WNCC Cougar Athletic Beat

Behind the scenes of Cougar Athletics

COUGAR BEAT

Western Nebraska Community College

March 6, 2019 Issue 16

Tourney Time

WNCC men, women head to regionals

What’s In A Number

13 The number of Region IX titles the Cougar women have won for basketball. WNCC won four straight from 2003-2006.

The last title was 2017. __________________

79 The Amount of points that Jervay Green

needs to break the career scoring record of 1,302 held by Bernard Garner.

Garner played for the Cougars from 1993-95 before playing for Nebraska.

Green is signed to be a Husker next year. __________________

112 The number of 3-pointers that Dru

Kuxhausen has made this season. Dru needs to make 13 more to break the season record of 122 held by Rick Kinner back in 1995-96. __________________

208 The current number of points that Mer-

le Wiehl has that is over the school record for most points in a career. Wiehl has 1,234 points so far and the record ws 1,026. __________________

476 The number of fouls the women’s basketball team has committed during the regular season.

This Week in Cougar Athletes Thursday, March 7

l Women’s Basketball: HOME Region IX Tourney, Cougar Palace. 1-3-6-8 pm r Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkeeKK57ezg

l Men’s Basketball: AWAY Region IX Tourney, Sheridan, Wyoming, 1-3-5-7 pm r Video: https://team1sports.com/sheridan/ Friday, March 8

l Women’s Basketball: HOME Region IX Tourney, Cougar Palace. 1-3-6-8 pm r Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bh4pmkWQdys

l Men’s Basketball: AWAY Region IX Tourney, Sheridan, Wyoming, 1-3-5-7 pm r Video: https://team1sports.com/sheridan/ Saturday, March 9

l Women’s Basketball: HOME Region IX Tourney, Cougar Palace. 1-3-6-8 pm r Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-c4mGA_ut0

l Men’s Basketball: AWAY Region IX Tourney, Sheridan, Wyoming, 1-3-5-7 pm r Video: https://team1sports.com/sheridan/

l Softball: AWAY WNCC at Angelina College, Lufkin, Texas, 4/6 p.m.

l Baseball: AWAY WNCC at Trinidad, Trinidad, Colo., 3 p.m.

Sunday, March 10

l Softball: AWAY WNCC at Angelina College, Lufkin, Texas, 11 am/1 p.m.

l Baseball: AWAY WNCC at Trinidad, Trinidad, Colo., 12/2:30 p.m.

Monday, March 11

l Softball: AWAY WNCC at Bossier Parish CC, Bossier City, La., 1/3 p.m.

Tuesday, March 12

l Baseball: AWAY WNCC at South Mountain, Phoenix, Ariz., 4 p.m.

Wednesday, March 13

l Softball: AWAY WNCC at Tyler J.C., Tyler, Texas; 2/4 p.m.

l Baseball: AWAY WNCC at South Mountain, Phoenix, Ariz., 4 p.m.

Thursday, March 14

l Softball: AWAY WNCC at Navarro College, Corsicana, Texas, 12/2 p.m.

l Baseball: AWAY WNCC at GateWay, Mesa, Ariz., 12 p.m.

l Baseball: AWAY WNCC at Phoenix College, Phoenix, Ariz., 6 p.m.

Friday, March 15

l Baseball: AWAY WNCC at Phoenix College, Phoenix, Ariz., 3 p.m.

Saturday, March 16

l Baseball: AWAY WNCC at Mesa, Mesa, Ariz., 1 p.m.

Monday, March 18

l Basketball: Region IX Tourneys -- Women in Lubbock, Men in Hutchinson Tuesday, March 19

l Softball: AWAY WNCC at Northeastern JC, Sterling, Colo., 3/5 p.m.

l Basketball: Region IX Tourneys -- Women in Lubbock, Men in Hutchinson Wednesday, March 20

l Baseball: HOME Northeastern JC at WNCC, Cleveland Field, 12/2:30 p.m.

l Basketball: Region IX Tourneys -- Women in Lubbock, Men in Hutchinson Saturday, March 23

l Softball: AWAY WNCC at Lamar CC, Lamar, Colo., 1/3 p.m.

l Baseball: HOME Southeast at WNCC, Cleveland Field, 1/3 p.m.

Sunday, March 23

l Softball: AWAY WNCC at Lamar CC, Lamar, Colo., 12/2 p.m.

l Baseball: HOME Southeast at WNCC, Cleveland Field, 12 p.m.

WNCC hosts women’s regionals Cougar women aiming for third straight national tourney appearance, second title in three years.

The WNCC women’s basketball team ran through the season with a 26-3 record and a perfect 13-0 mark at Cougar Palace.

Those accomplishments are out the window as the Cougars get ready to host the Region IX tournament March 7-9.

Like any regional tournament, past record go out the window and for the 21stranked WNCC women, it is a matter of taking it one game at a time.

“We just have to take it one day at a time, play good, solid fundamental basketball,” WNCC third-year head coach Chad Gibney said. “We have to move the basketball, be unselfish, compete really hard on the defensive end, rebound like our heads on fire. if we do those things and play our style, we have a good opportunity to advance..”

The Cougars, who won the South with a 10-0 record and had a first-round bye into the quarterfinals, open up against Sheridan College at 8 p.m. Thursday.

WNCC and Sheridan played once this season with the Cougars taking an 82-60 win over the Generals in the final game before Christmas break.

Gibney said that Sheridan is a good team that provides some problems for his squad.

“Sheridan is a very talented team,” he said. “They have a handful of weapons that make them tough to defend. We are going to try to do everything we can to minimize their strengths and hopefully play our style and dictate the game.”

The last time the two played, Sheridan had two players finish in double figures in Kassie Hoyer with 20 points and Lani Taliauli with 19.

In the first game between the two teams in December, Sheridan connected on three treys while WNCC had 14. WNCC was led in scoring by Tishara Morehouse with 24.

That win was one of 26 on the season for the Cougar women. WNCC has won 20 or more games in a season for 32 straight seasons now.

Gibney said this team had an great regular season.

“We have had an unbelievable regular season so far,” Gibney said. “it is an extremely connected group that game togeth-

WNCC sophomore Allysah Boothe looks to pass during a game against NJC earlier this year. WNCC will take a 26-3 record into this weekend’s regional tournament at Cougar Palace. er and did a fantastic job of sharing the ball. the y are fabulous young ladies that compete really hard and unselfish. I couldn’t say enough about this group.”

WNCC has a chance to make the national tournament for a third straight year.

WNCC won regionals in 2017 by playing strong defense int eh final 20 seconds to escape Eastern Wyoming 53-51 for the regional title.

WNCC then earned an at-large bid last year after falling to Casper in the finals 7565.

The Cougars have won 13 Region IX women’s basketball championships, the first coming in 1993. WNCC has finished runner-up nine times, the first time in 1991.

That makes the Cougars playing in the championship game 22 times in the past 28 years.

Gibney said it will be a big honor for this team if they can make the national tournament for a third straight season in Lubbock, Texas, March 18-23. “if we able to get that job done, that is

an amazing accomplishment,” Gibney said.

“That a lot of schools are able to say that, so that is the goal. This team is different from last year’s team and different from the year before that. We just want to play really good basketball and do everything we can to give ourselves a chance.”

The quarterfinals on Thursday have some interesting match-ups. Northeastern Junior College, who had a bye into the quarterfinals as the South 2 seed, will battle Laramie County Community College at 1 p.m. The winner of that game will play the winner of the third game of the day at 6 p.m. when Casper College, the No. 1 seed from the North battles Otero Junior College.

The other side of the bracket has Eastern Wyoming College, the North 2 seed, battling McCook Community College, the South 3 seed, at 3 p.m. That winner will face the WNCC and Sheridan winner on Friday at 7 p.m.

The championship is slated for Saturday at 5 p.m. The national tournament pairings will be unveiled on Monday, March 11.

WNCC honors the four sophomores at recognition night

WNCC Lady Cougar Basketball scoring charts Result Lost (0-1)

Won (1-1)

Lost (1-2)

Won (2-2)

Won (3-2)

Won (4-2)

Won (5-2)

Won (6-2)

Won (7-2)

Won (8-2)

Won (9-2)

Won (10-2)

Won (11-2)

Won (12-2)

Lost (12-3)

Won (13-3)

Won (14-3)

Won (15-3)

Final Halftime Opponent............................................................................Date 64-74 33-31 Seward County Community College.....................................11/2 High Scorers: Wiehl 21, Boothe 14, Joplin 14 High Rebounders: Langton 7 96-59 38-30 Garden County Community College.....................................11/3 High Scorers: Morehouse 36, Wiehl 19, Valcheva 12, Joplin 10 High Rebounders: Reljic 11, Joplin 11 75-80 37-30 Iowa Western Community College.......................................11/9 High Scorers: Wiehl 27, Morehouse 14, Boothe 13, Joplin 12 High Rebounders: Wiehl 6 99-54 51-25 Cloud County Community College......................................11/10 High Scorers: Wiehl 22, Morehouse 20, Valcheva 14, Pulling 12, Joplin 11, Langton 10 High Rebounders: Wiehl 6, Reljic 6, Morehouse 6 101-56 45-26 Northwest College............................................................11/14 High Scorers: Wiehl 32, Morehouse 19, Joplin 13, Valcheva 13 High Rebounders: Reljic 5 91-68 45-29 Gillette College...................................................................11/16 High Scorers: Wiehl 25, Joplin 21, Morehouse 12 High Rebounders: Valcheva 7 94-43 48-21 Colorado Northwestern Community College......................11/17 High Scorers: Wiehl 27, Joplin 17, Morehouse 14 High Rebounders: Reljic 9, Underwood 8, Valcheva 7 110-62 53-34 Trinidad State Junior College..........................................11/23 High Scorers: Boothe 21, Morehouse 21, Pulling 15, Wiehl 13, Joplin 10, Gibbs 10 High Rebounders: Reljic 5, Langton 5 102-33 64-18 Nebraska All-stars............................................................11/24 High Scorers: Wiehl 19, Gibbs 16, Joplin 15, Boothe 10, Pulling 10 High Rebounders: Gibbs 9 110-42 60-22 Colorado State Club.........................................................11/17 High Scorers: Wiehl 25, Valcheva 15, Pulling 14, Morehouse 13, Gibbs 11 High Rebounders: Gibbs 9 82-63 41-32 Eastern Wyoming College..................................................11/30 High Scorers: Wiehl 27, Morehouse 16, Pulling 11, Joplin 10 High Rebounders: Wiehl 12, Joplin 9 88-52 50-25 Northwest College............................................................... 12/7 High Scorers: Wiehl 19, Joplin 16, Pulling 14, Morehouse 12 High Rebounders: Underwood 6 101-72 53-34 Central Wyoming College.................................................. 12/14 High Scorers: Wiehl 30, Morehouse 14, Joplin 11, Valcheva 11, Pulling 10 High Rebounders: Valcheva 8 82-60 55-27 Sheridan College............................................................... 12/15 High Scorers: Morehouse 24, Wiehl 19, Joplin 13, Pulling 12 High Rebounders: Reljic 8 63-83 28-38 Casper College...................................................................... 1/4 High Scorers: Wiehl 17, Joplin 17 High Rebounders: Wiehl, 6, Langton 6, Joplin 6, Valcheva 6 99-49 49-29 Northeast Community College..........................................1/11 High Scorers: Wiehl 30, Morehouse 21, Joplin 12 High Rebounders: Reljic 6 104-66 47-29 Otero Junior College......................................................... 1/12 High Scorers: Wiehl 22, Morehouse 18, Joplin 16, Valcheva 11, Pulling 10 High Rebounders: Valcheva 5 72 - 59 35-14 Northeastern Junior College................................................ 1/18 High Scorers: Wiehl 27, Joplin 14, Morehouse 11 High Rebouinders: Reljic 13

WNCC Lady Cougar Basketball scoring charts Won (16-3)

Won (17-3)

Won (18-3)

Won (19-3)

Won (20-3)

Won (21-3)

Won (22-3)

Won (23-3)

Won (24-3)

Won (25-3)

Won (26-3)

113 - 42 66-16 Lamar Community College.................................................. 1/19 High Scorers: Wiehl 23, Valcheva 15, Joplin 14, Morehouse 11, Boothe 10 High Rebouinders: Valcheva 13, Reljic 7, Jooplin 7 98 - 63 49-22 McCook Community College............................................ 1/22 High Scorers: Joplin 24, Morehouse 24, Wiehl 21 High Rebounders: Reljic 7 64 - 53 39-23 Casper College................................................................... 1/28 High Scorers: Wiehl 28, Valcheva 15 High Rebounders: Valcheva 6 97 - 69 (45-39) Trinidad State Junior College............................................. 2/3 High Scorers: Wiehl 22, Joplin 19, Morehouse 15, Boothe 10 High Rebounders: Gibbs 6 104 - 64 46-26 McCook Community College................................................. 2/5 High Scorers: Wiehl 27, Boothe 20, Morehouse 16, Pulling 16, Valcheva 10 High Rebounders: Morehouse 11, Wiehl 8 104 - 58 58-31 Eastern Wyoming College.................................................2/11 High Scorers: Pulling 23, Wiehl 19, Morehouse 15, Valcheva 14, Gibbs 11 High Rebounders: Torres 7, Valcheva 7 102 - 25 57-10 Lamar Community College............................................... 2/15 High Scorers: Wiehl 24, Gibbs 14, Morehouse 11 High Rebounders: Morehouse 5, Pulling 5 83 - 69 43-28 Northeastern Junior College............................................ 2/16 High Scorers: Wiehl 31, Pulling 14 High Rebounders: Morehouse 10, Reljic 9, Boothe 7 69 - 66 32-28 Iowa Western Community College................................... 2/20 High Scorers: Wiehl 23, Joplin 13, Morehouse 11 High Rebounders: Reljic 11, Wiehl 8, Joplin 5 90 - 54 45-23 Otero Junior College............................................................ 2/22 High Scorers: Joplin 16, Morehouse 16, Wiehl 15, Pulling 11 High Rebounders: Reljic 6 76 - 61 46-23 Trinidad State Junior College.............................................. 2/23 High Scorers: Wiehl 23, Joplin 13, Boothe 11 High Rebounders: Reljic 8, Joplin 7, Morehouse 7

Cougar men aiming for repeat WNCC will face Eastern Wyoming in quarterfinals of Region IX tourney in Sheridan, Wyoming.

The Western Nebraska Community College’s trek to back-to-back Region IX titles begins Thursday against a familiar foe in Eastern Wyoming College when the men’s regional tournament tips off in Sheridan, Wyoming.

The Cougars, 23-7, and the Lancers, 11-19, are no strangers to each other as the two Highway 26 teams will battle at 3 p.m. in the Bruce Hoffman Golden Dome on the campus of Sheridan College.

WNCC earned a bye into the quarterfinals while the Lancers had to win a first-round game on Saturday. EWC did just that as the No. 6 seed from the north when they upended No. 3 Western Wyoming Community College 63-49 in Rock Springs, Wyoming.

WNCC head coach Cory Fehringer said the opening game with EWC will be a battle.

“It will be a competitive college basketball tournament,” Fehringer said. “There should be no expectations of anything going for free. You are going to have to fight to get what you deserve.”

WNCC and EWC will be one of four quarterfinal games on Thursday. North 2 Casper College will open the day when the face South 3 seed Trinidad State Junior College. The 1 and 3 p.m. winners will face each other in the semifinals on Friday at 5 p.m.

The other side of the quarterfinal bracket has South 2 seed North Platte Community College battling South 3 seed Central Wyoming College at 5 p.m. followed by North 1 seed Sheridan taking on South 5 seed Northeastern Junior College at 7 p.m. Those two winners will battle in the semifinals at 7 p.m. Friday.

The championship is slated for 7 p.m. on Saturday with the winner automatically qualifying for the NJCAA national tournament in Hutchinson, Kansas, March 18-23.

Fehringer said the team that wins will be playing their best come Saturday night.

“Whoever is unselfish and gives the best effort, keeps the best attitude through

Bryce Sanchious goes up for a dunk in a win over Lamar Community College in February. The Cougars won the South sub--region with a win over North Platte to earn the top seed from the South in the regional tourney. The Cougars will face EWC on Thursday. good and bad nights and who is really driven to win three straight days, that is a tall cup of water no matter who you are and how good you are,” he said. “You will have to take down three different people in three straight days.”

WNCC and EWC have faced each other twice this season. WNCC earned a hard-fought 73-68 win in November at Torrington, before bettering the Lancers 96-70 at Cougar Palace in February.

“Eastern Wyoming definitely provides some challenges in regards to rivalry and history,” Fehringer said. “Coach Tim Moser has done a good job in his first year there. The two times we played them had been physical and competitive.”

Last year the Cougars won four games

in capturing their first regional title since 2002. WNCC started the stretch with a 116-61 first-round win over McCook followed by a quarterfinal win over Central Wyoming 77=67. WNCC then topped Sheridan 99-87 before beating the home team Otero Junior College 86-78 for the title.

At nationals, WNCC won its opening game 87-73 over Holmes Community College before falling to Northwest Florida State College.

The last time the Lancers were in the Region IX tournament was 2013 when they lost to Gillette 84-77 in the first round. EWC last won the Region IX title in 2008 and won back-to-back titles in 2003-2004.

WNCC honors sophomores during last home game

Result Won (1-0)

Won (2-0)

Won (3-0)

Lost (3-1)

Lost (3-2)

Won (4-2)

Won (5-2)

Won (6-2)

Won (7-2)

Won (8-2)

Won (9-2)

Won (10-2)

Won (11-2)

Won (12-2)

Lost (12-3)

Lost (12-4)

Lost (12-5)

Won (13-5)

Won (14-5)

WNCC Men’s Basketball Scoring Charts

Final Halftime Opponent............................................................................Date 111-106 54-52 Central Wyoming College.....................................................11/1 High Scorers: Sanchious 25, Green 24, Kuxhausen 19, Tanksley 17, Roub 15 High Rebounders: Roub 15, Kuxhausen 7, Sanchious 7 105-102 58-64 College of Southern Idaho....................................................11/2 High Scorers: Green 29, Roub 22, Sanchious 19, Tanksley 17, Cadat 11 High Rebounders: Roub 7 88-85 37-49 Colby Community College.................................................11/7 High Scorers: Green 30, Kuxhauson 24, Sanchious 16 High Rebounders: Roub 4 100-103 46-47 College of Southern Idaho.................................................11/9 High Scorers: Green 44, Kuxhausen 22, Tanksley 11, Roub 11 High Rebounders: Sanchious 7, Roub 7 108-78 28-61 Salt Lake Community College.........................................11/10 High Scorers: Sanchious 22, Kuxhausen 21, Tanksley 12, Roub 10 High Rebounders: Cadet 5 93-90 54-43 Western Wyoming Community College..........................11/16 High Scorers: Kuxhausen 26, Roub 20, Green 16, Sanchious 10 High Rebounders: Roub 6 99-70 59-20 Central Wyoming College................................................11/17 High Scorers: Cadet 27, Green 19, Tanksley 14, Sanchious 14, Kuxhausen 13 High Rebounders: Sanchious 7 96-86 51-40 Colby Community College..................................................11/20 High Scorers: Roub 27, Green 20, Kuxhausen 16, Tanksley 14, Sanchious 12 High Rebounders: Green 12 89-81 42-42 Indian Hills Community College......................................11/23 High Scorers: Green 31, Roub 17, Cadet 15, Sanchious 11, Tanksley 10 High Rebounders: Sanchious 9, Roub 8, Cadet 7, Green 7 104-83 51-38 Rainy River Community College.....................................11/24 High Scorers: Kuxhausen 27, Roub 26, Green 16, Sanchious 15, Cadet 10, Tanksley 10 High Rebounders: Kuxhausen 8, Sanchious 7 73-68 36-30 Eastern Wyoming College..................................................11/30 High Scorers: Green 24, Kuxhausen 22 High Rebounders: Green 7 111-93 47-51 Williston State College......................................................... 12/6 High Scorers: Sanchious 34, Green 26, Kuxhausen 25, Roub 16 High Rebounders: Roub 11, Green 9, Sanchious 7 101-88 52-46 Sheridan College................................................................. 12/7 High Scorers: Green 26, Kuxhausen 19, Tanksley 18, Sanchious 17, Roub 17 High Rebounders: Sanchious 8, Roub 7 101-76 45-44 Laramie County Community College..............................12/11 High Scorers: Roub 29, Kuxhausen 26, Green 17 Andrijana Reljic goes up for High Rebounders: Roub 13, Green 7, Warren 7 two points in a win over Northeast Community College.

WNCC is 14-3 on the season as they College. begin their sub-region schedule. 12/14 86-94 53-48 Indian Hills Community ........................................

High Scorers: Cadet 21, Tanksley 18, Roub 16, Green 13 High Rebounders: Tanksley 6, Green 6 93-102 43-51 Iowa Lakes Community College........................................ 12/15 High Scorers: Green 51, Sanchious 20, Roub 16 High Rebounders: Sanchious 6 90 - 93 44-41 Laramie County Community College..................................... 1/4 High Scorers: Green 40, Kuxhausen 16, Sanchious 14, Roub 12 High Rebounders: Roub 9.

103-87 56-34 Otero Junior College..........................................................1/11 High Scorers: Roub 22, Sanchious 22, Green 19, White 17, Kuxhausen 14 High Rebounders: Roub 7 97 - 88 68-50 Northeastern Junior College............................................ 1/18 High Scorers: Kuxhausen 33, Roub 21, Green 19, White 12 High Rebounders: Roub 7

Won (15-5)

Won (16-5)

Lost (16-6)

Won (17-6)

Won (18-6)

Won (19-6)

Won (20-6)

Won (21-6)

Won (22-6)

Lost (22-7)

Won (23-7)

WNCC Men’s Basketball Scoring Charts 97 - 61 43-37 Lamar Community College.................................................. 1/19

High Scorers: Kuxhausen 23, Green 20, Roub 20, White 13 High Rebounders: Roub 9 123 - 86 56-44 McCook Community Colelge............................................ 1/22 High Scorers: Green 29, Kuxhausen 28, Roub 24, O’Connor 11, White 11 High Rebounders: Green 8.

74 - 81 38-42 North Platte Community College......................................... 1/25 High Scorers: Green 27, Kuxhausen 18, Roub 12 High Rebounders: Roub 7 80 - 73 34-43 Trinidad State Junior College............................................. 2/3 High Scorers: Kuxhausen 24, Green 17, Tanksley 14, Sanchious 12 High Rebounders: Roub 11, Sanchious 7 91 - 85 40-36 McCook Community College................................................. 2/5 High Scorers: Kuxhausen 30, Sanchious 21, Green 20.

High Rebounders: Sanchious 10.

96 - 70 43-38 Eastern Wyoming College.................................................2/11 High Scorers: Tanksley 23, Green 16, Roub 15, Sanchious 14, Kuxhausen 11.

High Rebounders: Sanchious 7, Green 7 81 - 77 42-38 Lamar Community College............................................... 2/15 High Scorers: Kuxhausen 23, Green 21, Sanchious 15 High Rebounders: SAanchious 9, White 8, Green 8 82 - 70 32-35 Northeastern Junior College............................................ 2/16 High Scorers: Sanchioius 22, Green 19, Kuxhausen 18, Roub 15.

High Rebounders: Sanchious 8, Tanksley 7.

102 - 91 44-45 Otero Junior College............................................................ 2/22 High Scorers: Roub 27, Green 25, Kuxhausen 18, Sanchious 14, Cadet 12 High Rebounders: Green 7 74 - 96 43-50 Trinidad State Junior College.............................................. 2/23 High Scorers: Roub 28, Green 11, Sanchious 10.

High Rebounders: Roub 7.

82 - 76 50-32 North Platte Community College...................................... 3/26 High Scorers: Green 26, Kuxhausen 23, Roub 17.

High Rebouinders: Roub 11, Sanchious 8, Green 7.

S2 — Northeastern JC

2019 Region IX Women’s Basketball Tournament

S2 — Northeastern JC Bye

Thursday, March 7 1 p.m.

N3 — Laramie County @ Cheyenne March 1 LCCC won 69-60

N3 — Laramie County

N6 — C. Wyoming

Friday, March 8 5 p.m.

N1 — Casper @ Casoer March 1 Casper won 81-39

@ Scottsbluff, Nebraska

N1 — Casper

N8 — Northwest

Thursday, March 7 6 p.m.

S4 — Trinidad State @ Trinidad March 1 Otero won 51-42

S5 — Otero

S5 — Otero CHAMPION

N2 — Eastern Wyoming @ Torrington March 1 EWC won 87-77

N7 — W. Wyoming S3 — McCook @ McCook March 1 McCook won 87-31

N2 — Eastern Wyoming

Thursday, March 7 3 p.m.

S3 — McCook

S7 — Lamar

Friday, March 8 7 p.m.

S1 — Western Nebraska S1 — Western Nebraska Bye S4 — Gillette @ Gillette March 1 Sheridan won 72-65

S5 — Sheridan

Thursday, March 7 8 p.m.

S5 — Sheridan

Saturday, March 9 5 p.m.

N2 — Casper @ Casper March 2 Casper won 105-70

N2 — Casper

N7 — Gillette

Thursday, March 7 1 p.m.

S3 — Trinidad State @ Trinidad March 2 Trinidad won 89-77

2019 Region IX Men’s Basketball Tournament @ Sheridan, Wyoming

S3 — Trinidad State

S6 — Lamar

Friday, March 8 6 p.m.

S1 — Western Nebraska S1 — Western Nebraska Bye

Thursday, March 7 3 p.m.

N3 — W. Wyoming @ Rock Springs March 2 EWC won 63-49

N6 — Eastern Wyoming

N6 — Eastern Wyoming CHAMPION

S2 — North Platte @ North Platte March 3 MPCC won 85-82

S2 — North Platte

S7 — McCook N4 — Central Wyoming @ Riverton March 2 CWC won 77-56

Thursday, March 7 5 p.m.

N4 — Central Wyoming

N5 — Laramie County

Friday, March 8 8 p.m.

N1 — Sheridan @ Sheridan March 2 Sheridan won 89-83

N8 — Northwest N4 — Otero @ La Junta March 2 NJC won 92-76

N5 — NJC

N1 — Sheridan Thursday, March 7 7 p.m.

S5 — NJC

Saturday, March 9 7 p.m.

20

QUESTIONS with Andrijana Reljic, Women’s Basketball

Andrijana Reljic is a sophomore on the women’s basketball team. Reljic transferred to WNCC this year from Northwest Florida.

Northwest was at the NJCAA national tournament a year ago and stayed in the same hotel as WNCC..

1intoWhat is the focus for the team heading the regional tournament?

AR — Focus for the team was always on our game, how we play and on our goals. It will be the same for regionals, if we play our game there should be no worries for other teams. .

2have What kind of season did the team this year?

AR — This season was very interesting and not easy because other than basketball we have studies to accomplish. Our record is 26-3, and we are undefeated at home. Also, we went 10-0 in South games. I wish for more seasons like this.

3AR —WhatMyaremainyourstrengths strengths on the court? on the court are rebounding, blocking, defense and “running the floor.” Also, I can assist and shoot.

4WNCC? How much have you learned at

AR — At WNCC, I’ve learned a lot. Beside the basketball plays and system of coach Chad Gibney, I learned what it means to be playing for your teammates, and how much we are stronger when we are playing for each other and togetherness. There is quote that can explain better my opinion: “Talent win games, but teamwork wins championships”.

That’s what this team is; we are champions.

5Florida Last you went to nationals for NW and at nationals, the two schools

were in the same hotel. What do you remember about your time at nationals last year and the two schools together??

AR —The coincidence at nationals last year was that my previous team and WNCC’s team were in the same hotel. I remember coach Chad talking with my teammates and me about the team from Florida -- Tallahassee CC that they played. I watched their game, and it was one interesting game.

Honestly, I was cheering for WNCC to win because my previous team lost the last game against Tallahassee. Also, I remember Eva making three points and Merle Wiehl’s game. I couldn’t imagine that next year I’ll be here and play for WNCC.

6andHow special are your dorm parents what kind of program is the dorm parent program (also, who are your dorm parents)?

AR — My dorm parents are Mark and Amy Buchhammer and they are very special to me. They have two successful sons Cooper and Gunnar attending Chadron State College. Cooper, their older son, played baseball at WNCC, and he is still around help-

ing and coaching with the WNCC baseball team. This family makes my life and experience much better here. Over Christmas break, I couldn’t go home because Bosnia is too far away, so I stayed here with them, and they made me feel like I was home.

I’m very grateful for them, and for everything they are doing for me. I think that every school needs to have a dorm parent program because everything is easier when you have people around who care for you.

7andHow did you end up over in the states at WNCC?

AR — I was in the best club in Bosnia, and played for the National team of BiH U20

Story continued from previous page

Reljic: continued from previous page

before I came to US. I had good season behind me, but that team had issues with finances, so I had to plan my next move. I had offers to go to France and play there, but somehow I started receiving calls and offers from US colleges and universities. I talked with my family and we decided that it is best move for me to come at NW Florida College and continue my life and career here. After the season at NWFSC, I wasn’t satisfied with playing time there, so I talked to coaches about transferring to another school. I had few offers and the best one was WNCC, so I ended up here.

8andWhat is the best thing about practices why?

AR —The best thing about practices here is that we learn a lot, work hard and have fun especially through some exercises. We have a lot of competition but at the end all of us are happy and always there for each another.

9practices What is the one thing you hate about and why?

AR — The one thing I hate about practices is that they only last for a couple hours when I could be doing it all day.

13 What is the one that you will take from your time in Nebraska and tell your

family back home as well remember for your entire life?

AR — There are a lot of stuff that I’ll remember from Nebraska and tell to my family; The joy of playing, awesome home game with Iowa Western, Christmas and time with my dorm family, coaches and players

14 What are the things you miss from 10 Was it hard to get used to Nebras- home? ka/Florida and America?

AR — In the beginning it was hard for me to get used to Florida and Nebraska because I was homesick, but when games, school and obligations started, I couldn’t think that much of home, and it became easier.

My second year in US was much easier because of people and players that I have around me. Also, Scottsbluff is family and a calm town, just what I needed.

11 Is basketball the only sport you play or did you play other sports?

AR — The basketball is the only sport that I practiced and played in league. Other than that, only for fun, I played volleyball and soccer with my brother and friends

AR — The things that I miss from home are my family, friends and food.

15 How is Nebraska the same and different from Bosnia?

AR — Nebraska is same as Bosnia in weather, for example in winter time it’s cold and windy, the people are more family oriented. It’s different in standards, how people dress, in Bosnia you can’t see cowboy boots and shoes; Also, people in Bosnia like more cookouts then eat outs.

16 Nike or Adidas?

AR — I would choose Nike because my

whole life I have been wearing Nike shoes.

They are comfier to me.

12 What is your advice to younger kids 17 When you leave here in May, how about playing sports or basketball? hard will it be to leave?

AR — My advice for younger kids is to play a sport, to give their best because sports will make them independent, responsible, healthy, and move away from bad stuff like alcohol and drugs.

AR — I have been in Scottsbluff since middle of August. I’m supposed to leave Scottsbluff after 10 months being here, and go home for summer break. It’ll be extremely hard for me to leave because in those 7-8

months I made so many memories, and met a lot of people that really mean to me.

Sophomore night was emotional for me, so I can’t imagine how it will look in May. I changed to six places in five years because of basketball and my career, and next season I will have to start again in a new place which is not easy.

18 If you weren’t over here playing, what do you see yourself doing right now?

AR — Basketball is the biggest reason I came to the USA; without it I wouldn’t be able to come here. Probably instead, I would be in Bosnia, studying in University and trying to get a job.

19 What are your plans after WNCC? After college?

AR — My plans after WNCC are to play basketball in a university, graduate after that, maybe go pro in basketball or find job and go for a higher degrees.

20 How important is academics at a college?

AR — Academics are very important for me as much as basketball because you never know what can happen tomorrow. Last year I was selected as a member of the FSCAA 2017-18 All-Academic team in Florida College system, and last semester I made Deans list. I hope that I will keep succeeding further in my academics.

21 Hobbies?

AR — My hobbies are traveling, exploring new stuff, cooking, and shopping.

Masaki signs to play volleyball at D1 UTEP Western Nebraska Community College’s Enna Masaki keeps the tradition going with at least one volleyball player signing with a Division I college for 13 straight years.

Masaki continued that streak when she signed with the University of Texas El Paso on Monday. The streak started in 2006 with Barbara Frietas signed with University of Houston and Bianca Rivera with Creighton.

“I always wanted to play at the Division I level,” Masaki said. “I wanted to play for the Pac 12, but obviously my schooling needs work on. A low D1, that is not bad. I am the second one in my family to go on to play collegiate volleyball in my family.”

Masaki picked UTEP because she fell in love with the college when she visited.

“I choose Texas El Paso because once I stepped foot on the campus, I fell in love with it,” she said. “I fell in love with the girls that were there. I fell in love with the community. I really had a good connection with the coaches.”

UTEP head coach Ben Wallis, who was named head coach in December, is excited to get someone of Masaki’s ability into his program.

“Syenna is a complete volleyball player,” Wallis said in a press release. “We are really excited to have her join our Miner family because she can help us do a lot of things in the game well.”

Masaki, from Kailua, Hawaii, had a successful two seasons at WNCC. Last season, Masaki was Region IX all-region and all-tournament, and was selected captain of the Omaha World Herald All-Nebraska JUCO team.

Masaki finished her sophomore season with 331 kills, 267 set assists, 339 digs, 56 blocks, and 50 ace serves. For her career, Masaki leaves WNCC with 552 kills, 996 set assists, 642 digs, and 126 blocks.

This past season, Masaki posted a 12-match streak of double-digit kills, including a 24-kill performance versus McCook Community College (9/20) at a blistering .439 clip.

“She may have been the best passer, attacker and setter at Western Nebraska. She is going to come in and compete for us in all three areas for us as well.” Wallis said.

“Not only is she very competitive, but also she is a gym rat, which I love. Volleyball is important to her, and it shows.”

Masaki, who is majoring in physical ed-

ABOVE: Enna Masaki and the Cougar volleyball team after Masaki signed with UTEP to play volleyball. BELOW: Masaki is all smiles wearing her UTEP Miners shirt as she gets ready to sign her letter of intent. ucation with plans to coach, is excited to be playing Division I volleyball, following in her sister Nycole’s footsteps. Nycole played 2012 and 2013 for University of Texas Pan America.

“It is great that I get to know I will be playing at the Division I level and knowing I get to change the program around,” she said. “I just want to thank everybody that came [to the signing]. My past two years have been great. It has been a big learning lesson and I am excited to move on.”

A list of Cougar volleyball players that played Division I 2018 – Enna Masaki, Texas El Paso 2017 -- Joise Maldonado, Genesis Benitez, U. of North Alabama 2016 – Lara Picht, Oral Roberts; Barbara Briceno, West Florida 2015 – Fabiana Andrade, Cal State Bakersfield 2014 – Leticia Silva, Auburn; Amanda Schoene, Cal State Bakersfield 2013 – Morgan Broussard, U. of Texas San Antonio; Luisa Martins, Cal State Bakersfield 2012 – Danika Youngblood and Megan Johnson, Cal State Bakersfield; Alex Rivera, Southern Illinois 2011 – Debora Araujo and Fernanda Goncalves, Cal State Bakersfield 2010 – Kuulei Kabalis, Kansas State; Kathryn Stock, Nicholis State 2009 – Kaleinani Kabalis, Washington State; Paulina & Sabrina Piegza, St. Johns 2008 – Fatima Balza – Penn State; Nayka Benitez, Creighton; Palamo Amvarez, Western Carolina 2007 – Soriana Pacheco, Kansas State; Jennifer

Eichler, Tulsa 2006 – Barbara Frietas, University of Houston; Bianca Rivera, Creighton 2004 – Brittany Isakson, University of South Dakota 2003 – Kariny Ritter, University of Hoston; Agata Rezenda, Kansas State 2002 – Giovana Melo, Arizona State 2000 – Lyndsey Finney – Fresno State 1996 – Christy Johnson – Eastern Kentucky 1988 – Nicole Quinnett – Eastern Kentucky

Volleyball players read Dr. Seuss to youngsters

2019-20 Incoming Cougar Freshman

Softball Ashley Alcozer......................... Temple, Texas Mackenzie Bakel................... Thornton, Colo.

Taylee Braegger...................Cedar City, Utah Jade Gomez-Chavarria............ Golden, Colo.

Bailey Nay..................................Layton, Utah Alexis Parker..............................Draper, Utah Corrtney Rees........................Plain City, Utah Baseball Harold Baez..........................Scottsbluff, Neb. Miguel Baez-Gonzalez............ Miami, Florida Dawson Hurford.....Langley, British Columbia Kyle Pfeifer.............Langley, British Columbia Colton Freels.............................Aurora, Colo.

William Potter.................. Kincardine, Ontario Volleyball Alexandra Hernandez............. El Paso, Texas Arianna Mitchell..........................Gering, Neb. Olivia Schaub.............................Gering, Neb. Olivia Transfiguracion............ Kapolei, Hawaii Anabelle Gillen......................... Mitchell, Neb. Anuhea Kaohi...................... Honolulu, Hawaii Only players that are listed as “signed� on the NJCAA list are listed above.

20

QUESTIONS with Martin Roub, Cougar Men’s Basketball

Martin Roub is a 6-foot-10 sophomore center that is averaging 14 points and eight rebounds a game. Roub slso shoots a mean 3-pointer and can slam home a dunk.

Roub will finish his career at WNCC this semester and then will head to Jacksonville State in Alabama, a Division I school to continue his education and playing.

1intoWhat is the focus for the team heading the regional tournament?

MR — I think that the focus for the team is simple right now. We must get ready, so we can perform our best basketball without any distractions off the court and with a lot of fun. Our goal is obviously to win every game and go to the national tournament.

2thisWhat kind of season did the team have year?

MR — I think that we had a pretty good season so far. I think that we had some things or games in which we wish we would do something differently, but I think that is just part of the process of getting better. However, I think that we were dealing with a variety of problems on and off the court and we always fought through those problems which was not always easy, but we dealt with it every time and that is really important.

3shootWhat do you like to do on the court, treys, get points in the paint, re-

bound, assists, etc.”

MR — Obviously, I like to shoot treys and getting points in the paint as well, but that is not all that I am thinking about before or during the game. I like the most playing hard and put maximum effort to the whole game to help the team and my teammates to be successful. I like to be helpful and do my best for the team and my teammates.

4twoHow much have you leaned in your years at WNCC?

MR — I have learned so much while I was here at WNCC and not only on the basketball court, but also in school and as a person. I think that being here at WNCC was such a huge and important experience because I have improved so much and I had

WNCC’s Martin Roub looks to make a move as he gets ready to up for two points in a game against Lamar Community College in February. Roub is one of six sophomores on the team this season that will play their final games in March. so much fun while I was improving every day. These two years definitely changed my life.

5backWhat would it mean to win back-toregional titles?

MR — I think that it would mean so much for the community, the school, and the team. To me winning back-to-back regional titles and going to national tournament would be the perfect ending of an amazing journey that I have experienced here at WNCC.

6

How special are your dorm parents and what kind of program is the dorm parent program?

MR — I cannot even describe how special my dorm parents are. Halee Brown, Greg Brown, and their son Derrick, but also other relatives to whom I have been introduced to during my time at WNCC are amazing people and they all have been like a family to me and I always feel like I am home around them. I cannot describe how thankful I am for Halee, Greg, and Derrick and all they did for me.

7andHow did you end up over in the states at WNCC?

MR — I actually never wanted to go to states to study and play basketball here, probably because I was really scared of that

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Roub: continued from previous page change, but after high school back home I have had kind of a hard time to figure out what would I want to do with my life and my future and this option seemed like the best option for me. I am really glad that I had around me people that helped me and encouraged me to make this decision to go to the states. When coach Cory Fehringer called me, I did not know where I was going, but I already decided to go to the states and I trusted the people around me, so I just went.

MR — Probably both. It does not really matter to me. If I like it, I do not care if it is Nike or Adidas.

17 When you leave here in May, how hard will it be to leave WNCC/Scotts-

bluff?

MR — It is already hard to just think about it. I already said that I really enjoy my time here at WNCC and by now it feels like a second home to me. The hardest thing about leaving is leaving the people that I have met here. I have already talked about how much my dorm family means to me, but also other people that I met here and can call my best friends now are some of the best people I have ever met in my life, so leaving them is really hard, but I know that they will be forever a part of my life even thought they will be far away from each other.

8andWhat is the best thing about practices why?

MR — The best thing about practices to me is being with my teammates and being part of the team, but also the feeling of getting better and working hard. I just enjoy working hard together with my teammates and getting better. It makes me feel good about myself and I feel like there is nothing else than basketball during practice.

18 If you were not over here playing, what do you see yourself doing right now?

9practice What is the one thing you hate about and why?

MR — I do not think that there is something I hate about practices. Maybe there was something in the past that I used to hate, but now I just hate when I cannot practice.

WNCC’s Martin Roub looks to dunk in a game against Eastern Wyoming earlier this season.

MR — I honestly do not know what I would be doing right now back home, that is basically the reason why I came here to the states. I think that I would play basketball professionally trying to get more playing minutes.

19 What are your plans after WNCC? 10 Was it hard to get used to Nebraska After college?

13 Who is your favorite NBA player and American?

MR — After WNCC, I am going to continand team and why?

MR — Honestly, it was not as hard as I thought probably because the people around here are really nice and kind and I felt really good here soon after I got here to WNCC. So, I got used to it pretty fast I think.

MR — I do not really have a favorite basketball team, but I have a lot of players that I like. My favorite player has always been Dirk Nowitzki, but I also like LeBron James especially because of his commitment to basketball and his body.

ue to play basketball at Jacksonville University, which is division one university in Alabama where I already signed. After college, I know that I want to continue to play basketball and I have some other plans as well, but that is just still kind of far away.

11 Have you ever been to the states be20 How important is academics at a 14 What are the things you miss from fore? college> home?

MR — I have never been to the United States before I got to WNCC.

12 What is your advice to younger kids about playing sports or basketball?

MR — I think that it does not matter that much what sport kids should play, but I think that it is important to find a sport that they like to play and that is fun for them and not quit when things do not go the way they are suppose to go, and listen to your coaches.

MR — I miss my family. I miss the nature in the Czech Republic and most of all I miss the food.

15 Favorite holiday and why?

MR — Probably Christmas. Even thought I

could not be with my family for Christmas last two years, just the memories that I have still make it my favorite holidays.

16 Nike or Adidas?

MR — To me, academics are very important. It is as important as basketball. I love basketball, but I always knew that I want to do more then basketball, especially after my basketball career. So, academics is another way of pursuing my dreams, goals, and my future.

21 Hobbies?

MR — I really like to read. I always try to

find a little bit of time between school and basketball to read some book for a little bit.

Making enchiladas for Community Christian

Leo Palomo signs to play soccer at Concordia Western Nebraska Community College’s Leo Palomo had only been to Scottsbluff just one time during his high school playing days at Kearney.

That was conference soccer his freshman year. But after playing two years at WNCC, Palomo gets to take his soccer talents to the next level, signing to play at Concordia University in Seward.

“Playing soccer, even at a community college level, is a dream come true,” he said. “I never thought playing soccer would pay for my education. I want to thank coach for giving me the opportunity to play the past couple years and then to have the opportunity to play another two more years is really special.”

His decision to pick Concordia was simple. He received a good scholarship, but it is closer to his home of Kearney.

“I am going to go to Concordia and I want to go there because it is close to home and they offered me a good amount of money,” he said. “Honestly, their coach is from Kearney, also, and he has followed throughout my career and I think that was the best choice for me.”

Palomo was thinking about also going to the same school as his teammates Silvo Xavier and Leandro Faria at Bethel University, but decided on the eastern Nebraska school.

“I decided to go to Concordia because

WNCC’s Leo Palomo signs his letter of intent to go and play soccer at Concordia University in Seward next year. Palomo, who came to WNCC from Kearney, said gong to Concordia is closer to home. it was closer to home and I can be close to my mom,” he said.

During his two years at WNCC, he scored four goals, two during his freshman year and two last fall. He said he has grown a lot as a player.

WNCC Athletes of the Week

Female Athletes of the Week

Aug. 30........................ Ana Costas, Vball Sept. 11.............. Caroline Vieira, Soccer Sept. 19................ Thais Nayara, Soccer Sept. 25.Leslie Mamai-Lagafuaina, Vball Oct. 13............Kaile Tuisamatatele, Vball Oct. 23................... Sarena Bartley, Vball Oct. 28..............Amryi-Grace Paris, Vball Nov. 8............. Tishara Morehouse, Bball Nov. 21....................... Merle Wiehl, Bball Dec. 5................... R’Manie Pulling, Bball Dec. 13...................... Taylor Joplin, Bball Dec. 21....................... Merle Wiehl, Bball Jan. 17..............Yuliyana Valcheva, Bball Jan. 25.................. Andrijana Reljic, Bball Feb. 11................... Allysah Boothe, Bball Feb. 22....................... Merle Wiehl, Bball March 1.......... Abriana Ramirez, Softball March 4............Emma Glawson, Softball

Male Athletes of the Week

Aug. 30................... Silvio Xavier, Soccer Sept. 11........Ramses Atahaulpa, Soccer Sept. 19.............. Ruam Barvosa, Soccer Sept. 25............. Hector Salgado, Soccer Oct. 13...............Thomas Franze, Soccer Oct. 23............ Josue Fernandez, Soccer Oct. 28................ Viktar Kravets , Soccer Nov. 8................ Bryce Sanchioius, Bball Nov. 21........................ Erlie Cadet, Bball Dec. 5................... Dru Kuxhausen, Bball Dec. 13.................... Jervay Green, Bball Dec. 21...................... Martin Roub, Bball Jan. 17................ Bryce Sanchious, Bball Jan. 25...................Fru Kuxhausen, Bball Feb. 11................ Bryce Sanchious, Bball Feb. 22.................... Jervay Green, Bball March 1.....................Martin Roub, Mball March 4............. Braden Lofink, Baseball

“I have grown a lot playing with these guys that have such a high level,” Palomo said. “I learned so much just being at practice and watching them. Playing with them has helped me grow a lot more.” ` Palomo will be joining a Concordia team that went 10-6-4 last fall.

In fact, when he signed to play at WNCC, he got to venture out even more to the real western Nebraska and not just Kearney or North Platte.

“I have been to Scottsbluff only one time for conference my freshman year,” he said. “All I remember is that it was a long drive. That is the only thing I remember.”

But in his two years here, he has come to enjoy the area and the people and it will be hard when he says goodbye in May. “I am going to miss the people,” he said. “The people that I have met here have been amazing. There have been a lot of positive people that have influenced me a lot to become a better person. I will miss the people a lot, like all the people in this room.”

Palomo will be studying secondary education at Concordia and wants to become a history teacher. He also would like to coach soccer, too.

Softball team goes 2-2 to open conference action The WNCC softball team opened the conference season with a split of four games with Trinidad State Junior College last weekend.

The Cougars dropped two games on Friday 9-3 and 10-6, but bounced back with authority on Saturday, run-ruling Trinidad in two games to earn the 4-game split.

The first game Saturday saw WNCC plate seven, third-inning runs to capture the 9-1, five-inning contest. The second contest saw WNCC explode for 22 runs and 20 hits, including five RBI games from Emma Glawson and Michaela Kelly in registering a 22-7 win in six innings.

WNCC head coach Katelyn Groves said it was a big difference between how they played Saturday compared to Friday’s contest.

“Our change happened before we even stepped on the bus,” Groves said. “The girls got on the bus with a whole different mindset. They were having fun. They were enjoying each other. It all came down to them being a team and playing together.

Our mindset at the plate was way better. We decided we were going to put the ball into play and whatever happened, happened.

We also had a ton of trust in each other and they did a phenomenal job.”

The offensive difference definitely showed on Saturday to get two wins. In the losses on Friday, WNCC didn’t have one extra base hit. Saturday, the Cougars had 12 extra base hits including 11 in the second game win. The offensive difference all started with the team just trusting each other.

“That is a lot of trust,” Groves said. “It

shows a lot of heart for our kids especially coming back from yesterday [Friday]. They did a really nice job bouncing back to get it done. “ The second game showed a lot of trust as the team had 20 hits with 11 going for extra bases in the 22-7 win. WNCC scored runs in the five of the six innings.

WNCC trailed 3-0 after the first inning but changed that int eh second with four runs. Trinidad added two in the second for a 5-4 lead, but WNCC came back with a six spot in the third for a 10-5 lead and never looked back, including putting nine runs up in the sixth while sending 12 batters to the plate.

The big hits in the sixth included 2-run home runs from Glawson and Sidnee Ho-

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Cougar Culture

Madi Simons

Alan Pinho

Taylor Joplin

Michaela Kelly

Gaby Canavati

Softball

Men’s Soccer

Women’s Basketball

Alaska or Hawaii

Hawaii

Hawaii

Hawaii

Hawaii

Hawaii

Pop Tarts Cold or Hot

Hot

Cold

Hot

Cold

Cold

Best date to get married

Sept. 28

Valentine’s Day

June 23

June 27

July 22

Favorite Cartoon

Cars

Spongebob Squarepants

Spongebob Squarepants

Tom & Jerry

Spongebob Squarepants

Favorite card game

Cover Your Assets

Yugi0h

Cards Against Humanity

UNO

Danish

Softball

Volleyball

Softball: continued from previous page gan, a run scoring double from Devon Rees, and a run-scoring triple from Kelly.

WNCC had three players finish with three or more hits. Glawson led the way with a 4-for-4 game with five RBIs, five runs scored, two home runs, and a double. Kelly had three hits with a double, two triples, three runs scored and five RBIs. Hannah Baesler had three hits, all singles. Baesler had three runs scored with two RBIs. Sidnee Hogan, Lindsey Allie, and Tylar Davis all had two hits. Hogan had a home runs with two RBIs, and two runs scored, while Allie had a double with a run scored.

Kendall Glasgow had three RBIs in the game with a double, while Abriana Ramirez finished with two RBIs with three runs scored.

Mickie Mills earned the win in the circle, tossing 4 2/3 innings. Mills allowed three hits and two runs while striking out six.

Glawson and Emma McMillan also saw action in the circle, combining for three hits and five runs.

The offensive show in the second game started in the first. WNCC scored seven runs in the third inning to break open a 0-0 game. The big hits in the frame included a run-scoring double by Hogan to break the tie.

Ramirez followed with a run-scoring single with Baesler getting a 2-run single for a 6-0 lead. Tylar Davis finished off the scoring with a run-scoring single and the 7-0 lead.

WNCC outhit Trinidad 7-6. Tylar Davis was the only one with multi hits, finishing with two singles with a run scored and RBI. Baesler and Ramirez each had two RBIs, while Mills and Kelly each scored two runs.

Hogan had the only extra base hit in the first game with a double.

Glawson earned the win in the circle, going four innings in scattering four hits and allowing a run. Glawson struck out five and walked just one. McMillan also tossed an inning in allowing two hits and striking out one.

WNCC, 9-7, will be in action over Spring Break starting March 9 at Angelina College, and wrapping up with Navarro College on March 14.

Saturday’s Games Game 1 WNCC 007 20 – 9 7 1

ABOVE: WNCC freshman Emma Glawson delivers a pitch during an outside practice in January. BELOW: Emma Flynn throws from the outfield during a January practice. The Cougars will be in Texas over Spring Break.

Trinidad 000 10 – 1 6 4 WP – Emma Glawson.

2B – Sidnee Hogan.

Game 2 WNCC (9-7) 046 129 – 22 20 1 Trinidad 3 20 101 – 7 6 5 WP – Mickie Mills.

2B – Lindsey Allie, Kendall Glasgow, Emma Glawson, Michaela Kelly, Abriana Ramirez, Devon Rees.

3B – Michaela Kelly 2.

HR – Emma Glawson 2, Sidnee Hogan.

Friday’s Games Game 1 WNCC 201 000 0 – 3 7 3 Trinidad 113 400 x – 9 10 2 LP – Emma McMillan Game 2 WNCC (7-7) 021 020 0 – 6 6 4 Trinidad 312 103 x – 10 10 2 LP – Emma Glawson

Baseball opens Empire Conference going 1-2 The WNCC baseball team opened Empire Conference action going 1-2 with games with Lamar Community College. The games were moved to Canyon, Texas because of snow in Lamar.

WNCC and Lamar split the first day. The first game was a pitcher’s battle with Zach Berg tossing a 2-hitter, but surrendered a first-inning solo home to give Lamar the 1-0 win. The second game saw WNCC get 120 hits to pick up the 9-4 conference win.

The second day, the Cougars fell 8-3 to Lamar in the 9-inning contest.

WNCC head coach Mike Jones was pleased with how they played on the first day, even in the loss.

“We pitched and played really good defense in both games, [on the first day]” Jones said.

“In the first game we struggled with our timing at the plate. We couldn’t find any momentum offensively. Then in the second game we came up with some really big hits with guys on base. Braden Lofink had a really big at bat for us and drove in two runs with two outs that put us up early.”

Jones said that it is nice to start the conference season with a split against a talented Lamar squad.

“For opening up conference play and coming out with a split, we had a chance to win the first one and then we got the second one,” he said. “It is big for momentum and big for confidence. Going into tomorrow, knowing that we are pitching well and playing defense, we know we will be in the game.”

Zach Berg went all six innings in the first game, tossing a 2-hitter in suffering the hardluck loss. Berg struck out one and walked on, while limiting the Lopes to just two hits.

The only run in the game was the first-inning home run.

WNCC finished the game with four hits.

Amaldo Maltos-Garcia had two of the four hits with a double, while Luis Alcantara had two singles.

The second game saw the Cougars offense pick up with 10 hits. The first three innings saw neither team plate runs. WNCC broke open the game with four in the fourth and then plated five in the sixth.

Lofink got the offense started with a big 2-out double that scored John Betsch and Matt Womack with the first two runs of the game. WNCC added two more in the frame as Alcantara had a 2-out double to score Robert Fernandez and Lofink for the 4-0 lead.

Lamar added one in in the fourth and three in the fifth to tie the game. WNCC responded

WNCC’s Caleb Coats makes a catch in the outfield with Austin Abbott backing him up during a January outdoor practice. WNCC went 1-2 in Empire Conference games last weekend. with five in the sixth to take a 9-4 lead on just two hits, a 2-run single by Dermot Fritsch and a single by Lofink.

Garrett DeClue came on to pitch a solid sixth and seventh inning for the win.

WNCC was led at the plate by Alcantara, Fritsch, Womack, and Lofink each with two hits. Lofink scored two runs and had two RBIs, while Alcantara, Fritsch, and Ethan Miller each had two RBIs. Eight different players scored a run for the Cougars in the win.

Hunter Parker picked up the win on the hill, tossing a third of an inning in relief of Kale Litzelman. Parker allowed a hit and struck out one. Litzelman went 4 2/3 innings in allowing seven hits and four runs while striking out four. Garrett DeClue finished off the game tossing two innings in allowing a hit with a strikeout.

The second day wasn’t the best for the Cougars, giving up four late runs to drop the 8-3 game.

WNCC outhit Lamar 9-8. Mitch Osborne led the offense with three singles. Osborne also had two RBIs and a run scored. Luis Alcantara had two hits in the defeat.

Nate Kolb took the loss, going 1 2/3 innings in allowing four runs and two hits. Five other Cougars also saw time on the hill. Chandler Young went 2 1/3 innings in allowing just one hit, while Mitch Mullen, Kyler Harris, Welinton Mariano, and Devin DeBoer saw time.

Game 1 WNCC 000 000 0 – 0 4 1 Lamar 100 000 x – 1 2 0 LP – Zach Berg 2B – Amaldo Maltos-Garcia Game 2 WNCC (4-6) 000 405 0 – 9 10 1 Lamar 000 130 0 – 4 9 3 WP – Hunter Parker 2B – Braden Lofink, Luis Alcantara, Matt Womack, Dermot Fritsch Game 3 WNCC 020 000 100 – 3 9 1 Lamar 130 000 22x – 8 8 1 LP – Nate Kolb.

2B -- Ty McAninch, Dermot Fritsch.

Kolb signs with University of Mary for baseball When Nate Kolb came to Western Nebraska Community College, he came here to get better as a baseball player.

He accomplished that feat and more.

Now, after this season with the Cougar baseball team, Kolb will take his talents to the University of Mary in North Dakota to continue his baseball playing after signing with the Marauders.

“I was really intrigued with the coaching staff they are bringing in there and the program they are starting to develop and what they are trying to accomplish there,” Kolb, of Cloverdale, British Columbia, said.

“They are turning their program around and that is what really attracted me the most.”

Kolb is the second play in the last three years to pitch for the University of Mary.

Ian Fisher, who was a right-handed pitcher for the Cougars, is a senior on the Marauder team this year.

Last year as a redshirt freshman, Kolb pitched 21.1 innings and had 21 strikeouts.

This year he is hoping to have a bigger impact on the team’s season.

“I have improved tons here,” he said. “I probably wasn’t very good when I showed up and I have gotten a lot better from where I started. I am pretty proud of what I was able to accomplish.”

He credits a lot of his improvement to coaches Mike Jones and Ryan Burgner.

“Coach Jones gave me my only shot out of high school,” Kolb said. “He took a chance on taking me and I am happy of where I am able to come and go in terms of playing.”

Kolb said he is grateful for his time in Scottsbluff and wouldn’t trade it for anything.

“Coming here was probably the best decision of my life so far,” he said. “I have been here for three years and I don’t think I would trade that for anything. Scottsbluff has become a home to me and I loved it here. Ever since I have been here, everything this program stands for is completely what I want and what I am looking for and where I needed to be to strive and be successful. It was a good decision to be here and be a Cougar.”

Kolb not only strives to get better on the field, but he strives in the classroom, too.

Kolb earned a spot on the Dean’s List in the fall with a GPA of 3.4-3-99. Kolb already has a degree in nutritional science and

when he gets to the University of Mary, he is planning on studying exercise science.

Kolb’s dream has to play college baseball and he has achieved that goal. “[Playing college baseball] is everything.

It has always been my dream to play college baseball,” he said. “I was fortunate enough to achieve that goal coming here and I set a new goal of wanting to become a Division II athlete. Now, I will have the opportunity to continue with my athletic career and just let it go as far as it will take me.”

His goal for this season is to help WNCC win a Region IX title. WNCC opens the season Feb. 9-10 at Garden City Community College in Garden City, Kansas. The Cougars first home game will be Feb. 16-17 against Miles Community College.

“We are looking for a positive outlook,” he said. “I think we all have the same common goal here and we expect a region championship. That is really what we are after and what we want to achieve. I think everyone is on the same page in terms of that and that is what we are going to do.”

Kolb becomes the third pitcher to sign to continue his baseball career at the next level. Hunter Parker and Zach Berg signed to continue their playing at Ft. Hays State University in November.

Cougar Alumni — A Look Back in Photos

Cougar Alumni — A Past Story No. 4 NJC gets by Cougars Press Release from Feb. 22, 2007 The Western Nebraska Community College men’s basketball team put a little scare into Northeastern Junior College, the No. 4 team in the nation. In the end, the Plainsmen stayed strong, stopping Cougar rallies left and right, to earn a hard-fought 78-71 win Tuesday nigh at Cougar Palace.

“I thought our guys really played hard,” WNCC coach John Jungers said. “The first half we made mental mistakes and for the most part I can’t fault our effort. This is a lesson and it gives us an idea of what it will take to win a regional championship.”

Tuesday night’s contest was a big step for the Cougar men going against a powerhouse and athletic team like NJC, who improved to 26-1 and winners of 19-straight games. WNCC fought hard never giving up despite being down by 18 points at one time cutting the deficit to two points on a DaRon Kirkendoll 3-pointer with five minutes to play in the game.

“I love these kids. We have tremendous sophomore leadership. Matt Akins, Chance, Rick and CJ, they are the heart and soul of our team,” Jungers said. “I am proud of our guys. We just know we have to be better and we will.”

Tuesday night’s contest seemed as if the No. 4 team in the nation was going to run away with the contest a halftime. NJC took a 46-29 lead into the locker room nailing nine 3-pointers in the first half.

WNCC fought back behind a blistering shooting performance where the Cougars out-shot the Plainsmen 44 to 34 percent from the field in the second half, including nailing seven 3-pointers. The difference in the contest was free throw shooting, where NJC was 13 of 28 for the game, while WNCC was a measly 5 of 11.

The Cougars took control early in the second half. CJ Hampton was key for the Cougars nailing three 3-pointers early cutting the lead to 54-49 11.41 to play. NJC went on a mini-run to push the lead back to 12 points at 61-49.

WNCC didn’t get rattled as Beno Jaekel scored four straight points, including a dunk and then Matthew Akins connected on one free throw, followed by Carl Banks

making four straight points, including a drive on the baseline for a bucket to slice the lead to 61-58.

NJC’s Shane Edwards came back to hammer home a dunk before Kirkendoll drilled a 3-pointer from the corner to cut the lead to two points, 63-61. WNCC couldn’t get any closer as NJC went on a 9-0 run to push the lead back to 11, 72-61.

Again, WNCC wasn’t phased by NJC’s lofty No. 4 ranking battling down to the bitter end as Hampton drained another 3-pointer with 1:07 to play to cut the lead to 74-66. Then, with 4.8 second to play, Chance Wallesen drilled a trey to cut the lead to six points, but it was a little to late.

Hampton led all scorers with 22 points, including six 3-pointers. Keron McKenzie and Ricardo De Bem also finished with double digits with 11 and 10 points.

NJC was led by Mike Dominguez with 20 points, followed by Omar Leary with 16, Shane Edwards with 13 and Troy Smith with 12.

WNCC will wrap up the regular season with a contest Friday at Otero Junior College before hosting the Region IX men’s tournament, which begins March 3 through the 7.

NJC (26-1) 46 32 – 78 WNCC (11-16) 29 42 – 71 NORTHEASTERN COLORADO Achigbo Ameh 1, Omar Leary 16, Rashad

Austin 7, LaTravis Turner 7, Troy Smith 12, Jarvis Jackson 2, Shane Edwards 13, Mike Dominguez 20.

WESTERN NEBRASKA Keron McKenzie 11, Chance Wallesen 8, Beno Jaekel 4, Matthew Akins 5, Carl Buck 6, CJ Hampton 22, DaRon Kirkendoll 5, Ricardo De Bem 10.

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Softball team falls to Iowa Central in regular season finale, next up is regional tournament

(published April 29, 2007) The Western Nebraska Community College softball team finished the Iowa Western Community College tournament with a 2-2 mark after falling to Iowa Central Community College 9-7 on Sunday. The team won two of three on Saturday defeating Iowa Western 2-0 and Southeastern Iowa 3-0 before losing 8-2 to Iowa Lakes.

In Sunday’s game, the Cougars led the Division II nationally-ranked team 7-0 after one inning before falling 9-7. The team gave up a grand slam late in the fourth inning to help Iowa Central tie the game.

WNCC, 32-20, will now head to the Region IX tournament in La Junta, Colo., this weekend. The team’s first game will be Friday at 10 a.m. against McCook Community College. The second game will be against the winner of the Lamar and Trinidad State game later that day.

Cougar Alumni — What they are doing now What Cougar alumni are doing now after college Veronica (Ysac) Barney — Played for the Cougar women’s basketball team in the 1980s.

Veronica is married to Rob Barney and they live in Grand Island. Veronica is in her 25th year of teaching special education and in her third year at Grand Island Senior High School. Veronica is a 1986 Scottsbluff High graduate.

gional West Medical Center.

Diego Campoverde — Diego played soccer and graduated in 2008. Diego is now married and living in Norman, Oklahoma, while serving in the Army National Guard in Oklahoma.

Yuki Morimoto — Yuki was on the women’s basketball team back in 2009-10. Yuki is still playing basketball back in Japan.

Keah (Brost) Cross — Keah played for the women’s soccer team around in 2008 and 2009 and then went on to get her nursing degree. Keah, from Gering, is married and has two kids. Her and her husband, Brady, raise beef cattle. Keah is a Registered Nurse at Re-

Jacob Montoya — Jacob, from Wheatland, Wyoming, played baseball for the Cougars for two years. Jacob is now a physical education teacher at Wheatland Middle School where he coaches football, wrestling, and baseball.

Sierra (Schmidt) Ostdiek — Sierra played volleyball for the 2009 and 2010 seasons. Sierra is now married to Adam since 2015 and have a daughter Sophie. They currently reside in Gering and she is a marketing assistant at Panhandle Coop. Sierra said that they are returning the favor to WNCC and are currently Dorm Parents

to softball player Bri George. Sarah still plays volleyball and attends WNCC sporting events.

Susan Wiedeman — Susan Wiedeman played for the Cougar volleyball team int he late 1970s.

Susan is a Gering High graduate and is now the Marketing Director for Panhandle Coop.

Calling all Cougar Alumni If you played for the Cougars in any sport from 1926 to recent, let us see what you are doing and see how many former alumni we can get. Please include your name when you played and now, sport you played, year you played and where you live now as well as what you are doing now. Send the information to Mark Rein at mrein@wncc.edu, text to 308-631-0459, or send on Facebook.

ABOVE: The Cougar volleyball team in 2000 at the hotel at the national tournament in Kansas City. LEFT: Nancy Boyack shows her soccer skills at a soccer match against Laramie County in Cheyenne. BELOW: A Cougar baseball player takes a swing at a pitch in the early 2000s.

WHAT IS IN THE PICTURE?

Can you spot or find these 10 things in this picture? Have fun because some of the things are hard to find.

1) Find Oregon.

2) Find sunglasses.

3) Find M&M. 4) Find a lanyard.

5) Pepsi logo.

6) Find a vest.

7) Find all the people with a hat on.

8) Find something orange.

9) How many volleyball players in the picture.

10) Find a women’s basketball player.

Cougar Frontline Sponsors Platinum Sponsors Absolute Painting B&C Steel Bellevue University FBG Fremont Motors Ideal Linen LOGOz Peerless Tire Pepsi Perkins Platte Valley Bank Quick Care Regional West Runza Scottsbluff Screenprinting Steel Grill TEAM Chevrolet/Toyota US Bank Western States Bank

Gold Sponsors Ameri-Co Carriers Arby’s Bluff ’s Sanitary Supply Douglas, Kelly, Ostdiek, Ossian, Vogl, and Snyder, P.C. Gary’s Cleaning Inland Truck JBC, Inc. Monument Smiles Reganis Auto Blue Sponsors Backaracks Bid It Bob Bluffs Vision Chaloupka, Holyoke, Snyder, Chaloupka, & Longoria Law Firm First State Bank Floyd’s Truck Service Hampton Inn & Suites Hurst Sports Racquet Intralinks

Ole’ Restaurant Panhandle COOP Pinnacle Bank Roosevelt Public Power Route 26 Mart Safetyline Consultants Sandberg Implement Simmons-Olsen Law Firm White Sponsors Chadron State College Carr-Trumbull Lumber Dominos Johnson Cashway JC Golf Carts Kendell Henderson/American Family Insurance Kriz Davis Company R/C Welding Rusch’s General Contracting Scottsbluff Star-Herald Valley Dental Center