Rec Sports

Omaha youth sports groups ask for approval on new facilities

Published

2 months ago

November 20, 2025

Nebraska Elite Volleyball and Cheer Athletic Omaha are seeking approval from Gov. Jim Pillen to build new sports facilities, citing a growing demand for space to accommodate young athletes. Tony Carrow, club director of Nebraska Elite Volleyball, said the growing demand to play outweighs the space needed for young athletes. “We had to let go 66 girls had just finished their high school volleyball seasons and tell them we just don’t have a team for them to play on, because we simply have no more court space,” he said.Both groups believe their new facilities will not only provide more opportunities for athletes but also boost the local economy.”We have two hotels, convention center, retail, restaurants, and they’ve all said we’re interested in coming to your development only if you’re going to be able to build,” Craig Wolf said.They are asking the governor to approve their application to use Nebraska’s Sports Arena Facility Finance Assistance Act, which would allow the new facilities to collect 70% of sales tax generated from new businesses within a 600-yard district to help finance their construction. “There’s no cost to the state of current dollars. It’s simply a cost of future dollars,” Carrow said.That’s because, they said the economic impact would go beyond just the 600-yard district. For example, as consultant Jeff Weak explained there’s no hotel near where the new volleyball facilty would be built. “He has 40,000 new room nights stays that will come. So the state will get 100% of the sales tax on the 40,000 new room nights, stays.”Carrow stressed the importance of the initiative for Nebraska’s young athletes, saying, “In simplest of terms, if we don’t do this, we’re putting Nebraska and all of the young athletes in Nebraska in a hole behind everyone else.”The decision now rests with Governor Pillen, who will decide on Thursday whether the facilities can move forward. “He gives us the chance to get started. That’s all it is,” Carrow said.KETV reached out to Gov. Pillen about the application.His communications director Laura Strimple said the governor has been entrusted by the people of Nebraska.”He will not be a party to further erosion of Nebraska’s sales tax base with new loopholes and carveouts when there is still not a reliable indication from the Legislature that existing sales tax loopholes and imbalances can be closed and corrected to achieve lasting and transformative property tax relief,” said the statement from Pillen’s office.Make sure you can always see the latest news, weather, sports and more from KETV NewsWatch 7 on Google search.NAVIGATE: Home | Weather | Local News | National | Sports | Newscasts on demand |

OMAHA, Neb. —

Nebraska Elite Volleyball and Cheer Athletic Omaha are seeking approval from Gov. Jim Pillen to build new sports facilities, citing a growing demand for space to accommodate young athletes.

Tony Carrow, club director of Nebraska Elite Volleyball, said the growing demand to play outweighs the space needed for young athletes.

“We had to let go 66 girls had just finished their high school volleyball seasons and tell them we just don’t have a team for them to play on, because we simply have no more court space,” he said.

Both groups believe their new facilities will not only provide more opportunities for athletes but also boost the local economy.

“We have two hotels, convention center, retail, restaurants, and they’ve all said we’re interested in coming to your development only if you’re going to be able to build,” Craig Wolf said.

They are asking the governor to approve their application to use Nebraska’s Sports Arena Facility Finance Assistance Act, which would allow the new facilities to collect 70% of sales tax generated from new businesses within a 600-yard district to help finance their construction.

“There’s no cost to the state of current dollars. It’s simply a cost of future dollars,” Carrow said.

That’s because, they said the economic impact would go beyond just the 600-yard district. For example, as consultant Jeff Weak explained there’s no hotel near where the new volleyball facilty would be built.

“He has 40,000 new room nights stays that will come. So the state will get 100% of the sales tax on the 40,000 new room nights, stays.”

Carrow stressed the importance of the initiative for Nebraska’s young athletes, saying, “In simplest of terms, if we don’t do this, we’re putting Nebraska and all of the young athletes in Nebraska in a hole behind everyone else.”

The decision now rests with Governor Pillen, who will decide on Thursday whether the facilities can move forward.

“He gives us the chance to get started. That’s all it is,” Carrow said.

KETV reached out to Gov. Pillen about the application.

His communications director Laura Strimple said the governor has been entrusted by the people of Nebraska.

“He will not be a party to further erosion of Nebraska’s sales tax base with new loopholes and carveouts when there is still not a reliable indication from the Legislature that existing sales tax loopholes and imbalances can be closed and corrected to achieve lasting and transformative property tax relief,” said the statement from Pillen’s office.

Make sure you can always see the latest news, weather, sports and more from KETV NewsWatch 7 on Google search.

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Rec Sports

Florida demolishes Tennessee basketball – The Daily Beacon

Published

2 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Had the turnover balloons made the trip, Tennessee basketball’s cardio would be at an all-time high.

The Vols traveled to Gainesville, Florida, and walked away with a 91-67 loss to the Gators in flattening fashion.

An 18-turnover effort kept No. 21 Tennessee (11-5, 1-2 SEC) from getting a breath of fresh air. Instead, the consistent giveaway of free possessions remained haunting, as Florida (11-5, 2-1) cashed in for 30 points off turnovers.

Nate Ament led an otherwise abysmal offensive attack with 17 points. Ja’Kobi Gillespie followed with 12 points, but committed four turnovers to just three assists. Bishop Boswell’s six turnovers made it a double-digit turnover effort from Tennessee’s starting backcourt. Boogie Fland went for a career game on the Vols’ defense, tacking on 23 points in Florida’s win.

Sloppy first half in varying fashions

The Vols and Gators put forth opposite first-half outings, but the games complemented each other enough to bring a mere 13-point margin at the break.

For Tennessee, it was turnovers and failure on defensive rebounds that provided struggles. On Florida’s side, missed shots plagued the Gators.

As a team, the Vols committed 12 turnovers across the first 20 minutes. They also allowed Florida to pull in seven boards on the offensive glass. Those blunders paced Tennessee to 20 total shots in the frame, making a measly eight.

Florida took advantage of the extra possessions, chucking up 34 shots in 20 minutes. The Gators scored 18 points off turnovers, helping create a 13-point margin heading to the locker rooms.

Cleaning up the mistakes did not occur during the break. Tennessee moved forward with the trend, committing six more turnovers over the remainder of the game.

15-2 Florida run provides separation before half

Despite struggles maintaining the basketball, Tennessee had remained in the game for the first 16 minutes of the game. And then the tides flipped.

A Boogie Fland stepback jumper marked the start of what became a 15-2 run over the final 3:51 of the first half. He scored 10 of the points all by himself, including a sequence where he drilled a three and then ripped away a steal on the defensive end to sink a layup.

Rick Barnes wanted a timeout to bandage the wound, but the dismay continued seeping. Tennessee’s next shot was blocked, and the ensuing inbounds pass could not get in — forcing a second timeout within 11 seconds of game time. Bishop Boswell turned the ball over out of the timeout.

Florida had been shooting 26% from the floor with 7:42 left. The Gators finished strong, making 8-of-11 shots to bring the total to 41%.

Heading into the break, Tennessee went from a tied 26-all ball game to down 41-28 with lingering turnover problems.

The Vols could not overcome the deficit they dug into, and Florida continued to run away with the game in the second half. The Gators outscored Tennessee 50-39 in the final 20.

Ament flourishes

Not many positives could be pulled away from the demolition on the road, but star freshman Ament at least put forth promise.

Ament scored 17 points on 5-for-11 shooting. He also hauled in four rebounds and an assist, while keeping turnovers limited to two. His four fouls limited him to 27 minutes.

The 17-point outing is the most for the 6-foot-10 wing since he scored 20 against Kansas on Nov. 26. He had been averaging 11 points per game in the seven games between those performances.

Tennessee will have the chance to rebound on Jan. 13 when it faces Texas A&M at Food City Center

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Photos: Fort Lewis College women’s and men’s basketball take on Westminster University

Published

5 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Both Skyhawks teams were victorious on Saturday afternoon

Fort Lewis College plays tough defense against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Donald Bangham, Jr. of Fort Lewis College finger rolls the ball over Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Ashten Martinez of Fort Lewis College plays defense against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Massal Diouf of Fort Lewis College blocks a Westminster University shot on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Cassius Carmichael of Fort Lewis College dunks the ball against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Chuol Deng of Fort Lewis College puts up a shot against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Natalie Guanella of Fort Lewis College passes the ball while playing against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Fort Lewis College plays tough defense against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Jaxon Smith of Fort Lewis College puts up a three-point shot against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Makaya Porter of Fort Lewis College drives to the basket while playing against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Fort Lewis College plays tough defense against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Lauren Zuniga, left, Fort Lewis College women’s baseketball head coach, and assistant coach Maggie Espenmiller-McGraw are all smiles with player Claudia Palacio Gámez after winning the game against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Stewart Erhart of Fort Lewis College splits the Westminster University defense on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Katie Lamb of Fort Lewis College puts up a 3-point shot against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Natalie Guanella of Fort Lewis College plays defense against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Claudia Palacio Gámez of Fort Lewis College fights off the Westminster University defense on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Josie Davis of Fort Lewis College puts up a shot against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Trey Curry of Fort Lewis College takes away a passing lane while playing Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Fort Lewis College plays tough defense against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Savanna Dotray of Fort Lewis College puts up a shot against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Donald Bangham, Jr. of Fort Lewis College goes for the ball while playing Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Savanna Dotray, left, and Katie Lamb of Fort Lewis College fights for the ball while playing Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Natalie Guanella of Fort Lewis College comes off the floor during the Westminster University game on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Katie Lamb of Fort Lewis College puts up a three-point shot against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Makaya Porter of Fort Lewis College puts up a shot while playing against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

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Rec Sports

City to unveil sports park master plan

Published

5 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Your Sports Nation

FAIRBORN — The community is invited to attend a community presentation on Fairborn’s Sport Park Master Plan. The event will be held at the Fairborn High School Performing Arts Center on Sunday, January 18, at 3 p.m.

According to the city, the plan outlines proposed improvements to the Fairborn Wee Hawks Football and Fairborn Little League fields at Ernie Apt. Park. The city’s goal is to create a modern, much-needed athletic facility for local youth.

Park planners say that during the presentation, you’ll be able to see the proposed layout and upgrades, learn how the improvements will benefit young athletes and families, and ask questions.

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The wildest hockey brawl of the year was at an AHL intermission youth game

Published

5 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Your Sports Nation

The Hershey Bears, the AHL affiliate of the Washington Capitals, won a game 3-2 on Saturday, breaking a tie in the third period while short-handed. That’s not what fans were buzzing about from the game on social media.

Between periods at the Giant Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania, a standard mites game became very un-standard when a bizarre brawl broke out between the two youth teams.

Countless haymakers were thrown with tiny gloved fists. Multiple kids charged full-speed into the fray. At least one kid punched a teammate. The crowd, or at least the louder fans in the stands, was loving it. There are no officials in sight. Which is unfortunate, because at least one kid can be seen dangerously trying to kick an opponent with his skates.

The spectacle peaks at the 47-second mark when a goalie charges in and completely lays out an opponent who was grappling with his teammate.

What’s that? You want another angle?

Details are admittedly sparse here. We don’t know if any of those kids sustained an injury on the ice, or what even caused the brawl aside from youthful aggression. We’re just talking about something you don’t expect to see at a youth hockey game.

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PEM hosts area athletes in wrestling invitational

Published

5 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Your Sports Nation

PLAINVIEW, Minn. (KTTC) – Wrestlers filled the gym at Plainview-Elgin-Millville high school for the 2026 PEM Wrestling Invitational.

Eight schools took the mat: LARP (Lewiston-Altura/Rushford-Peterson), Pine Island, FCLMC (Fillmore Central/Lanesboro/Mabel-Canton), Lake City, WWC (Winona/Winona Cotter), La Crosse Logan/Cent., Cochrane-Fountain City, and the host school PEM.

The Bulldogs came out on top at home, leading the way with 206.5 points. LARP finished in second with 201.0 points. The team results are as follows:

PEM – 206.5
LARP – 201.0
Pine Island – 192.0
Eau Claire North – 111.0
FCLMC – 96.0
Cochrane-Fountain City – 70.5
Lake City – 47.5
WWC – 47.5
La Crosse Logan/Cent. – 39.0

An individual champion was crowned in each weight class. Those champions are as follows:

107 – Mason Zabel, PEM

114 – Owen Zabel, PEM

121 – Reid Ihrke, PEM

127 – Christian Zibrowski, LARP

133 – Michael Alexander, LARP

139 – Owen Lange, LARP

145 – Jag Foster, Pine Island

152 – Aiden Graner, PEM

160 – Ben Grabau, Pine Island

172 – Calvin Arentz, La Crosse Logan/Cent.

189 – Kane Larson, FCLMC

215 – Logan Peterson, PEM

285 – Chase Drazkowski, LARP

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Native Youth Olympics preparations under way | Sports

Published

8 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Ketchikan athletes had the gym to themselves on Friday as they warmed up for the Native Youth Olympics kick-off scheduled for 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday at the Clarke Cochrane Gymnasium at Kayhi.