Sports

Central City Softball keeps the momentum rolling with back-toback wins The Central City Bison softball team had a thrilling week on the diamond, securing two hard-fought victories that showcased both their resilience and firepower. With the season in full swing, the Bison are proving that they’re a force to be reckoned with, both at home and on the road.

In the early morning hours, when most high school students were still asleep, the gym lights at Central City High School would flicker on. The solitude of those quiet moments belonged to Ayden Zikmund, a young man whose name would soon be synonymous with greatness in the town of Central City. It was in these moments, long before the roar of the crowd or the buzz of the game, that Ayden honed his craft, driven by a desire that went far beyond personal accolades. He was driven by a deep love for the game, a respect for his family’s legacy, and an unwavering commitment to his community.

As the first light of day crept over the horizon, Jerzie Schindler was often already hard at work—whether on the softball field, honing her skills as a pitcher, or in the quiet of her room, studying for an upcoming exam. For Jerzie, these early hours were more than just a routine; they were a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence in everything she did. Whether it was leading her team to victory on the diamond or excelling in the classroom, Jerzie approached every challenge with the same intensity and focus that had come to define her remarkable high school career. It was this dedication, this drive to be the best, that not only made her a standout athlete but also a role model for her peers and an inspiration for future generations of Central City Bison.

The Central City High School girls’ golf team recently received a significant boost thanks to a successful fundraising effort spearheaded by the Central City Eagles Club #3795. The funds, raised during a golf tournament held on Saturday, June 1st, 2024, at the Riverside Golf Course, will help support the team’s activities and ensure that they have the necessary resources for the upcoming season.

On Friday night and Saturday, as the Jeep Jamboree was happening downstream, the Lone Tree Throwers hosted their 2nd annual Platte River Throwdown Cornhole tournament at a special venue they built on Grigsby’s Landing.

“It sucks when it comes to an end,” said Bucky Herman, capturing the collective sentiment as the Central City Post #6 Seniors, known as the “Iron Horses,” concluded their season. Their journey through the Class B Seniors State Tournament ended on Tuesday night with a 5-0 defeat to Wahoo State Bank Post 82. Despite the loss, the Iron Horses finished in the top four in the state for Class B, just one win away from championship contention.

Brian Benson, a 1993 graduate of Central City High School and current coach at Waverly High School, has been named the 2024 Nebraska Coaches Association Girls Track Coach of the Year. Benson has had a storied career at Waverly, first serving as an assistant track coach from 1999 to 2019 before assuming the role of head coach in 2020.

In a season defined by grit, determination, and unwavering team spirit, the Central City American Legion Post #6 Juniors have carved out an impeccable record of 25-0. On Tuesday night, they added another chapter to their remarkable journey, clinching the Class B5 Area Tournament title and securing their place in the Class B State Tournament.

This past weekend, the Class D Nebraska USA Softball Tournament held in Hastings became a platform where our community’s pride, passion, and prowess shone brilliantly. Central City’s young athletes brought their A-game, filling us all with immense pride and admiration while the Storm teams also competed at a high level.