JEFF FIELDER Editor
BRIDGEPORT – Brady Newkirk, a senior at Bridgeport High School, has been named Nspire Today!’s Male Athlete of the Week, sponsored by Kristy Culek Agency, LLC-American Family Insurance. Newkirk is in his third year as a starter on Bridgeport High School’s football team, which is 5-1. Newkirk plays left guard on offense and is a tackle on defense. The Bulldogs’ last regular-season game is this Friday at home against Hershey (0-7). Newkirk is a two-year starter in basketball, and he’s been on the varsity golf team each of the last three years. Also at school, he participates in B Club, and he’s in National Honor Society. He has a 3.67 GPA. Outside of school, he’s involved in the youth group at First Presbyterian Church in Bridgeport. After he graduates from high school, he plans to attend the University of Nebraska at Kearney. He’s undecided on a major. His parents are Bill and Jill Newkirk. For being named an Athlete of the Week, Newkirk will receive a gift card for a free drink at Scooter’s Coffee.
Q: Talk about how this football season has been going for Bridgeport.
NEWKIRK: “We’ve won most of our games, but we lost one of our starters [who passed away in a vehicle accident], so it’s been really tough going through that. We’ve been playing for him, and we’ve won both of our games since then, but obviously it’s still been tough. He was one of our main players, and we were all really good friends with him.”
Q: What are your thoughts on Bridgeport’s matchup this week against Hershey?
NEWKIRK: “Their record isn’t very good, but from what we’ve seen, they’ve played pretty good at times, so it should be decent competition.”
Q: How important is this week’s game for Bridgeport?
NEWKIRK: “I think it’s pretty important for us to get a win so we can go into the playoffs with a higher seed and also go into the playoffs with more momentum.”
Q: How excited are you to play in the playoffs?
NEWKIRK: “We haven’t qualified since I’ve been in high school, so it’s pretty exciting for this year’s team. It’s been a big goal for all the seniors, so it’s exciting to get there.”
Q: What have been the keys to Bridgeport’s success this season?
NEWKIRK: “We have a great senior group. We’re all really close. Everything that’s happened this year has brought us even closer. I feel like we have good senior leadership.”
Q: What were your expectations for the team coming into the season?
NEWKIRK: “Our biggest goal was to make the playoffs, and now our goal is to win some games in the playoffs.”
Q: How far do you think Bridgeport can advance in the playoffs?
NEWKIRK: “I think we’ll have a pretty high seed, which is good. I think we could win quite a few games.”
Q: How much has the team improved throughout the season?
NEWKIRK: “We’ve been pretty consistent. We started off good, and we’ve been growing from there.”
Q: How much do you enjoy playing on the line?
NEWKIRK: “It’s a lot of fun. It’s where I’ve always played.”
Q: Would you like to keep playing football in college?
NEWKIRK: “I’ve talked to some football coaches, but I don’t think I will play in college. I’ll focus on other things.”
Q: What are your expectations for this year’s Bridgeport boys basketball team?
NEWKIRK: “We were one game away from making it to state last year, and we have almost everyone back this year, so we should have a good season and maybe make it to state.”
Q: What will your goals be for your final high school golf season?
NEWKIRK: “I think we’ll be strong this year. I hope to make it to state.”
Q: Which sport do you enjoy the most?
NEWKIRK: “Probably football. I like the Friday night games and the big crowds. It’s a lot of fun.”
Q: Are you excited to be a senior, or are you kind of sad that this is your last year of high school?
NEWKIRK: “I’m kind of ready to move on, but I also want to finish all these last high school sports seasons on a high note.”
Q: Why have you decided to attend UNK?
NEWKIRK: “I really like the campus and everything else there.”
Q: What are you considering majoring in?
NEWKIRK: “Something with agriculture. My family farms, so I think I’m going to go that way.”
Q: How much do you enjoy living in Bridgeport?
NEWKIRK: “I really like it. The community supports us with everything we do. Also, everybody here is really nice.”
Q: What do you like to do for fun outside of your school activities?
NEWKIRK: “My friends and I like to go golfing a lot. We also like to hang out at the lakes and play video games.”
Q: What is your favorite video game?
NEWKIRK: “We like to play Madden and NBA2K.”
Q: What is your favorite type of music?
NEWKIRK: “Hip hop and rap.”
Q: What is your favorite TV show?
NEWKIRK: “The Office.”
Q: During your educational career, which teacher do you feel has made the biggest influence on you?
NEWKIRK: “My shop teacher, Mr. [Todd] Janicek. He’s helped me a lot. He’s my golf coach, too.”
Q: Who do you think is one of the kindest students at Bridgeport High School?
NEWKIRK: “My teammate, Cole Faessler. He works really hard and is nice to everybody. Everybody likes him. He does everything you’re supposed to do.”
Q: What is one thing you wish people would do more of?
NEWKIRK: “Hang out with each other more. We’ve really realized that this year after losing one of our best friends. You never know how long you’ll get to be together with your friends, so you need to make the most of every moment.”
Q: What is your favorite local restaurant?
NEWKIRK: “BurgerWerx.”
Q: What’s your favorite thing to order there?
NEWKIRK: “A bacon cheeseburger. My friends and I go there for lunch quite a bit.”
Q: Name one person who you think is a big difference-maker in the Bridgeport community.
NEWKIRK: “[Jeremy] Reimers. He’s my coach, and he also goes to my church. He’s really nice and helps a lot of people.”
Q: Do you have any siblings?
NEWKIRK: “Brittney Newkirk [a junior at Bridgeport High School].”
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.
