Omaha North players pose with the Minuteman Trophy.
Photo by Army National Guard
It's hard to imagine improving after a season that included a 12-1 record and a state title, but the
Omaha North (Neb.) football team did just that. On Jan. 9, MaxPreps and the Nebraska Army National Guard visited Omaha North High School to honor the football team on the 10th annual MaxPreps Football Tour of Champions presented by the Army National Guard.
The Vikings proved that last year's historic season was no fluke with an even better season on paper in 2014. Omaha North finished the year with a perfect 13-0 record and also won its second-consecutive NSAA Class A state championship. They were truly dominant in the state title game, defeating Creighton Prep 41-0.
Over the past three years, Omaha North has seen its football program become one of the best in the state. In that span, the Vikings have a combined record of 35-4, three state title appearances and two state title victories. While coach Larry Martin recognizes the talent he had on these teams over the years, he credits the success to the dedication and work ethic of his players. He added that the seniors have helped the underclassmen understand that a strong work ethic will allow the program's success to continue for many years.
Coach Martin and his team were extremely honored to be one of the 50 football teams recognized on the 10th annual MaxPreps Football Tour of Champions. Out of more than 16,000 high school football programs, MaxPreps ranked Omaha North No. 113 in the nation, and No. 1 in the state of Nebraska. Although the Vikings experienced a state championship and No. 1 ranking in the state last season, the players were excited to be receiving the Army National Guard national ranking trophy this year.
To make the night even more special, Omaha North graduate and current Washington Redskins player Niles Paul was set to have his jersey number retired shortly after the trophy presentation. Niles joined the football team at its team dinner earlier that night in the school's Viking Center. Once they finished eating, Sergeant First Class John Jurgensen of the Nebraska Army National Guard handed out Tour of Champions commemorative shirts and cinch bags to the players. Coach Martin and the team then took formal photos with the trophy and were asked several questions about their remarkable season.
As the girls basketball game was coming to an end, the team headed over to the gym for the trophy presentation. Before handing over the trophy to coach Martin, SFC Jurgensen spoke about the tradition of Omaha North's students and remembering where they came from, such as Niles Paul. He continued with how proud he's been to be a part of the school over the years. To conclude the ceremony, he presented coach Martin and the team with the prestigious national ranking trophy. After accepting the trophy, coach Martin summed up the entire night in a few words: "It's a good day to be a Viking."
There's already talk that Omaha North has a good chance to three-peat as NSAA Class A state champions. If that's the case, the MaxPreps Tour of Champions may want to make a second home in Omaha, Neb.
