Nebraska...not feeling Frosty anymore

[Tony G]

Slow Husker news day, so I was trying to pep things up a little.

Does this mean there wasn't much news or is it a commentary on Nebraskans in general? ;-)

[entropy]

Heh.... I mean, Bastard....

[entropy]

Those who attend the more than 100 events held each year in the Johnny Carson Theater at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?s Lied Center for Performing Arts will notice several improvements to the 23-year-old venue when its renovation is completed next year.

The $571,500 renovation project, including a completely redesigned entrance and lobby and new theater floor, is being made possible with a gift from the John W. Carson Foundation.

The university announced the gift made to the University of Nebraska Foundation?s Campaign for Nebraska during an April 26 celebration at the Carson Theater.

The renovation will provide a new entrance to the theater, nearly double the size of the current lobby area and provide a new high-grade floor to serve the theater for the next 20 years.

?This renovation will transform the Johnny Carson Theater into a world-class venue in every aspect,? said Bill Stephan, executive director of the Lied Center for Performing Arts.

The renovation will provide a dramatic new entrance and appropriate lobby area for the Carson Theater and help create an environment that will help patrons begin to experience the ultimate theatrical journey, Stephan said.

The renovation will also feature a new tribute area to celebrate Johnny Carson?s legacy and entertainment contributions.

The renovation will begin in 2014 and end in time for the celebration of the Lied Center?s 25th anniversary during the 2014-15 season.

?We can think of no better way to commemorate our anniversary than with a tribute to Johnny Carson, who has helped so much of this university with his generosity,? Stephan said.

The Johnny Carson Theater is a black box theater that seats up to 250 people and is able to be configured for a variety of different performances.

The space is host to more than 100 events annually, ranging from professional theater presentations and dance concerts to youth programs and special events. Located on the west side of the Lied Center, the theater was named after Johnny Carson in recognition of a gift he provided toward construction of the Lied Center for Performing Arts in 1990.
Johnny Carson

Carson was born in Corning, Iowa, on Oct. 23, 1925, and grew up in Norfolk, Neb. He served in World War II in the Navy as an ensign before enrolling at the University of Nebraska in 1947. He received a bachelor?s degree in radio and speech with a minor in physics in 1949.

He hosted The Tonight Show for 30 years, from 1962 to 1992. He earned six Emmy Awards, a Peabody Award and was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1992 and received Kennedy Center Honors in 1993.

In announcing the gift to the university, members of the John W. Carson Foundation issued a statement saying they are ?pleased to continue the legacy of Johnny Carson?s support for the University of Nebraska by making this grant for the renovation of the Johnny Carson Theater.?

This latest gift from the John W. Carson Foundation joins other major support from Carson and his foundation, which has bolstered the university?s theater, film and broadcasting education.

In 1978, Carson established the Johnny Carson Scholarship, a permanently endowed fund to provide awards to Nebraska high school graduates. He made a gift in 1988 to support the construction of the Lied Center for Performing Arts, and the black box theater adjoining the main stage was named the Johnny Carson Theater in his honor.

In 2004, Johnny Carson gave $5.3 million to support theater and film programs at the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts and to renovate and expand the university?s Temple Building, home to the theater program and where Carson studied.

After Carson?s death on Jan. 23, 2005, the university received a $5 million gift from his estate to create an endowment to permanently support programs in theater, film and broadcasting. In his memory and recognition, the university?s theatre arts department was renamed the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film.

The John W. Carson Foundation gave $1 million in 2011 to create the Johnny Carson Opportunity Scholarship Fund, a permanently endowed scholarship fund that provides annual scholarship assistance to students from Nebraska who study within the Carson School of Theatre and Film.

At the gift announcement, Chancellor Harvey Perlman said UNL is once again honored to receive support from the foundation of the late Johnny Carson.

?As an integral arm of our performing arts program, the Johnny Carson Theater is an important venue that provides our students and Nebraska residents with opportunities to experience many aspects of the performing arts,? Perlman said. ?We are incredibly appreciative of this gift, which promises to greatly improve the experience guests will have at the theater while proudly honoring Johnny Carson?s legacy.?

Student support is a top priority of the Campaign for Nebraska. If you?d like to help students, please give online or contact the foundation at 800-432-3216.




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[entropy]

At $5600 now..

[ame="http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nebraska-7-Year-Old-Jack-Hoffman-Autographed-2013-Upper-Deck-Star-Rookie-Card-/161019145138?pt=US_Football&hash=item257d7d2bb2"]Nebraska 7 Year Old Jack Hoffman Autographed 2013 Upper Deck Star Rookie Card | eBay[/ame]

[entropy]

D.J. Foster of Lincoln Southeast is the top-ranked prospect in the state of Nebraska for the class of 2014. Foster, a consensus four-star recruit, is the highest regarded offensive lineman to come out of the state since Baker Steinkuhler graduated from Lincoln Southwest in 2008. Foster is one of the best interior linemen in the country and is arguably the top offensive line target of the Huskers for this class. I had the opportunity to interview D.J. in an attempt to gain some insight into his recruiting experience. The following is a transcript from that:

Q: What kind of things do you do for fun?

A: I draw and hangout with my friends from school.

Q: At what age did you start playing football?

A:I started playing football at the age of 10.

Q: What was your favorite college team growing up?

A:My favorite college team growing up was Alabama.

Q: Have a favorite NFL Team?

A: My favorite team would have to be the Atlanta Falcons.

Q: Which is better, the NFL or college?

A: College, everyday.

Q: Do you try and emulate any specific player?

A: No, I just try and be myself and play to my potential.

Q: Any particular reason for the jersey number (#67)?

A: No, it was just my freshman number and I feel as though it fits me.

Q: Are you happy the NCAA is going to a playoff, or did you prefer the BCS system?

A: I just want to be able to see how it goes, but I did like the BCS system.

Q: When and who was your first scholarship offer?

A: I received my first scholarship offer during the spring of my sophomore year from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Q: How many scholarship offers do you currently have?

A: I currently have 9 offers and hoping for more.

Q: Is there a school that hasn't offered you that you would like to see do so?

A: I would hope that UCLA and Alabama offer this summer.

Q: What are some of the considerations you have when deciding between schools?

A: The school must have a high percentage of scholar athletes who end up with their degrees. The school has to have a lengthy background of winning throughout its history. The school should have good facilities.

Q: Who are the schools currently on your list for consideration? Any leader(s)?

A: I haven't figured out my top five yet, but I will by July.

Q: Who is currently recruiting you the hardest?

A: Nebraska and Iowa State

Q: Do you pay attention to the recruiting momentum of the teams you are considering?

A: Not really.

Q: Did you attend any schools Spring Game?

A: Only Nebraska, to see my brother (Trey) play for the first time as a tight end.

Q: Do you plan on attending any camps or combines this summer?

A:I might go to a few camps, but nothing has been decided.

Q: Have you thought about who you might want to use your official visits on?

A: Florida and Georgia for now.

Q: What positions are you being recruited to play?

A: offensive guard

Q: What position would you prefer to play in college?

A: Offensive and defensive line; both are great with me.

Q: What do you feel are some of your playing strengths?

A: My physical playing style, how I finish blocks, and my quick feet.

Q: What are some things you would like to work on between now and college?

A: My overall speed, endurance, strength and my foot placement.

Q: How would you feel about Redshirting?

A: Whatever the coaches feel would be better for me in the long-run, I'm okay with.

Q: What is the most annoying aspect of the recruiting process?

A: Having to call coaches and talking to them on facebook all of the time.

Q: Do you have a major in mind?

A: Something that involves blueprints and my own office.

Q: What are your goals for your senior season?

A: To make it to State without doubts in anyone's mind that we are going to win.

Q: Do you have any individual goals for your college career?

A: Just to be able to say I got everything I could out of the experience.

Q: What do you think you will miss most about high school?

A: That I was able to play with my friends that I grew up with and have known since I was little, all the way through high school together.

Q: What is the craziest recruiting pitch you have heard so far?

A: You can use the next four years you are here and turn them into the best years in school history.

Q: Do you have a time frame as to when you would like to commit?

A: I would like to commit at the end of summer. But if I don't have it completely figured out, I will wait until after State is over to make my decision.

Q: In addition to National Letter of Intent Day in February, should there be an early signing period like college basketball has?

A: No, I think that the National Letter of Intent day in February is the day that kids can feel special with the rest of their teammates that are signing on to play college football.

Q: Have you communicated with any prospective recruits about attending the same school?

A: No

Q: What are 3 things on your Bucket List?

A: 1. To have a piece of my art put in a museum. 2. To have a chance to make it to the NFL and start at least one game. 3. To feel as though I have made it successfully.

Q: Who has been the biggest influence in your life?

A: My grandfathers, father and brother.




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[entropy]

Nebraska may need some immediate help at offensive tackle in 2014.

It appears help has arrived.

It comes in the form of Alex Lewis, a 6-foot-6, 285-pound son of former Nebraska All-American center Bill Lewis.

Alex Lewis, a starter last season at Colorado as a sophomore, told the Journal Star on Friday he is set to arrive on campus next month. He can immediately begin working out with the team.

Per NCAA transfer rules, however, he must sit out the 2013 season. He then will have two seasons to play for the Huskers.

He started every game at left guard last season for 1-11 Colorado, but said he'll likely play tackle at Nebraska.

He also heavily considered attending West Virginia.

Why Nebraska?

"Nebraska has a passion for winning," he said. "The coaches up there are passionate about caring about you not just as a football player. They understand that football is important, but it lasts only so long. They'll set you up for life."

His father is a native Sioux City, Iowa, who was an All-American at Nebraska in 1985 and played seven seasons in the NFL. Alex's grandparents own a horse ranch near Lincoln.

"I want to be part of a team where guys care about winning," said the graduate of Mountain Pointe High in Tempe, Ariz.

Nebraska this season likely will start a pair of seniors at tackle ? Jeremiah Sirles and Brent Qvale. Another senior, Andrew Rodriguez, has extensive experience at the position.

Lewis did not take part in Colorado's spring practice after shoulder surgery Nov. 30. According to the Denver Post, he graded out to 85.3 percent last season, second-best of all CU linemen. He allowed only two sacks.

Former Nebraska defensive coordinator Charlie McBride is a close friend of the Lewis family.

"Even when he was a little kid, he was a tough guy," said McBride, who has a home in the Phoenix area and watched Alex Lewis play in high school. "I think the kid really has a chance to be something special. But that's going to be up to him.

"He was Colorado's best offensive lineman last season."

[entropy]

North Platte Telegraph

I caught up with Rich Sanger a few days ago for a little chit chat about Husker football many years ago.

We talked about his days in the early '70s as the Husker with the big right leg, who could put the ball all the way out of Memorial Stadium with a good kick.

In fact, he did boot it out of the stadium several times just fooling around after practice.

"I got quite a few out, but it is a long way out of that stadium," Sanger said.

He's always been a Colorado kid and to some Colorado fans he was a traitor to the University of Colorado Buffaloes when he signed with Nebraska.

The Huskers signed him as a linebacker and Sanger said the kicking and punting deal just sort of happened.

He was actually a three-year All-State linebacker at Ovid, Colorado's Revere High School and earned two years of all-state honors as a running back at Revere.

He performed the Husker place kicking chores all three years of his Husker career and added the rare dual role of punting during his last couple of years as a Husker.

Sanger's heyday from 1971-72 under Bob Devaney and 1973 playing for Coach Tom Osborne put him on the field for one national championship and an overall record of 31-4-2 during that period.

Sanger celebrates the fact he had one 54-yard field goal that fell 3 yards short of the Husker record and he kicked a game winner against the Kansas Jayhawks in Lincoln in 1973 to win that game 10-9.

I asked him if the goal posts had been 3 yards further back would his 54-yard kick have still cleared the cross bar and he thinks it would have.

"It hit the facing of the stands in the north end zone," he said. "I knew I hit it well and it was straight as an arrow. My longest in practice was 59 yards, but practice and a game are two different worlds."

Sanger says he played with a very special collection of great guys and great athletes. Johnny Rodgers, Jerry Tagge, Jeff Kinney, Rich Glover, Willie Harper, Dave Humm, Van Brownson, Jerry Murtaugh. Every one of them with All-America tags except Brownson and he was a quality quarterback who shared playing time with Tagge.

"Our third team was as good as any other team in the nation," Sanger said, "At least in 1971 when we won it all and beat AP's No. 2 Oklahoma 35-31, in the Game of the Century and No. 3 Colorado 31-7."

Sanger said he tried out for three NFL teams after his playing career at Nebraska, but was the last player cut on all three teams. It still makes him upset because, "the guys they kept couldn't carry my jock."

Finally at the ripe old age of 27 Sanger had to get a real job. He's been a salesman for more than 30 years and said he still thanks NU for taking a little farm boy out of Colorado and making him feel comfortable in any situation.

Memorable games for Sanger are two Orange Bowls, one Cotton Bowl and a Senior Bowl back when bowl games meant something.

Now, he says everyone goes to a bowl game and they're nothing like the exclusive games they used to be.

Sanger was recruited by a dozen or so big schools and most of the area smaller schools in Colorado and said the decision to go to Nebraska was, by far, the best decision he's ever made.

"If a kid gets an offer from NU and doesn't take it, he is too stupid to play there anyway," Sanger said.

I asked Sanger if he ever gave thought to going to Colorado to play football, you know, kicking in the thin air?

"At first Boulder was my first choice being a Colorado boy," Sanger said. "After I made my visit, I knew there had to be something better. When I made my trip to Lincoln, I knew immediately it was the place for me.

"I was a linebacker. I didn't start kicking until spring ball my freshman year. Coach Melton [linebacker coach at that time] recruited me and knew I could kick from my high school years. Next thing I knew I was kicking. Until my senior year, I had to practice with the linebackers and kick as a sidelight. Anyone would love to kick at altitude, make no mistake it adds a minimum 5 to10 yards to your average."

Sanger asked me to remind all the good Husker fans in the North Platte area that spots are still open for the charity golf tournament in Las Vegas on June 17, to benefit former Husker All-America quarterback Dave Humm.

Humm battles Multiple Sclerosis and has hit a financial crises in his life. If you'd like to play golf with former Husker and Oakland Raider players send your check for $250 and mail to Husker Greats Foundation, 8031 West Center Road, Omaha, NE 68124.

[entropy]

even though the NFL may fine him for it eventually for wearing the wrist band.... It's still great to see

*************

CINCINNATI ? Every time running back Rex Burkhead takes a handoff during Cincinnati Bengals rookie minicamp and tucks the ball under his right arm, that red "Team Jack" wristband stands out.

The thin band reminds everyone of a 7-year-old cancer patient back in Nebraska who has changed Burkhead's life in a lot of ways. Jack Hoffman is on his wrist and in his thoughts as he moves on to the NFL.

"It's very humbling," Burkhead said. "I think I've gotten more from the relationship than he has, honestly. It's helped me look at many things in my life in a new perspective. It's made me not get down on things.

"If I'm going through times that I think are tough, it's nothing like what he's going through. I just can't appreciate enough having the relationship with him."

Rex and Jack have become quite a pair.

Burkhead got the meet the boy as part of Nebraska's life skills program. Jack has a tumor located in a part of the brain that's difficult to reach. His prognosis was grim. His relatives are Cornhusker fans and he looked up to Burkhead.

Could they meet?

Sure.

They had lunch. Burkhead gave them a tour of the stadium. He promised to stay in touch, mindful of the lesson his parents Robyn and Rick taught him.

"I think they've brought me up the right way, made sure I have a level head, never let me get too high on myself," Burkhead said. "I can't thank them enough for raising me that way.

"You're a football player yes, but there's another side to you and the most important side is how good of a person you are."

Burkhead is working with the family to promote awareness of pediatric brain cancer and raise funds for research. Jack is doing well, responding to treatment that's shrinking the tumor. Burkhead talks to Jack's father, Andy, nearly every day as they work on the campaign.

Their relationship became a national topic when the Cornhuskers decided to let Jack suit up and score a touchdown during their spring game last month. President Obama saw video of the run and invited the Hoffmans and Burkhead to the White House.

The Bengals drafted Burkhead in the sixth round on Saturday, April 27. Two days later, he accompanied the Hoffmans to the White House and met with Obama for about 15 minutes.

"Sitting in the West Wing waiting for the president to come out and get you is a pretty unreal experience," Burkhead said.

Obama talked to Jack and his family, and spent a little time with Burkhead.

"He said thanks for everything you've done for him," Burkhead said. "He also talked about the Bengals a little bit as well, knew I got picked up by them. He said he's watched 'Hard Knocks' before, so he asked me about camp coming up."

Andy Hoffman was touched by that moment.

"The best thing is when the president told Rex, 'Thank you for everything that you've done for Jack.' That was cool," Hoffman said. "To me, all of the awareness was part of the visit and the goal, but that was a very humbling and rewarding experience ? to hear the president of the United States thank Rex. We've told him thank you a thousand times, but to have it come from a guy like that is really special."

Burkhead is taken aback by how so many people have shown an interest in Jack.

"I don't think when we first started our relationship we ever thought it would be like this," Burkhead said. "It's been cool. We're trying to do as much as we can."

This weekend, Burkhead has been learning the Bengals playbook and trying to make a good first impression on coaches. The Bengals are looking for a change-of-pace back to complement BenJarvus Green-Ellis. They also drafted Giovani Bernard from North Carolina in the second round.

The lessons he's learned from Jack are helping him through the competition.

"Just stay positive about things," he said. "Oftentimes we get caught up in difficult things going on, and we just need to stay the course, stay positive."

Burkhead has given himself another goal involving the boy: Get him to switch NFL allegiances.

"He's always been a Packers fan," Burkhead said. "But hopefully I've switched sides for him."

Notes: The Bengals signed WR Cobi Hamilton ? a sixth-round pick from Arkansas ? on Saturday. They've also signed OT Reid Fragel from Ohio State and center T.J. Johnson from South Carolina, both seventh-round picks.








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[entropy]

May 09, 2013 8:30 pm ? Mike Nieto Prep Beat
Lyons Twp. stops Mount Carmel

JOLIET | Mount Carmel had played 41 baseball games entering its Class 4A state semifinal contest Friday against Lyons Twp., and each time the ? Read more
Mount Carmel wins Prep Bowl

CHICAGO | Brandon Greer kicked it into high gear in the second half of Friday's 78th annual Prep Bowl at Soldier Field. Read more
Marian Catholic baseball team wins Class 3A state title

JOLIET | Marian Catholic is standing proud atop the Illinois prep baseball world. Read more
Crete-Monee wins Class 6A state championship

CHAMPAIGN | It wasn?t just LaQuon Treadwell who stood out in Crete-Monee?s 33-26 Class 6A championship-winning victory over Cary-Grove on Satu? Read more

It has been a different and rough road for former Crete-Monee football player Matt Finnin.

Finnin signed in February to play for Nebraska.

"I never thought when I was playing high school football that I would play for Nebraska," Finnin said. "You always dream of playing in the Big Ten."

Finnin originally signed with Western Michigan, then came home when his dad Gary became sick. His dad died in April. Matt enrolled at the College of DuPage where he played football.

"I was my dad's caretaker and it was tough, but I am glad I did it," Finnin said. "It really isn't that big of a sacrifice when you look at it. The tough part was balancing school, but if my dad needed anything, I was just 45 minutes from home."

At DuPage, he was a big factor in the team soaring to a 9-2 record and a win over Northeastern Oklahoma A&M in the Citizen's Bank Bowl. One scouting service, Rivals.cmo had him as one of the top junior college offensive tackles. At Crete-Monee, he was a Times first-team all-area offensive lineman in 2009. He had offers from Ohio State, Oklahoma, West Virginia, Florida State, Maryland, Kentucky and Marshall.

"I am very fortunate to have the chance to move on and get a scholarship and play football," Finnin said. "I get my education paid for and that is a big help."

At DuPage, there are no scholarships and his dad helped him pay the freight. He shares an apartment with five other teammates in the western suburbs.

"For $200 a month, I sleep on a couch," Finnin said. "Rents are a little steep out here, but you get used to it.

"That is why I feel very fortunate to go to a place where my tuition and room (and board) is covered by the scholarship."

The 6-foot-7, 307-pound Finnin had to mature quickly. It is always tough to lose a parent, but when you are young like he is, it makes it that much tougher. I am sure he thinks about the great days ahead that Gary will miss, though he said he knows his dad will be looking down on him. He was glad his dad was able to see him sign his letter of intent.

"My dad was real proud of me, but he would be proud if I was working at (a fast-food place)," Finnin said. "He taught me to take pride in whatever I did and if I were frying hamburgers, he would want me to be the best at it. He would go out and tell everyone to eat there because his son is the best cook."

Mat Finnin will make his dad proud and make a few Cornhusker fans proud of him.




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[entropy]

UNL's first basketball game in the new pinnacle bank area will be...

Florida Gulf Coast. Florida GC returns 4 starters from last year?s team that became first 15 seed in history of the NCAA Tournament to advance to the Sweet 16.

[WM Wolverine]

Your team Sweet 16 bound?

I feel like your basketball team is in another conference, I know nothing about your team and one of the very few games I missed this season of M was against you guys.

[entropy]

uNL has never won an NCAA tourney game... I'd suggest we start there.

That said, I like our coach. He has a KSU football building project. It can be done, but it will be historic just to get UNL into the tourney.

[WM Wolverine]

I was half joking of course. I was just asking to see where you guys felt your program was at. The new stadium should really help down the road. Is your coach the right man for the job? He's got to pretty much 'build' a program but thanks to the football program, the facilities were built for him.

B10 should be a lil' weaker this season, still it's as deep and strong as any conference, though the ACC added some good basketball programs in Syracuse, Pitt & in '14 Louisville.

[entropy]

It should have some lift. The practice facilities and locker room are simply amazing. They blow away the football facilities. It will get UNL noticed and talked about. That is more than what we had before.

[WM Wolverine]

Yup, glad to have another great basketball facility in the B10. Maryland's is terrific too, just need Rutgers to move in to the Prudential Center instead of that shack they play in. ;)