Axtell, Neb. – After 33 years of leading the Axtell volleyball team, head coach Brad Nelson has reached 600 career wins. The Wildcats needed all five sets in Monday’s game to get Nelson to the milestone, they defeated Heartland Lutheran 26-28, 25-19, 24-26, 25-14, 15-6 to improve their season record to 8-7.
When the final point landed, the home crowd erupted into cheers and brought out celebratory signs and balloons to show their appreciation for their longtime coach. Coach Nelson was surprised by the display from the Axtell fans comprised of players’ families, Axtell volleyball alumni, school faculty, and coach Nelson’s family. He credited the fans, administrators, parents, and assistants in making his job a little easier while continuing a successful program.
It was all smiles and hugs after Monday’s game. Players, students, and family all hurried to get pictures with coach Nelson. The Axtell players signed a volleyball with messages and congratulations.
To get the win, Axtell relied heavily on junior Emily Danburg who finished the night with 30 kills and seven aces. Senior Cadie Nickel had a game-high 37 assists while junior Addy Skaggs had 34 digs to help the Wildcats get about .500 for the season.
Coach Nelson began his time as head coach in Axtell in 1992. He guided the Wildcats to the D1 state tournament before reloading in 1993 where he led them to a state championship. Since taking over in ’92, the Wildcats have won 12 regular season conference championships and eight conference tournament championships. Nelson’s teams have also finished as the conference runner-up seven times and have placed third another six times. In addition to coaching volleyball, Nelson is also Axtell’s activities director, head girls track coach, and teaches social studies for the high school.
