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The Wingspan

  • Aug 26 / V. SoftballGretna East High School - 9, Elkhorn North - 0
  • Aug 23 / V. SoftballGretna East High School - 6, Lincoln Pius X - 1
  • Aug 21 / V. SoftballGretna East High School - 5, Elkhorn - 3
  • May 6 / V. Girls SoccerGretna East High School - 10, Conestoga - 0
  • May 5 / V. Boys SoccerGretna East High School - 4, Conestoga - 0
  • May 5 / V. BaseballGretna East High School - 6, Waverly - 2
  • May 3 / V. BaseballGretna East High School - 1, Grand Island - 0
  • May 3 / V. BaseballGretna East High School - 4, Elkhorn North - 0
  • Apr 29 / V. Boys SoccerGretna East High School - 2, Bennington - 4
  • Apr 29 / V. Girls SoccerGretna East High School - 3, Bennington - 0
The Student News Site of Gretna East High School

The Wingspan

The Student News Site of Gretna East High School

The Wingspan

Reese Beery

Reese Beery, Sports Editor

Reese Beery is a senior in her third year on the Wingspan staff. This is her second year serving as the staff’s Sports Editor.

 

She is motivated by the competitive environment within the group, and she loves working with the diverse staff who are always pushing her to be her best. One of her proudest moments on the Wingspan staff came in the spring of 2025 when she was named Sports Feature Writing State Champion in the NSAA Class B State Journalism High School Championships.

 

Outside of Wingspan, she stays active in track, works, and enjoys time with her family and friends, as well as participating in her church. She also regularly attends sporting events, from school games to college and professional competitions.

 

See more awards here.

All content by Reese Beery
From athlete to ER: why moderation matters

From athlete to ER: why moderation matters

Reese Beery, Sports Editor May 13, 2025

DISCLOSURE: This is an opinion article. Please note that unsigned editorials represent the collective opinion of The Wingspan student news staff and do not necessarily represent the opinion of the...

Before taking the mound to start the game against the Millard North Mustangs, junior Andrew Dowd warms up in the bullpen on April 3. The Griffins closed out the game 5-3 after five innings.

JV 1 baseball shuts out Elkhorn North Wolves

Reese Beery, Sports Editor May 5, 2025

Securing another win for Gretna East, the JV 1 baseball team beat Elkhorn North’s JV team in a three-up three-down style in seven innings on Thursday, May 1. Both teams came out of the gate strong on...

Coming off the sidelines, Assistant Coach Sean McLaughlin high fives his players after a play. The Griffins won 63-6 against the Buena Vista Bison.

McLaughlin accepts head coaching position at Papillion La-Vista

Reese Beery, Sports Editor February 13, 2025

Opportunities come and go, but most wouldn't miss the chance to work at their dream job with someone they admire. Assistant Varsity Football Coach and Head Boys Track Coach, Sean McLaughlin was offered...

Cheering on their teammates, the varsity girls cheer from the bench as they watch their teammates on the court. The girls claimed their first win of the season against Duchesne scoring 66-21.

Leveling the playing field

Reese Beery, Sports Editor January 30, 2025

DISCLOSURE: This is an opinion article. Please note that unsigned editorials represent the collective opinion of The Wingspan student news staff and do not necessarily represent the opinion of the adviser...

Hot Takes: Episode 1

Brayden Hansen and Reese Beery January 29, 2025

As the 2025 Grammys approach this Sunday, the Wingspan's Brayden Hansen and Reese Beery debate and discuss their predictions on who deserves the big four awards: Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Record...

Passing to a nearby teammate, defenseman Gretna High junior Brewer Hinze takes his defensive position and sails the puck down the ice.

Gretna club hockey team serves up shutout ahead of big matchup

Reese Beery, Sports Editor January 15, 2025

Closing out their last game competitively and fiercely, the Gretna club hockey team dominated the ice, securing a victory against the Papio 8-0 on Jan. 10. The Griffins will face off against the Millard...

After crossing the finish line of the NSAA B-1 and B-2 District Cross Country Meet at Walnut Grover Park, junior Evynn Graver collapses into cross country coach Megan Sughroue’s embrace on Oct. 17. With a time of 21:30.8, just shy of her personal record of 21:14.4, Graver punched her third ticket to the State Cross Country Championship Meet. "I learned that even though the start didn't go as planned, if I stay engaged, I still have a shot to succeed," Graver said.

In face of pain, junior cross country, track athlete shows determination, grit

Reese Beery, Sports Editor January 10, 2025

One of an athlete's biggest goals is to push themselves no matter what, and they often have to balance that drive with unexpected challenges. For junior Evynn Graver, who has encountered physical hurdles...

During a timeout, the varsity volleyball team huddles around head coach Mike Brandon. They discuss plays and tactics to use when the game resumes. The Griffins won 3-1 against the Gretna Dragons on Oct. 15.

Time for another sister-school showdown

Reese Beery, Sports Editor November 2, 2024

With everything on the line, volleyball districts will come to an end this morning in a head-to-head match that will end the season for one of the two, sister-school teams. The Griffins, who are currently...

Before the game begins, the Griffins huddle up and wish each other good luck with a group high five.

Griffins triumph over Dragons in 3-1 match up [Photo Gallery]

Reese Beery, Sports Editor October 16, 2024

Last night the Griffin varsity volleyball team dominated against the Gretna Dragons in a 3-1 matchup. The Griffins won the first two sets of the night and the Dragons claimed the third. After this,...

Taking a knee, senior Grayson Fisher is comforted by seniors Joseph Costanzo and captain Carter Lightwine in the endzone after taking a hard hit in the last play of the Bennington game on Sept. 6.

Griffins look to keep winning streak alive under leadership of determined captains

Reese Beery, Sports Editor October 10, 2024

The silence of the stadium echoes loudly as the clock hits zero. Win or lose, the varsity football team, like many other sports teams, ends the competition, greeting their opponents in a handshake line,...

Bridging both sides of the Aug. 23 scrimmage, head coach Justin Haberman talks to all the athletes, regardless of which side they are on during half time in the south endzone.

[Photo] Gatorade scrimmage highlights team’s potential, reveals some areas for improvement ahead of first game

August 26, 2024

Bridging both sides of the Aug. 23 scrimmage, head coach Justin Haberman talks to all the athletes, regardless of which side they are on during half time in the south endzone.

Embracing after their game on Oct. 28, juniors Stella Stockstill and Nyah Potoff jump surrounded by the team.

Pre-season for volleyball team in full swing

Reese Beery, Sports Editor May 7, 2024

  During their first off-season, the Griffin volleyball teams have begun working hard to maintain their skills and team comradery months before their next preseason even begins. As summer begins,...

Dribbling the ball, junior Kendall Dobberstein makes her way down the field with two Millard South defenders closing in during game one of the Millard South Invite on April 16.

Three days, three wins

Reese Beery, Sports Editor April 19, 2024

Tonight at six, the girls soccer team will take on another Omaha Public Schools team at home after shutting out Buena Vista 10-0 on Wednesday night bringing their record to 13-1 for the season so far....

Preparing for his first throw, sophomore Connor Sams holds the shot put in his hands before attempting his first throw of the meet.

JV track competes against Ashland Greenwood in home meet [Photo Gallery]

Reese Beery, Sports Editor April 4, 2024

The Gretna East JV track team competed against Ashland Greenwood in a home dual meet on April 2. The varsity track team will compete this Friday, April 5 in Kearney at 12:30 p.m.

Placing the shot put in his neck, freshman Brayden Beyer prepares to throw the shot.

Placing the shot put in his neck, freshman Brayden Beyer prepares to throw the shot.

Taking off for his 800m race, freshman Brody Boone takes the lead and finishes first overall.

Taking off for his 800m race, freshman Brody Boone takes the lead and finishes first overall.

Attempting his first throw, junior Braxton Steenbock glides backward.

Attempting his first throw, junior Braxton Steenbock glides backward.

Striding towards the finish line, sophomore Evan Johnston paces himself to finish the race.

Striding towards the finish line, sophomore Evan Johnston paces himself to finish the race.

Running the 400m, sophomore Madisyn Clarke Wisnieski takes off and starts sprinting the first curve of her race.

Running the 400m, sophomore Madisyn Clarke Wisnieski takes off and starts sprinting the first curve of her race.

Reacting to the game, juniors Kendall Dobberstein, Addison LaRock and Madelyn Schaffert cheer for their teammates.

Leadership takes over girls’ soccer team

Reese Beery, Sports Editor March 25, 2024

The girls' soccer team has started their season strong with leadership and friendship on their side as they prepare for their next game against Elkhorn South tonight at 6 p.m. Elkhorn South holds a record...

Students call for real guidance in “Career Week” over redundant “tests”

Students call for real guidance in “Career Week” over redundant “tests”

Reese Beery, Sports Editor March 18, 2024

Deciding your future as a teenager can be a very stressful experience. For sophomores, it is a requirement for students to spend a week in their social studies class discussing their futures in the workforce....

Directing his first period band class, student teacher William Holke has students play "Lightning Field." He had students play different notes by section as the class came to a close.

Former band student, current student teacher composer of school fight song

Reese Beery, Sports Editor February 22, 2024

From football to basketball games, as soon as the band hits the familiar note, students, staff and the Griffin faithful stand together as one Griffin nation and sing these lyrics with pride. This song...

Playing against Millard West, sophomore Maggie Pfaff guards her opponent.

Griffins blaze trail of confidence throughout season

Reese Beery, Sports Editor February 9, 2024

Going into the weekend, the varsity girl’s basketball team holds a record of 12-6. Tomorrow, at 3 p.m., the girls will play a home game against Lincoln High who have a record of 4-15 and are ranked 26th...

Navigating holiday blues: 10 essential tips to manage seasonal depression

Navigating holiday blues: 10 essential tips to manage seasonal depression

Reese Beery, Sports Editor December 20, 2023

Going through the winter season can be demanding enough with school (including finals), sports, and family issues, but the added anxiety and pressure that can be associated with the holidays and winter...

Representing the winter color guard for the season is the song "Dandelion" by Ruth B.

Winter guard ready for spotlight

Reese Beery, Sports Editor December 13, 2023

As winter approaches, the winter color guard teams are up to showcase their talents in a series of competitions. They choreograph dances and have props and equipment to showcase different scenes and storylines...

After going through an offensive play during practice on Nov. 17, girls basketball head coach Wade Coulter watches junior Sonora Defini take a shot  after the team runs the play.

Girls basketball team ready to ‘write our own history’

Reese Beery, Sports Editor November 17, 2023

Anticipation can be sensed in the air as the fall sports have come to a close and the winter sports season has started. For the girls’ basketball team, that excitement started during the summer and has...

Attempting to block the ball, Hayden Hart (11) and Hailey Levinson (11) jump in front of the net. The play ended in a point for the Badgers.

Griffins’ State Journey Ends in Quarterfinal Defeat

Reese Beery, Sports Editor November 7, 2023

This season for the girl's varsity volleyball team was an emotional ride for many. With having a 25-11 record, they headed straight into the Class B State Volleyball Championship. The Griffins fought,...

Frustration grows among students over lack of student Wi-Fi

Frustration grows among students over lack of student Wi-Fi

Reese Beery, Sports Editor October 9, 2023

The lack of student accessible Wi-Fi at the school has been a hot topic amongst students. With no cellular service in many parts of the building and few in other areas, students have voiced their complaints...

Giving his brother, fourth grader, Landen Knott, a piggy back ride, junior Colton Knott poses for a photo before their dress rehearsal performance of "Matilda the Musical" Thursday morning for Gretna Public Schools elementary school students. Colton Knott played the lead male role, Mr. Woormwood, while his brother shared the stage with him playing Nigel, who is a kid in Matilda's class.

[Photo] Brotherly love takes center stage tonight

October 5, 2023

Giving his brother, fourth grader, Landen Knott, a piggy back ride, junior Colton Knott poses for a photo before their dress rehearsal performance of "Matilda the Musical" Thursday morning for Gretna Public...

Stepping into the batter's box on Monday, Kendall Johnson (10) stares down Benson's pitcher waiting for the next pitch.

Last two games end in sweep, girls prepare for tonight’s game

Reese Beery, Sports Editor September 28, 2023

Going into tonight’s game against Omaha North, the varsity softball team looks to earn three straight sweeps against Omaha Public Schools teams this week.  The girls beat Omaha Benson 12-0 on Monday...

Leading off first, Amelia Fliege (10) watches the next pitch before stepping off the base.

Leading off first, Amelia Fliege (10) watches the next pitch before stepping off the base.

While the flags are presented for the National Anthem, varsity players Haidyn Cleveland (10), Tessa Jensen (11), Kendall Johnson (10), and Amelia Fliege (10) stand at the pitcher's mound holding hands.

While the flags are presented for the National Anthem, varsity players Haidyn Cleveland (10), Tessa Jensen (11), Kendall Johnson (10), and Amelia Fliege (10) stand at the pitcher's mound holding hands.

Before the game, the Griffins hydrate and cool down in the dugout.

Before the game, the Griffins hydrate and cool down in the dugout.

Warming up for the first pitch, Sophia Lindsey (9) takes a couple of practice swings before stepping into the batter's box.

Warming up for the first pitch, Sophia Lindsey (9) takes a couple of practice swings before stepping into the batter's box.

Between innings, varsity head coach Wade Tracy discusses with his team about the next inning.

Between innings, varsity head coach Wade Tracy discusses with his team about the next inning.

Starting pitcher Kendall Johnson (10) goes three up, three down in the top of the first inning.

Starting pitcher Kendall Johnson (10) goes three up, three down in the top of the first inning.

At the bottom of the first inning, the Griffins watch their teammate up to bat as the next pitch soars into the air.

At the bottom of the first inning, the Griffins watch their teammate up to bat as the next pitch soars into the air.

Waiting to step into the batter's box, Morgan TenBensel (10) watches as the Benson pitcher warms up.

Waiting to step into the batter's box, Morgan TenBensel (10) watches as the Benson pitcher warms up.

After the second out in the top of the third inning, Sadie Feak (9) waits infield for the next play to begin.

After the second out in the top of the third inning, Sadie Feak (9) waits infield for the next play to begin.

Mid-play, Hayden Hart (11) watches as  Stella Stockstill (11) blocks the pass from Bryan, with her teammate Gabby Lund (11) behind her prepared to back her up.

[Photo] Volleyball beats Bears 3-0 [Photo Gallery]

September 2, 2023

Mid-play, Hayden Hart (11) watches as Stella Stockstill (11) blocks the pass from Bryan, with her teammate Gabby Lund (11) behind her prepared to back her up.

Calling out to her teammates, Ava Waters (9) lets them know that the play will begin shortly.

Calling out to her teammates, Ava Waters (9) lets them know that the play will begin shortly.

As the team scores, Hayden Hart (11), Stella Stockstill (11), Gabby Lund (11) and Ava Waters (9) run towards each other in sheer excitement.

As the team scores, Hayden Hart (11), Stella Stockstill (11), Gabby Lund (11) and Ava Waters (9) run towards each other in sheer excitement.

After Gretna East scores, Reese Blankenau (10) and Hallie Nienaber (10) congratulate each other on scoring a point.

After Gretna East scores, Reese Blankenau (10) and Hallie Nienaber (10) congratulate each other on scoring a point.

Cheering for their volleyball team, Paige Segobia (10) and Mikela Kralik (11) shout out chants for the crowd to follow.

Cheering for their volleyball team, Paige Segobia (10) and Mikela Kralik (11) shout out chants for the crowd to follow.

To start the next set, Hallie Nienaber (10) serves to the Bears.

To start the next set, Hallie Nienaber (10) serves to the Bears.

During halftime, Remi Lefeber (10) cheers at the volleyball game.

During halftime, Remi Lefeber (10) cheers at the volleyball game.

Counseling duo overcomes obstacles

Counseling duo overcomes obstacles

Reese Beery, Sports Editor September 4, 2023

Challenges come in all shapes and sizes, and when two counselors have to manage 750 students by themselves, that can be a big challenge. GEHS counselors, Brandon Shostak and Melissa Hansen have taken on...

Mid-play, Hayden Hart (11) watches as  Stella Stockstill (11) blocks the pass from Bryan, with her teammate Gabby Lund (11) behind her prepared to back her up.

Volleyball beats Bears 3-0 [Photo Gallery]

Reese Beery, Sports Editor September 2, 2023

Counselor Brandon Shostak replies to emails from students and fellow staff.

Counselor Brandon Shostak replies to emails from students and fellow staff.

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Reese Beery