Sports and Athletics
Athletes at all levels in Kearney schools have enjoyed a great deal of success in every sport. Each elementary, middle and high school gives students the opportunity to participate in such sports as football, basketball, baseball, softball, track and many more. Athletic activities are also a major part of the student experience at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
The university offers 16 NCAA Division II intercollegiate sports: football, men’s and women’s basketball, women’s swimming and diving, men’s and women’s track (indoor and outdoor), baseball, softball, volleyball, wrestling, men’s and women’s cross-country and tennis and golf for both men and women. The Lopers compete in the 14-team Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) and have won ten RMAC All-Sports Trophies, recognizing the best athletic program in the league.
A full range of intramural sports are available for every student, including flag football, indoor soccer, tennis, sand volleyball, volleyball, racquetball, water polo, basketball, wallyball and softball.
The Kearney area features six golf courses. Meadowlark Hills Golf Course, an 18-hole public course, has a lighted driving range. Prairie Hills Golf Course, a family-owned 18-hole Scottish links-style course, is located 10 miles north of Kearney. Buffalo Hills Golf Course, established more than 35 years ago, offers custom club repair and fitting. Kearney Country Club is a private 18-hole course. Kearney Elks Country Club is a par 3 executive-style course located northeast of Kearney. The Links at Craneview is the newest golf course located south of Kearney.
The Tri-City Storm Hockey Club is a member of the United States Hockey League. The USHL is an amateur league for premier hockey players between 16-20 years of age. The Storm is coming off a repeat appearance in the USHL’s Western Division Finals for the second consecutive year. In 2003-2004 the Storm posted the best regular season record and went on to claim the coveted Anderson Cup Title. Each season, which runs from late September through March, the team expects to fill out a roster with 12-14 veteran athletes. This is a team primed and ready to make a run at another title in Junior Hockey. Storm home games are played at the 4,000-seat Kearney Event Center. To purchase game tickets call the Storm at 308-338-8809 or visit www.pickmytickets.com for more information.
Each July, boys’ and girls’ high school all-star teams from 15-20 states come to Kearney for the Mr. Basketball and Miss Basketball Showcase tournaments. Alumni of Mr. Basketball are now playing in the NBA, the NFL and for a long list of NCAA Division I programs.
Kearney is the host of nearly a dozen events organized by Mr. Basketball, Inc. More than 600 teams from 19 states and Canada visit Kearney each year for a variety of youth and prep-age events. For more information on the events contact 308-237-4012 or visit www.misterbasketball.com.
The Nebraska State Senior Games, held annually in Kearney, are designed for people 50 years of age or older. Events include golf, swimming, track and field, racquetball, tennis, badminton, cycling, billiards, horseshoes, table tennis, bowling, free-throw shooting, archery, disc golf, walking and three-on-three basketball. Participants compete in age groups set in five-year increments.
In alternating years, participants in the Nebraska Senior Games may qualify for advancement to the National Senior Games. The games provide a great opportunity for seniors to stay active, compete, socialize and have fun. Competitions are relaxed and designed for all skill levels. Contact 308-233-3228 for more information or check out the website at www.nebraskaseniorgames.com.
Kearney is also host to NSAA activities including the Nebraska State Cross Country Meet held annually at Kearney Country Club. Approximately 400 young runners from across the state gather in Kearney each year to test their running skills against their peers.
