Micah Chaffee's graduation gift came three months late.
In August, the former boys soccer coach at Lincoln Pius X High School earned his law degree from Creighton University. But the reward his wife Meghan had in store would have to wait.
After all, the World Cup didn't start until November.
Chaffee's older brother, Marty, who teaches English in Doha, Qatar, had gotten his hands on tickets and asked if Micah wanted to fly around the world to join him.
"So I talked to my wife about it," Micah said. “At that point (I) would be finishing up law school … and my wife said, ‘Sure. This is my gift to you.’â€
Chaffee, who lives in Ashland, returned to Nebraska on Sunday after a whirlwind of a week in the tiny Persian Gulf emirate that's hosting the biggest event in soccer.
Nebraska principal placed on administrative leave
Grand Island, the largest high school in Nebraska, cancels girls varsity basketball season
WWE star Hulk Hogan promoting beer’s introduction to Nebraska
New lesbian-owned lounge opening in Lincoln hopes to foster 'authentic' atmosphere
Papillion dog, who loved pears and a select few, euthanized after tough life
Winter outlook not favorable to drought relief in Nebraska
Pink concert at Lincoln arena postponed, officials say
Sound waves: What others are saying about Nebraska's loss at Indiana
Hulk Hogan, WWE Hall of Famer, visits Lincoln to promote new beer
After tumultuous upbringing in Nebraska, new state IT head hired to 'be a change agent'
Lincoln Journal Star 2024 Election Voter's Guide: Local candidates on the issues
Big Noon Huskers: Nebraska to play on Fox's primetime TV slot two weeks in a row
Cover Five: Is the running back carousel sustainable? And, Nebraska not closing book on Merritt
Luke's Extra Points: An ill-timed fumble, a costly kickoff mistake, Rhule takes blame
Pillen approves new head of Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission
On the itinerary: eight matches over five days in five different stadiums.
"It was just an amazing experience," said Micah, who coached boys soccer at Pius X for 10 years, including five as the varsity head coach.
Marty Chaffee, who moved to Qatar about nine years ago, went through a lottery system to secure tickets last spring.
The highlight of the trip for the brothers was the United States' group stage match against England on Friday that ended in a 0-0 draw.
"We just had awesome tickets" Micah said. "Sitting with a bunch of USA fans ... it just gave you chills. It's hard to really describe."
He was in Germany for the World Cup in 2006, but this year's tournament was an entirely different experience. Since Qatar is roughly the size of Connecticut, the brothers were able to easily jump from stadium to stadium to squeeze in as much soccer as they could.
“No one should ever attend the amount of games we did in the span of five days,†Micah said. “For us, just to be able to, it was incredible.â€
His first impressions after he flew into Qatar were of the impressive skylines and stadiums lit up at night. Then the enormous wealth: Massive compounds with marble walls, skyscrapers, fancy cars. The emirate spent hundreds of billions of dollars building seven new stadiums, more than 100 hotels and a sleek metro system for the World Cup.
Listen now and subscribe: | | | |
"I was in awe," he said. "It just seemed like every car was a Lexus SUV or a Land Rover."
Marty Chaffee and his wife Liz, who teach at an American school in Doha, witnessed the transformation of the tiny Gulf state over the years, including massive shopping malls and a new highway system.
"We went from it taking us 40 minutes to go to most places to 15 minutes," Marty said from Qatar on Monday.
Now with the World Cup going on, the country is teeming with people, too. Restaurants that were once empty are full.
Marty and Liz have even gotten in on the tourism action themselves, making postcards and posters celebrating Qatari cultural locations that are sold in gift shops and museums.
"It's exciting," Marty said. "It feels like a really vibrant city now."
When the tournament approached, Marty knew he wanted tickets. A love for soccer is just something that runs through the family, which moved to Nebraska from Texas when Marty and Micah were young.
Micah, the second-youngest of four boys, played for Lincoln Lutheran in high school and collegiately at Concordia and Drake. He went on to play semi-pro soccer and later took over for his oldest brother, Matt, as the boys varsity coach at Pius X.
Marty, the second-oldest, also played soccer at Lutheran and coached there for a time, too.
"We're a soccer family. That was our primary sport growing up," Micah said.
Marty requested tickets back in March, knowing he would regret it if he didn't try.
But Tuesday, he won't be at the United States' final group stage match, versus Iran, which the U.S. must win to advance.
Like Micah, he'll be watching from home. A week's worth of World Cup soccer is tiring.
"The exhaustion has caught up to me," he said.
Top Journal Star photos for November
Krystal Peters moves out from her room at St. Monica's in this photo taken through the reflection of a mirror, Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022, in Lincoln.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule throws a football to the gathering crowd, Monday, Nov. 28, 2022, in Lincoln.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Matt Rhule is introduced as the new head football coach at Nebraska during a news conference Monday at Hawks Championship Center. Nebraska signed Rhule to an eight-year contract.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska head football coach Matt Rhule is surrounded by media after his introductory news conference Monday at Hawks Championship Center.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Matt Rhule, who was announced as Nebraska football's new head coach, walks into an introductory press conference on Monday, Nov. 28, 2022, at the Hawks Championship Center. Rhule was introduced as the University's 31st permanent head coach, The 47-year-old, has experience coaching at both the collegiate level and the professional level. Working as a head coach for the past 10 years, seven in college programs and three season for the Carolina Panthers. Nebraska signed Rhule to an eight-year contract
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska's Kaitlyn Hord (right) walks off the court with teammate Lexi Rodriguez during Senior Day on Saturday at the Devaney Sports Center.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska's Madi Kubik walks out for Senior Day with her family, including father Brad Kubik and mother Renae Kubik, on Nov. 26 at the Devaney Sports Center.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska's Garrett Nelson (44) holds the Heroes Game Trophy above his head in celebration of the Huskers' 24-17 win against Iowa on Friday at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska's Garrett Nelson (not pictured) hands off the Heroes Trophy to fans after defeating Iowa on Friday at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Bennington's Owen Douglas (top) and Gunnar Lymduring collide while going for an interception against Omaha Gross »å³Ü°ù¾±²Ô²µÌý the Class B state championship game Tuesday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Junior Anna Metzger (left) and sophomore Sammie Frank show off their dance moves at a rehearsal of Lincoln North Star's winter musical "Jingle Arrgh the Way!" on Tuesday at North Star.
HAYDEN ROONEY, Journal Star
Pierce's Nik Harvey (left) defends against Aurora's Carlos Collazo during the Class C-1 state championship game Tuesday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Norfolk Catholic head coach Jeff Bellar is drenched by a bucket of water by players Karter Kerkman (right) and Ty Geiger (not visable) after winning the Class C-2 championship game Tuesday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Omaha Westside's Jahmez Ross and Keynan Cottondives for a fumble alongside Gretna's Alexander Runge in the third quarter during the class A championship game on Monday, Nov. 21, 2022, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Clarkson/Leigh's Drew Beeson (left) embraces his father Robert Beeson in the closing seconds of the Patriots' win against Neligh-Oakdale in the Class D-1 championship Monday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Hitchcock County's Drew Scott (4, center) lifts the trophy with his teammates after the Falcons defeated Howells-Dodge in the Class D-2 championship Monday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
A Navy Blue Angel F/A-18 Hornet is moved into a hanger for a news conference Monday.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Wisconsin's Chimere Dike goes up to catch a ball against Nebraska's Myles Farmer on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. It was later ruled an incomplete pass.
HAYDEN ROONEY Journal Star
Nebraska interim head coach Mickey Joseph shouts encouragements to his players before the Wisconsin game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska's Ernest Hausmann breaks up a pass intended for Wisconsin's Jack Eschenbach on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska's Myles Farmer celebrates after denying Wisconsin a field goal attempt in the second quarter, Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in Lincoln.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Parkview Christian head coach PJ Book (center) embraces high school seniors Chandler Page (left) and Anthony Page after the Patriots defeated Pawnee City in the Class D-6 state championship Nov. 18 at Foster Field in Kearney.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo
Lied Place is the tallest Lincoln building outside of the state Capitol.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Gov.-elect Jim Pillen poses for a portrait, Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022, at Nebraska State Capitol in Lincoln.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Dorothy Applebee, who is 92 years old, uses a leaf blower to clean up leaves in her yard with the help of her son, Bob Unger (not pictured), on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022, at in Lincoln. As the signs of winter began to slowly show itself. As cold winds are expected to continue throughout the week, accompanied by partly cloudy weather.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska's Jaz Shelley has her shot blocked by Creighton's Carly Bachelor in the first half Tuesday at Sokol Arena in Omaha.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Shaneeka Fondal said Lincoln was the safe community she hoped for when she relocated her family from New Orleans. Catholic Social Services nominated the family to receive help from Journal Star readers in its annual Thanks for Giving program. Front row from left: Adoree Ross, 7; Myracle Ross, 9; Darryl Ross Jr., 12; Darryl Ross III, 10; back row from left, Kameron Ross, 8; Elijah Ross, 4; Darryl Ross Sr.; Shaneeka Fondal, Shamara Fondal, 16; Dakota Ross, 5.Â
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
The Color Guard presents the U.S. and Nebraska Flag »å³Ü°ù¾±²Ô²µÌýLincoln Veterans Parade on Sunday.
HAYDEN ROONEY, Journal Star
A lake in Waterford Estates, a development in northeast Lincoln, is a flood mitigation effort that removed adjacent land from the Stevens Creek floodplain, which now includes the housing development. The city is proposing changes to its floodplain regulations, and a broad-based group is advocating the city first investigate such structural solutions. The city says it is doing so, but new rainfall data means it must update the regulations now.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
While being held by his grandmother, Sarah Thomsen (left), 2-year-old Brandon Thomsen accepts a teddy bear from Judge Reggie Ryder during an adoption hearing on National Adoption Day on Saturday at the County-City Building.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
The crowd celebrates Nebraska's 300th sellout with a card stunt during a break before the third set against Iowa on Friday at the Devaney Sports Center.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Cornhusker Boy Scouts in WW I uniforms from left, Leighton Dames, 10, Mikaela Roger, 17, Gabriel Roger, Josephina Roger, 11, line up to perform color guard duties during a Veterans Day celebration Nov. 11 at Nebraska State Capitol.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Jill Davis (from left), Bill Stephan and Leslie Wright pose for a photo in front of Lied Center, Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022, in Lincoln.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Supporters of gubernatorial candidate Jim Pillen wait for him to take the stage on Tuesday at Marriott Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Republican Jim Pillen speaks at his election night party in Lincoln after winning the governor's race in Nebraska on Tuesday.Â
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Juju Tyner, director of Queer Choir LNK (left), embraces Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks, the Democratic nominee in the race to represent Nebraska's 1st Congressional District on Tuesday at Lincoln Station in Lincoln.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Voters cast their ballots at the First Christian Church on Tuesday in Lincoln.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska's Juwan Gary (4) competes for a rebound with Maine's Milos Nenadic (left) and Peter Filipovity on Monday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Nebraska's Alexis Markowski (left) celebrates a three-pointer by Kendall Coley at the end of the first quarter against Omaha on Monday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
University of Nebraska-Lincoln student Morgan Rief of Lincoln tries to stay warm as she sits in the stands with her family before the Minnesota game, Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
GICC celebrates winning the C-1 state championship after defeating Gothenburg on Saturday at the Devaney Sports Center.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
GICC's Avery Kelly (center) celebrates after her team scores against Gothenburg in the Class C-1 state championship Saturday at the Devaney Sports Center.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Lincoln Lutheran celebrates after defeating Archbishop Bergan in the Class C-2 state championship Saturday at the Devaney Sports Center.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Lincoln Lutheran's Keri Leimbach (bottom left) is surrounded by teammates after the Warriors won the second set of the Class C-2 state championship against Archbishop Bergan on Saturday at the Devaney Sports Center.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Hartington CC celebrates after defeating Norfolk Catholic in the Class D-1 state championship Saturday at the Devaney Sports Center.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska's Caleb Tannor (2) celebrates his sack against Minnesota on Nov. 5 at Memorial Stadium. Tannor is one of 12 for-sure seniors on the Husker team.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star file photo
Howells-Dodge celebrates with a dogpile after defeating Overton to win the class D-2 state volleyball championships on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, at the Devaney Sports Center.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Lancaster County Election Commissioner Dave Shively poses for a portrait at his office on Friday.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
University of Nebraska-Lincoln students Trevor Darnell (left) and Jake Saelens watch Nebraska plays Indiana from the standing-room only area at Devaney Sports Center in Lincoln, Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2022.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Omaha Skutt players celebrate with a dogpile on the floor, after a four-set win over Norris during a Class B semifinal state volleyball match on Friday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Lincoln Southwest players react as Omaha Westside players rush the floor following their three-set sweep of the Silver Hawks, during a Class A semifinal state volleyball match on Friday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Boone Central's Alex Christo celebrates his touchdown against Ashland-Greenwood in the second quarter, Friday, Nov. 4, 2022, in Ashland.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
The Elkhorn North bench, Anna Martin (13), Peyton Meyer(11) and Finley Gragert (14) react after the 24th point in the third set during a Class B semifinal state volleyball match on Friday, Nov. 4, 2022, at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Elkhorn North's Kailey Hrbek (left) and Shay Heaney try to save the ball from hitting the ground in the first set against Bennington during a Class B semifinal state volleyball match on Friday, Nov. 4, 2022, at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Lincoln Lutheran's Abby Wachal (24) celebrates after a kill against Oakland-Craig during a Class C-2 state volleyball tournament semifinal match Friday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Bayard's Danika Hassel dives for the ball in the third set during a Class C2 first round state volleyball match on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022, at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
BDS' Campbell Bohling (left) and Hayley Silva dive for the ball during a Class D-1 first-round state volleyball tournament match against S-E-M on Thursday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
S-E-M's Taryn Arbuthnot reacts after making a block against BDSÂ during a Class D-1 first-round state volleyball tournament match Thursday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Hartington CC players leap off the bench after defeating Cambridge during a Class D-1 first-round state volleyball tournament match Thursday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Jolyl roll and other rolls are seen at Masa Sushi.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Papillion-La Vista's Mia Tvrdy (center), hugs Reagan Hickey (3) as they celebrate their win over Lincoln East during a Class A first-round state volleyball tournament match Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska's Whitney Lauenstein scores on a block against Indiana on Wednesday at the Devaney Sports Center.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Lincoln East's Shandy Faalii (8) and Sophia Weed (13) try to block a hit by Papillion-LaVista's Mia Tvrdy during a Class A first-round state volleyball tournament match Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Captured by an in-camera long exposure image, Papillion-La Vista takes on Lincoln East during a Class A first-round state volleyball tournament match Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Millard West's Evan Glade (10) celebrates with her team after a kill during a Class A first-round state volleyball tournament match Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Gothenburg's Emily Cornwell (left) celebrates a point scored against Malcolm during a Class C-1 first-round state volleyball tournament match Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Malcolm's Abby Zegar (left) and Lauryn England react after a block against Gothenburg during a Class C-1 first-round state volleyball tournament match Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Third grade students work on grammar packets during class time on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, at Meadow Lane Elementary in Lincoln. Meadow Lane was one of the schools which lost students to new buildings.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Contact the writer at zhammack@journalstar.com or 402-473-7225. On Twitter @HammackLJS
Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter.