WNCC Couar Beat Newsletter -- Issue 6, Dec. 25, 2020

The Latest in Cougar Athletic News

COUGAR

BEAT Newsletter

December 25, 2020 – Issue 6

Inside: 10 Years Ago: Cougar volleyball team wins second national championship

20-plus questions: Meet WNCC freshman softball pitcher Ashley Quinn

Looking Back 10 years ago: Cougar volleyball team wins 2010 NJCAA national championship 2010 was a magical year for the Western Nebraska Community College and one worth remembering.

What this team did was capture the college’s second national championship, topping San Jacin-to in five sets to earn the schools second NJCAA national championship. It was also the schools second national volleyball title in four years.

What stands out about this team is how hard they worked and the positive attitude they had that “they were going to win the national title.”

Head coach at the time, Giovana Mello, who is now the head coach at Cal State Bakersfield, said that was a magical time.

“It’s a memory that will stay with me forever,” Melo said. “That team worked extremely hard. They were competitive.

They care about one another and most importantly, they were so fun to be around.”

Former player Lais Soares, who know lives in Paris, France, and switched from playing volley-ball to dancing, said that was a magical time in her career.

“I remember how proud and happy I was for my team. We worked so hard and I knew we’d bring the national title, Soares said earlier in December. “Our team was very diverse, composed of Americans, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Hawaii, and each one with a strong personality and a lot of desire to win! They pushed themselves harder each day and I remember Mackenzie [Westphal] saying every month WE WILL WIN THE NATIONAL CHAMPS! Well, she was right. It was really special because

The 2010 WNCC women’s volleyball team celebrate the college’s second national title after they defeated San Jacinto College in five sets back in 2010.

we worked so hard to finish our year with a BIG A+. We deserve it. I don’t have words to explain my team. I love those girls and Feijao!”

Student assistant coach Cesar Benatti, who is now the head beach volleyball coach at Cal State Bakersfield and on Melo’s volleyball coaching staff, said his biggest thrill from that championship was the feeling of running on the court and dogpiling.

“Everyone running into the court and having one of the best feelings of my life,” he said.

That celebration was definitely special for the players and coaches. Coach Melo was even at the bot-tom of the pile.

Benatti said that team was special with how much they grew through the season.

“It was tough in the beginning with

Continued on next page

Kuulei Kabalis screams with excitement after winning the national tournament back in 2010.

n Looking Back: 10 years ago national title ... three key players from Brazil who could not communicate well, and a conference tournament that tested us to the limit,” he said.

“We overcome those challenges and it made us really strong for nationals.”

The road to the national championship in 2010 started with an exciting Region IX tournament where the Cougars needed an if-necessary match to earn their 12th straight trip to nationals.

Northeastern Junior College topped the Cougars 26-24, 13-25, 25-20, 25-20 to force the if-necessary match. That extra match was all WNCC as they swept past NJC 25-23, 25-22, 25-20 behind a triple-double from Debora Araujo with 18 kills, 11 points, and 10 digs.

WNCC entered the national tournament as the fourth seed with a 39-4 record. The Cougars opening round contest would be against Wallace State-Hanceville Community College. The tournament was played in the West Plains Civic Center in West Plains, Missouri.

At nationals, the Cougars moved into the semifinals for the seventh straight year with convincing wins. WNCC disposed of Wallace State-Hanceville 25-18, 25-19, 25-14 and then took out the fifth-seeded Blinn College in straight sets 25-22, 25-21, 2521.

The semi-finals against Salt Lake Community College was an epic battle between the two western teams. WNCC needed four sets to succumb Salt Lake 27-25, 21-25, 25-23, 25-19 to earn a trip the finals and a match-up with San Jacinto College, who swept past Western Wyoming Community College 25-21, 25-21,

25-21.

The Cougar women then snared the championship with a heart-pounding five-set win over No. 3 San Jacinto College 2826, 25-19, 22-25, 15-25, 15-10.

The fifth set was intense after San Jac stormed back to even the match at 2-2.

Both teams traded sideouts for the early going. WNCC finally tied the game at 6-6 on a Goncalves setter dump. Kuulei Kabalis then served two points on kills from Tania Torres and Araujo for an 8-6 lead. San Jacinto came back to cut the deficit to 10-9, but it was short-lived as a missed serve gave WNCC the ball and then Araujo had an ace serve and another point for a 13-9 lead.

The Ravens came back with a point, but a Torres kill brought the Cougars to 14-10 and then Soares finished off the championship run with a kill.

Melo told the team going in the fifth set to remember last year’s semifinal and refocus. They did.

“I told them, especially the sophomores that experienced something like this last year when we lost in the semifinals, that this win is in our hands and if you don’t want to feel that way again like you did last year,” she said. “I told them to forget about everything that happened and to just go fight for that 15 points. It felt like nothing to us after what we felt through the year and they went out and did it.”

After the match was finished, the players were ecstatic.

“This is a dream. Not a lot of people win it and I knew we had

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It was a swarm of happy faces as the WNCC volleyball team storm and do a dogpile after winning their second national title with a 5-game win over San Jacinto in West Plains, Missouri. Sierra Schmidt (left) is so happy that she jumped on trainer Doug Jones, giving an emotional hug.

Emily Hoehn wraps the shaved head of radio announcer Jared Horak after he lost a bet and had to shave his head. The players had fun shaving his head.

n Looking Back: 10 years ago the team from the beginning with the biggest hearts. It is just a dream come true,” Ariel Austin, the sophomore who had 13 kills including the two kills that ended the first and second sets in the Cougars favor, said after the game. “I can’t thank my team enough. We are truly a family. I cannot even describe how it feels to be number one in the nation. This is unbelievable. I don’t even have the words to describe it. It feels so great. It is a dream come true.”

Fernanda Goncalves, who was named the tournament most valuable player, was still in a lack of words to describe the moment she was feeling after the match 10 years ago.

“This means everything to me because I am here for playing volleyball and winning this tournament makes me happy and I am excited,” the freshman setter who finished with 15 digs, 47 set assists and four blocks, said. “I am shaking because of this win. I feel happy right know and a little bit crazy. I was really surprised with the MVP honor.”

The memories will stay with the team for quite a while especially with the final call from the Cougar radio announcer Jared Horak. Horak said the trip to nationals and watching the team capture the nation-

Cougar Trivia

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

1) Which Cougar team went the furtherest at regionals in 2020?

2) How many head coaches have the men’s and women’s soccer team had?

Ariel Austin as the mermaid and Sierra Schmidt as the diver as the two players put their heads in the board at the national tournament banquet.

al title was one that he will always remember. Horak also lost a bet and had to shave his head after the tournament in December.

Continued on next page

3) Which Region IX college does the Cougar volleyball team have the best winning percentage against (hint: there are two a over .900 percentage)?

4) What is the most ane least offensive points scored in game for the women’s basketball team?

5) Who holds the record for most 20-point games in a season for the men’s basketball team?

6) Who holds the record for most goals in a match for the men’s soccer team?

7) Who holds the record for most points (goals and assists) in a season for the women’s soccer team?

8) Who holds the record for best season on-base percentage for Cougar softball?

9) How many players hit for the cycle for the Cougar baseball team?

10) When was the last time the Cougar sports team had a losing record in the sports that were in action?

The WNCC volleyball team and staff, including Doug Jones, the athletic trainer, and Bill Schmidt, the bus driver, pose with Gordon Howard after a national championship celebration dinner in December.

Answers toward the back of the newsletter.

n Looking Back: 10 years ago national title ...

“I remember after winning the semi-finals that night, the coaches stayed up most of the night preparing; sitting in the hallway watching film,” he said. “That team was very determined. Reminded me very much of the 2007 team. Bus ride to West Plains was similar to Council Bluffs in 07. Very quiet; seemed very locked in.”

Horak’s remembrance of the final play was epic.

“I remember the championship match. I didn’t have any nice pants, so I couldn’t sit on the floor,” he said. “So, I sat up in the stands to call the match. That was a roller coaster of a match. So many emotions. Winning the first two sets you think, boy these girls are going to do it.

Then San Jac came back winning the next two. The fifth set was pretty nerve racking. But once they won it, you felt like a million pounds was just lifted off.

Pretty sure even this radio guy had a tear or two of happiness seeing the result of hard work paying off winning a national championship. Something I will never ever forget.”

Melo said the key was her setter, Fernanda Goncalves. She remembers what she told her all-star setter.

“I remember telling Fernanda to set the middles and on that fifth set, she probably set them more than she did all year long,” the coach said. “But, I also remember that dog pile. What an incredible feeling!”

Soares said that season was truly special to her. Soares was one of three freshmen from Brazil and remembers the season, especially how she hated Melo when she made them run.

“What I remember about that year was it was a running season (lol, maybe coach G will be mad [that I said that], but I hate to run, Soares said. “Every time we needed to run inside of my head I was, ‘God bless me.’ But it was necessary and now we can say we are champions! Also, we’ve had tough games, we’ve lost four games all season and that is incredible (I’ve never lost so little in a sea-son).

We’ve had easy games, too, but in general it was an intense season.”

Benatti said what made the championship happen was the people involved

The volleyball team poses with then Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman during a special presentation that Heineman proclaimed December 3, 2010 as “Cougar Volleyball Day in Nebraska and I do hereby urge all citizens to take due not of the observance. Heineman said, in the proclamation, “These young women are an inspiration to young people across our great state ...”

from the team to the community and college staff.

“What made it happen was the people involved,” he said. “! The group of committed players, coaches and support staff was what made it possible.”

Melo’s advice to this year’s team as they will start their season in January with hopes of getting back to the national tournament is don’t hold anything back.

“Play as a team and for each other,” she said. “Give your all. Don’t hold back.

Work 2 percent harder everyday with that goal in mind and believe you can do it.” ` Benatti’s advice to this year team is to stay positive.

“Work hard, build relationships, be honest, be positive and focus on the things you can control,” he said. “It [the 2010 team] was super special because that team worked so hard and faced real challenges to get where they got. Lots of lessons learned with the previous years, which made them mature so much in such a short period of time. That gave the sophomores a good sense of leader-ship.”

Soares’ advice to this year’s team is just believe in yourself and the team.

“Believe in yourself but better than this, BELIEVE IN YOUR TEAM,” she

said. “Each teammate has a special skill that will complete the puzzle and support each one because together you can go very far and strengthened.”

Soares said her memories of Scottsbluff are strong and the national title is the cherry on top of the cake.

“I have a lot of memories and for me, specifically, it was a big challenge,” she said. “I didn’t know or speak English. I came to a part of my life where I didn’t trust anyone, so I had no reaction to good or bad things. I was so ‘ALONE’ and all my teammates, coaches, dorms parents, colleagues from other sports, they taught me to have confidence in people, to be patient with myself. I learned to see things in a better way and NATIONAL TITTLE was just the cherry on top of the cake.

“Some of my best memories included, the first one, was with my dorms parents and my first day in the USA and mom, Holly [Sterkel] took me to eat at the subway. I have no English and I just understood CHEESE. Well, it took me a while to get my sandwich done. The second memory was all team partying in the hotel after nationals, screaming ‘parkour’ and ‘throwing’ yourself in the hotel hallway, jumping on top of each other. That is one of my best memories.”

20 QUESTIONS WITH ...

Ashley Quinn, Softball

A

shley Quinn is a freshman from Cherokee High in Aurora, Colorado, and is a pitcher and utility player for the Cougar softball team this year. Ashley lettered three years in softball. Her freshman year they won state. Her junior year, they were runner-up at state and pitched the championship game. Ashley describes herself as trustful, loving, and funny. Her hobbies include writing and spending time with family.

MR: First off, how did the first semester go and how challenging was it with the pandemic and everything?

AQ: The first semester went pretty well being on campus. When we went home for school was a little more challenging for me personally. But overall my first semester of college went pretty well even with dealing with the pandemic.

MR: What is the outlook for the softball team in the spring as you get ready for the spring competition?

AQ: I believe we are going to have a pretty strong team in the spring. Our biggest

struggle is staying out of our heads and believing in ourselves, but when we play like we know how to play, we are unstoppable.

MR: What are the things you learned about college softball after the one semester at WNCC? AQ: College softball is a lot different than anything I had ever experienced, but in a good way. Playing a sport in college has taught me how to balance being a true student-athlete all while trying to do good enough in school to eventually achieve getting my dream job. I wouldn’t change it for anything.

MR: What are your goals for softball and college?

AQ: My goals for softball are to be a very successful team that is hard to beat. I also am striving for a strong season in the circle.

My goals for college this second semester is to finish this year on a good note and be able to say that I successfully finished my first year of college.

MR: Who is the most influential for you in your softball skills?

AQ: Coach Groves influences me so much

in softball because she knows so much about the sport and has shown me and taught me so many things that I never would have learned anywhere else. She also helps push me in the classroom so I can be the best student I can be as well.

MR: What do you love about softball practice?

AQ: My favorite softball practices are probably pitching practices because that’s where I get to have fun with pitching and get to try new things. I really love working on my movement when it comes to pitching, so that what makes pitching practice so fun.

MR: What is the worst softball conditioning you have experienced?

AQ: The worst softball conditioning I’ve experienced so far was one morning, I believe it was the third week of school. We had weights and we were doing warm-ups and we weren’t running all the way through the line on our sprints and Coach Groves wasn’t too happy about that. We ended up having to run the whole morning, but it

Continued on next page

n 20 Questions with Ashley Quinn ... taught us that no matter what time of day it is or what we are doing, we always need to be pushing 120%.

MR: What is your softball background?

AQ: I have been playing softball for 12 years now. I have been pitching for 11 years.

I wanted to play softball because my dad played baseball and he’s my hero. He was also a very successful pitcher which is why I wanted to become a pitcher.

MR: How did you become a pitcher and why pitching?

AQ: I became a pitcher and wanted to become a pitcher because of all the stories I had heard my dad talk about while pitching and I knew that I could do that. He inspires me to be the best I can in the circle. His saying to me is “to clear the mechanism,” which means clear everything out while I’m in the circle. It’s just me and the glove, but it’s time to sit the batter down.

MR: What is the meaning of the holiday season?

AQ: The meaning of the holiday season is family, friends, and love. I love the holidays because my family always becomes closer and we love to look back on what this year has taught individually and collectively.

MR: What does your family like doing during the holiday season (Christmas and New Years)?

AQ: One of our traditions, that we are going to have to change this year, is on Christmas Eve we go to a nice steakhouse for dinner and then go and see a movie. The last few years we have gone to see Star Wars movies because my family loves the Star Wars franchise.

MR: What is the funniest present you received during the holiday season?

AQ: A funny present I receive every year is I always ask for a Lego set. I love to build Legos because it’s something that I can sit down for hours and do. It’s really relaxing and calming and I just enjoy that time to myself.

MR: If you could be the star in any Christmas movie or cartoon, what character would you be and movie? Why? AQ: If I could choose to be in any Christmas movie, I would choose to be in The Nightmare Before Christmas because I love Disney and that is one of my all time favorite Christmas movies.

MR: If you could think of your teammates

as Santa’s reindeers, who would be who on the sleigh and who would be Rudolph?

AQ: I believe that Mackenzie would be Dasher because she leads us in everything we do. I think Bailey would be Prancer because she is really fast. I think Erin would be Dancer because she always finds a way to make us laugh. I believe Emma would be Vixen because she can super quiet when you first meet her but she eventually opens up once you get to know her. I believe Chloe would be Comet because she is very confident in herself and has no worries. I believe I would be Cupid because I am very affectionate and love hugs. I believe Bella would be Donner because she is very loud, like you could hear her from a mile away. I believe that Lexi would be Blitzen because she is kind of all over the place sometimes but super fun to be around. Last but not least, I believe Cameron would be Rudolph because she always finds a way to stand out.

MR: What is the outlook for 2021 with the pandemic, school, or whatever?

AQ: I’m hoping that 2021 will look a lot better with the pandemic. I miss how normal life used to be and honestly can’t remember what it’s like. I’m hoping that in 2021 we will be able to see somewhat of a normalcy again.

MR: What is your biggest strikeout pitching during a game?

AQ: I was pitching in the state championship game I struck out one of their biggest hitters for the third out of the inning. I’ll never forget that feeling of so much excitement to know that I just struck out their

D1 player.

MR: If you could change anything about your past playing, would you and what would it be?

AQ: There’s times where I wish I didn’t play for a team but then I think to myself, I wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t played for that team or made that switch.

MR: College major and why?

AQ: I am majoring in nursing. I chose this major because I love being able to help people. I also love to build relationships with people and you get to do that as a nurse.

MR: What is your dream school to play at after WNCC? AQ: My dream school to play at would be The University of Tennessee because I have loved that school since I was eight years old.

It would be an absolute dream to be able to play there.

MR: If softball was not an option to play, what other sport would you dedicate your time to and why?

AQ: To be honest, I don’t know if I would play another sport if softball didn’t exist because I have tried playing every other sport and hated them.

MR: What age was your favorite during your growing up that you remember that you would want to go back and visit once again? Why? AQ: If I could go back to any age, I would go back to before I was nine. I miss being innocent and now knowing the evil that exists in the world.

MR: Favorite cartoon?

AQ: My favorite cartoon would probably be The Princess and the Frog because I love that movie. It’s a go-to movie for me that I always enjoy watching no matter the time or day.

MR: Favorite place to eat?

AQ: My favorite place to eat would be Outback Steakhouse because I love steak, especially fillets.

MR: Favorite car?

AQ: My favorite car would be a jeep because they are really good cars that are also super fun to drive.

MR: Favorite State?

AQ: My favorite state is Colorado. I have lived here my whole life and I love that there are so many options of what you can do. I also really love the mountains.

By Mark Rein, Sports Information

Dave and Colleen Dietrich honored with WNCC alumni award

D

ave and Colleen Dietrich have been official and unofficial host family members for the WNCC Cougar basketball teams for around 35 years.

During that time, Dave and Colleen along with their two daughters Valerie and Ashley, have seen plenty of great athletes come through the college and they still attend Cougar athletic events with their family.

Because of their dedication to Cougar athletics, Dave and Colleen was honored with the Carl Perkins Meritorious Service Award during the Homecoming Alumni banquet in October.

The two were honored with the honor.

“We were totally surprised and very humbled to be recognized for something we have loved and enjoyed doing over the years,” they said. “We are very honored to receive this award.”

They started watching Cougar athletics in 1983 and was introduced to the dorm parent program in 1985. Through the years, they have came in contact with many players and they still stay in contact with them.

“We have always enjoyed watching sports and interacting with the student athletes and have attended events since about 1983,” they said. “We were introduced to the dorm parent program by Joe and Kathy Gentry around 1985. We first got involved with men’s basketball and after attending home games with the women playing just before the men, we became involved with the women’s dorm parent program as well.

Ever since our daughters Valerie and Ashley were little, they always loved getting to know the players and watching the games.

For us it has always been a family involvement.”

They have a long list of players they have “friended” during their playing days at the college. They tried to remember all of them, but they are afraid they might miss some.

“It would be hard to list all of the dorm kids,” they said. “Some that were ‘officially’ ours and became like family were Tyron

Colleen and Dave Dietrich pose with Ana Costas after a Cougar volleyball game last year.

Orr, Jason Whiteaker, Rafael Gomez, Neville Dyson, Chris Webb, and Joe Stock to name a few. Some of the girls were Sabrina Wheeler, Celine Riviera, Maggie Sharp, Kellie Hawthorn, Amy Deterding, Chalae Collard, and Anna Costas.”

They also had players that weren’t official dorm parents to, but became friends with and were like family. They Sean “DY” McGee, Anthony Harris, Bobby Jackson, Jason Lutz, David Raheem, Randy Blocker, Bart Gjibles, Vinnie Shahid, AJ Kuxhausen, Pam Palmer, Tonya Kluck, Julie Cook and Renee Rayton.

“We still stay in touch closely with DY, Tyron and Jason,” they said. “Jason Whiteaker came back to Scottsbluff with his family three years ago to visit the college and to show his kids where he went to school and played. Ryan Burgner even opened the gym so Jason’s family could see where he played and the kids even shot some baskets on the court. DY was back in town two years ago to visit, but, his stay was shortened when his son got bit by a rattlesnake and had to

be flown to Denver for treatment. DY says he will come back again.

“We did get to see Bobby Jackson when he came back for the hall of fame award and watched his jersey get retired. David Raheem and Randy Blocker were here then too, it was fun to catch up with them and reminisce about great memories. Randy runs a very successful fitness enterprise business and David does some very awesome work with veteran’s homes programs.

We do stay in touch with many of the kids with phone calls and on social media which is really great.”

One of the advantages of being involved is what the athletes do to help out in the community with the family.

“The biggest and best thing about being involved has been knowing and making friends and family with so many great people,” they said. “Our girls had big brothers and sisters they could cheer for at games and spend time with after their seasons were done and they cherish those memo-

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n Dietrichs’ honored by WNCC alumni ... ries. The kids who became adopted family will always be a part of our family.

“Colleen coached track at Lake Alice School for several years when the country schools were still open and several of the Cougar players assisted her in coaching track. (DY) Sean McGee was one of them and he was awesome in track. He could high jump like 20-feet high it seemed. There have been a few dorm kids who didn’t seem to want to get highly involved in the program but we still honored and supported them at all home games and made away game goodie bags for them to take on road trips which they always appreciated.”

The Dietrichs became a part of Cougar athletics in the mid 1980s and they are still a part of it. They have seen plenty of changes over the years.

“Changes in Cougar sports have been many,” they said. “When we first got involved there was only basketball and volleyball. Back then the gym was still the big circular court and we always loved that and still miss it. Now, there are so many sports such as volleyball, soccer, baseball, and softball. Also, with so many more activities at the college now and kids supporting each other and with the internet, social media and cell phones, the kids don’t seem to have as much time to spend getting together with host families. The one thing that hasn’t changed is the high level of competition here in all those sports activities and the appreciation and the community support at home games for all the players.”

The Dietrichs said there have been outstanding athletes that have come through WNCC. They couldn’t name them all, but some of them they remember include, on the men’s side, Bobby Jackson, Sedric Toney, Bernard Garner, Teddy Allen, Jason Whiteaker, Randy Blocker, Vinnie Shahid, Anthony Harris and his son Trent Harris, and Tyron Orr. On the women’s side, some of them they remember include Renee Rayton, Sabrina Wheeler, Anita Drayton, Tishara Morehouse, and Merle Wiehl.

“There really are just too many to single out and We’re sorry if I omitted some great ones,” they said.

Dietrichs said being a host family is something that is enjoyable and something

Jason Whiteaker back at WNCC in 2017 along with the Dietrichs

that families will cherish down the road.

“If you enjoy kids and athletic events and want to experience a lot of happiness and good times, for sure get involved with the program or just attend the games,” they said. “The players almost always are available for short times after games to congratulate or visit. Just get to know the kids and support them and include them with your family, you won’t regret it. You will look back and be thankful for the times you shared.”

The one thing that really hasn’t changed is where the Dietrichs sit with their daughters and their kids. It is always near the bottom across from the visitors bench.

“We really don’t have reserved seats, but we have almost always sat in the same seats,” they said. “Over the years, all our dorm kids always knew where to find us and that’s why we’ve always ‘claimed’ the same spot in the stands. It just seems like that’s where we belong.”

The Dietrichs tradition continues through the years and they not only support the Cougars, but they also support their grandkids’ games.

“We got married in 1975 and have attended sports together ever since,” they said. “We attended both high school and college level games. Our girls went to Scottsbluff high school and we never missed their events: volleyball, basketball, track and FFA. Now we’re enjoying our

grand kids playing volleyball, basketball, track and football and they are Cougar supporters as well along with some of their friends and teammates they bring along.”

The honor they received in October is definitely deserving. The letter they sent WNCC Alumni Foundation Director Mary Sheffield mentioned the great memories they have had and enjoyed.

“The Cougars have been number one in Region IX in both men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball many, many times and we’ve celebrated a lot with the those teams,” they said. “We’ve experienced the highs of winning championships and we’ve also cried with kids at the pain of a loss.

We’ve laughed and enjoyed life with scores of kids. We love all the kids we’ve had the pleasure to know. We also want to mention one the best of times was seeing the team with Anthony Harris celebrate a Region IX title and then getting to see his son Trent Harris’ team win a Region IX title a couple years ago. It was so great to see father and son have something so special in common at WNCC. What a legacy for a family to have a father and son share that in common. Another special family legacy of players at WNCC was AJ Kuxhausen and his son Drew who also played at WNCC. “We will be Cougar boosters forever along with our kids and now our grandkids.”

By Mark Rein, Sports Information

20 QUESTIONS WITH ...

Y

gor Brito will be a sophomore this year for the Men’s soccer team and he is looking forward to playing this season, which will be in April and May. Brito is one of those players that is active on campus as not only is he playing soccer, but he is also involved in FCA. Let’s meet Brito this week in the athletic newsletter.

MR: First off, how did the first semester go and how challenging was it with the pandemic and everything?

YB: It was such a challenging semester for me because it was totally atypical.

We had to adapt to a lot of changes since housing to our academic plans regarding classes, our soccer season got moved to spring. Besides, I was one of the few students who got COVID this fall semester and it was tough. I would say the resilience was the key to keep me strong this semester.

MR: What is the outlook for the men’s soccer team in the spring as you get ready for the spring competition and how weird will it be playing in April and May when the season is usually in the fall?

YB: As I keep saying we’re dealing with an atypical year and we must be prepared to face the challenges. Having a season during spring instead of fall, it’s not what we wanted, but we are committed to give our best and work hard to perform the best soccer. I think that the pandemic led us to be even more hungrier for victory.

MR: What are the things you learned about college soccer after your last season?

YB: I learned how trusting in the process can be very important in order to build a strong consistent mentality. I feel really hunger to conquer the region conference next year.

Ygor Brito, Men’s Soccer

MR: What are your goals for soccer and college?

YB: I’m looking forward to play another year for WNCC as our year is not counting towards eligibility. When I get done at WNCC I’m looking forward to Transfer to a 4 years university and get my bachelors in computer science. Also, I still have the desire to make pro so I will keep pursuing soccer.

MR: Who is the most influential for you in soccer?

YB: Neymar today is the most influential soccer player for me because he plays soccer with such a joy and I love how playing soccer can be one of my favorite reasons to smile.

MR: What do you love about soccer practice?

YB: I love how soccer can be such a therapy. I can forget all my problems and be happy inside of the field , I always feel tremendously refreshed after each prac-

tice.

MR: What do you hate about soccer practice?

YB: Nebraska can be very cold, and as a Brazilian cold weather and snow aren’t my favorite things at all.

MR: What is your soccer background?

YB: I was born in Brazil and I’ve experienced soccer my entire life. I started playing soccer in the streets as every kid back home and as some people would see talent in me I got an invitation to play in an soccer academy and I played in a high level for many years in Brazil.

MR: You are very involved in FCA and what does it mean to be heading up the FCA chapter at the college?

YB: I believe that I was called to serve and love people as Jesus did and all I do is to be an instrument in God’s hands to lead my teammates and friends to know more about Christ. I think we can find out much more about our true identity

Continued on next page

n 20 questions with ...

YB: I want to go to a place where I can keep playing soccer in high-level and be connected with Christ. I’ve been looking up to some schools but I don’t have my choice made so far.

when we get to know Jesus. Our sport is part of our story but it can’t define our identity. As we know more about our creator I want to glorify God through everything we do since a simple practice until whatever that God lead us to do.

During this chaotic time when we put our faith on God he’s the responsible for our tomorrow our only job is to trust on him.

MR: What led you to your Christian beliefs?

YB: As I was born and raised in a Christian family I’ve been experiencing Christian influences my entire life but what truly led me to believe in Christ was a personal experience I had with God when I was already a teenager. When someone tell you about a good food , you don’t know the accuracy and the flavor until you taste it and judge by yourself.

Gladly I had the chance to experience and taste God by myself and I don’t regret , to give my life to Christ was the best decision of my life MR: You attended some FCA and Christian functions over the summer, what do you take part in and what did you learn and do?

YB: This summer I had the opportunity to lead worship and work as a summer counselor at Gold Bell Conference center in Colorado and it was really amazing because I love to create new connections and influence people to know more about Christ. I learned how serving people can build character because I was able to realize how life taste it better and you do things with purpose.

MR: For an international person, how hard is it to be away from home during the holidays and your family?

YB: Family is our basis and not having our family during holidays can be very tough. However, technology help me a lot to keep connected with my family.

MR: What is the outlook for 2021 with the pandemic, school, or whatever?

YB: We’re always hoping for the best , and I hope we can experience a better

MR: If you could play professional soccer, which team would you love to play for and why?

YB: I would love play for Real Madrid because it’s the “house” of many MR: Who will win the next World Cup? YB: Brazil is always a favorite MR: If soccer was not an option to play, what other sport would you dedicate your time to and why?

YB: I never thought about another sport besides soccer. If I had to choose something else I would probably dive deep into the music field

year , if things don’t change we’re much more adapted and prepared to deal with the actual scenario.

MR: What is your biggest scoring soccer goal in a match?

YB: For WNCC I scored twice last year against Montana College MR: If you could change anything about your past playing, would you and what would it be?

YB: If I could have the mentality I have today in the past, I believe I could perform even better. However, every mistake and game teach us something new and without our past who are we today MR College major and why?

YB: Computer science , because I’ve been always curious and interested about creating solutions. As technology keeps growing I want to be part of something that contribute to the development of the world.

MR: What is your dream school to play at after WNCC?

MR: Do you see yourself ever not playing soccer?

YB: I can’t picture myself without soccer.

When I got injured last semester it was tough to me go to practice and watch my teammates playing but no being able to play with them.

MR: What is the best things about WNCC? YB: I love how it’s a small community and everyone makes you to feel included and part of the family. The professors usually know the students by their names and they’re always available to work with students after class. Attending WNCC can be very good in terms of personal growth because they provide many opportunities to be involved in something where you can find yourself.

MR: Favorite cartoon?

YB: Naruto MR: Favorite place to eat?

YB: Undoubtedly, any Brazilian steakhouse.

MR: Favotite holiday?

YB: My favorite holiday is Christmas.

By Mark Rein, Sports Information

Cougar softball signs 9 for 2021-22

Baylie Krueger

Sianna Lewis

DemiRae Woolsey

Rocky Ford High Swink, Colorado Infielder

Palo Verde High Las Vegas, Nevada Infielder/Catcher

Prairie View High Commerce City, Colorado Infielder/Catcher

DesaRae Woolsey

Prairie View High Commerce City, Colorado Outfielder

Erin Hurst

Palo Verde High Las Vegas, Nevada Outfielder

Victoria Wharton

Katie McMillan

Macyn Hartman

Maddie Johnson

Yale Secondary School Abbotsford, British Columbia Pitcher

Booneville High Washington Terrace, Utah Utility

Legend High Parker, Colorado Outfielder

Scottsbluff High Scottsbluff, Nebraska Utility

Schaub signs to continue volleyball career at Northwestern College in Iowa

O

livia Schaub is getting ready to compete in her sophomore year for WNCC beginning in January, but the former Gering High standout already has her destination set for when she graduates WNCC in May. Schaub made it official on Friday, signing to continue her volleyball playing at Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa, to continue her playing career.

Schaub could actually have three years of playing eligibility at Northwestern if she so chooses. She said she was drawn to Northwestern because of the school’s Christian believe.

“I chose Northwestern because I thought it would be a really good fit for me,” Schaub said. “I liked the Christian aspect of it and they also have an outstanding volleyball program. They finished sixth in the nation last year. They also have a really good exercise science program, which is exciting for me in school and going to physical therapy school, it will prepare me for that. Also, the coach and the team were very welcoming.

They made me feel like I already was a part of the team.”

Schaub did say that she looked at other schools, but her heart was with the red and black Red Raider volleyball program. She is excited to be playing another two years after WNCC. “My heart was just leading me to Northwestern and that is where I felt was right. So, that is where I am going,” she said. “I have always wanted to play at the next level. So, to be able to play for another two years is really exciting. I am just really grateful.”

First, though, Schaub has her sophomore season at WNCC to play and that will happen in January since the usual fall season was shifted to the spring because of the coronavirus pandemic. She said she is excited for the coming year.

“Our goal is to win regionals and go to nationals this year,” Schaub said. “That is our main goal and it will come down to playing together and coming together as a team. It will take time and practice, but I think we can get there.”

She is also looking forward to playing

Olivia Schaub signs her letter of intent to continue her volleyball playing at Northwestern College in Iowa with her grandma and grandpa looking on.

once again with her high school setter, Macey Boggs, who will graduate early from Gering High School in December and enroll and play for the Cougars in the spring.

“That means a lot,” she said. “Macey is like a little sister to me. We have been playing volleyball together since we were in middle school. It will be really cool getting to play with her again and being teammates.”

Schaub did add that her time at WNCC has been wonderful, filled with plenty of memories.

“It has been awesome so far and last year was a blast,” she said. “We were really good and I had a good experience and I am really looking forward to this season playing in the spring.”

It will, though, be hard for Schaub to say goodbye to the many friends that she made while being a Cougar.

“I love my teammates; they are so supportive,” she said. “I just love them all.”

Next year will be different for Schaub.

Schaub is going to a Northwestern program that is talented. So far this year, the Red Raiders are 15-3 after playing a split season.

They will resume play the second semester

including the NAIA national championships in April.

Northwestern finished 2019 with a 32-2 record and went 4-1 at the national tournament, falling to Jamestown in the national quarterfinals. Northwestern has won seven conference championships have finished in the NAIA Top 10 in six of the last 11 years.

At WNCC during her freshman season, Schaub played in 49 sets and was a key contributor finishing with 54 kills and 10 blocks. At Gering, Schaub tallied 584 kills in three seasons with 639 digs and 89 aces.

The hardest part for Schaub when she goes to Northwestern is wearing red and black after being in blue and gold during her previous playing days. The other thing is being eight hours away from home and her family.

“That will be a hard transition for me [being away from my grandmas cooking],” she said. “I have had so much support these last two years from my friends and family, the community. It will be a challenge, but I am looking forward to meeting new people and making new friendships in Iowa.”

By Mark Rein, Sports Information

Cougar volleyball signs Panhandle products Ogallala’s Curtis signs with WNCC

Gordon-Rushville’s Brehmer signs

Ogallala’s Jenna Curtis, who helped the Indians to the district finals this past fall and was the 2-time all-region volleyball player of the year, will continue her collegiate playing at the next level after signing with Western Nebraska Community College on Wednesday.

Curtis, Ogallala’s 5-foot-9 outside hitter, finished with 309 kills and 476 digs in the fall. Curtis was named the Keith County News All-Region Volleyball Player of the Year for the second straight season.

Curtis is excited that she gets to continue her volleyball playing.

“I am more than excited to continue my volleyball career and become a college athlete,” she said. “I’ve been dreaming of this since I was in the third grade. I always knew it’s what I wanted to do.”

Curtis, who also plays tennis for the Indians, had plenty of interest for her volleyball talents. Curtis said it was an easy decision to pick WNCC. “I would say that choosing WNCC was an easy decision for me,” Curtis said. “Before visiting there, I was so concerned that I didn’t know where I was going to go. The day I looked around campus, I already knew this is where I want to spend the next two years.”

Curtis’ volleyball skills were on display the last two years where she earned the region Player of the Year honors for two straight years.

Curtis said being a 2-time player of the year is special to her since Ogallala has produced so many fine volleyball players.

Curtis said she is pleased with her junior and senior seasons.

“The last two years have been big for me personally at Ogallala,” she said. “I have received the player of the year two years in a row, first team all-conference, first team all-area, all-state honorable mention, academic all-state, and the hustle award.

My senior year here at Ogallala has been the best one yet. We made it further than we did last year, playing in the district final and that’s a big sign of improvement for me.”

Gordon-Rushville’s Jayla Brehmer, the Western Trails Conference 2-time volleyball MVP, will be keeping her volleyball playing to the Panhandle after signing Friday with Binny Canales and the Western Community College volleyball program.

Brehmer, the Mustangs 5-foot-9 hitter who has played varsity for four years, said it was a good fit in continuing to play volleyball in college. She made it official on Friday when she inked with Western Nebraska Community College.

“I signed to WNCC because I really liked the campus and how wel-

coming Coach Binny [Canales] and my new teammates were to me,” Brehmer said. “I get to continue to play the sport I love at the next level.”

Brehmer was a key member of the Mustang volleyball team that went 24-10 this past fall and made it to the district finals. Plus, she was recognized by the WTC conference and she couldn’t have asked for a better senior season.

“It means a lot to me,” Brehmer said about being WTC MVP. “There are a lot of talented girls in my conference and receiving the honor two years in a row makes me feel blessed. This is because of my coaches and teammates that pushed me every day to be the best volleyball player I could be.”

Brehmer’s volleyball career at Gordon-Rushville was filled with plenty of highlights.

“I broke the school record for the most aces in a season and most aces in the history of Gordon Rushville High School,” she said. “I received WTC honors all four years of high school and receive WTC MVP my junior and senior year. I started varsity all four years of high school.”

Besides volleyball, she plays basketball, runs track and is a cheerleader.

Her volleyball skills really took off during her junior and senior years. Brehmer finished with 831 career kills, 31 solo blocks, 109 total blocks, 183 aces, 646 digs, and 683 set assists.

This fall, Brehmer finished with 325 kills with a hitting percentage of 211 along with 77 aces, 240 digs, and 214 set assists.

Her goals at WNCC are simple, she wants to get better as a player while pursuing a degree in the medical field, where she is hoping to be a doctor.

Scottsbluff ’s Wrights sign with women’s soccer Izzy and Cali Wright have participated in three sports all through high school and two of the Wright triplets will be playing together for another two years after Izzy and Cali signed to play soccer for Western Nebraska Community College on Wednesday.

For Izzy and Cali, it was an easy choice to pick WNCC soccer.

“Just talking on the phone with coach [Todd Rasnic], I just loved how he was so welcoming to both of us,” Izzy said. “The atmosphere here and growing up in this town and getting to play here, sounded like something we wanted to do.”

Cali said getting to play at home in front of her family and friends is going to be special.

“I am really excited [to be playing college soccer] because going from high school to college and being introduced to a new level of play,” Cali said. “It is a huge plus [playing at WNCC] because we will be close to home, will be close to our parents and play in the town we grew up in. it will be great to be in the same community that we have been a part of for so long.”

Cali and Izzy have been a big part of the Bearcat sports family since they were little.

Cali and Izzy were teammates for volleyball, basketball, and soccer, while the third part of the triplets, Addie, was on the cross country team.

Izzy said sports is a big thing in their family.

“For us with sports, just being active and working out is such a big part of our life,” she said. “It was really important for us to keep doing it in the future.”

Izzy and Cali, who each had a strong volleyball season, had choices for college.

Izzy said it was soccer that she loved playing the most.

“I was looking at other things, but soccer is what I like doing the most,” Izzy said.

“I think it means a lot. It is huge opportunity to get to play at a higher level. So, I am real excited.”

Izzy added that getting to play soccer during their senior year will be even more special after not getting the chance to play last `”I think it [this season] will make it

even more special because we didn’t get to have a season last year,” Izzy said.

“So, just making the most of this season and just having fun.”

What drives Izzy and Cali to succeed is the competition they have with each other.

“I think it was so important because we are so competitive with each other,” Cali said. “Having each other to push each other helps a lot. Being able to work out together and do school together, it Is way easier to have someone else there.”

Cali and Izzy are part of a Scottsbluff athletic department that already had seen five commitments to play sports in college. Paul Garcia signed to wrestle at the University of Wyoming, Maddie Johnston will be playing softball at WNCC, Avery Fox committed to play softball at Northeastern Junior College, Emma Foote is

headed to Hastings College for volleyball, and Brooke Holzworth committed to run at Wyoming.

Cali said it is special to be part of the success of Scottsbluff High School with athletes that continue playing in college.

“All the teams that we have been on, everybody works so hard and it is amazing to be on a team that everybody cares so much,” she said. “We wouldn’t want to go anyplace else but Scottsbluff.”

Volleyball schedule for first tourney in January WNCC Crossover Tourney Scottsbluff, Nebraska Friday, January 22 Time

Court 1

Lines & Libero Tracker

Court 2

Lines & Libero Tracker

Noon

Trinidad vs. Northwest

WNCC

McCook vs. C. Wyoming

WNCC

2 p.m.

WNCC vs. EWC

C. Wyoming

Otero vs. LCCC

C. Wyoming

5 p.m.

EWC vs. Trinidad

Northwest

LCCC vs. McCook

Northwest

7 p.m.

Northwest vs. WNCC

McCook

C. Wyoming vs. Otero

McCook

Saturday, January 23 Time

Court 1

Lines & Libero Tracker

Court 2

Lines & Libero Tracker

8 a.m.

Trinidad vs. LCCC

Otero

McCook vs. EWC

Otero

10 a.m. WNCC vs. C. Wyoming

Trinidad

Otero vs. Northwest

Trinidad

1 p.m.

C. Wyoming vs. Trinidad

LCCC

Northwest vs. McCook

LCCC

3 p.m.

LCCC vs. WNCC

EWC

C. Wyoming vs. Otero

EWC

Note: Matches could change by the time of the tourney because of the pandemic or other situations

Holiday Recipes from WNCC Athletics Cocoa Drop Cookies

by Hyleigh Fornstrom, volleyball

Boil together for 5 minutes 2 cups white sugar 1/2 cup cocoa 1/2 cup milk 1/2 cup butter 1 tsp vanilla Mix well with 3 cups quick oats. Drop by spoonful on waxed paper and cool.

This is my favorite holiday recipe because of the way they melt in your mouth. They’re the perfect partner for hot chocolate on those dreary days.

Hot Chocolate

by Eli Winkler, Volleyball Mariah Fukamoto, Volleyball

Eli’s Hot Chocolate 1 cup of hot almond milk two packets hot cocoa powder 5 big marshmallows It’s my favorite because it’s easy to make and it tastes delicious.

Happy Holla-days!partner for hot chocolate on those dreary days.

Mariah’s Hot Chocolate Warm up a cup of milk and make hot chocolate bombs with it and drop it in the cocoa. The recipe includes two tablespoon of hot cocoa powder, melted chocolate, and mini marshmallows.

Hot chocolate is my favorite because it is really tasty and it sets the mood for Christmas.

Puppy Chow

by Olivia Schaub, volleyball and Arianna Mitchell, volleyball

1. Place Chex cereal into a large bowl. Set aside.

2. Place chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter into a large microwave safe bowl or measuring cup.

3. Melt until smooth, then stir in vanilla extract.

4. Pour chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently stir.

5. Stir in the powdered sugar.

Olivia: This is my favorite recipe because my grandma and I make this every year and it’s super easy!

Arianna: I will be spending my Christmas with my daughter, niece and nephew!

Candied Yams

by J’Carra Mitchell, volleyball

Start off boiling the sweet potatoes until soft and peeling off the skin. Then cut into then slices into a foil pan. Next slice up 4 sticks of butter and create layers on each layer. Add an even amount of corn syrup, maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and white sugar. Once done with layers place in oven for 365 degrees for 30 minutes.

Take out and enjoy!

Candied Yams is my favorite holiday recipe. I love this dish because it’s the sweetest one and it’s been my favorite since a kid.

Grandma’s Sugar Cookies

by Macey Boggs, volleyball

1 cup shortening 1 1/2 cup sugar 2 eggs 3 tablespoons milk 3 1/2 cups sifted flour 1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar a pinch of salt.

To prepare the dough you will mix the wet ingredients together first and then add the dry ingredients.

After the dough is prepared, form it in into several round balls and dip them in sugar. Finally, place them on a cookie sheet and bake them in an oven at 375° for eight minutes.

I love these cookies because they have become a tradition to make in my family! They are very delicious as well as a sweet treat to enjoy during the holidays!

Pumpkin Crunch

by Angel Nahinu, volleyball

First add the pumpkin mix, then you add cake mix on top. To top it all off, add walnuts and melted butter then bake at 350 degrees until golden. When it is done frost it with cream cheese frosting and enjoy!

Pumpkin crunch is my favorite holiday dessert because it tastes really good and the frosting is sweet !

Holiday Recipes from WNCC Athletics Fort Knox Pie

by Janalynn McKay, Former Cougar soccer player

Crust 2 cups chocolate wafer crumbs 3.4 cup finely chopped pecans 1/2 cup melted butter/margarine Filling 1 envelope Know unflavored gelatin 1/4 cup cold water 2 cups whipping cream (divided) 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips 2 eggs 1 tsp vanilla extract 22 caramels (about 1 cup) 2 tbsp butter CRUST Combine wafer crumbs, pecans and butter. Press into 9-inch pie pan and up sides to form high rim. Bake at 350F for 10 minutes. Cool.

FILLING In small saucepan, sprinkle gelatin over water; let stand 1 minute.

Stir over low heat until completely dissolved. Stir in 1 cup cream. Bring to boiling point; add to blender with chocolate. Process until chocolate is melted. While processing, add 1/2 cup cream, eggs and vanilla; process until blended. Pour into bowl, chill until thickened, about 15-20 minutes. In small pan, combine caramels, 1/4 cup cream and butter. Simmer, stirring occasionally until caramels are melted. Pour onto crust. Let cool 10 minutes. With whisk or spoon, beat gelatin mixture until smooth. Pour onto crust; chill until firm. Garnish with remaining cream, whipped.

Cranberry Salsa

Broken Glass Dessert

by Katelyn Groves, Softball Coach

by Mark Rein, Sports Information

Ingredients 12-oz fresh cranberries 3/4 cup granulated sugar 1 jalapeno (seeded and chopped -leave seeds in if you like spice 1/2 cup cilantro 4 green onions 2 tbsp lime juice pinch of salt 2 80z blocks of cream cheese

Ingredients 1 pkg red Jello 1 pkg lime Jell0 1 pkg yellow or orange Jello 1 cup pineapple juice 1 tbsp sugar 1 pkg Know unflavored gelatin 1 container of whipped cream 1/4 cup butter Vanilla wafers or graham cracker crumbs

Instructions Place all of the ingredients in a food processor except cream cheese and pulse until desired consistency.

CRUST Crush vanilla wafers or use graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup butter. Mix together and line pan with crust mixture Topping Dissolve each package jello in 1/2 cup hot water. Put in bread pan and refrigerate until firm and then cut into cubes. In a small saucepan, bring to a boil pineapple juice, sugar and plain Knox gelatin. Let cool and set aside. Put whipped cream in a bowl and fold in the cooled pineapple juice mixture and Jello cubes. Pour over the top of the crushed wafers/graham cracker crumbs and top with walnuts or remaining graham cracker crumbs. Put in refrigerator and let it chill.

Chill in the fridge for a couple of hours.

Serve over cream cheese and eat with crackers of your choosing. Depending on how tart your cranberries are, you might want to add more sugar.

Anabelle’s Puppy Chow

by Annabelle Gillen, volleyball

Ingredients 1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips 1 cup creamy peanut butter 6-7 cups Rice Chex cereal 1-2 cups powdered sugar Mix peanut butter and chocolate together on stove or microwave. Add 3 cups of cereal to the bowl then pour the rest of the chocolate/peanut butter mixture on top. Stir until the cereal is evenly coated. Add more cereal if clumps of chocolate. Let cool and then add powdered sugar until cereal is well coated.

Please note that you can use sugar free Jello and whipped cream with the dessert.

Texas Style Potatoes

by Amy Winters, former assistant Ingredients 30-oz bag of O’Dell hash browns 1 can cream of chicken soup Medium onion (chopped) 1 pint sour cream 1/2 cup melted butter 2 cups grated cheese Mix together and put in a casserole.

Topping: 2 cups crushed corn flakes 1/4 cup melted butter Pour topping over casserole and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

Holiday photos from Cougar athletes

Olivia Schaub (left) and or co-workers wearing san- Mariah Fukamoto and her brother on ta hats and masks.

Santa laps when they were little. (top left) Volleyball player Andrea Tsvetanova holiday scene using a filter. (bottom left) Macey Boggs ready for winter. (bottom center) Angel Nahinu and her brother in their annual holiday photo. (bottom right) Eli Winkler and Santa Claus.

On the cover: Arianna Mitchell, J’Carra Mitchell and Hyleigh Fornstrom show holiday spirit.

Answers to the Cougar Trivia from earlier in the newsletter 1) The women’s basketball team because they lost in the finals but still got an at-large bid to nationals. Softball and baseball had their seasons canceled because of the pandemic and the fall sports -- volleyball and soccer -- won’t play until the spring of 2021 because of the pandemic.

4) The most points the women’s basketball team have scored in a game is 126 back in 2004 against Johnson and Wales. The least amount of points scored in a game was set on March 4, 2016, in the regional title game of 24 points against Casper.

goal is worth two points and an assist one point).

Second place is Kylee Hanavan back in 2003.

2) Technically, there were just three head coaches that coached the team during a season in Rick Carpenter, Thom Townsend and Todd Rasnic. But, there was a fourth coach who was hired and lasted three days before he resigned that led to the hiring of Rasnic..

5) That record belongs to Eric Gore, who scored 20 or more points in 29 games during the 1089-90 season. Teddy Allen is second with 26 games.

9) Only one player has ever hit for the cycle for the baseball team and that was Brian Trivette back in April 2002 against Colorado State Club team.

6) The record is four goals in a match and it is held by two players. Jose Netto scored four against Northwest Wyoming in 2011 and then Lawan Abary had four against Northwest in 2017..

10) You must go back a ways on this one as in 1983-84, the three teams -- volleyball and men’s and women’s basketball all had losing records.

The volleyball team was 4-19 in Cathy Sch9iller’s first year while the basketball teams were just one win from a non-losing record. The men were 15-16 under Terry Layton while the women were 13-14 under Harvey Schmidt.

3) Lamar Community College and Trinidad State Junior College are both over .900. WNCC has a .988 winning percentage over Lamar and their record is 83-1 over the Lopes. WNCC is 83-9 against Trinidad.

7) That record belongs to Bre Perkes, who scored 60 points in a season back in 2006 (a

8) That record goes to Lauren Oxford, who had a .633 on=base percentage back in 2017. Second place goes to Katie Groves at .604 in 2009..

Billy Engel Basketball

Katelyn Groves Softball

Mike Jones Baseba ll

Binny Canales Volleyball

Todd Rasnic Soccer

Rya Burgnn Athlet er Direct ic or

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from WNCC Cougar Athletics Chad Gibney Basketball

Assistant Coaches

Brooke Kaawa Henri Prieels Christina Nelson

Doug Jones

Athletic Trainer

Mark Rein

Sports Information

Alexandra Lutz

Athletic Secretary Volunteer Assistants:

Isaac Lu

Shawn Hergenrader, Cooper Buchhammer