Category: News

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.”

The Nebraska Greats Foundation Issues Grant to Former Husker Standout Battling COVID-19

Posted on by Matt Tompkins

The Nebraska Greats Foundation Issues Grant to Former Husker Standout Battling COVID-19

The Nebraska Greats Foundation which serves former letter winners from Nebraska’s 4-year colleges and universities who face medical and financial challenges, has issued its first grant to a victim of COVID-19.

Former UNL Football standout Keven Lightner, an All Big 8 performer in 1987 was struck with the Corona Virus while visiting Nebraska in the summer of 2020. He is an assistant coach with the Fujitsu Frontiers of Japan’s professional football league. Health authorities are certain he was infected while in Lincoln.

Said Lightner, “I would like to thank the Nebraska Greats Foundation for coming to my family’s aid after my long and difficult battle with COVID-19. The bills piled up quickly and the foundation stepped in and took this financial burden off our shoulders. I will be forever grateful!”

Lightner entered St. Elizabeth Regional Health center on July 28th and spent the next 32 days on full life support, including a 10-day induced COMA. While in treatment, he was on a 24-hour ventilator, suffered a collapsed lung and cardiac arrest. His fever spiked to 104 degrees.

Employer sponsored health insurance benefits only provided for a percentage of the seven-figure cost of his care. He and his family applied for support from the NGF.

“COVID-19 has affected so many Nebraska families. In many cases, like Keven the victim recovered but now must face crippling medical expenses. Hopefully Keven’s story will shed light on the increasingly unreachable cost of health care. On behalf of our donors and corporate partners, we are pleased to be able to assist Keven and his family at this time and hope we can do more if needed.” Says Jim Rose, Executive Director of the NGF.

A Nebraska native, Lightner starred at Adams Central HS near Hastings. After his playing days, he served as an assistant coach at Ohio University and Vanderbilt prior to his position in Japan. He became a legend off the field as one of Nebraska Football’s strongest players. He set numerous weightlifting records including a 441-pound bench press and a 756 pound squat.

He has returned to Japan to continue his recovery.

Former Wayne State Football Player Latest Recipient of Support From the Nebraska Greats Foundation

Posted on by Matt Tompkins

Former Wayne State Football Player Latest Recipient of Support From the Nebraska Greats Foundation

The Nebraska Greats Foundation (501c-3) proudly announces the awarding of another life changing
grant to a former Nebraska College Athletics letter winner.

Drew Caskey, a two-year letter winner in football at Wayne State College (2000-2001) suffered a serious
hip injury while playing. It grew progressively worse until doctors recently advised a complete hip
replacement procedure. Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, Drew was furloughed from his position at the
University of Nebraska and was left with a financial hardship, unable to access the procedure, travel
costs and post-operative care. His application was reviewed for qualification and approved by the NGF
Board of Directors.

Says Caskey, “Faced with the daunting diagnosis of needing a total hip replacement (THR) at just 39
years old, I reached out to the Nebraska Greats Foundation for financial assistance in hopes of achieving
a surgical alternative procedure to resolve the degenerative joint disease in my right hip. My life had
come to a grinding halt due to my painful arthritic hip. I learned that I needed total hip replacement at
just 39 years old. Then the global pandemic hit. Nonetheless I was now faced with financial hardship
due to the furlough assignment from my job.

In stepped the Nebraska Greats Foundation offering to help with out-of-pocket expenses and travel
costs so I could get the best surgeon possible. I knew that help for travel expenses is very rare!
I am forever grateful to the Nebraska Greats Foundation because without them, my dream of traveling
to New York to undergo Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR), by renowned orthopedic surgeon, Edwin P.
Su, M.D., and receive the “gold standard” of hip resurfacing implants, would have stayed just that, a
dream and never a reality. Thank you for helping me get back to winning in the game of life!”

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

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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.

Veteran Fund Raising Executive Dobbs To Join The Nebraska Greats Foundation

Posted on by Matt Tompkins

Veteran Fund Raising Executive Dobbs To Join The Nebraska Greats Foundation

The Nebraska Greats Foundation (www.negreats.org) a 501C-3 public foundation which serves the medical needs of former Nebraska collegiate athletes is proud to announce the addition of Development Executive Mike Dobbs. He will serve as Chief Development Officer and begin officially on January 4, 2021.

“Mike is a terrific get for the NE Greats. He brings years of experience connecting the donor community to the needs of athletes, young and old in Nebraska. He is well liked and respected across the country representing collegiate athletics. We couldn’t be more pleased for our organization and the athletes-in-need we serve.” Says Jim Rose, NGF Executive Director.

Dobbs joins the NGF after 12 years in the Development office of Husker Athletics. While with UNL, he generated support for scholarships, premium seating, legacy, and capital projects.

Dobbs was a standout pitcher for Nebraska Baseball after a decorated prep career at Lincoln East HS. Upon graduation, he embarked a 10-year coaching career in the Lincoln Public School System followed by a stint in private business.

Says Dobbs, “I’m looking forward to beginning the next chapter working with the NGF. Supporting individuals that need assistance is a great cause. I’m looking forward to building relationships with all the Nebraska-based colleges and universities.”

From The AD’s Office: Bill Moos, UNL

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From The AD’s Office: Bill Moos, UNL

Longtime College athletics Administrator Bill Moos took over the reins of Husker Athletics in 2018 and immediately set upon the task of making Husker athletics competitive again for both Conference Titles and National Championships in some of the highest profile sports.

Since his arrival in Lincoln, he has hired Scott Frost as Football Coach, Fred Hoiberg as Men’s Basketball Coach and Will Bolt as Head Baseball Coach.

The former standout offensive lineman at Washington State, has directed athletic programs at Montana, his Alma Mater (WSU) and the University of Oregon.

Raised on a cattle and wheat ranch near Olympia, WA he has won the popularity of Husker fans across the USA and around the World.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF YOUR JOB SINCE COVID-19?

The challenges have been many and are constantly changing.

For me the most difficult challenge has been the inability to interact with people.

I have missed the chances to have daily interactions with our student-athletes and staff.

The ability to sit down at the training table and have lunch with our young men and women and talk about their seasons.

And I miss the ability to interact with our great fans.

Whether it is at a game in one of our sold-out venues, or visiting cities and towns across our great state.

I cherish all of those opportunities and have missed seeing our great people.

THE BIG TEN SCHEDULE DOESN’T LEAVE A LOT OF FLEXIBILITY IF SCHOOLS LOSE GAMES—-HOW CONCERNED ARE YOU ABOUT A MAJOR DISRUPTION IN NOVEMBER AND EARLY DECEMBER?

All we can do is continue to be vigilant and cautious in everything we do here at Nebraska to maintain our ability to play games.

If nothing else, this pandemic and this virus should have taught us all to control what you can control.

That is how we are operating at Nebraska and that is how we will continue to operate as we head into the late fall and winter months.

NOW AT NEBRASKA FOR THREE YEARS, WHAT ARE THE MAJOR GOALS YOU’VE REACHED FOR THE DEPARTMENT?

I am confident we have positioned Nebraska for success in the years to come.

The wins and losses aren’t quite where we want them yet, but I know we are about to turn a corner in a lot of our programs.

I have been fortunate to hire nine head coaches since I have been at Nebraska and those coaches, and all of our long-time coaches, are building programs with a strong foundation that are positioned for long-term success.

I would also add that we have made strides in the area of facilities. We have upgraded our facilities in several sports and are prepared to build the finest football training facility in the country. That project has been delayed by the pandemic, but it will be ready to roll next year and when it is complete it will be a difference-maker for our program.

WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES NEBRASKA FOOTBALL AND MEN’S BASKETBALL FACE IN CONSISTENTLY COMPETING FOR A BIG TEN TITLE?

We have the resources in place to compete for conference championships in all of our sports.

The biggest challenge is pretty simple.

We play in the most competitive conference in the country with a lot of great programs.  Winning isn’t easy.

That being said we are poised to start competing with the top programs in the Big Ten.

NOT MANY FANS REMEMBER THAT IT WAS YOU AS A.D. AT OREGON WHO brought PHIL KNIGHT into the fold with the Ducks. TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT PHIL MOST PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW?

Phil is a brilliant visionary who is extremely innovative and fiercely competitive.

One would never guess that he is somewhat shy and reserved.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ASPECT OF THE GAME OF FOOTBALL? AND AS A FORMER OFFENSIVE LINEMAN HOW DO YOU WATCH A GAME?

I do often focus in on line play when watching as it will most often determine the game’s outcome.

WHO’S THE TOUGHEST PLAYER YOU FACED ON THE FIELD?

Jeff Winans (USC), Dave Tipton (Stanford), Dave Butz (Purdue).

(Note: played against Dave Butz in the East/West Shrine All Star Game)

TALK ABOUT WHY YOU AND THE NEBRASKA ATHLETIC DEPT HAVE BEEN SO SUPPORTIVE OF THE NEBRASKA GREATS FOUNDATION?

The Mission of the Nebraska Greats Foundation fits so well with everything I believe in, what our department believes in and how Nebraskans live their lives.

This is an organization that prioritizes Huskers looking out for Huskers who may be in need.

It is no different than how neighbors help neighbors in our state.

THERE HAVE TO BE FORMER HUSKERS WHO FACE MEDICAL AND FINANCIAL CHALLENGES….WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO THOSE RELUCTANT TO ASK FOR HELP?

Particularly in the challenging times we are currently facing, I am sure there are many in our Husker family who could use assistance.

I would simply tell them if you are hurting—medically, financially, emotionally, whatever the issue—turn to your Husker family.

You made life-long bonds with teammates when you were here at Nebraska and those teammates are eager to help.

Once a Husker, always a Husker!

Former Husker Latest Sports Hero Supported by the Nebraska Greats Foundation

Posted on by Matt Tompkins

Former Husker Latest Sports Hero Supported by the Nebraska Greats Foundation

The Nebraska Greats Foundation (501C-3) www.negreats.com is pleased to announce its latest grant award.

Former Nebraska Football walk-on Cartier Walker applied for assistance with lingering expenses related to his recent bout with prostate cancer.    These were expenses not covered by health insurance.

Says Walker “I would like to thank the Nebraska Greats Foundation for their support and kindness in my time of need.  Without this lifeline things would be very tough.  This is deeply appreciated and a great Foundation helping former players in need.”

Walker, originally from Atlantic City, NJ lettered on the 1988 Big 8 Championship team and is best remembered for a blocked punt returned for a touchdown in the Huskers win over UNLV.

Walker is the 26th former letter winner from 16 Nebraska based 4-year schools to receive assistance from the Nebraska Greats Foundation since 2014 but he is the 7th to be approved for a grant in 2020.   The NGF has granted over $340,000 to in-need former athletes since 2014.

The NGF is a public non-profit foundation aiding any former letter winning athlete from 16 Nebraska-based 4-year schools with a medical emergency and a financial challenge.  Recipients NEVER receive a direct subsidy as all proceeds are directed to service providers.   All gifts are tax deductible and can be made at www.negreats.org/giving/