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Officially Official

On Saturday, we had the opportunity to take in the annual Nebraska School Activities Association Officials Summit that was held at Kearney’s Younes Convention Center. The event attracted over 300 officials and was held in association with with the Nebraska High School Officials Association.

As many know, being an official is one of the most difficult (and thankless) tasks that we have in high school sports. (Any sports for that matter) We question calls, we berate officials, you name and the fans do it. Then, you sit with this group for five or six hours on a Saturday and you realize how much they care.

More importantly, if you have kids playing sports (like the Newsletter), you realize that they would not have the opportunity to do so were it not for these officials. Seeing these people care so much about this craft — they all have full-time jobs — can put you in your place a little bit if you have ever gone sideways at a referee (guilty).

There was a who’s who of officials in attendance from the college and national level to walk through scenarios, mechanics and other items with the high school crowd. That list included: Lindsey Atkinson (NFHS Director of Volleyball), Kevin Mar (Big 12 Football Referee), Kelly Pfeifer (Big 12 and Big Ten Basketball Official), Austin Mezzacasa (NCAA Division II Coordinator of Softball Officials), Bobby Colosimo (Big Ten Football Umpire) and Titus Godbalt (NCAA Wrestling Official).

We sometimes get the idea that officials want to be part of “the show” that is a college (or high school sporting event). A hamburger with Pfeifer at lunch hammered the idea home that nothing could be further from the case. I asked him about his NCAA Tournament experience this year in Portland where he officiated High Point’s upset win over Wisconsin.

“Great basketball,” he said. “Up and down the floor the last eight minutes and we only had two fouls. One of them was a take foul in the last minute. Just how we want the game to be.”

Yes, these officials want to be in the action, but they do’t want to be part of the show unless they are forced to do so. It’d be wise for us — as adults and fans — to remember that. Or, at least get better at it. We’ll never have a better view that an official.

NSAA director of officials Nate Neuhaus said the event has become a key kickoff to each new school year (and sports calendar) for both the NSAA and the NHSOA.

“This event has created genuine interest and excitement in our officiating culture in Nebraska,” Neuhaus said. “This year we had fantastic presenters and great networking opportunities for our officials. You could feel the energy in every room.

“For us, it was the perfect way to start the 2026-2027 school year.”

And hopefully for one or two fans or coaches who read the Newsletter, maybe more positive interactions with those who help our players enjoy the sports they love so much.

United Rivals

Isaac Traudt and Cale Jacobsen are hardly guys you’d expect to find in the middle of a rivalry like Creighton and Nebraska basketball. In fact, if you hang out with them for just a bit you’ll find they are more “adult” than most of the fans involved in said rivalry.

(Wink)

It’s probably why we need more guys like Isaac (a Grand Island Senior High grad) and Cale (the Ashland-Greenwood state champion) leading youth basketball camps like they did on Sunday at Grand Island Lutheran High School.

Traudt and Jacobsen have long been friends from their playing days with Nebraska Supreme basketball with Traudt bring his buddy to town for his former high school coach, Jeremiah Slough to put on the camp for boys and girls from 3rd to 8th grade.

In separate one hour and 45 minute sessions, Traudt and Jacobsen both worked with campers in individual shooting drills with area coaches and high school athletes. But, the highlight for most might (what brought the most smiles anyway) was getting their shot blocked by the 6-9 Traudt.

After each session, the pictures with campers left a lasting impact that will stretch long past Sunday afternoon. In total, 113 campers attended the event.

“Isaac holds a special place in my heart and has become like family, so having him and Cale come back to invest in a community I love by leading a came here was truly special,” Slough said.

“The energy in our gym was incredible and they helped create memories that these campers will carry with them for years to come. We are grateful for the impact they made on our kids and community.”

I Know What You Did This Summer

A few things before we really start rocking and get back to fall practice and school next week. Things we loved this summer.

COLTRANE MITTAG’S GOLF: The Ashland native and new North Carolina golfer, Mittag swept the Nebraska Match Play and Nebraska Amateur this summer. At last week’s amateur at Norfolk Country Club, Mittag shot four rounds in the 60s and lapped the field. He topped Nebraska’s Gavin Gerch by seven shots and was 16 (16!!! ahead of fourth place). Next stop: Merion and the US Amateur.

WATCHING WES FERGUSON RUN: We wrote about former UNK track standout and current Nebraska Wesleyan assistant Wes Ferguson a few summers ago when he made a run in Oregon. This summer, now a pro, Wes won Under Armour Nationals and was second at USA Nationals last week. LA 2028 for Wes? Count us in.

A FINAL BASKETBALL GAME: As we get older (there is a milestone birthday this year) the kids we cover continue to hold a special place in our heart. Watching the Nebraska Coaches Association girls all-star basketball game on July 22 put a smile on our face.

The Red team won 83-78. It didn’t matter for a second.

In recent years, it’s a been a “final game” for many of the players there. They are going off to college to just be a kid, or to excel in another sport. But, this year? Man. This group of kids may have changed the future of girls basketball in Nebraska.

Of the 24 players in the game, 18 (at the time of the game) had committed to play college basketball. Most of them in Nebraska, from Concordia all the way to the Big Three (Halle Dolliver, Ani Leu and Ava Markowski) that will play at Omaha next season. They will play at nearly every level (NAIA and all the NCAA divisions).

And, maybe, they have sparked just a little more love in the game for the kids behind them.

The Class of 2027 already has two Division I commit’s. The 2028 class won’t be too far behind. And, this 2029 class of Nebraska kids? We think up to seven could hold Division I offers before they leave high school.

In a few years, we might have this Class of 2026 to thank.

“Discipline, drive, and dedication. Competitive spirit. A commitment to constant improvement. These qualities make great athletes and coaches. They also make great financial advisors. Northwestern Mutual advisors educate clients to make important decisions to live differently and achieve their goals of financial security. Learn more about joining our team. Karges Financial Group and the Great Plains District are proud supporters of Nebraska high school athletics.