Newest Huskers Reach Out to Hospital and Gain New Perspective Themselves

Fourteen of Nebraska's newest football players took a break from fall camp on Tuesday to experience their first community outreach event since arriving on campus.

A visit to Lincoln's Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital not only helped the Huskers' 2010 scholarship class gain a new perspective on life, but also helped them realize how their support can influence determination and perseverance in others.

Only days into a hot and grueling fall camp, the players "were able to understand the impact they can have upon others simply by offering their presence, well-wishes, sincerity and smiles," said Keith Zimmer, Nebraska's Associate Athletic Director for Life Skills.

According to Zimmer, fall camp practices - with heat indexes surpassing 110 degrees - pale in comparison to individuals rehabbing from strokes, burns, transplants, and near fatal car accidents.

Ciante Evans, a freshman defensive back from Arlington, Texas, was glad he had the opportunity to participate. "It was nice to be able to make people smile just with our presence," he said.

Donovan Vestal, a defensive end who is also from Arlington, Texas, interacted with patients in a way that gave them a positive diversion from their tireless rehab.  "Anytime I'm called upon, I'm ready to serve and try to make a difference," he said.

Husker Legend Greene Inspires Players

Brion Carnes, a quarterback from Tommie Frazier's old high school - Manatee in Bradenton, Fla. - enjoyed meeting Husker track legend and Olympic gold medalist Charlie Greene, who is recovering from a kidney transplant and various other health issues.

"Despite what he's going through, he was very positive and inspirational," Carnes said of Greene. "He stressed the importance of getting your college degree at Nebraska and thinking about the big picture."

Lavonte David has been generating headlines since he enrolled at Nebraska in the second semester after transferring from Fort Scott (Kan.) Community College.

Tuesday, David, a junior linebacker, said he was touched by the visit and indicated that he hopes to volunteer consistently throughout his Husker career and beyond. "This was a small act of kindness on our part for some people who are going through some tough times," he said, adding that it "felt good to provide some cheer and some hope" for those who need it and appreciate it.

Andrew Rodriguez, an offensive lineman from Aurora, Neb., was well aware of his status as a role model.  "I knew people would appreciate our visit," he said.

In addition to Ciante Evans, Vestal, Carnes, David and Rodriquez, nine other Huskers volunteered to reach out to Madonna patients - Walker Ashburn, Corey Cooper, Jake Cotton, Quincy Enunwa, Tyler Evans, Harvey Jackson, Mike Moudy, Tobi Okuyemi and Mark Pelini.

"For me, it was a big-time reality check," Rodriquez said. "So many of those patients are going through some really tough times, and their struggles made me and my teammates realize how fortunate we are."