Kearney, Neb. - Former Nebraska-Kearney football standout  Nate Reicks will return from his second deployment overseas this Friday.

A McCook native and a member of the Nebraska National Guard, Staff Sgt. Reicks is part of the 1195th Transportation Company. The 140-person unit has been in Iraq since March 2009 and has provided convoy support to an Oregon brigade combat team.

The 1195th arrived back in U.S. this past Saturday (April 10) and is currently in Fort Carson, Colo. A welcome home ceremony will be held at Kearney High's gym this Friday (April 16) at 5:00 p.m.

A recent story about the 11195th can be found HERE. Reicks is quoted in the story, entitled "Nebraska Guardsmen Perform Convoy Security in Baghdad". He also is interviewed in a short web video.

After a stellar prep career at McCook High, Reicks came to UNK in the fall of 2003. Planning to be both a football player and wrestler, Reicks was sent over to Kuwait, with some missions in Iraq, in early 2004.

Upon returning in 2005, he concentrated on football and became a 2-time All-RMAC defensive end, setting a new school record for sacks in a season (9.5/2008).

Son of UNK All-American wrestler Dean Reicks (who also has served in Iraq), Nate was planning to be the Lopers starter at heavyweight after his senior football season but those plans were cut short with his second assignment overseas.

He did prove his worth on the mats by finishing second, with just a little practice time, at the 2008 UNO-Kaufman Brand Open. That was his last appearance in a UNK uniform.