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Heroes Game: Nebraska v Iowa, What ABC didn’t show you!

By Kelli Anne

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It’s a terrible shame that ABC didn’t show it! What you didn’t see at halftime in the Nebraska football game is what this game is supposed to be all about. It’s called the Heroes Game because each year names are submitted to Hy-Vee for selection to be honored at halftime. This year it was Gene Willers from Pilger, Nebraska, who won the honor. His name will be inscribed upon the trophy.

This game is the Big Ten’s chance to honor heroic efforts. Nominations are made by fans who have “performed extraordinary acts of heroism and service in their communities.” The American Red Cross also helps select the winners. Iowa and Nebraska Athletic Directors were both on hand at halftime to present the award. (the one you didn’t see)

Gene Willers

is employed at

Midwest Bank

and on June 16, 2014, the community of Pilger, Nebraska was decimated by powerful F4

twin tornadoes

. Willers’ quick thinking and response to the tornado probably saved 8 people that day. He helped 8 people into the vault at the bank and locked them in. You see, the vault can only be secured from the outside. Willers had to seek shelter in a cellar below ground.

Austin Benson

from Winterset, Iowa, will receive the award for his heroic actions in saving the life of his friend

Rachel Riley

who was thrown from a horse and suffered a traumatic injury to her leg. Benson’s quick reaction to try to stop the bleeding to her leg by applying pressure to the wound with his shirt until the ambulance and LifeFlight arrived helped save her life. He also was credited with keeping Riley calm during the harrowing ordeal.

Shame on ABC for not allowing these Heroes to be honored! Hopefully you will share this so the word does get out. GO BIG RED!

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