The City of Humphrey and the Humphrey FFA Chapter combined effort to collect items residents want to discard, including electronics, and household items and furniture.

Thirty-eight Humphrey FFA members helped with Spring Clean Up activities, some helping one night others helping both nights volunteering 8 hours of their time to this event.

“We collected 13 pallets of electronics and already hauled them for recycling. Total collected was 7,980 pounds. This was more than last year,” Robyn Graham, FFA sponsor, said.

“We filled four scrap metal Dumpsters. Funds from the scrap metal recycling go toward ag scholarships and community service projects,” she said.

The Goodwill truck was also filled. Graham gave a shout-out to Aaron Korth and Mike Brandl for their extra help with the event, and also Xavier Rudnik, Gabe Luschen and Tucker Czarnick for offering help even after graduation.

• See CLEAN UP, Page 3 “Thank you for all that made cash donations for this event, that is use to offset meals for the students working the event, supply cost for wrapping electronics and fuel for delivering electronics to the recycler,” she said.

The mission became too much to watch, so Retired Master Sgt. Connie Oberg went to her barracks only to be woken up the next morning and told of the tragedy.

She told that story to remind the Memorial Day crowd in Humphrey that these are real people giving their lives for our country.

The Humphrey Foltz-Zuerlein American Legion Post 80 held its annual Memorial Day services Monday at the Humphrey Community Center where Oberg spoke.

“As we observe Memorial Day around the country we do more than observe a tradition dating back to 1868, we also fulfill a commitment to honor some very special individuals,” she said.

“When we enlist we understand the cost of freedom, and it’s a cost we’re willing to pay, leaving our families, our homes, and our support systems. A veteran ... is someone who at some point in his or her life wrote a blank check made payable to the United States of America for the amount of, up to, and including, his or her life.

“There individuals are ordinary human beings, just like us, however what they accomplish is extraordinary. They answer the call throughout America history. It is because of them people can experience liberty and freedom now more than ever. They sacrifice their time and energy, and at times their life, for this country.”

Oberg was serving Oct. 22, 2015, she was stationed with a special forces unit in Iraq.

“The men were preparing to launch an important mission that night,” she said. The mod was incredibly serious. After dinner that night we were invited to watch the mission. I never witnessed an experience like that. As the mission continued they kept repeating ‘Eagle down, Eagle down.’ The mood instantly changed. I found myself thinking this is bad, I

• See MEMORIAL DAY, Page 5 bunk to go to bed hoping that in the morning everything would be all right, and tensions would be settled.

“I was woke the next morning with pounding on my door. I was told the mission from the previous night went south,” she said.

Oberg learned a soldier had been killed.

On Jan. 16, 2019, a suicide bomber struck an area where American soldiers gathered to receive intelligence.

“At this point I had been stationed in Syria for 14 days,” she said.

Another soldier was killed in the suicide bombing.

“This Memorial Day we honor those ordinary people who chose the extraordinary in the name of freedom. Some have died in combat, and others have been lost. We come face to face with the high cost of battle in the form of loss of life I saw this when I served overseas. We carry it with us constantly. If we remember these individuals only in the space of sorrow we do them a disservice. Military veterans often sacrifice their own safety and comfort often for a cause greater than themselves. What would our country be like if these individuals had not fought and protected? Individuals have and continue to protect a nation that stands as an example of freedom and security. On Memorial Day we honor those who gave everything in order to protect us,” she said.

Memorial Day began in the area with a Mass honoring veterans at Lindsay Holy Family Church.

Platte Center gathered in the park for services that included recognizing veterans who served and gave their lives and children placing flags at a representative gravesite.

In Creston, Rich McPhillips, Vietnam veteran from Lindsay, reminded people the day is a not a celebration, but rather a day to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

“This is not Veterans Day, this is not a celebration,” he said. “This is a day of solemn contemplation of the cost of freedom.”

He grew up on a farm in Lindsay and was drafted and became a dog handler to a German shepherd named Duke.

“Like all dog handlers I owe my life to their keep awareness,” he said. “He was extremely protective.”

He said his story is not any different than the thousands who have served.

“Some of us were drafted, some volunteered, but we were willing to serve our country. We did our duty, we did what our country asked us to do.”

The junior from Humphrey-Lindsay earned an eighth place medal Saturday in the Class C shot put.

“Honestly, I was pretty shocked at first. I knew I had a chance to place, but once everything was actually over and I realized I medaled, it was such a cool feeling. It felt good knowing all the hard work paid off and being one of the top girls in the Class C for shot put is definitely something I’m proud of. I’m also excited to keep improving and will work hard toward placing higher next year.

“Going into it I was nervous, but also pretty confident because I knew I had been throwing well lately. As I kept seeing the other throws, I just tried to stay focused on myself and not over think it too much. Once I had a good mark down, I started feeling a lot more confident,” she said.

Senior Miciah Mohrman was a two-time state qualifier, competing in the 300-meter hurdles, where he finished in a time of 43.30, and he ran the 400-meter dash, finishing in 51.32.

He said the experience of state is satisfying and is philosophical about the experiences he’s gathered.

“State track is so much different from when I envisioned it my freshmen and sophomore year. Back then track seemed so alien, an unreal thing that’d I’d never achieve. My sophomore year I talked to a guy from Plainview who won 300 hurdles the year before and I thought that was the peak of high school track. As I got older I realized state or even being a state champion isn’t the pinnacle to track but rather the achievements and experiences you live on your way to track are. State is only one meet, you get one chance to prove yourself. If you do bad at that chance even with your greatest effort and all the work you put in the offseason so be it. Every experience is a learning opportunity even if you don’t go onto the next level of track you can use it in your future. One bad day isn’t the end. The end is when you let those bad days get to you,” he said.

Sophomore Nyla Beller competed in the long jump, finishing just out of the finals with a mark of 16-10.25.

She said earning a trip to state is an important experience for her.”

“Making it to state in long jump has been a very exciting experience for me. It took a lot of hard work throughout the season and it feels rewarding to see that pay off. One of the biggest things I’ve learned is consistency and confidence, especially in long jump when every inch matters. I’m grateful for my coaches, teammates, and family supporting me along the way. Competing at state is something I looked forward to all season and I love being able to represent my school and do my best,” she said.

Head coach Travis Friensen said he’s proud of his athletes.

“I was happy with the efforts of athletes down at state. I thought they competed hard and gave it their best effort,” head coach Travis Friesen said. “Nyla jumped well, missing the finals by .50 inch. Kaylee Vering placed 8th in shot put, which was nice to see. Miciah gave it his best effort in the 400 and 300 hurdles. Miciah has meant a lot to our track team over the years, and I’m happy he got to compete at state as a senior.”

Archangels Defenders junior Gavin Geilenkirchen made himself at home on the podium at Omaha’s Burke Stadium Saturday.

He eared three medals, finishing third in the 200-meter dash, sixth in the 400-meter dash, and seventh in the 100-meter dash.

He finished the 200 in 23.01, the 400 in 51.53, and the 100 in a time of 11.29.

“It feels amazing, I never would have imagined getting three medals in the same day, and I can’t thank God enough for giving me these abilities and my parents for encouraging me to go out for track,” he said.

Geilenkirchen said his thirdplace finish sticks out for him.

“I would have to say the 200 just because that was the one I came out the highest in, it’s towards the end of the day so the stadium is packed and it is just a great experience.”

Getting to stand on the podium as one of the best in Class D is a great feeling, he said.

“It’s a gratifying moment getting three medals is very hard to do through your high school career, let alone all in one day and knowing that I’m capable of doing that is just amazing and with out my ability that God gave me I wouldn’t have even been in this situation.”

He wasn’t the only Archangels trackster to leave with a medal.

The girls 4x800-meter relay team of Emily Stricklin, Courtney Eisenmann, Kali Jarosz and Eva Klassen placed fifth, crossing the finish line in a time of 10:27.42.

The team said it feels great to medal at state.

Klassen said, “At first my feelings were very nervous because I didn’t want to let my teammates down, and I just didn’t know what to expect out of the other teams. When I was waiting on the line to get the baton I was trying to tell myself that I can do it. But once I started running I knew I was going to be just fine. When I crossed the finish line in 5th place I felt very accomplished and relieved. It was a hard race because we knew there were going to be good teams running against us coming back from last year getting 15th, we just knew we needed to push ourselves to get a placing.”

Stricklin said, “When I first realized we were going to medal I was filled with excitement for me and my teammates, especially since we all have been working really hard at practice to make it down at state and we all wanted it really bad for each other.

“My mindset going in to the race was definitely determination, especially after placing 15th last year, I knew if we wanted a chance this year at placing I was gonna need to start off strong for my team to get us in a good position for the rest of the race,” she said.

Jarosz said, “When I found out we were going to medal, I honestly felt super grateful. Getting to medal at state again my senior year in the 4x8 meant so much to me, especially because it was the same way I medaled my freshman year when I first started track. It feels really full circle, and I’m thankful I got to end my high school track career that way with my teammates, and great coaches.

“It was a hard race because the competition was really strong, but what made it even harder was knowing it was one of our last races together, so we all wanted to leave everything out on the track. I think coming into state and being placed ninth made us want to compete even better, and beat the teams we lost to during the season. I’m really proud of my teammates, and can’t wait to see what they do next year,” she said.

Eisenmann added, “When I figured out we were going to medal I was super excited. I saw Eva coming around the last curve, and she had us in a really good place and I was pretty confident we were going to place. I think we exceeded our expectations when we came in fifth.

“There is always so much competition at state so it’s expected to be a hard race. Coming in ranked ninth knowing they only place eight pushed us as a team. We all had confidence and we’ve been saying Senior Whitney Wegener just missed medaling in the shot put, placing ninth Saturday with a throw of 36-06.25.

On Friday, she was stymied by the rain when a storm passed through as she was throwing. While all other events were put on hold, officials kept the discus event going, and in bad conditions her best toss was 112-05. She had thrown 124-5 at district, which would have placed her fourth at state, instead she settled for 12th.

Lillie Beltz competed in the 100-meter hurdles, placing 24th in a time of 18.72, and in the 300-meter hurdles, finishing 11th in 48.69.

Anderson also ran in the 1600-meter run, placing 13th in 4:48.22.

Claire Wegener ran the 1600and 3200-meter runs, finishing 18th in 5:53.63 and 16th in 13:09.58, respectively.

Stricklin also ran the 1600-, placing 18th in a time of 5:57.53.

Jarosz finishing 10th in the long jump, finishing with a best jump of 16-02.50.

Jayden Olmer was 19th in the pole vault with a mark of 11-feet.

The girls 4x100-meter relay placed 11th with a time of 52.25. Runners are Scarlett Kessler, Lillie Beltz, Kali Jarosz and Eva Klassen. The boys 4x400-meter relay team placed 13th in 3:38.50. Runners are Ethan Wieseler, Carson Wegener, Cade Wietfeld and Gavin Geilenkirchen.

Opening day is Memorial Day, Monday, May 25.

New manager Allison Durkop and her staff are anxious to get the season started.

“We are excited to be opening a bit earlier than usual this year,” she said. “There are 19 lifeguards this summer, three who also hold a Nebraska Pool Operator’s Certification and are assistant managers, and this is my first summer as the head manager for the Humphrey Aquatic Center. A large majority are returning lifeguards from previous years, so lots of incoming experience.”

Hours throughout the summer, unless otherwise noted, are Monday-Friday Noon-5 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday Noon-6 p.m.

Daily admission for ages 5+ is $5; and 4 and under is free.

Family memberships is $175 (+$25 for a nanny/babysitter).

Single memberships is $85. Group swimming lessons are $50 per child.

Private swimming lessons are $70 per child.

Below is information about our school’s Living the Faith Hour requirements. The Outstanding Service Award was created to celebrate the student who has gone above and beyond the minimum requirements.

Guidelines for Living the Faith Hours 

1. In order to receive one’s transcript from the year, one must complete the requisite number of hours in each category before the end of the school year. If one does not, the expectation will be that the student will return to the school after the end of school year to fulfill their needed hours.

2. The number of service hours required each year is as follows: 7th grade 10 hours 8th grade 10 hours 9 th grade 15 hours 10th grade 15 hours 11th grade 15 hours 12th grade 15 hours 

3. No grade will be given. 

4. Students will be required to complete a form indicating the work they did or the activity they participated in. An adult must sign the form.

5. Participating in Youth Ministry programs may allow students to earn service hours. These will vary according to the length of the program/activity. Tentatively the following guidelines will be used: Students will get 6 hours for each day of the retreat/mission trip students need to check with the Catholic Living Director before the program/ activity to determine how many hours of service will be permitted.

6. Students cannot receive any financial benefits or personal gain for service hours.

7. Hours cannot be obtained by helping immediate family members.

8. No hours of service may be accumulated during normal school hours. i.e.: Class service days or service days put on by the school cannot be used for service hours.

9. Accumulation of hours above what is required for the grade level cannot be used in the following year. (For example: a freshman cannot accumulate 60 hours as a freshman to be used for the remainder of his/her high school career.) However, students are encouraged to go beyond and submit as many hours as they wish. These efforts will be recognized.

10. The accumulation of hours for a year will begin immediately after the end of the previous year (providing one does not need to come back to finish hours), and will end at the end of the school year. Hours may be turned in at any point during the academic year.

11. Should a student transfer, a new hourly goal be set at the discretion of administration.

Students who transfer from a school that already has a service system in place can transfer hours but would need to satisfy the same hours as a regular Archangels Catholic High School student.

High School Requirements 

Beginning freshmen year, students will be required to split the required 15 hours each year evenly into each of the following categories:

• Parish Family (5 hours): Archangels Catholic High School strives to maintain affordable tuition for all students. The total cost to educate each student is significantly more than what is covered by tuition. For this reason, we rely on financial help from the parishes in our family. Because of this generous support and their continual work to provide our families with the Sacraments and opportunities to deepen our faith, we expect that each family gives back to our parishes.

• To list an activity as Parish, the opportunity must directly impact one of the parishes within our Parish family.

• School (5 hours): In order to successfully run our school, take care of our building and grounds, and maintain affordable tuition, Archangels Catholic High School relies on volunteers for many events. Each student is expected to show their investment in our school community by helping meet these volunteer needs.

• To list an activity as School, the opportunity must directly impact one of the schools within our parish/community.

• Community (5 hours): Most importantly, Jesus taught us the importance of serving the poor, sick, and needy: “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). In imitation of Him, Archangels Catholic High School strives to connect students with opportunities to serve individuals and organizations within our communities.

• Community hours are any hours that do not fit into the school or parish categories.

Living the Faith Examples (If the job or activity is not listed, the student must check with the religion teacher or Principal prior to doing the service) Assist Knights of Columbus Open Door Mission in Omaha Assisting teachers outside of school hours P.R.E./C.C.D. helper Bazaar committee work/general worker Parish dinners C.R.O.P. Walk Parish fundraising work Campus Ministry activities Parish Masses (lector, song leader, servers, Community Club service organist, etc.)

Church/school cleaning Park/ highway cleanup Coach any youth league Planting trees (Earth or Arbor Day) Coat collection for less fortunate Public library aide Committee member Recycling Center Elderly care-visits/errands Right to Life 4-H helper Senior Citizen Center entertainment Give blood or help at Bloodmobile Sports assistance (not student manager) Habitat for Humanity at camps.

House painting for disabled/ others Student tutoring Humane Society School activities helper (timer/linesman) Life Chain Serving the sewing ladies Nursing Home/hospital visitations Service to non-Catholic churches Toys for Tots

He finished 12th overall, and the Bulldogs finished 12th.

West Point/Beemer won the tournament, and Peyton Penrose, of WP/B shot an 80 to take first individually.

Caden Brandl shot a 106, Kaden Sueper finished with a 107 and Kody Sueper finished with a 116.

It all added up. 4 superintendents 6 principals 5 classrooms Dozens of different classes taught.

At least 1,000 students taught.

About 100 co-workers.

Barbara Lovercheck is walking out of Humphrey Public School today for the last time. After 32 years of teaching, she is retiring, and May 20 is her last day.

Teaching was always her destiny, no wondering what she wanted to be when she grew up.

“I knew from the time I was little, little, little I wanted to be a teacher,” she said. “My dad (Marlyn Washburn) was a teacher, a math teacher specifically, and I’m the oldest of five kids, and my sister (Jill) was always a willing student and she would love to play school with me. My mom (Mary Lou Olson) was a stay-at-home mom, and taught me to write cursive long before they taught me in school.”

She also knew at a young age she would follow in her father’s footsteps all the way to Wayne State College.

“I kind of idolized my dad, so I thought if it was good enough for Dad, it’s good enough for me,” she said. “My dad being a teacher is one of my biggest influences, but my mother valued education. They instilled in all of us to try and do your best no matter what you’re doing,” she said.

She lost her father to breast cancer in 2017, and she went through her own breast cancer battle in 2015.

Lovercheck went to school through elementary school in O’Neill until the family, which includes her sister Jill Peterson and brothers, Christopher, Charley and Steven, moved to Seward the summer before seventh grade, and she graduated from Seward High School in 1990.

She thought WSC gave her a good buffer between home and school — not too close, but not too far away — and then her father took a job at Osmond Public School.

“I ended up being only 40 miles from where my family was living, which, in hindsight, ended up being a blessing because my daughter was born between my freshman and sophomore years of college, so Darin (her husband) and I were able to live in my parents basement apartment and commute to Wayne,” she said.

Her dad was a math teacher and principal for 42 years, and Lovercheck had no intention of teaching math, she was interested in science, but that changed in college.

“Physics was not for me. I took two classes in physics and thought I don’t want to take anymore classes. I really didn’t like biology and asked if I could just be a chemistry teacher, and they said, ‘Nope, that’s a minor subject, you need to either add another minor subject or a major subject to it,’” she said.

With science out of the question, her advisor at WSC suggested math, which she initially rejected because she didn’t want to follow in all of her dad’s footsteps.

“I’m already too much like him, but I ended up going into the math program, and loved it,” she said.

Lovercheck said she had good math teachers throughout high school, including her dad, and Helen Banzhaf at Seward, whom she still stays in touch.

After graduating WSC in 1994, she was looking for a job when HPS literally called.

“I did my student-teaching at Laurel, and they had a junior high science position available that I applied for, but Steve Robb, the principal (at HPS), called me out of the blue, I had not applied here,” she said.

Lovercheck went in for an interview for junior high math and science and high school chemistry and physics, and even though she wasn’t formally offered the job on the spot, Robb gave her the textbooks to take home to read.

Her first year at HPS she taught science and math, but she didn’t think this would the first and only teaching job she would have.

“I started out here in Humphrey and thought, ‘There’s no way I’m going to stay here forever.’ I looked around wondered how does anybody stay in one school their entire career, I didn’t understand that at all. In the back of my mind I thought I’d start at a small school, go to a little bit bigger school, then a little bit bigger school and maybe teacher college some day. After teaching junior high and high school in a small town, and then with my kids starting school in Humphrey, I really did like the small school atmosphere. I know the kids, and the longer I was here I knew them and their parents,” she said.

She was so sure she wouldn’t be in Humphrey long she turned down an invitation to join the Humphrey Rescue Department because she didn’t think the city would get its money’s worth from her. Ironically, she joined about 5 years ago.

She and Darin met at college. He has a bachelor’s degree in Human Services Counseling, masters in high school counseling, a masters endorsement in special education, and then finally a master’s endorsement in PK-12 administration. He was a licensed mental health therapists and got into education about 1617 years ago. He now teaches SPED at Falls City Public School, and lives in Humboldt where he was for three years, leaving administration to get back into the classroom.

Following their parent’s foosteps, Barabra and Darin’s children, Joseph and Laura, all have degrees from WSC.

Their son, Joseph, graduated with a degree in journalism, and his masters in organizational management with an emphasis in sports management. Their daughter, Laura, received her masters in curriculum instruction, specifically FSC, teaching at LaVista Middle School.

Barbara earned her masters in 2002 in secondary administration, although she never pursued a career in administration, but she said it helps her understand why administrators have to make the decisions they do.

Over 32 years, she said the biggest change in students is the reliance on technology.

“Kids, of the age 12 to 18, are always going to be kids, and they’re not always going to make the best decisions for themselves, but as technology has advanced the focus kids have has changed. It used to be a lot more about activities, what are you watching on TV, and your spare time was spent on activities. Now when kids have down time it’s very much technology related. I see that in school, when they get done with something right away their computers are open. Kids are kids, but the technology has shifted the focus,” she said.

She’s also teaching the children of the parents she once taught.

Lovercheck knew it was time when teaching — as much as she still loves it — feels like work at times.

“It’s not that I don’t enjoy my job, I just don’t get as excited about it as I used to,” she said. “You have to be in it and you have to love it with all your heart, and I do, but there’s some days I wake up ... and the fire isn’t there. I can’t pinpoint why, it was just in my heart,” she said.

The Defenders girls and boys won the Class D-3 District championships May 13 at Hartington, hosted by Wausa.

The girls scored 122 points to win the district title, and boys racked up 188 for its championship.

Head coach Dean Korus is proud of the efforts by his teams.

“Yes, I was pleased with the performances of our kids, we always want our PRs during the district meet, and had quite a few of them. Gavin Geilenkirchen also set the school record in the

400, and Whitney Wegener bettered both her school records in the shot put and the discus. I have never had three school records broke in the same meet, and that over a 45 year period. We had some experienced tracksters make it along with some youth. A good combination.

“There were a few places I thought we would have possibly gotten more to state, but overall I was pleased. Winning both the girls and boys was unexpected, but an added bonus,” he said.

The Defenders turned in several first place efforts.

Geilenkirchen proved to be a blur on the track, winning the 100-, 200- and 400-meter dashes.

Jaiden Anderson was tops in the 1600- and 3200-meter runs and the 4x400-meter relay team of Geilenkirchen, Ethan Wieseler, Carson Wegener and Cade Wietfeld placed first.

For the girls, Claire Wegener won the 1600- and 3200-meter races; Lillie Beltz was champion of the 300-meter hurdles and Kali Jarosz claimed the long jump title.

Also earning berths at state are Jadyn Olmer, pole vault; the

4x100-meter relay team of Scarlett Kessler, Beltz, Jarosz and Eva Klassen; the 4x800-meter relay tea of Courtney Eisenmann, Klassen, Jarosz and Emily Stricklin; Beltz in the 100and 300-meter hurdles; Kylee Kuchar, long jump; Stricklin,

1600-meter run and Wegener in the shot and discus.

Womens Varsity 1. ACHS, 122

2. Howells-Dodge, 105

3. Wausa, 100

4. Guardian Angels Central Catholic, 85

5. Randolph, 34

6. Winside, 31

7. Wynot, 17

7. Osmond, 17

9. Lyons-Decatur Northeast, 13 Mens Varsity 1. ACHS, 118

2. Howells-Dodge, 104

3. Wausa, 100

4. Guardian Angels Central Catholic, 59

5. Winside, 34

6. Wynot, 30

7. Bancroft-Rosalie, 23

8. Lyons-Decatur Northeast, 20

8. Osmond, 20

10. Scribner-Snyder, 11

11. Randolph, 4 ACHS Boys Results

100 Meters Varsity

1. Gavin Geilenkirchen, 11.26

200 Meters Varsity

1. Gavin Geilenkirchen, 22.77

8. Matthew Zach, 25.27

400 Meters Varsity

1. Gavin Geilenkirchen, 50.92

800 Meters Varsity

6. Max Wegener, 2:19.70

1600 Meters Varsity

1. Jaiden Anderson, 4:55.07

4. Wyatt Kuchar, 5:18.28

6. Jett Reichmuth, 6:00.21

3200 Meters Varsity

1. Jaiden Anderson, 11:02.58

5. Jett Reichmuth, 13:00.39

7. Daven Zach, 13:14.41

110m Hurdles

4. Kellan Mundil, 16.66

6. Nathan Preister, 17.88

300m Hurdles

5. Dominick Preister, 45.63

8. Kellan Mundil, 48.21

4x100 Relay

4.ACHS (Matthew Zach, Tucker Czarnick, Kellan Mundil, Ethan Wieseler), 47.36

4x400 Relay

1. ACHS (Gavin Geilenkirchen, Ethan Wieseler, Carson Wegener, Cade Wietfeld), 3:37.12

4x800 Relay

2. ACHS (Jaiden Anderson, Wyatt Kuchar, Carson Wegener, Jett Reichmuth), 8:59.90

Shot Put 6. Ethan Wieseler, 46-6.25 Discus 7. Ethan Wieseler, 123-0

8. Max Wegener, 119-5 High Jump

8. Landon Wegener, 5-5 Pole Vault

2. Jadyn Olmer, 10-6

3. Wyatt Kuchar, 10-6

4. Cade Wietfeld, 10-0 Long Jump 5. Brenden Johannes, 19-9 Triple Jump

3. Brenden Johannes, 40-- 10.5

4. Nathan Preister, 40-10 ACHS Girls Results

400 Meters

4. Eva Klassen, 1:03.96

8. Izzy Tasa, 1:07.55 Archangels Catholic

1600 Meters

1. Claire Wegener, 6:03.29

2. Emily Stricklin, 6:04.72

5. Courtney Eisenmann, 6:39.27

3200 Meters

1. Claire Wegener, 13:34.52

3. Jocelyn Classen, 14:29.68

4. Brenna Wieseler, 14:56.88

100m Hurdles

2. Lillie Beltz, 17.53

300m Hurdles

1. Lillie Beltz, 48.59

8. Jayda Krings, 54.02

4x100 Relay

3. ACHS (Scarlett Kessler, Lillie Beltz, Kali Jarosz, Eva Klassen), 52.60

4x400 Relay

3. ACHS (Kali Jarosz, Eva Klassen, Leslieann Brandl, Lillie Beltz), 4:30.36

4x800 Relay

2. ACHS (Courtney Eisenmann, Eva Klassen, Kali Jarosz, Emily Stricklin), 10:30.88 Shot Put

2. Whitney Wegener, 38-2.75 Discus

2. Whitney Wegener, 124-5 High Jump

6. Leslieann Brandl, 4-5

6. Tatum Classen, 4-5 Pole Vault

2. Kylee Kuchar, 8-2

8. Jocelyn Classen, 7-2 Long Jump

1. Kali Jarosz, 16-7.5

6. Scarlett Kessler, 14-10 Triple Jump

4. Jayda Krings, 31-11

6. Scarlett Kessler, 30-7.5

Kaylee Vering, in the shot put, Nyla Beller, in the long jump, and Miciah Mohrman in the

400-meter dash and 300-meter hurdles qualified for state after their performances Thursday in the Class C-3 District meet at Norfolk Catholic.

“I thought the kids competed really well at districts. I’m really proud of the effort they all showed in their events,” head coach Travis Friesen said.

Vering won the shot with a toss that traveled 38-feet, and Mohrman won the 300-meter hurdles, finishing in a time of 51.90.

Beller was second in the long jump with a mark of 17-1.75 and Mohrman finished runner-up in the 400 with a time of 51.90 Friesen said he is looking forward to seeing the trio compete at state.

“The athletes have continued to improve as the year has moved along, the state meet gives them another opportunity to improve once again. In this continued improvement we hope to bring home some medals,” he said.

Girls Team Results

1. Norfolk Catholic, 99

2. Clarkson-Leigh, 85

3. Tekamah-Herman, 81

4. Stanton, 72

5. Oakland-Craig, 49

6. Lutheran High Northeast, 38

7. Logan View 37

8. Humphrey-Lindsay, 35

9. Wisner-Pilger, 17

10. Madison, 13 Boys Team Results

1. Norfolk Catholic, 134

2. Stanton, 92

3. Oakland-Craig, 69

4. Tekamah-Herman, 61

5. Wisner-Pilger, 39

6. Lutheran High Northeast, 38

7. Humphrey-Lindsay, 33

8. Logan View, 32

9. Clarkson-Leigh, 25 H-L Boys Results

400 Meters

2. Miciah Mohrman, 51.90

8. Taigent Prorok, 58.35

3200 Meters

6. Garrett Graham, 11:50.92

8. Klayton Brandl, 12:19.18

300m Hurdles

1. Miciah Mohrman

42.61

4. Taigent Prorok, 47.27

4x400 Relay

3. H-L (Layton Pospisil, Landon Taylor-Parker, Evan Reichmuth, Miciah Mohrman), 3:40.75

4x800 Relay

4 H-L (Klayton Brandl, Garrett Graham, Gabriel Luschen, Landon Taylor-Parker), 9:42.28 H-L Girls Results

100 Meters

8. Nyla Beller, 13.38

200 Meters

6. Nyla Beller, 27.89

400 Meters

6. Shelby Hemmer, 1:07.36

800 Meters

4. Briley Dohmen, 2:38.73

4x100 Relay

7. H-L (Callista Reichmuth, Nyla Beller, Autumn Fittje, Briley Dohmen), 55.43

4x400 Relay

7. H-L (Briley Dohmen, Shelby Hemmer, Autumn Fittje, Callista Reichmuth), 4:44.70

4x800 Relay

2. H-L (Shelby Hemmer, Briley Dohmen, Autumn Fittje, Erin Kruid), 11:19.97 Shot Put

1. Kaylee Vering, 38-0

5. Hallie Reichmuth, 33-8

Discus 6. Sierra Reardon, 93-11 Long Jump

2. Nyla Beller, 17-1.75

The grant is part of GPC’s annual community grant program, which reinforces the company’s commitment to supporting education and advancing technology initiatives in the communities it serves. Each year, Great Plains Communications provides thousands of dollars in grants and scholarships to support programs that empower students and expand learning opportunities.

“At Great Plains Communications, we believe education is one of the most important investments we can make in the future of our communities,” said Laura Kocher, vice president of marketing & public pelations for GPC. “Through our annual grants program, we are proud to support the schools in the GPC service areas by helping to provide students and educators with access to the technology and resources they need to learn, grow and succeed.”

The new Chromebooks will support daily classroom activities, digital learning initiatives and student collaboration, helping create a more connected and engaging educational environment for students and teachers.

Great Plains Communications has a long history of supporting the communities it serves through local partnerships, educational initiatives and charitable giving programs. By combining community involvement with reliable, fiber-driven technology services, GPC continues to help strengthen local communities and support the next generation.

About Great Plains Communications Great Plains Communications (GPC), based in Blair, is the leading privately-owned communications and fiber technology provider in the Midwest. Leveraging over a century of experience, GPC delivers a comprehensive suite of fiber-based services including high-speed Internet, Managed Ethernet and custom connectivity solutions to residential and business customers in nearly 200 communities across Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska and Indiana. GPC also partners with regional and national telecommunications carriers, LECs, ISPs, wireless carriers and other service providers to meet their unique connectivity needs. The company’s MEF-certified, 20,000+ mile fiber network reaches 13 states and is monitored 24/7/365 by its state-of-the-art Network Operations Center. Learn more about how GPC is driving connectivity and economic growth at www. gpcom.com.

The Archangels Catholic High School graduate signed his letter of intent May 5 to attend school and play basketball, starting next school year.

Johannes signed with his parents, Wade and Nicole Johannes and sisters Anisten, Macy and Elyse Johannes, coach Eric Kessler and teammates along side.

He said Concordia is a good match for him.

“When I took my visit there in October and went through the process with the coaches, I met a lot of nice guys, and had a lot of good talks. That’s the main thing, just their program and the culture they have. I learned a lot over the last two years about how much that matters, and that was a deciding factor on why I wanted to go there,” he said.

The culture at Archangels Catholic High School made a lasting impression on Johannes.

“They taught me how to work hard, not just in sports, but also in the classroom. I learned you have to go through the though times to reap the benefits. Especially in basketball this year, we went through a lot of tough things, but bounced back and fought through adversity,” he said.

He has not settled on a major, but is interested in marketing and business.

Graduation is a time to look back while thinking about the future.

Archangels Catholic High School Class of 2026 student speakers were Gage Braun salutatorian and class valedictorian Matthew Brockhaus who captured those thoughts and feelings.

Braun opened Saturday afternoon’s ceremonies with a prayer.

“Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for bringing us all here today. Thank you for the many blessings you have given to each and every one of us. Lord, we ask today that you watch over, protect, and guide the graduating seniors as we go out into the world. Help us to glorify you in all that we do. Help us to live as you have commanded us to. We also ask, Lord, that you protect us and all the people who have, or are, coming to celebrate our many achievements. We thank you for bringing us here safely and ask for continued blessings. We ask this as we pray, Our Father, Amen.

“Thank you all for being here with us today as we celebrate our graduation. We are all so grateful that you came here today as we make one final memory in this gym. We know that you all have busy lives so thank you for making the time for us. I know us Seniors are all anxious to get our diplomas so without further adieu let’s begin the ceremony.”

Brockhaus reminisced about his classmates and reminded them God has a plan for each of them.

“Good afternoon teachers, family, friends and most importantly to the graduating class of 2026. I’m not going to lie to you and say that we were the best class ever, but I think it’s safe to say we probably weren’t the worst. Teachers? Before I go any further I would like to give a couple of shout outs and thank yous. Thank you to my mom and dad, Thank you to Mrs. Dunn, Father Taylor, Father Dan and all the teachers and staff who have gone above and beyond to guide us, teach us, and ultimately prepare us for the real world. Special thank you to our new custodian Patrick, he’s a dog, I mean truly amazing, thank you. Most of all thank you to God. It is no secret we have overcome lots of adversity in our six years in this building and it is undoubtedly through the grace of God that we have all ended up here today.

Whether that introduction was entirely generated by chatGPT or not is for me to know and you to wonder about. While some of us may or may not have used Ai to help us through various assignments throughout high school there are some things that Ai can’t replicate. AI can’t replicate the memories, lessons, prayers and Coach Kessler quotes that made high school worthwhile. “Did somebody say compound inequalities?” No coach, nobody said that.

Reminiscing on our days here can’t help but think about how much things have changed. For example, the first day of second grade I remember seeing Chase for the first time and thinking, wow that’s the biggest second grader I’ve ever seen in my entire life, but now I’ve grown to be a whole 3 inches taller than him. Or the times during recess when all of the girls would chase Tucker around like it was their J.O.B. Well maybe things haven’t changed that much.

Even though everyone has a different path laid out for them after high school, from college, trade school, entering the work force, or even the military, (shout out E1 Braun), our Catholic education will provide a strong foundation for us to lean on in good times and in bad.

Now, here’s some things I will miss about our class Whitney’s organization, hard work, and whether we liked it or not her leadership.

Eli’s skill at playing guitar in the Band, especially Metallica’s song Master of Puppets.

Speaking of the band, shout out to Jayda, for stepping out of her comfort zone and putting up with 12 guys every 8th period this second semester.

Another shout out to us for putting up with Carson’s sporadic guitar soloing whether we wanted to hear it or not.

We will miss Kali’s exceptional athleticism, which led to her being at PT, what seemed like every other day.

Speaking of athleticism, I remember asking a few of the guys after meeting Brenden at McDonalds if he was a nice fella. Their answer “Who cares he’s 6’6”.

Also to be missed, Kellan’s dry sense of humor, love of nature, and frequent nose bleeds.

Tanner’s work ethic, love of farming, and beautiful bright orange hair.

Tyson’s ability to have a really funny joke at about a 25 percent success rate.

Jett my One Act amigo and partner in crime, I can’t wait for our 25 year class reunion when you fly us all to the Bahamas.

Kylee’s brutal unsugarcoated honesty, and you’re welcome by the way for me saving your life during our ski trip hike.

And Last but not least Ella who sees things the way I do, and shares my unique love for Chase.

With this being a farewell speech, I find it necessary to mention some of the wisdom I have acquired in my time here. At St. Francis and Archangels, we were taught more than academics. We were taught faith. We were taught perseverance. We were taught that even in moments of uncertainty, God has a plan for each of us — a plan greater than anything we could imagine for ourselves. In a world that constantly pushes us to chase status and success, our Catholic faith reminds us that our purpose is not just to succeed, but to love, to serve, and to lead with compassion.

Class of 2026, congratulations and don’t let the thousands of dollars your parents paid to send you here go to waste. Take your faith with you.

Thank you and God Bless.”

The Defenders girls placed second as a team, and the boys finished third. The Bulldog girls were seventh, and the boys ninth.

Leading Archangels were a pair of multi-first place finishes.

Gavin Geilenkirchen won the 100-meter dash in a time of 12.15, and crossed the finish line first in the 200 in 23.37.

Jaiden Anderson won the 1600- and 3200-meter runs with times of 4:57.21 and 10:52.76 respectively.

Whitney Wegener had the best throw in the discus, with a toss of 118-10.50 The 4x400-meter relay team of Cade Wietfeld, Carson Wegener, Gavin Geilenkirchen and Ethan Wieseler was first in 3:41.58.

The girls took first in the 4x800-meter relay. The team of Emily Stricklin, Claire Wegener, Eva Klassen and Courtney Eisenmann finished in 10:39.64.

Shelby Korth, Ella Foltz, Avery Westring and Whitney Wegener teamed up to win the 4x100.25-meter relay in 59.88.

For the Bulldogs, Hallie Reichmuth took first place honors in the shot put with a throw traveling 36-10.25.

Miciah Mohrman won the 300-meter hurdles, crossing the finish line in 43.28.

Girls Team results 

1) Elkhorn Valley, 145

2) ACHS, 94.50

3) Clarkson, 26-27 90

4) Howells-Dodge, 69

5) Central Valley, 68

6) Riverside, 54

7) Humphrey Lindsay, 47.50

8) Lutheran High NE, 41

9) Elgin/Pope John, 29

10) East Butler, 21 Boys Team Results 

1) Elkhorn Valley, 126

2) East Butler, 97

3) ACHS, 91

4) Riverside, 76

5) Howells-Dodge, 66

6) Central Valley, 50

7) Lutheran High NE, 47

8) Elgin/Pope John, 46

9) Humphrey-Lindsay, 38

10) Clarkson 26-27, 23

Girls 100 Meter Dash

3. Beller, Nyla, H-L,13.38 13.54 6 Girls 200 Meter Dash

7. Beller, Nyla, H-L, 28.42 29.31 Girls 400 Meter Dash 7. Klassen, Eva, ACHS, 1:04.61

1:04.58 3 2 Girls 800 Meter Run

3. Dohmen, Briley, H-L, 2:36.19 2:32.85 6

5. Stricklin, Emily, ACHS, 2:38.65 2:41.14 4

7. Krings, Jayda , ACHS, 2:42.30

2:50.95 2 Girls 1600 Meter Run

5. Stricklin, Emily, ACHS, 6:29.62

6:19.29 4 Girls 3200 Meter Run

3. Wieseler, Brenna, ACHS, 14:12.17 13:50.81 6

6. Classen, Jocelyn, ACHS,

14:43.18 14:18.62 3 Girls 100 Meter Hurdles

6. Beltz, Lillie, ACHS, 19.17 18.23 Girls 300 Meter Hurdles

2. Beltz, Lillie, ACHS, 51.31 50.26 Girls 4x100 Meter Relay

4. ACHS, (Beltz, Lillie, Jarosz, Kali, Brandl, Leslieann, Kessler, Scarlett) 53.16

7. H-L ( Reichmuth, Callista, Beller, Nyla, Fittje, Autumn, Dohmen, Briley), 55.52 Girls 4x100.25 Meter Relay

1. ACHS (Korth, Shelby, Foltz, Ella, Westring, Avery, Wegener, Whitney), 59.88

3. H-L (Gaspers, Isabella, Reichmuth, Hallie, Reardon, Sierra, Preister, Emma), 1:03.40 Girls 4x400 Meter Relay

5. ACHS (Jarosz, Kali, Klassen, Eva, Brandl, Leslieann, Stricklin, Emily) 4:27.89 4

7. H-L (Dohmen, Briley, Hemmer, Shelby, Fittje, Autumn, Reichmuth, Callista), 4:36.81 2 Girls 4x800 Meter Relay

1. ACHS, (Stricklin, Emily, Wegener, Claire, Klassen, Eva, Eisenmann, Courtney), 10:39.64

3. H-L (Hemmer, Shelby, Dohmen, Briley, Fittje, Autumn, Kruid, Erin), 11:08.09 6 

Girls High Jump

7. Classen, Tatum, ACHS, 4-06.00

8. Gaspers, Isabella, H-L, 4-06.00

8. Brandl, Leslieann, ACHS, 4-06.00 Girls Pole Vault

5. Classen, Jocelyn, ACHS, 6-06.00

6. Eisenmann, Courtney, ACHS, 6-06.00 Girls Long Jump

3. Jarosz, Kali, ACHS, 16-07.25

4. Beller, Nyla, H-L, 16-02.75 Girls Triple Jump

8. Krings, Jayda, ACHS, 32-01.50 Girls Shot Put

1. Reichmuth, Hallie, H-L, 36-10.25

2. Vering, Kaylee, H-L, 35-10.7

3. Wegener, Whitney, ACHS, 35-00.25

Girls Discus Throw 1. Wegener, Whitney, ACHS, 118-10.50

8. Foltz, Ella , ACHS, 98-06.50 Boys 100 Meter Dash

1. Geilenkirchen, Gavin, ACHS, 12.15

8 Mundil, Kellan, ACHS, 13.02 Boys 200 Meter Dash

1. Geilenkirchen, Gavin, ACHS, 23.37

8. Pospisil, Layton, H-L, 25.70 1 Boys 400 Meter Dash

2. Mohrman, Miciah, H-L, 52.19 3

7. Czarnick, Tucker, ACHS, 57.03

8. Prorok, Taigent, H-L, 57.16 

Boys 800 Meter Run

4. Taylor-Parker, Landon, H-L,

2:14.96 Boys 1600 Meter Run

1. Anderson, Jaiden, ACHS, 4:57.21 Boys 3200 Meter Run

1. Anderson, Jaiden, ACHS, 10:52.76

5. Brandl, Klayton, H-L, 11:49.24 Boys 110 Meter Hurdles

3. Mundil, Kellan, ACHS, 17.15 Boys 300 Meter Hurdles

1. Mohrman, Miciah, H-L, 43.28

6. Preister, Dominick, ACHS, 46.97

8. Mundil, Kellan, ACHS, 47.99 Boys 4x100 Meter Relay

6. ACHS, (Czarnick, Tucker, Mundil, Kellan, Geilenkirchen, Gavin, Wieseler, Ethan), 47.81 2 3

8. H-L (Reichmuth, Evan, Kloppenborg, Caleb, Prorok, Taigent, Behle, Garrett), 55.45

Boys 4x100.25 Meter Relay

3. ACHS (Wegener, Max, Braun, Gage, Freudenburg, Chase, Zach, Matthew), 53.02

5. H-L (Honebrink, Ayden, Mc-Cloud, Tristan, Brandl, Logan, Kirby, Keith), 54.45 Boys 4x400 Meter Relay

1. ACHS (Wietfeld, Cade, Wegener, Carson, Geilenkirchen, Gavin, Wieseler, Ethan), 3:41.58

2. H-L (Pospisil, Layton, Taylor-Parker, Landon, Reichmuth, Evan, Mohrman, Miciah), 3:44. Boys 4x800 Meter Relay

2. H-L (Mohrman, Miciah, Luschen, Gabriel, Graham, Garrett, Taylor-Parker, Landon Humphrey), 9:06.20

6. ACHS (Wegener, Carson, Kuchar, Wyatt, Anderson, Jaiden, Reichmuth, Jett), 9:23.94 4 Boys Pole Vault

3. Olmer, Jadyn, ACHS, 10-02.00

6. Wietfeld, Cade, ACHS, 9-08.00

7. Kuchar, Wyatt, ACHS, 9-08.00 Boys Triple Jump

2. Preister, Nathan, ACHS, 40-- 09.00

Boys Discus Throw

7 Wieseler, Ethan, ACHS, 124-09

Lutheran High Northeast was first with a team score of 326.

The Defenders shot a 376, and the Bulldogs finished with a 395 team score.

Individually, Cole Lawless, of LHNE, was first with a 73.

Jacob Keller, of ACHS, finished third overall, shooting an 80.

Logan Wiese led the Bulldogs with a 90 to place 19th, Cash Hastreiter shot a 94 to place 32nd, Kaden Sueper finished with a 96 for 36th place, Caden Brandl placed 52nd with a 115 and Chance Lindhorst finished with a 118 for 54th place.

For ACHS, Tyson Wietfeld shot a 96 for 34th place, Wyatt Brandl finished with a 99 for 41st place, Matthew Brockhaus shot a 101 for 43rd place and Kolby Pfeifer had a 105 for 49th place.