Rosters revealed for 2026 West Nebraska All-Star contests
The 48th Annual West Nebraska All-Star Football Game and the 42nd Annual West Nebraska All-Star Volleyball Game rosters have been unveiled, setting the stage for a weekend of competition in Scottsbluff on June 13, 2026. A portion of the event’s proceeds will be directed to local charitable organizations, reinforcing the games’ role as a community‑building fundraiser.
Athletes earned their spots after being nominated by high school coaches and then selected by the All-Star coaching staff, a process that highlights the depth of talent across the region.
The football showdown will kick off at 11:00 a.m. MDT at Bearcat Stadium, where the West squad will feature players from Garden County, McCook and North Platte St. Pat’s, among others, under the guidance of head coach Joe Vetrovsky of McCook. Across the East side, prospects from Cambridge, Lexington and Kearney will be led by head coach Brandon Cool, a native of Kearney.
In the volleyball arena, the West team will be represented by athletes from Scottsbluff, Hitchcock County and Bridgeport, while the East side will field talent from Gothenburg, Sumner‑Eddyville‑Miller and Axtell. The matches are scheduled for 3:00 p.m. MDT at WNCC Cougar Palace, with Jodi Craig of Morrill and Lisa Merritt of Hay Springs sharing head‑coaching duties for the West side. Julie Ratka from Minden will steer the East volleyball squad.
Beyond the competition, the Nebraska Rural Radio Association is among the partners supporting the initiative, helping to amplify the games’ reach throughout the state.
Fans can look forward to seeing names such as Brendan Geier, Michael Sandstrom, Ben Vetrovsky, Tyke Kozeal, Kyle Peters, Nate Wells, Jodi Craig, Lisa Merritt, Julie Ratka and Jamee Smith take the field or court, promising a showcase of skill and sportsmanship.