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Ken Hambleton: Former Huskers show support for football program

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Saturday, Apr 14, 2007 - 01:27:00 am CDT

And the winner is ...

-- The annual N Club golf tournament drew about 80 golfers to Wilderness Ridge Golf Course on Friday. We’ll call that tournament A.

 -- The first Nebraska Football Player Reunion “Fun The Original Husker Way” golf outing drew about 105 former players to HiMark Golf Course on Friday. That’s tournament B.

There is grumbling beyond the type that comes from too many Memorial Stadium hot dogs.

Plenty of former Nebraska players feel disenchanted with the football program , which has bid farewell to almost every legacy established by Bob Devaney and Tom Osborne.

 Many of those dyspeptic players took part in tournament B.

Changes in the NU football program have been fast and furious since Frank Solich was fired in 2003. Osborne’s hand-picked successor and two groups of assistant coaches also were dismissed in two years. In the last five years, the same time that Steve Pederson has been athletic director, dozens of NU football staff members, from strength guru Boyd Epley to trainer Doak Ostergard, are also gone.

The harrumphs increased since Nebraska hasn’t won a conference title, a national title or played for one since the drastic changes in personnel.

 On Friday, Osborne, who went to tournament B, handed out a sheet to the former players explaining Nebraska’s incredible football record from 1962 to 2003. During the Devaney-Osborne-Solich years, Nebraska won five national titles, played in 13 national title games, posted an 82 percent winning percentage (best in the nation), 40 winning seasons and 35 consecutive bowl games.

 “Win and the grumbling goes away,” said former Husker and current Carolina Panther Mike Rucker, who went to tournament B. “We’re all for getting some championship rings and fans lining the streets from the airport to the stadium when the team comes back from winning a national championship.”

Mike Minter, his Nebraska and Carolina teammate, agreed.

“Controversy? I guess somebody thought there was, but I didn’t know anything about it,” he said. “We want to see Nebraska back on top. We want to stay in touch with teammates. That’s all I know.”

Rucker said he was asked by a couple of media types about who he supported. “I support Nebraska,” he said.

Mitch Krenk, head of the N Club and tournament A, chimed: “We all want the same thing and maybe this will help us get together more often, create a network of support and help the university more.”

Former Husker and NFL player Chris Dishman, spokesman for tournament B,  said:

“As Coach Osborne said to our group this morning, we need to stay positive to support the university.  That’s what’s going on here. It’s been portrayed in some media as a big protest and it was never that.

“We honored Doak, too. He is a friend to all of us.” Ostergard was let go without public explanation after 18 years as a trainer for the football team.

Dishman added:“We got together to talk, visit and set up some things in the future, like tailgating, setting up a business-help network, which the university can’t endorse.”

If you are keeping score at home: Tournament B drew Osborne, who said he was invited there first. Tournament A drew current coach Bill Callahan.

-- Former NU All-America  outside linebackers Trev Alberts and Broderick Thomas went to B.

-- Offensive lineman Will Shields, a former NU standout and a 12-time Pro Bowler with the Kansas City Chiefs, and Husker great Jeff Kinney attended A.

-- Former Huskers Jerry Murtaugh and Steve Warren, former NU assistant coach Milt Tenopir and Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Rodgers went to both (AB positive?).

Ostergard explained it well.

“These guys, all the players, the coaches and some staff are the people who make the program,” he said. “People put their heart and soul into the program.

“Some guys didn’t feel connected to the program they help build. The best-case scenario is that all those guys feel connected again,” he said.

Reach Ken Hambleton at 473-7313 or at khambleton@journalstar.com.

 


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Ricky wrote on April 14, 2007 6:59 am:
" Tom Osborne is getting close to being a pain in the neck. He needs to fade away. How can this golf debacle help the Husker Program? Who paid for the free golf at tournament "B" anyway? What "booster of substance?" Ricky From Omaha "

 coach wrote on April 14, 2007 7:59 am:
" If Tom O. wanted to coach and be a huge part of NU football, why did he resign? He wasn't asked to leave, he wasn't fired, he left on his own. He has a field and a big new complex named after him. For someone who resigned, why does it seem like he still wants more? "

 DICK TOMASEVICZ wrote on April 14, 2007 8:14 am:
" It Tom. O had not HANDED the job over to Frank S. we would still be on top. The cabinets are being filled again after they were left empty. "

 Chris Dishman wrote on April 14, 2007 9:49 am:
" "I want to clear this up. I am not a spokesman for the group. A former husker told Ken to talk to me and I did. I can only speak for myself. All I told Ken was things that were said earlier. As for labeling these tourney A and B. It is showing us seperation. Both groups have one objective and that is showing support for Nebraska Football. Just because a guy goes to one event instead of another doesn't mean he doesn't support Nebraska Football and where it is at today." Chris Dishman, Nebraska "

 Bob wrote on April 14, 2007 9:55 am:
" What is wrong with the media. Is it just slow news days? As Dishman said, much ado about nothing. TP opted out. Maybe TO could help mend a few fences here. Charlie McBride is doing his part - always has. Thanks Charlie! "

 Jason wrote on April 14, 2007 10:45 am:
" I heard that TO wants to be more involved in the program's day to day operations. If that is true why did he leave? I'm sure with the way everyone treats him here that he could have been the AD had he not been messing around in DC. "

 joe wrote on April 14, 2007 12:48 pm:
" Why, because he's the greatest man the state produced since George Norris? Steve Pedersen destroyed NU football. We just want that back. Power running game. Coaches connected to Nebraska, not the NFL. More homegrown guys being offered scholarships and walk-on opportunities. Not these prima donnas like Sam Keller and Marlin Lucky and Corey McKeon. To be connected to the program, rather than isolated from it. Bill Callahan is a foreigner and should be run out of town! Bring in someone who knows Nebraska, both the history and tradition of the state and NU football. Not some NFL reject. I'd rather go 7-7 every year with Nebraskans in the program than 13-0 with the motley crew we have now. "

 Concerned wrote on April 14, 2007 1:19 pm:
" And Osborne wonders why he lost the election to be Governor of the Great State of Nebraska. He is a divider not an uniter. "

 eric wrote on April 14, 2007 3:57 pm:
" that Joe guy has no idea what college football is about these days. you aren't going to see a coach stay at a place for 25 years anymore just because that is where he is from. i know that when nebraska wins a championship here in the near future you will be there rooting for them. all these callahan haters need to step up an face it that solich wasn't going to cut it. look at what callahan did his 2nd year and 3rd year here with only half of the parts included. just wait boys!!! "

 Terry wrote on April 14, 2007 4:31 pm:
" Come on people. Quit trying to make more out of something thats not there. There is 1 spring game, on 1 saturday. How many foursomes can you realistically get in 1 tournament. Both are for the same cause. "T.O."was invited to 1 outing first, so he went there. Would it been any different if he went to the other? You have men from all over the country, different life stlyes and beliefs. They can't make everybody happy. Feel lucky they all showed up and let it go. I live in Tallahassee and I don't see FSU players coming back, like you see former Huskers. I guess since Anna Nicole and Imus are history, this is the top news topic at the water cooler. Thank them all for coming back. They could of all stayed away to avoid the controversy. "

 Joseph P. Sokolovsky wrote on April 14, 2007 7:46 pm:
" This is not a time for unfounded accusations, negativeness and false rumors. Dr. Tom Osborne is not going to do anything that is harmful to football program he gave his heart and soul to for the majority of his life.It is easy for some of you people to set at home and take cheap shots, etc., but I ask you...do you know Coach Osborne and appreciate the type of honesty, dedication and l love for the Nebraska football program and State of Nebraska this man has exhibited for forty years? Please, be guarded about throwing out such harsh cheap shots...it accomplishes nothing positive! "

 steve wrote on April 14, 2007 10:32 pm:
" The problem is and always will be this one fact: T.O. wasn't offered the A.D. job. Bill Bryne was trying to run the program that he built, so he resigned while he still was able to name his successor. You can thank Perlman and the board of regents for this situation. Steve P. has been all about cleaning house. He wamts no distractors. "

 jkw wrote on April 15, 2007 12:05 am:
" Let's face facts TO didn't and wouldn't tear this program apart, that is the athletic directors job. He does it so well too. "

 Noah wrote on April 15, 2007 7:31 am:
" TO couldn't go to tournament A. He wasn't invited to tournament A. He said so in another newspaper. What was he supposed to do? Of course he should come back and hang around. I assure you he isn't meddling. He's mellow Tom trying to do what he can but UN-L doesn't seem to do him any favors. Give him a break. He is not the problem. "

 JP wrote on April 15, 2007 12:12 pm:
" Noah, TO was invited to both events according to an Omaha paper, he was just invited to this one first. I don't understand the hatred towards Pedersen and Callahan. Solich left us a mess. If it wasn't for Pelini's defense, we would've had a losing record in Solich's last year. As for those who want a return to nebraska football, here's a clue, we have a great power running game, we just need work on the execution. Our offensive stats for running and passing are now better than they were after our 2001 season, go look them up. You will be amazed at just how pathetic our offenses were from 2001-2003. If the players wanted another get together, they could have scheduled their event on thrusday, rather than friday at the exact time with a heavily insinuating title if they really didn't want this to turn into a us vs them thing. "

 pete wrote on April 15, 2007 12:39 pm:
" Thanks Journalstar.com, and all the other nebraska media for causing more controversy, and finding new ways to divide us. We all really appreciate it. A number of people said this tournament was not a form of a revolt, but you guys sure did find a great way to put that type of spin on it. We have a great program, and a great tradition, and after a great spring game, you guys can still find a way to put a sour taste in our mouths during the off season. Keep up the terrible work! "

 DC in portland wrote on April 15, 2007 1:31 pm:
" somehow the Sooners are able to pull together the former greats, and ghosts, to re-invigorate their program. we are still waiting for the re-invigoration. it is ironic that we are now trying to run the ball....something that other teams once feared NU for... "

 charlie wrote on April 15, 2007 2:33 pm:
" Nebraska was different than any other football program. Now its just like everyone else. If you don't understand that,it would not do any good to try and explain it. "

 HEY JOE wrote on April 15, 2007 4:11 pm:
" I agree with Joe, we need to fire all the coaches and admin and get coaches with ties to Nebraska just like Coach devaney, oh wait, he had nothing to do with Nebraska before taking the job here. No we need coaches that were former players at Nebraska like Coach Osborne, oh wait, he played for Hastings College. And that AD has no ties to Nebraska, oh wait, he graduated from Nebraska and was the recruiting coordinator for Coach Osborne when he won all those National Championships. Yep I guess we need to do just like they have always done it at Nebraska, with outsiders as coaches? I guess that is what he meant. "

 mops wrote on April 15, 2007 6:21 pm:
" The concept of 2 tournments sucks. The ath. dir. saw Ne headed in the wrong direction and took action to change it. Ne is back and will again be a power house. Stop feeling sorry for the departed and "CHARGE" "

 Tim wrote on April 15, 2007 7:06 pm:
" Some of you complaining about TO have is backwards. Pedersen and Callahan have made it abundantly clear that they want no involvement from anyone from the previous regime due to their insecurity and dictatorship mentality. They have made no attempt to utilize Osborne or anyone else from Nebraska's storied past. Look at how Bob Stoops at Oklahoma has used legends of the past like Barry Switzer to help reinforce the tradition. Callahan and Pedersen are only about dismantling Nebraska's past in favor of their own short-sighted goals, like loading up on Juco transfers to hopefully win in the short term, especially since they can't seem to hang on to highly regarded recruits. Isn't that what Callahan was brought in here for in the first place? "

 Hey Tim wrote on April 15, 2007 9:05 pm:
" Did you know that Mike Rozier was a Juco? But I gues that was ok, wasn't it "

 Sam G. wrote on April 16, 2007 12:57 pm:
" Who is this "Joe" guy and what makes him think he's so smart. He'd rather go 7-7 than 13-0 with this "motley" crew? Solich left hardly any real talent when he left. NU has talent again -- it takes a while to restock. And Sam Keller a prima donna? How is that, exactly? More than Jamal Lord was? Keller is great, and a good, humble guy. And he could actually play QB in the NFL, as opposed to every other QB from NU since Vince Ferragamo. So what if things change over the years, from power running to balance. Name one team that has one the championship in the last 8-9 years as a "power running" team. There is parity in college football, you can't just "power run" all the way to Orange Bowl victory like you could 15 years ago. And check the stats -- there are plenty of guys from NE on the team. I think what you are talking about is high school football. We're talking NCAA Div. I. "

 Gary Peterson wrote on April 19, 2007 3:34 pm:
" Stating that Nebraska has a power running game is incorrect; the statistics don’t support the assertion. Since Callahan became head coach, the Huskers haven’t topped 176 yards per game (during 2004); hardly impressive, let alone powerful. In fact, the 2004 figure is 60 yards per game less than that of the worst output of the Solich years. Scoring under Callahan hasn’t fared much better, as 2006’s 31 points per game – the best of the Callahan years – exceeds only two of the Solich years. Granted, the two years it beats are the years when Solich’s offense was run by his recruits. Still, to cast Solich’s offenses post-2001 as inferior to Callahan’s offenses, with the exception of 2006, is wildly inaccurate. A power running game isn’t the only ingredient missing from the Callahan-run program. His (Cosgrove’s) defenses have been particularly woeful, and they suffer significantly in comparison with the Solich years. Yet, they are rarely part of the conversation. Callahan’s best defensive performance was last year, but it ranks better than just one Solich season in total defense and just two in scoring defense. None of the Callahan defenses have averaged fewer than 332 yards per game. Not stout by any definition. The perfect comparison, which also speaks to the oft-evoked bare-cupboard theory, is the difference between 2003 (Solich’s final season) and the trend beginning with 2004. The 2003 defense finished 11th in the country in total defense, gave up less than 300 yards a game and allowed 15 points a game. Under the Callahan regime, the defense plummeted – becoming almost 100 yards a game worse in 2004 and giving up almost twice as many points per game. All with essentially the same players, who were blamed by a coaching staff that looked foolish when three Husker defenders were taken in the first 40 picks of the subsequent NFL draft. Since then, Nebraska’s defense has improved, but it hasn’t improved on 2003. So, to broadly proclaim that Callahan has improved Nebraska’s lot – even when juxtaposed with the recent inglorious past instead of the pre-2002 years – is wrong. And to confidently announce that national championships are imminent– based on the past three seasons – is fanciful. "

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