How The Northeast Nebraska All-Star Football Classic Came To Be

In February of 2012, long-time Northeast Nebraska coach Rich Rethwisch brought the idea of having an all-star football game for Northeast Nebraska to local coaches, administrators and businessmen. This idea was taken to the Norfolk Area Visitors Bureau and additional coaches for further conversation.

From those informal meetings, in March of 2012, a Board of Directors was formed to create what is now known as the Northeast Nebraska All-Star Football Classic.

The first board of directors included: President – Jeff Bellar, Principal and head football coach at Norfolk Catholic, Vice President, Mark Brahmer, Principal and Head Football Coach at Pierce High School; Secretary, Tim Brogan of Norfolk, Attorney at Law; and, Treasurer, Dennis Dolliver, Assistant Principal and Activities Director at Norfolk High School.

Additional Board of Directors included: Eric Kessler, Athletic Director and Head Football Coach at Humphrey St. Francis High School; Mike Speirs, Head Football Coach at Howells-Dodge High School; Tom Olson, Head Football Coach at Norfolk High School; Rethwisch, retired Head Football Coach at Wayne High School; Mike Sunderman, Athletic Director at Madison High School and, Mike Fuehrer, Sports Development Manager, Norfolk Area Sports Council.

On August 1, 2012 the Board of Directors announced at press conference that the first All-Star game would be played in June of 2013.

It was also announced by Faith Regional Health Services (FRHS) President and CEO, Jim Sinek, that FRHS would be the Title Sponsor for the inaugural game.

2019 Check Presentation to Faith Regional Health Services Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine Department in Norfolk.