Season Opener Celebrates N-Club's 125th Anniversary

By Randy York

The dramatic ending to Nebraska’s season-opening win over Arkansas State Saturday night gives Big Red fans the chance to take a deep breath and exhale before the Huskers visit Oregon for their first road game in Eugene.

Even though the weeklong analytic process is just beginning, Husker fans should take a step back and appreciate the season’s inaugural game day atmosphere filled with pomp, circumstance and pageantry.

This blog recognizes highlights that include the retirement of eight Nebraska jerseys, the 2017 Jake Young scholarship recipient and a moment of silence for the late Bob Elliott.

It also salutes Nebraska’s newest number of Academic All-Americans,  the N-Club’s 125th anniversary celebration, honoring Nebraska’s Big Ten Conference Championship women’s gymnastics team, a new gift to Nebraska’s campus, a five-plane pregame flyover and the annual Alumni Band Day.

Keith Zimmer, Nebraska’s senior associate athletic director for Life Skills and the N-Club, praised all Nebraska student-athletes, past and present. “You are the foundation and you are the tradition. Simply put, you are Nebraska,” Zimmer said at Saturday's pregame tailgate in the Hawks Championship Center.

“I know I speak for many when I say thank you,” Zimmer said. “Thanks for the trust you put into Nebraska and the investment you put into representing the Huskers. I continue to marvel at your ongoing leadership and career success achievements.”

Check out more actions below that reflect Nebraska pride:

Eight Football N-Club Members Had Their Jerseys Retired in Pre-Game Ceremony

In a pregame ceremony, eight N-Club members had their jerseys retired. They included, alphabetically: Forrest Boehm, Guy Chamberlin, Sam Francis, Wayne Meylan, Bobby Reynolds, George Sauer, Clarence Swanson and Ed Weir. One family with connections to both Chamberlin and Weir will be featured in a blog this week. 

Junior Offensive Lineman Jerald Foster (No. 67) Receives the 2017 Jake Young Memorial Scholarship

Saturday night was a multi-family affair before Nebraska's win over Arkansas State. Husker offensive lineman Jerald Foster received the 2017 Jake Young Memorial Scholarship. Jake's widow, Laura, collaborated with Jake's parents, Jake Sr. and Barbara, to award the scholarship. Foster is a well balanced Husker who embraces academics and life skills with the same fervor he approaches football. Jake Young was an All-American and Academic All-American, who was killed in a terrorist attack in Bali 15 years ago. Nebraska administrator Dennis Leblanc worked with Husker fans Lynn and Dana Roper to establish a permanently endowed scholarship in honor of Young, who earned a Top Ten Award, the NCAA's highest honor. Foster's parents, Charlesette and Jessie, joined their son on Tom Osborne Field, along with other family members.

Fans Show Appreciation for Huskers' Big Ten Conference Women's Gymnastics Championship Team 

Saturday night was a great time to shine the light on Nebraska's women's gymnastics team, which won the 2017 Big Ten Championship and finished second in the NCAA Regionals in Lincoln, enabling the Huskers to qualify for their 25th NCAA Championship appearance. Three Huskers earned All-America honors, including Sienna Crouse, Ashley Lambert and Danielle Breen. Teammate Taylor Houchin, a record-setting all-around performer, was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year for 2017.

Ronnie Green Recognizes Bob and Norma Trenchard for Nebraska College Preparatory Academy  

UNL Chancellor Ronnie Green welcomed Bob and Norma Trenchard to Memorial Stadium to honor the Trenchard Foundation's contributions to the Nebraska College Preparatory Academy. Green also was part of the ceremony for the eight legendary N-Club members who had their jerseys retired.

Nebraska's NCAA Record Home Football Sellout Streak Keeps Rolling Along

Nebraska continues to lead the nation with 329 consecutive home football sellouts after Saturday's high-scoring game. Four successful former Nebraska student-athletes helped another sellout crowd recognize the NCAA's continuous milestone that dates back to 1962. Volleyball Academic All-American Janet Cruse-Sellon and women's basketball Academic All-American Karen Jennings joined two other Husker letterwinners to celebrate the ongoing record: Academic Football All-Americans Pat Clare and Aaron Graham. Husker fans applauded all Academic All-Americans, who have contributed to making UNL the national leader and to reinforce a phrase that traces its roots all the way back to something everyone remembers...There is No Place like Nebraska.