Category: Creighton University

Creighton University Athletics

Posted on by Matt Tompkins

Creighton University A Symbol of Excellence

Situated in Omaha, Nebraska, Creighton University stands as a symbol of excellence, deeply rooted in Catholic tradition and Jesuit principles.

Nestled on a scenic 135-acre campus, Creighton is a stone’s throw from downtown Omaha, allowing students to enjoy the tranquility of a college environment while still being connected to the hustle and bustle of city life. Committed to upholding its Jesuit reputation for academic superiority, Creighton emphasizes on crafting meaningful student experiences both in and outside of the lecture hall.

chreighton University

Creighton University History 

Founded in 1878, this institution is dedicated to the pursuit of truth guided by the living tradition of the Catholic Church. With a rich academic excellence and community service history, Creighton University is a hidden gem of the Midwest. 

This School, named after the successful businessman Edward Creighton, is one of the 28 Jesuit colleges and universities in the U.S.

Creighton offers 140 undergraduate and graduate programs, ranging from business to nursing and theology. But what sets Creighton apart from other universities is not only its academic programs but its commitment to social justice and giving back. Students are encouraged to partake in service projects throughout the Nebraska community, trying to impact the world positively.

But how exactly does Creighton measure its community impact?

The Academic Service-Learning programs have given excellent results, including over 1.1 million student service hours and 14 million faculty and staff service hours. Over 15 million annual hours each year and 500 partnerships with local, national, and international organizations to help better service the USA community.

Creighton Athletics: Go Bluejays!

Creighton University is not just about academics. It also holds a strong footing in the world of athletics, with a Division I athletic program that competes in the Big East Conference.

creighton-university

This mindset has helped Creighton to build the strongest teams in Nebraska because it fosters a space where everyone feels safe and cared for: those are the main ingredients for any solid and successful team.

The UC Bluejays have proven time and time again that they have what it takes to come out on top.

Creighton University Built On Success

The university boasts of 16 varsity sports, including baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, cross country, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, tennis, and volleyball. These teams have seen quite a bit of success over the years.

The men’s basketball team, for instance, has made 23 appearances in the NCAA Tournament,

The women’s basketball team has also been to the NCAA Tournament 17 times.

creighton-university

The men’s golf team has taken home the NCAA Championship title twice, in 1982 and 2022, while the men’s soccer team has won the Big East Conference Tournament five times.

Fueling the spirit of these athletic endeavors is the enthusiastic fan base. The men’s basketball team hosts their home games at the CHI Health Center Omaha, accommodating up to 18,000 spectators, while the D.J. Sokol Arena, home to the women’s basketball team, can hold up to 6,800 fans.

Creighton’s athletic program is an integral part of the Omaha’s identity. It instills a sense of pride and achievement in students and plays a crucial role in attracting top-tier students and athletes from across the country.

The excitement and camaraderie fostered by these sports events create unforgettable memories, enhancing the overall Creighton University experience.

Josh Jones history

Josh Jones is an Omaha Central and Bluejay star who had to retire prematurely from varsity Basketball due to a genetic heart condition. 

This condition took a toll on his health, and he needed significant surgical procedures and aftercare to improve his quality of life.

Thanks to the Nebraska Greats Foundation Fund, we provided residual co-pays from Jones insurance benefits. Nowadays, Josh is still a big Bluejay and a healthy basketball fan. 

Nebraska Greats Foundation

The Nebraska Greats Foundation (NGF) is an organization that seeks to make a difference in the lives of former athletes in the state of Nebraska. 

The foundation provides financial assistance to athletes who have suffered debilitating injuries or illnesses and can´t afford full medical care. The organization comprises community members passionate about sports and about giving back to athletic talents. NGF is a beacon of hope and kindness for those who have dedicated their lives to athletic excellence.

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.

Apply for Medical Assistance
Donate Now to Support Athletes

Former Creighton Athletics Director Rasmussen to join the NGF Board of Directors

Posted on by Matt Tompkins

Former Creighton Athletics Director Rasmussen to join the NGF Board of Directors

Former Creighton Athletics Director Rasmussen to join the NGF Board of Directors

The Nebraska Greats Foundation (501C-3 non profit) www.negreats.org which serves former athletes from Nebraska’s 4-year colleges and universities who face medical and financial challenges, is pleased to announce former Creighton University Director of Athletics Bruce Rasmussen has been elected to a three year term on the Board of Directors.

Says NGF Board President Jerry Murtaugh, “We are very pleased that Bruce is joining our mission of serving former collegiate athletes. Bruce’s career in coaching and athletics administration gives him a special understanding of an athlete’s struggle. He has been a great cheerleader for the NGF. His experience will be a great plus for us.”

Says Rasmussen, “I’m excited and honored to be a part of the NGF. In athletics, its’s ‘once a teammate always a teammate.’ Being on a team is being a team member for life. It isn’t a nice act, it’s a necessary act. The NGF helps our teammates for life.”

Rasmussen retired from CU in the summer of ’21 after a distinguished career first coaching women’s basketball then serving for 28 years as Director of Athletics. During his tenure as AD, The Bluejays reached unprecedented heights in on-field success, off-the-field success, fund raising, facilities, graduation rates, fan engagement and sustainability. The highlight of his career was ushering CU into the Big East Conference and serving as Chair of the prestigious NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Committee.

Since its inception in 2014, the NGF has issued over $400,000 in grants to qualified in-need former athletes.

GORDON, HENDRY AND DUENSING HEADLINE THE 2021 MILLARD ROOFING CELEBRITY SPORTS NIGHT EVENT PRESENTED BY 1ST STATE BANK

Posted on by Matt Tompkins

GORDON, HENDRY AND DUENSING HEADLINE THE 2021 MILLARD ROOFING CELEBRITY SPORTS NIGHT EVENT PRESENTED BY 1ST STATE BANK

Three of the biggest names in Nebraska baseball history headline the Millard Roofing 2021 Celebrity Sports Night event presented by 1 st State Bank to benefit the Nebraska Greats Foundation www.negreats.org

Former college All-American, 1 st Round draft choice and World Series winner Alex Gordon, MLB veteran and Millard South and 10-year big leaguer Brian Duensing will join former Creighton head coach and MLB Executive Jim Hendry on Thursday, August 12, 2021 at the Ralston Arena to raise life changing funds in support of former collegiate athletes who face medical emergencies and financial challenges.

The baseball-themed event headlines Gordon, Duensing and Hendry and will highlight NGF grant recipients, school partners and the presentation of the Andra Franklin Service Award for meritorious service to Nebraska athletes.

Says Gordon, Lincoln native and all-star from the KC Royals “It’s my pleasure to be a part of the Nebraska Greats Foundation which is doing amazing work for former athletes in need. This is going to be a fun night with a lot of great people involved.”

Says Duensing who won 46 victories for four different MLB teams, “There is no greater feeling that helping those in need from our own community. I’m excited to be a part of the Nebraska Greats event to help those in need now and in the future.”

Says Hendry, 1991 NCAA Coach of the Year after guiding the Creighton Bluejays to a 3 rd place finish in the CWS before an eight-year stint as VP/GM of the Cubs, “The Nebraska Greats is doing great things for people in need. This will be a fun night for every fan. I encourage fans of all these schools to support it.”

The evening will also feature rare live and silent auction items. All net proceeds benefit grant recipients.

Follow www.negreats.org or the Nebraska Greats Facebook page for individual and group ticket information.

FORMER CREIGHTON BASKETBALL AND UNL FOOTBALL STANDOUTS JOIN THE NEBRASKA GREATS FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Posted on by Matt Tompkins

FORMER CREIGHTON BASKETBALL AND UNL FOOTBALL STANDOUTS JOIN THE NEBRASKA GREATS FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Nebraska Greats Foundation (www.negreats.org) announces the appointment of former Creighton Basketball captain Matt West and Husker Football record setter Kris Brown to three
year terms.

“These are two outstanding professionals and family men with tremendous records of achievement during their playing days but even more so since entering private life. Our organization will be enhanced by their contributions and our current and future recipients couldn’t have two greater advocates.” Says NGF Executive Director Jim Rose.

The Dallas-native Brown helped bring home two national championships and set numerous school place-kicking records. After 12 years in the NFL he transitioned from professional athlete to businessman by co-founding the Berliner Group – a Dunkin Donuts franchisee holding company based in Omaha. He and his wife, Amy, are parents of three. Says Brown “The NGF is doing life changing work that reflects our state’s core values, compassion, teamwork and family. I am thrilled to be a part of it.”

West, of Omaha Westside HS was a key cog in two MVC Conference championships for the CU Bluejays from 1996-2000 serving as team captain his senior year. Upon graduation, the University presented him the “Spirit of Creighton” Award. After attending CU Medical school, he completed his residency and fellowship training at the Medical College of Wisconsin. He currently practices as an interventional spine specialist at the Nebraska Spine + Pain Center and as a team physician for CU Athletics. He will also serve concurrently on the NGF Physician’s Board. West and his wife Jane are the parents of four. Says West “This is an important mission to help those in need. I am excited to be a part of positively impacting the lives of former athletes.”