Riesing will compete with heavy heart at Boulder
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By KEN HAMBLETON / Lincoln Journal Star
The competition for the Big 12 decathlon crown this weekend in Boulder, Colo., may be a little quieter than usual for Husker Skyler Riesing.
The conference meet starts Friday and runs through Sunday at Colorado.
A week ago, Skyler’s mother, Elise Reising, 55, died after a long illness.
The former instructor at Nebraska in business communication, former education coordinator for National Strength and Conditioning, and former director of the U.S. Amateur Confederation of Roller Skating was a long time supporter of her sons Skyler and Logan.
“You always knew she was in the stands because when it was quiet for the javelin or discus, she was screaming support,” said Skyler, one of the favorites this weekend in the 10-event competition.
Her obituary mentioned, “She was the most loud and obnoxious proud parent spectator at Logan and Skyler’s athletic events.”
Skyler, who graduated from Lincoln Northeast, said Elise’s support was important.
“She taught me that I could accomplish anything, even if I wasn’t good at it,” he said. “When I was young, she got me into the little kid’s road races and even though I wasn’t any good, I had a ball.
“I will miss her as a great inspiration, my best supporter and as my mom,” he said.
Reising needs to score 7,500 points to qualify for the NCAA regional meet in Lincoln on May 30-31 in Lincoln.
His finish will be important to the Huskers’ plans for success this weekend.
After finishing second in the men’s and women’s team races in the Big 12 indoor championships, Nebraska looks to step up for the outdoor meet this weekend.
The Husker men should contend with Texas A&M and Texas, said Nebraska track coach Gary Pepin.
High jumper Dusty Jonas, the NCAA indoor champion, has never won a conference outdoor title, but is considered a co-favorite along with Scott Sellers of Kansas State.
The Huskers are deep in a number of events, including the jumps and sprints.
Former Nebraska high school champion Lukas Hulett, Dax Danns, Dan Christensen, Scott Wims and Andrew Pearson are among the favorites in the 400, 200, 100 and 4x100 and 4x400 relays.
Freshman Adam Dailey and teammate LeHann Fourie are among the top five in the conference in the 400 hurdles and 110 hurdles, respectively.
“We can’t tell much by the spring season marks because we have competed in such poor weather all season, we don’t know how we fit in,” said Pepin. “I think we’re going to be strong.”
The Husker women, although lacking much depth, have four of the best high jumpers in the conference with senior Kim Shubert, freshmen Epley Bullock and Audrey Svane and sophomore Erin Hannon.
Nikita Eades and Karyn LaCour are favorites in the 100 hurdles and Kayla Wilkinson is expected to compete for the javelin title.
Reach Ken Hambleton at 473-7313 or khambleton@journalstar.com.
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