By Amy Hausman
Amy@friendsentinel.com
When our Crete boys' varsity soccer team steps onto the field at noon today, they won’t just be chasing a state championship title. They’ll be playing for pride and redemption against a familiar adversary that broke our hearts in basketball just months ago.
The same private school, Omaha Skutt Catholic High School, defeated our boys' varsity basketball team in round two at the Pinnacle Bank Arena. That bitter loss has undoubtedly lingered in the minds of our young athletes (and clearly mine), and now they have a chance to settle the score on the pitch. For the boys of Crete High, it’s not just a game; it's personal. And truth be told, it is for me as well.
I grew up in Omaha and my youngest sister is a Skutt graduate. The stark contrast between the Omaha private Catholic school and Crete High School couldn’t be clearer. Parochial schools have earned a reputation for being sports powerhouses and the Skyhawks are no exception. Simply living in Omaha brings access to private coaching, year-round training and indoor facilities.
But there is something that no amount of resources, training or money can buy that gives our boys an edge. Something homegrown: Hermandad (brotherhood).
Brotherhood is not the same as teammates. It’s not created by matching uniforms or bumper stickers. It’s not available in a protein shake.
The Cardinals brotherhood is built on grit, honor and pride. Pride for their teammates. Pride for their families and cultures. Pride for the game. And not to be forgotten pride for Crete. These young men have a brotherhood that transcends language barriers and backgrounds well beyond the soccer field. When their basketball classmates were on the PBA court, the soccer players were in the stands. I feel like they represent the heart of Crete, a community that unites together and defies expectations. A place that is small but mighty.
Today when the whistle blows, and the ball is set in motion, anything can happen. But there’s no doubt that a Cardinals victory would be extra sweet. So, let’s rally behind our soccer boys and give them the support they deserve.
I hope to see you all in my hometown today sharing your love of Cardinal Nation.
Vamos Cards!
The Doane University "New Hall" naming ceremony will be May 10 at 4 p.m. The naming ceremony will honor and recognize the donor of Doane’s largest gift to date. The ceremony will include information about the donor, special speeches and an unveiling of the building’s official name. A reception will begin at 4:30 p.m., inside the main lobby of the residence hall. Guests may enter from 13th Street and Code Avenue.
The EMF FFA will hold a petting zoo for the elementary students tomorrow from noon to 2 p.m. near the bus parking lot.
The kindergarten graduation ceremony for Friend Public School will be Monday, May 13 at 2:15 p.m. in the old gym. The public is welcome to celebrate the young learners.
Dorchester had three athletes qualify for the state track meet at districts May 8. Baylor Behrens finished second in the 300-meter hurdles, and Bailey Theis and Amber Kotas went 1-2 in the shot put. Class D will compete May 17 and 18 at Omaha Burke.
Aaron Forrest of Doane University was selected as the Hauff Mid-America Sports/GPAC Pitcher of the Year for the 2024 baseball season. Also honored were Joe Osborn on the first team, Justin Nevells, Narumi Okayasu and Logan Amick on the second team and Dane Kelsey, Kellan Voggesser, Kyler Beekman, Isaiah Miller, Dionysius Chialtas, Aaron Vulcano and Ethan Merk as honorable mention.
Terry David Petracek, 72 of Crete, NE passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and his Crete Volunteer Fire Department family on May 1, 2024 after a brave and courageous battle with lung cancer. A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at College Heights Country Club, 1225 East 4th Street in Crete.
