CSG 40 Stories

“There is no way I can do this.” Kirk Nelson was wading in the 76-degree water of Storm Lake in northeast Iowa. He had been training in nearby Blue Lake, but the shock of the cold water took his breath away when he slowly crept into the lake. It was Nelson’s first-ever triathlon… 

It’s a warm, sunny day at the Cornhusker State Games Opening Ceremonies. Athletes parade in on the track and take their seats on the East side of Seacrest Field, spectators on the West.“God Bless the USA” plays on the loudspeakers, when three skydivers emerge from the plane above and make their landing on the field. A fourth skydiver emerges with a 12-by-18 American flag on the harness that is revealed once the parachute opens…

Recent standout softball transfer Jordy Bahl, who was born and raised in Papillion, Nebraska, was full of excitement heading into her first fan day on Feb. 3 as a member of the Nebraska softball team. Bahl took some time to talk about her experience as a two-time participant of the torch lighting ceremony for the Cornhusker State Games and what it has been like to be back in Nebraska…

Five years ago, Haley Bekins was not competing in triathlon. In fact, she did not even consider herself an athlete. Instead, Bekins competed in pageants both locally and nationally. Prepping for and competing in pageants was a big part of her life, and she devoted a lot of time to it. However, after she competed for Miss Nebraska USA, she found her competitive spirit unsatisfied…

Jordan Burroughs never participated in the Cornhusker State Games. However, in 2015 he was a torch lighter. The games are not just competition, they are a way of honoring previous Nebraskan athletes. They honor past athletes through parades, memorials, ceremonies and torch lighters…

Erick Strickland, a giant of a man in the world of sports, has etched his name into the halls of basketball history as a former NBA, MLB and NCAA player. His feat, however, goes beyond the hardwood courts and dirt fields where he dazzled audiences with his skill and finesse. Strickland’s impact resonates with a broader audience. As a torchbearer for the 1998 Cornhusker State Games…