WNCC Cougar Beat Athletic Newsletter -- May 5, 2020 -- Number 3

The Latest in Cougar Athletic News

COUGAR

May 5, 2020 – Issue 3

BEAT Newsletter

A Tribute to Cyndi

LEFT: Jim and Cyndi are with their dorm kids from last season in volleyball player Leslie Mamai-Lagufuania and softball player Lexi Parker after a basketball game.

BELOW: Volleyball player Vaniris Vazaquez stands with Cyndi during dorm parent recognition during a home volleyball game.

A Tribute to Cyndi ‘Mom’ to WNCC dorm kids passes away as her dorm kids remember what Cyndi meant to them March 26 was a hard day for current and former WNCC players and coaches as they lost a special member of the Cougar family. Cyndi Neuwirth passed away on that day leaving a void in the hearts of the WNCC family.

Cyndi and her husband Jim were highly involved with the Cougar dorm parent program, adopting players from volleyball, soccer, baseball, softball, basketball as well as the fine arts to give the players a family away from home.

The obituary read, “Cyndi and Jim have been dorm parents to many WNCC volleyball, baseball, vocal, basketball, soccer and softball girls. They considered them their Adopted Grandkids! She loved watching each and every one of them compete. They still keep in contact with many of them. They also fostered six Rotary exchange students over the years.”

When their “adopted” dorm kids heard of Cyndi’s passing, it hit home.

“I didn’t believe it, it felt like time had stopped when I was told the news, I even had to say ‘what’?.” Former Cougar soft-

ball player Michaela Kelly said. “I couldn’t process it the first time. My heart had sank down into my stomach and the tears started rolling down my face.”

WNCC coaches even were saddened by the passing of Cyndi. Both softball coach Katelyn Groves and volleyball coach Binny Canales called their players that had been her dorm kids to tell them of the news.

“Words can’t explain what Cyndi meant and still means to our community, the WNCC softball program, those lucky enough to call her ‘(dorm) mom’ and me,” Groves said. “The only way to explain it it to have felt it, and if you ever had contact with her, you know. The way she loved and made sure you knew she cared about you, that’s her legacy -- making everyone she came in contact with feel valued, feel loved, and feel cared about. I’m beyond thankful to have known Cyndi and to have been impacted by her in my time in Scottsbluiff.”

Cassie Jones, a former softball player

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in the 2016 and 2017 seasons, was weak when she heard the news of Cyndi’s passing.

“I don’t know how to put into words my reaction towards hearing the news about Cyndi,” Jones said. “But to sum it

A tribute to Cyndi ... up, you could say my body was weak and my heart was no longer whole.

Leslie Mamai-Lagafuaina said she was speechless when she got the news.

“For a moment I was stuck and shocked because I refused to believe the news I received that morning,” Mamai-Lagafuaina, a sophomore on this year’s volleyball team, said. “One thing about my dorm mom (Cyndi) that’ll always stick with me wherever I go is how much love and support she provided for not only her kids but other kids as well. She made my dorm sisters and I feel special and made sure we knew that she’ll always be there for us if we ever needed anything.”

For Lexi Parker, a freshman softball player this past spring, she said Cyndi’s greatest attribute was her smile.

“I will remember Cindy by her warm welcomes, her smile, her hugs, and her ability to make my day so much better just by seeing her,” Parker said. “She was always so positive and so fun to be around. I loved her spunky attitude and hearing all about the memories she shared with Jim and their previous dorm kids.

“I was devastated to hear about her passing, but I am hopeful that she is now in peace and with her loved ones. Jim and Cindy have been the best dorm parents I could have ever wished for.”

Same with Melanie Rowson, who came from Canada to play softball for the Cougars.

“When I heard about Cyndi’s passing, I instantly called Jim and was devastated to hear the news,” she said. “My heart broke as I talked with him, wishing I could be there for him and thinking how large of an impact Cyndi had on so many people throughout the community. She touched everyone’s heart that she met. She had a heart of gold and will truly be missed. I will cherish all the wonderful memories for the rest of my life!”

Even non-athletes that knew Cyndi was shocked at her passing. Naomi Castillo was in shock. Castillo was a member of the Varsity Vocalize when she attended WNCC. “When coach Katie called me in March to tell me the news that Cyndi had passed

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away, I couldn’t believe it. I was in shock,,” she said. ”in fact, I still am in shock and it is something that I do not want to believe. My first reaction was “I AM GOING TO SCOTTSBLUFF TODAY”. I called all of my dorm sisters Cassie Jones, Kadara Marshall and Michaela Kelly. We were all crying on the phone together and were just mentioning all the perfect memories we had with Cyndi.

Castillo echoed what the others said about Cyndi -- they cared about their adopted family.

“What I will remember about Cyndi while attending WNCC is her constant support,” she said. “Jim and Cyndi were the best dorm parents, community members, friends and family to those around them. She was such a light anywhere she would go and so well known.”

That move from Canada to Nebraska was tough on Rowson. She was scared and didn’t know anyone. That was where Cyndi and Jim stepped in and Rowson will always remember what Cyndi meant to her

Kadara Marshall holds the Region IX championship volleyball trophy alongside Cyndi and Jim Neuwirth.

WNCC softball player Melanie Rowson stands with Cyndi and Jim during sophomore regnition at Volunteer Field in Scottsbluff. Rowson said Cyndi made her time in Scottsbluff special and gave her a family away from her family.

A tribute to Cyndi ... during her time in the Panhandle.

“When I moved to Scottsbluff from Canada, I was terrified. I didn’t know anyone, I didn’t have my family close, and I didn’t know what to expect,” Rowson said.

“I met Jim and Cyndi the day I came in, and they made me instantly feel like I was part of their family. Cyndi had such a warm heart and would do anything for anyone.”

Rowson said it didn’t matter who it was, Cyndi always treated all the players and dorm kids the same – they were her extended family.

“I will always remember the pre-game and road trip snack bags with my favorite snacks, her homemade baked goods, and our weekly dinner dates,” she said. “Cyndi and Jim took all of their dorm kids in and treated them like one of their own. Unfortunately, I was never able to go home for smaller holidays, so they always included me in their family celebrations and traditions.”

Kadara Marshall, a WNCC volleyball player who graduated in 2019, said she just saw Cyndi in September and had sadness when she heard the news.

“I’ll always remember Cyndi for how genuine she was,” Marshall said. “Ever since we first met she and Jim always made it known that they were available to us in any way possible, at all times. If I ever were to need something, I knew I could call on them. They embraced their dorm kids with open arms, and one of my favorite things about Cyndi was definitely her and Jim dropping off baked goods for her kids at the dorms after a long day.”

Softball player Courtney Cloud, who graduated from WNCC in 2015 and went to Carroll College in Montana to finish her playing, said she wad devastated when she heard the news.

“I will always remember her caring for others and her always welcoming others into their lives as if they were one of their own. She showed grace and compassion towards others,” Cloud said. “My reaction was devastating, my heart goes out to Neuwirth family, especially Jim, I will always hold onto the memories that were made at my time at WNCC with them.”

For Jones, Cyndi and Jim were her ad-

Cyndi and Jim alongside three of their dorm kids Naomi Castillo, Kadara Marshall, and Michaela Kelly.

WNCC softball player Courtney Cloud during sophomore recognition with Cyndi and Jim and the many flowers they brought to Courtney during the sophomore recognition day and parents day.

opted host family and she cherished what Cyndi did for her.

“I will forever remember Cindy as my mom, as she was for many kids,” Jones, attended Friends University in Kansas after WNCC to play softball, said. “I got

blessed with this lady (and Jim) because they weren’t technically ‘my’ host parents but they adopted me and from the first time we spoke, I felt at home. There wasn’t a time that my host sisters and I

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A tribute to Cyndi ... weren’t invited to something. She always put our kids first. I truly don’t think she ever missed a home game, and she always had something so loving to say after before heading to dinner.

“There isn’t a thing that those two didn’t do for us and our friends. If someone didn’t have a place to eat or didn’t have plans, they always told us to bring them along. Even if it was just for the night, they were a part of the family and got loved as one of their own kids.”

Rowson remembers the support Cyndi gave her when she had her shoulder surgery. It was caring and giving that helped Rowson get through that operation that Cyndi gave her.

“When I had my shoulder surgery, my mom came into town, they allowed us to stay in their home as I recovered, and made sure both of us were taken care of,” she said. “I was even given the opportunity to spend a summer living with them and spending my time at their Nursery learning all about plants and landscaping, some knowledge I will never forget!”

Kelly said she will remember Cyndi has a caring person.

“I will remember Cindy as someone who I could call for anything, someone who was invested in me, someone so compassionate, selfless and strong,” Kelly, who graduated from WNCC in 2019, said. “I looked up to her. She was such an encouraging and supportive role in my life. She is someone who I hold near and dear to my heart, forever.”

Marshall added that Cyndi and Jim were a support system for many students if they needed someone to talk to.

“They gave their time to us. Always so inviting, and making sure that I, and any teammate(s) I cared to invite along, knew they had a support system in Nebraska,” Marshall said. “I loved talking stories with her and Jim, and being a part of their loving banter.”

Castillo said Cyndi was always there to watch her in whatever she did.

“What Jim and Cyndi did for their dorm kids is be our biggest supporters,” she said. “They would go to every single performance, games, and would take us out to dinner every once in a while. They

WNCC softball players Peyton Weber and Cassie Jones take a picture with Cyndi and Jim while (below_ Cassandra Hernandez visits with Cyndi and Jim during a dorm parent day.

would take us to the Nursery and have each of us pick an ornament. They would

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A tribute to Cyndi ... take us out for celebration dinners for instance after a game, a performance, after an award ceremony, birthday’s and when I got Homecoming Queen.

“My best moments with Cyndi are cherishing the moments with her while sitting at the games together, getting her sweet text messages and phone calls for holidays. Moments with Cyndi were so precious and will forever live in my heart.”

It didn’t matter what sport, Cyndi treated all her “adopted” kids equal. Seedy Sarr, who came to WNCC from Gambia to play soccer, is one of those that learned from what Cyndi and Jim taught him about business and American.

“I met Jim and Cyndi over 10 years ago while going to school in Scottsbluff and playing soccer for Western Nebraska Community college,” he said. “Cyndi was a kind, generous and loving person. Her benevolence transcends boundaries, continents and countries. She is the perfect epitome of a beautiful human being.

“Cyndi lived a very meaningful life.

She has a golden heart and a beautiful soul. I was deeply saddened by the news of her passing and hardly a day passes by without thinking about her. The world has lost a beautiful soul but her beautiful work in whole lives on.”

What Cyndi and Jim meant to their adopted students as well as loyal Cougar fans in not only athletics but the fine arts saw the Neuwirths presented the Friend of the College Award in 2018.

Kelly, who is now playing softball at Marymount California University, said Cyndi and Jim were the number one fans of their dorm kids.

“They always, always made sure we were taken care of, whether it was car problems, a ride to wherever, breakfast lunch or dinner, road trip snacks, treats on every Sunday evening, a place to go for the holidays and so much more. They also were supportive of everything WNCC, you would see them at almost all events from sports to theatre. Every time we would be out in the town together there was at least one other person they knew wherever we were, every single time. Jim and Cindy were proud to be dorm parents

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(Above) Jim and Cyndi with Melanie Rowson inside ABC Nursery. (Below) Cyndi and Jim also took in non-athletes as they are with Malorie Winberg after a Gala concert.

A tribute to Cyndi ... and they were proud of their dorm kids, everywhere we went they introduced us to their friends or whoever, every time.”

Mamai-Lagafuania said her treats for the team were priceless.

“Jim and Cyndi were one of the many number one fans for every sport and every event WNCC had,” she said. “Their support system went crazy and made each of us feel special in every way! I remember during Halloween, Jim and Cyndi had called me and said ‘we have treats for you and your teammates, come downstairs.’ I went downstairs to pick up the treats on my way to practice and they made decorated cute little pumpkins for each of my teammates. When I brought them to my practice and handed them out, it was neat to just to see each of their faces and the smiles they had before practice which made me feel special because I was able to tell them ‘MY DORM PARENTS, JIM & CYNDI MADE THEM’.”

Parker said Cyndi was excited to watch Parker pitch this season. She was even at the last home game on March 7 before the season was canceled because of the corona virus, watching Lexi pitch.

“Cyndi was excited for my upcoming season, but I am ready to play in honoro of her,” she said. “She helped me through a hard time in my life, and I am very appreciative to have met such a selfless, loving, and beautiful woman who welcomed me to Scottsbluff with open arms. I am grateful for the conversations we had regarding anything from softball, family, friends, and everything in between. I will miss her very much. Sending all my love to Jim and his family for the support they need during this hard time.”

Cloud said Cyndi always provided the best snacks for road trips.

“Cindy and Jim always packed the BEST snacks for road trips, they were always my favorite,” Cloud, who played.

And they always invited me to fun events and dinners. They always made me feel welcomed and they were always so inviting” Sarr said Cyndi made a huge difference in the lives of many and he is a living witness to that as their dorm son.

“As an international student from the

WNCC softball player Courtney Cloud talks to Cyndi during a dorm parent recognition at Volunteer Field.

Gambia, the hardest thing for me was leaving my mom, dad and the rest of my family back home. Jim and Cyndi took me from day one as their own son,” he said. “They gave me memories that every person will remember for their lives. They gave me my first birthday cake which was carefully decorated like a soccer ball and my first visit to a movie theater in America. Attending a Broadway concert in Scottsbluff, watching the Soweto Gospel choir in 2012. My first visit to a dining restaurant. Lots of gifts every single holiday in America. Plenty of snacks for the road trips as we travel to play soccer. Even with their busy schedules, they watched every soccer game I played in Scottsbluff.”

Business-wise, Sarr got Naomi Castillo and their other dorm kids are out to dinner to see how a business was during one of “the family night outs.”

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A tribute to Cyndi ... run, working alongside Jim and Cyndi at ABC Nursery. That, Sarr said, was special.

“Working alongside them at ABC Nursery showed me what it is like to work hard in life and be successful,” he said. “They taught me business skills and work ethics that still serve me well today.

They proudly and joyfully introduced me to their friends and family and celebrate every life success with me. I enjoyed their company and that of their close friends and family. I made multiple visits to the country club in Scottsbluff and sharing my life story , culture and my country, Gambia, with them and their friends.”

Christmas was special to Mamai-Lagafuaina, who came to WNCC from Hawaii, in her memories with Cyndi.

“The most memorable moment I have with Cyndi will have to be my freshman year and Mikayla’s {Kelly] sophomore year and they took us out for dinner before we were going home for Christmas break and after dinner we drove around looking at Christmas lights. Lastly, they took us to their nursery shop and let us choose whatever we wanted in the shop for Christmas. I will always cherish this moment because Jim & Cyndi made me feel like I was one of their own and that’s exactly what I needed in Scottsbluff because I was so far away from home.”

Kelly said she will always have lasting memories of Cyndi.

“Every moment was the best moment with both Jim and Cyndi. They took me in as if I was their own and I am eternally grateful for that,” Kelly said. “God placed Jim and Cyndi in my life for a reason, and I cherished every moment I got to spend with them. I realized what big part Cyndi and Jim had played in my life when I was leaving Scottsbluff for good after my sophomore year. They were my last stop before heading out of town. I went to the nursery and said my goodbyes, I had never felt so grateful for them and so loved; I had felt like I was leaving my own family.

They made me feel like one of their own.

One of my other favorite moments, was one of the last I got with Cyndi, I gave Jim and Cyndi Colorado Rockies tickets for June of 2019 because they had never been to a game and I wanted to take

WNCC softball player Courtney Cloud along with their dorm son Preston, who was in the music program, after a musical event.

Cyndi and Jim along with their two dorm daughters Michaela Kelly and Leslie Mamai-Lagafuaina.

them. It’s about halfway through the game and Cyndi said, ‘This is way better than the demographics on TV.’ I couldn’t help but smile so big. I’m grateful for all of the times I spent with Jim and Cyndi and cannot find enough words to express the love and gratefulness I have for them.”

Marshall said she realizes how special she was to have Cyndi as a dorm mom.

“I always knew I had great dorm parents, but truly reflecting back on my time with them, I did not know how blessed I was,” Marshall said. “Cyndi will forever

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A tribute to Cyndi ... live on through my memories, because my time at WNCC and the Neuwirths are synonymous to me.”

Even when Rowson moved away to go to Friends University in Kansas, Rowson always stayed in touch her dorm mom.

“When I moved away from Scottsbluff, we always stayed in touch. We would call each other every couple months to update each other on what was going on in our lives,” she said. “Jim and Cyndi have always been some of my biggest supporters, and I truly would not be where I am today without their love and support. I am forever thankful for my recent trip back to Scottsbluff last year, to spend more time with Cyndi.”

Sarr said Cyndi is someone that he will remember for the rest of his life with everything they have done to make his stay in America special.

“They graced my graduation [from WNCC] and told me how proud they were as my dorm parents,” he said. “I will remember Jim and Cyndi for the rest of my life for the fact that they gave me everything that my Mom and Dad never had the opportunity to give me. I am so thankful to them and they have a special place in my heart.

Cloud echoed the same things as Sarr in that the Neuwirths were her family away from family.

“Cyndi and Jim were my number one fans which made my time at WNCC easier,” Cloud said. “They were my home away from home. I will always consider them family.”

Castillo said, in closing, that Cyndi was her mom away from her family and that is one thing that she will always be toward her.

“If there is anything that I want to add to all of this is that Cyndi is an Angel. She was always there for everyone. She was my mom figure.

Her and Jim made me feel like their own daughter,” she said. “I will miss her beautiful smile, her laugh, and her amazing presence. For those of you who knew Cyndi would agree with me that she was such a wonderful woman in all aspects. Thank you Cyndi for being such a big impact in my life and thank you Jim for being wonderful dorm parents and caring for us.

“To the family and dorm kids that Cyndi was a part of their life...

We are SO LUCKY to have had the privilege to know Cyndi and spend time with her.”

Jones memory of Cyndi was her smile and Jones has the perfect ending to the tribute – a lasting love that will last forever.

“The best moments with Cyndi was any moment you got to speak to her or be in her presence,” Jones said. “Sounds cliché but I mean that whole heartily. if you know Cyndi, you know that feeling you get when you get to witness her smile, her eyes twinkle and her warm heart. I would like to add, Cyndi, I love you and forever will. Thank you for the best two years of my life at western and the five years of your love.”

Three Cougars make Nebraska All-Decade team Western Nebraska Community College and the Panhandle were well represented on the Omaha World Herald Nebraska Boys High School All-Decade team that was released earlier in April.

Teddy Allen, who played three semesters at Boys Town and finished his sophomore season at WNCC this year, was the big name as the 6-foot-4 wing player earned a First Team All-class honor. Allen was also on the Class C-1 team.

Five players from all the classes were picked for the first two teams. The Second Team All-class had Kimball’s Mike Daum listed.

Allen, who is back in Omaha finishing up his classes at WNCC, said it is a big honor to show the hard work that he put in.

“Obviously the people in Nebraska took notice of my work I put in,” Allen said. “The [All-Decade] is recognition of that.’

Allen was just one of three Cougar players that earned a spot on the individual class teams. Scottsbluff ’s Dru Kuxhausen was a member of the Class B All-Decade team. Kuxhausen graduated from WNCC in 2019 before playing at McNeese State where he rewrote the 3-point record books in his first year in Louisiana.

Another former Cougar, Henry Tanksley, earned a spot on the Class D-2 All-Decade team while playing for Lincoln Parkview. Tanksley, after WNCC, went on to have an outstanding season at Peru State College, earning All-Nebraska NAIA/NCAA Division III honors by the Omaha World Herald.

“It feels good,” Kuxhausen said. “I think I had pretty good years when I was able to go to state. I guess I am glad to see that I was on it.”.

The other Panhandle athlete to make the All-Decade team was Chadron’s Elliott Eliason, who earned a spot on the Class C-1 team.

All three Cougar athletes said it shows what kind of basketball is out west to have five players earn a spot on the All-Decade team.

Kuxhausen said it says a lot about basketball in western Nebraska to have three Panhandle athletes and three players

Former WNCC Cougar and Scottsbluff Bearcat Dru Kuxhausen made the All-Nebraska High School All-Decade team for Class B.

that played at WNCC on the all-Decade team.

“I am glad they put players from the Panhandle on it so they get recognized,” he said. “I definitely think the guys from WNCC deserved that, too. Teddy had a really good year and he is a really good player.”

Tanksley had a super good season at Lincoln Parkview Christian. His basketball team didn’t win state, but he won a state track title in the 400 meters in 2016.

He said “I think it is pretty cool to be on the team,” Tanksley said. “I am honored to be a part of that all-decade team. I feel pretty good. It is something to work off and get better.”

All three athletes had excellent high school careers and excelled at the junior college ranks.

Allen spent three semesters at Boys Town and delivered on the court, averaging 29.6 points a contest in 42 games. Allen finished with 1,243 points in his career.

Allen was named the Gatorade Nebraska

Boys Basketball Player of the Year.

Allen said his team made it to state before losing in the first round in Class C-1.

He said the honor shows that people liked what he did on the court.

“It shows the people respect what I was able to do in high school and they see that,” he said.

After high school, Allen spent a year at West Virginia playing before red-shirting the next year at Wichita State. That led Allen to WNCC where he shined as a player, leading the nation in scoring at 31.4 points a game while averaging seven rebounds and four assists a contest.

Allen scored 879 points this season and is only the second player to score 800-plus points in one year. The other was Eric Gore back in 1989-90 when he scored 1,033 points. Allen does hold the school record for point average at 31.4. Gore is second at 27.92 points a game.

Allen said as much as enjoyed scoring, he would trade leading the nation in scoring for a trip to nationals.

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Nebraska All-Decade High School team ...

“I would of liked to make it to nationals,” he said. “I just to be able to help my team win games and I felt what I had to do was go out and score a lot of points a lot of nights.”

A lot of Allen’s scoring came because of the WNCC coaching staff.

“I would say the coaching staff helped me to do other things so we could be a better team,” he said.

Kuxhausen had stellar careers on all three levels. At Scottsbluiff, Kuxhausen scored 2,110 career points, ranking 17th all-time among boys in the state. He averaged 11.5 points as a freshman and by the time he was a senior he more than doubled his scoring, averaging 28.5 points a clip.

In his one year at WNCC, Kuxhausen averaged 19.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and three assists a contest. He connected on 51 percent of his 3-point shots, making 119 treys and ranked fifth in the nation. He also hit on 89.1 percent of his free throws.

Last season at McNeese State, Kuxhausen rewrote the 3-point shooting record book for the Cowboys. Kuxhausen, while earning all-conference third team honors, led Division I with 125 3-pointers, setting a new McNeese and Southland Conference record. He became the first Cowboy in the Division I era to top the country in a stat category. He also ranked second with 3.91 three-pointers made per game and was third in 3-point shooting at 45.8 percent, also a school record.

Kuxhausen said he had good years at WNCC and McNeese State.

“I had a pretty good year I thought [at WNCC],” he said. “I had a good year because I was able to go to WNCC and play for Coach Cory and he really helped me out.”

At McNeese, Kuxhausen said he didn’t expect to have the year he did.

“It was pretty cool to come in and do that [to set records and lead the nation],” he said. “I didn’t think I would be able to do that at all. I think I choose the right place to come and I really like my coach. I am just happy I came here.”

Kuxhausen’s McNeese State team was one of the last teams to play a college basketball game before everything was canceled because of the corona virus pandemic.

“I was glad that we got to play our one game. It would have been pretty bad if we didn’t get to play at least one game,” he said. “I think it is better to lose than to win and not know how far you could have went. I wish we could have got it done, but next year.”

As for Tanksley, he had good seasons in all his stops. At Lincoln Parkview Christian, Tanksley averaged 16.5 points as a sophomore.

Tanksley said they had a good coach in Garth Glissman.

“We had a great team and a great coach in Garth Glissman. He was an awesome coach,” Tanksley, who stood 6-foot-2, but had a wingspan of a 6-9 player, said. “We shook up and made history at Lincoln Parkview Christian.”

After Parkview Christian, Tanksley spent a year at Central Wyoming College before his sophomore year at WNCC. As a Cougar, he averaged 8.5 points and made 38 3-pointers.

Here are the Omaha World Herald All-Class and individual class All-Decade teams.

All-class first team: Mike Gesell, South Sioux City, 2010-12; Akoy Agau, Omaha Central, 2011-13; Tra-Deon Hollins, Omaha Central, 2013; Khyri Thomas, Omaha Benson, 2014; Teddy Allen, Boys Town, 2017.

All-class second team: Justin Patton, Omaha North, 2015; TreShawn Thurman, Omaha Central, 2014; Shereef Mitchell, Omaha Burke, 2018; Mike Daum, Kimball, 2014*; David Wingett, Winnebago, 2016*-17* Class A: Akoy Agau, Omaha Central, 2011-13; Justin Patton, Omaha North, 2015; Khyri Thomas, Omaha Benson, 2014; TreShawn Thurman, Omaha Central, 2014; Tra-Deon Hollins, Omaha Central, 2013.

Class B: Mike Gesell, South Sioux City, 2010-12; Dru Kuxhausen, Scottsbluff, 2016-17; Baylor Scheierman, Aurora, 2019; Dylan Travis, Omaha Gross, 2011-12; Charlie Easley, Lincoln Pius X, 2019 Class C-1: Teddy Allen, Boys Town, 2016-17; Jaxon Simons, Wahoo Neumann, 2016-18; David Wingett, Winnebago, 2015-17; Elliott Eliason, Chadron, 200910; Rylee Reinertson, Gibbon, 2013-14.

Class C-2: Connor Beranek, Ravenna, 2010-12; Wes Dreamer, Elmwood-Murdock, 2017-18; Adam Dykman, Fremont Bergan, 2014-15; James Kaiser, Hartington CC, 2013-15; Mike Daum, Kimball, 2013-14.

Class D-1: Adam Moon, O’Neill St. Mary’s, 2013-14; Ryan Tegtmeier, BDS, 2011-13; Hayden Miller, Nebraska City Lourdes, 2016-17; Jacob Olmstead, Overton, 2010-12; Andy Kerkman, Clearwater-Orchard, 2014-15 Class D-2: Austin Kaczor, Ewing, 2008-10; Henry Tanksley, Lincoln Parkview, 2016-17; Noah Valasek, Riverside, 2016-17; Drew Ott, Giltner, 2011-12; Tredyn Prososki, Riverside, 2018-19.

2019-20 Cougar Athletes of the Week Female Athletes of the Week Aug. 28........ Rafaela Passos, soccer Sept. 4...........Bethany Fuchs, soccer Sept. 11....... Gabriela Canavati, vball Sept. 23........Leslie Lagafuaina, vball Oct. 9............ Destiny Mueller, soccer Oct. 24..........Leslie Lagafuaina, vball Nov. 7.......Yuliyana Valcheva, wbball Nov. 18......Lidsey Mahoukou, wbball Dec. 5..... Tishara Morehouse, wbball Dec. 19......... R’Manie Pulling, wbball Jan. 12............... Taylor Joplin, wbball Jan. 26......... Zarrea Coleman, wbball

Feb. 2.......Yuliyana Valcheva, wbball Feb. 16... Tishara Morehouse, wbball Feb. 23.............. Taylor Joplin, wbball March 8.. Tishara Morehouse, wbball March 15............ Tylar Davis, softball Male Athletes of the Week Aug. 28.... Washington Junior, soccer Sept. 4................Saul Aguilar, soccer Sept. 11.................Ygor Brito, soccer Sept. 23.....Bernarndo Torres, soccer Oct. 9............Hector Salgado, soccer Oct. 24................. Jack Mann, soccer

Nov. 7................. Teddy Allen, mbball Bov. 18............. Jordan Smith, mbball Dec. 5.................Sami Harun, mbball Dec. 19... Kenny Strawbridge, mbball Jan. 12........... Kalen Williams, mbball Jan. 26................ Teddy Allen, mbball Feb. 2............ Kalen Williams, mbball Feb. 16............... Teddy Allen, mbball Feb. 23... Kenny Strawbridge, mbball March 8.............. Teddy Allen, mbball March 17........ Caleb Coats, baseball

WNCC’s Salgado heading to Knox College When Hector Salgado came to Western Nebraska Community College two years ago, he was raw. In two years at WNCC, Salgado became one of the Cougars’ top scorers, finishing just one goal shy of being one of 12 players to score 10 goals in his career.

Salgado will be taking his talents to the NCAA Division III level after committing to Knox College recently.

“I picked Knox because I wanted to think long term in what I wanted to do,” he said. “They have a prestigious academic program that I wanted to be a part of for my major and they compete for championships every year, so I continue while also playing the sport I love.”

His decision to attend the Illinois college wasn’t easy by any means.

“It was very tough,” he said. “There were a few schools that, for sure, wanted me to be in their program, but I knew that I wanted to be part of the culture at Knox.”

Knox went 15-4-2 a year ago and had a 9-match winning streak. The Prairie Fire’s dominance in the Midwest Conference and the national tournament was a reason Salgado picked Knox.

“They always compete in the conference tournament and always come out as winner almost consistently,” he said. “They also go to the NCAA tournament a number of times. I knew they would be a good and competitive program to be a part of.”

Salgado will also be going to school without his twin brother, Arcy, who was also on the Cougar team. But Arcy will be playing soccer in college as well and will announce his decision in the coming weeks.

For Hector, though, his sophomore season was solid where he and fellow teammate Saul Aguilar each scored five goals during the season to lead the team. Salgado finished his career with nine goals and was one goal away from becoming the 12th Cougar in school

history to score double-digit goals, finishing with nine.

“It is crazy to think how far I came as an athlete at this school coming in as a 5-foot-6, 100-pound freshmen,” he said. “If you would have asked me if I would make this much of an impact, I would say no because I didn’t think I would make a difference. But I continued to train and work hard, and made a difference happen. So, it’s truly an honor to be in the records and be part of the history in this school.”

What helped Salgado succeed was his confidence.

“I improved a good amount,” he said. “What taught me most about being at this school was to have a lot of perseverance and confidence in yourself because at the end of the day you only have yourself to count on and that’s what I did my past two years. My growth from freshman year to sophomore was tremendous.”

Salgado was also excited to play with his teammates one more time this summer. That, however, was washed

away with the coronavirus pandemic.

“I was really devastated, super distraught at the fact that I couldn’t give it my all my last few games here,” he said.

“I was also really looking forward to seeing [former Cougars] Ramses and Lawan at Mesa but, unfortunately, it [the spring season] had to be cut short.

I really wanted to create a bond with my teammates one last time before I had to say goodbye but its fine because I know we are still close regardless.”

During this pandemic, Salgado is still staying in soccer shape at home.

“Everything has been good,” he said.

“I have been training in my backyard and working out in my basement just keeping fit for the next season. I am following the stay at home trend that everyone should be doing or else there will be no sports for quite a while.”

Salgado, who is planning on majoring in computer science, said his time at WNCC has been special with making many friends and lasting relationships.

“I met so many knew friends at this school and a few that I can call longterm friends,” he said. “I met a lot of international students that I can call my family and I am forever grateful for that experience. I’m a shy guy, so I’m not very social so I’m happy I met such nice people at this school. I will also always remember being part of this program and will miss playing soccer as a whole at this school.

“I just wanted to thank the group of guys and the coaching staff for everything they have done for me this year and also my friends who I met at this college. They have been good to me and I will forever be grateful. I just wanted to give a shout out my best friends from Colorado, who kept my head in the right place throughout the tough times. They had complete confidence in me during the year and I would always go to them anytime I had problems. I’m grateful for them.”

Morehouse headed to Florida Gulf Coast for basketball Tishara “TK” Morehouse put together two solid seasons at Western Nebraska Community College and her reward came true this week of playing Division I basketball when she signed with Florida Gulf Coast University, a program that has made the post-season every year since 2009.

Morehouse, the 5-foot-3 speedy and feisty guard, said everything about FGCU stood out.

“They are a great team and their togetherness is really good,” she said. “They are ranked number one in their region. Their coach is perfect and fits everything I want to do. He is fast-paced and that is what I really like. He has a lot of connects with pros. I don’t have to talk about the living area; it is a beautiful place and it is on the beach. It is a win-win. The coaching is good. The team togetherness is good. The education is good.”

FGCU head coach Karl Smesko is excited to get someone of Morehouse’s talents in his program. ““TK is explosive and dynamic,” Smesko said. “She had an exceptional season at Western Nebraska and has proven she can hit the three and attack the basket. She scores a lot, but also shares the play. She’s a playmaker.”

Morehouse becomes the third WNCC women’s basketball player to attend Florida Gulf Coast. Emma Beddome played one year for the Eagles in 2008-09 while Chelsea Lyles played three years of sports for the Eagles from 2008-2010. Lyles is in her 10th year as the associate head coach for FGCU. “That is cool that the school I came from, she [Coach Lyles] had the same path,” Morehouse said. “She has a good intake and understanding of a JUCO player.”

What makes Morehouse appreciative of the Division I playing opportunity is the fact that she had a lot of people that didn’t think a 5-foot-3 player could play at that level. Through hard work and persistence, Morehouse worked hard to get to the Division I level.

“When they [people] say to work hard, you have to work hard and really do it,” Morehouse said. “When you are consistent and persistent it all comes together.

People tell me you really got better.”

Her hard work and dedication paid off.

“I am excited to play DI, of course,” she said. “That has been my goal and something I strived for. I can say I done it now that I am a DI player.”

The Eagles will look to Morehouse to provide a scoring punch next year after the Milwaukee, Wisconsin, native averaged 21 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game last season while earning NJCAA First Team All-American honors.

Morehouse was also named to the All-Region IX team, the Region All-Tournament team, and was the honorary captain of the Omaha World Herald JUCO All-Nebraska team.

Morehouse helped the Cougars to a 28-2 record this season, a No. 2 ranking in the NJCAA polls, and a 7th seed at the NJCAA national tournament in March.

This past season, Morehouse reached double-figures in all but one game and registered 16 games with at least 20 points, including a trio of 30-point efforts -- a career-high 38 points vs Utah State Eastern on Dec. 6, 34 points against Casper College on Nov. 19, and 31 against Sheridan College on Nov. 5.

As a freshman, Morehouse averaged 14.8 points as she came off the bench in

31 of 33 games. She also averaged 3.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 2.7 steals a game.

The talented point guard finished her career with the second most points in school history (1,118), pulled down 267 rebounds, dished off 244 assists, and had 155 steals. She connected on 136 3-point shots.

Morehouse said her time at WNCC was a success.

“My time at WNCC was perfect,” she said. “My freshman year I wanted to go in and work on my studies and do everything I needed to upgrade myself and my game. I worked so hard and I told myself that I could do it. I did it. It was a great season at WNCC.” Morehouse said there are a lot of people to thank and it all begins with her family and all the coaches she had.

“I first want to thank my mom, my sister, my dad, my whole family because they supported me in my life even when I was down. They helped me get back up,” she said. “I want to thank my coaches I had through my life helping me in practices.

I want to thank Coach [Chad] Gibney for letting me spread my wings at Western Nebraska and show what I can do as a 5-foot-3 point guard.”

Roybell Baez heading to LCCC to be assistant coach

Sophomores Headed to Play Next Year

The decision to leave Western Nebraska Community College wasn’t an easy decision for Roybell Baez.

But after weeks of thinking it over, Baez decided to take the offer of an interim assistant coach at Laramie County Community College with the men’s basketball program.

“I am really excited. God presented me with a great opportunity to take this job when I came here with Coach Cory [Fehringer], who did a great job of preparing me for this day. Working with Coach Cory was really good for me because he has taught me a lot and prepared me for this opportunity. I am excited.”

The decision to leave WNCC, where he has served as an assistant coach the last four years, wasn’t an easy one.

“No, it wasn’t easy,” Baez said. “At first it was something I had to sit down and think about it and get together with my family to make sure it was a good decision for everybody. I also had to sit down with Coach Cory and see what he thought about it.

It was like a month process. It was not an easy process.”

Baez heads to LCCC to serve as an assistant to interim head coach DeWayne Saulsberry, who was hired in March to fill the men’s basketball coaching vacancy with the Golden Eagles.

According to Saulsberry, Baez provides significant energy to the Golden Eagles program. “He brings in a winning attitude that our program needs,” Saulsberry said.

Baez said he has a lot of respect for Saulsberry.

“Dwayne is a good person. I like him a lot and he kept his word,” he said. “He called me after day one after he had got the job and said I was his guy.”

Baez heads to Cheyenne after being at

WNCC the last four years, where he helped with all aspects of recruiting, which is one of key factors for Saulsberry adding him to the coaching staff. Baez also organized the community service for that program and maintained its social media presence.

Baez was a part of WNCC’s first Region IX title in 17 years and helped move nine student athletes onto four-year institutions.

During his time at WNCC, Baez was part of the coaching staff that helped the Cou-

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Women’s Soccer Rafaella Passos ........... Bethel University (NAIA) Rafaela Ornelas ........... Judson University (NAIA) Caroline Vieira .............. Cumberland University (NAIA) Lisa Haferkamp ............ St. Thomas (Florida) (NAIA) Bethany Fuchs ............. Concordia University (NAIA) Thais Nayara ................ William Carey University (NAIA) Tayna Bertani................ University of Antelope Valley in California (NAIA) Men’s Soccer Berrnardo Torres ........... Briar Cliff University (NAIA) Daniel Matty ................. Missouri Valley (NAIA) Saul Aguilar .................. William Wood University (NAIA) Oumar Sissoko ............. Bellevue University (NAIA) Ruam Barbosa ............. Goshen College in Indiana (NAIA) Hector Salgadro............ Knox College (Division III) Arcy Salgado................. William Wood University (NAIA) Volleyball Gabriela Canavati ......... Cameron University (Division II) Ana Costas ................... Tarleton State University (Division I) La”treva Kennedy ......... Missouri State (Division I) Men’s Basketball Teddy Allen ................... University of Nebraska (Division I) Softball Lindsey Allie ................. University of Antelope Valley in California (NAIA) Baseball Garrett Declue............... University of Cumberlands (NAIA) Kyler Harris.................... Northwest Oklahoma State University (Division II) Elliot McNeave.............. Adams State College (Division II)

Baez heading to LCCC ... gars capture a Region IX title in 2018, the team’s first regional title since 2001.

While in Scottsbluff, Baez was more than a basketball coach. In 2018, he helped Cougar volleyball coach Binny Canales as an assistant volleyball coach. Baez also was an assistant baseball coach for the WESTCO Zephyrs during the summer.

“Honestly, the reason I did the volleyball thing a couple years ago was to help out Binny because I knew he didn’t have an assistant,” he said. “And baseball, I have a really good relationship with Coach [Mike] Jones and [Ryan] Burgner, so help-

ing those guys was a no brainer for me.”

As a student, Baez played basketball at Dakota College at Bottineau in North Dakota. He completed his playing career and obtained his bachelor’s degree at Dickinson State University, also in North Dakota.

Baez, who came to the Midwest from Miami, said he likes living n the Midwest.

“I am a Midwest guy for sure,” he said.

“I never in a million years saw myself living in the Midwest, but I actually love it and appreciate it a lot. It is a lot safer and a lot better from where I come from.”

Cougar Views

Chris Guadarrama Men’s Soccer (2010) “20 years down the road the things I will remember, will be the lasting impact the coaches and teachers made on me. At the moment I just accepted the job of becoming the head boys soccer coach for my alma mater Gering High. Coach Rasnic gave me a chance, but I had to work hard for it. I came as a walk on and with the 3 a days he put us through, he saw my work ethic and love for the game and offered me a scholarship.

The humble beginnings he gave me and also the teachers are what I will always remember about WNCC. Coach Rasnic pushed me to my limits and it has made me a better coach/teacher because of it. I will always take that with respect and give that to the next generation of student athletes.

Mackenzie Westphal Volleyball (2009, 2010) “Things I’ll remember about wncc. Every day was an adventure whether it was dinner at Applebees, dancing in the dorms, playing in the snow or winning a national championship, we had so much fun because the people were so amazing.”

In the future, Baez is not ruling out being a head coach, but he said he wants to be the best assistant coach to offer the program.

“Honestly I always told people that I never wanted to be a head coach and I was OK with being an assistant,” he said.

“But the older I get, it is more of a reality of being a head coach. Am I ready to be a head coach? I don’t think so. Am I going to say I am not going to be a head coach?

No because who knows. Just like this opportunity at Laramie County, who knows when these opportunities will come.”

20 years down the road, what things will you remember about your time at WNCC? Why?

Paul Panduro Baseball (2020) “What things will I remember about WNCC in 20 years? One thing I am going going to remember about WNCC is playing baseball and the great friendly staff!”

Brooke Kaawa Volleyball (2016-18) “What will I remember about WNCC? I will definitely remember the friends that I’ve made and the experiences that I had at WNCC! Although scottsbluff isn’t the biggest town and was so far away from home, it was the community and the students that really made me feel like I belonged there! The friends that I’ve made at WNCC are my lifetime friends and they’ve made my experience that much better! WNCC was also the place I started my college career of volleyball at! My two years of playing volleyball there has allowed me to be successful at Lewis- Clark! We won regionals and attended nationals twice and it was an experience that I will never forget!”

Alan Pinho Men’s Soccer (2017, 2018) “I can remember that night. It was cold and dark. The city was different than others. That night when I arrived in Scottsbluff Airport I can see as a chapter in my mind right now. My dream was bigger than being scared or whatever bad feelings at the time. However, I came to study and play soccer, God brought me to Scottsbluff. I knew he had purposes for me. Two years passed, the purposes are achieved. There isn’t any picture which I choose to illustrate my two years here. I won, I did my job with faith, power, and mainly desire. WNCC made me learn a lot of things. I met amazing instructors which supported me all the time. I made good friends and teammates who I will carry on my heart. I had too much fun working at the dinner hall, amazing boss and people.

Dorm family which was with all the good moments. Thanks God for bringing and blessing all these time and thanks WNCC to providing all knowledge and memories to me....”

Valcheva headed to Texas-San Antonio for basketball Western Nebraska Community College’s Yuliyana Valcheva had a banner sophomore season for the Cougar women’s basketball team.

Now, after two years in Scottsbluff, Valcheva made it official of where she will continue to play, signing with the University of Texas San Antonio to continue her basketball playing at the Division I level.

“I picked UTSA because I felt that this program is the right fit for me and for my future accomplishments,” Valcheva said. “I really liked the coaching stuff, the place, the atmosphere from everything I saw, and I fell in love with the place. The decision came quick and I’m really excited for the next season.”

Valcheva’s signing happened back in her home country of Bulgaria with her family alongside to share in the special moment.

“I signed at home with my parents and my brother,” she said. “It was a small ceremony, but I was happy that I had the opportunity to share this moment of excitement and happiness with my family.”

Valcheva had many options, but UTSA just stood out.

“I really liked the school and the coaching stuff from the very beginning of our communication,” she said. “I had many other offers, mainly Division II schools, with whom I was communicating from earlier. To be honest, even if the decision came in the period of less than two weeks it wasn’t easy at all for me -- I had many other good schools , which I liked the most, but I felt the best about UTSA, which remained my final decision.”

Valcheva becomes the second Cougar to play at UTSA. Morgan Broussard, who played volleyball for the Cougars from 2012-2014 and later was an assistant basketball coach under Chad Gibney during the 2017-18 season, attended UTSA to play volleyball from 2014-16.

Playing in the United States and at Division I school has been a dream. It is a challenge that Valcheva is ready to accept.

“I associate playing in a Division I school as a big challenge and responsibility,” she said.

“It means that I need to be prepared in all possible ways that it won’t be easy and that I will need to work really hard, but I’m ready for it.

I’m really to see what it is to play for Division I school and I’m really happy to accept this challenge at UTSA.”

Valcheva had an outstanding sophomore season in helping the Cougars to a 28-2 record, a No. 2 ranking in the nation, and a No. 7 seed at the national tournament.

Her sophomore season saw the 6-foot-

1 wing player earn Region IX All-South All-region honors as well as a First-team recognition on the Omaha World Herald JUCO All-Nebraska team.

Valcheva finished her sophomore season averaging 12.3 points and 6.6 rebounds a game. She finished her career averaging 10 points a game and 5.7 rebounds. Valcheva scored 631 points and shot 32 percent from beyond the arc, popping n 36 3-pointers.

“I had an amazing sophomore season,” Val-

cheva said. “I had the best coaches and teammates and we accomplished a lot as a team by losing only two games, winning 28 of our 30, and leaving the Cougar palace undefeated. Individually, I was satisfied with my progress and I was seeing the improvement every single day, which came with a lot of work. I left my heart on the court this past season and did everything to help my team in WNCC. I feel really good and already nostalgic for the great season

I had this past year.”

In fact, her two years were one of growth.

She will take all that with her to UTSA. “I had an amazing career and two years of experience at WNCC. I grew a lot as a player and as a person,” Valcheva said. “These two years would always remain the first years of my experience away from home. I had many ups and downs during these two years, but the whole time I had my family and friends, who were right there always to support me and to believe in me. It is also amazing and I want to mention that I only lost six games in my career as a Cougar, won more than 50 and left the Cougar Palace undefeated. Individually, I changed my game position in my sophomore year, I felt more comfortable and confident on the court, and I think that the results came on light.”

Valcheva said at UTSA, she wants to keep growing as a player.

“My goal at UTSA it to keep growing as a

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Valcheva ...

player and a person,” she said. “I want to keep working hard, to become a better basketball player, and a better and more responsible person. I would always strive to have good grades, to help the team and the program with my full potential and efforts.”

Incoming Freshman for 2020-21

Valcheva is scheduled to report to UTSA on July 2, but as soon as the lockdown is lifted, she can start working out to prepare for her time as a Roadrunner.

“The summer conditioning would probably differ from the regular one due to the lock down and the emergency current situation. Once the things go back to normal, I would start do a special program of running, lifting, and basketball individual and team practices,” she said. “I’m supposed to report to UTSA on 2nd of July for the second summer session, which would provide the opportunity for a lot of individual workouts and conditioning.”

For Valcheva, the current pandemic situation wasn’t a problem with WNCC going to remote learning, where she was learning online in her home in Bulgaria.

The problem she had was having to say goodbye to her teammates, coaches, and dorm family two months earlier than expected.

“It was really difficult to accept the difference of the current situation, because we have never seen or lived through something similar in our lifetime,” she said.

“The online classes are not a problem for me as I’m doing everything and on time.

Also, this semester I had more work to do at home than in the classroom.

“The most difficult part was to say goodbye to my friends, coach, and dorm family. By spending every single day with them, I really got used to have them in my life. We shared so many memories togeth-

er, we got through so much together. By being so far away from home, they turned into my family and I hope that our friendship will last for a lifetime. I will really miss them, but I know that we will keep in touch and keep supporting each other, even from distance.”

In closing out her time at WNCC, Valcheva has a special thank you to everybody that helped her along the way.

“I want to say one big thank you for the peo-

ple who I met and who became an inseparable part of my life. To all coaches, teammates, teachers, friends, and dorm family, thank you for believing in me, for supporting me, and for trusting me,” she said. “You helped me to grow as a better player and person, you helped me overcome the hard times and you were always there for me when I needed a hand. Thank you so much for everything you did for me, love you and will miss you a lot!”

Softball Isabella Coffman............ Eaglecrest High........................Aurora, Colo.

Bailey Blanchard........... Elizabeth High......................Elizabeth, Colo.

Chloe Cronquist............. Blackfoot High..................... Blackfoot, Idaho Lexi Butterfield............... Lehi High...................................... Lehi, Utah Ashley Quinn................. Cherokee High.........................Aurora, Colo.

Briana Henson........................................... Palmerston, New Zealand Men’s Basketball Jasiya DeOllos.............. Scottsbluff High.................. Scottsbluff, Neb. Conner Creech.............. Hastings High........................ Hastings, Neb. Them Koang.................. Grand Island High...........Grand Island, Neb. Carter Brown................. Ogallala High......................... Ogallala, Neb. Turumbil Zaki................. Denver South High.................. Denver, Colo.

Cameron Jernigan......... 21st Century Charter..................... Gary, Ind. Chase Thompson.......... Omaha Westside High............ Omaha, Neb. Women’s Basketball Makylee Buell................ Cheyenne East High......... Cheyenne, Wyo..

Baseball JT Cafferty..................... Hastings High........................ Hastings, Neb. Noah Baumann............. Norris High................................... Firth, Neb. Travor DuBray............... Alliance High...........................Alliance, Neb. Gavin Harris.................. Crosby High........................... Crosby, Texas Quinn McCafferty........... Big Horn High........................Big Horn, Wyo. Sergio Tarango.............. Poudre High....................... Ft. Collins, Colo.

Dawson Shaver............. Crosby High........................... Crosby, Texas Volleyball Eli Winkler...................... Gering High.............................. Gering, Neb. Hayleigh Fornstrom....... Pine Bluffs High..................Pine Bluffs, Wyo. Holleigh Jaime............... Soldotna High.................... Soldotna, Alaska Juliana Oliveira...........................................................................Brazil Angel Nahinu................. Kapolei High......................... Kapolei, Hawaii

Fuchs headed to Concordia University in Nebraska Western Nebraska Community College’s Bethany Fuchs came to Western Nebraska Community College from Colorado to play soccer, but has always considered Nebraska a home-away-fromhome.

Fuchs, after two years as a Cougar, will continue her collegiate playing in her new home of Nebraska after signing with Concordia University in Seward recently.

“I am going to Concordia University in Seward and I choose to go there because, in a sense, Nebraska is a homeaway-from-home,” she said. “I had a few friends that went there in the past. Jose [Fernandez] and Leo [Palomo] signed their last season. It is nice to know some people out there. When I visited the university, I felt like everything clicked for me right away. I knew that was going to be my next home.”

Fuchs said if she wasn’t playing soccer in college at the next level, she wouldn’t know where she would be.

“Soccer has always been super important in my live,” she said. “I don’t know where I would be without it today.

Being able to play for at least another two years is definitely a blessing.”

Fuchs came to WNCC from Eaglecrest High in Aurora, Colorado, and Fuchs also had special reason to attend WNCC since her grandparents and aunt and uncle still live in the area where her mom, Vanessa, grew up as a youngster.

“It was super special [this place as a home-away-from-home] because I have a lot of family out there. My grandparents, my aunt and uncle, my cousins, and my great aunt,” she said. “Some people don’t get that, and they don’t get their home-away-from-home-here. I am still comfortable because I still have family I can reach out to if I need help. I was lucky in a sense because my parents went to every single game to support me because their family was out here too. That is something I am going to miss when I go to Concordia because I necessarily won’t have my family out there, but is still Nebraska.”

Fuchs soccer playing flourished her sophomore season. Fuchs finished her second-year on the pitch with the second most goals on the team with eight. Desti-

ny Mueller led the team with nine goals.

The Cougar’s one-two punch helped WNCC capture 13 wins, the second most in school history before falling in the semifinals of the Region IX tournament.

Her sophomore season was a marked difference from her freshman season where she was battling injuries.

“If you compare it to last season where I was fighting injuries, coming into this season I couldn’t of been more excited because I knew I was feeling great, my knee was feeling great, and I said this was my year,” she said. “This is the time I am going to shine. I did exactly that. I think I filled my purpose at WNCC. Playing with the girls this season was just so sur-

real because they are family to me and I couldn’t have asked for a better team.”

Everything clicked for the Cougar women, too, on and off the court.

“I would say we had a winning season. We just came in with a mindset this season that we were determined to win,” she said. “We were not going to let anything get in our way. The goal was to get to the regionals and we did exactly that.

We couldn’t go any further, but it was a definite step up from last season. I hope the girls continue to move forward from here on out.”

Fuchs gets the opportunity to continue playing at the four-year level because

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Fuchs ... of the improvement she made on the pitch. She said it was advantageous to play with so many talented international players.

“I definitely think my game has grown,” she said. “Before coming to WNCC, I only had one style of play and that was basically kick the ball up and chase it. Being able to play with international players like Brazil and the Netherlands, you get the sense of a different style of play and reading the field and how different players work. It definitely takes time to get used to, but I think that was one of our biggest transitions when we all first came here was to be able to connect with each other on the field since we all are from different places, different style of soccer. Being exposed to that definitely has made me a stronger player in every aspect on the field. I feel that will only help me going forward to Concordia.”

A lot of her teammates on the women’s team will be going on to play soccer at the next level as with the men’s team.

That is something that makes her happy to see her teammates go on to play and get an education.

“It makes me so happy that they signed because last year I am not sure any girls signed to continue playing,” she said. “To see so many of the sophomores moving forward, I can’t continue to watch them keep playing and see what they do at their new schools. I know a few of them will be playing against each other and it will be interesting to see the outcome with that.”

A lot of her teammates, too, will be going to the NAIA level just like Fuchs, but they won’t play each other unless they get to the national tournament.

Besides Fuchs, other Cougars headed to the four-year level include Thais Nayara to William Carey University, Lisa Haferkamp to St. Thomas in Florida, Caroline Vieira to Cumberland University, Rafaela Ornelas to Judson University, and Rafaella Passos to Bethel University.

Fuchs said she had a good offer from Bethel, too, but didn’t want to take it because it was too far from home.

As much success the Cougar women had last season, the way the spring season ended was disheartening for Fuchs because of the corona virus pandemic.

Fuchs said she was looking forward to the spring season after the disappointing end to the regular season.

“That was very heartbreaking when all the corona virus was coming to America.

Coach was texting the captains that this game was canceled and this game was canceled,” she said. “It was pretty devastating because after our regular season has ended, the first thing I was looking forward to was our spring season and that ‘I am not done here yet and my time here is not finished yet.’ The spring season was definitely something I was looking forward to as the last farewell goodbye and a sendoff from WNCC. I remember last year watching all the sophomores do that and it was so real for them because it was their final game playing with everyone here, last time playing for WNCC, and I wanted that for myself. I think the last game during the regular season didn’t hit me that my time was done here because I still had the spring season.”

With no spring games and only online classes, Fuchs is still content with her decision to come to WNCC. That won’t change.

“I just want to thank coaches for giving me the opportunity to come to WNCC and play,” she said. “It definitely was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.

Like I said, it was my home away from.

I definitely wouldn’t change anything for the world for coming to this school.”

ALUMNI ATHLETIC NEWS

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

Former Cougar named Top 50 Division I assistant coach Chelsea Lyles went from playing two sports at WNCC, FGCU to being one of the top assistants Former Western Nebraska Community College women’s basketball and volleyball player Chelsea Lyles is making some noise in the NCAA Division I coaching ranks.

Lyles, who is in her 10th year as an assistant coach at Florida Gulf Coast University, was recently picked by Silver Waves Media as one of the Top 50 women’s basketball assistant coaches in the nation. Lyles said it is an honor to be recognized.

“I am very grateful for the recognition. My purpose has always been to serve this university and program to the best of my ability,” Lyles said. “This recognition is a direct reflection of our program, though. I get to work a long side some of the best coaches and players in the country. They are the one’s who made this possible.”

Lyles has made Florida her home now. But the trip to Florida has been a long one as she came to WNCC from Harrison High in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she was a 3-sport athlete, competing in volleyball, basketball, and track and field. She was the Colorado state high jump champion.

Lyles played from 2006-08 at WNCC. She played basketball her freshman year, and then basketball and volleyball her sophomore year, helping the Cougar volleyball team to a NJCAA national title in 2007.

After WNCC, Lyles went to play at Florida Gulf Coast University where she played two years of basketball and then after her hoops career was over, she played a year of volleyball for the Eagles before becoming a student assistant for

the basketball program in 2011.

Lyles said she has grown a lot over the years in her coaching at FGCU. “I’ve grown a lot over the past 10 years,” she said. “I’ve learned so much about the value in being a great assistant.

My goal is to always be growing. I’m constantly learning about more effective ways to coach, teach and relate to the generation I’m recruiting.”

Her time playing at WNCC and Florida Gulf Coast prepared her well for her coaching duties at the Division I level.

“I enjoyed my time at both places. I learned and grew up so much at WNCC,” Lyles said. “I appreciate the lessons Coach Chelsea Lyles throws a ball during warm-ups at Florida Gulf [Dave] Harnish, Coach [Chris] Green, Coast. (Photo courtesy of FGCU Coach Amy [Winters] and Coach Ped [Jennifer Pedersen] taught me; they prepared me for my time at FGCU. FGCU was an amazing experience, both when it came to basketball and lifestyle. I love the sunshine and beaches, which is why I haven’t left.”

At Florida Gulf Coast, Lyles was instrumental in both basketball and volleyball over the next three years. Lyles was a two-time First Team All-ASUN selection and led the team to a 50-12 record overall and a 34-6 mark in ASUN play.

As a senior, she produced double-digits

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Chelsea Lyles ... in scoring 21 times and finished in the top 15 in eight different ASUN statistical categories. She was also the recipient of FGCU’s Most Outstanding Female Student-Athlete Award.

After her basketball eligibility was finished, Lyles then spent a year as a graduate student on the volleyball team in 2010, where she started all 26 matches as a middle blocker, finishing the campaign as FGCU’s leader in blocks (66), kills (205), and hitting percentage (.301).

After her playing days in volleyball, Lyles joined the FGCU basketball coaching staff after the volleyball season as a student assistant. She then was elevated to an assistant in charge of recruiting and then, most recently, has been promoted to associate head coach where her roles are pretty much anything.

“I pretty much do anything and everything,” she said. “Even though I’m not the recruiting coordinator, I still do a lot of recruiting because I love it. I do player development on and off the court.

I think as an assistant, it’s so important that you’re helping these young women grow as humans as well. We are the bridge in their life that takes them from living at home to living in the real world, so I just try to do my best mentoring them as they prepare for life after college.

I also organize our alumni events and camps.”

Ever since Lyles joined the FGCU family as a player and coach, the basketball team has always made the post-season, whether it was the WNIT or the NCAA tournament.

Last season, the Florida Gulf Coast was off to a tremendous season before the season was halted because of the corona virus pandemic.

“We had an outstanding season,” Lyles said. “Before our season abruptly ended, we were 30-3, headed into the conference championship game. We had huge wins over Duke, USF, South Dakota State, and the defending national champion, Notre Dame. We were ranked 24th in the WBCA coaches’ poll.”

Still, Lyles said you can’t take anything away from what Florida Gulf Coast did this past season.

“We had a great year.

It was heartbreaking because we knew our ceiling was so high, and that we wanted to make some noise in the NCAA tournament, but unfortunately our season was cut short,” she said. ”Everyone was heartbroken, but we also understood the bigger picture, and we just wanted everyone to be safe.”

Lyles said that her time as a head coach gives her a greater appreciation of what her former coaches have gone through.

“Now that I’m a coach, I have a greater appreciation for my former coaches,” she said. “I had so many great coaches in my career, and that’s why I became a coach, because of the impact they had on my life.

I just try to give that back to the players I coach. I know the influence coaches have in young people’s lives.”

That is why Lyles could be a good head coach. With 10 years of coaching experience under her belt, she gets the question a lot. For now, she is happy with being an assistant coach.

“I get this question a lot, and I always say my one focus is to be the best assistant coach I can be for this university and program,” she said.

“If the right opportunity came, where I’m called to be a head coach, then I’ll consider it when the time comes.”

Where Athletes Went On to Play 2019-20 Soccer -- Rafaella Passos Soccer -- Rafaela Ornelas Soccer -- Caroline Vieira Soccer -- Lisa Haferkamp Soccer -- Bethany Fuchs Soccer -- Thais Nayara Soccer -- Tayna Bertani Soccer -- Bernardo Torres Soccer -- Daniel Matty Soccer -- Saul Aguilar Soccer -- Oumar Sissoko Soccer -- Ruam Barbosa Soccer -- Hector Salgado Soccer -- Arcy Salgado Volleyball -- Gabriela Canavati Volleyball -- Ana Costas Volleyball -- La”treva Kennedy Basketball -- Teddy Allen Basketball -- Yuliyana Valcheva Basketball -- Tishara Morehouse Softball -- Lindsey Allie Baseball -- Garrett Declue Baseball -- Kyler Harris Baseball -- Elliot McNeave 2018-19 Softball -- Abriana Ramirez Softball -- Gabby Loya Softball -- Emma McMillan Softball -- Michaela Kelly Basketball -- Merle Wiehl Basketball -- Eva Langton Basketball -- Allysah Boothe Basketball -- Andrijana Reljic Volleyball -- Enna Masaki Volleyball -- Kaile Tuisamatatele Volleyball -- Logan Belford Volleyball -- Sarena Bartley Basketball -- Bryce Sanchious Basketball -- Jervay Green Basketball -- Dru Kuxhausen Basketball -- Martin Roub Basketball -- Henry Tanklsey Baseball -- Hunter Parker Baseball -- Zack Berg Soccer -- Leandro Faria Soccer -- Silvio Xavier Soccer -- Leo Falomo Soccer -- Josue Fernandez Soccer -- Alan Pinho Soccer -- Ramses Atahualpa 2017-18 Baseball -- Claude Bova Basketball -- Jaleesa Avery Basketball -- Melisa Kadic Basketball -- Giovanna Silva Basketball -- Anastacia Johnson Basketball -- Sophie Agorakis Basketball -- Kellie Gaston Basketball -- Karli Seay Basketball -- Vinnie Shahid Basketball -- Trent Harris Basketball -- Marlon Sierra Basketball -- Djordje Dimitijevic Volleyball -- Joise Maldonado Volleyball -- Genesis Benitez Volleyball -- Brooke Kaawa Volleyball -- Kadara Marshall Soccer -- Morgan Smith Soccer -- Juliana Stratford Soccer -- Eseah Ingram Soccer -- Andre Matzuda Soccer -- Ade Oshikoya Soccer -- Lawan Abary Softball -- Brooke Doumer Softball -- Madi Jackson 2016-17 Baseball -- Alex Achtermann Baseball -- Brandon Bachar Baseball -- Stuart Eurich Baseball -- Isaac Taylor Baseball -- Zac Moran Baseball -- Ian Fisher

Bethel University (NAIA) Judson University (NAIA) Cumberland University (NAIA) St. Thomas (Florida) (NAIA) Concordia University (NAIA) William Carey University (NAIA) U. of Antelope Valley (NAIA) Briar Cliff University (NAIA) Missouri Valley (NAIA) William Wood University (NAIA) Bellevue University (NAIA) Goshen College in Indiana (NAIA) Know College (NAIA) William Wood University (NAIA) Cameron University (Division II) Tarleton State University (Division I) Missouri State (Division I) University of Nebraska (Division I) Texas-San Antonio (Division I) Florida Gulf Coast (Division I) U. of Antelope Valley in California (NAIA) University of Cumberlands (NAIA) Northwest Oklahoma State (Divisi9on II) Adams State College (Division II) York College (NAIA) York College (NAIA) Purdue University Fort Wayne (Division I) Marymount California University (NAIA) Santa Clara University (Division I) Texas A&M International (Division II) Longwood University (Division I) Longwood University (DIvision I) University of Texas El Paso (Division I) Southern Mississippi University (Division I) St. Francis (Penn.) (Division I) Corbin University (NAIA) Colorado State-Pueblo (Division II) Nebraska / then Pacafic (DivIsion I) McNeese State University (Division I) Jacksonville State (Ala) (Division I) Peru State (NAIA) Ft. Hays State (Division II) Ft. Hays State (Division II) Bethel University (NAIA) / Briar Cliff (NAIA) Bethel University (NAIA) Concordia University (NAIA) Concordia University (NAIA) Point Park Univeristy (NAIA) Colorado Mesa (Division II) Mount Marty (NAIA) Morehead State University (Division I) Idaha State (Division I);Chadron (Division II) Peru State (NAIA) Missouri Western (Division II) Dickinson State (NAIA) Fisher College (Division II) Louisiana State University (Division I) North Dakota State University (Division I) University of Northern Colorado (Division I) Bowling Green State (Division I) Mercer University (Division I) North Alabama (Division I) North Alabama (Division I) Lewis Clark State College (NAIA) Dickinson State (NAIA) Black Hills State College (Division II) Lindenwood University - Belleview (NAIA) Shaw University (Division II) Shaw University (Division II) Central Baptist College (NAIA) Colorado Mesa College (Division II) Colorado Mesa College (Division II) Idaho State (Division I) Nebraska-Kearney (DII)/Pittsburg State (NAIA) Emporia State (DII) Bellevue University (NAIA) McPherson College (NAIA) Barber Scotia College (DII) University of Mary (Division II)

Baseball -- Nate Giefer Baseball -- Brevin Baessler Baseball -- Ryan Grasser Baseball -- Brock Randels Basketball --Sladjana Rakovic Basketball -- Zeynep Canbaz Basketball -- Bree Paulson Soccer -- Sierra Benevides Soccer -- Janie McAmis Soccer -- Mateaus Campos Soccer -- JP Santos Volleyball -- Kaylee Spreier Volleyball -- Alwaise Villa Volleyball -- Lara Picht Volleyball -- Barbara Briceno Volleyball -- Danika Daum Basketball -- Jeremy Ruffin Basketball -- Daylon Harris 2015-16 Baseball -- Jack Pauley Baseball -- Jayden Holman Baseball -- Brad Brown Baseball -- Beau Lofink Basketball -- Kalli Feddersen Basketball -- Brooke Zimmerman Basketball -- Hannah Sparks Soccer -- Izzy Hunter Soccer -- Rhiannon Castle Soccer -- Hannah Wilke Soccer -- Corrie McDonald Soccer -- Blake Wills Soccer -- Jorge Ortega Soccer -- Omar Guzman Soccer -- Miguel Enriquez Soccer -- Trey Winters Volleyball -- Fabiana Andrade Volleyball -- Keala Kaio-Perez Volleyball -- Katy Ernest Basketball -- Phil Fayne Basketball -- Tyrell Williams Basketball -- Mason Smith Basketball -- Derrick Bowers Basketball -- Chase Mason Softball -- Courtney Medina Softball -- Kenzie Sawyer Softball -- Andy Hancock Softball -- Whitney Fields Softball -- Christian Bobian 2014-15 Basketball -- Preston Christensen Basketball -- Diante Mitchell Basketball -- Abi Lujan Basketball -- Yeliz Dogan Basketball -- Lile Havili Basketball -- Lyndie Puckett Basketball -- Angela Vigil Soccer -- Whitney Parker Soccer -- Jordyn Seidel Soccer -- Ivan Sakou Soccer -- Sage Pemberton Soccer -- Jose Ceron Soccer -- Guilherme Carmago Soccer -- Mark Campbell Volleyball -- Leticia Silva Volleyball -- Kylie Fa’amoe Softball -- Jessica Ball Softball -- Jordan Smith Softball -- Kelsey Bernhardt Softball -- Lindsay Guymon Softball -- Courtney Cloud Softball -- Maddie Davis 2013-14 Baseball -- John Timmins Softball -- Angel Council Softball -- Ravae Herrera Softball -- Shelby McGraw Basketball -- Ashley Stevens Basketball -- Laurin Rivera Basketball -- Shalisa Moffitt Volleyball -- Morgan Broussard Volleyball -- Luiza Martins Volleyball -- Priscila Mendas

Colorado School of MInes (Division II) McPherson College (NAIA) Ft. Hays State University (Division II) NW Oklahoma State University (Division II) University of Wyoming (DI) Middle Tennessee State (DI)/Benedictine (NAIA) St. Boniventure (DI) / Miami Ohio (D1) Bethany College (NAIA) Black Hills State College (DII) Our Lady of the Lake College (NAIA Dakota College in South Dakota (NAIA) Dakota College in South Dakota (NAIA) Oral Roberts University (DI) University of South Florida (DI) Henderson State University (DII) Chadron State College (DII) University of Pitt-Johnstown (DII) University of Northern Colorado (DI) University of Northern Colorado (DI) U. of Nebraska Kearney (DII) Adams State (DII) Chadron State College (DII) McPherson College (NAIA) Montana Tech (NAIA) Point Park College (NAIA) University of Louisiana Alexandria (DII) York College (NAIA) York College (NAIA) Hastings College (NAIA) University of Louisiana Alexandria (DII) University of Louisiana Alexandria (DII) University of Louisiana Alexandria (DII) Southwestern College in Kansas (NAIA) University of California Bakersfield (DI) University of Alaska Anchorage (DII) University of Nebraska Kearney (DII) Illinois State University (DI) Iona University (DI) Westminster College (Utah) (DII) Oklahoma Wesleyan (NAIA) University of Texas at Tyler (DII) Lubbock Christian (NAIA) Dixie State College (DII) Colorado Mesa (DII) Adams State (DII) New Mexico Highlands Minnesota State, Mankato (DII) University of Alaska Anchorage (DII) U. of Nebraska Omaha (DI) Rider University (DI) Rio Grande Valley (DI) Colorado Christian University (DII) Chadron State College (DII) U. of Louisiana Monroe (DI) Bellevue University (NAIA) Virginia Commonwealth U. (DI) Eastern Oregon University (NAIA) York College (NAIA) York College (NAIA) Missouri Valley (NAIA) Auburn University (DI) University of Texas International (DII) University of Louisiana Tech (DI) Utah State University (DI) Doane College (NAIA) Doane College (NAIA) Carroll College (NAIA) U. of New Mexico Highlands (DII) Bellevue University (NAIA) Langston University (NAIA) Langston University (NAIA) William Jewell College (DII) Colorado Mesa (DII) Colorado Mesa (DII) Adams State (DII) University of Texas San Antonio (DI) Cal State Bakersfield (DI) Oklahoma Baptist (DII)

— Any additions, email Mark at mrein@wncc.edu.

ALUMNI ATHLETIC NEWS

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

A look back of Cougar athletics in pictures

The upcoming Cougar Beat Issue in a few weeks What to expect in the next issue ...

2020 WNCC Athlete Graduates

Associate of Science Austin Abbott, Baseball Luis Alcantara, Baseball Hannah Baesler, Softball Ana Costas, Volleyball Sam Davis, Softball Tylar Davis, Softball Caroline Vieira, Soccer Vinicius Viana, Soccer Sidnee Hogan, Softball Teddy Allen, Men’s Basketball Daniel Mattyasovsky, Soccer Elliott McNeave, Baseball Ethan “Q” Miller, Baseball Tishara Morehouse, Women’s Basketball Hunter Nelson, Baseball Rafaella Ornelas, Soccer Rafaela Passos, Soccer Gabriel Saturno, Soccer Adia Sherbeyn, Volleyball

Bernardo Torres, Soccer Yuliyana Valcheva, Women’s Basketball Chandler Young, Baseball Associate of Arts Lindsey Allie, Softball Ruam Barbosa, Soccer Tayna Bertani, Soccer 2018 Gabriela Canavati, Volleyball Scott Dike, Soccer Kendall Glasgow, Softball 2019 Emma Glawson, Softball Lisa Haferkamp, Soccer Kyler Harris, Baseball Taylor Joplin, Women’s Basketball Amy Romero, Soccer Kenny Strawbridge, Men’s Basketball

— A respective look at the 2020 Cougar graduates ­ A look at the WNCC — award winners from the annual award ceremony including sports MVPs, unsung hero winners, and others. All-in-all, 31 athletes received honors — A few more stories being worked on — More photos from past years ­— A few surprises — A couple Q and As

Associate of Applied Science John Betsch, Baseball

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