High school sports participation is on an upswing in Nebraska

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Fall sports are starting up in Nebraska, and some are seeing an increase in participation.

Lincoln Public Schools is gearing up for another busy season, with over 2,500 students playing football, volleyball, tennis, cross-country and more.

“All eight high schools now have varsity-level programs,” Athletics and Activities Director JJ Toczec said.

He said he is especially excited to see participation grow at the district’s two new high schools, Northwest and Standing Bear.

According to the Nebraska School Activities Association, cross-country, softball and volleyball are seeing the highest participation numbers in the past five years.

Football still has most players.

But some districts, like Elm Creek Public Schools, are seeing a decline in numbers.

To try to reverse it, Elm Creek is offering seniors a special plaque if they’ve participated in three sports and three activities for all four years.

LPS has a Get Involved program that encourages students to find the right sport for them.

Toczec said it’s flourishing.

“We know that when our students are connected to their schools, they have better attendance, they have better grades, they’re less likely to have behavioral issues,” he said. “So it’s just not only a positive for our school system, but it’s also a positive for our community.”

Coaches said it’s about more than just competition; it’s about teaching perseverance.

“I think sports does a great job of that, especially in softball,” Elkhorn South coach Elliot Haack said. “You fail, and it’s just about getting the next one.”

LPS said its goal is to make sports accessible for all students.

Haack said it’s about creating more opportunities for young athletes to learn, compete and connect.

But more importantly, coaches show up for their players in order to be a good role model.

“I think that builds good leadership in the kids,” he said.