Huskers Host Sportsmanship 4 Life Pep Rally Friday

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Randy York N-Sider

Official Blog of the Huskers

The fourth annual Nebraska Sportsmanship 4 Life Pep Rally returns to the Bob Devaney Sports Center Friday from 10 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. in the volleyball arena. The purpose of the rally is to connect all attendees with role-model coaches and student-athletes who share important life messages about sportsmanship, education, decision-making and positive values.

An estimated 3,000 middle-school students from 54 area schools will attend the event, a collaboration between Nebraska Athletics and the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame Foundation, headquartered at 500 Charleston Street in Lincoln, across the street from Nebraska’s baseball and softball facilities.

“We’re eager to promote the value of sportsmanship with another program that’s specifically designed to inspire middle-schoolers,” said Keith Zimmer, the event’s emcee and Nebraska Athletics’ Senior Associate Athletic Director for Life Skills.

Nebraska redshirt freshman defensive end Freedom Akinmoladun (No. 91) and Husker senior hurdler Dapo Akinmoladun kick off Friday’s pep rally after the National Anthem. First cousins and both graduates of Grandview (Mo.) High School, Freedom and “Dapo” believe academics should become an immediate priority because the middle schoolers’ futures begin now.

Cook, Hunter, Ostrander Reinforce Value of Sportsmanship

Nebraska Volleyball Coach John Cook will communicate the importance of stating a goal, writing it down and going for it. Cook-recruited setter Kelly Hunter (pictured above celebrating a positive moment) and outside hitter Alicia Ostrander will follow their head coach’s speech and emphasize the importance of patience, hard work and humility.

Mike Riley, Nebraska’s first-year head football coach, will speak about carrying yourself with class and pride, win or lose.

Husker softball student-athletes Mattie Fowler and Kiki Stokes will reinforce that theme with a demonstration that defines the power of energy, enthusiasm, positivity and a smile.

Former Husker Ashley Ford, beginning her first year as a Nebraska women’s assistant basketball coach after spending the previous five years coaching at San Diego, will concentrate on believing in yourself and how to answer this important question: Why not you?

The last two major messages will be delivered by joint presenters. The first features sophomore All-America returner/wide receiver De'Mornay Pierson-El and junior punter Sam Foltz, who will combine their presentation to discuss how sports parallel life.

Guatemala Opens Minds, Changes Views, Leaves Marks

Junior linebacker Josh Banderas and first-team All-America women’s gymnast Hollie Blanske (pictured above in competition) will cap Friday’s upbeat program and explain why it’s important to step out of your comfort zone to experience something different. Banderas and Blanske were among 18 Husker student-athletes who took a 7-day trip last May to Guatemala.

“I have a new perspective on life, thanks to the Guatemala trip,” Banderas said. “Are there challenges, adversities and pressures in being a student-athlete? Definitely. But everything pales in comparison to the lifestyle I witnessed first-hand in Guatemala. They have less but are so positive and appreciative of everything. Moving forward, that’s what I will remember forever." 

One of the most poignant lessons Blanske learned was realizing what a small part of life she occupies in a big world. “A trip like that truly makes you modest,” she said. “I’d never been out of the country, so traveling to Guatemala and living a week in their shoes was very humbling. I will hold onto the hard work, the laughs and the experiences I shared with this group forever.”

Friday's rally also features professional entertainment messages that change the pace, elevate the spirit and encourage every student in attendance to join the action. The Sportsmanship 4 Life Pep Rally has reached more than 12,000 middle schoolers in its first three years at Waverly, Neb., High School, Pinnacle Bank Arena, and the Bob Devaney Sports Center.

“Every sportsmanship rally we’ve had has been very successful,” said Dick Beechner, former president of the board of directors for the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame Foundation. “We appreciate Nebraska Athletics and its commitment to reinforce important life values for middle-school students,” added Chuck Johnston, the organization's executive director.

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