As a walk-on for the Nebraska men's basketball team, Nick Krenk was a fan favorite; always hustling, playing defense and making his coach proud.

Now, Krenk is a coach himself at Johnson-Brock high school, and says he's drawn upon what he learned from Doc Sadler to lead his own team to success.

"I've taken a lot of things from Doc," says Krenk. "He's one heck of a coach."

Apparently, so is Krenk. The former Big Red walk-on led the Eagles to the state tournament in just his second year on the job, and says Sadler's influence can be seen in his team's play.

"Pretty much all of my defensive bases have come from him," Krenk said. "Half effort will never work, and that's one of the major things I've taken from him."

Johnson-Brock made its fourth appearance in the state championships in 2011, and its first since 1998.

Krenk guided the Eagles to a 21-6 record, but says it was Doc Sadler's guidance which taught him how to lead his own squad.

"You're always pushing kids to go their hardest," said Krenk, "to do their best. If you have that every single day you step on the court, sooner or later, it clicks with them. That's what makes the difference. It's those little effort things that make the big difference."