Fire trucks and fans: Valentine rallies behind Badgers bound for state
As basketball teams from across Nebraska gather in Lincoln for the state tournament, communities are finding their own ways to cheer them on.
VALENTINE, Neb. — As basketball teams from across Nebraska gather in Lincoln for the state tournament, communities are finding their own ways to cheer them on. In Valentine, that support comes with flashing lights and a long-standing tradition.
Fire trucks lined up outside a school might usually signal trouble, but in this case they were part of a community send-off for the Valentine boys basketball team as the Badgers head to the state tournament.
“It’s pretty exciting. The whole community comes out. Everybody lines up, and sends us off. It will be fun,” said senior Caden Stankoski.
Each time a Valentine athlete or team qualifies for state, the community gathers for the celebration. But this send-off feels a little extra special. It’s the first time the boys basketball team has reached the state tournament in 22 years.
“Definitely at the beginning of the season we knew it could be a goal. We kept on playing as hard as we could, and made a dream come true,” said senior Trace Buechle.
That dream has also been a goal for head coach Randy Kluender, who says defense will be key against the Badgers’ first opponent, Freeman, a team with strong guards and players in the paint.
“We have to have a hand up in their face. We have to be able to talk and communicate as they come off of screens, and know where their shooters are at,” said Kluender.
Even with the team dealing with injuries, Kluender says he’s optimistic about their chances.
“We have depth, and we have the ability to play fast. Hopefully we can go down there and defend and rebound, and just enjoy the moment,” said Kluender.
For the players, it’s a chance to savor the moment while chasing a new chapter in Valentine basketball history.
“I’m just excited and ready for the opportunity to play at state,” said Buechle.
“There are a lot of nerves. It’s pretty exciting. You’ve never been in this position before, but we’re all ready to go get it,” said Stankoski.
Ready to go get it —while carrying the support of an entire community.