Millard West's Hauptman, Niederklein comfortable in their roles
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BY RYLY JANE HAMBLETON / Lincoln Journal Star
Three games into the season, Nate Hauptman settled in as the Millard West quarterback and Tyler Niederklein found his niche at wide receiver.
It wasn’t that clear cut during the summer and early fall.
Hauptman and Niederklein were both quarterbacks and vying for the starting spot. The two friends attended quarterback camp together and spent extra time throwing after summer conditioning.
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But Niederklein, who signed with the Nebraska baseball program last week, had another commitment. He was helping his American Legion baseball team, NP Dodge, advance to the World Series in late August.
So Hauptman eventually took over the reins and has thrown for 1,517 yards. Niederklein moved to wide receiver and has 29 catches for 565 yards. The two have helped the Wildcats to tonight’s Class A state championship game against Millard South.
Playing in the World Series meant Niederklein missed fall camp and even the first game of the season.
“It was a tough decision because you want to be there for the first game,” said Niederklein. “But it was a good experience to have, competing against other kids from around the United States.”
When Niederklein returned, the two shared quarterback duties in the second game.
“We struggled a bit with blocking on the perimeter in the second game, but by the third game, with Tyler out there, we blocked better,” said Hauptman. “A lot of our plays are designed to get outside and he does a great job.”
Niederklein said he had an inkling that it might play out that way.
“All summer long, I thought about being a wide receiver. It’s been a fun change,” he said. “The coaches approached me after the second game about switching. It was more fun having both of us able to play all the time.”
Coach Kirk Peterson said he was mindful of possible repercussions.
“It was a tough choice because they are very good friends and we didn’t want to cause strife in that,” he said. “When we asked him to switch, he jumped at the chance. He’s an athlete.”
Hauptman said he and Niederklein and offensive coordinator Seth Turman spend time each day talking about the offense. And Niederklein is the backup, so he still studies the quarterback’s role.
“Coach Turman liked to spread it around. The three of us get together every day to ‘X and O’ it a bit,” said Niederklein.
“We have a bunch of plays with run-pass option, so it’s nice having a quarterback playing receiver,” said Hauptman.
Millard West beat Millard South 15-12 in the third game of the regular season.
“I can’t wait for Friday. I know both teams have improved. You have to in order to get to the state championship,” he said. “It’s been a long week of school and it’s only Tuesday.”
Both players said the two have settled into the routine.
“It was a little awkward at first. It was different all summer,” said Niederklein. “We were thinking, ‘Who’s going to be the guy and when will we find out?’ We went to the Nebraska quarterback camp together and everybody was making fun about two senior quarterbacks at one school.”
Hauptman said it turned out best for the team.
“It’s easier when you’re in the game and know you’re going to be playing the whole time and don’t have to worry about getting pulled,” he said. “You get in a rhythm. Besides, we ended up seeing a lot of those guys from camp during the season and we beat them all.”
Reach Ryly Jane Hambleton at 473-7314 or rhambleton@journalstar.com.
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