For many youth at Boys Town, participating in sports is something they have not had the opportunity to experience in their lives. But through the Boys Town sports program, children are able to experience the sense of belonging that comes from being a member of a team, the joy of having people cheer them on and the overall feeling of accomplishment that comes from achieving a goal by working together as a team.
The Boys Town's fall sports, Football, Boys Cross Country and Girls Volleyball, not only played this season, they thrived. While earning spots among the top ten ranking in the state of Nebraska, the teams still managed to maintain good character and displayed to others Boys Town's outstanding sportsmanship.
Football:
The Boys Town High School Varsity Football team finished their season with a 9-3 record, making it all the way to the state semi-finals. This year's team displayed remarkable sportsmanship by competing with character and maintained good behavior in their homes, at school and on the football field.
"I could not be prouder of what this group has accomplished!" Head Coach Kevin Kush reflected.
The Cowboys impressive finish ensured the team a ranking among the top 10 in the state at number 6. This is the football team's 13th top 10 finish in the last 20 years.
Boys Cross Country:
The Boys Cross Country team finished their season in a cumulative 6th place. The team competed in two season championships including the Centennial Conference where they were the runner-ups. Districts were held at Boys Town where the team finished 3rd of 12.
These wins enabled the Cowboys to compete at the State Cross Country Championships in Kearney, Nebraska, where they took home the 6th place title.
Boys Town youth Jason, completed his best time of 17:26 finishing 5th of 91. This time made him a medalist winner and an all-state first team as well.
"With four runners returning, team goals are even higher for next season!" said Coach Ron Stargel.
Girls Volleyball:
The Girls Volleyball team finished their season with a record of 10-20. In addition to competing in two tourneys, eight school records were broken throughout the season. The players' skills and behavior impressed others both on and off the court.
"Everywhere we went we received compliments on not only our volleyball skills, but our behavior from other coaches, players, parents from other teams and officials," Coach Brittany Alwine proudly recalled.
The Cowboys placed 1st in the Boys Town Tourney and 4th in the Frontier Conference Tourney. Boys Town volleyball players were also recognized by the Frontier Conference with Laura making 1st team all-conference; Mary was 2nd team all-conference; and Justina received an all-conference honorable mention.
Laura had a successful first season with Boys Town Volleyball, breaking the record for digs -per –match. She ended the season with 22 total digs, making her career total an impressive 241 digs.
Mary also had an amazing first season with Boys Town Volleyball and broke the record of ace- per-season with 55 ace serves. She also now holds the Boys Town record for total number of kills- per season with 101 total kills.
Justina broke the record for career aces with 66 total aces, while team member Jessica now holds the record for kills-per-match with 15 in one match. Team member Jaicey now holds the Boys Town record for blocks-per-match with 11 total blocks in one match.
"Our girls showcased to the community just how wonderful our youth truly are," Coach Brittany Alwine said. "It was a blessing to be their coach and I am going to miss this group of girls."
Congratulations to all the Boys Town teams for a great season.
