Thursday, November 15, 2007

Bay Area Husker ENews 11-8-07

Hey Bay Area Husker Fans!

One last home game left for 29 seniors. Lets hope they finally break the string of losses and put another "W" on the board so these guys can hold their heads a little higher. Kickoff for the K-State game is set for 9:30 a.m. Pacific Time and all of our watch sites will be active again with great pub breakfasts for all you Hungry Huskers. The game is televised nationally on Versus.

The Volleyball Team has been doing great...came from behind to beat K-State and swept the Buffs last night in Lincoln.

Lots of gallows humor about the football program flying around, so I added a couple of the funnier samples below...pretty creative folks!

Enjoy the reading below, and don't forget to fly your flag on Sunday (and Monday) in honor of all the veterans who have served this great County over the years. And if you are interested, San Jose has a great Memorial Day parade downtown on Sunday the 11th at 11 am.

Go Big Red (White and Blue)...
Carl


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NEBRASKA PLAYS HOST TO WILDCATS IN HOME FINALE...

Quarterback Joe Ganz and the Huskers welcome Kansas State to Memorial Stadium this weekend.

After a pair of road games against nationally ranked opponents, Nebraska returns home to Memorial Stadium for the final time in 2007, taking on Kansas State on Saturday. The Huskers contest with Kansas State will be televised nationally by Versus with kickoff set for 9:37 a.m. PST in the 289th consecutive sellout in Lincoln.

Nebraska will be looking to close the home season on a winning note and end a five-game losing skid on Saturday. The Huskers dropped to 4-6 overall and 1-5 in Big 12 Conference play with a 76-39 loss at No. 8 Kansas last Saturday.

The Wildcats will come to Lincoln with a 5-4 overall record and 3-3 mark in Big 12 Conference play. The Wildcats are coming off a 31-20 loss at Iowa State last Saturday, leaving KSU in a tie for third place in the Big 12 North Division. Prior to the loss at Iowa State, KSU’s three losses had come by a total of 18 points, including losses against nationally ranked Auburn (23-13) and Kansas (30-24).

Nebraska will look to pick up its third straight win over Kansas State and defeat the Wildcats for the 19th time in the past 20 meetings in Lincoln. The Huskers won 29 straight matchups with K-State from 1969 to 1997, but the Wildcats responded by winning five of seven meetings before NU wins the past two seasons. Nebraska will also be looking to complete its home schedule with a 4-3 record which would mark the 39th consecutive season the Huskers have had a winning home record.

Saturday will also mark the final home contest for 29 Nebraska seniors, who will be introduced to the Memorial Stadium crowd before the start of the game. Saturday’s activities will also include a Veteran’s Salute and Military Day.

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HUSKERS FALL TO NO. 8 KANSAS...

Lawrence, Kan. - In his first career start as Nebraska's quarterback, Joe Ganz threw for more than 400 yards and led the Husker offense to 39 points, but it was not enough in NU's 76-39 loss at No. 8 Kansas at Memorial Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Ganz, a junior from Palos Heights, Ill., led Nebraska to a touchdown on his opening series as NU's starter by capping the drive with a three-yard touchdown run. He also guided the Huskers to a 14-7 lead midway through the first quarter, but KU's offense scored touchdowns on 10 consecutive drives to lead the Jayhawks to victory.

Ganz finished the day by completing 25-of-50 passes for 405 yards and four touchdowns to lead Nebraska to the biggest offensive output allowed by KU's defense this season. In fact, NU's 39 points surpassed the total output produced by the Jayhawks' first five opponents combined at home this season (33 points).

Despite a strong offensive performance by the Huskers, the Jayhawks were even more efficient in producing the highest point total ever by an NU opponent. The Jayhawks took their first lead at 21-14 at the end of the first quarter and carried a 48-24 lead into the locker room at the half.

Nebraska marched down the field to narrow the gap to 48-31 after the opening drive of the second half, but the Husker defense could not slow the balanced and potent Kansas offense. The Jayhawks took advantage of three straight Husker turnovers to score four consecutive touchdowns to push their lead to 76-31 with 11:12 left in the game on Brandon McAnderson's fourth touchdown run of the day. McAnderson finished the day with 25 carries for 119 yards.

Ganz, who did throw four interceptions, ended a streak of 28 points by KU when he found Maurice Purify in the end zone on fourth down to pull NU to 76-39 after completing a two-point conversion pass to Nate Swift. Ganz finished with four touchdown passes in his debut, with three of those strikes going to Purify, who enjoyed the finest day of his Husker career with seven catches for 158 yards and three scores.

While Purify had a huge day, nine other NU receivers hauled in at least one reception from Ganz. Marlon Lucky added six catches for 83 yards, including a 62-yard scoring catch and run to give NU a 14-7 first quarter lead.

KU quarterback Todd Reesing also connected with a bevvy of receivers on the afternoon, orchestrating a fine-tuned Kansas onslaught by completing 30-of-41 passes for 354 yards and six touchdown passes. Three of the scoring strikes went to Dezmon Briscoe, who finished with five catches for 52 yards. Marcus Henry led all KU receivers with six catches for 101 yards and one touchdown, while a total of eight Jayhawks recorded catches.

KU finished the day with 572 yards of total offense, includuing 218 rushing yards. Nebraska amassed 484 total yards, but managed just 79 yards on the ground led by freshman Roy Helu's nine carries for 56 yards.

Despite the similar yardage totals for the two teams, Nebraska's five turnovers proved to be the largest difference on the day, while the Husker defense was unable to force a turnover by the Jayhawks.
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RUUD RETURNS TO PRACTICE...

Senior linebacker Bo Ruud could be in the starting lineup for Saturday's home finale.

Lincoln – Nebraska could have senior linebacker Bo Ruud in the starting lineup for Senior Day against Kansas State as the Husker captain returned to practice Wednesday afternoon.

“It looks real positive,” head coach Bill Callahan said after the workout on the Gass grass practice fields next to the Hawks Championship Center. “We’ll see how he responds tonight and tomorrow when he comes back in to see the trainers. It’s very positive.”

Ruud last played in the early stages of the Texas A&M game on Oct. 21, before he went down with an injury. He has 42 total tackles in 2007 and a pair of interceptions that went for touchdowns in wins over Ball State and Iowa State.

“I would like to see him start (on Saturday),” Callahan said. “I think that would be great for him if he’s ready. We’ll see where we’re at.”

On the other side of the ball, Kansas State’s defense is ranked fourth in the Big 12 in yards allowed with 347.7 per game. The Huskers are preparing for a 3-4 and 4-2 defense from Wildcat defensive coordinator Tim Tibesar.

“We’re going to see both the odd and even front,” Callahan said. “They do a good job with their ends. I’m really impressed with (Ian) Campbell. He’s a premier end in this conference with No. 95 (Rob Jackson). Both guys have the ability to squeeze the pocket and put pressure on the quarterback.”

Nebraska will have its last full practice of the week Thursday afternoon prior to its Friday walk-thru. Saturday’s Senior Day against Kansas State kicks off at 9:30 a.m. PST on Versus.
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ROSE ENDS FOOTBALL BROADCASTS...

Adrian Fiala and Jim Rose on the set of the pregame show.

Jim Rose announced Tuesday morning he would no longer be the play-by-play announcer for Nebraska Husker football games.

During Newsradio 1110 KFAB's "Good Morning Show," Rose explained that he is stepping down as the "voice of the Huskers" immediately. Rose has called the games for six years.Rose said the job as the voice of the Huskers was rewarding, exciting and thrilling, but he had lost touch with important things in his life.

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PHILLIPS NAMED TO ACADEMIC ALL-DISTRICT TEAM...

Senior tight end J.B. Phillips has received Academic All-District honors for the third straight year.

Nebraska senior tight end J.B. Phillips has been named to the ESPN the Magazine Academic All-District VII team as chosen by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). With his selection to the all-district squad, Phillips advances to the ballot for Academic All-America honors which will be announced in early December.

This marks the third consecutive year that Phillips has received academic all-district honors after being a second-team pick each of the past two seasons. The Colleyville, Texas native is in his second semester of graduate school after picking up his degree last December. Phillips completed his undergraduate work in marketing with a 3.73 cumulative grade-point average and he carries a 3.89 grade-point average in his master’s degree work.

On the field, Phillips is among Nebraska’s most experience performers. He has made 32 career starts at tight end and owns 30 career receptions, including three touchdown grabs.

Nebraska is the nation’s leader in Academic All-Americans for football and all sports. In football, Nebraska has had 62 first-team Academic All-Americans and 90 overall selections. The Huskers have a nation-leading 252 Academic All-Americans across all teams and sports.

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PETERSON NAMED ONE OF 11FINALISTS FOR WUERFFEL TROPHY...

Junior Todd Peterson is one of 11 finalists for the 2007 Wuerffel Trophy.

Nebraska junior wide receiver Todd Peterson has been named of 11 finalists for the 2007 Wuerffel Trophy, a national award that honors the college football player who best combines exemplary community service with outstanding academic and athletic achievement.

Peterson is the only representative from the Big 12 Conference and his selection marks the third straight year that Nebraska has had a finalist for the award. Former Nebraska fullback Dane Todd was a finalist for the Wuerffel Trophy each of the past two seasons. Nebraska and Washington State are the only two schools in the country that have had a finalist for the award since its inception in 2005.

A native of Grand Island, Peterson is a well-rounded student-athlete. On the field, the 6-4, 210-pound Peterson has 12 receptions for 228 yards and two touchdowns this season. He has six career receiving touchdowns. In the classroom, Peterson carries a 3.73 grade-point average in nutrition, exercise and health science and is a two-time Academic All-Big 12 selection.

He also is one of Nebraska’s most active student-athletes in the area of community outreach. Peterson was named to the 2007 Brook Berringer Citizenship Team for his efforts, which include serving as a motivational speaker during American Education Week and School is Cool Week, volunteering with the Make-a-Wish Foundation, Read to Succeed and Pacific Pals.

Earlier this fall, Peterson was named the 2007 recipient of the Brook Berringer Memorial Endowed Scholarship. Originally a walk-on, Peterson was awarded a scholarship in the fall of 2006.

The Wuerffel Trophy award is named after former Heisman Trophy winner Danny Wuerffel, who led Florida to the 1996 national championship, played six years in the National Football League and has received national recognition for his humanitarian and community service efforts with Desire Street Ministries in New Orleans.

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LAWRENCE NAMED NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLAR-ATHLETE...

Nebraska freshman linebacker Blake Lawrence was selected as a National High School Scholar-Athlete by the National Football Foundation Monday for the outstanding athletic and academic achievements he displayed during high school.

Lawrence is one of five current college freshmen selected in 2007, including Ryan Coffey (Louisville), Kellen Kiilsgaard (Stanford), Matthew Stotler (Columbia) and Barton Dear, who is not playing at the collegiate level.

First bestowed in 1991, the NFF National High School Scholar-Athlete Award has become one of the most competitive and sought after high school honors in the country. Criteria for the award include but are not limited to academic achievement, athletic accolades and community involvement.

"With the National High School Scholar-Athlete Awards, the NFF annually strives to honor the absolute finest from the gridiron at the high school level," NFF President & CEO Steven J. Hatchell said. "The accomplishments of this year's five nominees make us all proud, and their contributions both on and off the field set the standard for their peers to follow.”

Lawrence came to Nebraska after an award-winning prep career at Shawnee Mission West High School in Shawnee Mission, Kan., where he was named the Gatorade Kansas High School Player of the Year. Lawrence was a dominant two-way player, starting at quarterback as a senior, while also continuing as a defensive stalwart, where he had 60 tackles, a pair of sacks and three interceptions. His performance led Shawnee Mission West to the state Class 6A title game, while individually he earned all-state and All-Metro honors from the Kansas City Star.

Lawrence was also one of the top scholars at his school, maintaining better than a 4.0 cumulative grade-point average. He graduated in the top 10 percent of his class of more than 500 students and was a National Honor Society Member. He claimed a Kansas University State Scholar Award and was listed in Who's Who Among American High School Students. Lawrence is currently majoring in marketing and advertising at Nebraska.Passionate about helping others, Lawrence found time to give back to his school and his community. He served on his school's Student Council Executive Board and was chairman of the local blood drive. Selected by his peers and administrators, he participated in the UniTown's Cultural Awareness and Diversity program and worked as a Leadership 20/20 Member and Peer Presenter. Lawrence also volunteered as a basketball coach and referee with Special Olympics and as an event assistant for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City.

Lawrence and the other four scholar-athletes will be honored during the NFF's Annual Awards Luncheon, presented by Sprinturf, on Tuesday, December 4, 2007, at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City.
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DANE TODD TO BE HONORED AT NCAA FACULTY REPRESENTATIVES CONFERENCE...

Former Husker fullback Dane Todd will be presented the Walter Byers Scholarship this week in Baltimore.

Former Nebraska fullback and scholar-athlete Dane Todd will be honored for his selection as the 2007 Walter Byers Award at this week’s NCAA Faculty Athletics Representatives Association.

Todd and female Byers Award recipient Katie Kingsbury of Washington & Lee University will be honored at an awards dinner on Thursday evening in Baltimore.

Todd and Kingsbury were announced as winners of the NCAA’s highest academic honor in May.

The Walter Byers Scholarships recognize the contributions of former NCAA Executive Director Walter Byers. The awards encourage academic achievement of student-athletes and each Byers Scholar receives a $21,500 scholarship. Winners have the option of renewing the scholarship for a second year based on academic standing.

Todd is currently in medical school at Emory College in Atlanta. A Lincoln Southeast graduate, Dane is the son of Loy and Kim Todd.

Todd is one of the most distinguished scholar-athletes in Nebraska history. The Lincoln native was a two-time Academic All-America selection, and graduated in May of 2006 with a perfect 4.0 grade-point average in biological sciences. He was also a first-team All-Big 12 selection on the field during his senior season.
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NO. 2 HUSKERS SWEEP COLORADO...

Jordan Larson led NU with 17 kills and 17 digs against Colorado.

Lincoln – Jordan Larson’s 17 kills and 17 digs led three Husker double-doubles, as No. 2 Nebraska rolled past Colorado, 30-17, 30-22, 30-20, Wednesday night at the NU Coliseum.

Larson paced a blistering NU attack, hitting .414 on 29 swings, as she matched her season best in kills and fell one shy of a season high in digs en route to posting her team-best 10th double-double. It was also the first time in 12 matches that Larson paced NU in kills, while she also chipped in a pair of aces in helping Nebraska up its record to 22-1 and 14-1 in conference action.

Nebraska Head Coach John Cook said Larson’s strong play is important for the Huskers in the final weeks of the regular season.

Last year, I think Jordan knew she had to carry a really big load on this team with Houghtelling going out," Cook said. "Now we’re more balanced, and she wasn’t sure of her role at times. I just know when she plays great, we’re a great team. That’s what we’ve told her. We need her to be that dominant player. I feel like she’s really coming on right now."

Fellow outside hitters Christina Houghtelling and Sarah Pavan joined Larson in posting double-doubles against the Buffaloes. Houghtelling totaled 11 kills on .421 hitting and 16 digs, while Pavan chipped in 12 kills, 10 digs and four blocks.

Rachel Holloway guided the Huskers to a .388 hitting percentage – its best effort in over a month, as she totaled 47 assists and helped all five primary attackers hit over .350 in NU’s 19th sweep of the year.

While NU’s offensive effort was sharp, Cook was more pleased with the Huskers’ work on the defensive side of the net, recording 62 digs and holding CU to .129 hitting.

"We had a couple of goals tonight," Cook said. "One was to hold Alex Buth under .100, and she only had one kill the whole night. The second thing is we worked really hard on our floor defense the last two days because we want to be a great defensive team going down the stretch. We did a great job there tonight."

Emilee Sisco paced CU with 13 kills, but hit .114 on the night, as the Buffaloes fell to 6-18 overall and 1-15 in the Big 12.
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PAVAN POWERS HUSKERS PAST K-STATE...

Manhattan, Kan. – Behind a season-high 31 kills from Sarah Pavan, No. 2 Nebraska overcame a 2-0 deficit to rally for a 3-2 victory against No. 12 Kansas State, 24-30, 27-30, 30-25, 30-19, 15-8 Saturday night at Ahearn Field House.

Pavan blistered the Wildcats for a Big 12-high 31 kills on .375 hitting – the second-highest performance of her career - and added 10 digs, as the Huskers improved to 21-1 on the season and moved into a tie with Texas for the Big 12 lead with an 11-1 conference mark.

Pavan’s effort led the comeback, as the Huskers hit over .300 in each of the final three contests, including .579 in the finale, as NU played error-free ball. Tracy Stalls totaled 15 kills on .480 hitting and a season-high nine blocks, while Jordan Larson chipped in 12 kills and four blocks, as NU out-blocked the Wildcats, 15.5-13.5.

Rachel Holloway established career highs in assists (72) and blocks (six) while adding 13 digs to help NU out-hit KSU, .266-187. Outside hitter Christina Houghtelling also turned in another career high with 26 digs and added seven kills and four blocks.

Natalya Korobkova led Kansas State (18-7, 10-5 Big 12) with 22 kills, while Angie Lastra totaled 32 digs for the Wildcats in a losing effort.
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PAVAN EARNS BIG 12 WEEKLY HONOR...

Sarah Pavan was named the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week on Monday.

Lincoln -- University of Nebraska right side hitter Sarah Pavan (Kitchener, Ontario) collected her second Big 12 honor of the season, as she was chosen as the conference’s offensive player of the week on Monday.

Pavan averaged 5.95 points, 5.30 kills and 2.40 digs per game in a pair of five-game wins last week for the No. 2 Huskers. She recorded a pair of double-doubles and hit .363 on the week, as Nebraska moved into a tie with Texas for the Big 12 lead.

Pavan paced NU with 22 kills on a .349 hitting clip with 14 digs, three aces and two blocks in Wednesday’s win against Missouri. Three days later against Kansas State, she eclipsed those numbers, compiling a season-high 31 kills – the most in a match in the league this season, on .375 hitting and 10 digs to help the Huskers overcome a 2-0 deficit. Pavan totaled nine of her kills on .615 hitting in game three, helping the Huskers turn the tide against the Wildcats.

Her 31 kills against Kansas State ranked as NU’s second-highest total in the rally-scoring era and the most by a Husker in a regular-season match since the 1999 season. It is the seventh time that Pavan – a two-time Big 12 Player of the Year – has garnered the conference’s weekly award.
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Q & A WITH SARAH PAVAN...

by Bonnie Ryan

Senior Sarah Pavan closes her volleyball career at Nebraska as one of the most decorated players in NCAA history. The three-time first-team AVCA All-American not only garnered 2006 AVCA National Player of the Year honors during her junior year, but was also awarded the prestigious Honda-Broderick Cup Winner for her outstanding season. Pavan talks about her favorite Halloween costumes among several topics.

Do you remember what your first Halloween costume was?
"It probably wasn’t my first, but the first one I can remember was a princess."

Did you have a favorite costume?
"I dressed up as a gypsy once when I was really little and I thought that was pretty cool. I wasn’t as hard core as some people were, but the princess was a good one."

What’s your favorite Halloween candy?
"I like all of them. Probably any type of chocolate bar would be my favorite."

What is one of your favorite memories while playing for Nebraska?
"Winning the national championship by far. Nothing has compared to that."

Take fans through your typical game day preparations.
"Well, we have serve and pass and then we watch video and eat. I’ll usually do homework or have a nap after that. When I wake up, I have to call my dad and boyfriend just to talk to them. Then I pretty much just get taped and that’s about it."

What’s your favorite pre-game meal?
"If we have an afternoon game, I really like Misty’s brunch. It’s my favorite. Those scrambled eggs with ham and the coffee cake are my favorite."

How does your hometown compare to Lincoln?
"It’s pretty similar. It’s about the same size population wise. It’s a lot more diverse racially and ethnically though, so that’s kind of different. But as far as size and types of schools and stuff, it’s very much like home."

Why did you choose the number 9?
"I’ve had this number since I was probably 13. My number used to be 17, but then I played on a regional team or something and they didn’t have that number and number 9 was the only one left, so I took it. I’ve been stuck with it ever since."

Do you have a nickname on the team?
"People usually call me by my last name or they just shorten it to ‘Pav.’ Those are the most common.

What is your shoe size?
"In women’s it’s a 12. They’re not ridiculously big. Other girls on the team have bigger feet than me."

What’s your favorite fast food?
"I don’t usually eat fast food, but if I do—Wendy’s."

Describe Coach Cook in two words:
"This is hard. Perfectionist and demanding."
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FOUR HUSKER VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS EARN ACADEMIC HONORS...

Tracy Stalls was one of three Huskers to garner first-team Academic All-District honors.

Lincoln – Four members of the second-ranked Nebraska volleyball team were honored Thursday with their selections to the ESPN the Magazine Academic All-District VII Team. The four Huskers selected included a trio of first-team selections in Sarah Pavan, Christina Houghtelling and Tracy Stalls, while Jordan Larson was tabbed a third-team selection.

It marks the third straight year that Pavan – the reigning Academic All-American of the Year in all sports – was selected for the first team and the second time for Houghtelling, a first-team Academic All-American in 2005. Stalls earned second-team honors in 2006, while the selection is the first time Larson has been honored. Pavan, Stalls and Houghtelling all advance advances to the ballot for Academic All-America honors which will be announced in early December.

Pavan, who carries a 4.0 GPA in biochemistry, is looking to become the second Husker volleyball player to be a three-time Academic All-American, joining Virginia Stahr (1987-89). Pavan leads the Big 12 in kills (4.91), aces (0.43) and points (5.76) per game while ranking among the conference leaders with a .342 hitting percentage. The 2006-07 Honda-Broderick Award winner, Pavan has five double-doubles and holds NU’s career record for kills with 1,873.

Houghtelling, who has a 3.91 GPA in elementary education, leads the Huskers in digs from her outside hitter position, averaging 3.97 digs per game. The 2005 AVCA National Player of the Year, Houghtelling also chips in 3.25 kills and 0.29 aces per game, while totaling eight double-doubles this year.

Stalls has been a force at the middle blocker position this season, averaging 2.68 kills and 1.12 blocks per game this season. She is hitting at a .447 clip, good for third nationally and is bidding to become the first Husker in nearly two decades to hit over .400 in consecutive seasons. Stalls, who has a 3.95 GPA in an individual program of studies, spent the summer with the U.S. National Team and earned second-team AVCA All-America honors in 2006.

Larson collects her first academic honor, as she has a 3.31 GPA in communication studies. A first-team AVCA All-American in 2006, Larson averages 3.50 kills and 3.46 digs per game this season, ranking among Big 12 leaders in kills (ninth), service aces (0.42, second) and points per game (4.30, ninth). The junior outside hitter leads NU with 10 double-doubles and already ranks ninth on NU’s career digs list with 962.

The Huskers are 23-1 overall and 14-1 in Big 12 action heading into Sunday’s match at Iowa State, set for 4 p.m. Fans can listen to the match across the state on the Husker Sports Network, including B107.3 FM in Lincoln and KHUS 93.3 FM in Omaha, and on the Internet at Huskers.com.
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NINE HUSKER SOCCER PLAYERS NAMED TO ACADEMIC ALL-BIG 12 TEAM...

Junior Sari Raber earned first-team Academic All-Big 12 honors.

Lincoln – The Big 12 Conference has named nine Nebraska student-athletes to the 2007 Academic All-Big 12 soccer teams, the league office announced today.

Four repeat selections highlighted the Husker honorees as Selenia Iacchelli, Lindsay Poehling and Sari Raber all earned first-team nominations for the second consecutive year. Abby Penas earned her second nomination to the second team, while Jessie Bruch was also named to the second team. Anna Caniglia, Brittney Lanier, Carly Peetz and Shay Powell all earned their first first-team honors for the first time in their careers this season.

The Huskers’ nine honorees are the most since the 2001 season, when 12 NU student-athletes made the list.

Nominated by each institution’s director of student-athlete support services and the media relations offices, the soccer academic all-league squad consisted of 75 first-team members combined with 20 on the second team. First-team members consist of those who have maintained a 3.20 or better GPA, while second-team members carry a 3.00 to 3.20 GPA.

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HUSKERS END SOCCER SEASON WITH 2-2 TIE AGAINST CYCLONES...

Lincoln – The Nebraska soccer team once again dominated their opponent on the offensive side of the ball, but had to settle for a tie as the Huskers battled the Iowa State Cyclones to a 2-2 double-overtime draw on Friday at the Nebraska Soccer Field.

The Huskers (5-10-4, 1-8-1 Big 12) ended their season by creating 23 shots against Iowa State (8-6-4, 4-4-2 Big 12), including 11 on goal, while the Cyclones managed just 16 total shots and six on goal. A back-and-forth first half saw ISU outshoot the Huskers 10-6, but NU roared back with 10 shots to ISU’s four in the second half. NU did its best to seal the game in the double overtime as they created seven shots in the 10-minute period. Both teams had seven corner kicks.

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HAWKS FIELD AT HAYMARKET PARK CHOSEN AS FIELD OF THE YEAR...

Hawks Field at Haymarket Park was chosen as the STMA Field of the Year.

Lincoln – Hawks Field at Haymarket Park earned a national honor on Friday, as the field was selected as the 2007 Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA) Baseball Field of the Year Award in the College/University division.

It marks the second time in the last four seasons that Hawks Field has received this honor, marking the first time has college field has earned the honor twice since the award was created in 1992. The field also received the honor in 2004.

The commitment to excellence in overall field quality, safety, playability and appearance earned Hawks Field at Haymarket Park Field of the Year honors in voting by a panel of national judges.
In 2007, over 250 events took place at the facility, which the University of Nebraska shares with the American Association’s Lincoln Saltdogs and the city of Lincoln, including a full season of Husker and Saltdogs baseball games and the Nebraska baseball state tournament.

Winning awards for the quality of the field is nothing new for Head Groundskeeper Josh Klute and assistants Jared Hertzel and Jen Roeber. The field has been selected as the top field in both the Northern League and American Association every year since Haymarket Park opened in 2001. Klute will receive the honor on Jan. 18, in Phoenix, Ariz., as part the annual STMA Conference.

"This award means a lot to us because of the all the hard work that our staff puts in throughout the year," Klute said. "With all of the events we host, it takes a great staff to keep the field in great shape, and a lot of the credit goes to Jared and Jen, as well as our interns (Andy Lomax, Jeff Thoman and Jesse Grimm)."

Nebraska Head Baseball Coach Mike Anderson appreciates the efforts that Klute and his staff go to in giving both the Huskers and Saltdogs the best playing conditions possible.

"Josh and his staff are most deserving of this honor considering their work habits, time crunches and passion for Hawks Field," Anderson said. "We’re excited to be playing in a park which is the best field in college baseball. Our program has an opportunity to play on fields across the country, and there is no place like Nebraska and it proves out with this award."

The Field of the Year Awards are presented for top maintenance of natural playing surfaces and support facilities in four major sports areas: baseball, softball, football and soccer. The Field of the Year and Sports Field Complex of the Year Awards are the highest honor STMA bestows upon a facility. Entrants must supply information on the design of the facility, the uses of the facility that impact the playing surface, the organization of the maintenance program and innovative solutions used to overcome playing surface problems.

Each of the five judges on the Awards Committee reviews the entrants independently, grading them on each aspect of the criteria. The results of the independent input of the five judges determine the winning field.
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HUSKER HUMOR...

This one may be a Niner story but its potentially relevant for the Huskers if things don't turn around (thanks Jim!)...

Here is a Niner joke I heard on the radio this morning.
A man wearing a Niner jersey, carring his cat who was also wearing a Niner jersey, went into a bar. He asked the bartender "Can we watch the Niner game at your bar, as we always watch the games together at home, but my TV is broken."
Although cats were not allowed in the bar the bartender replied "Aw you can come in and watch the game as long as the cat behaves himself".
As they watched the Niners scored a field goal. The cat went down the length of the bar and gave everyone a High-Five.
The bartender was totally amazed and asked the owner " What does he do when the score a touchdown"?
The owner replied "I don't know I've only had him for three years".

GO NINERS and eventually BIG RED!!
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Here's one I got from several sources (many thanks!)...

NEW TORNADO POLICY for Lincoln, NE -
In case of possible tornadoes sweeping through the state of Nebraska, we ask that all Nebraskans take shelter at the Husker stadium. We are certain that a touchdown will not occur there.
Thanks for your cooperation.
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This one hurts...OUCH! (Thanks to all who sent it)...
This must be true, I heard it from a very reliable source. Nick, the guy who told me has a second cousin whos ex-wifes new husbands son in law is a janitor in the University Book Store. Told you it was a close reliable source. Anyway, it is more than a rumor...

New rumor! Bill Callahan will not be fired, but will be resigning to take another coaching position.

Bill was, as recently last week, approached by the US Olympic committee to come on board full time. It is further rumored that he will become the head coach for the illustrious US bobsled team. After an interview with Olympic officials they were unbelievably impressed with the manner in which Callahan is able to get a team to go downhill faster than any coach in modern history.

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