JEFF FIELDER Editor
SCOTTSBLUFF – Jack Darnell, a senior at Scottsbluff High School, has been named Nspire Today!’s Male Athlete of the Week, sponsored by Kristy Culek Agency, LLC-American Family Insurance. Darnell enjoyed a superb senior basketball season, helping the Bearcats qualify for the Nebraska state tournament in Lincoln and finish the season with a 25-4 record. Darnell, a wing, was a two-year starter in basketball. He also excelled during the football season last fall, helping the Bearcats reach the state championship game in Lincoln. Darnell, a three-year starter in football, played outside linebacker on defense and tight end on offense. He also participates in DECA. He has a 3.625 GPA. Outside of school, he helps coach his younger sister’s basketball team. His parents are Jerry and Brenda Darnell.
Q: How did you feel the basketball season went overall for the Bearcats?
DARNELL: “I thought we accomplished a lot. It was a fun season. All of us grew up together, so it was fun playing our last year together. We were lucky that we got to play in the state tournament instead of it getting cancelled.”
Q: Did the team accomplish all or most of its goal this season?
DARNELL: “We all wanted to win a state championship, but I think we’re all happy with how we finished. We made it to state, and we made it to [the semis] at state, so it was a great season overall.”
Q: What do you think was the biggest key to Scottsbluff’s success this basketball season?
DARNELL: “I think it was our strong bond, even outside of practice. We would hang out on the weekends, too.”
Q: What is your top memory from this basketball season?
DARNELL: “Either the Cheyenne Central game when [Jasiya DeOllos] hit a game-winner, or the Waverly game when we went into overtime and won that game.”
Q: For you, how exciting was it to compete at the state tournament?
DARNELL: “I thought it was really fun. It kind of reminded me of AAU basketball because the only people watching us there were our families, so it reminded me of summer ball. I thought it was really fun, though. I had a chance to experience something that a lot of other people don’t get to experience.”
Q: How did you feel about playing Alliance again in the first round at the state tournament?
DARNELL: “I would have liked to play someone else, but it was still fun to play them one last time at state.”
Q: How did you feel the Bearcats played in the semifinal-round game against Omaha Roncalli at state?
DARNELL: “We started out super hot, but then we kind of played into their game, and we got out of our game. But it was still fun. It’s always fun to play against Jack Dotzler because he’s a really good guy. He always talked to me after the games.”
Q: How did you feel your basketball season went individually?
DARNELL: “Basketball isn’t my top sport. I just wanted to contribute to the team. I thought I did the best I could for my role.”
Q: Talk a little more about your role on the team. How did you want to contribute?
DARNELL: “My role was to be a defensive beast. I wanted to lock up the other team’s best player – make sure they didn’t score as much as they usually do. I wanted to do the dirty work, like getting boards and setting screens. I knew that was my role, and I tried to do all those things the best I could.”
Q: Let’s talk about the other sport you competed in – football. How memorable was that season to you?
DARNELL: “I thought it was an amazing season. It was probably one of the funnest sports seasons I’ve been a part of. It was a special team. Anytime you get to play in state football, it’s a special team. That was probably my best memory from high school – playing in Memorial Stadium my senior year.”
Q: Which sport do you enjoy playing the most?
DARNELL: “Football, most definitely. I think it fits my personality more. I’m a rough guy. In football, you get to release some anger. You can get as hyped up as you want on the football field. It’s a wonderful experience.”
Q: Which side did you prefer playing on more – offense or defense?
DARNELL: “I like defense more because it’s a lot better hitting somebody than getting hit.”
Q: Are you done competing in sports, or do you plan to play a sport in college?
DARNELL: “I didn’t have any goals to play in college. I just want to go to college to get an education and have some fun.”
Q: How has your senior year of school been going overall?
DARNELL: “I think it’s been going great. There’s an internship program with Mr. [Derek] Deaver, and I started that this semester. I thought that was a really good experience for me because I was at MC Schaff. I got to see what they do. I think that made me want to go to school even more just because it was something different.”
Q: What are your plans after you graduate from high school?
DARNELL: “After I graduate, I plan to attend the University of Wyoming and major in engineering.”
Q: What attracted you to the University of Wyoming?
DARNELL: “Both of my parents graduated from there. Also, I’ve gone to a couple football games there, and I really liked it, and one of my best friends [Sabastian Harsh] is going to play football there. I think it’s the right spot for me.”
Q: How did you become interested in engineering?
DARNELL: “My uncle [Jeff Darnell of Greeley, Colorado] majored in engineering, and he showed me some of the stuff he did, and I was really interested in it.”
Q: What do you want to do for a career?
DARNELL: “After I graduate from Wyoming, I want to come back here and open up my own construction business.”
Q: What are your plans this summer?
DARNELL: “My summer job is going to be with Adam Reed [with Paul Reed Construction]. I want to see different types of construction to see which one I like the best.”
Q: Outside of your school activities, what do you like to do for fun?
DARNELL: “I like to play dunk ball with all my friends. We have a basketball court at my house, so my friends will come over, and we’ll hang out and play dunk ball.”
Q: Talk a little more about dunk ball.
DARNELL: “You lower the hoop to about 9 feet so everyone can dunk it.”
Q: So have you had some pretty cool dunks?
DARNELL: “Yes. [laughs] It’s surprising who can really dunk it hard when you lower the hoop.”
Q: In addition to doing construction work this summer, do you have any other plans in the next few months?
DARNELL: “I always help my grandpa [Jim Darnell] during planting season or if he ever needs help with water because he owns farms. He owns JD Farms.”
Q: How much have you enjoyed being involved in DECA?
DARNELL: “I’ve really enjoyed it. I got to go to state last year. It was a different type of school experience because you get to go with all your buddies. Usually, I go with my sports buddies, but for DECA, I got to go with different people I see at school, so I thought that was a pretty cool experience.”
Q: During your educational career, what is it that you’re most proud of?
DARNELL: “I would say getting an ‘A’ in advanced construction for completing the biggest flag I’ve ever built. I made a gigantic American flag, and I hung it in my room. It was a really cool project.”
Q: How much have you enjoyed growing up in Scottsbluff?
DARNELL: “I like that it’s a small-town community. You can get to know a lot of people. I think that’s way better than not knowing anybody.”
Q: How are you handling the COVID-19 outbreak, especially not being able to go to school?
DARNELL: “When COVID-19 hit, and we didn’t go to school, that basically meant going to work for me. Like today, I helped my parents with their rental houses. I mowed lawns and sprayed weeds. So, COVID-19 turned into small jobs for me.”
Q: Are you pretty sad that you’re not able to go to school right now?
DARNELL: “It’s a different experience. I would like to be at school because I like to socialize with people, but I’m not sad about it. I’m OK with it.”
Q: With everything you’ve seen or heard about the COVID-19 outbreak, does it all seem a little surreal to you?
DARNELL: “Yes. I think some people really blow it out of proportion. I mean, you should be careful, but I don’t think it’s as bad as the media is saying it is.”
Q: Did you ever think you would live through a pandemic?
DARNELL: “No, I never thought I would.”
Q: What do you think will happen over the next few weeks?
DARNELL: “I think it will die down. I think school will get cancelled for the rest of the year, though. I don’t think I’ll ever step foot in the classroom [at SHS] again. But I think [the virus] will die down and everything will be OK.”
Q: What kind of music do you enjoy listening to?
DARNELL: “Country music.”
Q: What is your favorite TV show?
DARNELL: “The Ranch.”
Q: What do you think is the coolest attraction in the WyoBraska region?
DARNELL: “I really like the Scotts Bluff National Monument. I also really like the beautiful sunsets here.”
Q: Who do you think is one of the kindest students at Scottsbluff High School?
DARNELL: “Morgan Baird. She’s always helping everybody, and she’s a good friend. She never gets mad at anybody. She’s always there to help. She’s there whenever you need her.”
Q: If you could give a shoutout to one business in the Scottsbluff/Gering area, which one would it be and why?
DARNELL: “Godfather’s because I eat there every Sunday with my family.”
Q: Do you have any siblings?
DARNELL: “Yes, I have one sister, Allie. She just turned 14. She’s in eighth grade.”
Q: Is she a better athlete than you?
DARNELL: “Yes, she might be. [laughs]”
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.
