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Husker Athletes in Color
At the University of Nebraska, a school with a storied history of success in athletics and academics, excellence is the norm. In the history of Nebraska Athletics there have been a select group of athletes who have navigated the challenges of college while courageously overcoming racial barriers to achieve greatness. We pay homage to these exceptional student-athletes through sharing their accomplishments and thoughts that highlight their unique journeys.
George Flippin
George Flippin, the first black athlete in Nebraska football history, was originally from Des Moines, Iowa. He was also the first black player inducted into the Nebraska Football Hall of Fame. During the early 1890’s Flippin was the fifth black athlete nationally to compete at a predominantly white university. During his tenure at Nebraska, George competed in football, wrestling, track and field and Baseball. George was a respected physician and surgeon known across the county and state for his willingness to make house calls regardless of the distance or the ability of the family to pay. George Flippin died May 15, 1929 and is the only African –American buried in the Stromsburg Cemetery.
Charlie Greene
Charlie Greene (1965-67) is one of the most decorated track and field athletes at Nebraska. Calling Seattle, Washington home, Charlie became a six time National champion for the Huskers. Greene won the NCAA championships in 100 yd dash from 1965 to 1967 and tied the world record at 9.1. Charlie is also a two time Olympic medalist (gold and bronze). In 1968 Charlie was considered the fastest man in the world, breaking the 100m world record.
Johnny "The Jet" Rodgers
Hailing from Omaha Tech High School in Nebraska, Johnny Rodgers (1970-72) became the first Heisman winner in Cornhusker History (1972). This award is given to the most outstanding football player in Division 1 Football by the Heisman Trophy Trust. In the same year Johnny earned the Walter Camp Award. The Walter Camp award is presented to the most outstanding collegiate football player in the country by the Walter Camp Football Foundation. Rodgers was voted the University of Nebraska's "Player of the Century."
Ndamukong Suh
Ndamukong Suh (2005-09) is one of the most decorated defensive players in college football history. A Portland, Oregon native, Suh was the first defensive player to win the Associated Press College Player of the Year Award in 2009. Suh was also a 2009 Heisman Trophy Finalist. He landed both the 2009 Lombardi Award and Outland Trophy. Beyond these accolades Suh was the first husker to win both the Bronko Nagurski Award (2009) and the Chuck Bednarik Award (2009). Currently Suh is one of the premier defenders in the NFL playing for the Detroit Lions.
Eric Strickland
Eric Strickland (1993-96), from Bellevue West High School, Nebraska, was a part of the Huskers NIT Championship team in 1996. Eric was named the tournament MVP. During his freshman campaign Eric was named Big Eight Freshman of The Year (1992-1993). Eric played 9 seasons in the NBA before retiring from Basketball.
Dezra Brown
Dezra Brown (2004-05) graduated from Omaha Northwest High School in 2003, where she led its Bowling team to a State Title. Bowling since she was 3 years old and growing up in a family of bowlers, Brown frequented many of Omaha's bowling alleys. As a first-team All-State athlete, the Nebraska native made history at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln by becoming the first African-American on its 2004-05 Bowling team, a national championship squad.
Maurtice Ivy
After leading Central High School of Omaha to back-to-back Nebraska State Titles in 1983 and 1984 with a pair of 25-0 seasons, Maurtice Ivy (1984-88) became the first female player to surpass 2,000 points in a career (2,131) at the University of Nebraska. She was also the first female basketball player to earn Big Eight Player-of-the-Year for the Huskers. Maurtice was all-conference three years and averaged 19.2 points during her college career. During the Nebraska Women’s Athletics 25th Anniversary, Maurtice was listed as one of the 25 Women of Distinction selected in 1999-2000 by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Athletic Department and was also one of five players chosen to Nebraska's All-Century Team.
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Linetta Wilson
Linetta Wilson (1985-89) is considered one of the most decorated track and field female athletes at Nebraska. As a freshman, Wilson earned the right to be called Huskers track and field woman's most valuable team player. Linetta captured 2 NCAA titles in 1987, in the 500m run and 400m hurdles. She was a 14 time All-American. Wilson earned a spot on the United States Olympic team and earned a gold medal in the women's 4x400 meter relay in 1996.
Ken Harvey
From Los Angeles, California, Ken Harvey (1997-99) made a great impact on the Husker Baseball program. He became the first African–American baseball player for the Huskers to be selected a first-Team All-American. He was also selected as the Easton Redline Defensive Player of the Year in 1999. During the 1999 season Harvey led the nation in hitting with a .478 batting average. He was a part of the Huskers 1999 Big 12 tournament title and the team that made an appearance at the NCAA tournament that year as well.
Mike Rozier
Mike Rozier (1981-84) is from Camden, New Jersey. During his campaign as a Husker Rozier wrote his name in the record books for years to come. Mike became the Huskers second Heisman Trophy Winner in 1983. An award given to the most outstanding football player in Division 1 Football by the Heisman Trophy Trust. Mike also won the Maxwell Award and the Walter Camp Award for being the most outstanding collegiate football player in the country. Rozier also holds the record for rushing yards in a single season by an I-Back, which still stands today.
Will Shields
Originally from Lawton, “Oklahoma Will” was one of a long line of outstanding offensive linemen at Nebraska. Will Shields (1989-92) became the fifth Husker to win the Outland Trophy, capturing the prestigious award following the 1992 season. Shields became the second offensive lineman to play as a true freshman in 1989, appearing in nine games. Following his collegiate career, Shields was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft. Shields earned a spot in 12 Pro Bowls and started 223 straight games in his brilliant professional career. Shields is an active volunteer and community leader. He is the co-founder of the Will to Succeed Foundation with his wife, Senia. The foundation was organized to guide, inspire and improve the lives of abused and neglected women and children. Shields accomplishments as an NFL great were honored with his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, in 2015.
Why Nebraska?
"Life at UNL helped build a strong foundation for my future by planting the seed for community growth." "This helped create the Will to Succeed Foundation; 21 years later and we are still going strong."
– Will Shields
Bob Brown
Hailing from Cleveland, Ohio, Bob Brown (1961-63) became a unanimous All-American in 1963, Bob "Boomer" Brown used his massive size for his day and age at the Right Guard (6-5, 260 pounds) and his relentless aggressiveness to help turn the Nebraska football program into one of the best in the nation. Brown led Coach Bob Devaney's second Nebraska team to a 10-1 record and its first-ever Big Eight championship, the Huskers' first conference title since 1940. Brown also played linebacker for the Huskers and recorded 49 tackles, a pass interception and two fumble recoveries. Brown's accomplishments as a collegian led to his induction in the College Football Hall of Fame in South Bend, Ind., in 1993. Brown earned six trips to the Pro Bowl and was named first-team All-NFL seven times. He was named to the NFL's All-Decade team during the 1960s, and was named the NFL/NFC Offensive Lineman of the Year three times. Brown's accomplishments as an NFL great were honored with his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, in 2004.
Peaches James
This in-state favorite from Papillion, Nebraska became one of the most decorated pitchers in school history. Peaches James (2001-04) completed her Husker career by earning second-team NFCA All-America honors in 2004. James finished with a 37-9 record and a 0.70 ERA. She set single-season Nebraska records with 394 strikeouts and 18 shutouts and held opposing batters to a meager .137 average during her time at Nebraska. During James senior year, she was named the Big 12 Most Valuable Player and earned Big 12 Tournament MVP honors. James also excelled in the classroom earning first-Team Academic All-Big 12 (2004) and Second-Team Academic All-Big 12 (2003).
Why Nebraska?
"Choosing Nebraska was one of the best decisions of my life. If I had to do it all over again, I would choose this University again in a heartbeat. Rhonda Revelle and Lori Sippel are two of the best softball coaches in the nation, and they were a huge part of my decision. The University of Nebraska is filled with great fan support, academic support and also provided me with many life skills that I still use today. I had the opportunity to play with many great female athletes along the way and develop friendships that are everlasting. I carry a tremendous amount of pride when I say I am a graduate of the University of Nebraska and consider myself very blessed to have had such a great opportunity."
– Peaches James
Ray Oliver
Hailing from Omaha, Nebraska Ray Oliver (1981-83) became a household name for the Huskers. As a Husker, Ray appeared in 3 Big 12 championships. During his sophomore season, Ray clinched his first NCAA championship birth by earning a second place finish at the Big 12 Championships. Oliver became an All-American in 1983.
Debra Powell
Coming from Illinois, Debra Powell (1982-85) brought tremendous scoring and rebounding ability to the court for the Huskers. The 5-9 forward/guard from Lincoln High School in East St. Louis, Illinois, ranks ninth all time on the Husker scoring charts with 1,843 points, while ranking ninth all-time with 750 career rebounds. Powell was also a strong defensive player with 231 career steals to rank fourth all time at Nebraska. Powell was the first Husker in history to earn All-Big Eight accolades by claiming first-team honors after the 1983-84 season. She added second-team all-conference honors in 1984-85. One of the most prolific players in Nebraska history at getting to the free throw line, Powell attempted 644 free throws during her career, while connecting on 407 attempts to rank sixth on the Huskers' all-time charts. Powell eventually returned home and became the first female mayor of East St. Louis, Illinois, and second-youngest mayor in the city's history.
Rhonda Blanford
Rhonda Blanford (1982-85), after leaving her hometown of Denver, Colorado, began an amazing career at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1982. During her collegiate time, she went on to win four event National titles – Sprints/Hurdle (1982, 85). Along with Blanford's national titles, she earned 12 All-American honors (1982, 1983, 1984, and 1985). Rhonda was truly a force for the Huskers earning 18 Conference Titles. Blanford became the first athlete male or female to win 5 conference titles at the Outdoor Big-Eight Conference Championship in 1984. Adding to her accolades, Blanford won the Henry F. Schulte Award in 1984 and 1985. It is essential to highlight that Rhonda was the first
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Jordan Burroughs
Jordan Burroughs (2007-11), hailing from Sicklerville, New Jersey left his mark on the husker program for years to come. During his time at Nebraska, Burroughs posted a 128-20 record and graduated with a University of Nebraska degree in sociology. His wins placed him fourth most in the school's history. Burroughs is a Two-Time National Champion (2009, 157; 2011, 165). Burroughs is also a Four-Time NCAA Qualifier (2007, 2008, 2009, 2011), and Three-Time All-American (3rd, 2008; 1st, 2009; 1st, 2011). After collegiate competition, Burroughs enjoyed success at the professional level, winning the 2011 World Wrestling Championships in Istanbul. He didn't stop there Jordan and won the gold medal at the London 2012 Olympic Games the following year. Burroughs followed up this prestigious award with a Gold medal at the Wrestling World Cup, and also the World Wrestling Championships in 2013. Burroughs entered his first season as an assistant coach for the Huskers in 2014-15 after being hired to the staff in July 2014. He previously served on the Nebraska wrestling staff as an administrative assistant for the 2012-13 season.
Racine Smith
Racine Smith (1985-88) is the first Black women's gymnast in University of Nebraska history, where she was a four-time letter winner. The all-around specialist is from Lanham, Maryland.
Why Nebraska?
"If I had to do it all over, I would choose Nebraska again. The academic environment and athletic experiences were absolutely invaluable. It was truly a blessing to be part of Nebraska's gymnastics team and Nebraska athletic family.”
– Racine Smith
Turner Gill
A highly-recruited prep prospect from Fort Worth Arlington Heights High School, Turner Gill (1981-84) became a three-time All-Big Eight quarterback at Nebraska. He then spent 13 seasons as an assistant coach at Nebraska where he helped develop 2001 Heisman Trophy and Davey O’Brien Award winner Eric Crouch and 1995 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award winner Tommie Frazier. Nebraska’s starting quarterback from 1981 to 1983, Gill led one of the most explosive offensive attacks in college football history, as NU averaged 546.7 yards of total offense and 52.0 points per game in 1983. Gill finished fourth in 1983 Heisman Trophy voting, while teammate Mike Rozier won the award. A former head football coach for the University of Kansas, Gill is currently the head coach for Liberty University.
Why Nebraska?
“I had the greatest college football experience at Nebraska. Being able to play for national championships was great. I was thankful I was able to come back and coach at Nebraska and to be a part of coaching the three national championships. I think the first one was probably the most memorable one for me because we were all trying to get Tom a championship. The most memorable moment in Nebraska for me was meeting my wife and marrying her. After that, it would be all of the people of Nebraska. There was a camaraderie between the players, the coaches, the fans and the media. Everyone was in it together. That is the way college football should be. The media and fans being a part of the journey. The players and coaches enjoying the fans and playing for them. The media and fans supporting the team and not tearing them down. Recruits wanting to come there because they want to be a part of something bigger than themselves.”
– Turner Gill
Jerry Fort
Guard, Jerry Fort (1973-76) was not highly recruited out of high school, but still earned first-team All-Big Eight honors three consecutive seasons for the Huskers from, 1974 through 1976. A future Hall-of-Famer at Nebraska, Fort finished his career with a then-school record 1,882 points. With Fort’s leadership, Nebraska began a string of 14 straight winning seasons.
Why Nebraska?
"My time up there, I got to know the people in Lincoln and at the University and they were very, very nice people, so that was one of the biggest things that I can recall. I've been back out to Lincoln to watch basketball games a couple of times and there's nothing changed about the people out there. They're very humbled nice Midwestern people. That has always been warm and dear to my heart, just the folks out there and how they support the school and the athletes."
- Jerry Fort
Ndali Ijomah
Ndali Ijomah (1998-01) is the first black female tennis player in the Nebraska program. Born in Nigeria, Ijomah moved to the states at 13. After a stellar high school tennis career, she was recruited by top college tennis programs, including Vanderbilt and Florida State. As one of Nebraska’s top players, Ijomah had an outstanding career both on and off the court.
Why Nebraska?
"I got the amazing opportunity to work with the finest athletic department. I can quite frankly say I was given the limitless opportunity to grow and become a successful woman. As a Nebraska athlete, I was taught to lead with character, humility, and passion. I am forever grateful."
– Ndali Ijomah
John K. Rhodes
John K. Rhodes came to Nebraska in 1983 after finishing his high school tennis career with an impressive singles record of 115-8. John became the first African American to capture a State Championship in Tennis singles in Nevada history. John also competed at the highest level in Basketball during his prep career. John decided to attend Nebraska at the urging of his high school principal who happened to be an alumnus of Nebraska. John competed for the Huskers and Lettered during the 83-84 season becoming the First African American student-athlete on the Men’s Tennis Team. Although he only competed for one season at Nebraska, John went on to earn his Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from UNLV. He then became the youngest member in history to be elected to the Clark County School Board school board in Las Vegas and then went on to also become the youngest elected member to the North Las Vegas city council. John currently lives in the Las Vegas area with his family and is still actively engaged as a Tennis Pro.
On his time at Nebraska:
"My time at Nebraska set the foundation for the rest of my life. I learned how to advocate for myself and it afforded me the opportunity to get a great education, compete with world class athletes, while making lifetime friends."
John K. Rhodes
Fungai Tongoona
Fungai Tongoona (1998-02) graduated from Prince Edward High School in Harare, Zimbabwe, with a 22-4 record as a senior in 1997. After being recruited by numerous U.S. Division I schools, Fungai chose Nebraska. Beyond his success for the Huskers in singles and doubles, he was also a two-year captain for the Huskers. He was selected to attend the NCAA Leadership Conference and was second-team Academic All-Big 12. He was one of 19 students to receive the 1999-2000 Big 12 Community Outreach award. Fungai also served on the Student-Athlete Advisory Board. In 2012, this former Husker joined Nebraska Coach Kerry McDermott's staff to use his coaching and leadership skills to develop talent for B1G and national competition.
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Merlene Ottey
In 2008, Track and Field News named Merlene Ottey (1980-84) the best collegiate woman sprinter. Ottey is the supreme track and field athlete in Nebraska history, as she won 14 national championships in her college career. The Jamaican native went on to compete in a record seven straight Olympic Games, from the 1980 games in Moscow to the 2004 games in Athens. Ottey is a nine-time Olympic medalist. Her world indoor record for 200 meters, set in 1993, still stands (as of 2014).
Why Nebraska?
Quote from a recent interview for Speed Endurance magazine (Lee, 2014):
"Yes, I went to the University of Nebraska in 1979, when things were a whole lot different. I spent the first 18 years of my life living in a small Village in Hanover where there were no running water, no electricity and no telephone. I went to school without shoes several times. I am very thankful to Nebraska for giving me the opportunity to continue my education, and to help develop my talent. Had this not happen, I would be still living in that same Village. The possibility to train in Jamaica did not exist. It is good to see that now there is a choice.”
Tony Jeter
Football All-American Tight End, Tony Jeter (1963-65), is the first Black athlete to earn Academic All-America honors as a Husker in 1965. Jeter starred for Coach Bob Devaney and started 33rd consecutive games. He had 38 career catches for 528 yards before going on to play three seasons in the NFL with the Green Bay Packers from 1966 to 1968. He was inducted into the Nebraska Football Hall of Fame in 1986.
Sharolta Nonen
As a five-time provincial all-star club player in Vancouver, Canada, Sharolta Nonen ( 1996-99) became the University of Nebraska’s first 3-time All-American in Women’s soccer and one of its greatest female athletes. Her senior year, Nonen led Nebraska to its third Big 12 Tournament title, where is was named the Big 12 Tournament Defensive MVP, after becoming the first Husker to earn three straight all-tournament awards. Nonen is one of the 25 greatest female athletes in Husker history, as acknowledged during Nebraska's Silver Anniversary celebration of women's athletics in 2000. She was a starting defender on the 1999 and 2003 Canadian Women's World Cup Team.
Why Nebraska?
“Because of (Coach) John Walker. He is a fellow Canadian and when he came to my home he assured my parents and me that I would be well taken care of. And, he certainly kept his promise. If not for him, I never would've had the successful collegiate, professional or international career that I had. He taught me everything I needed to know to be successful both on and off the field and I will be forever grateful for that. The players and the people. Tanya Frank (now Benning) was my host on my recruiting visit… She is also Canadian and she made me feel so at home. I could look up to because she was a great player and an extremely hard worker. My best friend still to this day, Christine Gluck (now Robledo) was… a role model... The players were great, everyone I met on campus was so nice…as well as the other athletes let me know that U of Ne is a place that I would excel...and I did. Academically, what would we have done without Keith (Zimmer)? Such an amazing person and with supporters like him there was just no way we could go wrong. The competition is something I truly loved and still miss to this day. This is where I learned to work well under pressure. Day in and day out we were challenged both on and off the field and I took the lessons I learned from practice on to my professional career and into my life. I am and always will be indebted to John Walker and the U of Ne for teaching me the skills I needed in order to be successful.”
– Sharolta Nonen
Wilbur Wood
Prior to World War I, Wilbur Wood (1907-10) was the first Husker black basketball player and among the first at a predominately white university. One of Nebraska’s best players, Wood was an excellent defenseman. He received a university degree in June of 1909 and played his final season as a graduate student in chemistry. In 1910, The University of Nebraska hired Wood as assistant coach and Director of the freshman team.
Dr. Pat Tyrance
A Millard North (NE) High School graduate, Pat Tyrance (1988-90) became the University of Nebraska’s first Black Big Eight Conference “Top Eight” Award winner. A 1990 co-captain, Tyrance led Nebraska for the second straight year as the Huskers' weak-side linebacker and finished as the 12th-leading tackler in Nebraska history with 208 total stops. The two-time All-Big Eight player was inducted into the Nebraska Football Hall of Fame in 2005. This scholar-athlete also claimed the NCAA Today's Top Six Award in 1990. Tyrance is currently President and Orthopaedic Surgeon for Tyrance Group PC.