Cornhusker State Games competition began Saturday with action in 42 sports. More than 7,000 hit the courts and fields, and officials kept busy replenishing water and ice at outdoor venues. Despite the oppressive heat, medical team members reported few heat-related incidents.

The heat didn’t seem to bother 16 year-old golfer Keevan Statz of Lincoln, who shot a 6-under-par 66, good for a 7-shot lead in the 18 & Under division and five strokes below open men’s leader Chris Lawrence, also of Lincoln. Statz, who will be a junior at Pius X High School, said he grew up playing Holmes Lake Golf Course, the CSG golf venue. The final round of the golf tournament begins Sunday with a shotgun start at 8 a.m.

The bass were biting at Branched Oak Lake as 27 boats hit the water at 6 a.m. and 20 returned by the noon cut-off with fish for the weigh-in. Sport Director Jason Cyboron reported that seven boats caught four-fish limits. Dave and Jared Knuth, a father-son team that fishes around 30 tournaments per year, won the tournament with four bass and a total weight of 14.21 pounds. The winners’ favored lure--plastic worms.

Fencing enjoyed record numbers and a new air-conditioned venue at Lefler Middle School. Director Trish Soullierre said the new venue was a welcome upgrade for the 72 fencers. The facility was available because it’s former tenant, Taekwondo, with a 10-year high of 162 participants, was moved to Lux Middle School in search of more space.

The Dwight U10 baseball team faced off with the Lincoln Dollars for the 3rd time in two weeks, with Dwight winning 6-4. The teams’ coaches, who met at a June tournament in Bee, had organized a pair of practice games at Dwight’s field in preparation for the Games. The first ended in a 9-9 tie and Dwight won the second game handily on Monday. Dollars coach Tim Seaton said his team enjoyed the new friendly rivalry.

As is common in the Cornhusker State Games, many participants and officials filled dual roles. Record-setting powerlifter Marvin Cifuentes of Lincoln, after his record-setting bench press of 319.5 lbs, was toting boxes of sandwiches for volunteers—his pay, what else but a free sandwich? Carl Steffens, a Bizco employee who helps manage the CSG computer network, was sweating his way through a day of Teakwondo participation and judging. Lincoln Convention & Visitors Bureau Director Jeff Maul, who serves on the Games Board of Directors, recruited three CVB staff members for a four-person CSG bowling team. Ryan Theil, CFO of sponsoring Kidwell, was coaching swimmers at Woods Pool, and Eric Poulsen who emceed the free-style moto-cross exhibition for StuntTours.com at the Opening Ceremonies Friday, was among the CSG Table Tennis participants Saturday.

A heavy Sunday competition schedule had Executive Director Dave Mlnarik praising and encouraging volunteers. “The sport directors, medical team and communications crew did a great job today, and they’ll be back at it tomorrow making sure everyone stays hydrated and safe.”

More than 11,350 athletes are currently registered for the 27th annual sports festival for Nebraskans of all ages and abilities. With late entry allowed in several sports next weekend, officials expect a final total of more than 11,500, an increase of more than 1,000 over 2010. Those interested in late entry sports can find information and register at CornhuskerStateGames.com.

Courtesy: Nebraska Sports Council