Workman-Like Effort Helps Kriewald Get Ahead

By Marcus Dawson
Growing up in Scotia, Neb., a town with a population a little over 300, Steve Kriewald always dreamed of playing for the Scarlet and Cream. Toward the end of an illustrious high school career, larger schools like Colorado, Notre Dame and Michigan began to look at the small-town product. Kriewald, though, was still drawn to Nebraska.

"Being from Nebraska, with the tradition and the fans, there was never any real question about where I wanted to go," Kriewald said.

After redshirting in the 2000 season, Kriewald’s lead-blocking ability was immediately noticed, as the coaches wasted no time sending him onto the field for 11 games, including the 2002 Rose Bowl, where he provided quality depth behind Judd Davies. When Davies sat out with an ankle injury, Kriewald even started two games that season.

Kriewald saw his best success running the ball during the 2001 season, including a career long 24-yard touchdown run at Colorado. He added a 28-yard performance on two carries at Missouri.

In his sophomore season, Kriewald played in all 14 games, including a start against Iowa State. During his junior year, although he did not start a game, he saw action in all 13 contests. Against Kansas, he had a career high six-carry day and added a touchdown. He finished the season with 99 rushing yards, the most of his career.

Kriewald diligently worked on his receiving skills in the 2004 spring season while adjusting to the West Coast Offense. Though he does not have a carry this year, he has three receptions for 38 yards.

Kriewald’s biggest catch this year came against Baylor on Oct. 16 when he hauled in the first touchdown catch of his career. It was also the first touchdown reception by a Husker fullback since Lance Lewis’ 15-yard touchdown reception in 1992 against Iowa State.

With all the playing time he has seen, Kriewald does not take it for granted. He still tries to let all the experiences soak in.

"The chance to go out in front of the fans is the most memorable moments I have had as a Husker," Kriewald said. "If I had to narrow it down to one moment, it would be when we played Oklahoma and ran the reverse pass play (to Eric Crouch) in 2001."

As a fifth-year senior, Kriewald has experienced many tough situations, including battling through injuries, losses and coaching changes. But with his experience, he knows what his role is on the team.

"Being a senior, I have a leadership role," Kriewald said. "You have to help the younger guys, and help bring the team together."

The chance to play football has given Kriewald the opportunity to do something special by getting out in the community. For his efforts, he has been named to the Brook Berringer Citizenship Team three straight years. He always tries to keep himself busy, but somehow will find time to speak to children and the elderly and volunteer. Kriewald is also a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

"It’s important to give back to the community," Kriewald said. "It just brightens your day and theirs when you can give a little to help other people."

The team has elected him to be a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. There he discusses issues, "that can help athletes and changes with NCAA rules. I do it to represent the team, to be their voice."

A construction management major, Kriewald graduated in May 2004. He is a three-time second-team academic All-Big 12 selection and is now working toward his master’s degree. Academics have always been important in his life.

"That’s why you are in college," Kriewald said. "Anything you are going to do, you should do well."

As the sun sets on his Husker career, Kriewald does not really see that he will be giving anything up when his playing days are over.

"It will be a change in my life," Kriewald said. "For all of these years, I have been working to get better physically. Now I will be working at getting a better job. It will be a change in my mindset."

He wants to go into the construction business when his playing days are done. Construction has always been one of his interests.

"It’s what I love," Kriewald said. "I would like to someday own my own construction company. That would be my ultimate goal."