Athlete
Andy Birkel swept the all-class gold medals in the 100, 200 and 400 meter dashes at the state track meet to complete an undefeated senior season and one of the most outstanding years in state high school history. The consensus Athlete of the Year, Birkel earned all-state honors at wide receiver on the Knights’ 2002 Class A championship football team, catching 31 passes for 747 yards and 10 touchdowns.On the basketball court, Southeast reached the state final with Birkel averaging seven points and three rebounds per game. He started his high school career at Lincoln East, winning two medals at the state track meet as a sophomore. He also set a Spartan record as a sophomore with a 90-yard interception return. After a year at the University of Nebraska, he transferred to Northern Colorado where he was a three-year starter at wide receiver and a two-time All-Great West Conference pick.
