University of Nebraska - Kearney Athletics

Loper Backer Banquet Kicks Off Big Weekend for Football

UNK Publications

Football | 4/21/2023 12:46:00 PM

Kearney, Neb. – The 13th Annual Loper Football Backers dinner and scholarship fundraiser held on Thursday night (April 20) at the North Younes Conference Center continued the momentum of UNK football.

Well over 700 Loper fans got a chance to bid on 22 live and 100 silent auction times and take part in several raffles. There were strong individual tickets sales with a banquet-record 64 corporate tables purchased. In 3.5 hours, these Loper fans helped raise just over $265,000, surpassing this year's goal of $250,000. Nearly $120,000 of the final tally came from the "Scholarship Ask" with the live auction providing $47,000 more and the silent totaling just over $45,000.

"Wow … that's all I can say. It's just amazing the support we have. It was so much fun and now that I have one under my belt, I know what it's all about," said UNK head coach Ryan Held. "People are so supportive here and our players and staff are very appreciative."

Since it was first hosted in 2010, the event has now garnered over $2.4 million dollars for scholarships and other program needs. The Loper Football Backers is a community-led volunteer organization whose mission is to raise scholarship dollars for the UNK Football program.

"We are very thankful to the Kearney community and all the support that we got tonight," said Held. "Anytime there is a (coaching) change, you don't know what to expect. But everybody here has been so welcoming and that makes you feel good. There is no doubt this was the right choice for me and my family."

Continuing a recent tradition, two players received additional scholarship money for the upcoming season. The are linebacker Nik Erickson (Central City) and tight end Anthony Sabatka (Hastings St. Cecilia).

"It's very rewarding to be able to give guys that have worked hard an opportunity to get scholarship money," said Held. "They've earned it and this gives hope to the walk-on program. You can come here and earn a scholarship … we'll reward guys that do the right things and produce."

UNK holds its annual Spring Game this Saturday, April 22, at Ron & Carol Cope Stadium at Foster Field. The event, free and open to the public, begins at 1 p.m.

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Players Mentioned

#59 Nik Erickson: LB; 6' 0"; Redshirt Junior

#42 Anthony Sabatka: TE; 6' 1"; Redshirt Sophomore

Players Mentioned

#59 Nik Erickson
: 6' 0"; Redshirt Junior
: LB

#42 Anthony Sabatka
: 6' 1"; Redshirt Sophomore
: TE

Players Mentioned

#59 Nik Erickson

#42 Anthony Sabatka

Players Mentioned

#59 Nik Erickson

#42 Anthony Sabatka