Cougar Beat -- Issue 3, Oct. 18

This Week in Cougar Athletics

COUGAR BEAT

Western Nebraska Community College

Oct. 18, 2017 Issue 3

Women’s assistant coach recognized for years of service

WNCC Athletes of the Week -- Female Athlete of the Week for week ending Oct. 16-Morgan Smith, a sophomore from Gering, Nebraska, had a memorbal match on Saturday. Smith scored her first collegiate goal, but more importantly, she helped the women’s soccer team stop a 6-game non-scoring streak with a first-half goal.

Her first goal came from an assist from Tonya Bertani.

Female Aug. 27........Brooke Kaawa, Vball Sept. 4...... Genesis Benitez, Vball Sept. 14... Jayme Commins, Vball Sept. 21.... Kadara Marshall, Vball Sept. 28......Syenna Masaki, Vball Oct. 1....... Joise Maldonado, Vball Oct. 8...........Sarena Bartley, Vball Oct. 16.......Morgan Smith, Soccer

-- Male Athlete of the Week for week ending Oct. 16 -Lawan Abary, a sophomore from Niger, became the school’s all-time season and career goal scorer with three goals this past week. Abary has now scored 18 goals in the season after scoring twice against Central-Columbus on Friday and once in a 2-1 win over Gillette. Abary now has 24 career goals.

Male Aug. 27....... Lawan Abary, Soccer Sept. 4....Thomas Franze, Soccer Sept. 14. Ramses Atahaulpa, Soccer Sept. 21...Andre Matzuda, Soccer Sept. 28.....Ade Oshikoya, Soccer Oct. 1........... Silvio Xavier, Soccer Oct. 8............Owen Parra, Soccer Oct. 16........ Lawan Abary, Soccer

Cougar Athletics Upcoming Events Thursday, October 19

l Volleyball AWAY @ Otero Junior College, La Junta, Colo., 6 p.m.

Friday, October 20

l Volleyball AWAY @ Lamar Community College, Lamar, Colo., 6 p.m.

Saturday, October 21

l Volleyball AWAY @ Trinidad State Junior College, Trinidad, Colo., 1 p.m.

l Men’s Basketball HOME vs. Chadron State scrimmage, 11 a.m.

l Women’s Basketball HOME vs. Metro State, 2 p.m.

l Women’s Soccer: 1st round regionals at LCCC, 1 p.m., Cheyenne, Wyo.

l Men’s Soccer: HOME 1st round regionals vs. Northwest, 2 p.m.

** Radio: Sunny 99.3FM or www.bluffsbroadcasting.com Wednesday, October 25

l Volleyball HOME vs. Northeastern Junior College, 7 p.m. “WHITE OUT”

** Radio: Sunny 99.3FM or www.bluffsbroadcasting.com ** Video: WNCC Athletics The Cube Thursday, October 26

l Volleyball HOME vs. San Jacinto College, 7 p.m. ** Video: WNCC Athletics The Cube

** Radio: Sunny 99.3FM or www.bluffsbroadcasting.com Friday, October 27

l Volleyball HOME vs. Laredo C.C., 1 p.m. ** Video: WNCC Athletics The Cube

** Radio: Sunny 99.3FM or www.bluffsbroadcasting.com

l Volleyball HOME vs. Iowa Western C.C.., 7 p.m. ** Video: WNCC Athletics The Cube

** Radio: Sunny 99.3FM or www.bluffsbroadcasting.com

l Soccer — Men’s and Women’s Semifinals at Metro State, Denver Saturday, October 28

l Volleyball HOME vs. Barton C.C., 3 p.m. (Sophomore Recognition) ** Video: WNCC Athletics The Cube

** Radio: Sunny 99.3FM or www.bluffsbroadcasting.com

l Soccer — Men’s and Women’s Finals at Metro State, Denver Sunday, October 29

l Women’s Basketball @ Western State Scrimmage, Denver, Colo.

Thursday-Saturday, November 2-4

l Volleyball HOME — Hosts Region IX South Volleyball Tournament Friday, November 3

l Men’s Basketball Away vs Little Big Horn College, Williston, N.D., 2 p.m.

l Women’s Basketball Away vs. Little Big Horn, Williston, N.D., Saturday, November 4

l Men’s Basketball Away vs College of S. Idaho, Williston, N.D., 1 p.m.

l Women’s Basketball Away vs. College of S. Idaho, Williston, N.D., 11 a.m Dunday, November 5

l Softball — Incoming Freshman Signing Day, 9 a.m. Pioneer Hall.

Tuesday, November 7

l Women’s Basketball HOME vs. Nebraska All-stars, TBA Friday, November 10

l Women’s Basketball Away vs. Iowa Western C.C., Council Bluffs, 4 p.m.

l Men’s Basketball Away vs College of S. Idaho, Salt Lake City, 7:30 p.m.

Region IX tournament is upon us

The Western Nebraska Community College men’s and women’s soccer team wrapped up the regular season on Saturday against Gillette College and now both teams enter Region IX playoff action.

The Cougar men finished the regular season with a record-tying 11-win season.

The Cougars are 11-5 entering the post season. The previous record was 11-6-1 back in the 2003 inaugural season.

The Cougar men earned the No. 2 seed from the South division and will host a first-round con-test on Saturday, Oct. 21 against the North No. 3 seed Northwest College in the first round. Northwest is 5-4-1 on the season. Kickoff for the firstround contest is set for 2 p.m. at the Landers Soccer Complex.

WNCC and Northwest have played twice this season. The match at WNCC was a pre-season scrimmage where the score didn’t count. During the regular season, the Cougars topped Northwest 6-3 in Powell, Wyoming.

The rest of the men’s first round will pit South No. 1 seed Trinidad State hosting North No. 4 Laramie County Community College, South No. 3 Otero Junior College traveling to North No. 2 Sheridan, and South No. 4 Northeastern Junior College traveling to North No. 1 Western Wyoming.

Semifinals and finals will be played Oct. 27 and 28 at Metro State University in Denver, Colorado, with the winner heading to the district playoffs Nov. 2-4 in Arizona.

The women’s tournament also kicks off on Saturday. Laramie County and Otero earned the number one seeds from each division. South No. 4 WNCC travels to face North No. 1 LCCC while North No. 4 Gillette College travels to take on South No. 1 Otero Junior College. The WNCC and LCCC match will begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

The other two matches see North No. 2 Sheridan hosting South No. 3 Trinidad State and South No. 2 Northeastern Junior College hosting North No. 3 Western Wyoming.

Like the men’s tournament, the semifinals and finals will be played at Metro State University in Denver Oct. 27 and 28.

The winner of the regional tournament will qualify for the national tournament in Florida in November.

REGION IX TOURNEY Men’s Region IX Tournament First Round, Oct. 21 Game 1 — NJC at WWCC Game 2 — Otero at Sheridan Game 3 — Laramie CCC at Trinidad Game 4 — Northwest at WNCC Friday, Oct. 27 Semifinal Round @ Metro State Game 5 — G1 Winner vs G4 Winner Game 6 — G2 Winner vs G3 Winner Saturday, Oct. 28 Final @ Metro State, 6:30 p.m.

Women’s Region IX Tournament First Round, Oct. 21 Game 1 — Gillette at Otero Game 2 — Trinidad at Sheridan Game 3 — WNCC at Laramie CCC Game 4 — Western Wyoming at NJC Friday, Oct. 27 Semifinal Round @ Metro State Game 5 — Game 1 and 2 winners Game 6 — Game 3 and 4 winners Saturday, October 28: Finals — Game 5 & 5 winners, 4 p.m.

Sophomore Patrick Madden looks for someone to pass the ball to. The Cougar men tied a school record with most wins in a season.

WNCC freshman Tanya Bertani battles it out with a Gillette player for possession of the ball in Saturday’s last regular season match. The Cougar women open the post season on Saturday at Laramie County Community College in Cheyenne.

Women’s assistant soccer coach Jim Miller poses with this year’s team after he was recognized for his 12 years of coaching the women’s team. Miller will retire from coaching at the end of the spring off-season. Miller will also serve as head coach when the Cougar women face Laramie County in the Region IX playoffs on Saturday, while current head coach Todd Rasnic coaches the men’s team on the same day in Scottsbluff.

Assistant coach Jim Miller recognized

Western Nebraska Community College long-time women’s assistant soccer coach Jim Miller has decided to retire from coaching at the end of the spring 2018.

Miller has been a part of the WNCC women’s program for 12 years and has been head coach Todd Rasnic’s only women’s assistant coach.

Saturday, Miller was recognized before the WNCC and Gillette women’s soccer match and then again after the men’s contest.

Rasnic said Coach Miller’s influence on the women’s program has been invaluable.

“Jim retired from the navy as a Master Chief several years ago but the discipline he learned can be seen in everything he touched,” Rasnic said. “Jim was a good friend to me, a mentor, and always a team dad. We used to joke that he was the team dad because I have no daughters! Jim has always kept us organized, supplied with all of the things that people forget when they go on the road, and has served, as he did in the Navy, as the team navigator. You could hear every bus driver we have ever had consult Jim for directions while we were on the road.

“But above all else, Jim’s number one quality is loyalty. He was always loyal to the college, the coaching staff, and to the athletes above all else. We will hire a new assistant coach for next fall but we will never find another Coach Miller! He was truly one of a kind!”

ABOVE: Jim Miller stands with his family, including 9left to right) his wife Linda, daughter Deann, and son Jim. In front his his grandson and granddaughter.

RIGHT: WNCC soccer players Morgan Smith and Katelyn Pyle present Coach Miller a gift of items that are representative of what he has supplied to the team through the years, including cough drops.

WNCC women’s basketball win two scrimmages Battling injuries, the Western Nebraska Community College women’s basketball team opened the pre-season scrimmage schedule by going 2-0 at a jamboree at Sheridan College.

WNCC head coach Chad Gibney said they played well against Miles and played alright against Dawson.

“We played pretty well. For the first time out with a handful of new players, I thought we played well together,” Gibney said. “I thought we competed and thought we worked hard for the person next to us. They came together nicely as a team for our first scrimmage. We still have a lot of things we need to get better at, but as far as our intensity, our positively, our selflessness, we did a good job.”

What impressed Gibney the most is how talented this team will be. WNCC returns seven players from last year’s team in Jaleesa Avery, Anastacia Johnson, Melisa Kadic, Kellie Gaston, Sophie Agorakis, Olivia Wiberg, and Giovanna Silva.

“This team has a lot of really good athletes,” Gibney said. “So I think we can get out and pressure the basketball. I think our team speed could be a strength.”

WNCC will play another scrimmage this weekend when they host Metro State at 2 p.m. at Cougar Palace. Gibney said this will give the Cougars a good test of what they have.

“I think it will be a really good challenge for us in playing against an older, veteran team,” he said. “Four-year schools have some players that are 22 or 23 years old that have played a lot of basketball. So going up against an experienced group will help us out tremendously.”

The Cougars early pre-season has

Giovanna Silva goes through a dribbling drill during the first week of practice. The Cougar women and men will host scrimmages on Saturday. been hit hard by injuries. During the two scrimmages, WNCC had just seven active players.

“We just had seven active players this past weekend and that means that everybody played and everybody contributed, and everybody did some things to help us win,” Gibney said. “It also meant that we have to continue to work through fatigue and sometimes I think our minds shut down before our bodies. We have to continue to stay mentally tough and realize that we aren’t that tired; it is just our mind telling us that.”

WNCC men’s basketball team wins two at Ft. Collins jamboree

The WNCC men’s basketball team competed in their second straight jamboree and went 2-0-1. The Cougars defeated New Mexico Junior College and Utah State-Eastern before essentially tying New Mexico Military in action in Ft. Collins.

WNCC will have another scrimmage on Saturday when they host Chadron State College at 11 a.m. at Cougar Palace.

After that, the Cougars will get ready for the season-opener when the men’s and women’s teams travel to Williston, North Dakota, Nov. 3 and 4. Both teams will open up against Little Big Horn on Nov. 3 and then College of Southern Idaho on Nov. 4.

$100 Club Monthly Winners

September Winners

$150 — Kimberly Belford, ..............Ft. Collins, Colorado $100 — Jeff Peck, .............................. Gering, Nebraska $50 — Shawn Hergenreder, ..............Scotsbluff, Nebraska

October Winners

$150 — Sabrina Kadic, .................. West Valley City, Utah $100 — Roxie Shaul, ................................. Gering, Nebraska $50 — Scott & Amy Winters, ................ Scottsbluff, Nebraska

Each month the winners will be announced here as well on the WNCC athletic website at wnccathletics.com

Volleyball team looking to get back on track

The Western Nebraska Community College is looking to get back on track after falling to Northeastern Junior College in five sets in front of a loud Bank of Colorado Event Center Oct. 12.

The Cougars, who had an 18-match win streak at the time, fell to the Plainswomen 25-20, 25-18, 26-28, 22-25, 17-15.

The contest drops the Cougars to 24-3 overall. WNCC falls to 5-1 in South Conference play, just a half-game ahead of NJC at 4-1.

WNCC, now ranked No. 5 i the re-season poll, will look to get back on track this weekend when they travel on the 3-day southern Colorado road swing when they face Otero on Thursday, Lamar on Friday, and Trinidad on Saturday.

The Cougars will return to Cougar Palace next week and they begin a five match in four day week when they host Northeastern Junior College on Oct. 25. That contest will go a long ways in determining the No. 1 seed for the regional tournament Nov. 2-4 at Cougar Palace.

Wednesday’s home game with NJC is also being billed as “White Out” Night and the coaches and players would like to see a packed and loud Cougar Palace.

The NJC match is the beginning of a intense week of home matches. After the NJC match, the Cougars will host a 3-day WNCC Classic, beginning with a battle on Thursday, Oct. 26 against San Jacinto College. The Cougars will then face Laredo and Iowa Western on Friday, before facing Barton Community College on Saturday in sophomore recognition day.

The loss to NJC on Oct. 12 was a loss that the Cougars can grow from. WNCC started slow, falling in the first sets 25-20 and 25-18.

The Cougars mounted a comeback after that.

With their backs to the wall, the Cougar players responded with more emotion in the third and fourth sets. The third set was a back and forth tussle. WNCC led 11-7 only to watch the Plainswomen come back to knot the score at 22. From there both teams had set points. The Cougars won the set as Kadara

Joise Maldonado goes up for a kill against Lamar earlier this month. The Cougars will have a 3-match road swing to southern Colorado to face Otero, Lamar, and Trinidad.

Marshall hammered home a kill and then served the final point for the 28-26 win.

The fourth set was another donnybrook slug-fest. WNCC led 7-4 only to watch NJC take a 19-18 lead. The Cougars went ahead 23-19 on four Jayme Commins service points and then won the set 25-22, forcing a fifth set.

The fifth set was no different than the previous two. WNCC led 3-0 and 9-7 at one points. The Cougars pushed the lead to 13-12 on a Brooke Kaawa kill. Teams

traded sideouts with both teams facing match points. WNCC tied the fifth at 1515 on a Sarena Bartley kill. A missed serve gave the ball back to NJC and they won the set 17-15 on a controversially ending after a lengthy huddle between the chair judge, floor judge, and the two lines people.

WNCC had three players with double-doubles. Brooke Kaawa finished with 14 kills, 13 digs, six points and two assist blocks.

Syenna Masaki tallied 10 kills, 13 set assists, seven digs, and six points, while Jayme Commins had 12 points, 36 set assists, five digs, three kills, and two aces.

Also for the Cougars, Kadara Marshall had 10 kills, three digs, and five points; Genesis Benitez had 22 digs and six points; Kirstee Trees had six digs and three points; Joise Maldonado had eight kills; Kaile Tuisamatatele had four kills, two solo blocks, and six assist blocks; Sarena Barley had five kills and two assist blocks, and Aneta Faksova had two assist blocks.

A look at the Region IX Conference races Region IX Men’s Soccer Standings

Team

Conference Overall Record Win % Home Away GB GF GA Record Win % Home Away GF North Western Wyoming 5-2-1 .688 4-0-0 1-2-1 - 15 11 7-10-1 .417 5-2-0 2-8-1 28 Sheridan 4-2-2 .625 3-0-1 1-2-1 0.5 14 11 4-2-2 .625 3-0-1 1-2-1 14 Northwest 4-3-1 .563 2-2-0 2-1-1 1 12 10 5-4-1 .550 3-3-0 2-1-1 18 Laramie County 3-4-1 .438 2-1-1 1-3-0 2 13 9 3-11-1 .233 2-3-1 1-8-0 20 Gillette 1-6-1 .188 0-3-1 1-3-0 4 10 23 2-11-1 .179 0-6-1 2-5-0 20 South Trinidad State 6-2-0 .750 3-1-0 3-1-0 - 22 15 11-6-0 .647 5-3-0 6-3-0 47 Western Nebraska 5-3-0 .625 3-1-0 2-2-0 1 24 16 11-5-0 .688 6-2-0 5-3-0 50 Northeastern 4-4-0 .500 2-2-0 2-2-0 2 13 14 11-6-0 .647 7-3-0 4-3-0 43 Otero 3-5-0 .375 2-2-0 1-3-0 3 16 22 7-6-2 .533 4-2-2 3-4-0 31 Central-Columbus 2-6-0 .250 2-2-0 0-4-0 4 6 14 4-7-3 .393 3-3-0 1-4-3 13

GA Last 10 Streak 49 4-6-0 Lost 2 11 4-2-2 Won 2 18 5-4-1 Lost 1 40 3-6-1 Lost 1 46 1-8-1 Lost 4 31 6-4-0 Won 4 33 7-3-0 Won 2 31 7-3-0 Won 6 30 4-4-2 Won 1 19 2-7-1 Lost 4

Region IX Women’s Soccer Standings

Team

Conference Overall Record Win % Home Away GB GF GA Record Win % Home Away GF South Division Otero 6-0-0 1.000 3-0-0 3-0-0 - 22 5 9-4-1 .679 3-2-1 6-2-0 40 Trinidad State.

3-3-0 .500 1-2-0 2-1-0 3 6 9 5-8-0 .385 1-4-0 4-4-0 27 Northeastern 3-3-0 .500 1-2-0 2-1-0 3 8 11 5-10-0 .333 2-7-0 3-3-0 24 Western Nebraska. 0-6-0 .000 0-3-0 0-3-0 6 2 13 1-13-0 .071 0-7-0 1-6-0 7 North Division Laramie County 8-0-0 1.000 4-0-0 4-0-0 - 46 2 12-0-0 1.000 6-0-0 6-0-0 71 Sheridan 6-2-0 .750 4-1-0 2-1-0 2 28 7 7-3-0 .700 4-1-0 3-2-0 38 Western Wyoming 4-4-0 .500 2-1-0 2-3-0 4 13 21 11-7-1 .605 5-2-0 6-5-1 35 Gillette 2-6-0 .250 1-3-0 1-3-0 6 15 29 7-7-0 .500 3-3-0 4-4-0 45 Northwest 0-8-0 .000 0-4-0 0-4-0 8 3 46 0-10-0 .000 0-6-0 0-4-0 4

GA Last 10 Streak 23 6-3-1 Tied 1 28 4-6-0 Lost 2 47 3-7-0 Lost 1 40 0-10-0 Lost 12 3 10-0-0 Won 12 14 7-3-0 Lost 1 39 6-3-1 Tied 1 33 4-6-0 Won 2 51 0-10-0 Lost 1

Region IX Volleyball Standings

Team

Conference Overall Record Win % Home Away GB PF PA Record Win % Home Away PF Region IX JUCO South Division Western Nebraska 5-1 .833 4-0 1-1 - 17 4 24-3 .889 11-0 13-3 76 Northeastern 4-1 .800 3-1 1-0 0.5 14 5 16-6 .727 8-3 8-3 54 Otero 3-2 .600 0-0 3-2 1.5 9 11 11-11 .500 0-2 11-9 42 Lamar 2-3 .400 1-1 1-2 2.5 7 11 15-8 .652 5-3 10-5 50 McCook 2-4 .333 2-3 0-1 3 9 12 14-15 .483 4-9 10-6 52 Trinidad State 0-5 .000 0-1 0-4 4.5 2 15 11-18 .379 3-2 8-16 46 Region IX JUCO North Region Laramie County 8-1 .889 4-1 4-0 - 26 7 23-6 .793 7-1 16-5 72 Northwest 8-2 .800 2-1 6-1 0.5 28 12 11-10 .524 2-1 9-9 39 Casper 7-2 .778 4-1 3-1 1 25 13 10-18 .357 4-3 6-15 44 Sheridan 5-4 .556 2-2 3-2 3 18 14 9-15 .375 3-3 6-12 36 Western Wyoming 5-4 .556 3-3 2-1 3 19 18 9-14 .391 3-4 6-10 39 Central Wyoming 2-7 .222 2-5 0-2 6 11 21 5-14 .263 2-5 3-9 21 Eastern Wyoming 2-7 .222 2-2 0-5 6 9 22 4-23 .148 4-6 0-17 23 Miles 0-10 .000 0-3 0-7 8.5 1 30 2-23 .080 2-5 0-18 9 Region IX JUCO Division II Central-Columbus 3-1 .750 1-1 2-0 - 11 5 28-8 .778 10-4 18-4 94 North Platte 2-1 .667 0-1 2-0 0.5 7 6 14-19 .424 2-3 12-16 54 Southeast 0-3 .000 0-2 0-1 2.5 2 9 8-18 .308 2-6 6-12 32

PA Last 10 Streak 16 9-1 Lost 1 27 8-2 Won 4 44 4-6 Won 2 36 6-4 Won 1 51 3-7 Lost 1 61 1-9 Lost 7 32 9-1 Won 3 38 8-2 Won 2 62 7-3 Won 2 51 5-5 Lost 1 51 5-5 Won 1 42 3-7 Lost 1 72 2-8 Lost 3 71 0-10 Lost 22 42 7-3 Won 4 69 4-6 Won 1 61 3-7 Won 1

Softball team helps with Team Ashtyn fundraiser It was a fun time at Monument Mall on Sunday as the community came together for a fundraiser for the Team Ashtyn Lil’ Diva and Dude Day. The WNCC softball team helped man two of the booths for the youngsters to visit. Four of the team were at the nail polish booth, while the other 11 manned the brading and hair coloring booth.

WNCC sophomore Chelsea Gorman said it was a blast.

“I honestly loved helping at the mall,” she said. “It was an amazing experience and it was such a positive environment. I did not know that spraying glitter in little girls’ hair could be so exciting.”

Freshman Hannah Schaefer said it was a cool experience.

“All of the girls were very nice,” she said.

“It was great to bring smiles to their faces.”

Abbie O’Brien, a freshman from Canada, said it was a super fun afternoon.

“I worked in the hair place helping to color and decorate girl’s hair,” she said. “It was so fun to see how happy the girls were when we finished.”

The event, a fundraiser for Team Ashtyn, named after Ashtyn Schwartz, who had undergone cancer treatments when younger, is in its sixth year. The last couple at Monument Mall. For a $10 wristband, youngsters could go to any station and play games or get prettied up. The event had bounce houses, drawing stations, horse back rides, helicopter rides, and plenty of other stations. There was also a bake sale as well as a silent auction going on. A raffle for a Traeger Grill was also held.

WNCC softball players Alyssa Guymon, Michaela Kelly, Madi Jackson, and Hannah Schaefer pose for a picture at their nail polish booth on Sunday.

ABOVE: WNCC softball players (back row l-r) are Marlee Grant, Emma McMillan, Abbie O’Brien, Brooke Doumer, Jullia Suchan, Christina Nelson, Gabby Loya, Beanie Luttig, and (front row) Chelsea Gorman and Abriana Ramirez pose for a picture at their hair coloring booth on Sunday.

ABOVE: Marlee Grant puts color in a little girl’s hair. (BELOW) Madi Jackson applies nail polish to a little girl during the Team Ashtyn event at the Mall.

LEFT TO RIGHT: Julia Suchan braids a girls hair, while Abbie O’Brien also does the same. Chelsea Gorman and Christina Nelson put color and a braid in a girls hair, while (RIGHT) Michaela Kelly and a girl pose for a picture.

Cougar Sports Shorts Two players verbally commit

A couple WNCC basketball players have already verbally committed to the next level.

WNCC men’s player Vinnie Shahid is headed to the Division I level next year after committing to North Dakota State University.

Women’s basketball player Jaleesa Avery is also headed to the Division I level. Avery verbally committed to Morehead State University in Kentucky.

high school, 9th-12th grades and is limited to the first 30 players.

The camp costs $35 and will be held at the Field of Dreams hitting complex on West 20th. When coming to the camp, please bring a bat, helmet, and water bottle.

For a camp registration, co to the WNCC athletic website at www.wnccathletics.com and go to the camp tab. For more information, contact softball coach Katelyn Groves at grovesk@wncc.edu.

Baseball offering evaluation camp Oct. 29

WNCC softball holding pitching clinic

The WNCC baseball coaches will be holding a baseball evaluation camp for 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 graduates.

The evaluation camp will be held Sunday, Oct. 29 at Cleveland Field or the Field of Dreams.

The WNCC baseball coaches will evaluate players and provide instruction on a variety of baseball skills including but not limited to swing mechanics, bat speed, pro-agility test, 30/60-yard dash, pitching mechanics and velocity, infield mechanics, and catching mechanics.

Cost for the evaluation is $40 per person.

For a camp registration, co to the WNCC athletic website at www.wnccathletics.com and go to the camp tab. For more information, contact WNCC baseball coach Mike Jones at jonesm@wncc.edu.

Softball holding hitting clinic

The WNCC softball team is holding a one-day hitting clinic on Sunday, Nov. 12 from 9-11:30 a.m. The clinic is for ages second through eighth grade and is limited to the first 30 players.

The camp costs $35 and will be held at the Field of Dreams hitting complex on West 20th. When coming to the camp, please bring a bat, helmet, and water bottle.

For a camp registration, co to the WNCC athletic website at www.wnccathletics.com and go to the camp tab. For more information, contact softball coach Katelyn Groves at grovesk@wncc.edu.

Softball holding hitting clinic for high school girls

The WNCC softball team is holding a one-day hitting clinic on Sunday, Nov. 12 from 12:30 - 3 p.m. The clinic is for girls in

The WNCC softball team will hold a pitching clinic for girls in grades second to eighth grade on Sunday, December 3 from 2-5 p.m.

The clinic will be held at WNCC’s Cougar Palace and will be conducted by WNCC softball coach Katelyn Groves and current players.

The clinic costs $35 and participants are asked to bring a glove and water bottle.

For a camp registration, co to the WNCC

athletic website at www.wnccathletics.com and go to the camp tab. For more information, contact softball coach Katelyn Groves at grovesk@wncc.edu.

WNCC softball offering hitting league

The WNCC softball team will hold a four-week hitting league for ages kindergarten through 12th grade.

The hitting league will run from 5-6 p.m. and will be held on either Mondays (Oct. 30, Nov. 6, Nov. 13, Nov. 27), Tuesday (Oct. 31, Nov. 7, Nov. 14, Nov. 28), or Wednesdays (Nov. 2, Nov. 9, Nov. 16, Nov. 30).

The cost of the camp is $35. The age divisions are k-2nd, 3rd-5th, 6th-8th, 9th-10th, and 11-12th. Each player will get 50 swings a night.

For a league registration, co to the WNCC athletic website at www.wnccathletics.com and go to the camp tab. For more information, contact softball coach Katelyn Groves at grovesk@wncc.edu.

Cougars at the 4-year level 2014-15 Softball/Soccer Kelsey Bernhardt................................... Doane 2015-16 Softball Whitney Fields............................. Adams State Brittany Bigge........................... Ft. Lewis State Haille Weber.................................. Metro State Courtney Medina................. Lubbock Christian Kenzie Sawyer............................... Dixie State Christian Bobian.......... New Mexico Highlands Volleyball Fabiana Andrade................... CSU-Bakersfield Keala Kaio Perez................ Alaska-Anchorage Katy Ernest.........................Nebraska-Kearney Women’s Basketball Kalli Feddersen.........................Chadron State Hannah Sparks.......................... Montana Tech Brooke Zimmerman........................McPherson Men’s Basketball Phil Fayne.................................... Illinois State Soccer Jorge Ortega.........................Hastings College Omar Guzman................ Louisiana-Alexandria MIguel Enriquez............. Louisiana-Alexandria Blake Wills.............................Hastings College Rhiannon Castle....................Hastings College Corrie McDonald..........................York College Hannah Wilke...............................York College Isabel Hunter.................. Point Park University Baseball Bradley Brown....................Nebraska-Kearney Beau Lofink................................. Adams State Jack Pauley........................ Northern Colorado

2016-17 Volleyball Kaylee Spreier............................. Dakota State Alwaise Villa................................ Dakota State Lara Picht.................................... Oral Roberts Danika Daum.........................Henderson State Softball Jasmine Wessel............................ Metro State Lauren Oxford.................... West Virginia Tech Celyn Whitt.................................... Metro State Analace Apodaca...................Regis University Emily Selby............................... Ft. Lewis State Cassie Jones....................... Friends University Women’s Basketball Bree Paulson.......................... St. Bonaventure Zeynep Canbaz................... Middle Tennessee Sladjana Rakovic...............................Wyoming Deniz Dahligran................................ Tusculum Men’s Basketball Michael Connor.............. Point Park University Austin Payne...........................Dickinson State Baseball Brandon Bachar........................ Emporia State Alex Achermann...................Nebraka-Kearney Ryan Grasser............................ Ft. Hays State Stuart Eurich....................................... Bellevue Isaac Taylor...................... McPherson College Nate Giefer..............Colorado School of Mines Ian Fisher............................ University of Mary Lincoln Trujillo.................................Jamestown Soccer Matheus Campos................ Lady of the Lakes Matheus Ricardo... U. of Louisiana-Shreveport JP Santos.............. U. of Louisiana-Shreveport Billy Hoffman....................... Nebraska-Omaha Sierra Benavidez............... Benidictine College Janie McAmis.........................Black Hills State

Cougar sophomore soccer players honored before matches The WNCC soccer players were recognized before the Gillette College matches on Saturday, Oct. 14.

The women’s recognized six players in Morgan Smith, Juliana Stratford, Bailey Foiles, Bianca Gomez, Katelyn Pyle, and Ashley Parker.

Gomez said that speaking for all six sophomores, playing that final match at Landers soccer complex has become a wake-up call.

“For all six of the sophomores, I feel that it’s a wake-up call for us,” she said. “Even if it is hard to believe it, our two years of Jr. College is over. This is the time where we should ask ourselves what is our next move in life?”

Gomez said she has plenty of fond memories from her two years at WNCC. She wants to thank three people the most for her time to play college soccer.

“There is three people I would like to thank,” Gomez said. “The first person I would like to thank is Coach Rasnic for giving me the chance to play soccer at a collegiate level. The second group of lovely people I would like to thank is the Fulk family.

Lastly I would like to thank my mom, even if she has never seen me play, I know she is my biggest fan.”

Stratford echoes Gomez’ sentiments as well.

“I want to thank my coaches, Coach Rasnic and Coach Jim for giving me a shot and the opportunity to play,” she said. “I’d also like to thank my teammates for their friendship and for having my back. I’d like to thank my family, dorm parents, teachers and the WNCC community for their endless support.”

Stratford said her favorites memories on the pitch, and off, include “Brittany’s header, bus rides and playing alongside my lifelong friends and teammates.”

The Cougar men honored even more sophomores. Those recognized include Owen Parra, Franny Gonzales, Jackson Thomas, Felipe Torrez, Andrew Matzuda, Daniel Barraza, Eseah Ingram, Ade Oshikoya, Patrick Madden, and Juan Garfio.

Oshikoya said he has had plenty of fond memories in his three years at WNCC. “I have had lots of great memories in my time here at WNCC,” he said. “Honestly, all the time spent with the team was great. The bus trips were always made fun by the Brazilian, and spending time and bonding with the team was a blessing! My best memory was probably away to Otero when we came

from 0-2 down to win the game 6-3!

Oshikoya said he grew as a player and person while at WNCC. “I want to thank the coaching staff for the opportunity to play at the college and working with me and giving me good feedback which has allowed me to grow as a player,” he said. “I want to thank all my teammates for battling alongside me throughout the season and for never giving up in games!

I also want to thank my dorm parents for supporting me and coming to my home games whenever they could.

“Finally, I would like to give glory to God for the opportunity to play the game I love and be able to be alongside such an amazing group of people who I can call my brothers.”

Friday, Nov. 3 Saturday, Nov. 4 Friday, Nov. 10 Saturday, Nov. 11 Friday, Nov. 17 Saturday, Nov. 18 Friday, Nov. 24 Saturday, Nov. 25 Monday, Nov. 27 Friday, Dec. 1 Tuesday, Dec. 5 Saturday, Dec. 9 Friday, Dec. 15 Saturday, Dec. 16 Friday, Jan. 5 Saturday, Jan. 6 Monday, Jan. 8 Friday, Jan. 12 Saturday, Jan. 13 Friday, Jan. 19 Saturday, Jan. 20 Saturday, Jan. 27 Saturday, Feb. 3 Friday, Feb. 9 Saturday, Feb. 10 Friday, Feb. 16 Saturday, Feb. 17 Friday, Feb. 23 Saturday, Feb. 24

Cougar Men’s Basketball Schedule

Little Big Horn..............................................Williston, ND Southern Idaho............................................Williston, ND Southern Idaho.................................Salt Lake City, Utah Salt Lake C.C....................................Salt Lake City, Utah Central Wyoming.................................. Cougar Palace Western Wyoming................................. Cougar Palace Frank Phillips........................................ Cougar Palace Quakerdale Prep................................... Cougar Palace Williston State....................................... Cougar Palace Northeastern Colorado..............................Sterling, Colo.

Casper College...................................... Cougar Palace Eastern Wyoming................................. Cougar Palace Western Wyoming.............................Rock Springs, Wyo. Central Wyoming......................................Riverton, Wyo. Laramie County..................................... Cougar Palace Trinidad State........................................ Cougar Palace Casper College...........................................Casper, Wyo. Otero........................................................ La Junta, Colo.

Lamar...........................................................Lamar, Colo.

North Platte........................................... Cougar Palace McCook.................................................. Cougar Palace Northeastern Colorado......................... Cougar Palace Eastern Wyoming.................................. Torrington, Wyo. Trinidad State............................................ Trinidad, Colo.

Laramie County.....................................Cheyenne, Wyo. Lamar..................................................... Cougar Palace Otero ..................................................... Cougar Palace McCook..................................................... McCook, Neb. North Platte..........................................North Platte, Neb.

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Cougar Women’s Basketball Schedule

Friday, Nov. 3 Saturday, Nov. 4 Tuesday, Nov. 7 Friday, Nov. 10 Saturday, Nov. 11 Friday, Nov. 17 Saturday, Nov. 18 Friday, Nov. 24 Saturday, Nov. 25 Monday, Nov. 27 Wednesday, Nov. 29 Thursday, Nov. 30 Friday, Dec. 1 Tuesday, Dec. 5 Saturday, Dec. 9 Thursday, Jan. 4 Friday, Jan. 5 Saturday, Jan. 6 Friday, Jan. 12 Saturday, Jan. 13 Tuesday, Jan. 16 Saturday, Jan. 20 Saturday, Jan. 27 Saturday, Feb. 3 Friday, Feb. 9 Saturday, Feb. 10 Friday, Feb. 16 Saturday, Feb. 17 Friday, Feb. 23

Little Big Horn..............................................Williston, ND Southern Idaho............................................Williston, ND Nebraska All-stars................................ Cougar Palace Iowa Western....................................Council Bluffs, Iowa Johnson County................................Council Bluffs, Iowa Little Big Horn..........................................Sheridan, Wyo. Sheridan..................................................Sheridan, Wyo. Utah State-Eastern...........................Salt Lake City, Utah Salt Lake...........................................Salt Lake City, Utah Williston State....................................... Cougar Palace Sheridan................................................ Cougar Palace Adams State JV..................................... Cougar Palace Northeastern Colorado..............................Sterling, Colo.

Casper College...................................... Cougar Palace Eastern Wyoming................................. Cougar Palace Northwest Kansas Tech JV.................. Cougar Palace Laramie County..................................... Cougar Palace Trinidad State........................................ Cougar Palace Otero........................................................ La Junta, Colo.

Lamar...........................................................Lamar, Colo.

Nebraska All-stars................................ Cougar Palace McCook.................................................. Cougar Palace Northeastern Colorado......................... Cougar Palace Eastern Wyoming.................................. Torrington, Wyo. Trinidad State............................................ Trinidad, Colo.

Laramie County.....................................Cheyenne, Wyo. Lamar..................................................... Cougar Palace Otero ..................................................... Cougar Palace McCook..................................................... McCook, Neb.

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11 a.m.

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Parting Shot

The Western Nebraska Community College volleyball team sports pink uniforms for October Breast Cancer Awareness month during the Otero Junior College game. Also, that win was head coach Binny Canales’ 600th win all-time spanning the NJCAA, NAIA and NCAA coaching levels.

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 Medical Center Runza Scottsbluff Screenprinting Steel Grill TEAM Chevrolet/Toyota Western States Bank Gold Sponsors Ameri-Co Carriers

Arby’s Bluff ’s Sanitary Supply Douglas, Kelly, Ostdiek, Ossain Law Firm First National Bank Gary’s Cleaning Inland Truck Monument Smiles NTC US Bank Blue Sponsors Backaracks Bid It Bob Chaloupka, Holyoke, Snyder, Chaloupka, Longoria & Kishiyama Law Firm First State Bank Floyd’s Truck Service Hampton Inn & Suites Hurst Sports Racquet Intralinks Monument Physical Therapy Panhandle COOP

Pinnacle Bank Reganis Auto Regional West Medical Center Roosevelt Public Power Safetyline Consultants Sandberg Implement Schank Roofing Simmons-Olsen Law Firm Vertex Western Sugar

White Sponsors Chadron State College Carr-Trumbull Lumber Dominos Kriz Davis Company Ole’ Restaurant Rusch’s General Contracting Route 26 Mart Scottsbluff Star-Herald Valley Dental Center