Category: News

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

UNL Football and sports program

Posted on by Matt Tompkins

UNL Football and sports program

Have you ever felt the electric energy of a college game? What makes us so passionate about cheering for our team? Why do we love UNL Football, basketball, or any Nebraska Huskers games so much? What drives our spirit? 

We believe college sports are exciting because they bring together students, faculty, alumni, and fans from across campus and worldwide, creating a thrilling and passionate community. For the  University of Nebraska Lincoln (UNL), this community has produced some of the Midwest’s most talented football and basketball athletes. 

-university-of-nebraska-lincoln

UNL Husker

Herbie Husker, or as we often call him: “Husker,” is the UNL official mascot, and it’s the character that represents every UNL athlete and fan out there. “Huskers” is a name that means more than just trophies and awards. In this blog, we will delve beyond the gold medals and into how the UNL shapes students’ lives for the better.

The UNL is a public research university located in Lincoln, Nebraska, Founded in 1869. The UNL has become one of the leading universities in the Midwest for its athletic program. From football games at Memorial Stadium to basketball tournaments at Pinnacle Bank Arena, UNL provides fun and dynamic spaces for students and community to get together. 

Any Huskers program aims to recruit and develop students and guide them to achieve the highest level in academics, athletics, and life, all served by hard-working professionals looking to make Nebraska athletics elite.

-university-of-nebraska-lincoln UNL Football

UNL Athletic Success

Integrity, trust, respect, teamwork, and loyalty: These values are not just filler words but the foundation for the campus community. By having these core values at the center of each interaction, the university creates a strong team of athletes that can succeed beyond any sport. These values allow the Huskers students to be accountable and respectable humans for the rest of their lives. 

For the University of Nebraska Lincoln, success is more than just winning games. For coaches, teachers, and directors, students’ well-being is the top priority, so they make sure all athletes receive the support they need to thrive in all areas of their academic and personal lives.

From the many accomplishments UNL Huskers have made throughout the years, we can highlight the 29 national titles in school history and five national championships in football. Husker teams have also won eight national titles in men’s gymnastics, eight in women’s bowling, five in women’s volleyball, and three in women’s indoor track and field.

These achievements are impressive, but where do we stand in all of this? What do WE give back to these fantastic people who have done so much for the sports community? 

-university-of-nebraska-lincoln UNL Football

At the Nebraska Greats Foundation (NGF), we wish to give back to all people that have invested years of their life into making the UNL the strong sports school it is today; that is why the NGF is always looking for former athletes that need our help to improve their quality of life through medical funding or assistance.

Anthony Branch

Anthony, a former UNL Football player, moved from Idaho to Lincoln because he believed in Coach Tom Osborne and the University of Nebraska. He poured his heart and soul into the Huskers team until he earned a wingback spot on the roster. Since then, Branch has stayed close with his Huskers teammates and coaches.

After a long and satisfactory football career playing for the University of Nebraska, he is now a dedicated and caring father and grandfather; however, he was hit with Polycystic Kidney Disease, a hereditary condition that threatened to take his health down a dark road. 

This disease causes cysts to develop around the kidneys, resulting in function loss over the years. This did not stop Anthony from continuing his joyful life. With help from the Nebraska Graets Foundations, he received the assistance he needed to cover his medical expenses. 

Larry Florence

Larry was a UNL Basketball standout performer in the late ’90s. In his senior season, Florence was the only Husker to start all 30 games and led Nebraska in scoring at 13.0 points per game. All his hard work throughout the years regarded him to the title of Husker Power Male Athlete of the Year in 1999.

After a long and successful career in Basketball, Larry faced one of his life’s toughest opponents: cancer. It was a brutal fight, but he wasn’t alone. At the NGF, we could help him with travel expenses for the treatment he needed away from home. With this support, Larry was able to focus on his health and keep fighting his battle.

UNL Football

Nebraska Greats Foundation

At the Nebraska Greats Foundation, we recognize the great labor students and graduates put in daily to make the Huskers a top team. We know the huge lengths athletes will go to be the best of the best; we know how much time is invested in their bodies and mind.

Our mission is simple: we want to be there for people when they need us the most. So, join us in making a difference!

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

Hoibergs Headline the 2023 Tom Dinsdale Auto Celebrity Sports Jamboree Presented By 1st State Bank

Posted on by Matt Tompkins

Hoibergs Headline the 2023 Tom Dinsdale Auto Celebrity Sports Jamboree Presented By 1st State Bank

The Nebraska Greats Foundation brings a celebrity event this summer to Grand Island’s Riverside Golf Club for the 5th consecutive year.

Thursday night, July 20th, the event will feature dinner, cocktails, auction items, tributes and testimonials to and from recipients served by NGF support.

The Thursday night event is headlined by Husker Men’s Basketball Coach Fred Hoiberg and wife Carol.

Says Hoiberg, “Carol and I are thrilled to be a part of the event in Grand Island in support of the Nebraska Greats Foundation. The NGF does amazing things for athletes and their families and since there is no other organization like it in the country, it’s just another reason there truly is no place like Nebraska.”

To date, The NGF has provided life-changing assistance to men and women former letterwinners at 12 of Nebraska’s 16 4-year colleges and universities including three former Husker Basketball standouts Bernard Day, Larry Florence and Ade Dagundaro.

Click here for a complete list of Nebraska Greats Foundation recipients.

On Friday, July 21st college athletes will serve as celebrity “captains” for area golfers for a round on the course at Riverside to benefit NGF recipients.

More information and an event schedule will be available later this spring.

Ameritas Executive Gustin Named to the Board of Directors for the NGF

Posted on by Matt Tompkins

Ameritas Executive Gustin Named to the Board of Directors for the NGF

The Nebraska Greats Foundation (www.negreats.org) which serves former collegiate athletes from Nebraska with medical and educational needs, and financial challenges announces the addition of longtime Ameritas Executive Karen Gustin to the Board of Directors. Her three-year term was unanimously approved by the current board members.

She retired after a 40-year association with the Lincoln-based Insurance and Financial Services giant serving as Executive Vice President for the Group Dental and Eye Care divisions. A 1983 UNL graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education, she remains active in the alumni association and the alumni marching band.  In the community, she served as Board President for Voices of Hope.

Said Gustin, “The Nebraska Greats Foundation epitomizes what Nebraskans are about. I think it’s too easy to get caught up in the moment when athletes are competing, and we quickly move on to the next season and player. I’m extremely excited to help keep the spotlight on their lives and let them know they weren’t just a game for they are family.”

“Karen is corporate and community rock star! We are thrilled and very fortunate to have her commitment to our mission. She is a great Nebraskan and a passionate fan of collegiate athletes,” said NGF Board President Johnny Dorn.

She joins a board consisting of athletic, education and community leaders in support of athletic heroes in their time of need. They are Dorn, Brett Wetton, Bill Hamik, Bruce Rasmussen, Eric Crouch, Rod Kestel, Boyd Epley, Matt West, Tom Dinsdale, Monte Kratzenstein and Chairman/Founder Jerry Murtaugh.

The Nebraska Greats Foundation Assists a Former Husker Football Player

Posted on by Matt Tompkins

The Nebraska Greats Foundation Assists a Former Husker Football Player

The Nebraska Greats Foundation Assists a Former Husker Football Player

The Nebraska Greats Foundation (501C-3 non profit) www.negreats.org which serves former letter winners from Nebraska’s 4-year colleges and universities who face medical and financial challenges, proudly announces a grant for former Husker football letter winner Paul Kastl.

The NGF is assisting Paul with past due medical expenses.

Kastl, who lettered at Nebraska from 1998-2002, was a walk-on running back after a standout HS career at Lincoln Pius X.

Says Kastl, “I’d like to say that I’m honored and blessed to have been introduced to the NE Greats foundation and their amazing staff. They have come to my side in a great time of need. I cannot thank them enough.”

The Nebraska Greats Foundation Supports a Former Husker Football Walk On

Posted on by Matt Tompkins

The Nebraska Greats Foundation Supports a Former Husker Football Walk On

The Nebraska Greats Foundation, 501C-3 nonprofit (www.negreats.org) which aids current and former Nebraska athletes in need has provided a grant to Anthony Branch, a former Husker football walk on wingback. He currently resides in the Dallas metro area. Early this month, Branch received a diagnosis of Polycystic Kidney Disease, a form of kidney cancer. Shortly after, doctors recommended he have both kidneys removed immediately. Anthony then reached out to the Nebraska Greats Foundation which serves former athletes with emergency medical needs. He tapped into the NGF’s national following for assistance. Due to this condition’s genetic nature, Branch’s children and grandchildren are unable to donate.

After his football career, Branch started a career in financial services and eventually transitioned to real estate investments. For over 35 years, he coached (AAU) basketball, working with kids from third grade through high school.

He needs a qualified donor willing to donate a kidney immediately.

“The Nebraska Greats Foundation is assisting me in getting the word out to anybody in Husker Nation who may be able to help. I know it’s a very big ask, but I am hoping somebody will care enough and be able to give me this gift.” Says Branch

 

International Masters Swimmer and former Husker served by NGF

Posted on by Matt Tompkins

International Masters Swimmer and former Husker served by NGF

The Nebraska Greats Foundation, 501C-3 nonprofit (www.negreats.org) which aids current and former Nebraska athletes in need has provided a grant to Keefe Lodwig, a former All Big 8 swimming champion from UNL.

Lodwig, who starred at Omaha Benson High School in the 1960’s has been diagnosed with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a degenerative neurological disease that progressively robs its victims of motor skills. It is commonly known as ALS or “Lou Gehrig’s disease.”

While an accomplished swimmer in his youth, Lodwig shined the most as one of the world’s top Master’s Swimmers. He competed globally, setting records, and capturing gold medals well into his 70’s.

ALS victims require constant medical care. The NGF is assisting Lodwig with needs as the disease progresses.

“I feel lucky that I was able to be an athlete for Nebraska and I am very grateful for the help I am receiving from the Nebraska Greats Foundation.” Says Lodwig.

Donations to the NGF are tax deductible and can be made online at www.negreats.org/giving

Nebraska Greats Foundation Comes Through for Another Small College Nebraska Athlete

Posted on by Matt Tompkins

Nebraska Greats Foundation Comes Through for Another Small College Nebraska Athlete

The Nebraska Greats Foundation, 501C-3 nonprofit (www.negreats.org) which aids current and former Nebraska athletes in need has provided a grant to Keven Marques, a freshman Midfielder from Ribeirao Preto, Brazil

Keven was admitted to a local hospital in August complaining of severe abdominal pain and severe vomiting. After a series of tests and other procedures, doctors located the cause of the illness and began treatment. Keven made a full recovery.

The Nebraska Greats Foundation assisted Keven, who is largely funding his own education with funds to cover outstanding medical expenses.
“I am very grateful for all the help and assistance provided by the Nebraska Greats Foundation. I appreciate and recognize the great work they do in helping people and families who need or have needed help, just like me.” Said Marques.

To learn more about the mission of the NGF or provide tax deductible assistance to athletes in need, please visit out page