Torch Run makes stop in McCook

Jeremiah Herron of McCok, runs the torch for the Cornhusker State Games along U.S. Highway 6, West of Palisade.

More than 200 onlookers and participants enjoyed pleasant weather Wednesday evening at Norris Park as the Cornhusker State Games Torch Run came through Southwest Nebraska.

Winners of the 2002 Cornhusker State Games Gold Medal Talent Search were Amanda McCarty in the 13-17 age vocal/instrumental solo category, Katie Lampe in 13-17 solo dance, Boot Scootin' Babies 13-17 dance group, Rony Eli in 12-and-under age vocal solo, Ashley Wood 12 and under solo dance, Sarah Hester in the open solo/vocal and Sarah Hester and Carmen Nelson in the 13-17 vocal group.

All the talent show winners will go on to the final games July 13-21 in Lincoln to compete.

Entertainment at Norris Park ranged from a troupe of tumblers...

Coordinator Pat Hagedorn noted that the Torch Run, prelude to Nebraska's amateur sports festival, takes 23 days to go through 85 communities and 40 counties, involves 800 runners and covers 1,094 miles.

Cambridge native Nicole Kubik, basketball standout in high school, at the University of Nebraska, WBA and overseas, urged youth to sign a pledge to be tobacco-free. In return participants will receive a poster autographed by standout Cornhusker athletes.

The 18th annual Cornhusker State Games, which involve 54 amateur sports, are set for Lincoln on July 13-21.

...to the Boot-Scootin' Babies