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Painting the Blue Line at NSAA State Cross Country

By Brady Bonsall
UNK Track & Field/Cross Country Head Coach

Every fall, as I am painting the long blue line at the Kearney Country Club, I can’t help but remember my first state cross country meet in 1989. At the base of the hill just east of the 15th tee box, I was hanging on for dear life in third place. By the time we reached the top of that hill, somehow I was in the lead and there was only one kilometer to go. Winning that race as a junior in my first year running cross country was pivotal in determining the trajectory of my life.

NSAA State Cross Country

Although the course was changed in the fall of 1991 to create a more spectator-friendly finish, and the athletes now run down the 15th fairway much earlier in the race, most of the blue line that I paint is the same line the Lyle Clausen painted thirty years ago.

This will be my twelfth year serving as one of the army of volunteers for an event that annually brings competitors from around the entire state on a Friday in late October. The coordination of efforts, including the contributions of many who have been part of this event much longer than me, highlights a major strength of our community as we are big enough to host an event like this but small enough to have so many community members involved, including a great number of student-athletes and athletic training students from UNK.

NSAA State Cross Country

A few times, our ability to complete the set-up process has been in doubt. One time, setting up the fence involved digging through several inches of snow with our hands at every corner to find the blue line. Another time, it was cold and raining all day with about a 30-40 mph wind. That was the day I forgot to use the parking brake on my gator, the wind pushed the gator down a hill, and it came a few feet from ending up in the lake. I was working solo that day, though, so nobody knows about that one! Amazingly, the weather for race day has usually been manageable. Our hope is for the perfect day with the temperature in the 50s, cloudy, and no wind.

As always, I look forward to getting away from my office, painting the long blue line, putting up the fence and signs, and welcoming the state of Nebraska to the city of Kearney!

Budget-Friendly Kearney Fun

Catch a Flick
Whether it’s a matinee or opening weekend, Kearney has the latest releases with some classics thrown in. Kearney Cinema 8 is just like the name suggests – eight screens under one roof. Tickets are $9.72 for adults, $7.56 for children and seniors. If you’re an afternoon movie-goer, you can get in for just $7. The Hilltop Cinema, located in the mall with $12.50 tickets for adults, and $8 for children and seniors.

The World Theatre located “On The Bricks” in Downtown Kearney is a one-of-a-kind experience. A restored, historic theatre that opened its doors in 1927 as a vaudeville house, is the perfect “date night” you’ve been looking for. Showing all sorts of genres, from the indies to blockbusters, enjoy a brewski from the concession stand and sit-back and enjoy! $5 will get you in the door.

Get Cultured
Experience Nebraska art by Nebraska artists, completely free of charge. The Museum of Nebraska Art (MONA) is the home of the official art of collection of the state of Nebraska. Visit the gift shop, spend some time in the Outdoor Sculpture Garden or just take in the historic building itself.

The G.W. Frank Museum of History and Culture, also free of charge, preserves America’s history as one of the first homes wired for electricity on the Great Plains. It was also used as living quarters for the Nebraska State Tuberculosis Hospital staff.

Designed to provide a place to safeguard and preserve Nebraska’s proud firefighting heritage and to educate individuals on fire prevention, the Nebraska Firefighters Museum and Education Center is a place that any age can enjoy. Adults are $6, seniors $4, ages 6-17 $3, and kids five and under are completely FREE.

When the kids get restless, which is basically all the time, take them out the Kearney Area Children’s Museum where they get to touch, push, pull, build and play! With over 20 interactive exhibits, the museums covers a wide variety of interests that include art, science, fire station and agriculture. Children 1-13 years are $9, adults are $8, and senior citizens are $7.

Get Out and Get Going
Our hike/bike trail is definitely something to brag about. And it’s available to you, every day, completely FREE of charge! Take advantage of the 22+ mile network and go explore! Who said exercising had to be boring?

The Kearney Water Trail is a favorite destination among the locals and visitors. Don’t underestimate the power of surrounding yourself in nature. Bring your own kayak, or call ahead and rent one from Kearney PaddleSports.

Spend an afternoon in one of our parks, and you’ll understand what the buzz is all about. Take a stroll or just sit down with a good book, the park is YOUR place to be in your own zone.