Football recruiting revelry may last a long time after the 31-recruit, 12-junior college player infusion into the Nebraska football program.

Those who pooh-pooh the impact of junior college transfers at Nebraska note that Tom Osborne had less than 50 junior college recruits in his 25 years as head coach.

But it should be noted that Bob Devaney, after struggling through back-to-back 6-4 seasons in 1967 and 1968, went the juco route for help. Devaney always maintained that recruiting became a big priority after the "down years," especially since there were petitions circulating seeking his dismissal. 

Part of that renewed recruiting effort included bringing in Johnny Rodgers, Jerry Tagge, Van Brownson, Rich Glover, Willie Harper, Larry Jacobsen, and Daryl White — all among the all-time best at NU.

Another large part were the junior college transfers, too.

The 1970 and 1971 Nebraska national championship teams counted on junior college transfers Bob Newton, Rick Rupert, Carl Johnson, Keith Wortman, Woody Cox, Bob Terrio and Dale Didur. The first six listed all became starters, Newton, Terrio and Rupert were considered among some of the best NU players of the time.

Of course, it didn't hurt that Devaney made Tom Osborne the offensive coordinator and gave Monte Kiffin and Warren Powers the defense about the same time.

Western rules juco roost

Nebraska has a No. 1-ranked basketball team.

The Western Nebraska Community College (Scottsbluff) Cougars have been ranked No. 1 in the National Junior College Athletic Association polls for three weeks now.

The Cougars have six Division I recruits, including Kalu Guasco of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Guasco is also carrying a 3.8 grade-point average in engineering and a 15.3 points per game scoring average.

Giant Fernando Bonfim, a 7-foot center from Brighton, Mass., averages 12.6 points and 11.3 rebounds for WNCC.

"We're riding high right now," said coach Ron Brillhart, who is in his 12th year at the Scottsbluff college. "We were 22-8 last year and we've won 28 in a row."

WNCC was ineligible for the playoffs last year, but is eligible this season.

"We're playing well and I'm having a lot of fun. Of course, going 46-8 over the last two years is fun for everybody around here," he said. "To be noticed way out here is a big deal to all of us here." 

WNCC's women's team is 23-0 and ranked No. 2 in the country.

"We've got kids who want to play and who are willing to play hard," said Brillhart. "I think the fact we don't fit the stereotype of JUCO dummies — we have some very bright kids —  makes a difference, too."

Raridon's ups and downs

Former Nebraska Wesleyan men's basketball coach Todd Raridon is now coaching at North Central College in Naperville, Ill. His team started the season 13-1 and earned the school's  first-ever national ranking in NCAA Division III. However, North Central has dropped its last seven games.

Looking out for No. 1

Nebraska's wrestling dual with top-ranked and defending national champion Oklahoma State next Thursday (7 p.m.) will be televised on NETV (cable channel 12). The admission to the meet, pop and hot dogs are just $1 each.  The Cowboys have not lost to Nebraska in a dual meet since 1921. OSU boasts No. 1-ranked Sam Hazewinkel at 125 pounds, No. 1 ranked Chris Pendleton at 174 pounds, No. 1-ranked Jake Rosholt at 197 pounds and No. 1-ranked Steve Mocco at 275 pounds.

Playing ball indoors

Former Husker running back Dan Alexander is the second-string tail back for the Nashville Kats of the Arena Football League. He has already smashed one of the sideboards that surround the field. Alexander has two touchdowns for the new AFL team. Wilson Thomas, former Husker and Omaha North receiver and basketball player, is a receiver with the Arizona Rattlers of the AFL. He had a spectacular one-handed catch to help the Rattlers win their opener.

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