Legends Rock

If you’ve followed Nebraska athletics at any point in the last 35+ years, you know today’s guest: Steve Sipple. Sip. Sipple. Steven F. Sipple. Whatever name you choose “Legend” might be the most accurate.

In this episode, we dive into Sip’s Columbus roots, growing up Discoverer tough, playing basketball for Coach Al Schnabel, and witnessing a powerhouse era in CHS athletics from the mats to the hardwood. We even dust off some yearbook photos and an old scouting report for a few laughs.

Then we jump to Sip’s professional journey: from the early college journalism spark to his decades covering Nebraska sports at the Lincoln Journal Star, and now his role with On3 and as co-host of Early Break on 93.7 The Ticket.

From historic Husker moments to the stories behind the stories—Sip has seen it all, chronicled it all, and lived it all.

Tune in for a fast-paced and fun episode with one of the most recognizable voices in Nebraska sports.

This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!

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Welcome to Legends Rock, brought to you by the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame! In this episode, Executive Director Chuck Johnston sits down with Scott Hazelrigg, a fifth-generation Nebraskan whose career has been defined by leadership, community, and youth empowerment. As President and Founder of the NorthStar Foundation, Scott has dedicated his life to helping young people find direction and opportunity through education and athletics.

From his formative years at Westside High School and TCU to roles as Executive Director of the Strategic Air & Space Museum, Youth Director at Countryside Community Church, and long-time Westside School Board member, Scott’s journey is one of purpose, service, and connection.

Tune in as Chuck and Scott discuss growing up in Omaha, his family’s legacy of service, and how NorthStar is shaping the next generation through mentorship and sports including its standout lacrosse program.

This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today our guest is Jim Flanery, head women’s basketball coach at Creighton University — and a true legend both on and off the court. From his roots in Guthrie Center, Iowa, to walking on at Creighton under Tony Barone, Flan’s journey has been shaped by grit, humor, and a lifelong love of the game.

In this episode, we talk about his playing days alongside future coaches Todd Eisner and Porter Moser, his transition into women’s basketball under Bruce Rasmussen, and his memories of standout Bluejay athletes like Connie Yori. We’ll also dive into his coaching career highlights, his impact on Creighton women’s basketball, and the relationships that have defined his success.

Tune in as Coach Flanery shares stories, insights, and the passion that’s made him one of the most respected coaches in the game.

This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

They called him “Dean the Dream” for a reason. Dean Thompson’s smooth, effortless style made him one of the most gifted scorers Omaha has ever seen. At Omaha Westside, he led the Warriors to the Class A boys basketball championship his senior year, averaging 23 points per game and earning all-state honors. His legacy continued at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, where he rewrote the record books—tallying 1,816 career points, a record that still stands today—before the days of the 3-point line or shot clock.

In this episode, Dean reflects on growing up in a basketball family, the backyard battles that shaped him, and the unforgettable state title run in 1980. We revisit his legendary UNO career, his experiences playing alongside greats in tournaments and pro leagues, his time with the Omaha Racers, and even his surprising post-basketball ventures. From driveway games to scoring records, Thompson’s journey is one every Nebraska fan will want to hear.

This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bruce Chubick, Jr. (aka Chubs) left an unforgettable mark on Nebraska hoops. From Atkinson West Holt to his four years at Nebraska, competing in four NCAA tournaments, before an eight-year professional career in Europe where he earned recognition as one of Belgium’s top players.

In this conversation, Bruce reflects on “Growing Up Chubick,” the powerhouse West Holt teams, and the memorable competition across the state in the late 1980s. We revisit his time at Nebraska, from redshirting as a freshman to playing alongside legends, and relive iconic moments—most notably the block against Kansas, a play that still gives Husker fans chills.

If you love Nebraska basketball history, this is one episode you won’t want to miss.

This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This month’s guest on Legends Rock is a true Nebraska sports historian — and a Hastings legend — Greg Mays. A 1986 Hastings High graduate and 1990 Hastings College alum, Greg was part of the Broncos’ basketball team that reached the Elite Eight of the NAIA national tournament.

In this episode, we explore Greg’s lifelong passion for high school sports history, the inspiration behind his popular “Suiting Up Varsity” Twitter feed and podcast, and his travels across the state uncovering and preserving athletic stories. We’ll also talk about his award-winning career as an educator, his upcoming book project on Nebraska high school sports, and some memorable moments from his own playing days — including that 1989 Hastings College squad, Coach Mike Trader, and “the poster.”

From the best high school athletes he’s ever seen to the schools that do an exceptional job honoring their athletic heritage, Greg shares insights, stories, and a deep appreciation for the games and the people who make them legendary.

This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This month’s guest on Legends Rock is Nebraska sports journalism royalty — the legendary Lee Barfknecht. A longtime writer for the Omaha World-Herald and past president of the Football Writers Association of America, Lee has covered it all, from high school gyms to the biggest stages in college athletics.

Host Chuck Johnston and Lee go back decades, so this conversation is part reunion, part oral history, and all heart. They talk about Lee’s early days in Superior, his path to the OWH, and the unforgettable players, coaches, and games he covered along the way — including standout eras like the star-studded 1982 boys’ all-state team and a deep dive into schools that produced a long list of NHSS Hall of Fame inductees.

Lee also reflects on why covering girls’ basketball with care and respect mattered just as much as the major college football stories he later wrote. This is a celebration of Nebraska sports — and the man who helped tell its stories for generations.  

This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This month on Legends Rock, we’re joined by the incredible Kirsten Bernthal Booth, the longtime head coach who transformed Creighton Volleyball into a national powerhouse. But before the record wins, conference titles, and NCAA Tournament runs, Kirsten was a multi-sport athlete at Lincoln East, competing in gymnastics, swimming, and eventually becoming a state tennis champion.

We take it back to her roots—her family (including ties to Wayne State and NHSS Hall of Famer Denny Smith), the influence of coaching legend Myron Oehlerking, and her path from Northeast Missouri State (now Truman State), where she was the 1993 National Freshman of the Year, a 1997 NCAA Woman of the Year nominee, and later a Hall of Fame inductee.

From a graduate assistantship at Iowa to a run at Kirkwood CC and eventually landing the head coaching job at Creighton in 2003, Kirsten shares the moments, mentors, and decisions that shaped her journey. We talk about her connection with fellow Creighton legends like Jim Flanery, Dana Altman and Greg McDermott, the culture she built, and why she chose to stay with the Bluejays—even when other offers came calling.

It’s an inspiring conversation with one of Nebraska’s true coaching legends.

This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Legends Rock, presented by the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame, host Chuck Johnston welcomes Hall of Fame inductee Amy Stephens—a name still etched among Nebraska’s all-time leading high school scorers.

Amy takes us back to her roots in Alliance, Nebraska, sharing memories of squaring off against fellow legends like Maurtice Ivy and Jessica Haynes. She reflects on her standout career at the University of Nebraska, where she earned a place on the school’s All-Century Team, and her time playing professionally in Germany. The conversation then shifts to her successful coaching journey, the evolution of women’s basketball, and the lessons she's gained from officiating the game.

Don’t miss this inspiring conversation filled with passion, perspective, and plenty of great stories from the court.

This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From all-state high school stardom to a nine-year NBA career, Erick Strickland is one of Nebraska’s greatest athletes. In this episode of Legends Rock, brought to you by the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame, our host, Chuck Johnston sits down with Erick to explore his remarkable journey.

Erick shares stories of his early years on military bases, the culture shock of moving to Nebraska in seventh grade, and his time at Bellevue West playing football, basketball and baseball. We learn about his path to Nebraska Basketball—his recruiting process, other sports he considered, and why he chose to play for Coach Danny Nee.  Of course, we can’t talk hoops without covering his 9 years in the NBA.

Don’t miss this incredible conversation with a true Nebraska sports legend.

This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.