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| 7/28/2010 11:41:00 AM | Email this article • Print this article |
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| Seward High graduate Natasha Mueller works to keep up with the ball handler while playing defense on the blue team in the Nebraska Coaches Association All-Star game July 26 in Lincoln. The red team defeated the blue team 62-47. |
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| Seward High graduate Alyssa Kamphaus goes up for a shot as a member of the red team in the NCA All-Star game. |
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Concordia hosts all-star athletes
Meaghan Downs
Reporter
There's more to being a Nebraska All-Star athlete than just athleticism.
"Leadership, integrity, good sportsmanship, those are key," Steve Johnsen, Nebraska Coaches' Association executive director, said.
For the four Seward female athletes selected, it's also the last high school sports accolade they'll receive before moving on to collegiate play.
The All-Star Games, according to Saundi Fugleberg of the NCA, is presented "as an honor and last hoorah" for high school seniors.
"It is truly the only all-state team," Johnsen said. "It's to recognize the contribution of those kids to their respective sports."
Miranda Wisehart, an All-Star volleyball player, feels honored to be chosen for this year's All-Star red team.
"I didn't want to set my goals too high and get shot down," she said, "but it was always in the back of my mind."
Coaches across the state nominate players they feel deserving of selection. Then, these athletes' nomination are voted on by a 25-member coaches selection committee for basketball, volleyball and softball. Each region must be equally represented.
"We want to get a geographic mix and class mix," Johnsen said.
Each team is assigned a head coach and an assistant coach, nominated by fellow coaches, taking into consideration the coaches' record and reputation.
All-Star athlete Alyssa Kamphaus, 18, has committed to playing basketball at Creighton University, and has already connected with fellow All-Star athletes she'll be playing with in the fall.
But she'd show no mercy to fellow Seward basketball All-Star, Natasha Mueller.
"Nope, not until after the game," Kamphaus said.
Typically, the athletes are hosted by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Due to the national Special Olympics Games overlapping with the NCA's event, Concordia University offered to host the basketball and volleyball players.
"We were happy to have them. It's good to have the families on campus, to see the facilities," Sue Kohlwey, university event manager, said.
The weekend wasn't all work. Though athletes were expected to participate in daily practices, some of the athletes went out for bowling on Friday night and a barbecue on Sunday.
"It's fun, socializing stuff too," Kamphaus said.
Wisehart, who will be attending the University of Nebraska-Omaha, appreciated being able to bond with her fellow athlete and play with other talented players.
"I feel so honored because you get to play with high caliber girls," she said.
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