Marc Zavala

Grand Island

Sports Writer at Grand Island Independent

Sports writer, mostly in volleyball, cross country, wrestling and track and field, for the Grand Island Independent for 15 years. Big fan of the KC Chiefs.

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Articles

Former Husker QB Crouch helps at Jake Gillespie Home Run Derby

5 days ago | theindependent.com | Marc Zavala

A former Nebraska legend came to Grand Island to help with a special cause. Former Husker Eric Crouch came out to help out with the fourth annual Jake Gillespie Home Run Derby Saturday at the Platt Duetsche. Crouch signed autographs and helped deliver the first pitch before the derby. The home run derby honors the memory of Jake Gillespie, who would have turned 26 this month. Jake lost his life in a car accident in Buffalo County on Jan. 1, 2022.
USave Pharmacy 2

5 days ago | theindependent.com | Marc Zavala

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Jarin Tweedy

1 week ago | theindependent.com | Marc Zavala

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Brayden Fleming

1 week ago | columbustelegram.com | Marc Zavala

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Top athletes to compete in 2025 Dinsdale/Striv Sports All-Star basketball games

1 week ago | theindependent.com | Marc Zavala

A number of players that participated in both the boys and girls state basketball tournaments this past season will put their talents on display during the Tom Dinsdale Automotive/Striv Sports All-Star games Friday at Grand Island Central Catholic. On the girls roster, 11 players competed at the state tournament, including two players from both Elm Creek and Milford, which finished as state runner-ups in their classes.
Area athletes competed very well this spring

1 week ago | theindependent.com | Marc Zavala

When working on the Independent All-Time, All-Area track and field leaders every year, there would be some years where we would be lucky to get even one athlete's time or mark somewhere. This year was definitely not one of those years. Northwest’s Amarae Krafka was the first athlete to have a mark that would mark the charts when she reached 12-4 in the pole vault on April 3. That put her at No. 2. The list only grew after that.
Central Valley sets Class D state record in 1,600 relay

1 week ago | theindependent.com | Marc Zavala

OMAHA – Central Valley track and field coach Chip Bartos had been waiting for the 1,600 boys relay team to put in a full race together. Even though the Cougars had the top time in Class D this season going into the state meet race. At the state meet, the Central Valley foursome of Zaden Wolf, Lane Foltz, Jairo Lazos and Boston Wood finally put one together in the final Class D race of the season.
Ord’s Chatfield wins Class C girls high jump

1 week ago | theindependent.com | Marc Zavala

OMAHA – Ord’s Trinity Chatfield was consistent throughout the Class C high jump. So consistent that she cleared the first five heights she attempted on her first attempts. That helped her be successful in the event as she claimed the Class C girls high jump Saturday at Omaha Burke Stadium. Chatfield won the event after clearing 5-4 on her first try. “I came in at opening height at 4-8 and I made them all on my first attempt,” Chatfield said.
Grand Island Central Catholic athletes bring home medals from state track

1 week ago | theindependent.com | Marc Zavala

OMAHA – The Grand Island Central Catholic track and field teams brought home some medals from the state track meet. The Crusader girls had four medalists, while the boys had two during Saturday’s action at the state track meet at Omaha Burke Stadium. Grace Johnson led the way with two medals for the GICC girls. Johnson finished fourth in the 100 hurdles at 15.36, while taking fifth in the 300 hurdles at 45.83.
Falk repeats in 100 hurdles to help Nebraska Christian girls finish second

1 week ago | theindependent.com | Marc Zavala

OMAHA – The Nebraska Christian girls left the state track meet with plenty of smiles. Not only did the Eagles bring home medals from seven events, but they also brought home the Class D state runner-up trophy after Saturday’s action at Omaha Burke Stadium. Nebraska Christian edged Elm Creek 42-40 for the runner-up spot. Dundy County Stratton dominated the girls portion in winning seven events, a record for any class in girls state history, to score 86 points.