Thursday, 02 September 2010 14:15
Fans of the Auburn Bulldogs, Johnson-Brock Eagles and Peru State College Bobcats turned out early Thursday night, Aug. 26, at Auburn Legion Memorial Park to help kick off the 2010 fall high school and college sports seasons.
“I think it was wonderful. It was so good to see all of the school colors and the energy that those students bring. I was excited about the fact that all three schools were involved,” said Pastor Bud Christenson of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Auburn.Pep bands from all three schools performed several selections each, including each school’s respective fight song. Dale Thomas, master of ceremonies, urged “you to stand up for your school fight song and show your support.”Thomas said that every time he is at the park, he is reminded of those who served the United States. There was a silent reflection for veterans and those currently serving in the U.S. armed forces.
“I think it’s appropriate for us to remember veterans, past and present, those who are still with us, those who are deceased and those serving us currently,” Thomas said.Elementary school students were called to the stage to help lead everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance. Meghan Burgess, vocal music director at Auburn High School, led all in singing the national anthem, accompanied by the Auburn High School pep band.“This is so neat. How great it is to have Auburn, Peru State College and Johnson-Brock here. You talk about community spirit and community pride, you see it there,” Thomas said.He praised the efforts of members of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Auburn, who made the event possible. The celebration was sponsored by the Nemaha County Ministerial Association and the Music in the Park Committee.
Before the celebration started, there was a meal with a freewill contribution. Proceeds will benefit the building of schools in remote areas of Afghanistan and Pakistan.There was $409.06 raised at the celebration, said JoAnn Rohrs.Christenson said that through the efforts of Greg Mortensen, funds were raised to build hundreds of schools in remote villages in both nations.
“I think it was wonderful. It was so good to see all of the school colors and the energy that those students bring. I was excited about the fact that all three schools were involved,” said Pastor Bud Christenson of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Auburn.Pep bands from all three schools performed several selections each, including each school’s respective fight song. Dale Thomas, master of ceremonies, urged “you to stand up for your school fight song and show your support.”Thomas said that every time he is at the park, he is reminded of those who served the United States. There was a silent reflection for veterans and those currently serving in the U.S. armed forces.
“I think it’s appropriate for us to remember veterans, past and present, those who are still with us, those who are deceased and those serving us currently,” Thomas said.Elementary school students were called to the stage to help lead everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance. Meghan Burgess, vocal music director at Auburn High School, led all in singing the national anthem, accompanied by the Auburn High School pep band.“This is so neat. How great it is to have Auburn, Peru State College and Johnson-Brock here. You talk about community spirit and community pride, you see it there,” Thomas said.He praised the efforts of members of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Auburn, who made the event possible. The celebration was sponsored by the Nemaha County Ministerial Association and the Music in the Park Committee.
Before the celebration started, there was a meal with a freewill contribution. Proceeds will benefit the building of schools in remote areas of Afghanistan and Pakistan.There was $409.06 raised at the celebration, said JoAnn Rohrs.Christenson said that through the efforts of Greg Mortensen, funds were raised to build hundreds of schools in remote villages in both nations.
STUDENT-ATHLETES Johnson-Brock High School come to the front of the stage at Auburn Legion Memorial Park while Brett Davis, athletic director, talks about the football and volleyball teams at the Thursday, Aug. 26, tailgate celebration. Student-athletes from Auburn High School and Peru State College were also recognized.
The schools were built in areas where few educational opportunities previously existed.“It is one of the great things happening in the world,” Christenson said.Mortensen is the author of Three Cups of Tea and Stones Into Schools: Promoting Peace with Books Not Bombs, In Afghanistan and Pakistan. Christenson called both books “must reads” for students and adults. It is hoped to have Mortensen speak at Peru State College, Christenson said.Athletic directors of all three schools introduced their coaches and teams. Athletes and cheerleaders from each school came to the front of the stage.Activity/Athletic Directors and Coaches SpokeBrett Davis, athletic director, Johnson-Brock High School, loved the opportunity to participate in the celebration.“It’s great for Johnson-Brock to be represented. I’m excited to get the season started and to come share with you tonight,” Davis said.Kevin Walker, athletic director, Auburn High School, thanked Bulldog fans for their support.“It’s nice to see all of you who came out tonight who are concerned about our youth and our area,” Walker said.Four Bulldog head coaches and cheerleading sponsor Joellen Hamann spoke. Golf Coach Shawn Wehenkel and his team were playing in a season-opening dual at Plattsmouth.Shannon Cole, softball coach, said that she hoped to see a good turnout of Bulldog fans at the Saturday, Sept. 4, Invitational. The Bulldog softball team opened its season two weeks ago with a home win over Lincoln High School.Kellen Conroy, first-year football coach, said that the Bulldogs were working hard, and had a good week of conditioning and a good two weeks of practice leading up to the Aug. 27 season opener at Nebraska City.
Steve Petersen, volleyball coach, said that the Bulldogs had a good preseason and were looking forward to getting the season started. The net season opens Thursday, Sept. 2, at home vs. Fairbury.“We’re excited about our season. We’re working hard. There’s not a hill we can’t conquer in this county,” said Jeff Allgood, Bulldog head cross country coach.Hamann thanked Bulldog fans for their support of the cheerleaders and athletic programs at Auburn High School.Ted Harshbarger, Peru State College associate athletic director, said that the celebration had a bigger attendance than last year. He wished Auburn and Johnson-Brock athletes good luck in the 2010 season.“We’re happy to have President (Dan) Hanson at Peru State College. He’s brought a lot of energy to the college in the past year. The Peru State band is the largest in many years,” Harshbarger said.Thomas said that Peru State College students are “our leaders of the future.”Nemaha County residents are represented on the Bobcat football and volleyball teams and cheerleaders. Cheerleaders are juniors Jessica Clifton and Kendra Kratz, both Auburn and Shelby Jones, Johnson. Rachel Rippe, Johnson, is a junior middle blocker on the volleyball team. Bobcat gridders from the county are: senior Lance Meyer, Johnson, offensive lineman; senior Quentin Coatney, Peru, defensive lineman; junior Brent Haith, Auburn, defensive back and freshman Tyler Huey, Nemaha, linebacker.
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