There were a few odd looks.

A can of Coke?

For free?

Was it some kind of international Coca-Cola day or something?

No, it sure wasn't.

Then why would two guys take a break from their busy schedules at Nebraska Wesleyan University to sit outside on a cold October day and hand out free Cokes?

Well, if you ask them, it's not so hard to understand.

"Nobody buys anybody anything anymore," says Jordan Mruz, a junior sociology major from Fremont.

"So we thought we'd buy the campus a Coke."

Not to mention they really liked that 1970s advertising jingle, "I'd Like to Buy the World a Coke," adds senior Nick Myers, a history major from Bridgeport.

So after hatching a plan over the summer, Mruz and Myers bought 120 cans of Coke, parked themselves in lounge chairs and handed the drinks out to passersby on Wesleyan's first day of classes.

(Wesleyan is a Pepsi campus, by the way, but Mruz and Myers say they chose Coke simply because of the song.)

That first venture was so successful -- the Cokes were gone in an hour -- that the pair, both members of Wesleyan's football team, decided to try again Wednesday.

This time, they came armed with 264 cans -- that's 80 bucks' worth -- and, of course, long sleeves.

They hung two cardboard signs on the fence behind them.

"Once again we are buying the world a Coke. So please take one and enjoy. It's the real thing."

"Good luck on mid-terms and have a good fall break!"

Of course, there were a few no-thank-yous: Some people said they didn't like Coke, while others preferred Diet Coke. One even asked if Mruz and Myers had limes on hand.

Still, the free drinks appeared to be a welcome stress-buster for students coping with projects and exams before fall break starts Friday.

Mruz and Myers have gotten such a positive response they're thinking about resuming the giveaways later in the year.

They've considered hot chocolate for the winter, but they're not sure how to mass produce it, Mruz says.

Until then, coolers stuffed with Coke will have to do.

Said sophomore Jory Crouch as he enjoyed his refreshment: "You guys are awesome."

Reach Melissa Lee at 473-2682 or mlee@journalstar.com.