The University of Nebraska at Kearney is poised to celebrate an enduring legacy of athletic excellence, as six distinguished individuals are set to be inducted into its prestigious Athletic Hall of Fame. This significant ceremony, a highlight of the upcoming homecoming weekend on October 10-11, will honor a select group of former student-athletes and a dedicated staff member whose contributions have profoundly shaped Loper sports.
Among the esteemed inductees are tennis standout Kristen (Messbarger) Day, track and field record-holder Leah (Lewis) Stade, celebrated basketball player Janelle Miratsky, wrestling champion Brandon Pfizenmaier, and football stalwart Luke Van Matre. Each of these former student-athletes left an indelible mark on their respective sports, achieving remarkable feats and contributing significantly to UNK’s competitive success during their collegiate careers. Their inductions underscore their exceptional athletic achievements and lasting influence within the university’s vibrant sports history.
Kristen (Messbarger) Day, a Kearney native, stands as one of the most decorated players in Loper women’s tennis history. Her instrumental role propelled the program to new heights, including consistent NCAA Tournament qualifications from 2008 to 2010. Day contributed to three Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) tournament titles and helped guide the Lopers to two NCAA Sweet 16 appearances, solidifying her place as a true tennis legend. Leah (Lewis) Stade also distinguished herself, holding a school record in the indoor triple jump and ranking among the top performers in multiple events, contributing to the first RMAC outdoor team crown in program history in 2002.
Janelle Miratsky, hailing from Schuyler, Nebraska, is one of only three UNK women’s basketball players in the Division II era to earn four-time all-conference selections. Her exceptional career is marked by school records for career blocks and an impressive field goal percentage. Miratsky was an integral part of teams that secured 97 victories and made three NCAA tournament appearances, including the 1996-97 squad that achieved a school-record 28 wins and the program’s inaugural NCAA Sweet 16 berth. Her enduring impact is still felt through her continued service to the program as a graduate assistant coach.
Wrestler Brandon Pfizenmaier further exemplifies UNK’s rich athletic tradition, earning three All-American honors during his collegiate tenure. Achieving top finishes at the NCAA Championships, including a national runner-up title, Pfizenmaier was a crucial member of the 2002-03 national runner-up squad. His 99 career wins and two RMAC/West Region individual titles highlight a dominant career, contributing to three RMAC Championship teams and a historic National Duals victory over rival Nebraska-Omaha.
Beyond the realm of student-athletes, Dr. Daniel Slawski will be honored for his profound two-decade association with Loper Athletics as head team physician and medical director. As a founding partner of New West Sports Medicine & Orthopedic Surgery in Kearney, his expertise extended to overseeing athletic training programs for numerous central Nebraska and northern Kansas high schools. Dr. Slawski’s significant contributions to sports medicine, marked by scientific publications and numerous accolades, underscore his invaluable impact on the well-being and performance of UNK athletes and the broader community.
The Hall of Fame festivities are set to commence with a social hour and banquet on October 11 at 5:30 p.m. in the Regional Engagement Center. Attendees interested in honoring these remarkable individuals can purchase tickets for the banquet, with an early bird discount available until September 27. The newly inducted class will also receive public recognition during the homecoming parade and at halftime of the highly anticipated football game against Missouri Western State, ensuring their achievements are celebrated by the entire UNK community during this special homecoming weekend.
