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University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Recipient Stories

Mark Haley

The Nebraska Greats Foundation is proud to announce that a grant has been awarded to former Nebraska baseball player, Mark Haley, to assist with his ongoing medical needs.

The Nebraska Greats Foundation (NGF) is dedicated to supporting former and current college athletes from any of Nebraska’s four-year colleges and universities who face financial and medical hardships. We are honored to extend our assistance to Mark as he continues his recovery journey.

Mark Haley is best known for his outstanding career as the manager of the South Bend Silver Hawks, where he led the team from 2005 to 2014. During his time with the organization, he earned the title of Midwest League Manager of the Year three times — in 2005, 2008, and 2013. Additionally, he was named Player Development Man of the Year for the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2005 and was the first recipient of the Joe Garagiola Jr. Award for excellence in player development in 2008. Under his leadership, South Bend advanced to the playoffs eight out of ten seasons, winning one Midwest League Championship and three Eastern Division Championships.

Before his professional coaching career, Haley was a standout athlete who was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 26th round of the 1977 amateur draft. However, he chose to attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), where he played baseball and earned a degree in education. Following his graduation, Haley began his coaching career as an assistant coach at UNL from 1982 to 1986.

In late February 2024, Mark underwent surgery in Indianapolis to repair a cerebral spinal fluid leak near his right ear. Unfortunately, just one week later, on March 5, Mark experienced a brain hemorrhage while at home with his wife, Ann. She recalled that Mark began losing his balance before ultimately collapsing. He was immediately transported to the hospital, where he remained for an extended recovery period. Mark spent three months at a rehabilitation facility in Chicago, followed by another three months in Iowa, before finally returning home to continue outpatient therapy.

During his recovery, Mark reached out to the Nebraska Greats Foundation for assistance with home health care services and medical equipment. NGF was honored to step in and provide support during his time of need.

Beyond his time with the South Bend Silver Hawks, Haley had an extensive and accomplished coaching career. He served as an assistant coach at the University of Tennessee from 1987 to 1991, including a period as the recruiting coordinator and interim head coach. He then spent over a decade in the Chicago White Sox organization, coaching for several teams including the South Bend White Sox (1991-1992), Sarasota White Sox (1993), Hickory Crawdads (1994), Venezuelan Winter League (1994), South Bend Silver Hawks (1995), Prince William Cannons (1996), and Winston-Salem Warthogs (1997), where he managed for 49 games. He later returned to Winston-Salem (1999, 2001-2002), Birmingham Barons (2003), and Great Falls White Sox (2004) before joining South Bend for his final managerial role.

Throughout his storied coaching career, Mark Haley has had the privilege of working with over 120 players who went on to play in the Major Leagues — leaving a lasting legacy in the world of baseball. His knowledge, leadership, and passion for the game have impacted countless players, coaches, and communities.

The Nebraska Greats Foundation is proud to support Mark Haley during this time and is grateful for his lifelong dedication to athletics and player development. We wish him continued strength and healing on his road to recovery.

“I want to sincerely thank the Nebraska Greats Foundation for their generous support during my recovery from a brain injury. Your assistance has been a tremendous help to my family, allowing us to focus on healing without added financial stress. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything you do for former athletes in need. Your impact is life-changing, and I will always be grateful.”

Sincerely,

Mark Haley

The Nebraska Greats Foundation remains committed to extending support to former and current athletes like Mark, who have contributed significantly to Nebraska's rich sporting history.

Any current and former letter-winning athlete from the four-year colleges and universities in Nebraska with a qualified medical condition and lack financial resources to meet their own needs are welcome to apply for support from the Nebraska Greats Foundation.

Since inception, Nebraska Greats Foundation has awarded over $1,000,000 in grants to help current and former letter-winners when they needed the most help. 

To learn more about Nebraska Greats Foundation, click below!

Recipients

Rick Czap - Football, UNL
Rick Czap - Football, UNL

Rick has been navigating through a series of health adversities, including spinal complications.
The Nebraska Greats Foundation has approved a grant to provide Rick with a new scooter and dentures, aiming to improve his mobility and quality of life.

Evan Taylor - Basketball, UNL
Evan Taylor - Basketball, UNL

Growing up in Ohio, Evan Taylor developed his skills on the basketball court before moving to Florida at the age of 13.
During his time at UNL, Evan Taylor became a vital member of the team. He had to leave his team due to ongoing foot and leg issues. With the help of his family, friends, and, of course, The Nebraska Greats Foundation will be quickly on his way to recovery.
“I extend my gratitude and deepest appreciation for everyone who is a part of the foundation.” – Said Taylor.

Anton Gill - Basketball, UNL
Anton Gill - Basketball, UNL

As a team captain, he played a pivotal role in leading the Huskers to 22 wins in his senior year
Anton continued to pursue his passion for basketball, playing in several foreign countries. However, he encountered health concerns that started getting in the way of his professional basketball career.
This is where the Nebraska Greats Foundation stepped in.

“I am honored and extremely grateful to be a part of the Nebraska Greats Foundation family. My family and I appreciate all the support as we navigate getting my career back on track.” -Anton Gill

Paul Kastl - Football, UNL
Paul Kastl - Football, UNL

Paul Kastl lived his dream to play Husker Football. The former Lincoln Pius X running back was a powerful part of one of the nation’s top rushing offenses. But injuries lingering from football began to make times tougher later in life. Medical bills started piling up. The NGF arrived with help.
“I had nowhere else to turn. My insurance wasn’t adequate. The Nebraska Greats really helped me out. Can’t thank them enough.” -Paul Kastl

Keefe Lodwig - Swimming, UNL
Keefe Lodwig - Swimming, UNL

This Omaha native evolved into not only one of the most accomplished swimmers in state history, but Keefe Lodwig became a world-class swimmer and a champion master’s swimmer. But in his 70s, ALS crept in and after being victimized by criminal theft that left Keefe with no insurance, the NGF took over and made the last months of his life more comfortable for both Keefe and his family.

“ALS is a progressive disease where the victim never gets better, only worse. It’s very hard on the family and can cause tremendous stress. The Nebraska Greats Foundation worked with all the caregivers to make things better for me and my family. I’m so grateful to the Nebraskans who support this cause. Thank you!.”
– Keefe Lodwig

Anthony Branch - Football, UNL
Anthony Branch - Football, UNL

Former Husker football walk-on Anthony Branch approached the Nebraska Greats Foundation in the Fall of 2022 seeking assistance as kidney disease required a kidney transplant. The NGF put its network of followers and fans to work, and in the spring of 2023, a suitable donor was found.
“The Nebraska Greats Foundation saved my life. I had no idea that when committing to the University of Nebraska back in high school, the people of Nebraska were committing to me for the rest of my life.” – Anthony Branch

Bernard Day - Basketball, UNL
Bernard Day - Basketball, UNL

Bernard Day, a two-year standout for Husker Basketball from 1985-87 received a grant to support his recovery from reconstructive knee surgery. Day helped lead Nebraska into its first NCAA Tournament game in 1986 and to the NIT Final Four in 1987 as a two-year starter for coaches Moe Iba and Danny Nee.

Keven Lightner - Football, UNL
Keven Lightner - Football, UNL

Lightner was infected with COVID-19 while visiting Lincoln from Japan and spent 32 days in the hospital. His fever spiked to 104 degrees, he suffered cardiac arrest, a collapsed lung and was in an induced COMA for 10 days. His treatment costs ran into the seven figures. The NGF assisted with care not covered by insurance. Said Lightner, “The bills piled up quickly. The NGF stepped in and took this burden off our shoulders. I will be forever grateful.”

Cartier Walker - Football, UNL
Cartier Walker - Football, UNL

A former Husker walk on from New Jersey, Walker was an impact player on special teams for the 1988 Big 8 Championship squad. His career highlight was a punt block returned for a touchdown in a 1987 game against UNLV. The NGF assisted Cartier after treatments for prostate cancer for provider expenses not covered by insurance.

Tim Wurth - Football, UNL
Tim Wurth - Football, UNL

Without insurance, Wurth applied for a grant from the NGF seeking assistance with Cataract surgery stemming from Type II Diabetes. Wurth also needed assistance with multiple hospital stays as a result of chronic neuropathy.

Sue Henry - Gymnastics, UNL
Sue Henry - Gymnastics, UNL

Miss Henry, a cancer survivor needed assistance with transportation to and from Chemotherapy treatments.

Darrell Walton - Football, UNL
Darrell Walton - Football, UNL

Darrel Walton was a standout high school performer at Omaha South High School who played Nebraska football in the Mid 1970’s ’75-78 on athletic scholarship. He moved to defensive back for his senior season as the Huskers captured the Big 8 Crown and played in the Orange Bowl.
The Nebraska Greats Foundation assisted Darrel with post-operative expenses not covered by insurance after surgery for a chronic knee injury.

Willie Miller - Football, UNL
Willie Miller - Football, UNL

Best known as the bruising fullback that paved the way for Heisman Trophy winner Eric Crouch, Miller suffered from chronic back and knee injuries that required multiple surgeries and much outpatient care. The NGF assisted Miller with these needs which allowed him a faster recovery and to enroll in post-graduate courses to pursue a career in nursing.

Tami Harris - Gymnastics, UNL
Tami Harris - Gymnastics, UNL

Harris was a standout performer during her collegiate career, bringing distinction and championships to Husker Gymnastics. Later in life, Harris began to develop serious Gastrointestinal and related illnesses that forced her to give up her career. After years of struggle, the Nebraska Greats Foundation provided Tami with funds to enter the Mayo Clinic where her condition was identified and a treatment program was created.

Ken Clark - Football, UNL
Ken Clark - Football, UNL

One of the most celebrated athletes in the history of Omaha Bryan High School, Clark finished his career in the top ten in rushing yards in Husker history. He played three seasons in the NFL. The NGF assisted Clark with expenses related to chronic heart disease before he passed away of a heart attack.

Jim Unger - Gymnastics, UNL
Jim Unger - Gymnastics, UNL

An early pioneer in the dynasty of Husker Gymnastics, Unger was the victim of a serious bicycle accident that left him permanently disabled. The NGF purchased a motorized wheel chair that brought him mobility and allowed Jim and his wife to resume operating a popular gymnastics academy in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Dave Humm - Football, UNL
Dave Humm - Football, UNL

Former All-American was the NGF’s first recipient. Felled by Multiple Sclerosis, the NGF provide Humm assistance before he qualified for support from the National Football League.

Anthony Steels - Football, UNL
Anthony Steels - Football, UNL

Popular Husker who led the team in minutes played in 1980 and well known for his singing voice at major sports events, Steels battle with cancer was aided by a grant from the NGF. He passed away in 2014.

Ade Dagunduro - Basketball, UNL
Ade Dagunduro - Basketball, UNL

After an excellent college career, Ade played professionally around the world with growing knee injuries. He returned home to California to care for his ailing family exhausting all of his resources. The NGF partnered with several Nebraska health organizations to provide key procedures to repair his damaged knees.

Adam Skoda - Football, UNL
Adam Skoda - Football, UNL

Inspirational former walk on from Lincoln High, Skoda played on two Husker national title teams. He lost a valiant battle with cancer. The NGF brought peace of mind to his family in the waning months.

Larry Florence - Basketball, UNL
Larry Florence - Basketball, UNL

A standout performer in the late 1990’s, Florence received assistance from the NGF to provide for travel expenses incurred when cancer required treatments far from his home.

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