TeamMates Program Hosts Tom Osborne Before EV Game

Tom Osborne, Husker coaching legend and founder of the TeamMates Mentoring Program, was in Tilden on Friday night.

Elkhorn Valley mentors and mentees enjoyed dinner with Osborne prior to his speech about mentoring. Mindy Schaffer, coordinator for the EV TeamMates program, introduced him.


During his talk, Osborne stressed the importance of anyone benefitting from a mentor in their lives—this is a program meant for any student. He shared a personal story, also known as the Currens story, which illustrated how the influence of a mentor can be felt through generations.

Following the speech, a plaque was presented to the founder and former coordinator of the Elkhorn Valley TeamMate’s program, Kristi Miller, who dedicated 7 years to growing the local program. Osborne's visit was capped off with a football auction—the highest bidder received a personally-autographed football and photo opportunity with Tom Osborne. Leonard Howard called the auction and it was won by Brent Broberg of Tilden with a $1,050.00 bid. 

A tailgate dinner was served, and the proceeds from the fundraiser will go toward scholarships, mentor activities, and funding background checks for potential mentors. 

"We are also excited to plan a visit to the Husker spring football game with the mentors," Judi Sigler said. "Mr. Broberg’s bid will definitely go a long way toward supporting this."

Following the auction, the Elkhorn Valley football team hosted Humphrey St. Francis at Falcon Field. The undefeated Flyers sailed past the Falcons, 64-13. Click here for EV game stats.

Sigler said the tailgate event would not have been possible without the support of the community and sponsors. 

"We want to thank Carhart Lumber, Bryant Home Comfort, Werner Electric, Hofmann Pharmacy,  Meadow Grove Federal Credit Union, Rutjens Construction, Subs & Suds, Thriftway, NUCOR, Midwest Regional Agency, Raymond A. Whitwer Tilden Public Library and Steve’s Madhouse Market of Leigh for their generous support," she said. "We also very much appreciate the assistance of former and current TeamMate’s board members and mentors, as well as the donation of delicious bars and cookies by EV teachers and community members." 

Ten mentors are still needed for the Elkhorn Valley TeamMates program at this time. 

"We have a variety of students who want someone to be an influence in their life and support them to be their best," Sigler said. "In fact, most of them rated wanting a mentor a '10' on a scale of 1-10—they truly desire, as one interested mentee put it, 'someone to look up to.' Will you be that person?" 

Contact the EV TeamMate’s coordinator, Mindy Schaffer at 402-750-8657, for an interest form. You can also pick up forms at the Raymond A. Whitwer Tilden Public Library or Tilden Bank. Online applications are available at the TeamMates.org website.

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