Bummer...the Volleyball Team lost a squeaker to Washington last Friday and the team was eliminated from the NCAA Championship. But three of our players were selected by the AVCA as All-Americans, and still leads the nation with 70 All-Americans!
Some good info below from the Alumni Association and the Foundation. There are also articles about the new Big 10 logo and divisions, Alex Henery's selection as a finalist for the Rudy Trophy and some selected feeds from the Bleacher Report. The last piece is a neat photo of a farmer's field near Offutt AFB in Bellevue...very patriotic!
Enjoy and...Go Big Red (White and Blue),
Carl
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HUSKERS CONTINUE PREPARATIONS FOR HOLIDAY BOWL...
Lincoln- The Nebraska football team practiced for just less than two hours Monday inside the Hawks Championship Center as the Huskers continued preparations for Washington in the Holiday Bowl on Dec. 30.
"We had some good practices at the end of last week," Head Coach Bo Pelini said. "We're doing some bowl preparations this week .We'll give them some time off and we'll get back together with almost the same schedule we had last year."
Pelini said the team is looking forward to playing another football game and has no disappointment in a second meeting with the Huskies. The staffs are benefiting from being familiar with the opposing team.
"It actually makes it a little easier on both counts, for both staffs you have a little bit of familiarity," Pelini said. "It's kind of like being in the NFL again."
The Huskers could see some contributions from senior Mike Smith, who sat out most of the season due to a broken foot.
"It remains to be seen," Pelini said. "He's ahead, he's doing a good job, he's worked hard and we'll see how that plays out. It won't be anything significant."
Pelini also said that he expects senior receiver Niles Paul to be able to participate in the Holiday Bowl.
While the Holiday Bowl is the main focus for Nebraska, the NU coaching staff will continue to mix in recruiting during the coming weeks, Pelini said.
"It's a balancing act, trying to get out and see some guys," Pelini said. "You can't see everybody in a week like this. I saw everybody last week; we're just trying to balance it out. Our number one priority is getting ready for the bowl game."
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HUSKERS ENJOY REACHING OUT TO OTHERS DURING HOLIDAYS...
In the midst of preparing for final exams, Husker football student-athletes continue to volunteer their time in the community, providing inspiration to young and old alike.
Last Friday, 13 members of the football team appeared at Elliott Elementary in Lincoln, distributing gifts to students on behalf of the YMCA and the Bo Pelini Foundation. Elliott students were thrilled to meet their "Husker Heroes" and to get autographs and receive special gifts.
Not surprisingly, Alex Henery, one of the softest spoken Husker players despite being Nebraska's all-time leading scorer, was a popular choice for autographs. "Alex has always been there for community outreach projects, and he was there for that special day last Friday," said Keith Zimmer, Nebraska's Associate Athletic Director for Life Skills.
Zimmer said outreach is a significant part of the Husker student-athlete experience. Collectively, approximately 600 Nebraska student-athletes volunteered more than 40,000 hours of service in 2010.
"They've made an impact with thousands throughout the state of Nebraska and beyond," Zimmer said. "We thank all Husker student-athletes who continue to give of themselves and their time to make a huge difference through community service and volunteerism."
Caputo, Cotton, Moore Among Volunteers
Joining Henery at Elliott Elementary were Mike Caputo, Seung Hoon Choi , Ben Cotton, Tyrone Fahie, Andrew Green, Ryan Hill, Austin Jones, Marcel Jones, Collin McDermott, Marcus Mendoza, Terrence Moore and Alonzo Whaley.
Last Wednesday, Hill, Brion Carnes and All-Big 12 linebacker LaVonte David made a visit to Lincoln's Haven Manor Retirement Center to meet Gladys Beebee, a longtime Husker supporter who was celebrating her 100th birthday. The three Huskers made a surprise visit to thank her and wish her a happy birthday.
Zimmer pointed out that late last month, more than 100 football players made a two-hour commitment for hospital visits throughout Lincoln, making stops at Bryan LGH West, Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital, St. Elizabeth's Regional Medical Center and the Nebraska Heart Hospital.
Football hospital visits during Thanksgiving week have been a longstanding tradition at Nebraska, dating back to Tom Osborne's tenure as head football coach.
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HENERY, AMUKAMARA NAMED AP ALL-AMERICANS...
Nebraska seniors Prince Amukamara and Alex Henery were honored on Tuesday as first-team Associated Press All-Americans. Husker Blackshirts Lavonte David and Eric Hagg were second- and third-team selections, respectively.
The first-team selection for Amukamara continues an impressive postseason award list for the senior cornerback. Amukamara has been a unanimous first-team selection by the four major selectors recognized by the NCAA who have released their teams-Associated Press, AFCA, Walter Camp and FWAA. Amukamara ranks among the national leaders with 13 pass breakups this season and his play anchored a Nebraska secondary that ranks fifth nationally in pass efficiency defense.
Henery's first-team recognition from the Associated Press is his first honor from one of the major selectors. The place-kicker becomes Nebraska's 109th all-time first-team All-America selection and the 95th different player to earn that accolade, including 14 two-time All-Americans. The Omaha native has connected on 18-of-19 field goals this season and is perfect on extra-point attempts. He has become Nebraska's all-time leading scorer with 396 career points, and in the Holiday Bowl Henery can become just the 12th player in NCAA history to record 400 career points.
Nebraska was one of five players with two first-team AP All-America selections, and the first-team All-America honors for Amukamara and Henery marks the first time NU has had a pair of first-team picks since 2003. In that season, punter Kyle Larson and safety Josh Bullocks were first-team honorees.
Amukamara and Henery were also named to the SI.com first-team All-America listing on Tuesday. While Amukamara has been a unanimous first-team pick, Henery was also a first-team selection by Rivals.com and CBSSports.com.
David was a second-team All-America pick by both Associated Press and SI.com on Tuesday. The junior has recorded 145 tackles this season and is just five tackles from establishing a Nebraska season record for tackles. The 6-1, 215-pound David was a first-team All-America pick by both CBS Sports.com and Rivals.com last week.
Hagg has been a key member of the Nebraska secondary for the past three seasons and excelled during his senior campaign. He has a team-leading five interceptions from his nickel spot and also has made 46 tackles. In addition to his third-team All-America selection by AP, Hagg was a second-team pick by Rivals.com and an honorable-mention choice by SI.com.
Junior defensive tackle Jared Crick was also tabbed a second-team All-American by SI.com on Tuesday. Crick leads the team with 9.5 sacks and 16 tackles for loss. Last week he was a first-team choice by Rivals.com and a second-team honoree by CBS Sports.com.
Also on Tuesday, Nebraska quarterback Taylor Martinez was named to Rivals.com's freshman All-America squad. Martinez has rushed for 942 yards and 12 touchdowns this season and pass for more than 1,500 yards and nine touchdowns. He has already set Nebraska freshman records for passing yards and total offense.
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HENERY NAMED FINALIST FOR RUDY AWARD...
Nebraska place-kicker and punter Alex Henery has been named one of three finalists for the fourth annual college football Rudy Awards, announced Tuesday by The Rudy Foundation. The award honors student-athletes who demonstrate exemplary Character, Courage, Contribution and Commitment to their collegiate football teams, the same traits immortalized in the blockbuster film "RUDY."
The three finalists will be honored and the overall winner announced during the Priority Payment Systems Awards Ceremony, to be held in conjunction with the American Football Coaches Association Convention on Jan. 11 in Dallas. Henery is joined on the finalist list by Boston College's Mark Herzlich and North Carolina State's Michael Lemon.
Rudy Ruettiger will personally present each individual with a classic finalist award and an academic scholarship will be made in his name to the general scholarship fund of his university. The overall winner will be presented with the bronze Rudy Award trophy and top scholarship.
"We established this award as a special way to honor and recognize college football players for the size of their hearts instead of the enormity of their stats," Ruettiger said. "I am so excited to see how this award has grown into one of the top collegiate honors for kids who weren't born with tremendous athletic talent, perhaps, but have overcome the odds and persevered because of their heart. Each one of this year's nominees truly exemplifies CHARACTER, COURAGE, CONTRIBUTION and COMMITMENT in sports and in their respective communities."
A walk-on from Omaha, Neb., Henery is the most accurate kicker in NCAA history (.894) by connecting on 68-of-76 career field goal attempts. The senior became Nebraska's all-time scoring leader with 396 points following the Big 12 Championship game Dec. 4. A three-time All-Big 12 selection and two-time Lou Groza Award semifinalist, Henery has also been active off the field and was named to the 2010 Brook Berringer Citizenship Team.
More than 825,000 fans contributed online votes this year, which counts as one vote in addition to the Selection Committee. A record 55 of the 120 Division I FBS football programs were represented in the nominations for the award. For more information, visit www.CollegeRudyAwards.com.
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HUSKERS NAME CAPTAINS, AWARD WINNERS AT FOOTBALL BANQUET...
Team captains and numerous award winners were honored as the Nebraska football team gathered for its 2010 banquet. The event was held at the Cornhusker Marriott in Lincoln on Saturday evening.
Senior place-kicker/punter Alex Henery and senior I-back Roy Helu Jr. were among the most honored players at the banquet. The two players were among four seniors who were named captains for the 2010 season, joining defensive senior captains Prince Amukamara and Pierre Allen. It was the second straight season Henery was elected a team captain. The Huskers appointed game captains each week before determining season captains.
Henery was also honored as the Special Teams MVP for the third consecutive season, after another season of outstanding place-kicking and punting. Henery has become Nebraska's all-time leader scorer with 396 career points and is on track to be the most accurate place-kicker in NCAA history. Henery was also named the winner of the Guy Chamberlin Trophy, presented annually to the Husker senior who exhibits the qualities of Nebraska All-American Guy Chamberlin. The award is voted on by media members.
Helu Jr. was named the Huskers' offensive MVP for the second straight season. Helu rushed for 1,211 yards and has become the first Nebraska player to rush for 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons since 1992 and 1993. He has also moved into the top five on the Nebraska career rushing list.
Senior defensive back Eric Hagg was honored for his outstanding play and versatility as he was voted the Team MVP by his teammates. Junior linebacker Lavonte David was chosen as the Defensive MVP, after leading the Huskers in tackles with 145 stops on the season. Senior wide receiver Joe Broekemeier was chosen as the Huskers' Walk-on MVP.
Sophomore I-back Rex Burkhead was the winner of two awards, being named the program's 2010 Lifter of the Year. He was also one of three players to earn the team's character award, joining Hagg and senior linebacker Thomas Grove.
The Tom Novak Trophy was presented to senior defensive back Rickey Thenarse. The award is chosen by media members and given to the player who has had a successful Cornhusker career while overcome odds and adversity. Senior receiver Niles Paul was named the winner of the Cletus Fischer Native Son Award, given annually to a senior Husker who is a native Nebraskan. The winners of the Chamberlin, Novak and Native Son awards will also be honored at the Outland Trophy banquet in Omaha on Thursday, Jan. 13.
Several other Husker players were honored at the banquet which also celebrated Nebraska's second straight 10-win season and its Big 12 North Division crown. The Huskers are preparing for a Dec. 30 appearance in the Holiday Bowl, where Nebraska will attempt to win 11 games for the 13th time in school history.
Full List of Award Winners:
2010 Team Captains- Roy Helu Jr. (Offensive), Prince Amukamara (Defensive), Pierre Allen (Defensive), Alex Henery (Special Teams)
Team MVP - Eric Hagg
Special Teams MVP - Alex Henery
Offensive MVP - Roy Helu Jr.
Defensive MVP - Lavonte David
Guy Chamberlin Trophy- Alex Henery
Tom Novak Trophy - Rickey Thenarse
Fischer Native Son Award -Niles Paul
Walk-on MVP - Joe Broekemeier
Lifter of the Year - Rex Burkhead
Character Award - Rex Burkhead, Eric Hagg, Thomas Grove
Pat Clare Award - Ricky Henry
Bobby Reynolds Award - Adi Kunalic
Scout Team Offensive MVP - Kenny Bell, Yusef Wade
Scout Team Defensive MVP - Colin McDermott
Burnell Student Manager Scholarships - Tanner Dunbar and Paul Belz
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BIG TEN UNVEILS NEW LOGO: RIMINGTON PART OF NEW OFFENSIVE LINEMAN AWARD...
PARK RIDGE, Ill. - The Big Ten Conference today made several announcements that complete a series of decisions prompted by the upcoming addition of the University of Nebraska as the conference's 12th member school.
The conference revealed a new logo to be used for all sports beginning with the 2011-12 academic year and also unveiled names for its two football divisions and a list of names for 18 trophies to honor coaches, teams and student-athletes starting with the 2011 football season.
The Championship Game Trophies, for example, will be named after Big Ten Legends Amos Alonzo Stagg and Joe Paterno. Nebraska will have a place among legendary names with the Rimington-Pace Offensive Lineman of the Year Trophy named in honor of two-time Husker Outland Trophy Winner Dave Rimington and former Ohio State All-American Orlando Pace.
"When we announced football division alignments in September, other associated decisions had not yet been made," Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delany said. "We wanted to take some time to listen, carefully consider, and make choices that would best honor our history and traditions, reflect our core values and characteristics, and tell our story. We involved many thoughtful, dedicated professionals, and we listened to many ideas from our member schools, alumni and fans."
The new Big Ten logo was developed by Michael Bierut and Michael Gericke of the international design firm Pentagram, which has clients ranging from the FIFA World Cup to NFL teams.
"The new Big Ten logo was developed to symbolize the conference's future, as well as its rich heritage, strong tradition of competition, academic leadership, and passionate alumni," Gericke said. "Its contemporary collegiate lettering includes an embedded numeral '10' in the word 'BIG,' which allows fans to see 'BIG' and '10' in a single word. Memorable and distinctive, the new logo evolved from the previous logo's use of negative space and is built on the conference's iconic name, without reference to the number of member institutions."
The new logo also provides the flexibility of multiple versions which can be used horizontally, vertically and within new media.
Delaney: Logo Has 'Something for Everyone'
"The new Big Ten logo provides a contemporary identifying mark unifying 12 outstanding institutions," Delany said. "It conveys some elements from the past while simultaneously introducing new features. We think the new logo is fun and has something for everyone."
The conference also announced today that its football divisions, starting with the 2011 season, will be "Legends" and "Leaders." A breakdown of the divisions is listed below:
LEGENDS: Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska, Northwestern
LEADERS: Illinois, Indiana, Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue, Wisconsin
"'Legends' is a nod to our history and to the people associated with our schools who are widely recognized as legends - student-athletes, coaches, alumni and faculty," Delaney said. "'Leaders' looks to the future as we remain committed to fostering leaders, the student-athletes who are encouraged to lead in their own way for the rest of their lives, in their families, in their communities and in their chosen professions."
Finally, the Big Ten announced the creation of 18 trophies to honor just a small sampling of the countless student-athletes and coaches who have contributed to the conference's rich and storied history. Starting with the 2011 season, the Big Ten will honor its top football student-athletes with these newly named trophies.
Championship MVP Named After Grange, Griffin
The Grange-Griffin Championship Game MVP award will honor two former Big Ten legends - Harold Edward "Red" Grange, the All-American from Illinois, and Archie Griffin, who won two Heisman Trophies at Ohio State.
"These trophies will honor our legends and leaders for generations to come," Delany said. "The names on these trophies are fitting tributes to the hundreds of thousands of student-athletes and coaches whose hard work and dedication have contributed to the legacy of the Big Ten Conference over the past 115 years."
The new Big Ten logo and division graphics, along with the list of trophy names and short bios on each of the student-athletes and coaches appearing on each trophy, can be found on the Big Ten Network website.
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NEBRASKA COMPLETES 2011 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE...
The University of Nebraska has announced that it has completed its 2011 football schedule with the addition of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga to the non-conference slate. The Huskers will open the 2011 campaign against the Mocs in Lincoln on Saturday, Sept. 3.
The matchup will be Nebraska's first-ever meeting with Chattanooga. The game is the final piece of a non-conference schedule that also includes games against Fresno State (Sept. 10) and Washington (Sept. 17) in Lincoln, in addition to a trip to Wyoming on Sept. 24. The Huskers will open Big Ten Conference play at Wisconsin on Oct. 1.
"We are pleased to have completed our 2011 football schedule," Nebraska Athletic Director Tom Osborne said. "Our non-conference schedule will provide us with some challenges, and we certainly will face a tough schedule of games in our first season in the Big Ten. Overall, it should be one of the nation's most challenging schedules."
Chattanooga finished 2010 with a 6-5 record, including a 5-3 mark in the Southern Conference. The Mocs were ranked in the Football Championship Subdivision Top 25 as recently as early November, and their five wins in conference play were the most for the school since 1985.
Chattanooga defeated Georgia Southern who is in the semifinals of the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs, while three of their losses came against playoff teams, with a fourth against top-ranked Auburn.
In the past four seasons, the Mocs have played games at Auburn, Alabama, Oklahoma, Florida State and Arkansas.
The contest with Chattanooga will be just the second game with an FCS opponent for Nebraska since 2006. This season, Nebraska defeated FCS member, South Dakota State, 17-3 in Lincoln on Sept. 25. The contest will be Nebraska's first football game as a member of the Big Ten Conference, meaning the game will be televised by either the Big Ten Network or one of the league's other television partners.
In addition to the 2011 schedule, Nebraska has 13 other non-conference games under contract between 2012 and 2017. Included in that group are two additional games each with Fresno State and Wyoming, home-and-home series with UCLA, Miami and Tennessee and three games against Southern Miss.
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COLLEGE BOWL GAME POWER RANKINGS - HOW DOES THE HOLIDAY BOWL STACK UP?
See: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/535299-ranking-every-bowl-game ============
WILL BUBBA STARLING EVER PLAY FOR THE HUSKERS??...
High schools around the nation are gearing up for their baseball seasons. The Nebraska Cornhuskers have particular interest in the success of one Gardner Edgerton pitcher. That's because the better season Bubba Starling has, the less likely it is that he will ever come to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Starling is what every pitching and quarterbacks coach around the nation dreams of. At 6'5" and 195 pounds, Starling has a build that makes him perfect to be a pitcher and quarterback. OK, he could stand to gain 30 pounds, but that will come with age and professional training. As of now, Starling is committed to be a Husker quarterback and pitcher.
See http://bleacherreport.com/articles/541862-college-football-recruiting-will-bubba-starling-ever-play-for-the-cornhuskers# for the rest of the story.
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PELINI FIGHTS BACK TEARS AT BANQUET...
-- Nebraska football coach Bo Pelini fought back tears as he prepared to speak during the team's banquet Saturday night at the Cornhusker Marriott Hotel.
I'm told Pelini paused about 30 seconds to gather himself. His players began to clap. Yes, vintage Bo. Tears welled up throughout the room. It's no wonder guys give their all for Pelini.
"We've had a lot of ups and downs; it's been a tough season," Nebraska defensive coordinator Carl Pelini said. "Then there was all the Miami stuff last week. It's just been an emotional year."
Carl Pelini said Bo becomes especially emotional when discussing his team's seniors, most of whom endured the painful late stages of the Bill Callahan era (2004-07) before helping resuscitate the program under Bo's leadership.
"Bo's had a special relationship with that group," Carl said. "To turn things around, it takes men with a lot of character."
-- Several players were honored during Saturday's banquet. I was especially interested in the selection of four team captains: Running back Roy Helu, cornerback Prince Amukamara, defensive end Pierre Allen and punter/place-kicker Alex Henery.
The Huskers appoint game captains each week before determining season captains, which leads one to believe the four seniors honored Saturday essentially may be the best of the best when it comes to overall team leadership. For the rest of the article see: http://bleacherreport.com/tb/b7zfz============
VOLLEYBALL:
HUSKERS FALL TO HUSKIES IN FOUR...
Seattle, Wash. - The Nebraska volleyball team saw its season come to an end on Friday night at Hec-Edmundson Pavilion following a 3-1 loss (16-25, 25-20, 21-25, 27-29) to the Washington Huskies on their home floor.
The Huskers struggled to find a rhythm all night as they hit .173 and committed 10 service errors. Hannah Werth led the Huskers in kills with a season-high 16 kills and added 16 digs to notch her 10th double-double of the season. True freshman Morgan Broekhuis was the only other Husker with double-digit kills at 11.
Sydney Anderson piloted the Husker offense with 24 assists in her final match as a Husker, while she also added nine digs. Fellow senior Kayla Banwarth put up 17 digs and Brooke Delano added five blocks, including three solo stuffs.
Nebraska started the match on the right foot with back-to-back kills from Werth and Broekhuis, but Washington answered with its own pair of kills to even the set. The teams then met each other swing-for-swing and spilt the next 12 rallies before Kinda Carlson put away consecutive aces following a Husker error to give Washington an 11-8 lead, resulting in a Husker timeout.
Washington added one more point following the break before the Huskers won two straight rallies via kills by Jordan Wilberger and Broekhuis from Anderson. The Huskies went right back to scoring points with a 4-1 run, pushing their lead to six and forcing Head Coach John Cook to take his second timeout of the set. Nebraska was then able to cut the lead to six on three occasions but could get no closer as the Huskies ran away with the first set, 25-16.
Washington could do no wrong in the first set as they hit .571 as a team, while Nebraska struggled to find its rhythm and hit .148. The Huskies only fault in the first came with their four service errors.
The Huskies continued to play well into the second set where they took the first three rallies before Werth got Nebraska on the board with a kill from Anderson. Washington went right back to scoring points with wins in five of the next seven rallies, resulting in an 8-3 lead and a Husker timeout.
Nebraska kept attacking and cut the Huskies' lead to three at 11-8, but Washington responded with a kill and a block to push their advantage back to five. The Huskers stayed close and trimmed Washington's lead to three on four more occasions and were pushed back on their first three tries, but would not be denied a fourth time.
With the Huskies up five, 18-13, UW's Becky Perry committed a service error and then Tara Mueller took over for the Huskers. The senior from Scottsdale, Ariz., served eight straight points to put the Huskers up 22-18 as NU got two kills from Broekhuis as well as one each from Wilberger and Werth during the run. Nebraska took three of the final five rallies to end the set on a 12-2 run and complete the comeback, evening the match at 1-1 with a 25-20 win in set two.
Washington took the lead again to start the third set, but Nebraska had a quick answer with a kill from Wilberger followed by back-to-back aces from Banwarth. The squads then split the next six rallies before Lauren Cook connected with Licht for a kill to push NU's lead to two, 7-5. The Huskers were able to grow the lead to three, 10-7, but Washington caught fire with a 4-0 run on the serve of Perry to retake the lead, 11-10.
A timeout from Cook slowed Perry's momentum as she committed a service error out of the break and Werth followed with a kill to give Nebraska a 12-11 lead. The set then became an back-and-forth battle as Washington tied the set six times before they overtook the Huskers the seventh time after a block from Carlson to take the lead 19-18. The Huskies held the lead the rest of the set, finishing it off 25-21.
Nebraska started the fourth set with a kill from Werth and an ace from Banwarth before UW got a kill from Lauren Barfield. After Washington took two of the next three rallies to tie the set at 3-3, Nebraska reeled off three straight, capped by a solo stuff from Delano, to double up the Huskies 6-3.
The Huskies responded with their own 3-0 run, but were unable to take the lead as Nebraska came back with wins in the next three rallies to take a 9-6 lead. The momentum then swung back in Washington's favor as they won four of the next six rallies to trim Nebraska's lead to 11-10 and forced a Nebraska timeout.
Just like in the second set, the Huskies continued to battle and eventually tied the set at 17-17, but they committed their 13th service error of the match on the next rally to put Nebraska back up one, 18-17. Nebraska continued to hold a slight advantage until Washington got consecutive kills from Carlson and Perry to give them a 23-22 lead, resulting in a NU timeout.
The Huskers came out of the break poised on got a solo block and kill from Licht to retake the lead, 24-23, but Washington came right back with two of its own. The teams then traded the next two rallies before a Washington error and a kill from Broekhuis put the Huskers up one, 27-26. Washington then took the next three rallies to finish the 3-1 win.
Nebraska ends the 2010 season with a final record of 29-3.
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VOLLEYBALL:
DELANO LEADS ALL-AMERICA TRIO...
Lincoln - Three Nebraska volleyball players were announced as All-Americans on Wednesday morning by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA). Junior middle blocker Brooke Delano led the way as a first-team pick after earning second-team honors last season, while Lindsey Licht's second-team honor was the first of her career and Hannah Werth was named to the second-team after being an honorable-mention selection last season.
Nebraska continues to lead the nation with 70 AVCA All-America certificates (first, second and third team) by 34 athletes with at least one Husker earning All-America honors in 29 consecutive seasons. In 11 seasons at Nebraska, Head Coach John Cook has coached his players to 35 All-America honors.
A key member of the Husker offense and defense this season, Delano led the team in hitting percentage (.406) and blocks per set (1.42), ranking her in the top 10 nationally in both categories. A unanimous All-Big 12 pick, Delano also became just the fourth Husker in school history to hit .400 or better in a season, as she joined fellow All-Americans Tracy Stalls (.473), Virginia Stahr (.440) and Amber Holmquist (.406). The Bellevue, Neb., native set single-match career bests in nearly every category this season, including kills (15), hitting percentage (.875), assists (3), aces (3), block assists (9) and total blocks (10). Her .875 hitting performance (14-0-16) on the road against Missouri ranks fourth-best all-time at Nebraska, as it bettered her .833 night against the Tigers in 2009.
Licht was a go-to player at right side for the Huskers this year as she led the team with 2.81 kills per set while hitting a career-best .295. A first-team All-Big 12 pick, she led the Huskers in kills 10 times and tied for the team lead on another three occasions. The Aurora, Colo., native topped her single-match best in kills with 18 against Florida and tied her career best in blocks twice with eight apiece against both Oklahoma and Texas A&M. Licht is the latest in a long line of successful attackers at Nebraska, as a total of 23 All-America certificates have been earned by the Huskers' outside and right side hitters in the Big 12 era.
Also picked as the 2010 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, Werth was one of four sophomores nationally to earn All-America honors this season. The Springfield, Ill., native ranked second on the team in both kills (2.80) and digs (3.09) per set, while she was third in solo blocks with 11. Werth led the Huskers with 10 double-double this season, including a 16-kill, 16-dig performance against Washington in the NCAA Tournament to notch the 21st double-double of her career. A threat offensively and defensively this season, Werth produced double-digit kills 14 times and had double-digit digs in 16 matches.
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UNL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION eNUz LETTER...
Holiday Bowl Events
We still have a few land-only tour packages to the Official University of Nebraska Holiday Bowl, featuring deluxe accommodations, game tickets, honorary host Tommie Frazier, a commemorative souvenir and game-day transportation. The tour also includes two pre-game events: a Dec. 29 Bowl Preview at Float on the rooftop of the Hard Rock Hotel in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter and a Dec. 30 Husker Huddle at the Power Party Zone, less than 50 yards from QualComm Stadium. Call 1-800-378-5318. For those not on the official tour, a variety of huddle/ticket packages are available for purchase by calling 1-888-353-1874. The Bowl Preview is open to all Husker fans.
2010 UNL Ornament Available
Another New Grad Record!
A record 27 percent (175 of 651) of the graduating seniors who came to the Wick Alumni Center Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 to pick up caps and gowns for UNL’s December 2010 graduation ceremony signed up for membership in the Nebraska Alumni Association. Click here to purchase a membership for your new grad.
Holiday Contest on Facebook
You can still enter our holiday photo contest on Facebook! Send us a photo of a Nebraska or UNL-themed holiday decoration. Include your name, class year and current place of residence. The top five winners will receive a University of Nebraska holiday ornament, and the grand-prize winner will receive two tickets to a 2011 non-conference home football game of his or her choice. For more information, visit our event and "like" our page! Voting starts today!
California Celebrates UNL
If you live in the southern California area, or are just vacationing there, join the Nebraska Alumni Association and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln at the Hyatt Regency Irvine, 17900 Jamboree Road in Irvine, Calif., Feb.10, for a reception featuring Nebraska foods and special guests. Meet Chancellor Harvey Perlman, Nebraska Football Coach Bo Pelini, former Husker players Tommie Frazier and Matt Davison, and more. For more information or to register, click here. RSVP deadline is Jan. 17.
Nebraska Champions Club Friday Wedding Specials
Discounted Friday dates are still open for the 2011 Wedding Season (May through August) at the Nebraska Champions Club. The discounted rate includes major amenities like standard linens, glassware, flatware, silverware, and convenient downtown parking around the building. Please contact Carrie Myers, NCC Director of Special Events, at (402) 472-6435 to coordinate a tour of the venue.
NOVA: Secrets Beneath the Ice
PBS will televise a NOVA special featuring UNL’s ANDRILL Antarctic research project on Dec. 28. The NET Television production follows a state-of-the-art expedition that is drilling three-quarters of a mile into the Antarctic seafloor to recover rock cores, which reveal details of climate and fauna in the distant past. Read more.
Curiosity Never Retires
Join the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI at UNL) for an open house at the Nebraska Champions Club on Sunday, Jan. 9, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Learn about Ollie winter classes, including an exciting new series, Elderquest: Gender Identity in the New Old Age. Read more.
Fellowship for Aspiring Math Teachers
Professionals interested in securing a fellowship to complete a new University of Nebraska-Lincoln master's degree and teacher certification program geared toward improving mathematics education in Nebraska schools have until Jan. 21 to apply. Through a National Science Foundation grant-supported program, UNL will award eight fellowships that will cover tuition and fees as well as provide a stipend during the 14-month graduate program. Get more details.
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UNL FOUNDATION NEWS...
Campaign for Nebraska
ROTC FAMILY REMEMBERS THEIR FALLEN SOLDIERS
If they were here, they wouldn’t want you to call them heroes. But they aren’t here.
They are the only soldiers from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Army ROTC program to die in combat since 9/11, considered the start of the global war on terrorism.
First Lt. Kevin Gaspers.
Capt. Edward Iwan.
Capt. Robert Yllescas.
In March, their friends and their extended family at UNL’s Army ROTC, started a fund to honor them—the “Fallen Heroes of the War on Terrorism Fund.”
Read about a special tribute to these soldiers and this fund.
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Making children smaller is professor’s big dream
The friends of her kids, Kate Heelan jokes, probably see her as the “meanest mom around.”
She expects them to play outside, not at a PlayStation. She stocks her refrigerator with healthy snacks. She doesn’t keep any pop.
“My kids are not allowed to drink pop at home,” says Heelan, an associate professor in the Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
“When I was a kid, nobody had soda. You got it when you went out for pizza once a month on a special family outing. Now when I ask, ‘How many families have soda in their homes?’ everyone raises their hands.”
Learn how Heelan and her team are building healthier families.
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Gifts to cure lymphoma doubled through Dec. 28
Every four minutes, someone in the United States is diagnosed with lymphoma or leukemia.
Every 10 minutes, someone dies.
If you know someone who’s dealing with either of these, you also might want to know about the Team Zachary gift matching program, especially now.
Through Dec. 28, all of the money you donate through this program for lymphoma research will be doubled—100 percent becomes 200 percent.
To give, go to nufoundation.org/teamzachary or call 402-502-4116.
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Quest for better vision
no longer just a vision
If you’re reading this with healthy eyes, you’re not like Hal Spurrier.
The retired Lincoln business owner and University of Nebraska grad was diagnosed with glaucoma 42 years ago, when he was just 28.
“I was too stupid to know how bad it was,” he says, smiling.
The eye drops in those days had terrible side effects. They made his eyes red. They dilated his pupils to the point he could no longer play tennis, a sport he loves—one eye would be blown up and the other would be small and he lost depth perception.
“Those drops would actually make my vision twice as bad,” he says. “I’d wear contacts and I’d wear giant glasses over the contacts.”
For years, he kept the disease at bay with drugs. But each drug would become ineffective over time, and he’d have to find another. By the early 1990s, he’d tried every drug. There was none left.
It appeared the glaucoma was going to win.
Find out what happened to Spurrier, and what UNMC’s new eye institute will mean to him and others with eye problems.
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Robo-profs generate math and science interest in middle schools
On weekends, you’re likely to find Neal Grandgenett kicking and punching people.
The professor of mathematics education and the Haddix Community Chair in STEM Education at the University of Nebraska at Omaha is also a fourth-degree black belt, a teacher of Tae Kwon Do.
You’re likely to find Bing Chen, who’s chair of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Computer and Electronics Engineering Department, kneeling on his backyard dirt, coaxing seeds and pulling weeds.
Grandgenett’s an ex-Marine.
Chen’s an excellent cook.
They come from different campuses and different worlds. But they share a passion for seeing the next generation of Nebraskans succeed in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).
They share a passion for a small robot on wheels that makes that kind of learning fun.
Learn more about them and how the endowed Haddix chair helps promote STEM learning in area schools.
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We’re asking for your help
There’s still time to make a tax-deductible gift to your University of Nebraska before year’s end. You determine where your money goes. Give to help students or programs important to you. No gift is too small—they all help make your university stronger.
But act fast, because any online gift must be received before 11 p.m. on Dec. 31 to be tax deductible for 2010.
Please donate now. It’s quick. It’s easy. And it helps so much.
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Campaign for Nebraska. Unlimited Possibilities
The University of Nebraska Foundation is involved in a campaign to raise $1.2 billion to fund university priorities such as student scholarships, faculty recruitment, research and program support. The campaign will conclude in 2014. To learn more about the Campaign for Nebraska, or to contribute, go to campaignfornebraska.org.
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The University of Nebraska Foundation is an independent, nonprofit organization that has connected the dreams and passions of donors to the mission of the university for the past 75 years. In 2010, donors designated more than $136 million in gifts to scholarships, academic programs, medical research and other priorities at the university. For more information, visit nufoundation.org.
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What Pilots See When Landing at Offutt Air Force Base
This is on Hwy 75 just south of Bellevue NE (south of Omaha), and is under the final approach path into Offutt AFB. The farmer does it with his tractor...not sure if he uses a plow or a disc. He uses GPS to get the letters readable. He has done this every fall for several years now.
This is what our servicemen see when landing at Offutt AFB. Hat tip to the Bellevue farmer who made it happen!
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