WNCC Cougar Beat Athletic Newsletter -- June 7, 2021

Inside:

Giving back to softball: Former Cougar becomes Green River’s first softball coach

Night Train induction:

Former Cougar and NFL HOF will be inducted into the NJCAA Hall of Fame

The Latest in Cougar Athletic News

COUGARBEAT

Newsletter

It’s a Wrap Cougars win two regional titles June 7, 2021 – Issue 7

2021 season wrapped up After a pandemic year, WNCC Cougar athletics capture two Region IX titles and finish semester strong

I

t’s a wrap for the 2020-21 Cougar athletic season.

What a season it has been with pandemic regulations affecting the season in more ways than one.

Overall, the 2020-21 season has to be described as one for the history books as two sports captured Region IX titles and another three finished third at the regional tournament.

With masks required for much of the fall and spring indoor season and COVID testing and symptom checking becoming a norm for the athletes and coaches, this unusual of a year turned out pretty decent.

WNCC softball player Mackenzie Bakel described this season as successful for all of Cougar sports.

“Successful is definitely a word I would use is to describe this sports season for all sports,” the sophomore out-fielder, said.

“Volleyball and baseball all brought back a Region 9 title. And volleyball and women’s basketball made a run at the national tournament. I think all sports this year showed why WNCC continues to be strong in our region and across the nation in some of our sports.”

WNCC baseball player Mikey Felton, who helped guide the Cougars to a regional title, said overall WNCC athletics was successful.

“I believe it was a strong year for Western Nebraska, taking home as many region championships as we did,” Felton said. “It’s always a different experience than the year before, but several of the school’s athletic programs saw victory in their postseasons, which is nothing new for WNCC.” Volleyball player Macey Boggs agreed.

The celebration was a happy one for the baseball team as they won regionals. Brian Bruxvroot and JT Cafferty had the pleasure of dumping water on head coach Mike Jones after the team won the program’s second regional title on May.

It was also a special year for Boggs, who because of COVID and the fact NJCAA athletics were moved to the spring, she got to play her high school volleyball season, graduate in December from Gering, and then play her firstyear of volleyball at WNCC. Boggs helped Gering to the district finals and then helped The women’s volleyball team pose with the Region IX tournament the Cougars win a trophy they won in Casper. The Cougars then competed in the national tournament in West Plains, Missouri, in April. regional title.

“I would dedid their best to end the seasons on a good scribe the entire WNCC Cougar sports sea- note. WNCC should be proud of all the athsons as successful and competitive,” Boggs letic talent and ability that it has.” said. “All sports fought until the end and Continued on next page

n Cougar sports wrapped up successful year ...

Another way to look at the entire season is commitment and desire for all the athletes, coaches, and athletic personal.

“A way to describe the entire WNCC Cougar sports season as a whole would be commitment and desire,” WNCC freshman soccer player Andrea Jimenez said. “All of our student-athletes gave it their best to the sport they are passionate about. Despite the many obstacles we faced with this pandemic, all of us fought through it to still represent what WNCC is made out of.”

Jimenez added what volleyball and baseball did was something positive for the rest of the sports to follow.

“The best time for each sport, I would say, would be our women’s volleyball team winning their regional title as well as our baseball team,” she said. “Both teams were able to set an example in the middle of a pandemic for the rest of the sports teams.”

Freshman baseball player Quinn McCafferty said it was cool to get out and support the other teams during the season during this trying season.

“It was great to be able to support other teams in person and see our sports teams be so successful,” McCafferty said. “Both baseball and volleyball won their Region IX championships and our women’s basketball

team made a push for the national championship down in Lubbock, Texas. The success of our teams was awesome to see all in one semester.”

For McCafferty the baseball season was unforgettable in many ways.

“This sports season was unforgettable.

The way that our team battled and worked throughout the season to make a run in the postseason was awesome,” he said. “We were able to stay together through the highs and lows, and that set us apart from the other teams in our region. Our team cohesion helped us win some wild games in the playin series in Trinidad and then in the conference tournament.”

Ashley Panem, one of those members of the women’s basketball team that made a historic run at nationals, called this season crazy.

“This year was so crazy. I can’t believe we got as many games as we did in. We were lucky,” Panem said. “We did have a minor setback but we definitely came back and improved especially in the national tournament. This year taught me that you can’t take anything for granted and to cherish the time we have on the floor because you never know when you have to

Softball players Mackenzie Bakel and Emma Schweitzer were named Region IX all-region during the Region IX softball tournament.

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The WNCC women’s basketball team celebrates after winning their second game at nationals and defeating previously No. 1 and unbeaten Jones College in April 63-60. The Cougars, who earned an at-large bid to nationals, went 2-1 at the tournament.

WNCC freshman soccer player Andrea Jimenez controls the ball during a match earlier this season. Jimenez led the team in goals this season with 12 and was among the Top 30 scorers in the nation.

n Cougar sports wrapped up successful year put the ball down.”

That is the one sentiment that all the athletes and coaches learned this year. The teams practiced and played day-to-day, knowing that things could change in a heartbeat.

Jimenez said overall, based on a scale of 1-10, should would give this entire athletic year an 8.

“On a scale of 1-10, I would rate this year as a strong 8 because of how hectic it was overall,” Jimenez said. “Having games canceled because of COVID or trainings changing to accommodate for the safety of others was challenging for our student-athletes. The past year taught me that no matter the circumstances anything is possible if you set your mind to it.”

Bakel said this was an extremely hectic year.

“With all of the COVID rules, the unexpected challenges, and the fact that all seven sports were playing at once, it was extremely hectic,” she said. “This year taught me a ton of patience but also a lot of respect.

With how chaotic this year has been, being patient wasn’t an option so I had the perfect opportunity to learn this trait. Also along with how hectic this season was, I learned respect because there are so many people behind the scenes that allowed for this year to successfully happen. My respect level increased drastically for the people that helped make this year successful.”

McCafferty agreed especially since no schedule was set in stone.

“The past year has been busy for sure,

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 sport was the first to play a game during the 2020-21 season?

2) Which sport was the last to play a game during the 2020-21 season?

3) How many NJCAA all-Americans did WNCC have this year?

4) How many Cougar men’s basketball players had 30 or more made 3-pointers this past season?

Jerry Escamilla kicks the field upfield in the team’s last home game of the year against Casper on March 7. That is right, the soccer team played until after graduation.

but it was definitely fun meeting new people and new teammates,” he said. “It taught me to continue to work hard in both school and sports despite having an ever-changing baseball schedule.”

For the sophomores, they had an idea of what college was like, but for freshmen coming in, this was definitely a trying year

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5) Who had the most yellow cards for the men’s and women’s soccer teams this season?

6) Who had the highest hitting percentage on the volleyball team this past season?

7) Who led the softball team in home runs this past season?

8) Who had the most stolen bases for the softball and baseball teams this past season? Extra bonus, who was second on the team?

9) Here is a tough one. When was the last time there wasn’t a Nebraska girl on the volleyball team?

Bonus if you know the last time it was there wasn’t a Nebraska Panhandle girl on the roster?

10) What year did the Cougar men’s basketball team lose the least humber of games?

Sophomore day for the men’s basketball team as these three players graduated and morethan-likely will move on, but they could come back as this season did not count on any player’s athletic eligibility.

Answers toward the back of the newsletter.

n Cougar sports wrapped up successful year ...

It was an end-of-the-season all-athletic group picture and while all the teams were represented by at least a few athletes, not all the 100-plus Cougar athletes were present. Still, this picture shows the change in mask -wearing and no masks that happened throughout the season as masks were required in the fall and most of the spring except for outdoor events.

to handle. Just ask Erin Hanafin, a freshman on the softball team of how crazy her first year of college was.

“Attending WNCC as a first year student athlete was pretty crazy,” she said. “The first semester wasn’t so bad, but as we got into second semester that’s when it was go time.

Making sure that the school work was done, girls are healthy, and the mindset to go out and play hard were top priority.

“Looking back on the past year, it has taught me that hard work really does pay off. Commitment, confidence, and being true of heart to this organization is what brings positive attitudes on and off the field.

Challenging yourself and others that anything is possible if you work hard.”

The highlights on and off the court will be one to cherish for a while. The first semester was just all seven sports practicing with some scrimmages. Some sports had a lot of scrimmages scheduled, but hardly had any played because of COVID complications. Softball and baseball had the most scrimmages in the fall while women’s soccer saw just one scrimmage. Volleyball had several scheduled, but only ended up having one – an intersquad scrimmage.

The men’s basketball team had Air Force Prep come in for a scrimmage before scrimmages were shut down to spectators. The women’s basketball team had an intersquad

scrimmage as well.

When spring rolled around, that was when the season would officially begin for all seven sports. Basketball and volley-ball started practicing on January 4 with the first games on January 20 when the men’s and women’s basketball teams hosted Central Wyoming College. That weekend, the volleyball team held a 2-day tournament.

When February hit, there would be five Cougar sports in action as softball and baseball started their seasons.

Soccer would officially start practicing on March 15 for their season that would begin in April. That meant that all seven sports were actively playing the first weekend in April; something that won’t ever happen again.

With the hectic schedule, the Cougars made the best of the COVID pandemic and succeeded on the field and court with two Region IX titles.

The Cougar volleyball team brought home the first Region IX trophy on April 1 and earned a national tournament experience. WNCC’s regional tournament victory came over Northeastern Junior College, who they topped in five sets, winning the third 15-7.

While the volleyball team got back to the winning title ways, the Cougar baseball team had the biggest Region IX title

victory. The Cougars captured the Region IX title for the first time in 14 years with some excellent play as they topped Trinidad State Junior College in the first-round and then topped the two No. 1 seeds Southeast Community College and Lamar Community College to earn the regional title and berth in the district finals. The win against Lamar was one of history-making portions as WNCC trailed 10-4 entering the ninth inning and scored eight times to earn the 12-10 win over the Lopes and send them to the loser’s bracket.

While volleyball and baseball won regional titles, the other sports also put together great seasons.

The women’s basketball team, who finished the season at 17-6 and finished third at the regional tourney, earned an at-large berth into the national tournament and made some big noise. The Cougars went 2-1 at nationals and put the Cougars on notice.

WNCC, who had a 2-week break in March because of COVID issues, rebounded at nationals as they topped Iowa Western Community College 79-70 to open the national tournament.

After beating the Reivers, the Cougars picked up one of the program’s biggest wins in program history when they faced No. 1 and undefeated Jones College. WNCC took

Continued on next page

n Cougar sports wrapped up successful year ... out Jones College 63-60 to advance in the tournament. WNCC then ran into a talented Three Rivers squad and fell 79-71.

Another team that made notice at the Region IX tournament was the women’s softball team. This team showed plenty of heart throughout the season as injuries was a common theme for the team. The Cougars played with just nine players for the last five or six weeks of the season and earned a third-place finish at regionals.

Like the Trinidad State athletic director Mike Salbato said if they had a heart award for the Region IX tournament, he would have given it to the WNCC team.

WNCC entered regionals with a 10-25 record and a team that a lot of the other teams were looking to play. At regionals, the Cougar players showed heart and grit and determination and achieved success in taking third while also battling Region IX winner Trinidad State in an elimination game 11-7.

WNCC opened regionals with a 6-1 defeat to McCook Community College. After that, the Cougars strung together three straight wins, beginning with topping Luna Community College 6-3 followed by an impressive 5-3 win over Otero Junior College.

WNCC then scored seven runs in the seventh inning to overcome an 11-9 deficit to defeat McCook 16-11.

The women’s soccer team was the last Cougar sports team to finish their season.

The women’s soccer team finished the year at 6-6-2 and had two players finish in the top 40 in the nation in scoring with Andrea Jimenez and Destiny Mueller. The Cougar women made the semifinals of the regional tournament and fell in a defensive battle to Western Wyoming Community College 1-0.

The men’s basketball and men’s soccer teams also had seasons that will be remembered. The men’s basket-ball team finished 8-11 with four games canceled during March because of COVID concerns. The Cougars picked up a big win over Lamar at home 80-73. At regionals, WNCC fell 86-79 to Otero Junior College.

The men’s soccer team was just like the women’s soccer team where injuries and a small roster hurt the flow of the team. The team finished at just 2-9, but was in all of

Continued on next page

Cougar Athletic Honors and Awards Volleyball

South All-Region Karen Cordero, Andrea Tsvetanova, Olivia Schaub, Anuhea Kaohi South Player of the Year Karen Cordero South Setter of the Year Andrea Tsvetanova South Coach of the Year Binny Canales Region IX All-Tournament Karen Cordero, Andrea Tsvetanova, Alex Hernandez, Angel Nahinu Region IX Tourney MVP Karen Cordero NJCAA All-American Karen Cordero, First Team Anuhea Kaohi, honorable mention WNCC Cougar Award Olivia Schaub WNCC Highest Team GPA Volleyball Team WNCC Most Valuable Player Karen Cordero WNCC Criminal Justice Award Anabelle Gillen All-Nebraska Academic Team Olivia Schaub WNCC Outstanding Kappan Olivia Schaub

Women’s Basketball

South All-Region Alejah Douglas South All-Region All-Defensive Team Ashley Panem South All-Region Player of the Year Alejah Douglas Region IX All-Tournament Alejah Douglas, Lindsey Mahoukou NJCAA All-American Alejah Douglas, Honorable Mention WNCC Residence Life Award Emma Johnson WNCC Unsung Hero Award Emma Johnson

Men’s Basketball South All-Region Chase Thompson, 3rd team WNCC Highest Male GPA Conner McCracken

Softball

All-Region Emma Schweitzer, catcher Mackenzie Bakel, outfield

Baseball

All-Region Second Team Luis Alcantara, Infielder Mikey Felton, Catcher Region IX Coach of the Year Mike Jones West District All-Tourney Team Jordan Rollins, Jayden Orozco WNCC Criminal Justice Award Paul Panduro WNCC Math and Science Award Joey Olson

Women’s Soccer

All-Region First Team Andrea Jimenez, Mid-Fielder Raquel Ferreira, Defender Second Team Destiny Mueller, Forward Honorable Mention Litzi Delarosa, Defender WNCC Highest Female GPA Raquel Ferreira

Men’s Soccer

All-Region Honorable Mention Saugat Rai, Forward Washington Junior, Mid-fielder Jacob Collins, Defender

n Cougar sports wrapped up successful year ... their contests. The Cougars almost earned a berth into the semi-finals of the regional tournament but fell to Trinidad State in a hard-fought contest 1-0.

The WNCC athletes, as well as all the high school and college athletes, learned how to become better people during this trying pandemic season.

Boggs said it made her become better overall.

“This past year taught us to persevere through the difficult and unknown times,” she said.

The 2021-22 athletic year should be even better because that athletes learned so much about commitment that Jimenez that all of Cougar athletes should have even better seasons next season.

“Our Cougar athletes will definitely come back stronger after their experience of the season 2020-21,” she said. “The reason for that is because they will be able to reflect on their strengths and weaknesses and will strive for becoming a better version of themselves for their team.”

Other players are also looking for a very successful 2021-22 season.

“I am super excited for the next sports season because WNCC athletes always rep-

The WNCC volleyball team stand my the national volleyball tournament sign during their trip to West Plains, Missouri, for the tournament in April. The Cougars finished 11th at the national tournament.

resent the amazing athletic programs we have,”Boggs said. “I am excited to cheer on my fellow athletes! I also can’t wait to kill it on the court with my team.”

Bakel is the same way. She is excited for next year after the way the softball team finished out the season at regionals.

“I’m extremely excited for the 2021-2022 sports seasons for the Cougars,” Bakel said.

The Cougars in a huddle at the West District tournament in Prescott, Arizona. WNCC competed at districts for the third time after winning their second Region IX title. The last time WNCC won regionals was 2007.

“I think that we are feared by every team in our region in every sport and the Cougars are going to show exactly why this season.

I think there are going to be more region 9 championship titles being brought back to WNCC.” Hanafin echoes Bakel’s thoughts for next year’s softball season.

“2021-22 is going to be a great year for the softball team,” she said. “We have hard working freshman set and ready for the up coming year. No doubt in my mind that with the returners and newcomers, we will travel far into the season. It will be a great and fun year.”

Jiimenez, a freshman on the women’s soccer team, believes next year will be just as or even more successful.

“I am super excited for the next sports season because WNCC athletes always represent the amazing athletic programs we have! I am excited to cheer on my fellow athletes! I also can’t wait to kill it on the court with my team.”

Baseball will be aiming for another regional title and McCafferty is eager to see how this year’s regional title plays a part on the success of next year’s team.

“I’m looking forward to the upcoming season,” he said. “I’m excited to see the improvements all of us returners will make over the summer in order to win another Region IX championship.”

By Mark Rein, Sports Information

Night Train Lane to be inducted into NJCAA Hall

D

ick “Night Train” Lane is one of WNCC’s most accomplished athletes.

The former football player for Scottsbluff Junior College back in the late 40s, had a huge NFL career where he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Now, Night Train Lane will be inducted into the NJCAA Hall of Fame on June 24, 2021. He was inducted in the inaugural WNCC Hall of Fame in January 2017.

This will be his third induction as he was also inducted into the Texas High School Hall of Fame.

The decision to induct Night Train Lane came through the NJCAA Foundation. The NJCAA Hall of Fame was formed to honor the best and most accomplished former and/or current student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and supporters.

The Inaugural 2021 NJCAA Hall of Fame class will be inducted during the NJCAA Foundation Annual Awards event, which will be conducted virtually due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19. The NJCAA Foundation Annual Awards event will be released on June 24 at 6:30 p.m. EST. Night Train Lane played for Scottsbluff Junior College in the fall of 1947 where he helped the Cougar football team to a 5-2-1 record and a member of the All-Nebraska and an NJCAA all-American.

When Night Train was inducted into WNCC’s Hall of Fame, his three sons paid a visit. His sons include Richard Lane, Richard Walker, and ....

When the three Lane brothers made a trip to Scottsbluff in 2017, it was the first time they were in Scottsbluff to see where their dad played college football.

The three brothers learned a lot about their dad’s playing days at then Scottsbluff Junior College while also taking in some of the attractions of the community such as standing on the field of Bearcat Stadium where the Cougars played as well as visiting Scotts Bluff National Monument.

Just how Night Train ended up in Scottsbluff is an interesting story. Night Train Lane was found inside a dumpster because his real mom didn’t want him.

Ella “Momma” Lane took him in and adopted him. After Ella passed away, his real mom Johnnie Moore, who was living in

Scottsbluff, went to Austin, Texas, to get him. After arriving in Scottsbluff, his real mom paid his tuition at Scottsbluff Junior College and he tried out for the football team and played in the fall of 1947. In January 1948, Night Train was unhappy with how his mom lived, so he left for the military.”

After that, Night Train had a tryout with the Rams, made the team, and then played the majority of his time with the Detroit Lions. Night Train still holds the single season interception record of 14 set back in 1952. Three other players have recorded 13 – Lester Hayes in 1980, Dan Sandifer in 1948, and Spec Sanders in 1950.

Night Train is also fourth on the alltime interception list with 68 from 19521965.

Back in 2017, his son Richard Lane said what his dad did in the NFL in 12 games

was amazing.

“It was even more amazing when you realize what he did was in a 12-game season. Today they play 16 games,” Richard Lane said. “He was the prototypical defensive back. There has never been a large defensive back at that particular time in football history. It always amazed me because when I was younger growing up, I was always the little one and had to work for what I wanted to do. When he (Richard Walker) came along, he has the size and then when Richard Jr. came along, he had the size the looks, and everything else because he is the splitting image of dad.”

Night Train went on to be inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1974 and the Texas Hall of Fame in 2002. Night Train passed away on January 29, 2002 at the age of 72.

By Mark Rein, Sports Information

20 QUESTIONS WITH ...

P

aul Panduro is a sophomore from Scottsbluff and had a record-breaking season this year for the Cougars in helping WNCC to its second Region IX title. Panduro, who signed to continue his baseball career at Pittsburg State, finished his career at WNCC with 106 strikeouts and became only the ninth player in program history to register 100 or more career strikeouts.

He had 94 strikeouts this season, breaking the season record that was 70 set by Phillip Orta back in 2006. Paul also tied the season record for most wins with his 7-6 record this year.

MR: How did the season go for you and the baseball team?

PP: The season went amazing for me and my team, we had our ups and down during the season, but that only made us stronger and got us prepared for playoff time!

MR: You broke the season record for strikeouts by a pitcher, what does that mean to you and did you ever think getting 100 career strikeouts was a reality?

PP: At first I wasn’t really worried about it, I didn’t even know what the record was until I was at 62 strikeouts with a few more starts and I was like, ‘Wow, I am really going to beat this record.’ For being the 9th person to pass 100 strikeouts in my career means a lot actually, it tells me that my stuff works and I have full potential to do great things as a team and in my personal career!

MR: How much have you improved during your time at WNCC? PP: I don’t even know where to start.

I have improved as a pitcher and also improved with my mentality on the mound, I remember my freshman year and even last year, if I were to give up a hit or walk my pitching ability would go down hill. But this year, if something would go wrong I would tell myself it’s

Paul Panduro, Baseball

okay, get this next guy out. I am really proud of myself for overcoming many adversities throughout my games! My velocity has also improved. I came into WNCC throwing 80-83 mph topping out 85mph. Now this season, I sat at 9092 topping out 94mph. That is a huge jump for me and my pitching career and hopefully I keep gaining velocity!

MR: What was it like to win the regional tournament and then to compete at districts in Arizona?

PP: Winning the regional tournament was something huge and it meant the world to my teammates and I! When Harold Báez made the Southeast batter pop up for the final out of the champi-

onship game, my heart exploded with happiness. I didn’t know what to think or even do; it is for sure my best day of my life and I wouldn’t want to do it with any other team. It was special! Playing western districts made me realize so many things. I got to pitch against the defending world champions (Central Arizona) and that made me realize my potential as a pitcher. I left the game 4-3 in the 6th inning with one extra base hit which was a double and eight strikeouts against one of the best line ups in the nation. Some of those dudes are going to get drafted straight out of that team this year and getting them out

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n 20 Questions with Paul Panduro ... with strikeouts, pop outs, and groundouts shows what I really can do with my pitching ability!

MR: What are your goals for next year at Pittsburg State?

PP: My goals at Pittsburg State is to be a better pitcher than I came in there.

Another goal is to win and win championships, and create memories with my future teammates. One of my personal goals I have is to gain velocity and hit my spots better and hopefully get drafted whenever that time comes!

MR: This summer you are playing for the Pioneers, what kind of experience is that and how do you think the Pioneers will do this year?

PP: Yes, I am playing for the Pioneers this summer. It is going to be great. I had practice with them today [Monday, May 24] and all of them are really great dudes. This time is for us to enjoy the game of baseball and have fun and win championships!

MR: What is your best pitch and what is your worst pitch?

PP: My best pitch is either the fastball or slider and my worst pitch is the change up. That is one thing I am focusing to improve for Pitt State!

MR: While playing for WESTCO, you also batted and played field, do you miss that part of baseball or are you settled in as a pitcher?

PP: Haha, that is a good one. Yes and no. One thing I miss is being able to play more games then start every weekend, but now I got really used to it and just wait till we have a shut out because that is when coach Jones let’s us hit next practice because we have earned it for getting a shut out win and not letting the opponents score!

MR: What was the funniest thing that happened on the team this year?

PP: Quiz bowls for sure. In the hotels we would have two dudes answer questions of anything and hearing funny answers were the best. But I’m not going to name names.

MR: What will you not miss about practices at WNCC when you head to Pittsburg State?

PP: I rather not answer this because knowing my luck it is going to come

back and bite me in the butt because we are probably going to do it at Pitt State too or even worse.

MR: Did you ever think, growing up, that you would be this successful in baseball?

PP: Honestly, I had huge support from my family and friends growing up that it made things way easier. My dad and brothers were all good baseball players so they kind of took me under their wings and taught me a lot!

MR: Who in your family do you take your baseball playing after (or athletic talents)?

PP: My dad for sure. He was a two way [player] growing up. He was a left handed pitcher with great control and threw mid 80’s for a lefty that is pretty good!

He is another reason why I want to be very successful in baseball because he didn’t have a lot of opportunities that I have today. He tells me he is already proud of me for what I have accomplished, but I know I can do better, and I will for my family!

MR: You have worn different colored baseball uniforms over the years from WESTCO colors, WNCC, Pioneers, and next year Pittsburg,

what colors do you look the best in?

PP: Oh, that’s a tough one because all of them are great colors. WESTCO I was orange and green, WNCC is Navy and Gold and Pitt State is Crimson and Gold, so I am going to say the gold because it will have a little bit of it in all uniforms!

MR: Goals after Pittsburg State?

PP: My goal after Pitt State is to get drafted or play professional baseball in any league. I already told myself I want to play baseball no matter where it is at or until I can’t play anymore do to aging!

MR: What would it mean that you would end up getting drafted in the Majors? Is that something that you would pursue?

PP: That would mean the world to me because I’ve always wanted to make it for my family, my friends, and for myself. That is one goal that I have in mind and will accomplish! All I got to do is to stay focused and get better and things will fall into place. It will also show that it can be done in a small town. Many people believe it won’t be done because we live in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, but I think otherwise!

MR: If you were drafted, what teams would you like to play for and why?

PP: If I were to get drafted, I wouldn’t really be picky; I would play for any team that would give me a chance and money plays no factor. My teammates and I always joke around about our pay.

I have said before that I would sign for a McDonald’s cheeseburger or even a pack of Gatorade and I would be totally fine with that! Just keep continuing playing the sport I love would mean the world to me!

MR: Who is your favorite instructor at WNCC? PP: This is a no doubter -- Tiffany Wassenburger. She has believed in me since I have been a senior in high school.

She’s been through it all with me for the past four years and I couldn’t thank her enough!

MR: If you didn’t play baseball and it wasn’t an option, what sport would you be playing?

Continued on next page

n 20 Questions with Paul Panduro ...

PP: I really enjoyed playing soccer and football and it would either be one of those two! But, also if there was a world without baseball, I wouldn’t want to be in it!

MR: What is your favorite eating establishment?

PP: It would be for sure my parents food truck. I could eat one of my dad’s steak burrito for the rest of my life!

MR: What is your favorite recreational activity besides sports?

PP: Oh, another tough one. I would say being able to be outside. Nature is a beautiful thing and not a lot of peo-

ple appreciate our world! Fishing, hiking, lake days and more are my favorite things!

MR: What is your favorite holiday?

PP: My favorite holiday is for sure Thanksgiving for sure because I eat a lot of food, haha And I also love being around the people I love is all I ever can ask for.

MR: What is your dream car?

PP: One of my dream cars would be owning a Ferrari, and I’ve told myself I will do that too.

MR: What is your advice to everyone playing little league and legion baseball?

PP: My advice would be to enjoy it because time doesn’t stop and also to live out your dreams!

MR: What are positives to tell high school students in attending a junior college?

PP: It is one of the best times of your life because everyone comes from different places and you’ll meet a lot of new people and you never know that those friends can be long-life friends. That is something I’ll cherish for the rest of my life in that I made really great friends here .

By Mark Rein, Sports Information

Incoming Cougar Freshman for 2021-22 Women’s Soccer Yasmin Rojas-Rivera.....Adams City High (Commerce City, Colo.)

Izzy Wright..................... Scottsbluff High (Scottsbluff, Neb.) Cali Wright..................... Scottsbluff High (Scottsbluff, Neb.) Yoseline Hernandez-Flores...Adams City High (Denver, Colo.)

Vanessa Vazquez-Ojendiz....Aurora Central (Aurora, Colo.)

Chiarra Tappe............... Karla Reveh Gesantschule High ( ) Luisa Cordeiro.............................................. La Salle High (

Macyn Hartman..................Bonneville High (Terrace, Utah) Bella Mumford...................... Elizabeth High (Parker, Colo.)

Morgan Dustin............... Springville High (Springville, Utah)

Men’s Soccer Luis Molina-Najera...........................................Rifle High ( ) Brock Bacon......................Spearfish High (Spearfish, S.D.) Tom Pelzer............Scheffelgymnasium Bad Saeckingen ( ) Paulo Henrique.....................................................................

Gabriel Santos......................................................................

Axel Zuniga..........................................................................

Dante Rafaela......................................................................

Rodrigo Cercal.....................................................................

Women’s Basketball Breanna Fowler................ Berthoud High (Berthoud, Colo.)

Softball DesaRae Woolsey...Prairie View High (Commerce City, Colo.)

DemiRae Woolsey...Prairie View High (Commerce City, Colo.)

Victoria Whaton....................... Legend High (Parker, Colo.)

Baylie Krueger............................ Swink High (Swink, Colo.)

Sianna Lewis................ Palo Verde High (Las Vegas, Nev.) Erin Hurst..................... Palo Verde High (Las Vegas, Nev.) Maddie Johnston........... Scottsbluff High (Scottsbluff, Neb.) Katie McMillian...Yale Secondary (Abbotsford, British Columbia)

Men’s Basketball Carl Thorpe...................................Rabun Gap Nacouche ( ) Valentin Romero........ Springfield Commonwealth Academy Dimitrije Nikolic............. Piva Niska Gimzija Steven Sremac

Baseball Jack Hourahine...................... Monsignor Doyle Catholic ( ) Adam Cornell................................. Rocky Mountain High ( ) Griffin Potter..................... Kincardine District Secondary ( ) Archer Blumenschein................... Alberta, British Columbia Volleyball Juliana Alencar de Oliveira....Escola Estadual Jose Boman (Brazil) Erica Fava............................ Liceo Lorenza Respighi (Italy) Jayla Brehmer...... Gordon-Rushville High (Rushville, Neb.) Jenna Curtis......................... Ogallala High (Ogallala, Neb.) Tiani Madriaga................................Maryknoll High (Hawaii) Laura de Lara Milor........... Collegium Sapiens High (Brazil) Andrea Sanjurjo Merceado...............Leliehua High (Hawaii) Jullia Moccellin-Alvarez............................................ (Brazil) Alessandra Meoni........Friendswood High (Houston, Texas)

Former Cougar leading Green River softball Blair Aimone giving softball back to the Green River community in the school’s first year of softball It was the first season of Wyoming High School softball and former Western Nebraska Community College Cougar Blair Aimone served as the first softball coach for Green River High School in Green River, Wyoming, this past spring.

Aimore, who played at WNCC in 2006 with her twin sister Britt McEndaffer, said it is a pleasure to be the head coach at Green River.

“I am extremely honored and humbled to be the head softball coach for Green River. It’s so exciting to be apart of something so new for young ladies in this area,” she said. “In the area where I grew up, softball was huge and I am so blessed to have the opportunity to pass on my knowledge and passion for the sport to these young ladies. We are getting better every game.

We still have a long way to go but the girls are catching on to what I means to play softball and wear the wolves jersey.

The Green River team finished the high

school season 0-10, but the biggest thing that stood out for Aimone was seeing one of her players earn 2nd Team All-state.

That was Shelby Carson, a sophomore.

Aimore said that seasons need to be measured in other things than wins and losses.

“Sometimes we have to measure the success of our season with something other than wins or losses,” she said. “I am

Blair and Brit during their time at WNCC. Blair is on the left with the WNCC softball shirt on while her twin sister, Brit, is on the right.

proud of how far these young athletes have come from the first day of practice until now. The improvement was impressive and it didn’t go unnoticed by other coaches and teams. I am dang proud of these girls and I am proud to be their coach.”

Growing up, Aimone was always around softball and with Wyoming adding softball as a high school sport, is special to her to give the passion of the sport back to the young girls.

“It means a lot to me as a mother of a little girl. And I know it means a lot to these kids who finally get to wear their school colors and showcase their skills in a sport that they love,” she said. “I told my husband when we first moved here that the only bad thing about Wyoming is that it does not have high school softball. But now it does and I couldn’t be more excited for my daughter and the other female athletes in the community.”

Softball means the world to Aimone.

After one year at WNCC, she went on to play at Chadron State College. She said the thrill of playing softball is higher than an amusement park ride.

“It’s been a fantastic beautiful ride, better than any ride you can find in Disneyland (wink, wink),” she said. “Softball has opened many, many doors for me and in my career. I played softball in college, met my husband in college and now I have two wonderful kids. Without softball my story might be a little different. I wouldn’t be where I am today without having played softball. It’s been such a huge part of my life and I can’t imagine my life without softball in it in some way.”

That softball background involved many years playing in her hometown of Sterling, Colorado. Aimone graduated from Sterling in 2005 and was a 4-year letter winner along as First Team All-Conference selection, team captain, defensive Player of the Year and Most Valuable Player from 2002-2004 as a catcher.

After high school, she played at WNCC and Chadron State. At WNCC, she was the Region IX Freshman of the Year, First Team All-Conference, Academic All-region and voted to Who’s Who Among American Junior College Students.

Continued on next page

n Blair Aimone coaching softball at Green River ...

At Chadron State, she was Team Captain from 2007 to 2010, Nebraska NCAA Division II All-Star Team Honorable Mention, Outstanding Defensive Player of the Year, RMAC Honorable Mention All-Conference, RMAC Second Team All- Academic Selection, RMAC Softball Honor Roll & All-Nebraska Division II Honorable Mention. Aimone graduated from CSC in 2010 with a Major in Business Administration with an emphasis in Agri-Business.

Eleven years after graduating college, she is back on the diamond serving as a coach to the young players.

Aimone is a good role model for the young ladies of Green River that play softball.

Aimone played softball since she was five years old and has always had the passion for the sport, especially for the catch-

ing position.

“I played competitive softball since I was 12 years old,” she said. “I have been traveling all over the country to play softball from Florida to Vegas to Hawaii. I played club softball with the Colorado Classics.”

What does Aimone bring to Green River? She brings learning the fundamentals to the game.

“We teach fundamental softball. I haven’t brought up my playing background a ton, only maybe a few times when I need to prove a point, but I try not to live in my glory days, I do, however, share my softball learning experiences! I feel like being a former collegiate softball player and catcher gives me a unique insight that other coaches my not have. The catcher is the only player on the field where the en-

tire play and everything that happens is in front of them. As a coach that experience is coming in handy.”

When she played for WNCC, she also played beside her twin, Brit. Brit is now the commodities broker for their dad’s family feedyard.

Aimone’s goal at Green River is to give back to the community and to the young ladies.

“I am just so blessed, honored, and humbled by the opportunity to coach these young student athletes,” she said. “I want to give back to the Green River Community and I want to give these girls the same opportunities that softball has given to me. We are teaching life long lessons here that these young ladies will take with them far beyond the softball field.”

By Mark Rein, Sports Information

Where Sophomores are headed to

Volleyball Olivia Schaub...................... Northeastern College in Iowa (NAIA) Karen Cordero..................................... Delaware State (NCAA DI) Andrea Tsvetanova.................................. Coppin State (NCAA DI) Anuhea Kaohi........................San Diego Christian College (NAIA) Laura Ferrao...............................................Park University (NAIA) Women’s Basketball Bella Sparaco.................................... Drury University (NCAA DII) Men’s Basketball Chase Thompson................ Southwest Missouri State (NCAA DI) Conner McCracken.................Chadron State -- Track (NCAA DII) Tayler Johnson...............................................................................

Baseball Paul Panduro...................................... Pittsburg State (NCAA DII) Chandler Young...............................Jamestown University (NAIA) Rei Kimura................................................College of Idaho (NAIA) Mikey Felton......................................... Ft. Hays State (NCAA DII) Joey Olson........................................... Ft. Hays State (NCAA DII) Matt Womack.................................... Presentation College (NAIA) Luiz Alcantara............................... Mississippi College (NCAA DII) Men’s Soccer Esteban Tavira........................................Adam’s State (NCAA DII)

Cougar players playing this summer Here is a list of Cougar baseball players playing in summer leagued this summer.

Western Nebraska Pioneers Paul Panduro, Trent Richter, Mikey Felton Casper Horseheads Harold Baez, Jeson Morales, Owen Vanthillo, Luis Alcantara Hastings Sodbusters Trevor DuBray, JT Cafferty Omaha Haymakers Noah Baumann, Tate Carson, Creighton Dike, Rei Kimura, Quinn McCafferty, Dillon Fabricus Clinton Lumberjacks (Missouri) Beau Lofink, pitching coach Junction City Brigade (Kansas) Jack Jones, Joe Kinneberg, Brian Bruxvroot, Chandler Young — Brandon Bachar, head coach Midwest A’s (Kansas) Joey Olson

Kimura traveled from Japan to Canada to Nebraska and now to Idaho

After two years at WNCC, Kimura headed to NAIA

R

ei Kimura has seen it all.

Kimura played junior high baseball in Japan through 2016. He then went on to play in Victoria, British Columbia, and then spent two seasons at WNCC. Now, after two seasons in Scottsbluff, Kimura is going closer to Canada after he signed to play at the College of Idaho in Caldwell, Idaho. The College of Idaho is just north of Boise and near that Oregon border.

Kimura said it is great to continue playing the sport he loves.

“It makes me thankful that I get to move onto a four-year level because not everyone makes it that far,” he said. “It also makes me realize that I will need to make each day count because The College of Idaho could be where my entire baseball career comes to an end.”

Kimura goal is to keep playing because he doesn’t know when his playing days will be over.

“Lately, I have always thought of how many more years I can play baseball and how thankful I should be for having been able to play baseball for a long time,” he said. “This opportunity will be important for me to carve out a path to an opportunity at a higher level and to make my family happy and proud by playing well. Mostly, my parents have sacrificed a lot for me to play baseball. I would like to show them my gratitude for helping me have such a wonderful baseball career by being successful on the field at The College of Idaho.”

When Kimura heads to College of Idaho, he will actually have four years of athletic eligibility since he red-shirted his freshman year in 2020 and then this season he played in eight games, but this season did not count toward anyones eligibility because of the pandemic. His freshman year did count either since that year the season was canceled because of the out-

break of the Coronavirus in March.

During his brief time at WNCC, Kimura has grown as a player. He was also a part of a Region IX title team, something that he will cherish.

“It was definitely one of the most unforgettable moments of my life,” he said.

“I think no one else deserved the title because we wanted it more than anyone else did. To me, it was crazy how much mental can impact the game. Personally, that was the first time winning a championship in my entire baseball career. Back in junior high school in Japan, I missed a championship twice even though my team was only two wins away from winning the whole thing both times. It is very special that I could take revenge for those tough losses by winning a title in the United States.”

His time as a Cougar saw him only appear in eight games this year with two RBIs and two runs scored. Still, he improved a ton from his high school and prep days.

“I have grown a lot as a baseball player,” Kimura said. “Back in high school, I could not even hit the ball off the wall. Now I can hit the ball out of the park. In addition, I am mentally a lot tougher than I had been.

WNCC has definitely helped me grow as a baseball player and a person. I am thankful to my teammates and coaches for always motivating me to work hard for the better.”

In just two years at WNCC, Kimura earned his associate degree and academically was ready to move on. But, he did say, that JUCO is hard because of saying goodbye to your teammates after just two years.

“I think the hardest thing about JUCO is saying goodbye to teammates,” he said. “For me as an international student, it is extremely hard because I might not see them ever again. Thinking about that, it is amazing that I get some extra opportunity to play with my WNCC teammates before heading to my new school. I am very thankful for the opportunity which allows me to play baseball with them.”

He will, however, get to play with a few teammates this summer as Kimura will be playing for the Omaha Haymakers in the Omaha Collegiate Summer Baseball league. He will be playing with the Haymakers along with several other WNCC teammates including Noah Baumann, Tate Carson, Creighton Dike, Quinn McCafferty, and Dillon Fabricus.

Kimura said their first game in the Omaha league is June 7 and they will play until the end of July.

In the meantime, Kimura will make the most of his summer playing. At the College of Idaho, he is projected as an infielder.

“My goals at The College of Idaho are to be successful in baseball and to make my parents happy and proud by performing well both on the field and in classroom,” he said.

Kimura will still cherish all the god times he endured at WNCC with his teammates.

“I will cherish all of the moments that I shared with my teammates at WNCC for the rest of my life,” he said. “Winning the Region IX with my teammates is definitely the best memory in these past two years.

Words could never explain what I felt because so many emotions crossed my mind.

We have gone though a lot of adversities throughout the season, but we had always been mentally strong enough to bounce back. Winning the Region IX has made me realize small things eventually become big things.”

By Mark Rein, Sports Information

Former Cougars Berry, Conceicao still hooping it up professionally

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everal former WNCC men’s and women’s basketball players are still playing professionally overseas and doing well.

On the women’s side, Tatiana Conceicao, who played for WNCC from 2003-05, is playing professionally in Brazil and was a key contributor for her Blumenau team in a 74-62 win in the Brazilian LBF. Conceicao recorded seven points in the game.

Another player playing professionally in Australia is Georgia Berry. Berry, a 6-foot-1 power forward, played for WNCC in the 2019-20 season.

Berry is playing for Sunshine Coast Phoenix in the season that just started.

Berry was a key contributor in the team’s last game that they fell 63-62 to the Wizards in the NBL1 North Group.

Berry recorded 12 points and grabbed six rebounds in the loss. For the season, Berry is averaging seven points and four rebounds in the young season.

Other former women’s basketball players playing professionally include Yeliz Dogan, who played for WNCC from 2013-15. Dogan is playing for Mersin in the Turkish KBSL league.

Gritt Ryder, who played for the Cougars from 2012-13, is still playing professionally in Denmark.

Ryder plays for Horsholm in Danish Dameligaen.

Jaleesa Avery, who played for WNCC from 2016-18 and then for Morehead State, is playing for Bashkimi in Kosovan Superleague.

Giovanna Silva, a 5-10 forward, played for WNCC from 2016-18 and plays in the EuroBasketball League. Silva plays for Team Belgium.

Anastacia Johnson, a 5-7 point guard, is also playing in the Eurobasketball League for Team Naples.

While there are several women’s players still playing basketball after WNCC, the men’s side has plenty of players still playing.

Some former players that were highlighted

by EuroBasket.com last week included Terrance Motley.

Motley, a 6-7 forward who played for WNCC in 2011-12, plays professionally in Ireland. Motley plays for Selfoss and in their last game, fell to Hamar 96-88. Motley scored 34 points along with seven rebounds and six assists. Motley is having a good season, averaging 16.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.5

Tatiana Conceicao rebounds and protects the ball during a game in Brazil.

steals in 22 games played.

A couple of other former Cougars that had an impressive week the end in May are RJ Palmer and Julion Guity.

Palmer, a 6-7 forward who graduted in 2017 from WNCC is playing for the Gulf Coast Lions, a member of The Basketball League in the United States.

Palmer’s team started play in April and when they played on May 28 against the Carolina Coyotes, they lost 140-130. Palmer recorded a double-double in the loss with 22 points and 12 rebounds. On May 30, Gulf Coast defeated the Tampa Bay Titans 101-100 as Palmer had 12 points and 10 rebounds. For the season, he is averaging 16.2 points and 5.4 rebounds.

Guity, a 6-9 forward played for WNCC from 2013-15 and is also in the TBL, playing for the San Diego Guardians. On May 26, San Diego topped the West Coast Breze and Guity had a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds. San Diego is 10-2 this season and their next game will be June 3 when they face the Kokomo Bobkats.

Other former Cougars playing professional include Andrew Ramirez, a 6-2 guard that played in 2015-16m us playing for Ponferrada in Spain. This season Ramirez averages 6.8ppg,

3.2rpg and 1.8apg.

Others playing include Scott Bamforth, a 6-2 guard/forward who graduated from WNCC in 2009-10, plays for Le Mans Sarthe Basketball in the French Jeep Elite.

Also Sabastian Suarez, a 6-4 guard who played here from 2011-13, is playing for Club Deportivo valdivia in the Chilean Liga Nacional.

Francisco Cruz, a 6-3 guard who played at WNCC in 2009-10, plays for HDI Sigorta Afyon Belediyespor in the Turkish BSL J.P. Batista, a 6-9 center who played at WNCC in 2002-03, plays for Minas Belo Horizonte in Brazil.

Miguel Gotti, a 6-8 center plays for Club Deportivo Panteras in Panamanian LPB. Phil Fayne, a 6-7 center/forward who played at WNCC in 2015-16, plays for Kataja in the Finnish Korisliiga.

Djordje Dimitrijevic, a 6-2 guard who played here in 2016-18, is playing for Ibereolica Renovables Ourense in Spanish LEB Gold League.

Sami Harun, a 6-4 guard, is playing for Fryshuset in Swedish Basketligan last year.

Vinnie Shahid, a 5-11 guard, who played for WNCC from 2016-18, plays for Contern in Luxembourg Total League.

Du’Vaughn Maxwell, a 6-7 forward who play here in 2010-12, plays for Chartres Basket Masculins in French NM1 Marko Rajanovic, a 6-7 forward plays for Proleter in Serbian 2MLS Ricardo Pinne, a 6-5 guard, plays forGulbenes Buki in Latvian LBL2.

Diamond Onwuka,, a 6-8 guard who played for one season at WNCC in 2016-17, plays for Valls Nutrion in Spanish EBA. Raul Delgado, a 6-3 guard who played here in 2010-11, plays for Dorados in Mexican league.

Marlon Sierra,, a 6-7 forward who played at WNCC from 2016-18, played for Depiro in Maltese league.

Leon Tomic, a 6-7 power forward, plays for the KK Cedevita Junior in Croatian Prva League.

Tyrell Williams, a 6-9 forward who played for the Cougars from 2015-16, played for the Danang Dragons in Vietnamese league last year.

Cougar Golf Classic Registration Western Nebraska Community College Athletics Saturday, June 12 — Monument Shadows Golf Course All proceeds benefit WNCC Athletic Scholarship fund Cost

$75 per person z Includes green fees, cart, and lunch. z Open to first 36 teams. z Payout for men’s and women/COED first-place teams.

Second and third places will be drawn. z All proceeds benefit the WNCC Athletic Scholarship fund.

Features

Hole-in-one prizes sponsored by Scottsbluff Screenprinting and Safety line Consultants. z Hole prizes for: 1) Longest drive 2) Longest putt 3) Closest to the pin in 2 4) And other great prizes z

Sponsoring Opportunities Fairway Sponsor — $600 z z z

One team registration Hole sponsorship Four All-sport tickets each, volleyball/men’s and women’s basketball

Green Sponsor — $400 z z

One team registration Hole Sponsorship

Hole Sponsor — $100 z

Hole Sponsorship

REGISTRATION

&XW Rႇ DQG UHWXUQ WR WNCC $OO SOD\ LV LQ IRXUVRPHV ² 'HDGOLQH -XQH Team Name: ________________________________________ Phone: _________________________ Address: ___________________________________________________________________________ City: ________________________________ State:: ________________ Zip: ___________________ Enclosed is $______________ for _____ # of golfers Golfers/Handicap/T-shirt size 1) ___________________________________________________________________ 2) ___________________________________________________________________ 3) ___________________________________________________________________ 4) ___________________________________________________________________ _______ # of Golf cart needed

Check one: Men’s Team

Women’s/COED Team

_______ No, I will be unable to attend, but have enclosed my gift of $______ for the WNCC Athletic Scholarship Funds Send payment to WNCC Cougar Golf Classic, % Ryan Burgner, ( WK 6W 6FRWWVEOX௺ 1( 3HUVRQ ZLWK GLVDELOLWLHV UHTXHVWLQJ DFFRPPRGDWLRQV IRU WKLV HYHQW VKRXOG FRQWDFW 5\DQ %XUJQHU

WNCC Cougar Golf Classic set for June 12

I

n less than two weeks, the Western Nebraska Community College Cougar Golf Classic will hit the links at Monument Shadows Golf Course and it is still not too late to get a team of four golfers together to participate in the annual fundraiser for Cougar Athletic Scholarships.

The event will take place Saturday, June 12 at the Monument Shadows Golf Course in Gering and the format is the same as past years -- a 4-person scramble with men’s, women’s, and coed teams. The cost of the tournament is $75 per person with an 8 a.m. shotgun start. There is a limit of 36 teams.

The entry fee includes green fees, cart, and lunch. Payout for men’s division and for women’s/COED division with second and third places being drawn. All proceeds will benefit the WNCC athletic scholarship fund.

Hole sponsorships are also available.

Entry deadline is June 10. For more information, contact WNCC Athletic Director Ryan Burgner at 308-635-6798 or burgnerr@wncc.edu.

Registration forms can be picked up at Monument Shadows Golf Course, the WNCC athletic office located in the Williams Multicultural building, or downloaded off the WNCC athletic website at http:// shorturl.at/ipLY9 or wnccathletics.com under the camps/events tab.

The women’s soccer team walks out onto the field to start a match in May against Casper College. The Cougar women were the last team to finish up the spring season and just think, in two months, the women’s soccer team will return to action back in its regular fall season.

Coming later this summer ...

2020-21 WNCC athletic yearbook with highlights from the past year and a listing of all the players & coaches.

Stay tuned, it will be out later this summer.

Answers to the Cougar Trivia from earlier in the newsletter 1) The women’s basketball team opened the sports season with a home win over Central Wyoming College 101-49.

2) By about five hours, that honor goes to the women’s soccer team who played their semi-final game against Western Wyoming May 21 starting at 3 p.m. The baseball team finished their season May 21 around 12 noon.

3) WNCC had three NJCAA All-Americans. Volleyball had two with Karen Cordero a first team selection and Anuhea Koahi on the honorable mention team. Women’s basketball had one with Alejah Douglas a first team selection.

4) That answer is three. Carter Brown led with 38 followed by Tyler Mack with 32 and Agwa Nywesh with 31.

5) Three Cougar men’s players had three yellow cards. They were Washington Junior, Luis Martinez, and Imanal Munoz. The women’s yellow card leader was four players with just one each and they were Leticia Heemann, Raquel Ferreira, Anna Lopes, and Letzi Delarosa. The Cougar women had just four yellow cards all season..

6) That belongs to Karen Cordero at .243 followed by Anuhea Kaohi with .219.

7) That honor belongs to Lexi Butterfield, who had nine round-trippers. Bella Coffman was second with eight. home runs.

8) The softball team’s stolen base leader was Bailey Blanchard with 10 followed by second place Mackenzie Bakel with nine. The baseball leader in stolen bases was Caleb Coats with

15 swiped bases while second went to Matt Womack with seven.

9) The last time there was was not a Nebraska girl on the volleyball team was 1987. The closest was Torrington, Wyoming, and that was Wendy Nickal. Now, for the bonus question and that was 1999 when the only Nebraska girl was from central Nebraska, Kearney to be exact in Lyndsey Finney. That answer was almost 2018, but Ogallala is considered the Panhandle.

10) Everyone might think it was the 1994-94 team that went 36-4, but it wasn’t. There is one team that had less losses and that belongs to the 1945-46 team went 14-1 and were crowned the unofficial state champs. That was the first year of a team was reinstated after the war from 1942-1945.

2021 WNCC Volleyball Camps CAMP WNCC volleyball has supported these local players on the team since 1990 uScottsbluff: Jodi Huddleston, Mackenzie Westphal, Becky Hughes, Bethany Dillman, Paetra Pramstaller, Brenda Schwarzkopf uGering: Macey Boggs, Elli Winkler, Olivia Schaub, Arianna Mitchell, Lauren Shaul, Kaylee Spreier, Santanna Mitchell, Morgan Broussard, Sierra Schmidt, Whitney Roth, Brooke Blomenkamp, Stacie Meisner, Jenny Quicke, Nicole Gonzalez, Sarah Mayo, Heidi Harms, Becky Kelley, Stacy Goos, Laura Schmeeckle, Deana Gross, Beth Wray, Kristin Miller,Tricia Smith uOgallala: Jenna Curtis, Jayme Commins uKimball: Danika Daum uMitchell: Annabelle Gillen uLeyton: Katy Ernest, Amy Reimers uAlliance: Kennedy Cyza, Heather Steggs, Leslie Reeh, Laura Pinedo, Anabell Pinedo uGordon: Jayla Brehmer, Alyssa Ostrander, Annie Shields, Kendra Jensen uKearney: Emily Hoehn, Lindsey Finney uChadron: Cassie Drinkwalter uMorrill: Ashley Long, Amy Mitchell, Nicole Weimer, Tonya Harriger, Lori Schmidt, Patti Dunn uPotter: Shannon Shoemaker uSidney: Missy Marsh, Kristy Billings uHarrison: Jennifer Kaan uHemingford: Andrea Engelhaupt uCrawford: Trista Witte, Katie Roberts uHarrisburg: Andrea Bailey uBayard: Lisa Schwartzkopf uBridgeport: Rose Clouse uMinatare: Jessica Whipple uHay Springs: Anna Weyers, Amy Weyers uLisco: Shauna Ross uTorrington, Wyo: Shelly Harris, Adia Sherbeyn uWheatland, Wyo.: Georgann O’Neill uPine Bluffs, Wyo.: Jennifer Gorman, Hyleigh Fornstrom uCheyenne, Wyo.: Brittany Fornstrom, Ashlyn Vick uCasper, Wyo.: Kala Paulson, B.J. Clark, Laura Morrison

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Individual Middle School Camp — July 21-22

The camp is designed to give campers an opportunity to develop and fine tune the fundamental skills of volleyball. The camp will teach the mechanics and proper technique in the skills of serving, blocking, hitting, passing, setting, and defense. Limited to 36 campers and will run from 8 a.m. until noon both days. n Time: 8 a.m. - Noon n Cost: $50 per camper n Ages: Middle School Grades 6th - 8th n T-shirt: Camp T-shirt if pre-registered by July 14 (mark size)

Individual High School Skills Camp — July 21-22

The camp is designed to give campers an opportunity to develop and fine tune the fundamental skills of volleyball. The camp will teach the mechanics and proper technique in the skills of serving, blocking, hitting, passing, setting, and defense. Limited to 36 campers and will run from 1-5 p.m. both days. n Time: 1 - 5 p.m. n Cost: $50 per camper n Ages: High School Grades 9th - 12th n T-shirt: Camp T-shirt if pre-registered by July 14 (mark size)

Individual Elementary Camp — July 23-24

The camp is designed to give campers an opportunity to learn the skills of volleyball in a fun, relaxed setting. The camps is open to any elementary-age youngsters. Limited to 36 campers and will run from 8 a.m. - noon both days. n Time: 8 a.m. - noon n Cost: $50 per camper n Ages: Elementary grades 1st through 5th grade n T-shirt: Camp T-shirt if pre-registered by July 14 (mark size)

Setter, Hitter, Libero Camp — July 23-24

The camp is designed to fine tune setting, hitting, and libero techniques. The camp will be an intense camp with a lot of reps and one-on-one instruction. Hitters need to be physically prepared for heavy use of shoulders and legs. Make sure to specify position. n Time: 1 - 5 p.m. n Cost: $50 per camper n Ages: Grades 7th - 12th n T-shirt: Camp T-shirt if pre-registered by July 14 (mark size) — The volleyball camp instructors — WNCC volleyball coach Binny Canales Former and Cougar assistant coaches Former and current Cougar players

Western Nebraska Community College Athletics — wnccathletics.com

WNCC Volleyball Camp Application 2021 Volleyball Camp Registration Form Name: _____________________________________________________ Street Address: ______________________________________________ City: ____________________ State: __________ Zip: _____________ Phone: __________________ Email: ___________________________ Boy/Girl: ________________ Grade: ___________________________ School: ____________________________________________________ Date of Birth: _____________________ Parent’s Name: ______________________________________________ Contact in case of emergency: Name: _____________________ Phone: ___________________ Please note any medical problems: _______________________________ Camp Registration Information  WNCC Volleyball

Camps @ Cougar Palace, Scottsbluff, Neb. Camp 1 — Individual Middle School (Cost: $50) Cost:_____ Camp 2 — Individual High School (Cost: $50) Cost:_____ Camp 3 — Elementary Little Cougars (Cost: $50) Cost:_____ Camp 4 — Setter, Hitter, Libero Camp (Cost: $50) Cost:_____  Total amount enclosed _________ T-Shirt sizes

Mail To: WNCC Volleyball % Binny Canales 1601 E. 27th Street Scottsbluff, NE 69361 For more information, contact Volleyball Coach Binny Canales at WNCC: (308) 635-6028 Email: canalesa@wncc.edu

Youth: r S r M r L r XL Adult: r S r M r L r XL r 2XL Camp T-shirt if pre-registered by July 14

Waiver and Release Agreement

Upon acceptance of this application, I hereby waive and release all rights and claims for damages I may have against Western Nebraska Community College and its employees on account of any injuries or illnesses sustained by my child while attending the camp(s). I authorize the director of the volleyball camp(s) or his designee to select hospital facilities and/or physicians of his choice and authorize treatment on an emergency basis if such treatment becomes necessary as a result of participating in the WNCC volleyball camp. Pictures may be used for promotional materials or newsletters by the college on the website or brochures.

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Cougar Volleyball Region IX Champions — 1988, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2020(21) National Champions — 2007, 2010

Sights and Sounds of past year in photos

2020-2021 WNCC Cougar Teams

2020-2021 WNCC Cougar Teams

ALUMNI ATHLETIC NEWS

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

WNCC’s Cook, Suarez thrilled with regional title

W

estern Nebraska Community College’s Carson Cook and Pedro Suarez spent the last three years helping the Cougar baseball team try to win a Region IX title. Sunday’s victories in the regional tournament proved not only extra special for them, but for the team.

“I have been here three years now and this is the best this program has ever done in its history,” the catcher from Fremont said. “It gives us a chance to play together for another week as a family and a team. This is one of the best teams I have ever played on. We mesh together well. I think we will have a good chance at this district championship.”

The WNCC baseball team earned its first Region IX title in convincing fashion defeating Trinidad State Junior College that hard way in two games, defeating the Trojans 11-3 and 14-9 to push their record to 29-27 on the season.

In fact, it was a team effort as they received clutch pitching from starters Eneldas Vazquez and Chris Cuadra. They also pounded the ball with authority, registering 29 hits and 25 runs, including four home runs and six doubles.

Cook and Suarez said they had plenty of motivation, especially after Trinidad pushed the Cougars into the loser’s bracket with a 2-1 defeat on Friday.

“When we lost that game to Trinidad, it kind of killed us, but it also gave us fire,” Cook said. “We just couldn’t stop after that and won every game. Every body was up in the dugouts, every body was hitting, every body was playing great defense, and we just got set on fire.

We wanted Trinidad back. We wanted to play them again and we ate them up.”

Suarez said that loss, lifted the team to a new level.

“We knew we just had to go out there and play,” the sophomore from Miami said. “There was no holding back because we couldn’t afford to lose a game. We just went out there to do what we had to do as a team as a whole, and got those two victories.”

What led the team to the victory was their all-around play from pitching, offense to defense. The team committed just two errors defensively on Sunday in 18 innings of play.

“It was a great team effort. The pitching was there. The defense was there. Offensively, it wasn’t just two or three guys; it was everybody getting their hits when they had to, getting on

Looking Back to 2007 First baseball regional title base and manufacturing runs for us.”

In the first game, the Cougars dominated from start to finish, scoring three runs in the second and fourth inning in racking up 12 hits. Daniel Martinez led the team offensively with a 4-for-4 game with a double, four RBIs and a run scored.

JC Perez also collected two hits, while Marco Moreno had a big 2-run home run. Eneldas Vazquez picked up the win throwing seven strong innings, scattering nine hits while striking out 12 and walking four.

Vazquez said the pitching staff held their own. “Winning felt very good and was very important to the team,” he said. “In this tournament we pitched a lot of innings because they were nine inning games. We just tried to do our best and worked hard all the time. We are tired from this tournament. We lost the second game and we worked really hard to win the title.”

The Cougars continued their stellar play in the championship dominating once again from start to finish. WNCC jumped out to a 7-3 lead after two innings and led 10-3 after four. Trinidad made a bold comeback, slicing the lead to 10-9, only to see WNCC score four runs cruise to the 14-9 victory.

WNCC pounded out 17 hits in the win, including five players with multiple hit games.

Suarez paced the team with a 3-for-6 perfor-

mance with two home runs, three runs scored and two RBIs. Perez also finished with three hits, including a home run, three RBIs and four runs scored.

Abraham Cervantez finished 2-for-5 with two doubles, two RBIs and a runs scored, while Vazquez and Richie Stewart each went 2-for-4 with a double and two runs scored. Vazquez also had three RBIs. Cuadra picked up the win going five innings and allowing five hits and six runs. He also struck out two. Phillips Orta picked up the save, going 2 1/3 innings with three strikeouts.

Cook couldn’t say enough about the way the pitchers performed. “Every single pitcher pitched really well. They all did their job,” Cook, who caught nearly 60 innings in the tournament, said. “Pitching is one of our strongest points. We had enough pitching to last the entire tournament. We even could have played a few more games with the pitching we had left.”

First Game WNCC 030 310 103 – 11 12 1 Trinidad 000 000 120 – 3 11 1 WP – Vazquez; 2B – Martinez, HR – Moreno.

Second Game WNCC (29-27) 430 300 040 – 14 17 1 Trinidad (34-26) 300 013 200 – 9 8 1 WP – Cuadra, Save – Orta; 2B – Cervantes (2), Vazquez, Perez, Stewart; HR – Suarez (2), Perez.

Archived Athletic Photos — Recognize Anyone?

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