Spring Break Tour of Excellence Begins March 14

Lincoln, Neb. -- University of Nebraska student-athletes, yell squad members, Lil’ Red and Miss Nebraska 2004 are teaming up to motivate and inspire several thousand elementary through middle-school level students from March 14 through March 17 during the Spring Break "Tour of Excellence." University speakers will share messages regarding education, life skills and decision-making. Space permitting, host schools are inviting nearby schools to attend the motivational programs. The "Tour of Excellence" concept started in 1994 in an effort to connect role-model student-athletes and campus leaders across the state with Nebraska's youth. In the 10-year history of the Spring Break Tour, more than 50,000 youth have attended the assemblies/presentations.

Tour of Excellence presentations will take place as follows:

• Monday, March 14 ? Sidney DARE Graduation ? Sidney High School ? 7 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 15 ? Sidney Elementary School Classroom Presentations ? 9 a.m.
• Tuesday, March 15 ? Ogallala Middle School ? 1:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, March 16 ? McCook Middle School ? 9 a.m.
• Wednesday, March 16 ? Lexington Middle School- 1:45 p.m.
• Thursday, March 17 ? Holdrege Middle School ? 8:30 a.m.
• Thursday, March 17 ? Crete Middle School ? 2 p.m.

The University of Nebraska is on spring break from March 14 through March 20, providing the perfect time for the Huskers to travel statewide and share positive messages. According to Director of Life Skills Keith Zimmer, the group of speakers have impressive credentials. Garth Glissman posted a near-perfect 4.0 grade-point average as a student and is a member of the Brook Berringer Citizenship Team. Jenny Green carries a 3.8 grade-point average in advertising, and as a true freshman swept the Big 12 titles in the pole vault. Ian Gray is the vice president of the NCAA Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and Willie Amos is a former Husker football player who is also a world champion in jump rope. Ann Gaffigan, the 2004 Nebraska Female Student-Athlete of the Year and world-class track and field athlete, will be joining the tour in 2005. Student-athletes Kyle Doperalski (cross country) and Sasha Andrews (soccer) will also be be participating in the tour for the first time. The University is honored once again to have Miss Nebraska, Brook Matthews, assist with outreach efforts along with the always popular Lil’ Red and Husker Yell Squad members. Rob Heuer of Sioux Falls, S.D., will be representing the men’s yell squad for the second consecutive year. The following will be speaking/performing at all sites during the 2005 Spring Break "Tour of Excellence:"

• Garth Glissman ? Former Nebraska Football Quarterback
• Jenny Green - Nebraska Track and Field Pole Vault Champion
• Kyle Doperalski ? Nebraska Cross Country/Track and Field
• Willie Amos ? Former Nebraska Football Receiver and World Jump Rope Champion
• Sasha Andrews ? Nebraska Soccer/Canadian National Team Member
• Brook Matthews ? Miss Nebraska 2004
• Ian Gray ? Former Nebraska Cross Country/Track ? Vice President of NCAA Student-Athlete Advisory Committee
• Ann Gaffigan ? 2004 Nebraska Female Student-Athlete of the Year
• Lil’ Red ? National Champion Mascot
• Rob Heuer ? University of Nebraska Yell Squad
• Other University of Nebraska Yell Squad Members, TBA
• Logan Meier, HuskerVision student from North Platte, Neb.
• Brandy Hataway ? Assistant Academic Counselor ? NU Hewit Center

Questions from media members regarding the Spring Break University of Nebraska "Tour of Excellence" can be directed to Keith Zimmer at kzimmer@huskers.com or by calling the Sports Information Office at 402-472-2263.

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