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University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Recipient Stories

Rick Czap

At the Nebraska Greats Foundation, we know firsthand the power that Huskers football has in our community and how it can bring families, friends, and people together. 

That’s why we are proud to announce that, once again, thanks to your help, we are able to assist former Husker football star Rick Czap.

We couldn’t be prouder to give back to this amazing sports community and the families and athletes that conform to it; thanks to the resilience and endurance of athletes like Rick, we have become a better society.

Born on December 7, 1943. Rick Czap is a Cornhusker who played from 1964 to 1966 as a defensive tackle in esteemed games such as the Orange Bowl and Sugar Bowl. 

He was a two-time league champion in the shot put and an undefeated state champion wrestler at Bay City Central.

He was an NFL draft pick, and while Rick never played in the NFL, he did compete briefly in the CFL. 

In 2002, he was inducted into the Bay County Sports Hall of Fame.

Despite their impressive football career, injuries are bound to happen. But he endures them all and continues his professional path.

Now, years later, while Rick is struggling with different kinds of health difficulties, like needing daily assistance with bathing and dressing, his spirit is unwavering, and he embodies the strength and resilience that characterized his time on the field.

RICK CZAP’S CONDITION

At the age of 80, Rick has been navigating through a series of health adversities, including spinal complications that have required multiple surgeries and daily usage of a wheelchair. 

However, these challenges have not diminished his spirit.

Life threw another curveball at him when Hurricane Ian roared through his Florida home, leaving him without many of his belongings, including his dentures. Yet, Rick remains resilient in the face of adversity.

His current hospitalization and reliance on oxygen have made communication with those beyond his immediate circle a bit more challenging.

However, his close friends have stepped forward to help bridge this communication gap, make him feel more comfortable, and help him get better. 

HOW THE NEBRASKA GREATS FOUNDATION SERVED THIS HUSKER FOOTBALL STAR

We know how discouraging health conditions can be, especially for athletes who rely on their physical strength throughout their careers. 

The good news is that there’s light at the end of the tunnel, and health conditions are just part of the journey. 

With your help, 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. 

Our actions are guided by the foundation’s mission, which is to provide unwavering support and uphold the dignity of Nebraska’s sporting legends. The gesture towards Rick is a testament to this commitment. 

We believe that every athlete deserves respect and support, especially when facing health challenges. 

Our goal is to ensure that these greats continue to live fulfilling lives, and we’re proud to play a part in Rick’s journey toward improved health and well-being.

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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