Strength Through Adversity

"A certain amount of opposition is a great help to a man. Kites rise against, not with the wind." - Lewis Mumford

I wasn't planning on writing another blog this soon (especially another Husker related one), but the day's events have called me in. 

Alright, Husker fans, here's your chance to AGAIN show your class. Bo Pelini is in the spotlight and it's not really where he wants to be right now. Stepping aside from the Huskers' loss last Saturday, we turn to Bo Pelini's weekly press conference in which he recaps and answers questions about the previous weekend's game. I haven't watched or listened to the actual press conference, but one comment has been spread around: "If he feels like that, then so be it. We don't need him." 

Well, that's not the entire statement. Here's the full statement in context: "Since I came back here, I've embraced former players," Pelini said. "If he feels like that, then so be it. We don't need him. That's a shame." "Until you've sat in this seat, until you've sat here and done it, anybody can have an opinion. It's easy to point fingers when you stand outside and throw stones. So I just take it for what it is." Any better? Maybe, maybe not. 

The statement came in response to a tweet from Tommie Frazier's Twitter account @TouchdownTommie: "After letting it sink in for about 4 hours I still struggling. It's time to get rid of the defensive play caller, the Dc, lb dl and db coaches. I hate saying this but this crap is getting old. How in the hell do you not make adjustments or put your players in the position to compete? If this is what is going to happen for the remainder of the season, count me out. I don't care if we lose a game but the way we are losing is just not what #Nebraska fans deserve. I have fought, bled, and cried over this program. I didn't do all that for the program to become what it has today. Time for change!"

I mentioned in my previous blog that everyone has their own opinions and that is true for EVERYTHING. It doesn't matter what the topic is. Well, here's my opinion on the Bo Pelini Tape (or BPT as I shall call it):

By now, I would be surprised if any Husker fan HASN'T listened to the BPT or at least read what was said. Because of this, I will not repeat it (mainly because it's not very nice). To be honest, when I first read/listened to the BPT, I was quite offended and upset. How could a coach talk about his fans like that? Doesn't he know where his support comes from? I was getting sucked into the negativity (which was EVERYWHERE). I started to read more articles and more comments and realized that not everyone had the same opinion. Some were even supporting Bo. So, I took a step back and re-evaluated the situation.

1) The BPT was recorded 2 years ago after the Ohio State game. Apparently many fans left at halftime because the Huskers were losing, only to have the Huskers make a marvelous comeback to win. I can't speak for any other fans but myself, but I have never left a game early (maybe that's because I only get to go to 1 game per year so I want to make the most out of it). I can understand both sides of the matter. Leaving early provides easy travel away from the stadium (traffic in downtown Lincoln on game days his horrific), but it also shows a kind of disrespect (in a way) to your team, who you claim to be a die-hard fan of. 

2) What coach has NOT gotten frustrated and upset about a situation? This is Nebraska. We have a very high-profile team and I'm sure emotions fly sky-high when you're in the spotlight that much. Do I condone what was said on the BPT? No, absolutely not. Regardless of how frustrated you are, you still need to be aware of what you're saying, when, and to who. If the person who actually leaked the BPT was someone that Bo trusted, then I lose all respect for that person. It's just simply morally wrong.

3) The media is painting a picture of Bo that is less than appealing. To the sideline rants, yelling at refs/players, and snarling teeth (you know what I'm talking about). But have we forgotten all of the good things he has done? Not only for the Nebraska football team, but for fans? Have we forgotten how he has taken Jack Hoffman under his wing? 

If I sat here and degraded Bo because of something that he said two years ago, what type of person would that make me? Not a very good Christian, I suppose. 

Bo has done the right thing and issued a statement of apology: "I want to sincerely apologize for my comments from two years ago which became public today," Pelini said in a statement released by the school Monday night. "I take full responsibility for these comments. They were spoken in a private room following the Ohio State game. I was venting following a series of emotional events which led to this moment. That being said, these comments are in no way indicative of my true feelings. I love it here in Nebraska and feel fortunate to be associated with such a great University and fan base. I again apologize to anyone whom I have offended."

We all have made mistakes in our lives and have said things at times that we do not fully mean. I believe Bo has a good heart and deserves a second chance and I do hope he learns from this situation. "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone." Could we do any better if in his shoes? I know I would probably crumble under the pressure. 

So, I say kuddos to Bo for taking responsibility for the matter. Let us now move on. There are bigger issues to worry about, like our football team. But that, my friends, is a whole other topic. 

Come Saturday at Memorial stadium, I sincerely hope our fans show Bo the same type of class they showed towards UCLA. Be true. Be loyal. Be a Husker.

"NOT THE VICTORY BUT THE ACTION: NOT THE GOAL BUT THE GAME: IN THE DEED THE GLORY"

Bo Pelini Facebook Support Page: https://www.facebook.com/SupportBoPelini

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/ncaaf--nebraska-s-bo-pelini-should-not-be-dismissed-as-result-of-leaked-audio-rant--232503407.html

Tim Marlowe ‏@iSet_Tones

Can't remain silent any longer. Coach Bo is the best thing for this program. Highest graduation rate ever, highest GPA ever, top 5 program

Jeremy Fowler ‏@JFowlerCBS

Zack Darlington, Nebraska commit who recovers from concussion suffered on national TV, said Pelini's called him every day since Aug. 24 hit

Jermarcus Hardrick ‏@Yoshi_Hardrick

This man changed my life @BoPelini. Nothing but good things to say about him.

Aaron Bradley ‏@AaronBradley11

In all seriousness, time for #Huskers fans to show class and midwestern values, extending grace to @BoPelini. #BoBigRed #GoBigRed

Win-full Loss

"Human kindness has never weakened the stamina or softened the fiber of a free people. A nation does not have to be cruel to be tough." - Franklin D. Roosevelt

The day after. What was witnessed yesterday was both awe-inspiring and tear-evoking (in all sense of the words). Let me recap yesterday's events.

First off, let's back up to about a week ago. I'm a huge Husker fan and always try to go to at least 1 game each year. This is not always easy, because I have to work around my on-call work schedule and checkbook. Sept. 14th was one of the few home games that I was able to go to, so I started looking for tickets. Boy, trying to find Husker tickets for face value while not being up in the rafters is nearly impossible. But, it happened! So, I started planning the weekend: head down to Lincoln Friday night to stay with friends and go to the game on Saturday. Everything seemed to be falling into place. Good parking, good food, good company, good match-up. Can't get much better than that for Game Day in Nebraska.

I like to get into the stadium pretty earlier to enjoy all the pre-game activities. I enjoy getting the whole experience of going to a Husker game (since I don't get to do it all the time). Walking through the doorway and out into the landing providers a spectacular view: Memorial Stadium at it's finest. 

Finding our seats was pretty easy and watching the players warm-up and the band play is just a bonus as the anticipation builds towards kick-off. More and more fans begin to fill the stadium and soon the band takes the field for the official pre-game show. It's almost showtime. 

Now, it's shortly after this where things get pretty special. One of the coolest things to witness is 91,000+ fans singing our National Anthem while "The Pride of All Nebraska" (aka The Nebraska Marching Band) plays it. I don't know if this happens at any other stadium, but it sure is a great sound. Immediately after the National Anthem, it was announced that there will be a moment of silence for a UCLA player who was killed 6 days earlier. The stadium goes silent and from the Nebraska student section you see this:

One Nebraska tradition is to let go of 2,000 red balloons after the Huskers' first score. But on this day, the first balloons to fly were not red, but blue and gold, in honor of Nick Pasquale, UCLA wide receiver, who passed away 6 days earlier. It was an amazing sight.

But, the honoring of Nick Pasquale did not stop there. Students in the Nebraska student section had made signs that were hung during the moment of silence:

   

 

(Photo by Eric Francis/Getty Images)

And the Husker players even took it a step further, by wearing a #36 decal on the back of their helmets. #36 was Nick Pasquale's jersey number.

Now, most of you know how the game ended. But for those who don't, Nebraska lost 21-41. I won't go into the details, nor will I state my thoughts on that matter (everyone has their own opinions anyway). 

Along with that, almost half the stadium was empty by the time there was 3:00 min left in the game. I, of course, stayed till the very end. I didn't see the two teams gather at the center of the field to share a prayer, but I definitely read about it. What I heard, however, was multiple Husker fans congratulating UCLA fans on a "good game" during the entire walk away from the stadium. That was a breath of fresh air after having to listen to a very negative gentlemen behind us during the entire second half of the game (really...how is that helpful?). 

I came away from the game yesterday feeling more proud to be a Husker fan than ever before (along with a little bit of a sunburn). In Nebraska, you are not only born into the Husker fan base, it is ingrained in your core. The saying "Bleed Husker Red" is more true than you would ever believe. True Husker fans stick with their team through the good times and the bad (and yesterday was definitely a bad time). Nebraska will pick itself up, dust itself off and return to Memorial Stadium next Saturday, along with its 91,000+ fans.

There's a saying above every doorway to Memorial Stadium that reads: "Through these gates pass the Greatest Fans in College Football." After witnessing the events of yesterday from the start of the game to the end, I firmly believe that statement to be 100% true. 

What happened yesterday was much more than JUST a football game. It was pride. It was honor. It was support. It was class. To quote my Facebook friend, Evan Ludes, "Sometimes football isn't always about football." How true that was yesterday. 

There's not much else to say, so I'll leave you with these final words: I am a proud Husker fan and there truly is No Place Like Nebraska.

Articles about the Nebraska vs UCLA game and the honoring of Nick Pasquale:

1) http://www.foxsportswest.com/collegefootball/ucla-bruins/story/Nebraska-goes-extra-mile-in-honoring-UCL?blockID=940027&feedID=3707

2) http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ncaaf-dr-saturday/nebraska-students-honor-fallen-ucla-player-nick-pasquale-170306944--ncaaf.html?pt=BureoF5GVB

3) http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/15/ucla-nebraska-nick-pasquale_n_3930350.html

Awareness

"It has never been, and never will be, easy work! But the road that is built in hope is more pleasant to the traveler than the road built in despair, even though they both lead to the same destination." - Marion Zimmer Bradley

I've been thinking about this post all day. I'm glad to finally sit down and write it.

As you have read above, September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. To be honest...if you would have asked me a year ago what cause is spotlighted in September, I wouldn't have had a clue. That's pretty sad, because childhood cancer is a pretty big deal. Did you know that 36 children get diagnosed with cancer each day?

Cancer has always been stigmatized and thus, not spoken about, but times are changing. More and more people are speaking out and spreading the word about childhood cancer awareness, hoping to reach those who have some sort of power to help find a cure, or at least fund research for one. Let me introduce you to one such person:

His name is Jack Hoffman. He is 7 years old and lives in a small Nebraska town with a population of roughly 1,245 people. He has brain cancer. If you haven't heard of him already, then mostly likely you have been living underground with no access to any type of media. Let's recap our resident hero:

A couple years ago he befriended a Nebraska Husker running back by the name of Rex Burkhead. I'd like to say the rest is history, but that wouldn't even cover it. Rex and Jack began spending more time together, even to the point of Rex inviting Jack to Memorial Stadium. Jack was then "adopted" by the entire Husker football team. Rex began wearing a Team Jack bracelet during every game. 

                     

The word about pediatric cancer was starting to get out (doesn't hurt to have all of Husker Nation backing you). Team Jack bracelets and shirts and other items were being sold in order to raise money for brain cancer research. (I'm proud to say I have 2 Team Jack shirts!) Team Jack is growing!

But wait...it doesn't stop there. Back in April of this year something extraordinary happened. During the Husker spring game, Jack was able to fulfill his dream of playing for the Nebraska Huskers and scored a 69-yard touchdown run. The video is below. I still can't watch it without tearing up. It's truly something special.

Things went a bit crazy after that. Jack was not only making statewide news, he was making national and international news! The video above has over 8 million views. Shortly after his legendary touchdown run, he and Rex were invited to the White House to meet with President Obama. Yes, the president met with Jack Hoffman. Talk about spreading awareness!

Now, you would think that meeting the president would be where it ends. Nope. Not for Jack. His touchdown was still turning heads and got him nominated for an ESPY. Sure enough, he won that, too!

So where can Jack go from here? Anywhere. At 7 years old he has experienced more than majority of people do in their entire lifetime. He is a true inspiration to those who have ever battled cancer or gone through any type of adversity. 

We could learn a lot from little Jack Hoffman. How to rise up when things look grim. How to push forward when the road is hard. How to spread awareness about something that could have easily torn his family apart. 

Are you aware of Jack Hoffman now? How about the daily struggle of those with cancer? 

We may not be able to cure cancer, but we can spread the word and help raise money for cancer research. Jack, his family, and the Nebraska Huskers have done more than anyone could have ever imagined. And they're still going! I'm proud to call myself a Nebraska Husker AND Team Jack supporter. 

If Jack can endure what he did, then we can do our part and spread the word about cancer research. Support his cause. Support Team Jack. With the support of an entire state (not to mention nation) behind you, Jack...you can do anything. And you will. Keep running down cancer!

Team Jack Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Team-Jack/130253380409979

Team Jack Foundation: http://www.teamjackfoundation.org/

Team Jack on Twitter: @TeamJackHoffman

Future Steps

"Living in the past is a dull and lonely business; looking back strains the neck muscles, causes you to bump into people not going your way." - Edna Ferber

Well, it's been quite awhile since I've updated this blog. I was out on my nightly walk tonight when I started to think that I need to share a few thoughts. The quote above has a lot of meaning for me, as well as for a lot of people, I'm sure. A lot has happened over the past year that has been positive and negative for me. I find myself thinking about these things almost every day, mostly at night when I'm trying to sleep. I have a tendency to over think things anyway, so getting to sleep is always a struggle. It seems like I'm always thinking about the past, whether it be earlier that day, the week before, or even more than a month before. It consumes a majority of my time (more than what it should).

By constantly thinking about the past, it's hard to move on to the future. You can't change what has already  happened. What's done is done. Sure, you can make amends to those you have wronged, but in the end, there's always going to be that scar of what was done. It will never go away. The choice is yours whether to live in the past or move forward. Forgive yourself and move on. You may not be proud of your past, but I'm sure you've learned from it. Use that knowledge and those lessons to make your future even brighter. Because in the end, the future is yours for the taking. Reach out and grab it.