One Last Fall Thing

Winter sports begin on Thursday, but we have time for some thankful moments from the fall before we get going again with a normal newsletter schedule next week.

Author

Tony Chapman
December 03, 2025

In partnership with

Milford sophomore standout Shayla Rautenberg celebrates a point with her Eagle teammates during a first round state tournament match against Adams Central. Milford won their first state title two days later. (Harvest Sports / Dante Boelhower)

This wild and crazy fall has finally come to an end, so we just wanted to take a few minutes to say thanks to you — the reader — for coming with us. Our way of doing things is a little different than everyone else and your support to us means the world. If you think we are doing things the right way, we’d love for you to share us with a friend.

Here’s a list (not alphabetically starting with Catherine) since it’s almost Christmas.

The Earl’s. Man, it was a warm day in August when we took a trip to Lincoln Christian for football practice. Our profile of Kurt and Da’Nelle Earl took off like wildfire over a few days and we even got picked up by a few other media outlets. It takes so much courage to share hard things and for that we are so grateful. If you missed it, A Season of Hope.

Baz. Man, we were crushed when Lee Enterprises and the Lincoln Journal-Star decided that long-time high school sports writer Chris Basnett was told his services were no longer needed. Well, it made us lucky. Baz has taken our coverage of the NSAA championships to the next level and the good news is that we will get to hang out with him this winter, too. Even more good news, Bas has “real job” status in the communications department at Nebraska Wesleyan. Our favorite Bas? A trip to Wahoo on semifinal night or that epic Waverly, Norris game. 

Speaking of Wahoo. Our profile of standout running back Kip Brigham spread across the internet last Sunday before the state football finals. And, we didn’t even jinx Kip and the Warriors, who topped Sidney 20-7 in the Class C-1 state championship game.

Wahoo’s Kip Brigham breaks free from the Elkhorn Mt. Michael defense in a regular season game this fall. (Harvest Sports / Andrew Placke)

The First Game You See In Heaven. Coach always told us “sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good” and we found that in spades when we took a shot at a Thursday road trip to see Elkhorn North play Bennington near the end of the Class B regular season. And epic win for the Wolves, and it was Elkhorn North coach Sam Stanley’s first game back after the passing of his son, Grant.

All The Recaps. We are extremely grateful for our relationship with the Nebraska School Activities Association and being able to share stories for each state championship during the fall calendar. We hope to see you again in February and March. All the recaps below if you missed them (or want to re-read).

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Five Favorite Photos

The sun goes down in early October at Omaha Skutt as the Skyhawks take on Elkhorn North. (Harvest Sports / Andrew Placke)

A championship celebration for Lincoln Southwest at the Class A state softball tournament at Bowlin Stadium. (Harvest Sports / Dante Boelhower)

History for Lincoln East’s Hunter Nelson as he finished off an undefeated high school career with his fourth straight Class A, No 1 singles title. (Harvest Sports / Dante Boelhower)

Is there anything better than a misty night at a football field? Probably not. O’Neill and Columbus Lakeview battle during week nine of the regular season. (Harvest Sports / Andrew Placke)

A running stampede is off in the Class D girls race at the NSAA State Cross County Championships in Kearney. (Harvest Sports / Tony Chapman)

Down On Union Avenue

Hopefully, some of our subscribers will get this lyric as you start the day. The Newsletter will have another short break (we hope to be back next Wednesday) after we head out today for a trip to Memphis as one of our favorite faithful readers (and proofreaders), Olivia, heads to Memphis with mom and dad to conquer the St. Jude Children’s Hospital Marathon.

The training has been intense this fall and most of the time the Newsletter was hitting your inbox on a Saturday morning while mom and I were on the bike and Liv was on a long run — 14, 18, 19, 22 miles you name it — getting chased by dogs or tractors. She’s ready to run for the kiddos at the hospital and crushed her $6,500 fundraising goal about 30 days ago.

But, she’d now like to hit $7,000. Because, of course we aren’t leaving anything out there. So, if you have enjoyed the Newsletter (for free) this fall you might consider a donation to her cause. She’d love you for it, and maybe, we can give you a little recap next week.

We can’t wait to watch you, Liv. Turn It Loose (wink).

A huge thanks for our Harvest Partners for their support of the Newsletter this fall. We could not do it without you. And, man, we need to update those follower numbers. We were able to grow because of you. On to our winter coverage. We can’t wait.