2022
2021
2019
2018
Nominationnew
Laura Spanheimer Dechant – Omaha Marian
Omaha Marian (Class of 2001) The Athlete of the Year tag stuck to Omaha Marian’s Laura Spanheimer, who twice earned the honor from the Lincoln Journal-Star and as a senior from the Omaha World-Herald. She led Marian to back-to-back state basketball championships those years, earning all-metro and all-state accolades. An outstanding runner as well, she […]
Bill Weber – Lincoln Southeast
Lincoln Southeast (Class of 1980) Bill Weber had an attraction for the action of state tournaments. The Lincoln Journal-Star’s Athlete of the Year in 1980, Weber played in seven state high school state tournaments and three American Legion baseball state tournaments. He earned all-state honors his junior and senior seasons in football while playing defensive […]
Jim Paige – Official
Official Jim Paige spent more than 50 years calling fouls and penalties in football, basketball and track at Nebraska high school athletic events. Described as “quiet, unassuming and hard-working,” Paige displayed a respect for athletes and coaches while maintaining fairmindedness in the implementation of the rules. Selected as the Nebraska Football Official of the Year, […]
Mike Purdy- Contributor
Contributor No one could account for all the athletes and students who have benefitted from the unselfish contributions Mike Purdy has made to their lives. A coach and administrator in the middle school and high school ranks for more than 40 years, Purdy pioneered and promoted programs and activities that made […]
Alan VanCura – Hastings St. Cecilia
Coach Alan VanCura was one of Nebraska’s most successful high school volleyball coaches. He led Hastings St. Cecilia to 830 victories in 41 years before retiring in 2016. During his tenure, the Hawkettes won six state championships and 19 district championships. A coach with a calm demeanor who rarely raised […]
