Cougar Beat -- WNCC's Athletic Newsletter -- Issue 15, Jan. 18, 2019

Behind the scenes of Cougar Athletics

COUGAR BEAT

Western Nebraska Community College

January 18, 2019 Issue 15

Scoring Punch

WNCC women Putting up numbers

What’s In A Number

5 The number of players on the baseball team from

Nebraska. They include Austin Abbot of Gering, Trent Richter from Scottsbluff, Paul Panduro from Scottsbluff, Braden Lofink of Scottsbluff, and Orey Fricke of Ogallala. __________________

24 The amount of points that Jervay Green

needs to collect his 1,000 career at WNCC and become the 14th player in WNCC history to accomplish that feat. __________________

76 The amount of points as of January 14

that Merle Wiehl needs to break the career scoring record of 1,026 set by Penny Mallet in 1981-83. Wiehl has 951 points so far in her career. __________________

122 The season 3-point record held by Rick Kinner back in 199596 season. __________________

1,033 The record for most points scored in

one season by a men’s basketball player. The record is held by Eric Gore in 1989-90.

This Week in Cougar Athletes Friday, January 18

l Men’s Basketball: AWAY at Northeastern JC, Sterling, Colo.. 7:30 p.m. p AUDIO: http://www.gifamilyradio.com/kozy/index.html p VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsLRo8BxSACzeAXBiluLXNA

l Women’s Basketball: AWAY at Northeastern JC, Sterling, Colo.. 5:30 p.m. p AUDIO: http://www.gifamilyradio.com/kozy/index.html p VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsLRo8BxSACzeAXBiluLXNA Saturday, January 19

l High School Basketball: Scottsbluff and Gering, Cougar Palace 5:30 p.m. p Girl’s game at 5:30 p.m., Boy’s game at 7 p.m.

l Men’s Basketball: AWAY at Lamar CC, Lamar, Colo.. 4 p.m. p VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0aBtHE9UM29OwO0ww_AP7A

l Women’s Basketball: AWAY at Lamar CC, Lamar, Colo.. 2 p.m. p VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0aBtHE9UM29OwO0ww_AP7A Tuesday, January 22

l Men’s Basketball: HOME vs. McCook, Cougar Palace. 7:30 p.m. p AUDIO: http://www.gifamilyradio.com/kozy/index.html p VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qepd9zrojKc

l Women’s Basketball: HOME vs. McCook, Cougar Palace. 5:30 p.m. p AUDIO: http://www.gifamilyradio.com/kozy/index.html p VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qepd9zrojKc Friday, January 25

l Men’s Basketball: AWAY at North Platte CC, North Platte, Neb.. 6:30 p.m. p AUDIO: http://www.gifamilyradio.com/kozy/index.html Monday, January 28

l Women’s Basketball: HOME vs. Casper, Cougar Palace, 6 p.m. p AUDIO: http://www.gifamilyradio.com/kozy/index.html p VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsdbyjDL5ro Wednesday, January 30

l Women’s Basketball: AWAY at Northeast CC, Norfolk, Neb., 4 p.m. p AUDIO: http://www.gifamilyradio.com/kozy/index.html Friday, February 1

l High School Basketball: Western Trails Conference, Cougar Palace Saturday, February 2

l High School Basketball: Western Trails Conference, Cougar Palace Sunday, February 3

l Women’s Basketball: HOME vs. Trinidad State, Cougar Palace. 2 p.m. p AUDIO: http://www.gifamilyradio.com/kozy/index.html p VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_SFg--d-rs

l Men’s Basketball: HOME vs. Trinidad State, Cougar Palace. 4 p.m. p AUDIO: http://www.gifamilyradio.com/kozy/index.html p VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_SFg--d-rs Tuesday, February 5

l Men’s Basketball: AWAY at McCook, McCook, Neb.. 6:30 p.m. p AUDIO: http://www.gifamilyradio.com/kozy/index.html

l Women’s Basketball: AWAY at McCook, McCook, Neb.. 4:30 p.m. p AUDIO: http://www.gifamilyradio.com/kozy/index.html

l Softball: AWAY at Frank Phillips, Borger, Texas,. TBA Wednesday, February 6

l Softball: AWAY at Howard College, Big Springs, Texas,. TBA Thursday, February 7

l Softball: AWAY at Howard College, Big Springs, Texas,. TBA

A look back at 2018

Top 10 highlights from an exciting 2018 including a Region IX championship, academic honors

10

The number 10 highlight goes to former Cougar soccer player Manolo Garcia, who works for in the front office of the Atlanta United of the MLS. What happened here is that Garcia was part of Atlanta history when the United captured the MLS soccer cup in December by defeating the Portland Timbers 2-0. Garcia has been a part of winning teams since finishing up his soccer playing days as a coaching assistant at West Virginia, at Clemson, and not with the Atlanta United. Garcia played for the Cougars in 2010 and 2011 before going on to play at Belmont Abbey College.

9

The number nine event goes to the 17 WNCC athletes earned NJCAA Academic honors while achieving a 3.60 grade point average or higher. WNCC had 33 athletes earn Region IX All-Academic honors with a 3.25 GPA. Two Cougar athletes received the highest honor, earning First-Team designation with perfect 4.0 GPAs last semester from the NJCAA. Men’s soccer player Andre Matzuda of Lima, Peru, earned his second-straight honor, while volleyball player Kirstee Trees of Riverton, Wyoming, earned her first FirstTeam honor after being on the second team last year. While Trees and Matzuda earned First Team honors, seven student-athletes earned Second Team honors (3.80-3.99 GPA), while another eight earned Third Team accolades with a GPA between 3.60–3.79. The Cougar baseball team, for the second straight year, had the most players on the NJCAA academic list with five representatives. They included on the second-team sophomores Nathanael Andresen of Gilbert, Arizona, and Jonathan Bermudez of Miami. Third-team honors were bestowed upon sophomore Cooper Buchhammer of Scottsbluff, and freshmen Kale Litzelman of Hotchkiss, Colorado, and Brevin Owen of Peyton, Colorado. The softball team had the most women’s players earn national academic honors with four. Soph-

Manolo Garcia kisses the MLS Cup in front of the Atlanta United logo. Garcia works in the front office of the Atlanta United, who won the MLS Cup with a 2-0 win over Portland. omores Alysaa Guyman of Stansbury, Utah, and Beanie Luttig of Kennard earned Second-team honors, while freshmen Emma McMillan of Abbotsford, British Columbia, and Reagan Solomon of Farmington, Utah, earned Third-team honors. Also receiving Second-team honors were freshmen women’s basketball players Eva Langton of Stratford, New Zealand, and Merle Wiehl of Gottingen, Germany; and men’s basketball player sophomore Djordje Dimitrijevic of Serbia. Third-team honors went to women’s basketball player Olivia Wiberg of Hyrum, Utah, women’s soccer player Morgan Smith of Gering, and men’s soccer player Eseah Ingram of Scottsbluff. While 17 WNCC student-athletes earned national academic, 33 Cougar athletes earned Region IX academic honors. The Cougar baseball team led all Cougar teams with 12 members on the Region IX academic list followed by the women’s basketball and softball teams with six players each. Matzuda and Trees led the Region IX list with their 4.0 GPAs. Cougar baseball players that made the Re-

gion IX academic list include Andresen, Bermudez, Buchhammer, Litzelman and Owen, from the NJCAA academic list.

Other baseball players that earned Region IX academic honors included sophomores Esai Hernandez of Gering, Tommy McRill of Parker, Colorado, Tyler Olson of Olathe, Kansas, Tyler Shubert of Windsor, Colorado, and Cole Williams of Parker, Colorado; and freshman Zach Berg of Parker, Colorado, and Nathan Kolb of Cloverdale, British Columbia. The women’s basketball team and softball team each had six players make the list. Basketball players on the list include sophomores Sophie Agorakis of Melbourne, Australia; Melisa Kadic of West Valley City, Utah, Giovanna Silva of Brazilla, Brazil, and Olivia Wiberg of Hyrum, Utah; and freshmen Langton and Wiehl.

Softball players include Guymon, Luttig, McMillan, Solomon, along with sophomores Brooke Doumer of Parker, Colorado, and Madi Jackson of Herriman, Utah, Other members of the All-region academic

Story continued on next page

2018 in Review: continued from previous page team include freshman volleyball player Logan Belford of Loveland, Colorado; sophomore women’s soccer player Morgan Smith of Scottsbluff; sophomore men’s basketball players Dimitrijevic and Milos Popovic of Serbia, and freshman Marko Rajanovic also of Serbia; and sophomore men’s soccer players Eseah Ingram of Scottsbluff and Felipe Torres of Guarulhos, Brazil.

8

The 8th top highlight goes to the WNCC softball team finished third at the Region IX tournament in May with some exciting play. The softball team, who had 11 healthy bodies for much of the season, played inspired. The Cougars opened play with a 6-4, 8-inning win over top-seed Lamar Community College. The Cougars then fell in the next round in a close contest 8-6 to Otero. WNCC tied the game in the sixth with two outs as Madi Jackson walked to bring in the tying run. WNCC won the game in the eighth as Marlee Grant and Alyssa Guymon singled. Brooke Doumer scored one with a run-scoring double and Jackson scores another run on a sac fly.

WNCC then fell to Trinidad State.

7

The men’s soccer team comes in at number seven as they put together back-to-back winning seasons after going 9-6 this year. In 2017, the Cougars won a school record 12 games. This year’s highlight was a 13-0 win over Colorado Northwestern to start a 4-game winning streak.

WNCC fell in the first round of the playoffs 1-0 to Laramie County Community College, who went on to win the regional title.

The 2018 Cougar softball team after their last home game with the 11 active players minus one. The team took third at regionals and are No. 8 on the Top 10 highlights.

The men’s soccer team earned the No. 7 with another strong 9-win season and earning back-to-back winning seasons.

Number 5 goes to the 2018 WNCC volleyball team. The Cougar women brought lots of excitement to the fans as they had five matches where they won in five sets in comeback fashion. The comeback action started with the first home game of the year when Laramie County Community College came to town. The Golden Eagles won the first two sets 25-18, 25-23 before the Cou-

5

gars responded with authority winning the next three 25-16, 25-23, and 15-12. The Cardiac kids had another five-setter at the Salt Lake tournament when they needed five sets to down Central Wyoming College 28-30, 25-18, 27-25, 19-25, and 18-16.

The Cougars also needed five sets to down Utah State Eastern at the Las Vegas Invite when they won 25-12, 25-21, 20-25, 2025, 15-11. A big five-set win happened in

Story continued on next page

6

The WNCC women’s soccer team, who have struggled winning matches the past couple of years, put together a solid season by finishing 4-8-2 on the season, including back-to-back wins on the road when they beat Trinidad State Junior College 1-0 on a Caroline Vieira goal in the 70th minute, followed by a 3-2 win over NJC when Thais Nayara scored her second goal with 19 minutes to play for the win. The Cougars followed that up by tying Gillette at home 2-2 as Nayara scored the tying goal.

The women’s soccer team come in at No. 6 after putting together a 4-win season, including winning back-to-back games.

2018 in Review: continued from previous page Sterling, Colorado, on October 5 when they surprised a ranked NJC team 26-24, 20-25, 25-20, 21-25, 15-11. The final five-set win came at regionals against Northwest College. The Trappers won the first two 2519, 25-21 before WNCC stormed back to win the next three 25-17, 25-23, 15-4 for the win. WNCC also lost a couple five-setters, including one to Indian Hills to start the season, where they were up 2-0 before falling in the next three sets. The Cougars also lost two five-setters the end of October, one to Iowa Western Community College where the Reivers led 2-0 before WNCC came back to win sets three and four 25-21, 25-17 before falling 17-15 in the fifth. The other loss was to LCCC on the road where the same thing happened when the Golden Eagles won the first two sets 25-13, 25-20 before the Cougars won the next two 25-17, 25-17 before falling in the fifth set 16-14.

the players saw Western Nebraska C.C. pop up on the TV screen, the media room went loud with enthusiasm. The Cougars earned the trip to nationals and would play Tallahassee Community College, who was also an at-large team in the first round. WNCC competed hard against Tallahassee before falling 97-85. WNCC scored the most points against Tallahassee, who went on to win the national title.

Number three goes to the baseball team and it is because of former players or players that just graduated in May. What happened here was the former Cou-

3

gars Alex Achtermann, Brandon Bachar, Esai Hernandez, Jack Pauley, along with Cougar coach Mike Jones and Cougar athletic trainer Doug Jones were all part of the inaugural Western Nebraska Pioneers summer collegiate baseball team that went on to win the Expedition League title in dominating fashion, winning 16-4 over the Badland Big Sticks. Former Cougar Claude Bova also started the season with the Pioneers before returning home to Australia for the summer. The team played at Oregon Trail Park Stadium in Gering. Several Cougars are also committed to playing with the Pioneers this summer including Hunter Parker and Mitch Osborne.

Story continued on next page

4

It was an exciting time for the WNCC women’s basketball team last March as they earned a second trip to the NJCAA national tournament and they are the fourth top highlight of 2018. The berth to go to nationals wasn’t easy. In fact it was an intense time in the process. The Cougars thought their season was over after falling to Casper College 85-75 in the Region IX championship game. After that it was a wait-and-see-time as the team waited for the at-large teams to be announced. It took some time and with the final pairings to be announced, when ABOVE Former WNCC players Alex Achterman, Esai Hernandez, Jack Pauley, and Brandon Bachar, alone with head coach Mike Jones and Cougar athletic trainer Doug Jones were part of the Western Nebraska Pioneers during the past season. The Pioneers captured the Expedition League championship in the first year of the league.

LEFT: The 2018 WNCC volleyball team in a team photo before the season.

FAR LEFT: WNCC women’s basketball players embrace after seeing that they were selected as an at-large team for the national tournament. WNCC fell in the first round to eventual champion Tallahassee C.C.

2018 in Review: continued from previous page

2

Number two on the list happened by two individuals as they broke longtime school scoring records. On Feb. 4, Karlie Seay poured in 48 points breaking a 39-yearold women’s basketball scoring record when she scored the 48 points in a 92-81 win over EWC on the road. The previous record was set in February 1979 by Mary Ullrich. Seay made eight two, four 3-pointers, and was 12 of 13 from the free throw line. Seay had 16 points at halftime and scored 32 in the second half. The other scoring record happened on December 16 when sophomore Jervay Green set a school record of 51 points in the 102-93 loss to Iowa Lakes in the Cougars final game before the holiday break. Green’s 51 points breaks a school record that has stood for 50 years as the University of Nebraska recruit became the first Cougar to score 50 points in a game. The previous record was 49 points by Billy Stewart back on December 12, 1965, and then Eric Gore, who scored his 49 points at the national tournament against San Jacinto College in 1990. Green’s 51 points included 10 3-pointers.

1

The Western Nebraska Community College men’s basketball take the top event of 2018 after the Cougar men captured the Region IX title in March with a 86-78

Number 23 must be the lucky number to break game scoring records in 2018. On the left, Jervay Green dunks during a game. Green scored 51 points to break the game-scoring record of 49 points set by Billy Stewart and Eric Gore. On the right is Karlie Seay who broke the scoring record by scoring 48 points in a game against EWC last spring. win over Otero Junior College at LaJunta, Colorado. The win snapped a 17-year hiatus of Region IX champs for the Cougars and brought the Cougars back to the top of the region. At the national tournament,

WNCC went 1-1, opening the tournament with a 87-73 win over Holmes Community College before falling to Northwest Florida State College 109-91.WNCC sent five players on to the next level from that team.

Cougar men still scoring

WNCC men bounce back from 3-game losing skid for big win over Otero Junior College

The Western Nebraska Community College men’s basketball team never trailed and rolled to a 103-87 Region IX South sub-region win over Otero Junior College Friday night at Cougar Palace, snapping a 3-game losing skid.

Marquis White, who finished with 17 points, said this was a good performance from the entire team.

“I thought we played really good. We finally locked into the defensive side,” White said. “I think we held them to under 40 percent in the first half. That was really key for us and I know it was big for our coach for us to play defense.”

More importantly, the win stopped that losing streak and White said it feels good to get back on the winning side of things.

“It was a big win for us to get out of the losing column,” White said. “Every time we lose a game we want to bounce back with a win. We don’t want to lose period, so this is a big win for us to get back in the win column, lift our spirits up and hopefully get some momentum here.”

The Cougars had colorful scoring on the night. Roub and Bryce Sanchious led the team with 22 points followed by 19 from Green, 17 from White, and 14 from Dru Kuxhausen.

WNCC shot 57 percent from the field and buried 9 of 27 3-pointers. Sanchious had three treys, while Kuxhausen and Green each had two.

The win, more importantly, keeps the Cougars unbeaten in Region IX South subregion action. Even though it is just one game, the fact that Otero topped the Cougars twice last year in the regular season made this game huge.

But it doesn’t get any easier for the Cougar men as they hit the road for 3 of 4 straight subregion contests, beginning Friday and Saturday, Jan. 18 and 19, along with a road trip to North Platte on Jan. 25.

In between those games, the Cougars will host McCook on Jan. 22.

This weekends men’s contest t will be just as competitive despite teams with opposite records for the two rivals The Cougar men, who fell out of the NJCAA Top 25 this week

Martin Roub takes an outside shot against Otero on Jan. 11. Roub is averaging 16.7 points for the 13-5 Cougar men. WNCC will have road games at NJC and Lamar this weekend before hosting McCook on Jan. 22. after falling to Laramie County Community College on a buzzer-beater 93-90, topped NJC twice a year ago.

The Cougar men are averaging 95.6 points a game while shooting 42 percent from the 3-point arc. On top of the high-octane offense, the Cougars are sharing the ball well, averaging 16 assists a game.

NJC dropped two contests last week, falling 72-59 to Sheridan College and then losing 76-68 to Colorado Northwestern.

The Plainsmen are averaging 77.9 points a game and shooting just 34 percent from beyond the arc.

NJC has just two players averaging in double figures. Nykolas Lange and Mohamed Diallo are both averaging 11.9 points a game. On the flip side, the Cougars

have six players averaging double digits, led

by University of Nebraska recruit Jervay Green at 25.2 points.

Next in line is Dru Kuxausen at 17.8, Martin Roub at 16.7, Bryce Sanchioius at 15.5, Henry Tanksley at 11, and Marquis White at 10 points.

Green is also nearing a milestone in Cougar history. The 6-foot-3 guard needs just 24 points to become the 14th player in Cougar history score 1,000 points. Only three players since 2000 have scored over 1,000 career points. They were Tommie King (1999-2001) with 1,086 points, Francisco Cruz (2008-10) with 1,183, and Vinnie Shahid (2016-18) with 1,079. Bernard Garner holds the record with 1,204 points set in 1995.

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)

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 High Rebounders: Roub 13, Green 7, Warren 7 86-94 53-48 Indian Hills Community College......................................... 12/14 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

Cougar women still going

After 20-point loss to Casper, Cougar women win big against Northeast, Otero There are plenty of goals on the books for the women’s basketball team.

The two most obvious ones is to host and win the Region IX tournament. To accomplish part of that goal of hosting, the Cougars need to win the Region IX South sub-region.

The Cougar women took a big step forward in accomplishing that by winning the South subregion opener when they topped Otero Junior College 104-66.

That win, though, is just one of many conference games that will be coming up for the Cougar women, including a Jan. 1818 road trip to Northeastern Junior College and Lamar Community College.

WNCC’s conference opener win was one of offense and defense put together.

WNCC was clicking from start to finish on Saturday against Otero. The Cougars first five field goals were all 3-pointers as they went up 15-6. Eva Langton had the first trey and then Tishara Morehouse and Taylor Joplin each had two treys. WNCC led 27-14 after one quarter.

Langton said this team has plenty of offensive weapons.

“We always talk about how much better we are when we play together,” Langton said. “We always talk about making extra passes and we did that tonight.”

Merle Wiehl led all scorers with 22 points. Wiehl knocked down four 3-pointers and the sophomore from Germany moved into second place on the career scoring chart with 951 points passing Shana Coleman who had 944 career points.

Wiehl had plenty of support on offense.

Tishara Morehouse had 18 points and two treys, while Taylor Joplin had 16 points and four 3-pointers. Yuliyana Valcheva tallied 11 points and a trey, while R’Manie Pulling had 10 points and a 3-pointer.

Langton and Allysah Boothe each had two 3-pointers to finish out the Cougars 16 treys on the afternoon.

It is that type offense and defense the Cougar women will need to win the South sub-region and host the Region IX tournament like they did two years ago while

Andrijana Reljic goes up for two points in a win over Northeast Community College.

WNCC is 14-3 on the season as they begin their sub-region schedule. winning the regional title with a defensive effort win against Eastern Wyoming College in the final seconds.

The WNCC women have an explosive team, too, on the offensive side. WNCC is averaging 91.9 points a game, which is fourth in the nation behind Wahash Valley (99.8), Tallahassee (96.1), and Harford (92.3).

The Cougar women also are the fifth-best 3-point shooting team in the country at 38.5 percent and lead the nation with 202 made

treys. WNCC is also fifth in the nation in total field goal shooting at 48.2 percent WNCC also leads the nation in another category -- free throw shooting. WNCC is shooting 77.5 percent from the charity stripe with Otero, who WNCC beat on Jan. 12 in second place. Morehouse leads the nation in free throw shooting, making 94.9 percent of her free shots (37-of-39).

WNCC will next be at home Jan. 22 when they host McCook in a sub-region game.

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)

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

20

QUESTIONS with R’Manie Pulling, Women’s Basketball

R’Manie Pulling is a freshman from Denver and a graduate of East High School. Pulling only participated in basketball at East high school, being voted as one of the top three players in the state.

1RP:How is the season going so far?

So far the season is going pretty well.

2in scoring?

Why is this team so offensive minded RP: We have all kinds of players that can score the ball. Literally, every single person on our team can put the ball in the basket.

3between What has been the biggest difference high school and college basketball?

RP: Definitely the pace. It is a lot faster and you have to be thinking quickly.

4careerWhatlikewasandyourwhathighwasschool basketball some of your

memories?

RP: My high school basketball career had its ups and downs. But some good memories that I can think of was being of the top three players in the state. That is pretty cool.

5WNCC? How did you end up coming to RP: Well Chad Gibney ended up two of my season games and I saw him a multiple times at my AAU games. Every time he kept persuading me more and more to visit. Then when I got out here for my visit, I was sold.

spell. My name gets confused for a whole bunch of other stuff all the time.

RP: That is a great question. My favorite restaurant has to be Cheddar’s. It is in Colorado.

6WhereWhatdo youis want your goal after WNCC? 8 Did you just do basketball in high to play at and what is school or did you do other sports?

11 Was it hard coming from the Denyour dream school?

RP: I was just a basketball player. ver area, which is big, to Scottsbluff?

RP: I don’t have a dream school; I am just trying to get to the next level in all honestly. So, whatever school that may be, I am ready.

7WasHow did you get your name R’Manie? it hard to spell it?

RP: Honestly, my mom just wanted to name me something unique. She just choose her regular name and put her own spin on the spelling. More than likely it was hard to

9and why?

What is your favorite athletic brand

RP: Mt favorite athletic brand has to be Nike because Nike is a mixture of everything. You have Michael Jordan in there, and there stuff is high quality so you get what you pay for.

10 Favorite restaurant to eat at?

RP: Yes, it was very hard. There is not really very much to do out here and in Colorado you can find something to do almost every day.

12 What do you think of the Broncos new head coach?

RP: Hopefully he can get us back on track and some more good players so we can start winning again because this losing streak is not good.

Story continued from previous page

Pulling: continued from previous page 13 What is your favorite app on your phone?

RP: My favorite athlete is Kyrie Irving, a guard for the Boston Celtics.

14 What is your least favorite app on your phone?

is it.

RP: My favorite app has to be Snapchat.

RP: My least favorite app as to be the Blackboard app because it always reminds me that I have homework to start.

15 What is the last movie that you watched?

RP: I went to go see the remake of Mary Poppins. I liked it but I like Mary Poppins all together.

16 Favorite athlete?

17 Hobbies?

RP: I play basketball, I sleep, and I eat. That 18 What is your spirit animal.?

RP: I am my own spirit animal.

19 If you could have dinner with any three people, dead or alive, who would it

be and why?

RP: If I could have dinner with any three people, it would go Barack Obama, Kyrie Irving, and Michael Jordan. Barack Obama because he was the first black president and I have some questions for him about our

new president and what he thinks. Kyrie Irving because like I said that is my favorite athlete and I kind of feel like I am underrated like he is, and Michael Jordan because I have questions for him of how he feels about everyone comparing Labron James to him.

20 What will it take for this team to win a Region IX title?

RP: For us to win a Region IX title, it will take all of us coming together as one, it will take us to continue sharing the ball as we do, it will take everyone to continue playing their roles and for them to know what to as individuals to contribute to our team as a whole, and it will take our coaching staff to keep us together, level-headed, and on track.

Cougar Culture

Mickie Mills

Arnoldo Maltos-Garcia

Favorite Cereal

Captain Crunch

Who will win the Super Bowl

R’Manie Pulling

Bryce Sanchious

Fruity Pebbles

Captain Crunch

Cinnamon Toast Crunch

Lucky Charms

Patriots

Saints

Saints

Chiefs

Saints

Green

Red

Blue

Blue

Red

Drowning

Drowning

Snakes

How I’m Going to die

Pegasus

Bezo

Rhinestone

Softball

Favorite M&M Color Worst Fear

Dogs

A name for a horse

Daisy

Baseball

Buckeye

Women’s Basketball Men’s Basketball

Merrissa Espinoza

Women’s Soccer

Mitchell’s Gillen inks with WNCC volleyball Mitchell’s Anabelle Gillen has dreamed of playing volleyball for Western Nebraska Community College since her freshman year. That dream became reality on Tuesday with Gillen signed with the Cougars.

Gillen’s decision to sign with WNCC wasn’t a difficult one after WNCC head coach Binny Canales, who has watched her play for four years, offered her a scholarship.

“WNCC was definitely my first school,” Gillen said. “I wanted to go there for a while now, staying close to home and having my family right there. I was thinking about Black Hills State, but when Binny gave me the offer, I knew this was going to be it.“ Canales said he knew, from the first time he watched her play, that she could be a special volleyball player.

“I have been watching her since she was a freshman,” Canales said. “She is one of the first kids we saw in camps here and athletically we expect great things from her. I am very thankful to sign her and she makes Western Nebraska volleyball better.”

Gillen said just watching WNCC volleyball play was something that she wanted.

“As a kid I always liked going and watching WNCC play. It is always amazing to watch college athletes and watch how they do things and look up to them,” Gillen said.

“When I was a freshman Coach Binny [Canales] and I started talking more, and I started to get more excited. That is what led me to WNCC right away.”

That dream to be a Cougar athlete and be looked up to like so many of the WNCC athletes are, was a dream Gillen couldn’t resist.

“Ever since I was a kid and going to watching them and realizing that is what I wanted to be and look up to,” Gillen said.

“When I knew I had that opportunity, I knew I had to jump on it.”

Gillen’s passion for volleyball grew more intense after her senior season when she took off the Tiger volleyball uniform for the final time. She knew how much she loved the game.

“It [signing to play college volleyball] is more than I ever could ask for,” Gillen said.

“I knew after volleyball season was over it couldn’t end there. I had to find a way to play at another level.”

Gillen had a sensational volleyball career. She also excelled in basketball and track and field, but her heart was with vol-

Mitchell’s Anabelle Gillen poses for a picture alongside WNCC volleyball coach Binny Canales, Mitchell coach Michelle Peters, and her parents. Gillen is a 3-sport player at Mitchell, participating in volleyball, basketball, and track. leyball.

“As much as I love basketball, it was pretty easy that I would decide to do volleyball over basketball,” Gillen said.

Gillen has been a vital cog to the Tiger volleyball program over the past four years.

Gillen finished her volleyball career with 1,318 set assists and 748 kills. Gillen also had 1,211 digs, 201 aces and finished with a .225 hitting efficiency.

This past fall, Gillen was part of a Tiger program that went 22-7. Gillen led the team in assists with 463, ace serves with 68, and service points with 239. She also had 113 kills and 242 digs.

Gillen said it has been a pleasure being a part of a Mitchell senior class the past four years.

“It has been a blessing playing with all these girls,” she said. “They know I would do anything for them. Ever since we were little, we were hanging out and being really close and know that if something doesn’t go your way the team is right there behind your back to pick you up.”

Gillen has earned a number of honors during her four years at Mitchell both athletically and academically. She was a NSAA Academic All-state all four years, third team all-region in volleyball in 2016 and 2017, Western Trails Conference and Western Conference All-Conference all four years, and was all-state honorable mention by the Omaha World Herald and Lincoln

Journal Star.

At the college level, she will take things that Mitchell volleyball coach Michelle Peters kept telling them as she continues improving. “[I will take with me] Determination and knowing that coach told us that good kids are first and athletes second,” she said.

“So, I need to make sure I keep my studies up,, being a good person on and off the court, and putting everything in my sports.”

Gillen is planning on majoring in premed and wants to be a RN, but she said it might change a few times.

Former basketball players excelling overseas Several former WNCC men’s basketball players are playing professional overseas and having good seasons.

Former Cougar JP Batista, a 6-9 center who played for the Cougars from 2002-03, plays pro in Brazil. Recently, Batista led Mogi das Cruzes/Helbor to a victory over Joinville 90-84 in the Brazilian NBB last Thursday. He was MVP of the game. Batista had a double-double by scoring 35 points and getting 11 rebounds in 39 minutes. His team, Mogi das Cruzes/Helbor (12-6) is fourth in the NBB. It’s Batista’s first season with the team. Batista is having a very good year with high stats. Batista averages 19.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game 15 games he played so far.

Another Cougar that is excelling is Scott Bamforth, who graduated from WNCC in 2010. Bamborth plays in Italy and was the main contributor in Banco di Srd’s victory against the 13th-ranked MIARO Cantu 97-88 in the Italian Serie A on Sunday night. He was MVP of the game.

Bamforth scored 24 points, had nine rebounds and dished four assists. Banco di Sardegna Sassari is sixth in the Serie A. It was his team’s seventh consecutive victory.

This season Bamforth averages 19 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game.

Bamforth is a naturalized Kosovan.

Sebastian Suarez is another Cougar that is having a strong season overseas. Suarez, a 6-4 guard who played 2011-13, currently is playing in Chile and playing in the Chilean Liga Nacional. His team is AB Ancud (0-2). But despite the loss, Suarez had a good performance gainst Los Leones in the Conferencia Sur where he scored 26 points. Suarez also added five rebounds and three assists in 33 minutes. Suarez is averaging 18.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game.

Francisco Cruz, a 6-3 guard who graduate from WNCC in 2010, plays pro in Spain and for the team Montakit Fuenlabrada in their game against JDA Dijon in the Basketball Champions League. He recorded ixpoints and added three passes. The sixthplaced Montakit Fuenlabrada was defeated 73-59 in Dijon by the higher-ranked JDA Dijon in the group C of Basketball Champions League. It was Montakit Fuenlabrada’s seventh consecutive loss in a row. Cruz is averaging 12 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists a game.

Deividas Busma, 7-foot center who

graduated from WNCC in 2011, plays professional in France and contributed to a Stade Rochelais Basket’s victory against the seventh-ranked Lorient 87-79 in the French NM1 (third division) on Saturday night. He was MVP of the game. Busma scored 19 points in 27 minutes. It is Busma’s first season with the team. This year he averages 6.8 points and 4.5 rebounds a game.

Andrew Ramirez, a 6-2 guard who played for the Cougars in the 2015-16 season, is currently in Spain and playing for the Spanish LEB Silver (third division) was not able to secure a victory for Tormes (413) in their last game on Sunday, despite scoring 13 points. Ramirez is averaging 6.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.2 steals.

Seven other former Cougars are also playing professionally. They include Willie Magnum, who played for WNCC in 201213, is playing for Campo Mourao in Brazilian Liga Ouro.

Ricards Pinne, a 6-5 guard who played for WNCC in 1997, plays for Latvijas Universitate in Latvian LatEstBL Miguel Gotti, a 6-8 center who played for WNCC, plays for Panteras de Costa del Este Panama City in Panamanian LPB. Julio Guity, a 6-7 forward who played for WNCC from 2013-15, plays for Bosna-Royal in Bosnia and Herzegovina Division I. Marko Kovacevic (6’11’’-C-90, played in 2010-11) plays for Gravenchon in French NM2 Doudou Gueye, a 6-10 center who

played for WNCC from 2012-14, plays for Dallas Fellowship Basketball in the The Basketball Tournament.

While there is plenty of men’s players playing, there are two Cougar women’s players playing professionally.

Grit Ryder, a 5-8 guard/forward who played for the Cougars in 2012-13, plays pro in Denmark. Ryder contributed to an easy victory against the closely-ranked Herlev, crushing them 86-65 in the Danish Dameligaen last Tuesday. She scored seen points in 22 minutes. Ryder has relatively good stats this year averaging 12.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 2.1 steals per game in nine games.

Another former Cougar playing overseas is Yeliz Dogan, a 6-foot forward who played for WNCC from 2013-15. Dugan plays for Hatay Bsb in the Turkish KBSL ­­ Information courtesy Sports I.T. Solu— tions (Eurobasket.com

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. Dawson Hurford.....Langley, British Columbia Kyle Pfeifer.............Langley, British Columbia Miguel Baez............................. Miami, Florida 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.

Cougar athletes bond with younger crowd Thursday night, January 17, several members of the WNCC athletic teams spent an hour bonding with youngsters in the UNL TEAMS mentoring program for a Meet the Cougars Night.

WNCC baseball player Paul Panduro, who was himself a part of the UNL TEAMS program when he was younger, said this is cool that the youngsters get to look up to the WNCC athletes.

“I actually think it is great for the community, and all the kids that are here because they are looking up to us, having fun and playing sports,” Panduro said. “It also goes more into our education in college, so they look up to us.”

Panduro said when he attended these evening get-togethers, he remembered looking up to the youngsters himself. Now, he is a Cougar athlete. “i remember when I was a sixth and seventh grader when I used to come to these events and I saw basketball and baseball players and I always looked up to them,” Panduro said. “I never thought I would become one of them as well and be a part of the program and learn.”

Panduro said TEAMS is an organization that helps the youngsters to learn leadership and prepares them for high school and beyond.

“It is a program where the kids learn to become leaders and to prepare them for college and high school,” Panduro, a Scottsbluff graduate who is a member of the Cougar baseball team, said. “It is a great program.”

The event featured the athletes playing volleyball, passing a volleyball, playing soccer, and playing basketball for the hour they

Soccer players Alan Pinho and Ramses Atahualpa pose with some of the kids after they scored a goal for a group shot just like the NFL players do when they score a touchdown. were at Cougar Palace.

The athletes had fun themselves. Softball player Madi Simons said she remembers looking up to the older kids as role models, so it is nice to be looked up to.

“I really enjoy playing and talking with the younger kids,” Simons said. “When I was a kid, I always looked up to the older kids and they were my role models. It is such a neat experience to be the older kid now and taking the time out of my day to simply go hold a conversation with them and play around. It is so cool to talk with them and hear their goals. I hope all of them the best and hope they can achieve their goals one day like I achieved mine.”

WNCC soccer player Alan Pinho also said the evening reminded him when he was younger back in Brazil.

“For me, playing with the youngsters means a lot things and the first thing in my mind was when I was young play soccer in

Story continued on next page

Cougar softball player Emma Flynn passes the ball during the Meet the Cougar night while playing with a UNL TEAMs member.

TEAMS:

continued from previous page

Two of the students play volleyball with members of the softball team. Cougar softball player Madi Simons looks on waiting for the ball.

A collection of Cougar athletes from the baseball, men’s basketball team, womens basketball team, volleyball, and baseball team pose for a picture while playing basketball together.

the streets back home,” he said. “Today, those kids could bring to me the same thing what fell when I was a kid, without pressure, without responsibility. The only thing what I was thinking is about enjoying the sports. As well, when I saw the youngsters introduction themselves to us, I could see they have desire and they think about their future, which is really cool nowadays.”

Softball player Devon Rees enjoyed the evening as well.

“It was super fun to joke around with some of the kids,” Rees said. “All the athletes were playing volleyball together with the kids and it was super cool to watch. I’m glad I got to be a part of such a fun event!”

Softball player Emma Flynn said, “It was great playing with the younger crew. It was fun to watch all of them want to be a part of each sport! Overall, really run.”

Panduro said it is nice to see all the Cougar athletes interacting and shows a different side of the Cougars.

“I think it great to be out here with them,” Panduro said. “We are interacting with them and playing with sports with them so they can see us, not as a role model, but also as their friend to go to, their teammates, and to be their friends.”

Two players celebrate a goal during the Meet the Cougars night with UNL TEAMs.

20

QUESTIONS with Kale Litzelman, Cougar Baseball

Kale Litzelman, a sophomore pitcher from Hotchkiss, Colorado, had a strong season last year for the Cougars, finishing last season with a 7.97 ERA with 24 strikeouts in 20.1 innings of work. Litzelman will be one of the keys for the season this year for the Cougars from the mound.

1thisHow is the baseball season looking year?

We have a lot of guys that are helping us out, especially some young guys that will contribute a lot. The big thing is we are a big team this year and not like one individual; there are a lot of guys that are ready to play and help each out every day.

2teamHooutdidforthethefallspring? season go to help the We really came out really hot. We played well and I enjoyed playing with the guys every day. Everybody showed up every day ready to work hard and win. That was refreshing to know that we were all on the same page.

3moreWhatseason? are your goals for your sopho-

iI am looking to help this team go as far as we can get. The dream goal is the World Series, but our main goal is trying to get a region title. I just want to be a big part of the team and help out as much as I can to win.

4ballHow long have you been playing baseand what were some of your high-

lights?

I started when I was 12 and started pitching when I was 13. I played on some allstar teams in Grand Junction, Colorado. In high school I had a good career with a lot of good guys. We were in the final four my sophomore year, quarterfinals my junior year. I got to play a lot of good baseball, too.

WNCC’s Kale Litzelman delivers a pitch during a February game last February against Miles Community College. Litzelman will be counted on this year to as a starter for the Cougar baseball team. a training facility down there. i didn’t play any games; I just worked out and worked on my mechanics.

6MyWho is your favorite MLB team? favorite MLB team is the Rockies.

7I likeWhoAdam is your baseball player?

Ottavino because he does well as a closer.

5youWhat did you do over the summer. Did 8WNCC? How did you end up coming to play baseball?

I went down and trained in Louisiana, just working on to be a better pitcher. I didn’t face a lot of batters; I tried to increase my velocity and just work on my mechanics so I could become a better pitcher. It was just

Actually I had major surgery for baseball.

I had Tommy John in my elbow my junior year from wrestling. I couldn’t play at all my junior year but I was still part of team.

I helped out. Then I came up and visited some schools and Coach Jones was the one that gave me the best shot. He has always believed in me from the beginning. So, I came here and I enjoyed the place, too.

9yourDoforyounexthaveyeara lotafterofWNCC? places looking at

i have a few. I am looking at one Division I and a couple DIIs and a couple NAIAs. i am looking at signing late in April. I have a few offers I can think about.

10 If you weren’t playing baseball here at this college, what do you see yourself doing?

Story continued on next page

Litzelman: continued from previous page it is hard because baseball gets me through school. I have never been a big school person. I take pride in my work, but I don’t do much other than baseball. I train all time so I don’t know really what I would be doing.

Maybe fishing.

11 What is your favorite cell phone app?

I really like Audible. I really like listening to audio books just because I am not a huge reading person. I like listening to books.

12 Favorite restaurant?

Here I like to eat at Steel Grill lot. I like the steak nachos.

has my mom’s ring on it and my dog’s ashes in it. I haven’t taken it off in probably nine months. Other than that, not really.

13 What are your hobbies? i like fishing, hunting, and working out. 16Did you play other sports in high school or just do baseball?

That is about it.

14 What is the focus when you get ready for a game?

i am a really scheduled person so i like having a specific meal in the morning and a light workout in the morning, too. I get a lot of confidence from watching my hitters taking batting practice. i like to get there early and hit ground balls and get them ready for the game. It kind of sidetracks me which is nice just to focus on what they are doing.

i was a 3-sport athlete. i did football and played football from when I was seven to senior in high school. I then wrestled in middle school up through high school, and then I played baseball also.

17 Were you pretty good in the other sports?

I was actually better in football than baseball at the time. I placed at state in Colorado in wrestling my junior year. Our team was the best in baseball, but I really enjoyed football and wrestling, too.

should someone come to WNCC? If you go to a big school, it is really different.

I got to meet a lot of people from all over the world and that is something I really enjoy. I have made friends here that I would never have met. My \best friend is from Australia and he moved on and we are still really close. Life long friendships are huge here and that is nice.

19 You are from Colorado and a long ways from home. Is being away from home hard to get used to?

Not really. I am the only kid from western Colorado, which is seven hours from here. i just knew I had to go somewhere to get better in what I was doing. i took that as a good thing.

20 You guys looking forward to get15 Do you have any superstitions? ting the season started in February?

Not really. I have this necklace that I wear. It 18Why do you like WNCC and why Everyone halfway through break was really excited to star playing and it definitely shows in practice whenever we practice reWNCC ally hard. Everyone is happy to be here and that is really enjoyable.

Athletes of the Week Female Athletes of the Week Male Athletes of the Week 21 Last year in January in the spring, you guys had to look for places to pracAug. 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. 12..............Yuliyana Valcheva, Bball Jan. 20.....................................................

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. 12................ Bryce Sanchious, Bball Jan. 20.....................................................

tice because of all the snow, so what is it like now to practice and not looking for placed to practice because of the mild winter?

That is really nice because we open up against Garden City and they have seven inches of snow on their field and we are taking live reps and it is warm enough to throw outside. it is really nice to be able to play outside even though we have a good indoor, it is nice to be outside and playing.

WNCC softball team opens up practice The WNCC softball team opened up practice last weekend in preparation for the coming season and they opened up with plenty of depth and talent.

WNCC features 21 players on the roster this season with five returners back from a year ago.

Returning for the Cougars are pitchers Reagan Solomon from Farmington, Utah, and Emma McMillan from Abbotsford, British Columbia. Also returning are infielder Michaela Kelly of Castle Rock, Colorado, Gabby Loya, a catcher from Denver, Colorado, and Abriana Ramirez of Arvada, Colorado.

The freshmen class features 16 players that will provide some spark and depth.

The freshmen include Lindsey Allie of Tooele, Utah; Devon Rees, Hayley Gordon, and Emma Clawson of Victoria, British Columbia; Jalia Johnson of Firestone, Colorado; Emma Flynn of Longmont, Colorado; Arena Porter of Miles City, Montana; Mickie Mills of Spanish Fork, Utah; Sidnee Hogan of South Jordan, Utah; Kendall Glasgow of Ft. Collins, Colorado; Madi Simons of Santaguin, Utah; Sam and Tylar Davis of American Fork, Utah; Hannah Baesler of Thornton, Colorado; Cali Fossat of Price, Utah; and Bri George of Hooper, Utah.

WNCC will open the season in three weeks when they take on Frank Phillips College on Feb. 5 during a Texas trip that will see the Cougars play Howard College and Western Texas College in a 4-game series.

WNCC’s first home game is slated for Wednesday, March 6 against Northeastern Junior College.

ABOVE: Sidnee Hogan gets ready to make a throw into the infield during a practice last week. BELOW: Jaila Johnson makes a catch in the outfield during a practice during the first week of school.

Freshman Kendall Glasgow makes an attempt at a tag during a running Freshman Lindsey Allie prepares to throw to first base and throwing drill during the first week of practice. during a recent practice.

WNCC baseball team opens up practice It has been a different atmosphere for the WNCC baseball team this season. Mostly that upbeat mentality is because the Cougars have been experiencing good weather to practice in during January and not having to find places to practice that didn’t have snow on the ground.

With that being said, this year’s team has plenty of talent — and numbers. Over 40 players are listed on the roster with some key members of the pitching staff returning from a year ago.

WNCC returns 10 players that saw action a year ago. Among those 10 are four pitchers in Zach Berg of Parker, Colorado; Devin Deboer of Littleton, Colorado; Nate Kolb of Cloverdale, British Columbia; Kale Litzelman of Hotchkiss, Colorado; Welinton Mariano of San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Hunter Parker of Centennial, Colorado.

Other returning players include Brevin Owen of Peyton, Colorado; Braden Lofink of Scottsbluff; Arnoldo Maltos-Garcia of Brush, Colorado; and Harrison Yates of Laramie, Wyoming.

The 10 sophomore returners are a good foundation, but the team has a number of freshmen that are expected to contribute as well.

The Cougars open the spring season February 9-10 at Garden City Community College, before returning home to host Miles Community College in a four-game set at Cleveland Field Feb. 16-17.

This year, the winner of the Region IX tournament will host the district playoffs in March. The last time WNCC won regionals was 2007 and they hosted districts.

ABOVE: Mitch Osborne goes through a catching drill during an outdoor practice at Cleveland Field recently. BELOW: CJ Christensen prepares to throw from the infield during a drill.

Kale Litzelman goes through a pitching Bo Garcia catches a ball at first Freshman Q Miller shows success in catching a fly ball drill during a recent practice. base on Tuesday. during an outfield fly ball drill.

Cougar Alumni — A Look Back in Photos

Cougar Alumni — A Past Story WNCC’s career home run leader signs with Armstrong Atlantic Press Release from June 2006

Marsico was heavily recruited after stellar sophomore campaign Kari Marsico doesn’t look like a home run threat, but the slender Western Nebraska Community College sophomore had a lot of pop to her bat this past season.

Marsico, a Rapid City, S.D. native, finished the season as the school record holder for most career home runs (16), season home runs (15), career doubles (22), career RBIs (81) and season RBIs (53). Now, she will carry that home run power to the next level after signing with Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah, Ga. “I really surprised myself this season at WNCC. I really worked hard during the offseason to improve my hitting and it benefited me in the spring,” Marsico said.

“I ended up breaking the single season and career home run records as well as the RBI record.”

Because of her outstanding season both at the plate and in the field, Marsico was getting plenty of looks from four-year institutions, including Northwestern Oklahoma, Union University in Jackson, Tenn., University of Arkansas-Monticello and West Texas A&M in Amarillo, Texas. In the end, she decided that Armstrong Atlantic was the best school to attend.

“After I went to Savannah, I visited West Texas A&M, and although I liked the school and the softball program, I knew that Armstrong was the place for me,” she said. “I really wanted to go somewhere I wasn’t used to. I have lived in the Midwest all of my life and it is pretty tough to play an outdoor sport in the weather here. I wanted to go to a warmer climate where I wouldn’t have to worry about bringing my thermal pants and ear warmers to the games. I just knew it was time for a change and I got a great opportunity to do that in Savannah.”

Armstrong Atlantic is an NCAA Division II institution that finished last season with a 40-27 record. The Pirates earned a

regional berth into the post-season tournament. Armstrong Atlantic competes in the Peach Belt Conference, and Marsico is excited to be a Pirate.

“They play in a pretty tough conference.

They have had a successful program over the years and continued to do so this year,” she said. “It was really nice to have many options to choose from. I was always worried about transferring to a four-year university because I didn’t know if I would be able to fit in their softball program. I was fortunate enough to have a successful season and have to turn offers down from other schools.”

Marsico will fit into the Pirate program with ease. Marsico earned Region IX first team honors as a utility player because of her ability to play anywhere in the field.

But, with all the personal records, it was what the team accomplished this season that stood out the most. WNCC finished with a 27-25-1 record, the best in school history.

“Although I had many personal accomplishments, I think the biggest highlight of the season was making it to the championship game at the regional tournament,” she said. “Even though we didn’t win, we still peaked at the end of the season like any team should. We beat the teams in the tournament that we should have.”

Still, she still is surprised with the success she has generated this season.

“I never thought of myself to be a power hitter until this year,” she said. “During the season last year I only hit one home run. I was able to use our new hitting technique that we were taught this year and completely turn my offensive game around.”

Marsico credits WNCC second-year coach Maria Winn for getting her to the next level.

“I would have never made it to where I am now without the help from Coach Winn,” Marsico said. “It is obvious that she knows the game when she helps a player go from hitting only 1 home run to hitting 15. She really pushed me throughout my two years at WNCC to become the player I knew I could be.

“To be honest, until I was offered to play at WNCC, I never thought I would be playing college softball. It was always a dream to play, but I didn’t get a lot of exposure in South Dakota. I would have never made it to this level without starting at WNCC.” ---------------------------------------------

Press Release from July 28, 2005

Rasnic hired as WNCC soccer coach Scottsbluff ’s Todd Rasnic has a passion for soccer.

Now, he will get an opportunity to showcase his passion for soccer as the new Western Nebraska Community College men’s head coach.

Rasnic was hired as the head coach Thursday after the unexpected resignation of Chris Holcom earlier in the week. Holcom was hired in June as a full-time coach and instructor.

The WNCC soccer program is in good hands under the guidance of Rasnic, who has been involved in the American Youth Soccer Organization program in Scottsbluff and the region. He brings 35 years of soccer experience including playing, coaching and refereeing.

Rasnic is pleased to take over the pro-

Cougar Alumni — A Past Story Past story: continued from previous page

gram and get into coaching.

“I have coached youth soccer for many, many years and also have officiated at the high school and college level, so this is a new opportunity for me,” he said. “I am pleased to step in and be a part of the program at WNCC.” Rasnic has been a part of the AYSO the past 15 years, coached in the Reccos soccer program the past six years. Reccos is a soccer league for youth in western Nebraska.

He also officiated for AYSO, high school and college the past 15 years.

Rasnic, who graduated from Temple Christian High School in Dayton, Ohio, settled in the Valley because his wife, who is a graduate of Kimball High School. Rasnic’s guiding principles are integrity and a focus on maintaining a positive atmosphere for student/athletes.

“What I think I bring to the school is overall knowledge of the game and. I understand how it works and hopefully I want to teach that to students as well,” he said. “I understand with the situation the program was in, they were looking for someone to step in and make sure the program at Western Nebraska continues to strive and continues to grow in a positive direction.”

Rasnic’s philosophy of coaching is teaching athletes about life through sports. It doesn’t matter if they win or lose; it is what character they take from the game, he said.

“My coaching philosophy has always been character development through athletics,” he said. “I think that should be part of the goal to move college students into a direction of where they are learning to develop their personal character. You learn a lot of life’s lessons through athletics.

“Hopefully, as you move on through a season, you can relate some of those experiences you had as an adult to students that are coming up and show them that athletics really do relate to real life and teaches us to be prevalent and have composure in our lives and teaches us everything that we need to learn to be successful in the world.”

The late hiring will not set back the WNCC soccer program. Rasnic is still hoping to start practicing for the 2005 season the first part of August. The men’s team has four local players signed for next year and plenty of other players ready to begin the program’s third year.

Rasnic’s goal is to continue to give more and more local players a chance to hone their soccer skills at the college level while

getting an education.

“We already have four local kids that will be playing for us this year. That is a positive start,” he said. “I think the original intent of the youth soccer program (in the area) was more of a recreational program, but know as it has moved along to a competitive program, we would like to see more kids as they come up through AYSO, Reccos and the high school program, to be able to participate locally. “ WNCC is committed to building a quality and competitive soccer program for both men and women. In particular, the women’s team still needs players and anyone interested in playing should contact the college immediately. Anyone interested should contact the athletic department at 308-635-6151.

Rasnic said coaching is a tremendous responsibility.

“Hopefully, the efforts I put in this year will be beneficial to the school and students that play,” he said. “Hopefully we can continue to move the program in a positive direction. A season is a short time to teach them. So, you take the opportunities when you get them and make the most out of them.”

The 2003 softball team. Photo was taken at Lacy Park in Scottsbluff where the Cougars played. So, do you recognize any of these former Cougar softball players. Let us know who they are if you recognize anyone at mrein@wncc. edu.

WHAT IS IN THE PICTURE?

WORD SCRAMBLE See if you can unscramble these Cougar athletes’ names. There are two from each sport.

elrpa auznmg — _______________________ etgatrr raewnw — ______________________ laesyiid rserot — _______________________ cryeb rreeah — _______________________ eol oalomp —________________________ aiemlra elka — ________________________ sasaiyn bigsb — ______________________ eryo eikcrf — ________________________ aenra rrtoep — _______________________ triihncsa ehcerc — ____________________ dlaenlk wagogsl — ____________________ tsaaan nomeor — _____________________

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

1) A hat.

2) Something red.

3) Find glasses.

4) Find something pink.

5) Find the Nike logo.

6) Find a softball player.

7) Find a Cougar logo.

8) Find something orange.

9) Find a smile.

10) Find all the people that don’t have hats.

ujeos eeardznfn — ____________________

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