Chadron State Athletics

Posted on April 21, 2023May 2, 2023 by Matt Tompkins

Chadron State Athletics

Chadron State College (CSC) is a well-known public institution in Chadron, Nebraska.

Since 1911, it has offered quality education and a strong athletic program. With an enrollment of 3,000 students, CSC fosters an inclusive and engaging environment for student athletes to grow academically and athletically.

CSC’s athletic program is a point of pride for the college community, with a history of conference championships and deep playoff runs.

The community feel of CSC and a commitment to academic excellence are balanced by the high caliber of the athletic programs, making for an unparalleled student-athlete experience.

Chadron State Eagles

CSC is a member of the NCAA Division II and the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC).

It offers various sports programs for both male and female student-athletes. Currently, CSC sponsors 12 varsity sports, such as football, basketball, wrestling, track and field, cross country, golf, softball, and volleyball.

Chadron State Football Team Success

The football team at Chadron State College is one of its most notable athletic programs.

With a rich history since 1911, the Eagles have won multiple RMAC championships and made several appearances in the NCAA Division II playoffs.

The team is known for its strong defensive and offensive units and enjoys unwavering support from the CSC community, evident in packed stands at home games.

Notable football alumni who went on to the NFL include Garrett Gilkey, Danny Woodhead and Don Beebe.

Basketball Teams’ Achievements

CSC’s basketball teams also have a strong reputation within the RMAC. Both men’s and women’s teams have enjoyed successful seasons, with the women’s team winning the conference championship in the 2018-2019 season.

The Eagles’ basketball players’ dedication to hard work, teamwork, and sportsmanship has led to on-court success and a positive college atmosphere.

Wrestling Program Excellence

The wrestling program at CSC is a consistent force within the RMAC, producing many All-Americans and conference champions over the years. The wrestling team ranks high in regional and national standings, showcasing its athletes’ and coaching staff’s strength.

Chadron State’s commitment to excellence is evident in its facilities, such as the state-of-the-art wrestling room and strength and conditioning center.

Chadron State Individual Sports Achievements

In addition to team sports, CSC excels in individual sports like track and field, cross country, and golf. The college’s track and field and cross country teams have produced numerous conference champions and All-American athletes. Many have gone on to compete nationally.

CSC’s golf program is also a strong RMAC contender, with both men’s and women’s teams consistently ranking in the top tier of conference competition.

Factors Contributing to Success

The success of Chadron State College’s athletic programs can be attributed to dedicated student-athletes and experienced coaching staff passionate about guiding their teams.

The college features state-of-the-art facilities like the Nelson Physical Activity Center, Armstrong Gymnasium, and Don Beebe Stadium, providing student-athletes with the resources needed to excel in their sports.

Athletics, Personal Growth, and Academics

At CSC, athletics are about more than just winning games and breaking records. They also focus on fostering personal growth, academic achievement, and community engagement.

Student-athletes are encouraged to balance athletic commitments with academic pursuits, and the college offers numerous resources and support services to help them succeed in both areas.

Lasting Impact and Community

Chadron State College’s athletic programs have played a crucial role in shaping the college’s identity and fostering a sense of community among students, faculty, and alumni.

Through their commitment to excellence, sportsmanship, and personal growth, CSC’s student-athletes have significantly impacted the college and the surrounding community. The Eagles’ athletic programs continue to be a source of pride for Chadron State College and its supporters.

Chadron State College’s athletic programs have a rich history of success, driven by dedicated student-athletes, experienced coaching staff, and state-of-the-art facilities.

The Eagles’ legacy extends beyond winning games and breaking records, as it also emphasizes personal growth, academic achievement, and community engagement.

With a commitment to excellence, sportsmanship, and a supportive environment, Chadron State College continues to be a beacon of athletic achievement and a source of pride for its community, inspiring future generations of student-athletes to pursue greatness both on and off the field.

Nebraska Greats Foundation

If you are a current or former college athlete letter-winner and need medical or financial assistance, the Nebraska Greats Foundation is here to help you just like we’ve helped all of our recipients from all 16 colleges in Nebraska, including Wayne State College. CLICK HERE to apply for help and CLICK HERE to refer an athlete needing care so we can help.

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From The AD’s Office: Joel Smith Chadron State College

Posted on February 4, 2021April 21, 2023 by Matt Tompkins

From The AD’s Office: Joel Smith Chadron State College

MANY NEBRASKANS KNOW CHADRON STATE AS THE ALMA MATER OF TWO POPULAR NFL PLAYERS OF THE LAST GENERATION DON BEEBE AND DANNY WOODHEAD. HOW MUCH HAVE THEY MEANT TO THE PROGRAM LONG AFTER THEY PLAYED THEIR LAST GAME THERE?

Both Don and Danny have been the national face of Chadron State Athletics. They both continue to support the college and have been integral in our effort to provide resources for our student athletes. They are also good men which reflects well on our program.

BEFORE COMING TO CSC, YOU WERE COMMISSIONER OF THE ROCKY MOUTAIN ATHLETIC CONFERNCE, A RESPECTED DII LEAGUE. WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO CHADRON FROM THE RMAC?

This is my 33rd year in athletics and I have had a diverse career. I spent 12 years as the commissioner and enjoyed that experience. However, I missed the day to day interactions with students that you get as an athletic director.

I had built a great working relationship with the president at Chadron and when Brad Smith retired Dr. Rhine asked me to consider replacing him. I was excited to return to a campus and took the position.

YOU HAVE BECOME PRESIDENT OF THE NCAA DIVISION II ATHLETIC DIRECTOR’S ASSOCIATION. WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE DII ATHLETICS FACES?

The most visible is our efforts to continue to operate in a Covid 19 world. We all are involved making it safe for our athletes to compete.

Outside of that the challenges of raising resources for the program is a constant. A new issue is engaging our athletes and community in discussions about inclusion and social justice.

CSC LAUCHED AN INITIATIVE SEVERAL YEARS AGO TO UPGRADE FACILITIES. YOU HAVE COMPLETED BOTH PHASES OF THE PROJECT, WHAT’S NEXT?

Well, we have in essence fixed, replaced, or created all of our athletic facilities. Now we have some of the best facilities in the RMAC. We need to do some more upgrade work in our locker rooms and with our indoor facility but right now we are proud of what we have.

YOU LIST THE GUITAR AS A HOBBY? HOW GOOD ARE YOU? WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST MUSICAL INFLUENCE?

Not as good as I once was. I do get to play a little now and then. I’m a little eclectic so I’ve been influenced by everyone from John Denver to James Taylor to Nat King Cole.

THE NEBRASKA GREATS FOUNDATION HAS YET TO SERVE A FORMER CHADRON STATE EAGLE IN NEED. HOW CAN WE GET THE WORD OUT TO ALL OF THE FORMER LETTER WINNERS OF CSC WHO EITHER MAY BE IN NEED OR KNOW OF A FORMER TEAMMATE WHO MAY NEED THE HELP THE NGF PROVIDES?

We continue to share the story of Nebraska Greats Foundation with our alumni. It may be a blessing that we have not had anyone of need yet. We are glad to be involved and know that Nebraska Greats will be there if we have someone of need.

Former Chadron State and NFL running back Danny Woodhead qualifies for U.S. Amateur Four-Ball Championship

Posted on October 9, 2020April 21, 2023 by Matt Tompkins

Former Chadron State and NFL running back Danny Woodhead qualifies for U.S. Amateur Four-Ball Championship

This article originally published on Pro Football Talk

Former NFL running back Danny Woodhead qualified for the 2021 U.S. Amateur Four-Ball Championship set to be held at Chambers Bay in University Place, Wash.

Woodhead and partner Michael Wilhelm combined to shoot a 2-under par 69 at Firethorn Golf Club in Omaha, Neb. on Monday to make it into a three-way playoff for the second qualifying spot. A birdie in extra holes gave Woodhead and Wilhelm the invitation to the championship.

“I can’t wait,” Woodhead said in an interview with Nebraska Golf Association. “I like to play really good courses and obviously that being where (Jordan) Spieth ended up winning a major, it’s a pretty cool deal. This ranks up there with athletic achievements.”

The four-ball championship is a relatively new addition to the USGA’s championship slate. The championship was first held in 2015 and is a two-man, better-ball format. It’s composed of 128 teams of two that play 36 holes of stroke play before the top 32 teams move to match play.

Former Bills defensive tackle Kyle Williams qualified for the 2019 event held at Bandon Dunes in Oregon. He and partner Greg Berthelot made the round of 16 before being eliminated. The 2020 championship was cancelled due to COVID-19 considerations.

Chambers Bay was the site of the 2015 U.S. Open and will partner with The Home Course in Dupont, Wash. for the stroke play portion of the tournament.

Woodhead spent 10 years in the NFL after a standout college career at Division II Chadron State where he won the Harlon Hill trophy twice, which is the equivalent of the Heisman Trophy for the D-II level. After being signed by the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent, Woodhead also played for the New England Patriots, San Diego Chargers and Baltimore Ravens.

Woodhead rushed for 2,238 yards and 15 touchdowns in his career and caught 300 passes for 2,698 yards and 17 touchdowns.

Category: Chadron State