Courtesy of Cornhusker State Games
Decorated former Husker Volleyball standout Nicklin Hames and recently-transferred Husker Softball player Jordy Bahl will be on hand to help kick off the 39th annual Cornhusker State Games in Opening Night festivities.
Hames and Bahl will bookend a torch lighting program which also includes Husker basketball standout Jaz Shelley, who announced earlier this year that she’ll be back for the 2023-24 season, and Husker track athlete and hometown favorite Jess Gardner. All four will sign autographs after the program and the public is welcome to attend for free. Hiland Dairy will provide free ice cream treats for those in attendance.
The Opening Night program, which will be televised and streamed live by News Channel Nebraska, begins at 7:45 p.m. with interviews of Governor Jim Pillen, Nebraska National Guard Adjutant General Daryl Bohac and other dignitaries, followed by the presentation of colors and the national anthem performed by Norris High School Graduate and UNL Student Brianna Stai.
The torch lighting is expected to take place around 8 p.m. in a relay beginning with Bahl inside Bowlin Stadium. Torch bearers will proceed, escorted by soldiers from the Nebraska Air National Guard, from there, across the pedestrian bridge, where Hames will complete the relay and light the caldron.
