Many may recognize the name Connor Happer, particularly those who have attended a Creighton basketball game at CHI Health Center or listeners of 1620 The Zone. Happer has made a name for himself in an intense, ever-changing Nebraska sports media environment. But many are surprised to learn that he went to Central.
“I look back on my time at Central really fondly,” Happer said. The sports media professional transferred from Millard North in 2008 and graduated from Central in 2010.
Happer is a man of many hats, with his main job being the co-host of “The Happer and Schaefer Show,” a morning sports talk show on 1620 The Zone. He also works extensively with Creighton athletics, serving as their in-arena host at home athletic events and as a radio personality.
Additionally, he is the public announcer for Nebraska women’s basketball, emcee for the Omaha Stormchasers and has done sideline reporting and color commentary forthe Men’s College World Series.
Despite his current roles, as an eagle, Happer was not heavily involved in activities lending themselves to sports media. OC Broadcasting did not exist yet, and he was never able to join The Register because he was too busy with varsity football and baseball. However, he said Central played a key role in his professional growth.
“[At Central] I did some PA announcing because nobody else wanted to do it… little did I know I’d be doing something very similar now,” Happer said.
Looking back, Happer now sees those small moments at Central as foreshadowing his future career. The early exposure helped spark an interest in sports media that he would later realize while at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln following a short stint in junior college baseball.
Happer also reflects on the impact his baseball coaches had on his work ethic and preparation. Social studies teacher Scott Wilson, one of the junior varsity baseball coaches at the time, was one of his biggest mentors.
“He was really good at caring about the presentation of the game and how it looked,” Happer said of Wilson’s own public announcing. He said that sticks with him to this day as he navigates sports media.
“He could really crack me up in the dugout… it has been fun to see him make the climb through the sports media ranks here in town,” Wilson said.
Central also holds deep personal meaning for Happer beyond athletics and media. During his time at Central, he met his wife, Jackie.
“This is such a great Central story. I was tapped for the senior collaborative dance with the pom squad, long story short she was my partner, and we’ve been together ever since,” Happer said. “We will always have a special spot for Central in our hearts because of that.”
Since graduating in 2010, Happer has watched Central continue to evolve. He has watched improvements to the building and the creation of the broadcasting program, admiring the innovation that has happened and reflecting on how graduating from Central has shaped his life.
“My time at Central was awesome, and I’m very glad I ended up there,” Happer said.
