NGF
Relevant Center
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Relevant Center Elkhorn, NE
- Business Professional
Guest Speakers: Troy Dannen Marcus Blossom Adrian Dowell Andra Franklin Award Recipient Eric Crouch Guest Appearance: Frank Solich Guest Recipient Bridget McPhillips
TROY DANNEN
Troy Dannen, with extensive experience in collegiate athletics and strong Midwest ties, is in his first year as Nebraska's Director of Athletics, hired on March 20, 2024. During his initial season, Nebraska Athletics thrived, with the baseball team winning its first Big Ten Tournament title since 2014 and the track teams achieving notable successes. Nebraska also secured its highest finish in the Learfield Director’s Cup since 2010.
Dannen has been instrumental in shaping the future of collegiate athletics, serving on multiple NCAA committees, including the NCAA Constitution Committee and Division I Transformation Committee. He was a finalist for the Sports Business Journal’s Athletic Director of the Year award in 2022 and received the Distinguished American Award from the Sugar Bowl Chapter of the National Football Foundation.
MARCUS BLOSSOM
Marcus Blossom is in his fourth year as the McCormick Endowed Athletic Director at Creighton University, where he has guided the Bluejays to unprecedented success. During his tenure, Creighton teams have made 13 postseason appearances, claimed multiple conference titles, and produced elite athletes like 2024 Olympian Duncan McGuire and NBA Draft pick Baylor Scheierman. Creighton stands alone as the only school to reach the Elite Eight in men’s soccer, men’s basketball, and women’s basketball over the last three years. Academically, Creighton’s student-athletes have thrived, with several programs earning national recognition for their top GPA and academic excellence.
ADRIAN DOWELL
Adrian Dowell is the Athletic Director at the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO). Since taking the helm in 2021, Dowell has been committed to advancing UNO’s athletic programs, both in competition and academics. With a focus on student-athlete success and community engagement, he has worked to elevate Maverick athletics to new heights. Dowell brings extensive experience from his previous roles at Creighton University and West Virginia University, where he played key roles in fundraising, operations, and program development. His leadership is dedicated to fostering excellence, integrity, and growth within UNO’s athletic department.
ANDRA FRANKLIN AWARD RECIPIENT:
ERIC CROUCH
Each year, the Nebraska Greats Foundation honors a family or individual who tirelessly supports and promotes the mission of the NGF. In 2024, the NGF honors Eric Crouch, winner of the 2001 Heisman Trophy, an advocate of sports, physical activity, and wellness in his community, Eric gives his time as a board member for the Elkhorn Athletic Association and Nebraska Greats Foundation. He is currently the Owner of Crouch Recreation, a playground and recreation equipment vendor based in Omaha Ne. His passion for sports and recreation is shown in his devotion to making communities better around the Midwest
GUEST APPEARANCE FROM FRANK SOLICH!!!
GUEST RECIPIENT BRIDGET MCPHILLIPS
In 2012, Bridget exploded onto the field at Wayne State College!
In 2023, Bridget was diagnosed with Stage 3 Primary Angiosarcoma.
Bridget, with her husband Zach and their three children, Maverick, Gloria and Blair, began this journey with an amazing support system that included the help of the Nebraska Greats Foundation.
Bridget researched and located an amazing group of physicians in Houston for her diagnosis, surgery and treatment. She applied to the NGF for help with medical bills and travel expenses.
Thankfully, her surgery was successful!
However, she will continue to have chemo treatment for eight months in Lincoln and has regular follow-ups in Houston.
