JEFF FIELDER Editor
BAYARD – Brandon Neiger, a 2020 Bayard High School graduate, has been named Nspire Today!’s Male Athlete of the Week, sponsored by Kristy Culek Agency, LLC-American Family Insurance. This past school year he competed in football, basketball and golf. He’s currently playing Legion baseball for the Bridgeport Bombers, who have a 1-2 record. He pitches and also plays third base and outfield. Also this past school year, he participated in FFA, student council, and Leadership. He plans to go to school and compete in baseball at Doane University in Crete. He wants to major in physical education. His parents are Kelli and Travis Neiger. For being named an Athlete of the Week, Neiger will receive a gift card for a free drink at Scooter’s Coffee.
Q: How has the Legion baseball season been going for you and your teammates?
NEIGER: “It’s been going pretty good. We’ve got a lot of young guys on our team, but everyone is improving. I’m just glad we still get to have a season. It gives all of us something fun to do this summer.”
Q: What are your expectations for Bridgeport’s baseball team this summer?
NEIGER: “I have high expectations for our team. Our fielding has been doing well. We just need to get our bats to come along.”
Q: You compete in multiple sports. Which sport is your favorite?
NEIGER: “I would say baseball. I like baseball a lot. I’ve played it every year for as long as I can remember. It just really grew on me.”
Q: How exciting is it to have an opportunity to keep playing baseball in college?
NEIGER: “It’s very, very exciting.”
Q: Why did you decide to go to Doane?
NEIGER: “It’s a school that I’ve always really liked. I’ve always liked the Tigers.”
Q: Give me a comment about each of the sports you played in high school.
NEIGER: “In football, we kind of started off slow. We weren’t as good as we thought we would be. But then toward the end of the season we kind of figured out our identity and started doing better. We started playing with more confidence. In basketball, it was kind of a weird year. We had a lot of young talent. It was kind of a struggle, but it was also really cool to help the younger guys grow up and pick up the speed of the varsity game. As far as golf, I was looking forward to the season, but we didn’t get to play [due to COVID-19]. I think we had maybe six or seven practices [before the spring sports season was cancelled].”
Q: For you, how disappointing was it not to be able to play golf your senior year?
NEIGER: “I was kind of heartbroken when it happened. I really liked our coach [Jim Roberts]. He’s our science teacher. He’s really, really knowledgable about golf. I just like him a lot. He’s a great coach, I think.”
Q: During your senior year, what was your favorite non-sports activity?
NEIGER: “I would say our afternoon shop class. Mr. [Justin] Rafferty always had something fun for us to do. He’s a really good teacher. Plus, I like welding and doing all sorts of shop stuff.”
Q: How much are you looking forward to going to college?
NEIGER: “I’m really looking forward to it. It’s not a long way from home, but I’m going to miss some things here.”
Q: Why have you decided to pursue physical education in college?
NEIGER: “I’ve always had people tell me that I would be a really good teacher. I like PE, and I would also like to coach high school sports.”
Q: During your free time, what do you like to do for fun besides playing sports?
NEIGER: “I like to play PlayStation with my best friends.”
Q: What’s your favorite video game?
NEIGER: “I like Call of Duty.”
Q: How much have you enjoyed growing up in the Bayard area?
NEIGER: “I’ve enjoyed it a lot. It’s been fun getting to know everyone. It’s a great community.”
Q: Name one person who you think is a big difference-maker in your community.
NEIGER: “There’s a lot of them. My aunt Cindy Schanhols owns Bayard Tiger Paws. She does a lot for people in the community.”
Q: What kind of music do you enjoy listening to?
NEIGER: “I like about any kind of music.”
Q: What’s one thing you wish people would do more of?
NEIGER: “I would say relax more. Don’t stress out so much.”
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in the area?
NEIGER: “Rosita’s. Their food is really good. I get something different every time I go there.”
Q: Do you have any siblings?
NEIGER: “Yes, I have a younger sister, Jordyn. She’ll be a sophomore this next school year.”
If you would like to nominate someone for Nspire Today!’s Athletes of the Week, sponsored by Kristy Culek Agency, LLC – American Family Insurance, you may do so by sending an email to jeff.fielder@nspiretoday.com or by mailing a letter to Nspire Today!, P.O. Box 454, Scottsbluff, NE 69363. Nominations may also be submitted by sending a text to 308-220-8865.
In addition to being recognized online, athletes of the week will also be recognized in Nspire Today! magazine. To sign up for a one-year subscription (12 issues) to the magazine, please send $15 to Nspire Today!, P.O. Box 454, Scottsbluff, NE 69363. To pay with a credit card, please call 308-220-8865.
For all your insurance needs, visit The Kristy Culek Agency, LLC-American Family Insurance, located at 1012 Ave. I in Scottsbluff, or call 308-632-8598.
