Senior Day Arrives for 18 Huskers, Walk-On 'Faces'

Randy York N-Sider

Official Blog of the Huskers  

Memorable moments, life lessons and fabulous fans are already part of the positive package for Nebraska’s 18-man senior class that will play at Memorial Stadium Friday afternoon for the last time. It’s been a wild ride for a team that lost four of this season’s six games on the last play, but here’s the crazy truth – if Nebraska upsets Iowa on national television, the Huskers can put a beautiful ribbon on what could become a progressive package that goes bowling with two incredible facts imbedded in their legacy – power-packed November wins over two current top five-ranked teams.

Isn’t it amazing how senior walk-ons Jack Gangwish, a native of Wood River, Neb., and Andy Janovich, a native of Gretna, Neb., became the faces of Nebraska’s 2015 football program? Since Friday will be their last Tunnel Walk in a Husker uniform inside Memorial Stadium, the N-Sider asked all 18 seniors to share their most memorable moment, describe how football changed their life and measure the importance of a fan base that is so legendary, it has sold out every home game dating back to 1962. Take a step back and listen to the seniors’ descriptive images of a rock-and-roll ending to what can only be described as a roller coaster season:

Jack Gangwish, Wood River, Nebraska

“My most memorable moment goes back to my sophomore year when we came back from a 21-point second-half deficit against Ohio State, and the place went wild. I was solely a spectator at that point of my career, but from the sidelines, my heart and soul were out there on the field with my teammates that night. When we were victorious on that rainy night, it was further confirmation of how special this place in Lincoln, Nebraska, really is. Nebraska football has taught me how important it is to do what we get to do. We’re healthy and capable and it's amazing that we can compete the way we do. Not many people get to do what we do. You realize that more than ever when you visit hospitals and other places and try to give them the same kind of support they give us.

“It’s my personal belief that the fans that surround this program are the ones who really make Nebraska special. The people and coaches who were around when we were winning national championships 20 years ago are gone. They’re not here anymore. It’s a totally different set of individuals involved with the football program now. What makes this program what it is and carries on the tradition and the gravity of what we do are the people who support us – the fans that show up and cheer for us on Saturday and donate to help make us the best we can be as people once we leave here.

“You can’t trade that. You can’t put a price on it. It’s invaluable. It’s really what makes this program truly special. I think our fans will be as wild as they can be Friday when we get the chance to play an unbeaten Iowa team. The last home game for our seniors is a great opportunity for us, and we’re going to give the best we have in us because our fans deserve it.” With that thought foremost in mind, we encourage Husker fans to read short takes of all 18 seniors who will be honored on this special day.

Andy Janovich, Gretna, Nebraska

“My most memorable moment was the touchdown I scored against Wisconsin this year. Let’s just say Wisconsin isn’t one of my favorite schools. I thought at the time that we were going to win the game, but we didn’t. The crowd went crazy and I had a lot of fun with it. That loss has driven me to create a better memory. Nebraska football has taught me to work hard and be ready every single day. Whether you feel crappy or not, it doesn’t matter. You have to strap it on every day, every play. We’re blue collar. If something doesn’t go right, it gets my blood boiling and my adrenalin moving. I want to win.

“Our fans are the best, even when we’re traveling. When we have a crowd that’s bigger than the home team crowd, that’s pretty special. I can’t even describe what that feels like when you walk out onto the field. When our chants are louder than their chants, it’s unbelievable. I just can’t put it into words. Our fan base is great. I get chills down my spine and goose bumps all over. They’re the best. They’ll help make the Iowa game electric. It’s huge. Everybody’s excited. This kind of game is the reason I walked on at Nebraska.”

Byerson Cockrell, Columbus, Mississippi

“My most memorable moment was beating Michigan State this year. I’ve never experienced a moment like that and being a part of it makes it special. Nebraska football has taught me to stick together and fight for the man right next to me no matter what. I’ve experienced tough times in my life, and my brothers were right there to help me through every situation – something that will be with me throughout my life. Nebraska fans are unbelievable. I’ve never experienced that kind of loyalty until I came here. Their support is a big part of the success I’ve had. I truly thank all Husker fans for their support. They are like no other fans in the world!”

Imani Cross, Gainesville, Georgia

"My most memorable moment was the first time I ran out on the field as a Husker. It was against Southern Miss in 2012, the first game I ever attended or was a part of. I remember how proud the moment was and how it made me feel. That moment helped me understand where I wanted to go and what I wanted to be. That was the first time I felt the love for this state and the state's love for football. At Nebraska, everybody wants to help everybody, and I wanted to be a part of that. I also considered Kentucky, but knew this place was unique. Nebraska football taught me to work as hard as you can and do the right thing on a day-to-day basis. It also taught me that football isn't everything in life, but you can use it as a platform to help people, and that's what separates Nebraska. It's definitely an honor and a blessing to be part of a program with such a great fan base. I've been here through good and bad years and appreciate all the support I've gotten. I appreciate every fan who comes here to cheer us on and help us fight for a victory. Friday's a great opportunity for all of us to pull together and fight as hard as we can to win."    

Alex Lewis, Tempe, Arizona

A Nebraska captain, Alex Lewis has not participated in an interview since the Miami game, so Mike Cavanaugh, his offensive line coach weighs in on the stellar offensive lineman before he plays his final game at Memorial Stadium. "Alex and I talk a lot," Cavanaugh said. "We're very direct and we have great conversations. He knows what he needs to do and he's improved in a lot of different areas. He's very focused and has played a major role in turning this season around. Alex has all the tools. He's a good athlete and a smart guy and has the versatility to play in the NFL. But all that matters to him and his teammates is finishing this season right and making a bowl game." At last Monday's press conference, fellow captain Jordan Westerkamp pointed out how Lewis helped the Huskers transition to their new coaching staff. "I remember Alex standing up in our meeting before we even met Coach Riley," Westerkamp said. "He said 'we're going to trust these guys no matter what. We're going to give them our all this season.'" The torch that lit that singular mindset enabled the Huskers to overcome uncanny adversity.

Ryne Reeves, Crete,  Nebraska

"My most memorable moment would have to be beating Michigan State at home. It was a big game and we were able to pull it off in front of our home crowd. Playing football at Nebraska has taught me a lot about life and how to do things the right way. Coach Riley always says that life's about choices and at first you make your choices but eventually your choices make you. Nebraska fans are the best fans in the country, and it means a lot that they have stuck with us throughout my career here."

Zach Sterup, Hastings, Nebraska

"My most memorable win since I've been here was beating Michigan State earlier this month. The atmosphere before the game, during the game and after the game was the best I can remember. It was a really cool moment for everyone. Nobody wanted to leave the stadium. We were all out there soaking it in because we were so happy. We knew we could win that game and we did. Nebraska football has taught me discipline and how to persevere through adversity. Not everything is going to go your way so you have to keep your nose down and working as hard as you can. Nebraska fans are the best fans in the country and the best fans in the world. Without them, we're just another team playing football. They're what makes Nebraska special. Playing in front of 90,000-plus  every game is incredible. You walk out of that tunnel and they're screaming and yelling. They get your blood pumped up. It's just a lot of fun to play for our fans."

Jonathan Rose, Leeds, Alabama  

“My most memorable game has to be Michigan State this year. It was a game we had to win, so we could show the nation that we could knock off one of the top teams. I got my first pick and the crowd just went crazy that game. Friday’s another chance for us to upset one of the nation’s top teams. Iowa’s a rivalry game, so I’m expecting the same kind of fever pitch for another top five team. We’re trying to keep the trophy here, so really, this game will be Michigan State times 10. Nebraska goes beyond football. When you play here, it’s a lifetime experience. When you visit a hospital, you realize who’s supported us for the longest time and understand how much every Saturday means. I’m from Alabama but Nebraska’s like one big family. Everybody wants that perfect season. We didn’t get it, but we’ve never stopped trying. That’s what Nebraska has taught me – never stop trying to be the best you can be. It’s a big part of the overall Nebraska experience. There’s no fan base like Nebraska, no football team like Nebraska. We’re in this together. I had the chance to go to Florida State, South Carolina or Tennessee. I chose a place where there’s no one else like it.”     

Chongo Kondolo, Carrollton, Texas

“My most memorable moment was beating Miami in 2014. We knew we were going to win that game the entire week and as soon as Kenny Bell scored, we knew that they couldn't stop our offense. Nebraska football taught me that we have to cherish every moment because of how fast life passes us by. There are a lot of people who come and go throughout our lives, so we should be thankful for every moment. Nebraska fans are very supportive and they love us even when we make mistakes. All they care about is if we’re playing hard. A majority of them just love to support us 100 percent even if we lose. There really is nothing else like it.”

Jamal Turner, Arlington, Texas

“My most memorable moment was my freshman year when we came back to beat Ohio State – the biggest comeback in Memorial Stadium history. I’ll never forget the passion in the locker room and how excited we were as a team…what a great memory. Nebraska football taught me to stay humble and work for everything. Knowing that nothing will ever be given to you is the biggest lesson I take from my collegiate career at Nebraska. Our fans gave us extra motivation. They were like having an extra player on the field. When our crowd is into the game, like they always are, it’s a very special moment for the players and the fans. We definitely play a lot harder for our fans because we feel like we’re one big family. Once you bleed that Husker red, you’ll always be a Husker. It’s the same for all the players and anybody that steps foot into Nebraska. The game day experiences here are life changing…nothing like it anywhere.”

Daniel Davie, Beatrice, Nebraska

Daniel has been a Blackshirt, a leader and a reliable cornerback for the Huskers. After starting all 13 games as a junior, an injury forced him to miss five games this season, but he's maintained his leadership role while backing up Josh Kalu at cornerback. Born and raised in Michigan, Davie moved to Beatrice, Neb., before his sophomore year of high school. A superb athlete, Davie won all-class gold medals in the 100 and 200 meters in the 2011 Nebraska High School Championships. Named to both the Brook Berringer and Tom Osborne citizenship teams, Davie is on track to graduate next month as a criminology and criminal justice major.  

Taariq Allen, Weston, Massachusetts

"My most memorable moment was the comeback win against Michigan State. I've never seen the stadium that packed and so excited. Nebraska football has taught me how to become a man and how to be accountable and responsible for my actions. It also taught me how to grow up fast because I'm from Boston and the only one out here from there. Nebraska fans are great fans. They make us like a national football team because they follow us everywhere. Big Red fans are always there wherever we are. I think the crowd will really be rocking Friday because we're playing another top 5 team. That brings out the best in us, and it should be fun."

David Sutton, Lincoln, Nebraska

“I can’t name my most memorable moment because three stick out the same: running out of the tunnel for my first game in 2011; starting my first game against BYU; and experiencing the big win over Michigan State. Nebraska football has taught me to work hard and persevere through adversity. I will carry those two lessons throughout the rest of my life. Husker fans have been incredible. They’ve been so passionate and so supportive throughout my five years here. They’ve made my time something l will remember for the rest of my life. Thank you Husker fans!”

Givens Price, Houston, Texas

“Nebraska is such a distinct program, it’s hard to pinpoint my most memorable moment. We’ve had our ups and downs, but every moment spent inside Memorial Stadium, whether it’s game day or not, is just as memorable as the last. If I really have to choose a memorable moment, then mine was beating Miami last year because the game was so loud and intense. I literally could not hear a word my coach was saying to me while standing face-to-face, and I loved every fight we had. Nebraska football has taught me to appreciate every opportunity given to me because even with the amazing walk-on program here at the university, football just isn’t for everyone. I’m thankful that I had the opportunity to wear the Scarlet and Cream uniforms and strap on my helmet, so I could represent the “N” and all of its tradition. Describing are fans is simple. There is NO PLACE like Nebraska. I love our fans and thank all of you so much. Most of all: GO BIG RED!!!”

Chris Long, Blair, Nebraska

"My most memorable moment was getting to play against South Alabama and being in on a touchdown drive. Nebraska football has helped form me into a man by teaching the importance of accountability and hard work. Nebraska's unbelievable fan base is so loyal to the team and creates a one-of-a-kind game day experience."

Anthony Ridder, West Point, Nebraska

“My most memorable moment was Jordan Westerkamp’s Hail Mary catch against Northwestern. I remember standing there and thinking well this isn't going to happen. Then next thing I knew I was sprinting onto the field and diving into a pile and afterwards having no idea where my helmet was. Nebraska football taught me that friendships and relationships are very important and can last a lifetime. Nebraska fans are loyal and like family. It isn't easy being a fan of this team at times. It can be a fairly turbulent roller coaster to get on, so for the people who stuck by my side, even with the ups and downs, it means a lot.” 

Tyson Broekemeier, Aurora, Nebraska

"My most memorable moment was getting my first play in the BYU game, holding for a successful field goal. It was something I will never forget. Nebraska football taught me so much. Hard work pays off and being persistent can help you achieve your dreams. I wouldn't trade this experience I've had here for anything. Husker fans are like no other. It's almost like we're on a professional team with the amount of attention and support we get from around the state. No other place comes close to the support we get. Husker Nation is so unique."

Joe Keels, Kenosha, Wisconsin

One of three Husker seniors who were junior college transfers, Keels joins Byerson Cockrell and Chongo Kondolo. He played in five games as a junior after transferring from Highland (Kan.) Community College. Earlier this year, Keels learned that both his father and his brother had been killed in separate shootings. Husker hearts reach out to Keels on this special senior day and honor Joe's dedication through tough times.

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