards her as she shot the ball, and it hit my thumb in just a way that it broke it, ripped the major ligament completely off the bone, and shredded the muscle as well. At first, I didn’t think that anything was wrong, but as time passed it became worse and I found out that I needed to have surgery. I couldn’t pick anything up with my right hand and I had to learn to do everything with my left.

MR: Who is the funniest on the team and why?

ANA: I’d have to say the funniest person on the team is Andrea. She’s always laughing and keeps the atmosphere in a lighthearted mood.

MR: What is your major and why did you choose it?

ANA: My major is Business Administration, and the reason I chose it is because honestly, I didn’t know what to do when I graduated! But I figured that Business had a lot of general skills that would be good to know, and it’s also a very applicable degree to many jobs.

Also, I do want to be able to open my own small shop one day where students can come and work on their homework or even learn something from my shop because they want to. It will be a place

of encouragement for kids who need it, a place welcome for anyone.

MR: What are the things that a student-athlete NOT DO to be successful?

ANA: I know that going to college gives a lot of independence, but don’t forget your responsibility. Coming to college is where you learn more about the life you want to go into, and that should be taken seriously. Of course, make new friends, have fun, but don’t forget the importance of where you want to go in life and if you want to get there sooner than later, you have to start focusing now.

MR: What are your hopes for 20 years down the road?

ANA: I hope to have started up my shop for students all around, and I want to have started writing. For a blog, or for novels, or for screenplay, I’m not sure.

But that’s something that I hope to do.

But most importantly, I hope that not only I’m living a joyful life, but that those around me are living their joyful lives too.

MR: What do you enjoy doing in your time away from sports or for relaxation and fun?

Continued on next page

n 20 questions with ...

ANA: I like to write, play instruments, hang out with friends and plan last minute adventures with them, travel, watch movies...really, if I’m doing anything with anyone that I love, then I’ll enjoy it!

MR: Favorite book to read?

ANA: Any book by Frank Peretti is a good book to read.

MR: Favorite movie to watch?

ANA: I’d have to say Narnia. I love sagas, but mystery/action/comedy will always be a favorite.

MR: Favorite mom or grandparent’s meal that you love?

ANA: My aunt makes the best Caesar salad, and anything that’s wrapped in bacon will be my favorite thing to eat!

MR: If you would die your hair, what color would you pick and why?

ANA: I would want to highlight my hair with silver, and then do black underneath.

Ana Von Ruden plays a dice game at a FCA meeting in September. Von Ruden said FCA is something that has helped her grow as a person and athlete.

MR: What does it take to be successful in sports?

ANA: Push yourself to work harder than you did yesterday. A lot of coaches look for quick progression, and if you push yourself to work harder everyday, then that will show. Don’t worry about what others are doing. Work to make yourself better!

MR: How does an athlete stay positive?

ANA: This is important, because mentality is a game that you play constantly.

The thing that I do that helps me is writing an inspirational quote in the morning that I focus on for the day. This can be a piece of advice that someone gave you, something you read off the Internet, or a Bible verse. Be around people that encourage you, and if you’re exhausted, take time to breathe. Your mental health is just as important as anything else.

MR: You are involved in FCA at the college, what is that like and how important is FCA? ANA: FCA is an awesome group that athletes can be a part of. It stands for Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and anyone can attend, even if you don’t consider yourself a Christian. It’s simply a place where athletes (and even if you aren’t an athlete!) can come and learn about the truth of the Bible and God’s Word. Everyone that goes is super encouraging and welcoming. Going to FCA has also helped with my mentality, because I play my sport to glorify God and I don’t play to glorify anyone else. The mistakes that I make or the comparisons to others or the negative comments don’t affect my work ethic.

MR: Anything else you want to add about your sophomore year or moving from Oregon to Oshkosh?

ANA: Since this is my last year here, I want it to be a year that I enjoy. Don’t stress over the little things like getting a bad grade, making a mistake in your sport, losing a game, being short on money...what would you rather remember 5 years from now? That you had a hard time because you stressed? Or that

you decided to live every moment with positivity and doing things that you enjoyed? It’s okay if you make mistakes.

What’s not okay is when you let them define your year. This is your year! Own it! Live and enjoy this moment now, because you wont get it later.

By Mark Rein, Sports Information

Three former Cougars having success at Briar Cliff University for men’s soccer Faria named GPAC Defensive Player of the Week in September

T

hree former WNCC players are helping the Briar Cliff University men’s soccer team to an undefeated 7-0 record so far and one of them, former WNCC goalkeeeper Leandro Fario earned GPAC Defensive Player of the Week Sept.

22.

Faria said it means a lot to earn the GPAC honor.

“It means a lot, it shows not only me but everyone on the team is working really hard and helping me to get better everyday,” he said.

Faria helped Briar Cliff to two wins that week, earning a shutout in goal in a 1-0 win over Dordt and then helped preserve a 5-2 win over Northwestern.

Briar Cliff and the GPAC are playing soccer in the fall semester and are currently 7-0 on the season. Faria said it is a great feeling knowing that they can play, but it isn’t without many precautions because of the COVID virus.

“Playing soccer gives me the best feeling and in our conference we are have a good control about COVID,” he said. “The schools that have bigger cases are postponing their games.”

That is what happened to Briar Cliff ’s game on Oct. 24 against Waldorf, which was canceled because of cases at Waldorf.

Faria said they are going OK with COVID for now. The college just announced that spectators will be allowed at their games, but all spectators have to go through pre-screening before they will be admitted.

“We are green right now [end of September], we do not have too much cases,” he said. “The school is taking the necessary actions to keep us safe.”

Faria is one of three Cougar players on the Charger team. Also on the team are Bernardo Torres and Vinicius Viana.

Faria said it is nice to have former

Leanardro Faria controls the ball from his goalkeeping position during a Briar Cliff match earlier this season. Faria was named GPAC Defensive Player of the Week in September.

teammates with him.

“I play with two WNCC players on my team,” he said. “I am glad to have them here because they have always been very close to me, specially Bernardo. That is my best friend and he was my roommate.”

All three players are contributing in different ways to the undefeated Briar Cliff season. Faria’s senior season is going great.

“So far it is being great,” he said. “I am loving the place and people, and working really hard to make a great year.”

His goal is to play professionally after he leaves Briar Cliff.

“I want to be a professional athlete,” he said. “I am working really hard to do it.”

But, Faria said he misses WNCC. “I am really happy to have connections still at WNCC,” he said. “People have helped make my accomplishments. It makes me feel very happy, and I appreciate

Continued on next page

Bernardo Torres looks for an open player in a game at Briar Cliff recently. Torres is in his first year at the Sioux City, Iowa, college.

n Three Cougars at Briar Cliff ...

Cougar Culture

a lot all the love.”

For Torres, who is in his first year at Briar Cliff, he said everything is going great.

“Well, this fall is a bit abnormal in terms of games and big crowd of fans since we are in the middle of a pandemic,” Torres said. “Spectators are not allowed for now.

The situation here is controlled I would say, we just had a few cases.”

Even with the pandemic, the Briar Cliff team is off to a strong start in the first semester. Briar Cliff will conclude the soccer season next semester.

“The team is really good; we have a lot of talent on the team and a lot of competition,” Torres said. “They are splitting the seasons. I don’t know exactly how but I know we will probably have a couple games in the spring next year.”

Just like Faria, Torres is enjoying Briar Cliff.

“I am enjoying Briar Cliff a lot,” he said.

“I have good people around me and the

Best Snow Activity

city here is bigger, so we can have some more fun.”

He, too, said having former Cougars along for the ride is refreshing.

“Having Vinny and Leandro on the team is really good for me, since they are both really close friends,” he said. “Inside the field the connection is there.”

Torres said it is different where he is from Scottsbluff, but he is adjusting.

“It’s different.” he said. “I’m really excited to continue playing and keep winning games with this great team!”

Briar Cliff will next be in action Halloween when they host Jamestown followed by four straight games on the road.

The Chargers will wrap up the first semester with a home match Nov. 21 against Morningside.

Briar Cliff soccer matches are streamed on the athletic page at https://bcuchargers. com/watch.

By Mark Rein, Sports Information

Ethan Johnson Baseball

Ashley Panem Women’s Basketball

Trevor DuBray Baseball

Snowmobiling

Sledding

Snowmobiling

Vinicius Viana hustles after the ball in a match this season at Briar Cliff.

Holleigh Jaime Volleyball

Gavin Harris Baseball

Sledding

Snowball Fight

Who would you like to see run for President

Trump

Michael Jackson

Mr. Trump

Donald Trump

Trump

Gatorade or Powerade

Gatorade

Gatorade

Gatorade

Gatorade

Gatorade

Fill in the blank ...

I Can’t Drive

Slow

an ATV

Slow

Slow

Small Cars

Best Christmas Movie

Home Alone 1, 2, 3

All Home Alone

All Home Alone

Home Alone

Home Alone

Sunday

Monday

January 2021

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

1 2 NOTE: Here is a composite spring schedule of games for the seven Cougar sports for the spring.

The schedule could change at any time because of weather conditions, COVID issues, or other things.

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 WBB — C. Wyo. (Home), 5:30

VB — WNCC Invite (Home)

MBB — C. Wyo. (Home), 7:30

WBB — CWC Invite WBB — CWC Invite (Away) (Away)

VB — WNCC Invite (Home)

CLASSES BEGIN

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

31

WBB —EWC . (Home), 5:30

WBB — CSI (Home), 5:30

MBB — EWC (Home), 7:30

MBB — CSI (Home), 7:30

VB — SLCC Invite (Away)

VB — SLCC Invite (Away)

Sunday

February 2021

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

WBB — LCCC (Away), 5:30 MBB — LCCC (Away), 7:30

WBB — Casper (Away), 5:30 MBB — Casper (Away), 7:30

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

1 2 3 4 5 6 VB — McCook Invite VB — McCook Invite (Away) (Away)

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 WBB — EWC (Away), 5:30 MBB — EWC (Away), 7:30

WBB — EWC VB — EWC Invite (Away), 5:30 (Away) WBB — NWC MBB/WBB — CCC vs.

(Home), 5:30 NWC (Home) MBB — NWC (Home), 7:30

VB — EWC Invite (Away) WBB/MBB — CCC-Central (Home), 2:00, 4:00

SOFT — W. Texas (Away) BASE — Dodge City (Away)

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 SOFT — W. Texas (Away) BASE — Dodge City (Away)

WBB — LCCC (Home), 5:30 MBB — LCCC (Home), 7:30 SOFT — Howard (Away)

VB — Casper (Away), 6:00 WBB/MBB — CWC (Away), 5:30, 7:30 SOFT — Howard (Away)

SOFT — Midland (Away)

VB — McCook, North Platte (Away) WBB/MBB — McCook (Home), 5:30, 7:30 SOFT — Midland (Away)

BASE — Barton (Away)

21 22 23 24 25 26 27 BASE — Barton (Away)

WBB — NJC (Home), 5:30 MBB — NJC (Home), 7:30

VB — Lamar (Home), 6:00

VB — NJC (Away), 7:30

WBB — Lamar (Away), 5:00 MBB — Lamar (Away, 7:00

SOFT — NPCC, I. Western (Away) BASE — Miles (Home), 1:00

28 SOFT — NE Neb., (Away at North Platte) BASE — Miles (Home), Noon

NOTE: Here is a composite spring schedule of games for the seven Cougar sports for the spring.

The schedule could change at any time because of weather conditions, COVID issues, or other things.

Sunday

Monday

March 2021

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

1 2 3 4 5 6 VB — Trinidad VB — Otero (Away), 1:00 (Away), 6:00 WBB/MBB — Trinidad WBB/MBB — Otero (Home), 2:00, 4:00 (Home), 5:30, 7:30 SOFT — TSJC/Otero SOFT — Lamar/Luna (@ Lamar) (@ Lamar) BASE — Otero (Away)

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 SOFT — NJC, McCook (@ Lamar) BASE — Otero (Away)

VB — Casper (Home), 6:00

BASE — Paradise Valley (Away)

MBB — North Platte VB — McCook, BASE — S. Mountain Iowa Western (Home) (Away) (Away) WBB/MBB — McCook, SOFT — Otero (Away) (Away) BASE — Madison BASE — Madison (Away) (Away)

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 SOFT — Lamar (Away)

VB — EWC (Home), 7:00 WBB/MBB — Otero (Away), 5:30, 7:30

BASE — NJC (Home)

VB — Otero VB — Trinidad (Home), 6:00 (Home), 1:00 WBB/MBB — Otero WBB/MBB — Trinidad (Away), 5:30, 7:30 (Away), 2:00, 4:00 SOFT — NJC (Home) BASE — Trinidad (Home)

21 22 23 24 25 26 27 SOFT — NJC (Away) BASE — Trinidad (Home)

VB — NJC (Home), 7:00 WBB — NJC (Away), 5:30 MBB — NJC (Away), 7:30

BASE — NJC (Home)

VB — Lamar (Away) WBB — Lamar (Home), 5:30 MBB — Lamar (Home), 7:30

28 29 30 31 BASE — Trinidad (Home)

MBB — North Platte (Home), 7:30

VB — Regionals @ Casper

NOTE: Here is a composite spring schedule of games for the seven Cougar sports for the spring.

The schedule could change at any time because of weather conditions, COVID issues, or other things.

BASE — Trinidad (Home)

Sunday

Monday

April 2021

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

1

VB — Regionals @ Casper

Friday

2

Saturday

3

VB — Regionals VB — Regionals @ Casper @ Casper SOFT — Trinidad SOFT — Luna (Away) (Away) BASE — Lamar (Away) BASE — Lamar WS/MS — CCC (Away) (Away) NO CLASSES

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 WS/MS — Otero (Home)

BASE — Southeast (Away)

EASTER

SOFT — Lamar (Home), Noon BASE — McCook (Home) WS/MS — Trinidad (Home)

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 BASE — McCook (Home)

WS — LCCC (Away) MS — LCCC (Away)

VB — Nationals West Plains, Mo.

VB — Nationals West Plains, Mo.

SOFT — Luna (Home), Noon BASE — NJC (Away)

WS/MS — NJC (Home) VB — Nationals West Plains, Mo.

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 BASE — NJC (Away)

MBB — National Tournament in Hutchinson, Kansas — runs April 19 through April 24 WBB — National Tournament in Lubbock Texas — runs April 19 through April 24 DISTRICT MUSIC NO CLASSES IN SCOTTSBLUFF

SOFT — Trinidad (Home), Noon BASE — Southeast (Home) WS/MS — W. Wyo. (Home)

25 26 27 28 29 30 SOFT — Otero (Home), 11:00

WS — Casper (Away)

BASE — Southeast (Home)

MS — Casper (Away)

SOFT — McCook (Home), Noon WS — Northwest (Home) MS — Northwest (Home)

NOTE: Here is a composite spring schedule of games for the seven Cougar sports for the spring.

The schedule could change at any time because of weather conditions, COVID issues, or other things.

Sunday

Monday

May 2021

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

1 SOFT — McCook (Away) BASE — McCook (Away)

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 BASE — McCook (Away)

WS — LCCC (Home)

SOFT — Regionals TBA

MS — LCCC (Home)

BASE — Regional BASE — Regional Playoffs, TBA Playoffs, TBA SOFT — Regionals SOFT — Regionals TBA TBA WS / MS — Casper (Home) GRADUATION

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 SOFT — Regionals TBA

BASE — Regionals Colorado Springs

WS — NJC (Home) MS — NJC (Home)

BASE — Regionals BASE — Regionals Colorado Springs Colorado Springs WS / MS — Playoffs (Higher Seed) SOFT — Districts TBA

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 SOFT — Districts TBA

BASE — Districts TBA

SOFT — Districts TBA

BASE — Districts TBA

BASE — Districts TBA

23 24 25 26 27 28 29 SOFT — Nationals Yuma, Arizona

SOFT — Nationals Yuma, Arizona

SOFT — Nationals Yuma, Arizona

SOFT — Nationals Yuma, Arizona

BASE — Nationals Grand Junction SOFT — Nationals Yuma, Arizona

30 31 J-1 J-2 J-3 J-4 J-5 BASE — Nationals Grand Junction

BASE — Nationals Grand Junction

BASE — Nationals Grand Junction

BASE — Nationals Grand Junction

BASE — Nationals Grand Junction

BASE — Nationals Grand Junction

WS — National Tournament in Evans, Georgia — Tournament runs June 3 through June 8 MS — National Tournament in Wichita, Kansas — Tournament runs June 5 through June 10

BASE — Nationals Grand Junction

Cougar Icon Hunter makes trip to visit WNCC during the summer

D

amon Hunter hasn’t seen his mom, who lives in Denver for sometime.

And, during the Coronavirus Pandemic that hit in March, Hunter decided to make a trip from his home in Washington to visit his mom in during the summer months. While in Denver, he decided that he wanted to come back to Scottsbluff and show his wife where he went to school and where his education started. That was the early part of July.

Hunter said he loved coming back to his old stomping grounds in Scottsbluff.

“I loved my visit back to Scottsbluff this summer,” he said. “It was awesome to see how much the campus has grown since I was last there in 85. My experience in

Damon Hunter stands on the Cougar at center court in July when he came back to visit his old college, the one he played at in 1985.

Scottsbluff, had a lot to do with the profession that I chose and the person that I have become.”

Hunter definitely remembers his time at WNCC (or back when he played it was called Nebraska Western College).

“What I remember about my time here is that this is where it all started after graduating from Montbello in Denver, where we were ranked 10th in the nation,” he said.

“The coach here at the time was Terry Layton. He saw me play and offered me a scholarship. I took a visit to Scottsbluff and fell in love with it. I played basketball my freshman year in 1984-85. I had great times. We had a great basketball team and had an awesome time in the classroom, That is what I remember. There were great people and great faculty, great coaches and that is what I remember about my time here.”

That year that he played, the Cougars finished 15-16. Other top players on that team included Buckley Cramer and Brian Devlin. Hunter finished the season as one of the top free throws shooters, making 61 charity tosses.

Hunter said there is a big difference between basketball when he played and basketball today.

“We, all of my friends, are all into basketball and experienced much success from basketball,” he said. “How much it has changed? I think the fundamentals of basketball will always be the same. It is arguable that the student/athletes today are a little bit more athletic. But the flipside to that is I think old-school basketball was a little bit more fundamentally sound.

But I enjoy watching it. I enjoy watching it now as much when I played.”

After spending a year at WNCC, Hunter left the college and joined the Army. It was after the Army that he went back to play basketball at Central Washington University.

“After here I went into the army and served our country in the United States Army,” he said. “After getting out of the Army with the self-decipline that I needed, I moved to Washington state and played basketball at Central Washington

Damon Hunter stands on the Cougar at center court in July when he came back to visit his old college, the one he played at in 1985.

University and finished up my education in business education. I became a teacher and became a building administrator/ principal and now I am an assistant superintendent of human resources in the Auburn school district in Washington state.”

While Hunter was a strong basketball player, his children also had basketball skills. His son, Dom who is 26 now, played at the University of Alaska Anchorage and then went to play professionally in Spain.

His daughter, Aliya, just graduated high school this year and signed to play basketball at Menlo College in California.

Hunter started his professional career as a business education teacher at Tukwila, Washington, and then moved onto being an assistant principal, a principal, director of human resources, and is now the assistant superintendent of human resources.

By Mark Rein, Sports Information

Cougar Alumni Spotlight

Pam (Palmer) Griess

Women’s Basketball (1991-93) Pam Palmer played for the women’s basketball team from 1991-93,helping the Cougars to their first Region IX title. Pam came to WNCC from Littleton, Colorado, where she graduated from Littleton High. Pam was a 5-foot-9 shooting guard that it 13th in career 3-pointers made with 219 points. She finished her career with 512 points.

What are you up to now: Pam is married and has one daughter and lives in Colorado.

What are some of the fun things you remember about your time at WNCC: Water Balloons with Bobby Jackson, Sledding in laundry baskets, the Lake, Region 9 and our hotel room fun.

Who are the teachers, staff, community that helped you during your time at WNCC: WNCC was like a family. Very Supportive community and host families. Sadly I can’t remember the names...maybe the Dietrichs? I think they had a party once out at their house for all the players.

What is your advice to all the student-athletes at WNCC now and the future: My advice would be to enjoy every moment of college. I have been fortunate enough to stay friends with people that I went to college with and wish I had more contact info for others. (Bart, Jason Whitaker etc...)

Do you still play the sport that brought you to WNCC: I am doing good if I can still pop a shot and play horse with my 6 year old....but I never turn down a challenge :)

Willie Anderson

Men’s Basketball (1995-97) Willie Anderson came to WNCC from xxx and played for the Cougars from 1995-97.

After WNCC, Anderson went on to play at LSU. What are you up to now: Willie is married to Scha-Jani Murrell Anderson and they have two boys, Willie James Anderson III and Gavin Moses Anderson.

Willie is a high school boys basketball coach and dean of students in Orlando, Florida.

What are some of the memories about WNCC: Beating up Eastern Wyoming and all the teams in Region 9.

What do you miss about your times at WNCC: The packed palace and my wonderful teammates. Of course all the beautiful ladies...

What were your favorite places to eat or go to while attending WNCC: The cafeteria food wasn’t very good so I loved eating with my host parents.

What is your advice to the current student-athletes about your time at WNCC and afterwards: Enjoy your family and friends, the college experience goes by fast.

If you could change anything about your time at WNCC, what would it be: I would have visited Fort Collins and Boulder more often Anything else you want to add about what you are doing now or about attending WNCC: I love helping kids earn scholarships opportunities by playing the game of basketball.

Cougar Alumni Spotlight Have your been back to WNCC since leaving: I have been back a couple of times since I left WNCC to watch some games. I drove through Scottsbluff two summers ago and I hardly recognized the place!

What do you remember about Scottsbluff and the places that you attended: The only place I remember going to eat was Country Kitchen and getting cheese sticks. I remember going to Econo Foods grocery store.

Tonya (Kluck) Schissler Women’s Basketball (1991-93)

Tonya (Kluck) Schissler came to play for WNCC from 199193 and was on the first women’s basketball Region IX team.

Kluck came to WNCC from Windsor, Colorado, Tonya is 10th in career assists with 208 assists and finished her two-year career with 498 points. Tonya is now married to Bret and lives in Kersey, Colorado, with their son, Ben (18), and daughters Cora (17) and Andi (15).

What is your advice to the student-athletes for now and after college: Advice - it goes fast. Keep a journal or scrapbook with memories in it.

Do you remember any of your instructors and who was your favorite instructor at the college: My favorite instructor was David Nash. He and his family took me in as their “dorm daughter” and had me over to dinner sometimes. We still exchange Christmas cards. I have been a slacker for the last couple of years about sending my Christmas cards out. Maybe I will start up again this year!

What are you up to now: Tonya works part-time as a physical therapist and coaches girls basketball at Platte Valley High School in Kersey.

What are your memories about your time at WNCC: I have a lot of them. I remember Loretta and Coach Harnish racing in the vans to see who got back first. I remember getting Hardee’s for free after every home game that we won.

I think we were undefeated at home that year so we ate a lot of Hardee’s! I remember Terri Turpin’s cheer at every half time “2 bits, 4 bits, 6 bits, a dollar, all for Lady Cougars stand up and holler.” But too many memories to list out!

What do you miss about WNCC: I miss playing basketball in real practices and real games. I miss running offenses and defenses and working together as a team.

Tonya Kluck’s freshman year basketball picture. She is No. 23.

Also pictured is Pam Palmer, who was listed earlier in this section. Pam is No. 45.

WNCC Cougar Alumni: If you want to be featured in this section, please send some information to Mark Rein at mrein@wncc.edu or text to 308-631-0459. You may also send a Facebook message.

Once you send a message, questions will sent out (or answer what the questions are in the alumni spotlight section.

ALUMNI ATHLETIC NEWS

Scottsbluff Junior College l Nebraska Western College l Western Nebraska Community College

Former Cougar Betsch transitions from baseball to military

J

ohn Betsch had his sophomore season in baseball cut short last spring. His options could have been to come back for another year or transfer to a four-year college.

He did neither. He did something more meaningful, he enlisted in the Army to serve his country.

“It is really cool [to go from WNCC to the Army,” he said. “I’m excited that I was able to transition from WNCC to my next phase of life immediately!”

After WNCC, Betsch went to basic training in Fort Benning, Georgia, to become an army medic. After basics, he changed his path in the army, he is now going to be a Ranger.

“Actually my military plans have changed a little. I have switched my contract around and I am working toward being an infantryman and becoming a Ranger in the Army,” he said. “Serving in the military has always been something I wanted to do. I just needed to figure out which branch and job was best for me.

“Once I finish infantry school, I will go to airborne school and then RASP. (Ranger Assessment and Selection Program). I chose this because I wanted a job that deploys regularly.”

Betsch said with the COVID situation, basic training was different. He also added that WNCC head coach Mike Jones helped him survive basics with his running drills.

“It [COVID] has changed a few things and been very annoying but that’s the same everywhere,” he said. “Basic involves a lot of push-ups and running and more push-ups. Coach Jones helped me out with building a running plan during one of his exercise classes. That has helped me out a lot because I have never been a good distance runner before. We have a run or a lift almost every morning around 5. Similar to morning weights back at WNCC.” Betsch was a back-up catcher a year ago and also played other positions. He

said it was hard ending his baseball career the way he did a year ago with the season being canceled on March 12.

“That was really hard to hang up the cleats like that,” he said. “I really wish we could go back and finish last season but life happens. Baseball has been a huge part of my life so I will always be around the game. The situation really made the saying ‘play every game like it’s your last’ come true.”

Betsch still is a baseball fan. While he hasn’t played a pick-up game, he has listened to games with others.

“No I haven’t had the chance to play,” he said. “But there was a group of guys in my platoon that are baseball fans so sometimes we would stay up and listen to the Braves games on our little radio. The World Series John Betsch stands by his bed while serving in the military. After was also fun to listen the baseball season ended last March, Betsch decided on a career to.” in the Army and he has plans to be a Ranger.

Betsch is now doing what he loves and such a huge difference when you’re excitwanted to do -- serve the military. His fo- ed to get to the ball field even for just a cus is making the military a success. practice,” he said. “You get out what you “Work hard every day and keep my fo- put into your workouts and practice reps cus on the Army and see where the next which was something Coach Jones always five years takes me,” he said. “I still want emphasized.” to be a career firefighter so I’ll be working Betsch said he does miss WNCC and toward that.” the people in the community.

Betsch’s advice to the younger players “I miss the good friends and families is to have fun. that I got to know in Scottsbluff/Gering.”

By Mark Rein, Sports Information “Have fun on the field because it makes

ALUMNI ATHLETIC NEWS

Scottsbluff Junior College l Nebraska Western College l Western Nebraska Community College

A look back of Cougar athletics in pictures

ALUMNI ATHLETIC NEWS

Scottsbluff Junior College l Nebraska Western College l Western Nebraska Community College

Some WNCC Baseball Records

Career Batting Average 1, .455 David Tano................2002 2, .417 Brian Trivette.............2002 3. .414 Tony Daubert.............2002 4. .412 Oscar Perez........ 2015-16 5. .410 Francisco Leandro....2003 6. .400 Nortbert Susini..........2008 7, .397 Luis Pardo.................2002 8, .391 Oscar Familla............2012 9, .382 Jake Hatchett............2004

.382 Pedro Suarez............2007 11. .380 Jack Pauley...............2016 12, .379 Richie Stewart...........2007 13, .367 Pete Rogers........ 2003-04

Career Most RBIs 1, 110 Pete Rogers........ 2003-04 2, 90 Jared Myers........ 2002-03 3, 73 Victor Odreman... 2004-05 4, 72 Austin Michard.... 2015-16

72 A. Monteagudo.... 2008-09 6, 70 Cameron Snyder.2013-14 7, 67 Carlos Escamillo. 2002-03 8, 66 Andrew Shannon.2003-05 9, 62 David Tano................2002

62 Richie Stewart..... 2006-08

62 Oscar Perez........ 2015-16 12, 60 Brian Trivette.............2002 13, 58 J. Bermudez........ 2016-18 14, 57 Jack Pauley...............2016 15, 56 Francisco Leandro....2003 Career Most Runs Scored 1, 92 Pete Rogers........ 2003-04

92 Jared Myers........ 2003-03 3, 74 Ryan Grasser...... 2016-17 4, 71 A. Monteagudo.... 2008-09 5, 70 Daniel Martinez... 2006-07

70 Damon Brabson.. 2003-04 7, 69 Richie Stewart..... 2006-07 8, 67 Carlos Escamilla. 2002-03 9, 66 Tony Daubert.............2002

66 David Tano................2002

66 Oscar Perez........ 2015-16 12, 62 Francisco Leandro....2003

62 Victor Odreman... 2004-05 14, 61 Andrew Shannon.2003-05 15, 59 Brandon Bachar.. 2016-17

Career Most Walks 1, 61 Richie Stewart..... 2006-07 2, 56 Daniel Martinez... 2006-07 3, 55 Jared Myers........ 2002-03 4, 52 Oscar Perez........ 2015-16 5, 47 Josh Parker......... 2009-10 6, 45 Austin Michaud.... 2015-16 7, 44 Luis Alcantara...... 2019-20 8, 43 A. Monteagudo.... 2008-09

43 Chris Hook.......... 2007-09 10, 42 Ryan Grasser...... 2016-17 11. 41 Alex Achtermann.2016-17 12, 40 Stuart Eurich....... 2016-17 13, 39 Carlos Varela....... 2002-03

39 Ozzie Gonzales.........2013 15, 38 Pete Rogers........ 2003-04

Career Pitching Best ERA 1, 1.00 Nate Andresen..........2018 2, 1.31 Ilich Santos................2007 3, 1.50 Beau Lofink...............2015 4, 1.86 Ian Fisher............ 2016-17 5, 2.11 Rudy Soto.................2008 6, 2.16 Luis Orta....................2009 7, 2.42 Tim Beard..................2010 8, 2.70 Cesar Perez..............2009 9, 2.84 Tanner Thompson.....2015 10, 2.89 Isaac Block................2015 11, 3,00 Luis Mirabal...............2008 12, 3.12 A. Sanchez................2005

3.12 Paul Panduro............2020 14, 3.13 Brandon LaPointe.....2003 15, 3,38 Ernesto Punales........2013

Career Most Singles 1, 93 Joe Moran........... 2014-15 2, 86 Cameron Snyder.2013-14 3, 85 Pete Rogers........ 2003-04 4, 82 Oscar Perez........ 2015-16 5, 77 Daniel Martinez... 2006-07 6, 74 Carlos Escamillo. 2002-03 7, 73 Lyall Foran.......... 2004-05 8, 72 Jared Myers........ 2002-03 9, 70 Alex Achtermann.2016-17 10, 67 Austin Michaud.... 2015-16 11, 66 J. Bermudez........ 2016-18 12, 65 Richie Stewart..... 2006-07 13, 64 Enrique Odreman.2004-05 14, 63 Ryan Grasser...... 2016-17 15, 60 J.T. Kauffman...... 2004-05

Career Pitching Most Strikeouts 1, 127 Alex Oehme........ 2017-18 2, 123 Claude Bova........ 2017-18

123 Phillips Orta......... 2006-07 4, 113 Pat Cheever........ 2003-04 5, 112 Bradley Brown..... 2015-16 6, 109 Brian Kelley......... 2015-16 7, 106 Ulysess Roque.... 2005-06 8, 100 Jacob Pekol......... 2017-18 9, 94 A. Sanchez.......... 2005-06 10, 85 John Timmins...... 2013-14 11, 81 Kale Litzelman..... 2018-19 12, 80 Jason Palser....... 2013-14 13, 79 Josh Kupfner....... 2005-06 14, 75 Luke Cheever...... 2002-04 15, 69 Chris Mahelona... 2005-06

Career Most Home Runs 1, 24 Pete Rogers........ 2003-04 2, 20 Victor Odreman... 2004-05 3, 19 A. Monteagudo.... 2008-09 4, 17 Francisco Leandro....2003 5, 15 Jared Myers........ 2002-03 6, 14 Ozzie Gonzales.........2013

14 Jack Pauley...............2016 8, 12 Tony Daubert.............2002 9, 10 Damon Brabson.. 2003-04

10 J. Bermudez........ 2016-18 11, 9 David Tano................2002

9 Q Miller................ 2019-20

Career Pitching Most Innings Pitched 1, 133.1 Alex Oehme........ 2017-18 2, 127.2 Claude Bova........ 2017-18 3, 123.0 Brian Kelley......... 2015-16 4, 118.1 Ulysses Roque.... 2003-04 5, 116.2 John Timmins...... 2013-14 6, 115.2 Phillips Orta......... 2006-07 7, 114 Pat Cheever........ 2003-04 8, 112.2 Jeff Schmitt..........2011-12 9, 107.1 Bradley Brown..... 2015-16 10, 102.1 Luke Cheever...... 2002-04 11, 99.2 Terry McNabb.......2011-12 12, 92.1 Todd Stachura..... 2007-08 13, 92.0 Greg Crowe......... 2017-18

Softball team painting pumpkins

(Top Left) Erin Hanafin gets creative in painting her pumpkin with tiny squares.

(Bottom Left) Bella Coffman and Bailey Blachard used red and Yellow to paint their pumpkins.

(Top Right) Cheyenne Ausborn and Ema Schweitzer use bright colors in painting their pumpkins.

(Bottom Right) Autumn Schuler concentrates while putting the perfect touches on her pumpkin.

Answers to the Cougar Trivia from earlier in the newsletter 1) Karen Cordero had the most kills in a match a year ago when she pounded down 26 kills in a four-set win over Laramie County Community College on October 8.

2) Three must have been a lucky number as the Cougars had three 3-game winning season last fall. The men lost their first game of the season and then won three straight over Illinois Central, Montana College Club, and Dakota County.

They also won three straight from Sept. 21-28 and then Oct. 5-13.

3) Bethany Fuchs scored three goals on Sept.

1 against Dakota County in a 12-0 win and then Destiny Mueller had two goals in a thrilling 2-1 win over Western Wyoming on Oct. 5.

4) The Cougar women nailed 14 treys in the win

over the Nebraska All-stars. Taylor Joplin had three treys while four other players had two threes each.

and she is the assistant coach for the Scottsbluff High softball team now.

5) Teddy Allen scored in double figures in 30 of the 31 games that he played in last season. The only game he failed to score double digits was a 8-point contest against North Platte on Feb. 4.

9) That was NBA basketball player Bobby Jackson and NFL Hall of Fame football player Dick “Night Train” Lane.

6) This one should be easy since there were only three teams back then. Volleyball and men’s basketball were on the lower ring, and women’s basketball was on the upper ring off of door 8 (the door is not there anymore, but it was located in what is now the Veterans Upward Bound lroom.

7) Easy one because he is still here. Mike Jones has been the only baseball coach at WNCC. 8) That was Sara Wells, who is know Sara Klein

10) That answer is five. The first year was 1980 when Trudy John, Val McLellan, Deb Ruppel, and Deb Stricker played and that was the most Gering players with four. There were four teams with three players each beginning with 1995 with Becky Kelley, Stacy Goos, and Laura Schmeeckle. Then in 2001 with Nicole Gonzales, Sarah Mayo, and Heidi Harms followed by the 2009 team with Sierra Schmidt, Whitney Roth, and Brooke Blomenkamp and the last one is this year -- 2020 -- with Olivia Schaub, Arianna Mitchell, and Elli Winkler.

Softball Team’s Painted Pumpkins

A little contest for everyone for this Halloween. Which of the softball girl’s pumpkins is the best. Vote by emailing (mrein@wncc.edu) or text (308-631-0459) your pick of the best pumpkin to one of the above emails or number.

Please list the number below the picture in your text or email.

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Back Page Portrait — Softball Team and Pumpkins