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George Francis Train once referred to Columbus, Nebraska, as “the new center of the Union and quite probably the future capital of the U.S.A.”
An eccentric promoter of the Union Pacific Railroad when it was being built, Train was prone to exaggeration, but on Thursday, Columbus truly will become the center of Husker Nation.
The Platte County seat will host football coach Bo Pelini, basketball coach Doc Sadler and wrestling coach Mark Manning. Joining them are nine members of the Nebraska football coaching staff and six All-America football players ? Tommie Frazier, Jeff Kinney, Danny Noonan, Jason Peter, Neil Smith and Steve Taylor.
“We’re excited to help bring so many headliners to Columbus for the 2009 Huskers Legends Golf Classic,” Roger Brown said Tuesday.
The vice president of the Rebounders Club that supports the Nebraska men’s basketball program, Brown worked with tournament organizers and the Athletic Department on the Elks Country Club event
“I know Nebraska coaches and former players love meeting people from all across the state,” said Marc Boehm, NU’s executive associate athletic director. “We’re all looking forward to getting together in Columbus, and we invite others to join us for the dinner and auction after the tournament.”
Joining Pelini are coaching staff members Shawn Watson, Carl Pelini, Tim Beck, Barney Cotton, Mike Ekeler, Ted Gilmore, Jeff Jamrog, John Papuchis and Marvin Sanders. Former longime Husker offensive line coach Dan Young also will participate. So will Nebraska team chaplain Matt Penland.
Ex-Husker players taking part in the event include Columbus natives Joe Blahak and Dan Pensick, as well as Tony Felici, Calvin Jones, Mike Knox, Mitch Krenk, Lawrence Pete, Bo Ruud, Tom Ruud and Eric Warfield.
The golf tournament field is full, but Brown said fans can still attend the Husker Legends Golf Classic Dinner at the New World Inn. A reception begins at 5:30 p.m. Dinner and awards begin at 6:45 p.m., and an auction will follow at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25. Call Jim or Connie Hellbusch (402-564-8023) to confirm a reservation to the dinner/auction.