By: Donna Wiedeburg / Sidney Public Schools

Playing at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln is something most high school athletes only dream about. For three Sidney High School seniors, that dream became reality — but it also came with a heartbreaking twist.

During the state championship game — the final chapter of one of the greatest football seasons in school history — seniors Alek Doty, Keian Kaiser, and Lance Holly each suffered injuries that have sidelined them for months. Despite the disappointment, all three have returned with the same determination, humility, and competitive fire that have defined their time as Raiders.

Alek Doty: A Risk Worth Taking

Alek Doty’s senior football season came with a difficult decision. After an injury earlier in the season, physical therapists explained it would be a “risk-reward” situation if he continued playing. For Alek, finishing the season with his team was worth the chance.

He believes his ankle injury may have first happened during the Columbus Lakeview game. In the championship matchup at Memorial Stadium, he was hurt early, taped up, and went back in. But in the fourth quarter, when he planted his foot, he felt it give out.

“At that moment, I knew I was done,” Alek shared. “It was heartbreaking.”

When asked what his favorite sport is, his reply was accompanied by a smile, “It’s whatever season I am in at the time. I am pretty competitive.”

Alek holds more than 10 football records at Sidney High School — a legacy that speaks to both his natural talent and work ethic.

Though he was cleared to return during the first holiday basketball tournament game, he didn’t step back on the court until the Pius game. He recently broke the record for most 3’s in a game, previously held by 4 former Raiders, including his older brother Isak. Now healthy again, he’s finishing his senior year competing in basketball and plans to play golf this spring.

He is still undecided about where college will take him or whether he will continue athletics, but whatever path he chooses, his impact at SHS is already lasting.

Keian Kaiser: Finding the Positive

Keian Kaiser’s injury in the State Championship unfolded quickly. He suspected he sprained his ankle a few plays before leaving the game, but adrenaline kept him going.

With six minutes left, he felt a sharp pain and thought his ankle might be broken. “I looked down, and it wasn’t snapped in half, which is how it felt, so I thought I’d be fine,” he said. “But when I tried to walk, I couldn’t. That’s when I knew I was done.”

Even from the sidelines, Keian’s leadership never stopped. On crutches, he stood with his teammates, encouraging them until the final whistle.

He calls football his favorite sport because of its physicality and the instinct he feels when playing. That instinct — and his talent — have earned him a future at Penn State, where he will play Division I football.

Keian also sees opportunity in adversity.

“With three seniors out, it gave the underclassmen a chance to step up as leaders,” he said. “I just try to see the positive in everything.”

This spring, he plans to compete in track, focusing on high jump, shot put, and discus, with the possibility of adding some sprint events.

And as he heads toward his next chapter, one thing remains certain: “Raider pride never dies.”

Lance Holly: Leaving It All on the Field

Lance Holly believes his shoulder issues began earlier in the playoffs, but during the championship game, he separated his AC joint, bringing his season to an abrupt end.

“It was sad, but I left it all out there,” Lance said. “I have no regrets — I gave everything I had.”

That mindset defines Lance, whether he’s on the football field or the track. In track, he competes in the 100, 200, 400, and both the 4x1 and 4x4 relays. His favorite is the 100-meter dash.

“I like it because I’m never tired after,” he joked.

His speed has made history. Lance broke the long-standing school record in the 100 meters with a 10.73, previously held by Brandon Segelke. He also broke a Western Conference meet record set by Cade Lewis and helped set a new school record in the 4x1 relay twice, most recently at the 2025 B6 district meet with a 42.12.

While he is still deciding where he will attend college — and whether track will be part of that future — he’s focused now on competing hard through the spring season.

Stronger Than the Setback

Ending their football careers at Memorial Stadium was a dream come true — each with a difficult way for it to end. But in true Raider fashion, Alek, Keian, and Lance have turned their setbacks into motivation.

Now back on the basketball court and preparing for their spring seasons, these three seniors are doing what they’ve always done: competing with heart, leading with humility, and representing Sidney High School with pride.

Their final season isn’t defined by injury — it’s defined by resilience.

Sidney travels to Gering for a girl, boy basketball doubleheader on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. Both games will air on Cheyenne County Country (1340 AM, 95.7 FM), news channelnebraska.com and the free NCN app.