Two additional Wayne High seniors will be taking their talent to the next level in their respective sport following April signings.
Colson Nelsen signed on Wednesday, April 9 to play men’s basketball at Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa while Charli Sievers recently celebrated her signing on April 14 to compete on the women’s golf team at Southeast Community College in Beatrice.
Nelsen plans to study Business Administration/Finance with one idea of being a real estate agent but is still undecided. Sievers is still undecided on a major but plans to pursue an associate of arts degree before transferring to another secondary school with thoughts of graphic design to forensics.
The decision for Nelsen was between not playing basketball and attending Wayne State College or still being able to play and be a Mustang. Sievers attended several colleges and talked with several coaches but felt a good connection with Southeast Community College.
The Blue Devils boys basketball team finished 21-6 ending their season with a 62-50 district final loss to Sidney on March 3.
Nelsen said a great group graduated during his junior season and it was great to see the younger players step up and having more gain additional varsity experience.
“There’s nothing to hang your head about on our record,” said Nelsen. “Even though we did lose that district final and didn’t make it to state, it was a great season. I’m proud of everyone, coaches and players. It was a good season, fun last senior season.”
This past boys basketball season, Wayne’s Colson Nelsen led the team in scoring (15.6 ppg) knocking down a team-high 141 shots from the field and 77 three’s. He also tied for the team lead with 56 assists.
Nelsen will plan on attending morning workouts in Sioux City, Iowa three to four days a week for early morning lifting, youth camps and assist with tournaments.
While also competing on the Wayne High boys golf team this spring, his mind is on basketball.
“Doing workouts on my own,” Nelsen added. “Even after golf practice, go into shoot at the Rec Center or just doing anything to stay in that basketball shape. Get shots up and just try to get better at what I’m going to pursue at the college level.”
Nelsen thanked those who supported him during his time at Wayne High and is looking forward to the vibe that Morningside College will bring. Along with being in a group chat with all the Morningside signees, his roommate is someone who he played against in the Mount Marty ‘Battle of the Borders’ All-Star game.
Both Nelsen and Sievers felt relieved after signing making it official on their future decisions.
The Wayne High girls golf team captured the Class C NSAA state title edging Minden by one stroke, 696 – 697 among the 36-hole event October 14 – 15 in North Platte.
Sievers added it was a great experience to be with the ‘golf family’.
“It was just great,” Sievers added. “We never imagined we would win state but, obviously it came to that. We all just have so much fun together. We take it seriously, of course but we always remember to have fun and that’s really what led us to winning.”
Charli Sievers tied for 13th with a 180 (98/82) at state and took ninth (98) during their district championship this past fall. Wayne High posted school records at state for 18 holes (344) and 36-hole (696).
Sievers plans on competing in several tournaments this summer along with an invite for those who medaled at state joining teammate and Peru State College signee Joslyn Johnson in Kearney this June.
Following the NSAA girls golf season, Sievers has been getting her mind right on what she’ll need to work more on heading into college including consistency before being a Bobcat.
“Always being out at the course whenever I can,” Sievers mentioned. “Between work and stuff like that and lots of the tournaments. Just making sure I stay consistent while also making sure I’m having fun and I don’t just completely overwork myself.”
Sievers was also on the Mid State Conference championship team while earning a conference medal (fifth). She averaged 90.4 per round her senior season and tied for the school record with a low score at the Hartington Country Club (83) and medaled in every meet this past Fall. Wayne High posted a school record for low 18 in Laurel (336).
With Sievers being the most recent Blue Devil signee onto the college ranks, she is excited and pumped for what’s next. She’ll also know another signee from Battle Creek who she competed against on northeast Nebraska courses.
“Happy to be part of the Wayne High community and I was very blessed to have players and coaches around me and supporters that supported me throughout my journey of high school basketball,” said Nelsen.
“Like Colson said, the support has been amazing,” Sievers added. “Just you know the stress, being gone and knowing what I’m doing is super relieving. It’s super exciting closing down these last couple of weeks.”
Other Blue Devil signees so far have been Gavin Redden (WSC baseball), Lindsay Niemann (Peru State women’s bowling), Joslyn Johnson (Peru State women’s golf), Jaden Dramse (Midland football) and Kasen York (Doane cross country/track & field).
