Meet the Eppersons: Husker Gymnastics Unique Family

NU's First Family of Football Kicks Off 125-Year Celebration

100 First-Time Letterwinners Learn Essence of the N

By Randy York, The N-Sider

This N-Sider is a golden nugget for every Nebraska fan who follows any Husker sport. Give Mike Epperson the credit for unlocking the door to a definitive description of why there really is no place like Nebraska.

Mike, his wife Lisa, their son, Austin Epperson, and their daughter, Abbie Epperson,also exemplify another Big Red fan favorite punchline. “Once a Husker, Always a Husker isn’t just a motto,” Mike said. “It’s something Nebraska's Athletics lives out on a daily basis.”

How does he know? Because destiny has enabled Abbie, a gifted all-around performer who transferred from Maryland to Nebraska, to finish her stellar career at the same place her parents did and her brother will.

Even though sickness delayed Abbie's Husker debut last Sunday in the season-opener against Penn State at the Devaney Center, Abbie is preparing to launch her Nebraska career Saturday at Rutgers in New Brunswick, N.J., or the following Saturday at Michigan in Ann Arbor.

Whenever Abbie competes, "she will be our first women’s gymnastics student-athlete to follow in her mother’s footsteps,” said Dan Kendig, in his 24th season as Nebraska's head women's gymnastics coach. "I can sense the thrill and the excitement from Abbie and her family. She genuinely wants to be here, and I feel like she'll do a great job for us."

Her timing could not be better. The 2017-18 academic year will honor the 125th Anniversary Celebration of Nebraska's fabled N-Club. To honor that milestone, The N-Sider is publishing a series of features that exemplifies premier student-athlete experiences, representing the 6,000-plus male and female Huskers who have earned coveted varsity letters. The Eppersons' deep-rooted gymnastics family continues to emerge at a pivotal time.

Father Was Two-Time All-American; Mother Two-Time Big Eight Champion

From 1985 to 1989, father Mike was a two-time All-American all-around performer at Nebraska. From 1988 to 1991, wife Lisa was a two-time Big Eight Conference all-around champion.

Mike and Lisa met on her recruiting trip to Nebraska. They started dating the next year, so it was no surprise to see their son and daughter embrace gymnastics

“My fondest memory of being a Husker is winning,” Mike said. “While I was here, our gymnastics team won four conference titles and one national title (plus three NCAA runner-up finishes).”

Mike remembers his team's prominent experiences that stayed in lockstep with the Husker football team’s top five performances. “The volleyball team was beginning their rise to top of the sport,” Mike said. “It was a great time to attend college and receive my education at Nebraska.”

There is a reason why Abbie, pictured below, competed for Maryland before winding up at her parents’ and her brother’s top choice.

"In the recruiting process, she went through injuries. By the time she was healthy and ready to go, we had committed to all of our scholarships,” Kendig said. “When Abbie called and told us she wanted to do this after she had her release so we could talk to her, we were surprised."

During the Season, Lincoln is More than a Secondary Residence; It’s Home

Lisa, the matriarch, is happy their family now lives in Lincoln.

“While we still lived in Texas, we decided that having a secondary residence in Lincoln would be a feasible option for us, since we would be making so many trips there for football games and gymnastics meets,” Lisa said. “Unexpectedly, Lincoln turned out to be our only residence this fall. Mike and I are very much enjoying being back in Lincoln. We love the small-town feel of the city and the lively vibe of the college campus and downtown.”

The family feels the friendliness of all Lincolnites. “They’ve been very welcoming to us,” she said. “Being walking distance from so many restaurants and venues is a great benefit.”

Mike and Lisa relish being together as a family. “We love spontaneous stop-ins by the kids and all of our family dinners,” she said. “Being just five minutes away from them allows us to help and support them whenever they need us.”

Positive experiences, such as church, a movie or anything else, have helped the foursome create a family creed. “Our motto is a family who prays and plays together, stays together!” she said. “It is truly a gift, as parents, to be able to experience this season of life together.”

Mike and Lisa both knew that Abbie’s heart was already in Lincoln. That’s why “it definitely felt right to all of us that she would finish her college career as a Husker,” her mother said.

What a Privilege to Have a Son and a Daughter Compete Together at NU

“What a joy it has been that both of our kids now have the privilege of competing for Nebraska during the same season, just like their parents did so many years ago!” Lisa said, pointing out they have been a part of another family legacy.

Lisa’s uncle, Tim McCrady, played football for Nebraska from 1978-1981. Her cousin, Mike Smith, also played for the Huskers in the mid-1990s.

In 1989, Lisa’s father started and fully sponsored the Nebraska Women’s Masters Classic gymnastics meet. “It was accompanied by a highly prestigious banquet and beautiful gifts and awards,” Lisa said. “I remember fondly what an honor it was receiving the first-place crystal trophy from my father. We’re excited that they’re truly is NO PLACE like Nebraska.”

Abbie could not be happier landing at Nebraska to finish her college gymnastics career just like her mom, dad and brother.

“Nebraska has a school pride so strong, you just can’t find anywhere else,” Abbie said. “The most beautiful sight, aside from the gorgeous sunsets splattered across the sky every evening, is the red sea of people spread out around Lincoln on game day. Nebraska is home sweet home to many, and I’m thankful to be at such an awesome university surrounded by family.”

When Abbie walks into the Devaney Center and sees her brother Austin and her father Mike’s names on the wall, she is especially proud to be a Husker. “Being able to carry on the Epperson name for the women’s gymnastics team makes me even more passionate about being a Husker,” she said. “Seeing their names and my mom’s picture on the wall at Mable Lee Hall motivates me to be as successful and impactful to this university as they all have been.”

Nebraska's Genuine Caring, Top Resources Made Austin's Decision Easy

For Austin Epperson, pictured above, “Lincoln has always felt like home,” he said. “I remember coming here on my recruiting trip and being impressed by the campus and all of the resources. I was won over by the genuinely caring nature of the people. I’m still amazed at how welcomed I feel wherever I go. The city of Lincoln has become a place that continuously works to help everyone get the most out of everything, and that’s why there is no place like Nebraska.”

Even though the men’s gymnastics season is just beginning, Austin’s expectations and his teammates’ goals are high. “We have some unfinished business to attend to,” he said. “Last year was our best season in over a decade.”

The Huskers set numerous school records, produced four event All-Americans and came within 4-10ths of a point to become an NCAA Top 6 team finals qualifier. “This year, we’re looking to expand on those achievements with a very talented team, and finally make it to the team finals,” Austin said. “Top 6 has been our goal for a long time, and this year seems like the year we will make it. I’m looking forward to competing in our best season yet.”

Sounds like the Eppersons have a busy winter ahead of them, and they will never regret and always be proud of moving to Lincoln.

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