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Hiett finalist for Upshaw Award

KEARNEY - University of Nebraska at Kearney senior center Jack Hiett is one of eight finalists for the 2009 Gene Upshaw Division II Linemen of the Year Award.

The award, sponsored by the Manheim Touchdown Club, is chosen by Division II sports information directors. To reach the national ballot, a player must be one of the top two vote getters in his respective region.

The winner will be announced Jan. 7 at Division II's all-star game, the Cactus Bowl.

Hiett, who started every game in his collegiate career, and Hillsdale left tackle Jared Veldheer each received 77 points to lead Super Region 3.

Lopers place six on all-region team

KEARNEY - The University of Nebraska at Kearney football team has placed six players on the 2009 Daktronics All-Super Region 3 team.

The team is voted upon by the region's sports information directors. Super Region 3 includes the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference and the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

Senior center Jack Hiett, senior safety Jake Mandelko and sophomore running back Rustin Dring earned first-team honors. They advance to the national ballot where they could be voted a Daktronics All-American.

Last season, Mandelko was a first-team pick while Hiett made the second team.

Second-team picks include senior cornerback Ozzie Smith, junior receiver Kyle Kaiser and junior defensive tackle Josh Rohde.

Running back Joique Bell of Wayne State (Mich.), the nation's leading rusher, was named Region Offensive Player of the Year, while Minnesota-Duluth linebacker Robbie Aurich was chosen as the Defensive Player of the Year.

UNK's six picks were the second most in the region, following Minnesota State's nine.

Scott earns another all-region award

KEARNEY - University of Nebraska at Kearney middle hitter Nikki Scott has been named to the American Volleyball Coaches Association All-Central Region team.

It is the second all-region selection for the senior from Broken Bow as she was named to the Daktronics All-Central Region team earlier this week.

UNK setter Cola Svec and middle hitter Jeri Walkowiak earned honorable mention on the AVCA team.

Adams, Western 1-2 picks in indoor track

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - The University of Nebraska at Kearney women's track team is picked third while the men are fourth in the preseason Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference indoor track and field coaches poll.

Adams State is picked to win both championships with Western State second.

In the women's voting, UNK was the best of the rest, finishing only four points behind Western State.

Colorado Mines, which tied the Lopers for third place at last year's indoor championships, edged the Lopers by one point in the preseason voting.

UNK senior weight thrower Dane Tobey and senior jumper Spencer Huff were named to the preseason All-RMAC men's team, while hurdler Jessie Golden and thrower Sam Murphy were named to the women's team.