MAESTAS DOWN UNDER

Kordell Maestas, a senior at Leyton High School, has been invited to represent Nebraska on the Central Conference Track and Field team competing in Australia in the summer of 2016.

The conference extended the offer to attend the Australian competition, slated for July 3-11, to 300 student-athletes across Nebraska.

Maestas, a standout athlete in track and football for the Warriors, said he is excited for the chance to run with some of the best track athletes in the world while "down under."

"I am excited for the opportunity to represent my family, school, community, state and country in this once-in-a-lifetime experience," he said.

Maestas is not just a shining star on the Warriors track team. Back in October, he rushed for 217 yards and three touchdowns on 23 carries to help propel Leyton to a 40-22 victory over Hay Springs. He finished the gridiron season with 1,036 yards rushing and averaged just over 115 yards per game in 2015.

In order to get to Australia, Maestas needs to raise $5,500 for costs related to the trip. He is currently in a fundraising mode and is asking the community for assistance.

"In order to achieve this goal of competing internationally, I am asking for donations in any amount to go towards the cost of competing down under," Maestas said.

Down Under Sports, the Utah-based company organizing Maestas' journey to Australia, is also offering a drawing for two all-expense paid trips to Australia and Hawaii, as well as a drawing for a 5-day cruise for two for anyone who donates to Maestas' fundraising effort.

Leyton athletic director Lance Howitt praised Maestas' selection to the conference team.

"Anytime our kids get awards or honors like this it reflects on the work they, along with the coaches, do to get ready for whatever sport or season they play in," Howitt said. "I think, a lot of the time, small schools like ours get overlooked and people think our kids can't perform. That's just not true. This is as prestigious as any kid from Lincoln or Omaha getting it. I'm sure our community is very proud of him. It's a big deal for Kordell and he should be proud of himself. We sure are proud of him."

To contribute to Maestas or for more information, email his mother, Bridget Maestas, at [email protected].