Alliance Husker Nation Tour

Alliance, Neb. - The 2005 Husker Nation Tour sponsored by First National Bank and its family of banks kicked off in Alliance, on Thursday morning, as over 260 fans in western Nebraska made a strong showing at the Alliance High School Football Field. The event was timed perfectly between rain showers, and was one of the few opening stops that was held outdoors.

The event began with hot dogs, chips and pop served for the early arrivals at 10 a.m. Mountain time.  After lunch, the fans in attendance were treated to three 18-minute sessions with each of the Husker coaches, who walked the participants through specific aspects of Nebraska's on-field and on-court coaching techniques.

Nebraska offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Jay Norvell treated Husker fans to a dose of the West Coast Offense, while cornerbacks coach Phil Elmassian tutored the Husker Nation Tour participants on defense.

Nebraska volleyball head coach John Cook changed the pace for the fans in his coaching station by showcasing some of his lessons to the fans.

Coach Cook said the format of this year's Husker Nation worked very well.

"I think that this years Husker Nation tour is even better than the previous years since we have the opportunity to really interact with the fans," Cook said.

Associate Athletic Director for Development Paul Meyers was on hand to emcee the event, while Associate Athletic Director for Corporate Marketing Paul Miles and Assistant Athletic Director for Development Diane Mendenhall also represented the athletic department on the tour.

One lucky participant, Sandra Pilford, won two tickets to Nebraska's season-opening football game with the Maine Black Bears on Saturday, Sept. 3, at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln.

John McGhehey, who was the local organizer of the Husker Nation Tour through First National Bank, said the day was an overwhelming success.

"It was exciting to see the coaches and to expose the fans to the offense and defense," McGhehey said. "I think that the experience will really help the fans watching the game understand it even better. We really appreciate the coaches taking the time to come out, visit the fans and give them the opportunity to get to know the coaches."

The Alliance tour stop wrapped up at 12:30 p.m. Mountain time, and the Husker coaches and staff members traveled to Ogallala for their final stop of the day.