[Husker] Misc Husker Notes

[Jeff Volk]

Greetings,

I just had some miscelleaneous comments and notes on Husker related
topics:

1. The baseball team was picked to finish 3rd in the B12 Preseason Poll
by B12 Coaches. Texas was picked to finish first, followed by OSU, NU &
Baylor. Nebraska opens their season February 16 against New Mexico in
Arlington, TX. 

2. Are Husker Hoops fans really THAT disappointed by the Big Monday
blowout last night? If they are I don't think that they should be.
Kansas is generally considered one of the most talent laden teams in the
land and a legit national title contender should they develop any sort
of consistency. I don't think there is a single Husker hoopster who
would crack the top 7 or 8 in the KU player rotation and certainly none
that would crack the starting 5. 

3. Jay Norvell leaving to be the OC at UCLA is a lateral move in title
only - not in responsibility or in what it will take for him to get his
own head coaching job. UCLA is an up and coming program with a very well
respected up and coming coach in Karl Dorell. This move is great for Jay
if he hopes to become a head coach. 

4. Don't read too much into players leaving early. While some (Evans,
Newcombe, Dailey, Beck) etc transferred for reasons that related to
playing time and conflicts with coaches the others have simply left for
an opportunity to make some money. Brandon Jackson didn't leave early
because of a lack of tradition or because he hates Bill Callahan - he
left because he comes from a dirt poor family in Horn Lake, MS and as a
3rd round NFL draft pick or better he can give his family some level of
financial freedom. 

5. Lastly, while this nature of the business world vs Husker tradition
parallel seems like just another way to rehash the Solich - Callahan -
Pedersen debate here is my take. Tradition and core values are important
- be it in business, family or Husker Football. However, sometimes
traditions and core values, especially in business, need to change with
the times or be left for dead. A business, family or football team that
doesn't dynamically change and find better ways to do things is destined
to fail. The ultimate key to success is changing and adapting while
still holding true to those core traditions and values. 

The real traditions to me of Nebraska Football have nothing to do with
the coach or what offense we run. Husker Football tradition to me is the
Sea of Red at Memorial Stadium, a Runza or a slice of Val's, Sidetrack's
before the game, having the best fans in the nation and the Saturday
afternoons I spent with my dad and my grandpa cheering on the Huskers
win or lose. Those are the traditions that I will pass on to my sons and
hopefully them to theirs and over that time I guarantee that Athletic
Directors, coaches and offenses will change over and over - but those
traditions that I hold dear will not. 

But of course these are just my takes - I coud be wrong. 

Jeff