McCook Youth Soccer Teams Shine at Cornhusker State Games

McCOOK, Neb. – Two McCook youth soccer teams made an impressive showing at the 2025 Cornhusker State Games in Lincoln earlier this month, proving that local talent can hold its own against experienced travel teams.

Southwest Seabreezers 12U Team

Coach Leah Christensen with players, back row: Caleb Christensen, Bentley Stritt, Luis Almanzo; front row: Beckett Fox, Chase Reichert.

The McCook Crossfire 15U team earned a silver medal in their division, while the newly-formed Southwest Seabreezers 12U team fought their way to a third-place finish.

The Cornhusker State Games, Nebraska’s largest multi-sport event, draws thousands of athletes each summer. For many of the McCook players, this was their first time competing outside of YMCA soccer—and their first experience facing off against competitive travel teams.

Despite nerves early on, the Southwest Seabreezers quickly found their rhythm, finishing strong with two back-to-back wins. Coach Leah Christensen, who organized the team with the help of fellow soccer parent Staci Blomstedt, said the weekend exceeded expectations.

“We really just wanted the kids to have fun and get the chance to play at a higher level,” Christensen said. “Soccer is such a popular sport for younger kids in McCook, but once they get past sixth grade, there aren’t many chances to keep playing. This gave them a little more experience—and they had a great time doing it.”

Christensen, who learned the game through coaching YMCA teams, said partnering with Blomstedt made the summer practices run smoothly. “Staci has more experience, so she led the practices this summer and I helped,” Christensen said. “It worked out really well.”

Blomstedt assisted in coaching both teams leading up to the tournament, although she was unable to travel to Lincoln. Oscar Montes and Karragan Rambali (Shaw) also helped coach the older Crossfire team during the tournament.

McCook Crossfire 15U Team

From left to right: Oscar Montes, Zane Montes, Corbin Shaw, Titus Donelan, Jesse Chavoya, Warren Witt, Karragan Rambali.

Interest in the tournament was strong, even with several families already committed to summer vacations and the tournament falling on a Sunday, which kept some players home. Christensen said that with more notice next year, even more kids and teams could take part.

The players, too, are already talking about returning. “The first game was tough, but we learned a lot and kept getting better,” said 12-year-old Caleb Christensen, who scored in the final two games. “By the end, we were really having fun.”

Christensen hopes to organize another group for the Cornhusker State Games next year and encourage more McCook teams to join. “The more local teams we have, the more we can scrimmage each other and help the kids grow their skills,” she said. “It doesn’t have to be a big commitment—just a fun way to keep soccer going for the kids who enjoy it.”