Huskers Open Fall Tour of Excellence

Several University of Nebraska student athletes spent the first morning of Fall Break in Blair, Neb., for the first stop of the 2005-06 Tour of Excellence.

The Tour of Excellence is a semi-annual outreach program impacting thousands of students across the state of Nebraska where student-athletes and other role models deliver positive messages about education and future success.  Otte Blair Middle School served as this year’s first Tour of Excellence host with approximately 700 students and staff in attendance.

The student-athletes that participated in Monday’s event program included Jessie Bruch and Brigid Kenny from the nationally ranked Husker soccer team, volleyball starters Christina Houghtelling and Sarah Pavan from the No. 1 ranked Husker squad, and Brandon Jackson and Dane Todd from the football team.  Herbie Husker also made the trip and was joined by Blair natives Mike Maryott of HuskerVision and Brook Matthews, Miss Nebraska 2004.

Husker student-athletes Brigid Kenny, Jessie Bruch, Christina Houghtelling, Dane Todd, Brandon Jackson and Sarah Pavan joined Miss Nebraska 2004, Brook Matthews at the Husker Tour of Excellence stop in Blair.

Emceed by Keith Zimmer, the program was devised of messages by each individual student-athlete along with demonstrations by the soccer and volleyball players. Maryott spoke about work ethic, Todd discussed the importance of an education, Houghtelling emphasized the importance of being surrounded by people with positive influence and Pavan talked about setting goals in daily life.   Houghtelling and Pavan demonstrated the importance of keeping focus while passing a volleyball back-and-forth 41 times.  Members of the student audience as well as other student-athletes in attendance took part in the drill following the speech.

Jessie Bruch spoke about setbacks and overcoming adverse challenges, and Brigid Kenny talked about the importance of good character.  They demonstrated the skills of heading a soccer ball and catching.  Then they invited student audience members to perform the opposite skill from what Jess called out.  Lastly, Brook Matthews discussed making heart-healthy choices, and Brandon Jackson spoke about determination and sacrifice to achieve dreams.  Herbie Husker entertained the crowd throughout the event.  All of the speakers were well-received by the very attentive Otte Blair Middle School student audience. 

Another group of student-athletes, including football player Cortney Grixby, volleyball players Dani Busboom and Amanda Gates, soccer players Jesse Goodell and Meghan Hungerford plus Lil’ Red will travel to Nebraska City Middle School tomorrow for the second stop on the Tour of Excellence.

Volleyball All-American Sarah Pavan speaks to the crowd of 700 at Otte Blair Middle School on Monday