University of Nebraska Kearney - Blue and Gold Yearbook (Kearney, NE)

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takes ‘shot’ at volleyball by Jerry Buck After winning two national cham- pionships in shot put competition in your first two years of college track, where would you find yourself three months before the indoor season is set to start? Basking in the glory of success? Resting up? Working out individually? Well you’re wrong if you are Beth Stuart, How about trying out for the college volleyball team and making it? That’s exactly what Stuart has done. While Stuart was throwing the shot put and discus for the track team last year, she’s now diving, blocking and spiking volleyballs for the Lady Loper athletic program this year. Not a stranger to volleyball, Stuart lettered every year in high school volleyball at Holdrege. But she chose to concentrate on track at KSC because she excelled in it and being a team sport also, it lets her meet people from other schools, Stuart said. She was well known nationally in high school for her shot put and discus achieve- ments such as winning both events as a freshman and sophomore at the state track meet. Along with her overall athletic ability in basketball, she achieved All-American status due to her three sport success in high school. Receiving “full ride” scholarship of- fers from Division I universities such as Houston, Arizona State and letters from several Florida schools, Stuart chose to attend KSC. Why? Stuart said she knew KSC had a real good elementary education program and she already knew a lot of members of the track team. Being close to home also was a factor in the decision, she said. Keeping her eyes on the ball, Beth Stuart attempts to block a spiking attempt by Mesa College player, as teammates prepare for a possible deflection.

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ON CAMPUS STUDENT FEES larger amount of money than cutting schedules; “For instance,” said Zikmund, “Ten students come here for that particular sport. They pay about $12,000 over their four years, not to mention the money they spend downtown and other places. I f we cut, that $ 12,000 would go to some other school that offers that sport.” Besides cutting the East Central Okla- homa game, there were reductions in other sports. A large cross country meet in Spearfish, S.D., was eliminated, as well as cuts in men's and women's basketball schedules. Baseball, softball and track schedules received similar cuts. “We have commitments to the confer- ence and our district and those will be kept,” Zikmund said. “I don’t think that $10 is that much to ask to save the sports programs,” said Norfolk junior Paul Schumaker. If every- one pays the $10 fee it won't be that bad.” “I don’t think they should cut sports,” said North Platte junior Dan Behn. “There are a lot of people who enjoy sports. They should cut something like concerts which aren't as popular as a football game, or some other sports events.” Along with the $10 emergency fee charged to students, the price of general admission tickets also rose. The prices were raised from S4 to $5 for adults, and $3 for children. Season tickets went up from $66 to $99. Student tickets stayed at $15 because of the $10 fee already charged. “We are already behind the times in ticket prices anyway,” Zikmund said. “If you go to a Nebraska game, it costs $15 to get in. If you go to other state colleges you pay at least $7 for admission.” Another way the blow is being light- ened is by fan, alumni and booster club support. “I was very pleased with the student turnout at the UNO game,” Zikmund said. “The students’ section was full and they really showed their support.” Zikmund also said he had been receiv- ing checks from alumni that were helping considerably. He said he received a check from one woman who graduated in 1929 to help the athletic program. “Everyone is rallying around our cause,” said Zikmund, “and we will beat this thing.” 9

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and discus has volleyball court. Grimacing as she releases the shot, Beth Stuart follows through to keep good throwing form, during a 1984 indoor track meet. Stuart has used hard work and sound fundamentals to produce two NAIA national championships in the event her freshman and sophomore years. The Academic All-American carrying a double major in elementary education and physical education said it took some adjust- ing in making the transition from high school to college volleyball. “it took some time to get the timing back on the volleyball court. Also in high school we didn’t have shoot and short sets, so it took some learning,” Stuart comment- ed. For a two-year “layoff’ she has done well, according to volleyball Head Coach Rosella Meier. “At first Beth was a little slow and rusty, which would be expected, but after a couple of days her timing was good and she moved very well.” In Coach Meier’s view, one great asset from Stuart’s track talents in the shot put transferred well to the “It is definitely her tre- mendous power: Beth is really powerful,” Meier said. Playing the position of outside hitter and blocker makes the most of the asset. Though well liked by her teammates, they may cringe in practice when trying to dig one of her spikes, says teammate Jodi Jorgensen. Meier commented that the velocity of the spike by Stuart gives opposing players a difficult time in trying to get under it. This hasn’t been the first year Stuart has had her eye on trying out for the volleyball team. As a freshman, she consid- ered trying out, but a strong desire to get a good head start in track steadied her schedule. That strong desire served Stuart well, as it led to capturing the 1984 and 1985 NAIA indoor shot put championship in Kansas City. Along with these crowns, came the 1984 NAIA outdoor shot put championship in West Virginia. Temptation grew stronger again the following year. “I went to a lot of games last year and I found that I really missed it,” Stuart said. After completing a volleyball class and competing in the intramural program, trying out for next year’s team became a strong possibility. Now after making the team this year, she has three years of eligibility left for volleyball, according to Meier. So after stepping back onto the court for her first game after a two year absence, v how did she feel? “I was scared big time!” Stuart said, “I was pretty nervous, but it was a good feeling.” Asked if she’ll go out next year for the team, Stuart smiled and said with eagerness and determination, “If it feels right, you bet!”