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Ava Larmon - Athlete of the Week
Ava led the Huskies with 21 kills and 7 blocks in a victory over Hampton and was named Polk County News Athlete of the Week for the week of 8/21
Gabe Dutton-Mofford - Athlete of the Week
In Week 2, Gabe scored 5 rushing touchdowns and ran for 225 rushing yards. That is the most in Coach Kubik's tenure at SRC.
Bailey Turpitt - Athlete of the Week
On Dec. 9th, Bailey took first place at the North Bend Invite pinning an opponent in 19 seconds and winning the the invite championship match in 49 seconds.
Collin Vrbka - Athlete of the Week
Collin placed first at the Platteview Invite, pinning all three of his opponents, one from Elkhorn North who was 16-3 and another from Aurora. He remains undefeated at 285 pounds as of Dec. 20.
Taya Pinneo - Athlete of the Week
Taya scored 24 points in a win at High Plains, which was over half the team's total. This included four 3-pointers and she shot 86% from the free throw line.
Coy Vrbka - Athlete of the Week
Coy pinned all his opponents at the SRC Invite on Dec. 30. At the time he improved to 22-1 on the season.
Jett Vrbka - Freshmen of the Week (NE Wrestle)
Jett beat #3 Hegemann on his way to finishing runner-up at the SRC Invite. At the time his record was 11-3.
Loralie Logan - Athlete of the Week
Loralie placed third at the HPC and Malcolm Invite's the week of Jan. 2.
Collin Vrbka - Athlete of the Week
For the second time this winter, Collin is named athlete of the week for breaking the school record for fastest pin. He pinned his opponent in six seconds.
Collin Vrkba - Athlete of the Week
For the third time this winter, Collin was named athlete of the week for defeating Brezina of Aquinas to become the Class D 285# State Champion.
Varsity Boys Wrestling
Collin Vrbka - 285 LB State Champion
Class D State Runner-Up
Jett Vrbka - 157 LB State Runner-Up
Coy Vrbka - 190 LB 3rd Place Finisher
Eli Fjell - 215 LB 3rd Place Finisher
Landon Sliva - 100 Win Milestone Achieved
Collin Vrbka - 100 Win Milestone Achieved
First Individual State Champion, Individual State Runner-Up, and First Team Runner-Up
The Shelby-Rising City wrestling team has carved its name in the record books with a groundbreaking season marked by a series of "firsts." From securing the school's first ever individual state champion...to a historic team runner-up finish, the Huskies have left an indelible mark on the wrestling scene.
Leading the charge was Collin Vrbka, making history as SRC's first-ever individual state champion in the 285 lb weight class. Jett Vrbka added to the accolades by becoming the team's first-ever individual runner-up at 157 lbs. The collective efforts of the team culminated in the acquisition of the first team banner, proudly declaring them Class D state runners-up.
The individual performances throughout the season were nothing short of exceptional:
- Owen Krafka (6-1): Despite a season cut short due to injury, Krafka will be ready for next season.
- Traven Reznicek (9-29): Displaying resilience and determination throughout the season.
- Carter Eickmeier (37-21): Fell just one win shy of the state tournament, ending an impressive freshmen season.
- Joaquin Jaquez (6-11): Demonstrated growth.
- Logan Lindsley (45-15): A state qualifier, falling just one win short of securing a coveted state medal.
- Dominic Pleskac (8-21): Continued to grow throughout the season.
- Jett Vrbka (37-8): Made history as the first individual state runner-up in Shelby-Rising City history.
- Ethan Fjell (34-20): Exhibited skill and determination throughout the season and fell just short of state in his final season.
- Landon Sliva (39-13): Consistent performances contributed to the team's overall success and was unable to repeat as a state qualifier in a tough district. He also reached his 100 win milestone this year.
- Coy Vrbka (48-6): Secured a third-place medal at the state tournament.
- Eli Fjell (46-7): Also claimed a third-place medal at the state tournament.
- Collin Vrbka (48-2): SRC's first-ever individual state champion, ending the season with an impressive record. He also reached his 100 win milestone this year.
The individual accomplishments extended further, with various wrestlers achieving success in multiple tournaments:
- Collin Vrbka's had victories at the Lakeview, North Bend, Platteview, SRC, David City, and Central Valley invites. He secured the runner-up position at the CRC Invite and earned the title of District Champion.
- Coy Vrbka's triumphed at the Platteview, SRC, David City, and Fairbury invites, along with earning the CRC Conference Championship and District Champion title.
- Jett Vrbka's earned a CRC Conference Championship and victories at the Platteview and SRC invites.
- Eli Fjell's was 2nd at the Lakeview, North Bend, Platteview, David City, and Fairbury invites. He secured the runner-up position at the CRC Invite and claimed the title at Central Valley and was the District Champion.
- Ethan Fjell's claimed victory at the SRC Invite and a runner-up finish at the CRC Invite.
- Logan Lindsley's wins at the SRC and CRC invites, along with a fourth-place finish at districts, earning him a spot at the state tournament.
- Landon Sliva's earned victories at the SRC, David City, and Fairbury invites.
The Shelby-Rising City wrestling team's historic season sets a high standard for future achievements in the wrestling. Congratulations to all the coaches and athletes an a tremendous season.
High School Speech
Success Continues to Build
The Shelby-Rising City Speech Team has emerged victorious in a series of challenging competitions, showcasing their talent, dedication, and versatility in speech and performance.
Thayer Central Invite:
- Clare Willis secured a commendable 6th place in Extemp.
- Aiden Zimmerman, Kreyten Zimmerman, Jorge Chavez, Mackenzie Kuns, & Gavin Ohnemus, earned a 6th place finish in OID.
Wilber-Clatonia Invite:
- Aiden Zimmerman, Kreyten Zimmerman, Jorge Chavez, Mackenzie Kuns, & Gavin Ohnemus continued their placing streak, achieving 5th place in OID.
- Aiden Zimmerman & Kreyten Zimmerman clinched 3rd place in duet.
- Nevaeh Martinez and Kasey Fischbach showcased their performance, securing 4th place in duet.
- Clare Willis impressed with a 4th-place finish in Extemp.
- Charlie Thompson and Hayden Reznicek showcased their talent with 5th and 3rd place in serious and humorous, respectively.
- Nevaeh Martinez and Alexis Wetjen took top spots in poetry, earning 1st and 3rd place.
- Clare Willis claimed 1st place in POI (Program of Oral Interpretation).
Humphrey LHF Invite:
- The team achieved a spectacular 1st place in OID.
- Aiden Zimmerman & Kreyten Zimmerman continued their success with a 3rd-place finish in duet.
- Jorge Chavez and Clare Willis showcased themselves, earning 4th and 5th place in humorous and POI.
- Nevaeh Martinez demonstrated her poetry skills, securing 4th place.
- The team wrapped up the competition by finishing 4th in the overall sweepstakes.
SRC Invite:
- Aiden Zimmerman, Kreyten Zimmerman, Jorge Chavez, Mackenzie Kuns, & Gavin Ohnemus secured 2nd place in OID.
- Aiden Zimmerman & Kreyten Zimmerman took center stage, claiming 1st place in duet.
- Nevaeh Martinez and Kasey Fischbach showcased their chemistry, earning 4th place in duet.
- Jorge Chavez and Hayden Reznicek brought humor to the stage, securing 1st and 5th place in humorous.
- Nevaeh Martinez continued her success, earning 2nd place in poetry.
- Clare Willis demonstrated her versatility, claiming 2nd place in POI.
- The team's exceptional performances led to them being crowned Invite Champions in the sweepstakes.
Howells Dodge Invite:
- Aiden Zimmerman, Kreyten Zimmerman, Jorge Chavez, Mackenzie Kuns, & Gavin Ohnemus achieved a notable 3rd place in OID.
- Clare Willis continued her POI success, securing 3rd place.
- Kaylei Perry and Kreyten Zimmerman showcased their talents, earning 6th place in POI and entertainment.
- Gavin Ohnemus and Mackenzie Kuns impressed with a 4th-place finish in duet.
- Nevaeh Martinez and Kasey Fischbach demonstrated their duet, earning 5th place.
- Nevaeh Martinez shone in poetry, securing 3rd place.
- Alexis Wetjen continued the poetry success, earning 4th place.
- Kreyten Zimmerman showcased his entertainment skills, earning 6th place.
- Clare Willis impressed in Extemp, securing 2nd place.
CRC Invite:
- Aiden Zimmerman, Kreyten Zimmerman, Jorge Chavez, Mackenzie Kuns, & Gavin Ohnemus maintained their momentum, securing 2nd place in OID.
- Charlie Thompson and Urijah Grant showcased their serious performances, earning 3rd and 5th place.
- Jorge Chavez and Hayden Reznicek brought the humor, securing 3rd and 4th place in humorous.
- Nevaeh Martinez demonstrated her poetry, securing 5th place.
- Charlie Thompson continued the poetry success, earning 6th place.
- Clare Willis showcased her versatility once again, earning 3rd place in POI.
- Kaylei Perry continued the POI success, earning 6th place.
- Lillian Wetjen brought entertainment to the stage, securing 3rd place.
- Kreyten Zimmerman continued his entertainment success, earning 6th place.
- Emma Svoboda showcased her informative skills, securing 6th place.
- Clare Willis impressed in Extemp, securing 4th place.
- Mackenzie Kuns and Gavin Ohnemus demonstrated duet excellence, earning 5th place.
- Aiden Zimmerman & Kreyten Zimmerman showcased their duet, earning 6th place.
- The team finished as conference runner-up in the overall sweepstakes, adding another feather to their cap.
The Shelby-Rising City Speech Team's remarkable achievements are a testament to their hard work, dedication to speech. As they continue this season, the team looks forward to building on their success in the competitions to come.
Varsity Girls Basketball
Ladies finish 4-8 down the stretch...9-12 Overall
The Shelby-Rising City Huskies girls' basketball team concluded their season with a 9-12 record, just one win shy of their previous year's total. They finished 4-8 after Christmas, with notable victories over Meridian, East Butler, BDS, and East Butler in the sub-district first round.
After defeating East Butler in the first round, they headed to the sub-district final, where the Huskies faced GACC, the #1 team in the state. Despite a valiant effort in the first quarter, their season came to an end with a 77-33 loss.
Junior standout Taya Pinneo had an impressive season, leading the team with an average of 15.9 points per game all while having a 37% overall field goal percentage. Pinneo also contributed on the defensive end, tallying a team-high 47 steals.
Senior Ava Larmon was help on both ends of the court, averaging 10.4 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. Senior Rylie Carter chipped in with 3.6 points and 5.2 rebounds per game, while senior Kaylei Perry consistently took on the most challenging defensive assignments every night.
Kaleigh Ruth made a notable impact as a freshmen, contributing an average of 3.8 points per game.
Overall, the team displayed shooting percentages of a 32% success rate from the field and a 22% accuracy from beyond the three-point line. Their free-throw shooting stood at 57%.
The team had three games get cancelled this season as weather was a factor.
The Centennial, Hampton, and Nebraska Lutheran games all were washed out by the 2024 snow storm, leaving a few more winning opportunities on the table.
The coaching staff, players, and fans are proud of the team's efforts and look forward to continued success in the future.
Varsity Girls Wrestling
Blue River Panthers: Inaugural Season Closes Short of State
In a debut season, the Blue River Panthers showcased their collaborative effort between East Butler, David City, and Shelby-Rising City, and exhibited outstanding talent for the future.
Leading the charge was Bailey Turpitt, finishing the season with an impressive record of 23-9. Turpitt's was the sole representative from SRC to advance beyond sub-districts, reaching the district tournament. Despite a valiant effort, she fell short in the heartbreak round, concluding her season one step away from the state competition.
The Panther squad each contributed to the team's overall success. Here are the records for the rest of the wrestlers from SRC:
- Danica Watts (14-16)
- Amanda Glatter (7-12)
- Neveah Martinez (7-11)
- Jessica Bauers (13-13)
- Taylor Shelton (10-18)
- Loralie Logan (24-12)
Notable achievements were secured in various individual tournaments, with Bailey Turpitt emerging victorious at the O'Neill Invite. Loralie Logan secured a second-place finish at both the Wisner-Pilger and Centennial Invites, while also claiming victory at the Raymond Central Invite. Jess Bauers secured a second-place finish at the Valentine Invite.
The team's collective efforts culminated in a triumphant victory at the Valentine Invite, underscoring the Panthers' ability to compete at a high level.
As the inaugural season comes to a close, the Blue River Panthers and their supporters anticipate the continued growth and success of girls' wrestling in the seasons to come.
Varsity Boys Basketball
Huskies Finish with Double Digit Wins
The Shelby-Rising City Huskies boys' basketball team concluded their season with an 11-11 record, leaving them wanting more next season.
In a thrilling journey through the CRC tournament, the Huskies battled their way to the quarterfinals, facing a tough from Nebraska Lutheran. Although they fell short in this encounter, the team rebounded with resilience, securing a great 55-47 victory over BDS in the consolation game.
Throughout the season, the Huskies delivered standout performances, securing ] victories against Nebraska Christian, Hampton, and East Butler. The sub-district tournament brought further excitement and challenges, culminating in a closely contested matchup against Twin River in the bunny bracket game. Despite a hard-fought battle, the Huskies faced a narrow defeat 51-47, concluding their postseason journey.
Individual players left their mark on the season, with Isaac Whitmore showcasing an exceptional season. Whitmore boasted an impressive 56.4% shooting accuracy from the field, leading the team in scoring with an average of 13.8 points per game. Additionally, he proved his value on the boards, averaging 8.4 rebounds per game. Whitmore's defense was equally impressive, topping the team with 2.2 steals per game.
Dalton Pokorney added significant firepower to the team, boasting a 51.3% shooting percentage. His well-rounded contributions included an average of 12.5 points per game and an impressive 9.0 rebounds per game.
Freshman standout Nixon Thelen had a stellar campaign, making his presence felt with an impressive average of 9.6 points per game. Twin brother Noah Thelen averaged 4.5 points in his inaugural season as well.
Gabe Dutton-Mofford, a key contributor, showcased his versatility, averaging 3.9 points and 3.1 rebounds per game.
As the curtain falls on the season, Shelby-Rising City reflects on the achievements of the boys' basketball team. The team eagerly anticipates the future, building on the of success of this season.
SRC Band & Choir Get Five Selected to CRC
From left to right clockwise: Layla Waite, Clare Willis, Jess Bauers, Urijah Grant, and Lila Weddle
Dance Finishes State Runner-Up in Pom, 3rd in Hip-Hop
From left to right: Charlie Thompson, Leah Whitmore, Kendall Nickolite, Ellie Frederick, Coach Justice Houston, Kaylei Perry, Katie Nekl, Jordyn Donner, and Olivia Frederick
Heading to College Programs
Ellie Frederick - York Unviersity
Ellie has signed with York to be apart of their dance team.
Ava Larmon - Nebraska Wesleyan
Ava has signed with Wesleyan and will be apart of their track and field program.
Jr. High Boys Basketball
Weather Cuts Boys Jr. High Season in Half
The boys' basketball team can proudly reflect on a season that has been was cut short. Despite weather-related obstacles, the boys persevered, only getting to play in two of their final seven games. First, in a dominant performance, they secured a commanding victory over Osceola with a final score of 39-19. The following game against Heartland proved to be a back-and-forth battle, culminating in a thrilling 34-30 win that demonstrated the team's perserverance on the court.
Leading the charge for SRC was Dylan Micek, whose impressive average of 12.8 points per game showed he was a key offensive force. Jarren Kravig contributed significantly with an average of 8.8 points per game, while Jaxson Thompson showcased his scoring abilities as well, averaging 7.5 points per game.
Defensively, the team proved to be a force, allowing an average of only 24.5 points per game. Their efforts translated into an overall offensive team average of 39.6 points per game, highlighting a well-rounded approach.
A notable achievement for the boys' basketball team is their impressive four-game win streak to close out the season, rebounding strongly from an opening game loss. The team's final record stands at an impressive 4-1.
Jr. High Girls Basketball
The Champs are Here
After the holiday break, the girls' junior high basketball team had control of their own destiny, setting the stage for an exciting journey through the season. The team's fate hung in the balance, and they rose to the occasion, clinching a crucial victory against Osceola with a final score of 25-19, right after they returned from break.
The hard-fought triumph over Osceola paved the way for the girls to secure a spot in the CRC championship game, where they would face off against Meridian. This championship clash was not just any matchup; it was a rematch of the volleyball championship game, a contest that saw SRC emerge victorious.
In a captivating rematch of the volleyball championship game, and despite trailing for the majority of the game, the Huskies staged a remarkable comeback in the fourth quarter. Taking the lead and refusing to relinquish it, they secured a thrilling victory with a final score of 28-25.
This triumph against Meridian marked the girls' second CRC championship this year. Congratulations Lady Huskies!
Jr. High Wrestling
Six Wrestlers Compete in 2023
The junior high wrestling season has drawn to a close, and SRC's young athletes have left their mark on the Jr. High mat.
Over the course of the season, the junior high wrestling team demonstrated their prowess at six notable invites: York, David City, Dorchester, Newman Grove, Fillmore Central, and Battle Creek. These events provided a platform for the team to display their talents against tough competition.
Leading the charge was Clay Schueth, whose performance earned him a remarkable 13-2 record, securing four first-place finishes. Aaron Willis had an 11-7 record and two first-place finishes.
Joe Kornegay displayed determination with a 7-8 record, claiming one first-place finish. Jaxson Thompson had a commendable season, finishing with a 10-6 record and two first-place finishes.
Jasmine Sanchez, wrestling during the initial part of the season, exhibited her talent with a 4-2 record and one first-place finish. Sergio Espinoza, a mid-season addition, showed promise with a 2-5 record, contributing to the team's success.
As the season concludes, the junior high wrestling team can reflect on a series of accomplishments and growth that bodes well for the future of the program.
Congratulations to all the wrestlers, coaches, and supporters for a season filled with determination and success. Well done, team!
Jr. High Quiz Bowl Finishes Conference Runner-Up
Front Row Left to Right: Ashlyn Long and McKenna Stewart
Back Row Left to Right: Garrett Ruth, Eli Svoboda, Jaxson Thompson, Aaron Willis, Layla Waite, Paxton Cromer, Brooklyn Sumner, and Adelynn Favors
Fall Post Season Awards
Softball
Rylie Carter
2nd Team SNC All-Conference
Danica Watts
2nd Team SNC All-Conference
Aubree Siffring
SNC All-Conference Honorable Mention
Danica Watts
All-State Honorable Mention in both Lincoln Journal Star & Omaha World Herald.
Rylie Carter
All-State Honorable Mention the Omaha World Herald.
Volleyball
Ava Larmon
1st Team All-Conference
Taya Pinneo
Honorable Mention All-Conference
Alex Larmon
All-State Honorable Mention Omaha World Herald
Taya Pinneo
All-State Honorable Mention Omaha World Herald
Ava Larmon
All-State Honorable Mention Omaha World Herald
Taya Pinneo
All-State Honorable Mention Lincoln Journal Star
Ava Larmon
All-State Honorable Mention Lincoln Journal Star
Alex Larmon
All-State Honorable Mention Lincoln Journal Star
Ava Larmon
Ava Larmon broke the record for most kills in a season with 408 and kills per game averaging 4.9.
Football
Gabe Dutton-Mofford
All-State Honorable Mention Omaha World Herald
Collin Vrbka
All-State Honorable Mention Omaha World Herald
Dalton Pokorney
All-State Honorable Mention Omaha World Herald
Landon Sliva
All-State Honorable Mention Omaha World Herald
Logan Lindsley
All-State Honorable Mention Omaha World Herald
Isaac Whitmore
All-State Honorable Mention Omaha World Herald
Collin Vrbka
1st Team All D1-3 District Team
Dalton Pokorney
1st Team All D1-3 District Team
Logan Lindsley
1st Team All D1-3 District Team
Gabe Dutton-Mofford
1st Team All D1-3 District Team
Isaac Whitmore
1st Team All D1-3 District Team
Eli Fjell
2nd Team All D1-3 District Team
Ethan Fjell
2nd Team All D1-3 District Team
Jorge Chavez
2nd Team All D1-3 District Team
Landon Sliva
2nd Team All D1-3 District Team
Coy Vrbka
2nd Team All D1-3 District Team
Owen Krafka
D1-3 All-District Honorable Mention
Gavin Ohnemus
D1-3 All-District Honorable Mention
Blake Schmidt
D1-3 All-District Honorable Mention
Aiden Zimmerman
D1-3 All-District Honorable Mention
Dalton Pokorney Named to All Tough Guy Team
Collin Vrbka
teams ------------------------------>
D1 All-Defense team
Huskerland Prep
D1 All-Defense team
1,000 yd Guy
Collin Vrbka
1st Team Defense D1 All-State Team Lincoln Journal Star
Gabe Dutton-Mofford
Honorable Mention All-State Lincoln Journal Star
Landon Sliva
Honorable Mention All-State Lincoln Journal Star
Logan Lindsley
Honorable Mention All-State Lincoln Journal Star
Isaac Whitmore
Honorable Mention All-State Lincoln Journal Star
Dalton Pokorney
Honorable Mention All-State Lincoln Journal Star
Fall Academic All-State Recipients
Rylie Carter
Fall Academic All-State / Softball
Aiden Zimmerman
Fall Academic All-State / Football
Gavin Ohnemus
Fall Academic All-State / Football
Aubree Siffring
Fall Academic All-State / Softball
Ava Larmon
Fall Academic All-State / Volleyball
Alex Larmon
Fall Academic All-State / Volleyball
Loralie Logan
Fall Academic All-State / Girl Golf
Clare Willis
Fall Academic All-State / Girls Golf & One Act
Emma Svoboda
Fall Academic All-State / One Act
One Act - The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
The curtains have closed on another spectacular year for the drama program at Shelby-Rising City High School, leaving a great mark on SRC's One Act landscape. The talented ensemble has not only showcased their acting but has also accumulated an impressive array of accolades throughout the season.
The journey began at the York University Invite, where Aiden Zimmerman emerged as a standout performer, clinching the title of Top Male Actor. This early success set the stage for what would become a season of triumphs.
The troupe continued their winning streak at the York High School Invite, where Kasey Fischbach garnered recognition as the Best Supporting Actor. The momentum carried forward to the Fairbury Invite where SRC was named the Fairbury Invite Champions and Kasey Fischbach once again shone, securing the title of Best Actor.
A great moment in the season came at the CRC Conference Championship, where SRC emerged as champions, showcasing their collective talent.
For the second consecutive year, the troupe made their mark at the Nebraska City district championship, and for the first time since 2001 they were able to secure the victory and earn a state birth. Aiden Zimmerman's stellar performance earned him the distinction of Best Overall Actor, adding another feather to the cap of SRC's growing list of achievements.
Culminating their season, the drama program took center stage at the state championships at the Johnny Carson Theater in Norfolk, finishing sixth overall. Individual recognition was showered upon Jorge Chavez, Kasey Fischbach, Aiden Zimmerman, Traven Reznicek, and Clare Willis, all of whom received acting awards for their outstanding contributions.
As the final act of this remarkable season, the drama program at SRC is proud to announce a total of 36 acting awards. Kreyton Zimmerman (4), Kasey Fischbach (7), Clare Willis (6), Emma Svoboda (2), Aiden Zimmerman (7), Ellie Frederick (2), Jordyn Donner (2), Alexis Wetjen (1), Hayden Reznicek (1), Traven Reznicek (2), and Jorge Chavez (2) have collectively earned these awards. Congratulations to Mrs. Wilton, Mr. Nissen, and the entire cast and crew for a tremendous season.
By
Mark Scharf
Cast (in order of appearance)
Wailing Woman – Ellie Frederick
Wailing Woman – Jordyn Donner
Washington Irving – Kreyten Zimmerman
Abraham “Brom” Van Brunt – Aiden Zimmerman
Isaac – Lila Weddle
Jacob – Traven Reznicek
Frans – Lexi Wetjen
Ichabod Crane – Kasey Fischbach
Katrina Van Tassel – Clare Willis
Elizabeth – Melanie Sanchez Diaz
Martha – Victory Graver-Tart
Thomas – Hayden Reznicek
Balthus Van Tassel – Jorge Chavez
Dirk Van Houton – Emma Svoboda
Mrs. Van Tassel – Mackenzie Kuns
Mrs. Van Houton – Nevaeh Martinez
Mrs. Van Ripper – Jessica Bauers
Mr. Van Ripper – Urijah Grant
Headless Horseman – Gavin Ohnemus
Crew:
Aubree Siffring, Gavin Ohnemus, Ethan Fjell, Loralie Logan, Layne Donner, Garrett Ruth, Charlotte Slusarski, Aaron Willis, Ashlyn Long, Brooklyn Sumner,
Kaylei Perry, Charlie Thompson, Mary Isabella Jaquez-Marquez, Lillian Wetjen
Huskies Football
8-2 Season Capped off with 1st Playoff Win as SRC
The Shelby-Rising City Huskies football team had a season to remember, marked by thrilling victories, standout performances, and determination. As the season unfolded, the Huskies displayed their prowess on the field and showcased their remarkable talent.
The season kicked off in spectacular fashion, with the Huskies delivering an emphatic 48-0 victory over Heartland. It was a statement win, setting the tone for what would be an impressive campaign.
The momentum continued in the following weeks as the Huskies dominated Mead with a resounding 50-14 win, followed by a 46-0 triumph over ALC. Their talent was on full display when they faced defending state champion Clarkson-Leigh and emerged victorious with a 36-14 victory.
The Huskies' offensive firepower was further evident when they crushed Madison with a commanding 62-6 win and continued their winning streak with a 44-0 victory over Twin River.
Their run was momentarily interrupted as they received a win by forfeit when Cedar Bluffs had to bow out. However, the Huskies faced a tough opponent in Cross County, resulting in an uncharacteristic 46-8 loss.
Undeterred, they roared back in the playoffs, obliterating Elmwood-Murdock with a commanding 58-0 victory in the first round. It was a memorable triumph that showed their determination to succeed. This would mark the first playoff win in Shelby-Rising City history (as a merged school).
In the second round of the playoffs, the Huskies faced EMF and battled valiantly but were defeated with a final score of 26-0. Despite the loss, the Huskies' season was marked by remarkable achievements.
The regular season saw the Huskies finish with an impressive 7-1 record, and their overall season record stood at 8-2. Throughout the season, the defense put on a stellar performance, shutting out four of their opponents, a testament to their strength and teamwork.
Individual players also shone bright this season. Senior Gabe Dutton-Mofford reached a significant milestone, achieving 1,063 rushing yards, averaging an impressive 132.9 yards per game, and tallying 1,209 all-purpose yards and 16 touchdowns.
Sophomore quarterback Logan Lindsley displayed his versatility with 742 all-purpose yards, consisting of 309 rushing and 433 passing yards. He scored 10 touchdowns rushing and threw for 7 more.
Senior Isaac Whitmore emerged as the leading receiver with 18 catches, 411 yards, and 6 touchdowns. The young talent, sophomore Blake Schmidt, made an impact with 4 catches, 3 of them resulting in touchdowns.
Senior Ethan Fjell contributed to the team's success by carrying the ball 61 times, amassing 379 yards, and scoring 5 touchdowns.
On the defensive side of the ball, Junior Dalton Pokorney led the team with 66 tackles, closely followed by Lindsley with 65 tackles and Whitmore with 60 tackles. Senior Jorge Chavez was a force to be reckoned with, averaging two tackles for a loss per game, while Senior Landon Sliva stood out with an impressive 4.5 tackles for a loss per game and five sacks on the season. Sophomore Eli Fjell contributed 32 tackles, 3.5 tackles for a loss per game, and 2.5 sacks. Junior Collin Vrbka notched 2.5 sacks and 4 hurries.
The Huskies' strong defense also showed their skill in creating turnovers, with 8 interceptions this season. Owen Krafka contributed with 1 INT, Lindsley with 2 INT, Whitmore with 2 INT, and Pokorney leading with 3 INT.
As the season came to a close, the Huskies demonstrated their commitment to excellence on the field. Their journey was a testament to the power of teamwork, determination, and the unyielding pursuit of success. The Huskies may have faced challenges along the way, but they emerged stronger and more resilient, ready to face whatever comes their way in the future. The season didn't end the way they wanted it to but heads should be held up high. Congratulations on a great season.
Blue River Panthers Softball
Panthers fall in Sub-District Final - Finish 8-20
The Blue River Panthers' softball season has come to an end, but not without exciting moments and accomplishments. With an 8-20 record, the Panthers demonstrated their resilience and determination.
Wins came in a variety of forms for the Panthers, with triumphant moments against Cuming County, O'Neill, Highway 91, Logan View/SS, Wilber-Clatonia, Fairbury, North Bend, and a standout victory against Columbus Lakeview during the sub-districts, which was undoubtedly the crowning achievement of the year.
One of the remarkable aspects of the Panthers' season was their strong batting performance. Five batters consistently hit above .300, showcasing their offensive prowess. Senior Rylie Carter led the way with a solid .368 batting average, while Meagan Jahde set the bar high with an impressive .482 average. Sophomore Danica Watts maintained a .346 average, Abby Lindsley held a .392 average, and the freshman Jayden Hayes rounded out the group with a respectable .302 average. The team also displayed their power, hitting home runs throughout the season, with Watts (2), Lindsley (3), Jahde (1), and Carter (2) all contributing to the Panthers' run production.
When it came to the mound, senior Aubree Siffring took center stage, pitching a substantial 104.2 of the 139 innings played. Her workhorse effort earned her recognition, even with an ERA of 6.82, striking out 76 batters, and finishing the season with a 7-13 record as a starter.
The season reached its high point of the season in the sub-district playoffs at Columbus Lakeview, where the Panthers, seeded fourth, faced tough competition. In a thrilling game against the top-seeded Lakeview Vikings, the Panthers managed to secure a 2-1 lead early on. With outstanding pitching from Siffring and stellar defensive plays, the Panthers held their ground, emerging victorious over the Vikings.
However, their journey came to an end in the sub-district finals, facing Aurora. Despite their earlier successes, the Panthers couldn't keep their momentum going, falling to Aurora with a score of 13-2.
After a season filled with determination and hard-fought battles, several Panthers were honored with post-season accolades. Meagan Jahde received 1st team recognition, while Danica Watts, and Rylie Carter were named to the 2nd team. Siffring also received Honorable Mention honors.
Congratulations to the Panthers on a their season and thank you seniors.
Huskies Volleyball
Huskies Volleyball Finish 17-15, Fall in Sub-District Final
The Huskies volleyball team, in what can only be described as a season of both challenges and triumphs, wrapped up their 2023 campaign with a season record of 17-15, including a 6-5 regular season conference record.
The season began with ups and downs as the team's record rose to 9-5 at one point. A tough stretch had as they headed into the David City Invite where they would go onto lost five of their next seven matches.
The Huskies would head into the conference tournament with a 13-11 record as the Huskies would defeat East Butler and then face off against Cross County, which proved to be a challenging matchup. Despite the setback, the Huskies rallied in the consolation quad, where they emerged victorious by defeating Nebraska Lutheran and High Plains.
In the opening round of sub-districts, the Huskies roared to life with a victory over Osceola in three straight sets, setting the stage for their postseason journey. Although they fought valiantly in a four-set battle against the #1 seeded Nebraska Christian, the Huskies came up just short in their quest for a championship.
The Huskies had standout performances by several players. Senior Ava Larmon made history by shattering the school record with an astonishing 382 kills in a single season. Her offensive power was matched by her 42 serving aces.
Junior Taya Pinneo's contributions were equally impressive. As the varsity setter, she notched a remarkable 575 assists during the season and contributed 41 aces of her own. Her role as a playmaker was indispensable for the team's success.
Senior Alex Larmon also had a standout year, being the only other Husky to record over 100 kills, with a total of 114 on the season. Her 33 aces added an extra dimension to her game, making her a key player for the Huskies.
Freshman Kaleigh Ruth proved she could be thrown into the fire, tallying 90 kills and 19 aces. Her promising performance as a newcomer demonstrates the bright future of the Huskies' program.
A strong defensive core was also a crucial part of the team's success. Four individuals, including Taya Pinneo (207), Ava Larmon (276), Kaleigh Ruth (213), and Alex Larmon (222), all recorded over 200 digs during the season, showcasing their importance to both offense and defense.
As the curtain falls on the 2023 season, the Huskies can take pride in their accomplishments. While the battles were fierce, the lessons learned and memories made will serve as a foundation for future success. Congratulations to the Huskies on a successful season.
Girls Golf
Husky Girl Golfers Show Great Strides
The girls' golf season came to a close for the Huskies at Quail Run during the district championships, where they narrowly missed a ticket to the state tournament. Despite falling just short of their goal, the team and several individual players showed remarkable improvement and commitment throughout the season.
Lillian Wetjen, a senior standout, was on the verge of a state qualification as an individual. She shot an impressive 111, finishing just eight strokes away from securing her spot at the state tournament.
As a team, the Huskies collectively shot a combined 474, landing them in fifth place at the district championships. Unfortunately, only the top three teams advanced to the state tournament. While the Huskies came up just short, their overall performance was a testament to their hard work, teamwork, and progress throughout the season.
What sets this season apart for the Huskies is the remarkable progress made by several players. The team had three standout performers who made significant improvements compared to the previous season. Senior Lillian Wetjen led the charge, averaging 115 strokes per round this season, marking an impressive 14-stroke improvement from her junior year.
Junior Clare Willis also showcased remarkable improvement, cutting 17 strokes off her average to finish the season with an average of 121 strokes per round. This incredible progress made her the most improved from last season to this season.
Loralie Logan, sophomore, lowered her average by 12 strokes per round, finishing the season with an average of 125.
Last but not least, sophomore Alexis Wetjen demonstrated incredible growth in the second half of the season, averaging 20 strokes better than her initial average.
The entire Huskies girls' golf team deserves recognition for their dedication and progress this season. Coach Jensen and the entire team, including Lilly, Alexis, Clare, Loralie, Lila, Elva, and Melanie, worked to improve their skills, and their accomplishments are a testament to their effort.
Although the team fell just short of the state tournament this year, their growth and commitment will help them continue to improve in the future. Congratulations to all for a tremendous season on the golf course.
Willis and Logan Place @ EMF Invite
Jr. High Volleyball
Jr. High Volleyball Finishes CRC Champions
In an electrifying clash that had junior high volleyball fans on the edge of their seats, the Huskies seized victory over the Meridian Mustangs in a nail-biting final set to claim the CRC Championship.
The Huskies entered the championship match with a notable track record, boasting a flawless 5-0 record on the north side of the conference standings (7-5 overall). And the Mustangs, who came in as back-to-back champions on the south side, had championship game experience under their belts. This contrast in experience and their previous success set the stage for a great match.
The first set saw the Mustangs, with their experience, take control early in the match. They secured a 25-18 victory, showcasing their dominance and putting the Huskies on notice.
The second set was a fierce battle. The Huskies, despite being pushed to the brink on several occasions, rallied back. Ultimately, they managed to even the match at 1-1 with a hard-fought 25-20 second set victory.
The third and final set of the championship match proved to be the most dramatic. In a thrilling showdown, the Huskies managed to pull away late, securing a 15-11 victory. The Lady Huskies demonstrated their composure under pressure and showcased their exceptional teamwork, clinching the CRC Championship.
Congratulations to the Huskies on their well-earned CRC Championship victory finishing the season 8-5, and hats off to the Mustangs for their valiant effort. Out of all the games at the CRC Tournament this year, this truly was one of the more fun matches to watch.
Jr. High Football
Jr. High Football Finishes 4-2
The Bullskies Jr. High Football team, a cooperative effort between SRC and Osceola, has once again proven their toughness on the gridiron, wrapping up the season with a 4-2 record. This marks the seventh consecutive season in which the team has finished with a record of .500 or above, showcasing their consistency.
The Bullskies' journey this season was filled with thrilling matchups and hard-fought battles.
SRC Bullskies 22 - Sutton 8: The season kicked off on a positive note with a dominant 22-8 victory over Sutton, setting the tone for the games to come.
Cross County 34 - SRC Bullskies 14: In their second game, the Bullskies faced a tough Cross County team, ultimately falling 34-14. It was a reminder that challenges are big part of the season.
SRC Bullskies 14 - Clarkson-Leigh 12: The Bullskies bounced back with a hard-fought 14-12 win against Clarkson-Leigh, with their defense stepping up late to get several late stops to hold on for the win.
Fullerton 26 - SRC Bullskies 16: The team faced adversity once again when they clashed with Fullerton, finishing with a score of 26-16 in favor of their opponents.
SRC Bullskies 32 - EMF 22: The Bullskies came roaring back with a thrilling 32-22 victory over EMF.
SRC Bullskies 42 - East Butler 16: The season concluded on a high note with a resounding 42-16 win against East Butler, capping off another winning season.
The Bullskies' success is not just a result of their talent on the field; it's a testament to the dedication and guidance of their coaches. Congratulations to Coach Gabel, Coach Gould, Coach Doerr, and all the athletes from both SRC and Osceola who made this season yet another memorable one.
As the Bullskies' Jr. High Football team celebrates another successful season, they continue to be a source of pride for both schools and their community. We look forward to what the future holds for this impressive team as they continue their tradition of success in Jr. High Football and the Osceola/SRC Jr. High football should be a go for the next two years.
Homecoming King & Queen
Congratulations to King Jorge Chavez🤴 &
Queen Alexandra Larmon👸
Homecoming Court
Your 2023 Royalty Court (L to R): Ellie Frederick, Ethan Fjell, Aubree Siffring, Aiden Zimmerman, Alexandra Larmon, Jorge Chavez, Rylie Carter, & Isaac Whitmore
Local School Believer & Achiever Winners
2023 National Honor Society Members
SRC Chapter
New Members Include - Jordyn Donner, Katelyn Nekl, Dalton Pokorney, Taya Pinneo, Collin Vrbka, & Clare Willis
Current Members Include - Gavin Ohnemus, Kaylei Perry, Aubree Siffring, Alex Larmon, Rylie Carter, Aiden Zimmerman, Ava Larmon, & Ellie Frederick
SRC BOOSTER CLUB
Thank you for all your support!
- $10 meal - Lunch on the Booster Club for Athletic and Activity Teams
- Football Pad Holder/Organizer
- Football Security Harnesses
- Football Speedbags
- Volleyball Blocking Hand Pads
- Volleyball Net Extenders
- Volleyball Passing Targets
- Softball Dugout Fan
- Softballs
- Golf Training Mats
- Golf Putter Trainer
- Golf Putting Green Gates
- Golf Stroke Counters
- Golf GPS Watches
- Indoor Chipping Mats
- Nose Masks
- Slam Balls
- Speech Easels
- Speech Portfolio and Easel Bags
- One Act Fog Machine and Fog Juice
- Bowling Sweat Hand Towels
- Headsets
- Track Batons
- Stopwatches
- Tanita Weight Scale
- Stretching Rollers
- Dashr System (Speed Testing)
- Black Dance Skorts
- Shot Puts
- Totes for One Act