Reaching the national spotlight

On top of everything else she has accomplished, Christina Houghtelling of Cambridge has added the distinction of being a first team All-American in college volleyball. Word of her selection and that of two other Nebraska Husker players came Wednesday from the American Volleyball Coaches Association.

It's the ultimate individual award in the sport of volleyball, limited to the 12 top college players in the nation. All-American status is a rare honor for athletes from this area. It was more than 30 years ago when another area performer for the Huskers, Jeff Kinney of McCook, earned All-American recognition as a football running back.

Two other members of the top-ranked Husker volleyball team joined Christina as first-team All-Americans. Sarah Pavan, Melissa Elmer and Christina will lead their Husker teammates tonight in a national semifinal match against the Santa Clara Broncos. The game will be played at the Alamo Dome in San Antonio at 8 p.m. Television coverage is limited to ESPNU, and only those with direct tv coverage will get access. A win tonight would put the Huskers in the finals Saturday evening at 5 p.m. That game will be shown on ESPN2, available both on cable and direct television.

Only one thing could make Christina's All-American honor sweeter. That would be for the Huskers to earn the title of National Champions.

Spotlight on Garrett Nokes

The town is abuzz with talk of the accomplishments of Garrett Nokes, a life-long McCook resident who placed fourth in steer wrestling at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.

Garrett was first after the first go-around and posted several other outstanding times to place better than 11 of the 15 finalists.

In Garrett's honor, the Gazette and area rodeo enthusiasts will join Friday in a two-page tribute to a young man who has become one of America's top rodeo performers. The pictures and words of encouragement are introduced by an in-depth, front page report today on Garrett's career by Connie Jo Discoe.

Connie's coverage of Garrett goes back a long way, starting with a picture of Garrett at 18 months of age. He was atop a horse, showing his roping skills as a promo for the county fair.

Like Tiger Woods in golf, Garrett Nokes started early in rodeo. He has an exciting story, which we are proud to feature in the Gazette.