Dr. Neal Schnoor
UNK director of Bands, 308.865.88631
The University of Nebraska at Kearney “Pride of the Plains” pep band has been named recipient of the 2009 Division II Best Pep Band Superlative Award from the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA).
The UNK pep band is under the direction of Dr. Neal Schnoor, UNK director of bands. The group has not only performed at home Loper games, but has also traveled to RMAC and NCAA tournaments to support the UNK women’s basketball team. In 2007 and 2008, the band performed in front of national audiences when the women’s Elite Eight came to Kearney.
“We are honored to receive this recognition from the WBCA and share the honor with our outstanding women’s basketball program and Coach (Carol) Russell, whose ongoing success on the court brings national attention and recognition to UNK,” Dr. Schnoor said.
Each year, the association makes awards at the Division I and II level. Nominations for the WBCA Superlatives were submitted through an online survey. Head coaches from around the country voted on the awards.
The members of the award-winning pep UNK band are listed below, alphabetically by hometown and state:
Amherst- Chris Gugel
Archer- Jody Neel
Aurora- Ashley Lawton
Beatrice- Troy Ehmke and Mark Nelson
Blair- Helen Breuer
Comstock- Robert Roth
Cozad- Andee Bubak
Fremont- Joshua Steager
Geneva- Phillip Boon
Gibbon- Amy Smallcomb
Grand Island- Mackenzie Cochran, Katelyn Rempe and Lauren Stewart
Kearney- Tyler Allen, Spencer Hinrichs, Stacy Laue, Eryn McBride and Paul Niedbalski
Lexington- Arturo Banderas and Dayvid Cardenas
Lincoln- Leah Bartek and Jason Gfeller
McCook- Tyler Cobb
North Platte- Michael Conley
Omaha- Kelci Fulton and Andrew Jacobitz
Pickrell- Laura Goracke
Phillips- David Ziola
St. Paul- Justin Buchanan
Wahoo- Matthew Braunsroth
West Point- Stephanie Luebbert
Wood River- Jeremy Uhrich
IOWA-
Red Oak- Aaron Bochmann
KANSAS-
Hoxie- Kylie Lewis
MICHIGAN-
Southfield- Anthony Ford
