Sorry for the lengthy piece last week...too much going on to only send these bi-monthly (or less frequently) anymore, so you will probably start getting these emails weekly throughout the football season. If its too much for your email system to absorb let me know and I can remove you from the list. But for the rest of you die-hard fans, "there's more where that came from" will be the motto this fall.
I've added two great responses to the L.A. Times hack-sportswriter's piece last week (see our website for the last email). Enjoy, and know that the Homeland is being defended by some pretty sharp folks who are setting the record straight!
If you haven't been keeping up with local sports, San Jose is hosting the U.S. Gymnastics Championships this week at the Arena (Shark Tank). Although there aren't any Huskers competing, there are a couple of Big XII reps vying for spots on the U.S. team going to the World competition this fall. The team's performance at Worlds will help determine how many slots the U.S. gets in the Olympics next year in Bejing. See http://www.usa-gymnastics.org/ for more info.
The first football game is only two weeks away. Time to start dusting off those Big Red duds and prepare to come out to our watch party sites to enjoy the game with fellow Husker fans. I'll send more details when we get a little closer. In the meantime check out the countdown timer link on our website: http://www.bayareahuskers.org/
Go Big Red (White and Blue),
Carl
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HUSKERS GET BACK TO WORK AFTER DAY OFF...
Defensive Coordinator Kevin Cosgrove expressed his happiness with the Husker defense following Thursday's practice.
Lincoln -The Nebraska football team got back to work on Thursday inside the Hawks Championship Center, after receiving an unexpected day off on Wednesday. The Huskers were in half pads for the 2 ½ hour practice that was held inside following a damp day in Lincoln. Although the move indoors pulled Nebraska out of Memorial Stadium, where the Huskers have been practicing all week, it did provide a reprieve from the heat that has plagued fall camp.
Defensive Coordinator Kevin Cosgrove addressed the media following practice, stating that he was pleased with the renewed vigor he felt among the team.
We had a lot of energy, Cosgrove said. You could tell we missed a day of practice, but the kids worked hard and had a lot of fun. There was a lot of energy out there.
Cosgrove talked specifically about the defensive personnel and the schemes that the coaching staff has been implementing during fall practices.
I like our ability to get speed on the field, Cosgrove said. At any given time, we can get six linebacker-types on the field with five defensive backs.
Cosgrove' happiness with the defense as a whole only seems to make his job more difficult, as the fourth-year defensive coordinator admits that Nebraska's lineup is still in the developmental stages.
We're continuing to look at a lot of things, Cosgrove said. Nothing is set in stone yet.
Nebraska will resume practice on Friday with its second two-a-day of the season.
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HUSKERS BATTLE HEAT AS FALL CAMP CONTINUES...
The Huskers battled the hot summer sun inside Memorial Stadium on Tuesday.
Lincoln -The Nebraska football team practiced in full pads inside Memorial Stadium for 2 ½ hours on Tuesday afternoon. Once again, the main foe the Huskers battled was the scorching heat on the field.
We have some heat issues now and then, but that's to be expected, Offensive Coordinator Shawn Watson said. We haven't had anything significant, knock on wood. Overall, we're in good shape.
Tuesday's practice marked the fifth time the Huskers wore full pads this fall. Watson emphasized a commitment to establishing the run, whether it’s during practice or during a game.
We always want to run the ball. Our first goal is to run the football, Watson said. We want to be a balanced attack, and to do that you've got to have a run game, and from that you can develop a passing game. It's always something we put a lot of time and effort into.
After practice, Head Coach Bill Callahan announced that senior wide receiver Dan Erickson has been put on scholarship for the year. Erickson appeared in all 14 games last season and made four receptions. His blocking also helped Nebraska feature a vastly improved rushing attack in 2006. Erickson was also a special teams stalwart for the Huskers.
HUSKERS RUN SCRIMMAGE DRILLS IN MEMORIAL STADIUM...
Lincoln 8/11 The Husker football team underwent its first game-like situation Saturday morning as it went through scrimmage drills in a full-pad, 2 1/2 hour workout inside Memorial Stadium.
Saturday marked the first of three two-a-days for Nebraska during fall camp.
HUSKERS GET INTO FULL PADS FOR FIRST TIME...
Lincoln --- 8/10 The Nebraska football team practiced in full pads for the first time this fall on Friday, pushing through despite muggy conditions inside the Hawks Championship Center. Defensive coordinator Kevin Cosgrove addressed the media following the conclusion of the 2 ½ hour practice and was pleased with the Huskers' effort.
We were in full pads today, but didn't do any scrimmaging, said Cosgrove. We had a normal amount of hitting. The kids got after it pretty good.
The players battled through another day of heat and humidity while they were in full gear for the first time. I liked the way our kids fought through (the heat), Cosgrove said. It's hot. Just standing there as a coach, I was sweating.
The Huskers will begin two-a-days on Saturday, practicing in the morning and once in the afternoon. It will be the first of three two-a-days scheduled before fall classes start on Aug. 27.
You've got to be smart. We have to make sure the kids our hydrated, and we've got to watch them closely, Cosgrove said, referring to the weekend's practices. We're very fortunate that our kids came into camp in great shape, so the biggest thing is to be smart with the heat and make sure they hydrate enough.
For the complete practice report, including an exclusive photo gallery from the start of Saturday afternoon's practice, visit the Fall Camp Central page, which will be updated and archived throughout camp leading up to NU's season opener with Nevada.
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RESPONSES TO THE L.A. TIMES ARTICLE ABOUT NEBRASKA...
This one is from a veterinarian living in Crete who routinely writes about Nebraska Football, but sometimes about politics or current events too.
Subject: FW: LA Times Reply
Dear Friends.....Several of you E mailed me and requested an update on the LA Times Bruha. I forget that many of you live outside of Nebraska proper and were not privy to the LA times opinion article. I have therefore copied the article (ed. - see previous Bay Area Husker email) and my response. And now......the rest of the story...
My Reply:
Dear TJ of the LA Times...... I can understand your concerns about our lifestyle...In my hometown of Crete, Nebraska, located about 20 miles southwest of Lincoln, Our lifestyle is certainly "Un-Californiaish". Do you realize that:
1. I live 1/4 mile from my Veterinary Clinic so my commute to work is all of 20 seconds.
2. I live in a house with about 5000 sq. ft....own 7 acres, and can catch a 5 lb bass, right off of my deck.
3. I live about 1/2 mile from "gangs" of Turkey, Deer, Canadian Geese and Bobcats and none of them are "armed".
4. Your Pete Carrol-coached guys have had a nice run of 58-6 these past 5 years which is second only to my Huskers who went 60 and 3 from 93-97 with 3 National Championships.
5. I can spell "Murder" but there hasn't been one in these parts for at least my 50 years.
6. My house has a lock on its door.....but we have never had to use it.
7. In Crete, People spend $100,000 on houses......not cars.
8. When I go to church, I care about the other 300 members because I have known most of them....most of my life.
9. My kids can walk to school and walk around downtown and in shopping malls without a guarded escort.
10. On a clear day, I can see the Capital 25 miles away......I'm not even sure what "Smog" is.
11.......And last but not least......I am about 4 fairway woods from a golf course where it costs $9 to play.
I would invite you to spend some time with me the week before the USC game, but our village already has an idiot, and currently we are not advertising for anyone else to take his place.......As Always in Huskerville...GFL
AND HERE IS A RESPONSE FROM ONE OF OUR OWN BAY AREA HUSKERS!(she also sent it to the reporter's editor...Way to go Shari!)
Hello Mr. Simers,
An old college friend of mine sent your astoundingly rude article (below) on your future visit to Nebraska - and I think I'll comment if you don't mind.
I graduated from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln - though I've lived in Northern California almost my entire life. I have never met kinder people than those of Nebraska. They are unfailingly nice, considerate, and understanding of others. Their generosity and support of each other is legend. It was breathtaking to read your very cruel, negative and bombastic article - where you seemed to think that by mere residence in Southern California, you are somehow superior to the citizens of another area of the country. (How were things in DeKalb, Mr. Simers? Or has the statute of limitations run out on YOUR years in the Midwest?) How juvenile you are!
You are an ignorant man - but that wouldn't be so hideous - if you had any degree of polish or decency. You sound extremely boring and hateful. I wonder why you need to revile others so much - is that really the only way you feel less deficient? I read your article aloud to a group of people over for dinner and these were some of the comments:
(CFO of a Silicon Valley company): "What arrogance - why waste your time replying?"
(CEO of Silicon Valley company): "Why is he so angry, I wonder?"
(honest to God rocket scientist for NASA): "hahahahahahahahah That guy needs a penis transplant."
(my husband, PhD Developmental Psychologist): "Let's talk inadequate."
And those were the NICE comments. I don't think I'd pass along the nasty comments, or you many never come out from under your rock again. I hope you DO visit Nebraska - and I think you'll find that the nice people of that state can even tolerate a gnome such as yourself. They have a very progressive psychiatric hospital in Lincoln... make sure to put that on your list so you feel at home.
Kind regards,
Shari Emling
Los Altos Hills
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HUSKER VOLLEYBALL RANKED NO. 1 IN CSTV/AVCA POLL...
John Cook and the Huskers are ranked No. 1 in the CSTV/AVCA Coaches poll.
The Nebraska volleyball team finds itself in a familiar position, as the Huskers were selected as the nation's top-ranked team in the CSTV/AVCA Division I Coaches Top 25 Poll released Tuesday afternoon.
The Huskers, who finished 33-1 en route to the school's third NCAA title in 2006, return five AVCA All-Americans among their nine returning letterwinners, highlighted by AVCA National Players of the Year Sarah Pavan and Christina Houghtelling.
The Huskers received 53 of the 60 possible first-place votes for a total of 1,491 points, with second-ranked Stanford receiving the other seven first-place votes and totaling 1,350 points.
A three-time first-team All-American and two-time Big 12 Player of the Year, Pavan was the AVCA National Player of the Year last fall after averaging a school-record 5.10 kills and per game. The 6-foot-5 senior leads a talented attack that features three other All-Americans in 2006, outside hitter Jordan Larson, setter Rachel Holloway and middle blocker Tracy Stalls. In addition, Houghtelling, the 2005 AVCA National Player of the Year, returns after missing all of last season after shoulder surgery.
Nebraska, whose 72 weeks ranked No. 1 are the most of any program, have been the nation's top-ranked club in 32 of the last 33 polls dating back to the start of the 2005 season.
If the Huskers are to retain their No. 1 ranking throughout the fall, they will have to overcome one of the toughest schedules in school history. NU could play as many as 11 regular-season matches against teams in the preseason top 25, including matches with No. 3 Penn State and two contests against fourth-ranked Texas. After taking on Tennessee in the opening round of the AVCA Showcase in Omaha, the Huskers will face either fifth-ranked UCLA or No. 21 Utah the following night.
The Huskers and Longhorns are two of the four Big 12 teams ranked in the preseason polling, as Missouri (No. 20) and Oklahoma (No. 22) are listed among the top 25, while Colorado, Iowa State and Texas A&M also received votes from coaches around the country.
Fans will have an opportunity to see a sneak preview of the 2007 season this Saturday, Aug. 18, at 7 p.m., as the Huskers will have their annual Red/White Scrimmage at the Nebraska Coliseum.
Tickets for that match are on sale now with general admission prices set at $10 for adults and $8 for youth and seniors. In addition, there is no cost for UNL students with a valid student ID and for children ages 6 and under. Following the scrimmage, the Huskers will receive their national title rings and the two new banners at the NU Coliseum will be unveiled.
The Huskers open the season the following weekend, as they host the AVCA Showcase at the Qwest Center in Omaha. Tickets are going fast for the four-team tournament which features UCLA, Utah and Tennessee.
CSTV/AVCA Division I Coaches Top 25 Poll (I just included the top 10)
Rank School (First-Place Votes) Total Points 2006 Record 2006 Final Rank
1 Nebraska (53) 1491 33-1 1
2 Stanford (7) 1443 30-4 2
3 Penn State 1350 32-3 5
4 Texas 1269 24-7 7
5 UCLA 1214 33-4 3
6 Southern California 1197 27-5 8
7 Florida 1131 30-3 10
8 Washington 1088 29-5 4
9 Minnesota 1032 26-8 6
10 Hawaii 982 29-6 9
See Huskers.com for the full list. Cal was #12, Mizzou was #20, Oklahoma was #22 and Santa Clara was #24.
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HUSKER RED/WHITE VOLLEYBALL SCRIMMAGE SET FOR SATURDAY...
The Huskers will hold their annual Red/White Scrimmage on Saturday night.
The Husker volleyball team is just two days away from opening its 2007 season with the annual Red/White Scrimmage this Saturday, Aug. 18. First serve is set for 7 p.m., and tickets are available for the first chance to see the defending national champion and nation's top-ranked team in action.
Fans who also come to Saturday's match will also be in for a special treat, as the Husker players will receive their national championship rings and the national championship banner will be unveiled following the match.
It will be a special night for our fans across the Husker Nation, Nebraska Coach John Cook said. We wanted our fans to be part of the rings ceremony because they are what makes our program special and played such an important role in helping us win the national title.
Tickets for that match are on sale now with all seats on Saturday set aside as general admission and are priced at $10 for adults and $8 for youth and seniors. In addition, there is no cost for UNL students with a valid student ID and for children ages 6 and under. Coliseum gates open at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday.
For fans who can't be in attendance for Saturday's scrimmage, the match will be available across the state on the radio on the Husker Sports Network, including B107.3 FM in Lincoln and Omaha, and on Huskers.com. It marks the first time that the Husker Red/White scrimmage has been carried on the radio. In addition to Saturday's radio broadcast, the postgame festivities will also be available on HuskersNside shortly following the match.
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SOCCER'S JAMANI EARNS PRESEASON ALL-BIG 12 TEAM HONORS...
Junior forward Aysha Jamani has earned preseason All-Big 12 honors.
Junior Aysha Jamani has been selected to the preseason All-Big 12 soccer team in the league's coach's poll. Jamani returns to Nebraska for her junior year in 2007 as the Huskers' most potent offensive threat following the graduation of three-time Big 12 Player of the Year Brittany Timko. Jamani owns 11 goals and eight assists in two seasons and has started at forward in 37 games. A former Big 12 All-Newcomer Team member and two-time second-team All-Big 12 selection, Jamani has consistently performed at the highest level for the Huskers.
Fans will have their first chance to check out Jamani and the rest of the Huskers on Saturday, Aug. 18, as the NU soccer team hosts its annual Red / White scrimmage at 2 p.m. The event is free and takes place at the Nebraska Soccer Field, located between Memorial Staidum and the NU Coliseum. The game will give fans a chance to see Nebraska's returning players and a promising incoming class.
Fans are then welcomed back to the Nebraska Soccer Field on Wednesday, Aug. 22 at 6:30 p.m. for Meet-N-Beat the Huskers, an event that includes player-instructed soccer drills and autograph sessions.
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SOFTBALL'S KIER TO EARN DEGREE ON SATURDAY...
Carmen Kier hit seven career home runs for the Huskers.
After playing her final softball game at Nebraska in May's NCAA Regional tournament at Bowlin Stadium, Carmen Kier will complete her undergraduate experience at NU this Saturday, Aug. 18, when she receives her degree in sociology during summer commencement ceremonies at the Bob Devaney Sports Center.
A native of Renton, Wash., Kier entered the Husker program as a freshman in 2002-03. After battling through a pair of knee injuries and redshirting in 2003, Kier went on to start 162 career games, including every contest in her junior and senior seasons.
Kier posted career-best numbers in 2007 and won one Big 12 regular-season title and one tournament crown while being a part of four NCAA Tournament teams, including three which were played at Bowlin Stadium.
Off the field, Kier was a two-time Big 12 Commissioner's Honor Roll selection.
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TICKET EXCHANGE:
This area is set aside for Husker fans looking to buy or sell tickets to upcoming games.
Sell:
None this week.
Buy:
I'd like to request that you post my need for two (2) tickets to the Texas A & M game, 10/20/07
Thanks, Max Noel maxnkit@comcast.net
(This request is from the parents of a new UNL student from the Bay Area) - Allyson is very excited to go to Nebraska. We ARE looking for 2 tickets to the Nebraska - Texas A&M game so if you know anyone, please let us know!
Thanks, Sue Ramans taximomslr@aol.com
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NEWS FROM THE HOMELAND...
* Freshman RB Castille Turning Heads, Trucking Defenders in Huskers' Fall Camp
Even if Nebraska freshman Quentin Castille doesn't become one of the best running backs in Husker history, it'll be a first interview to remember. Boy-oh-boy, this Sam McKewon piece has brought forth comment from USC fans, as well as loyal Husker people. Your analysis is welcome and encouraged. http://nebraska.statepaper.com/vnews/display.v/
ART/2007/08/14/46c1249c74e0f
* Public TV Will Broadcast UNK-UNO Football Game September 1
The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) Mavericks and the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) Lopers square off against each other in the season-opening gridiron match-up for both NCAA Division II schools on Saturday, September 1.
http://nebraska.statepaper.com/vnews/display.v/
ART/2007/08/15/46c3370b824a3
* Nebraska's Business Plan To Keep Up With The Trojans
Underneath the traditional language of football are the words of war. McKewon's first offering for the 2007 season, in case you missed it. http://nebraska.statepaper.com/vnews/display.v/
ART/2007/08/13/46bfdad357331
* Purify and Lucky Are Happy To Be On The Field With Huskers New from Evan Bland at the DN: Two of Nebraska's best offensive
players returned to practice this week after an off-season in which their futures with the team were in doubt. http://nebraska.statepaper.com/vnews/display.v/
ART/2007/08/13/46c0a0c41fc7b
* Five More Keys to San Antonio (And Just Maybe New Orleans)
In round two of this keys focus, we continue to examine just what will determine Nebraska's success in the 2007 season.
http://nebraska.statepaper.com/vnews/display.v/
ART/2007/08/15/46c396fab5d4d
* Rural Poll Reflects Continuing Concerns For Things Related To Shrinking Population
Rural Nebraskans continue to feel generally positive about their communities, even as they recognize some of the shortcomings of rural life. A good read from Dan Moser at the IANR News Service. http://nebraska.statepaper.com/vnews/display.v/
ART/2007/08/17/46c5cd897dd2b
* New Husker Offensive Coordinator Takes Personal Approach
After two weeks of what he described as the toughest fall camp he's ever endured at Nebraska, senior wide receiver Terrance Nunn indulged in a lazy Wednesday afternoon, courtesy of Head Coach Bill Callahan. The latest from Husker football writer Sam McKewon. http://nebraska.statepaper.com/vnews/display.v/ART/
2007/08/17/46c524cfdfaf0
* Outside Funding Hits Record Level For Sponsored Programs At UNL
External funding for sponsored programs at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln hit new levels this year, according to the UNL Office of Research and Graduate Studies. http://nebraska.statepaper.com/vnews/display.v/
ART/2007/08/17/46c5d1db343b8
* West Nile Cases Steadily Increasing
Eleven more cases of West Nile virus have been reported to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) this week, bringing the total cases reported this year to 27. http://nebraska.statepaper.com/vnews/display.v/
ART/2007/08/17/46c5d5eba08a7
* Buffett Helps Obama Raise Bucks
Could Senator Barack Obama carry Nebraska when the state's Democrats caucus next year? This piece concerning Obama and a fundraiser sponsored by Warren Buffett has drawn interesting comment. Keep in coming. http://nebraska.statepaper.com/vnews/display.v/
ART/2007/08/16/46c4972957ec7
* Johanns Order Will Close FSA Offices In Nebraska
Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns, a former Nebraska governor, cannot be accused of trying to give any special consideration these days to the Cornhusker state. http://nebraska.statepaper.com/vnews/display.v/
ART/2007/08/15/46c32ba68eac6
* Meningitis Vaccinations Recommended For College Students
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services is recommending that college students who are going to live in a dormitory or another group setting, like a fraternity or sorority, get vaccinated to protect against meningitis. http://nebraska.statepaper.com/vnews/display.v/
ART/2007/08/15/46c3257c6e253
* Some Good News On Fires In Northwest Nebraska
There was some good news Wednesday about the fires which are still burning about a mile west of Fort Robinson State Park near Chadron. http://nebraska.statepaper.com/vnews/display.v/
ART/2007/08/15/46c332668e865
* Feds Say Drought, Freeze and Rain Qualify Nine Counties For Disaster Aid
The feds have designated nine Nebraska counties as agricultural disaster areas. http://nebraska.statepaper.com/vnews/display.v/
ART/2007/08/15/46c33539a2f05
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