Valentine Husker Nation Tour

Valentine, Neb. - The 2005 Husker Nation Tour continued through North Central Nebraska on Thursday with a stop in Valentine. Over 200 fans in Valentine made a strong showing at the event which started outdoors at Badger Field before moving indoors to the gymnasium due to inclement weather in the area.

The tour stop in Valentine began with lunch from the Peppermill Restaurant at 11:30 a.m.  After the lunch was served to the fans arriving early, the event kicked off at noon, as participants received first-hand instruction from Husker coaches, who treated the fans to three 18-minute sessions.  The NU coaches walked the fans through specific aspects of Nebraska's on-field and on-court coaching techniques.

Nebraska recruiting coordinator and tight ends and specialists coach Scott Downing treated Husker fans to a dose of the West Coast Offense, while defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Kevin Cosgrove tutored the Husker Nation Tour participants on defense.

Nebraska women's basketball head coach Connie Yori changed things up for the Husker fans by showcasing her techniques to the participants.

Coach Cosgrove said the upbeat atmosphere at the Husker Nation Tour stop in Valentine was a strong way to start the tour.

"The fan interaction out here in Valentine was outstanding," Cosgrove told the crowd in Valentine. "I know that I can speak for all of the coaches when I say that we had a great time at this event today. The support of Husker fans like you make all of our jobs easier to do."

Assistant Athletic Director for Administration Pat Logsdon and assistant director of development and former Husker quarterback Tommie Frazier were also on hand for the day's festivities in Valentine.  Frazier served as the emcee of the event. 

One lucky fan attending the Valentine tour stop, Nila Gieran of Springview, won two tickets to Nebraska's season-opening football game with the Maine Black Bears on Saturday, Sept. 3, at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln. Nebraska season ticket holder Rex Simmons originally won the Valentine ticket drawing but declined the tickets, preferring to allow another Husker fan in attendance the opportunity to experience Memorial Stadium on a game day.

The Nebraska Athletic Department thanks Duane Witte of Valentine for the group photo from the Husker Nation Tour that he provided to Huskers.com.