Sports

Retired late-model racer Kent Tucker (center) competed in the 2025 Legends of Lex race at the Dawson County Raceway in Lexington on Sunday, Aug. 10, where he placed second out of eight drivers. Tucker poses for a picture after the hot laps surrounded by his members of his family. Picture in front, from left, are daughters Jessica Rojewski and Megan Rathje. In back are daughter Libby Spotanski and Tucker’s wife, Laura.

Retired late-model racer Kent Tucker (center) competed in the 2025 Legends of Lex race at the Dawson County Raceway in Lexington on Sunday, Aug. 10, where he placed second out of eight drivers. Tucker poses for a picture after the hot laps surrounded by his members of his family. Picture in front, from left, are daughters Jessica Rojewski and Megan Rathje. In back are daughter Libby Spotanski and Tucker’s wife, Laura.

Tucker returns to track in Legends of Lex

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Although it’s been 30 years since he was behind the wheel of a race car in an actual race, Nebraska hall of fame racer Kent Tucker of Hampton made a triumphant return to the track Aug. 10 and placed second.
Gavin Gilmore was a two-sport star for the Hawks, competing in volleyball and basketball while setting multiple records for Hampton.

Gavin Gilmore was a two-sport star for the Hawks, competing in volleyball and basketball while setting multiple records for Hampton.

Gavin Gilmore earns first ANR AOTY selection for Hampton

Richard Rhoden
Tuesday, August 5, 2025
Longtime Hampton girls basketball coach Margo LaBrie saved a note written nearly a decade ago now written by Gavin Gilmore when she was in fourth grade. To some effect, the note stated Gilmore couldn’t wait to play high school basketball for LaBrie.
Gage Friesen’s jam-packed senior year for High Plains was highlighted by a Class D state championship on the wrestling mat over the winter.

Gage Friesen’s jam-packed senior year for High Plains was highlighted by a Class D state championship on the wrestling mat over the winter.

Gage Friesen adds ANR AOTW to long list of achievements

Richard Rhoden
Tuesday, August 5, 2025
“Gage (Friesen) is one of those kids you want to attach yourself to because 10 years from now, he’ll be one of those guys you’ll be proud to have known him in high school.
The BigRich Sports Report

The BigRich Sports Report

Hard work always wins

Richard Rhoden
Tuesday, August 5, 2025
There are those who work hard and then a much smaller subset category of those who put in so much time that the others question how hard they’re really trying. HPC’s Gage Friesen and Hampton’s Gavin Gilmore, through testament of those closest to them, fit right into that exclusive category.
Aurora’s Dane Comer gave Post 42 a shot in an elimination game Saturday, throwing 71 total pitches in six innings during a 5-3 loss to Fairbury.

Aurora’s Dane Comer gave Post 42 a shot in an elimination game Saturday, throwing 71 total pitches in six innings during a 5-3 loss to Fairbury.

Pinnacle Bank Seniors end season at districts

Richard Rhoden
Tuesday, July 29, 2025
The Aurora Pinnacle Bank Post 42 Seniors saw its season come to a close Saturday underneath the blistering heat of the late July sun.
The action was loud and the stands were nearly full Friday for the annual Hamilton County Fair Demolition Derby

The action was loud and the stands were nearly full Friday for the annual Hamilton County Fair Demolition Derby

Demo derby draws a crowd

Richard Rhoden
Tuesday, July 29, 2025
The action in the arena was loud and the stands were nearly full Friday for the annual Hamilton County Fair demolition derby. Crews had covered the track with plenty of water before the race, which prevented drivers from building up too much speed.
The Aurora Community Clubhouse, opened in 2022, has become a hot rental for family reunions, graduations and other celebrations.

The Aurora Community Clubhouse, opened in 2022, has become a hot rental for family reunions, graduations and other celebrations.

The transformation of Poco Creek GC

Richard Rhoden
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Just three years ago, Poco Creek Golf Course was in the rough -- not where a golfer wants to be. Thirty-six months later, finding a tee time at Aurora’s nine-hole course can often be more challenging than hitting a ball into the creek.
Landen Hansen reacts to a safe call at the plate during a home game earlier this season for the Aurora Cooperative Juniors squad.

Landen Hansen reacts to a safe call at the plate during a home game earlier this season for the Aurora Cooperative Juniors squad.

Aurora Cooperative Juniors end year at districts

Richard Rhoden
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
The Aurora Cooperative Juniors picked up a win over the weekend at the B-1 area tournament in Hickman, but ultimately had some issues with Syracuse.
Matt Warren, left, and Jim Ediger won the title in the 2025 Poco Creek Golf Club Member/Guest Tournament.

Matt Warren, left, and Jim Ediger won the title in the 2025 Poco Creek Golf Club Member/Guest Tournament.

Ediger, Warren win Member/Guest at Poco Creek GC

News Staff
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Jim Ediger and Matt Warren won championship honors this weekend in the annual Member/Guest Tournament held at Poco Creek Golf Course in Aurora.
Aurora’s Mason Wiens fields a grounder at short and makes the throw to first during the Aurora Cooperative Juniors’ 10-1 win over Kearney July 1.

Aurora’s Mason Wiens fields a grounder at short and makes the throw to first during the Aurora Cooperative Juniors’ 10-1 win over Kearney July 1.

Aurora sweeps Kearney at home

Richard Rhoden
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
The Aurora Cooperative Post 42 Juniors squad closed out the regular season June 30 at Mitchell Field on a high note.For the second time this season, Aurora posted a win over Kearney, earning a 10-1 win to round out the regular season with a 7-12 record.