Photo: millsrymer / E+ / Getty Images
(Omaha, NE) -- Thousands of runners are expected to take part in Saturday's Claussen-Leahy Maverick Run at the University of Nebraska Omaha. Proceeds of the run benefit scholarships for women's sports programs at UNO.
The Claussen-Leahy Maverick Run gets its namesake in part from women’s athletics legend Connie Claussen. Claussen, once dubbed the "Queen of Omaha Athletics” is a trailblazer for women’s athletics, especially softball. Claussen started the Women’s College World Series, which was hosted by Omaha for its first six years. Claussen’s accolades include: inducted into the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Hall of Fame, served on several NCAA national committees, managed the 1979 USA Women’s Softball team that won the Pan American
Games and more. Claussen turns 85 tomorrow (Saturday).
Events begin Saturday at 8:30 a.m. with a 1 mile kids run, followed by the 10K and 5K runs and 5K walk.