Husker Fans Invited To Experience Virtual Version Of Annual Night At The Lied Ceremony

On the heels of its extraordinarily successful virtual spring football game, the Nebraska athletic department is inviting fans to participate via the Internet for another annual event that's been altered because of the coronavirus pandemic.
 
Nebraska's annual Night at the Lied, which celebrates student-athletes' achievements in athletics, academics and community involvement, will run live Tuesday at 7 p.m., with a link to the virtual ceremony available then on Huskers.com. A replay will also be available.
 
This marks the 30th year of Nebraska having such a student-athlete recognition event. It began small, at the NBC Bank building in downtown Lincoln, before moving to East Campus, then the Devaney Sports Center, and now the Lied Center for Performing Arts, which drew a crowd of 2,000 last year.
 
"It's grown," said Keith Zimmer, Senior Associate Athletic Director for Life Skills, "and it really celebrates all the positive things about Nebraska athletics and shatters a lot of the stereotypes that still are out there regarding student-athletes collegiately, and even professionally.
 
"The student-athletes work really hard day-in and day-out, and this is our effort to recognize their academic efforts, their athletic achievements and also the great work they do in the community."
 
One advantage of having this year's event on-line is that it will give more Nebraska fans an opportunity to learn about Night at the Lied and the many accomplishments of student-athletes they may only know from athletic competition.
 
"This will allow people to look at these student-athletes in a different light," Zimmer said. "They're not just great athletes. They're excellent students, great servants and just good, all-around people.
 
"They will be excited and impressed to learn the level of attainment in the classroom and in the community."
 
Combine that with an impressive list of presenters, and Zimmer believes the abbreviated version of Night at the Lied will be attractive to many fans.
 
Greg Sharpe will host the event, with athletic director Bill Moos making an opening statement. Husker Vision will unveil its video highlights of top moments from the abbreviated 2019-20 athletics season, and Kevin Kugler will narrate a video featuring student-athletes from around the world – Spain, Italy, Denmark, New York and more – sharing their perspectives on the pandemic and how it's impacted them, closing with a message of hope for the future.
 
"It shows that our student-athletes have great appreciation for the opportunities they have," Zimmer said, "the fan support they have and the optimism they have moving forward, and how lucky they are to have this great state behind them."


 
Winners of most awards don't know the results. All finalists submitted video acceptance speeches, and winners will find out during the virtual presentation. Most awards presenters also sent videos remotely.

Former football coach and athletics director Tom Osborne will unveil the 2020 Tom Osborne Citizenship Team, the first time he's presented the award in his name. It began in 2014, and this year's team will put the number recognized to more than 2,000.
 
While 296 student-athletes made this year's team, Zimmer said that number would normally be closer to 400, but the cancellation of so many outreach events in March restricted the ability for others to gain recognition.
 
Zimmer said 323 student-athletes will receive Academic Medallions; 151 will receive bronze medals (GPA 3.0-.3.499); 79 will receive silver medals (3.5-3.74); and 93 will receive gold medals (3.75 to 4.0). Of those 93, Zimmer said 26 have either a perfect 4.0 cumulative GPA for their career or a 4.0 from the previous academic calendar year.
 
Gerald and Jill Foltz will present the 27 recipients of this year's Sam Foltz Hero 27 Leadership Award, named in honor and memory of their son. The award recognizes student-athletes in all sports who exhibit strong leadership qualities, commitment to service and ability to encourage and empower peers, all virtues Sam Foltz upheld.
 
NCAA Woman of the Year Angela Mercurio will present the Outstanding Scholar Award, which honors seniors in their final year of academic eligibility with at least a 3.9 cumulative GPA. Seven seniors qualified this year.
 
Former softball player Bri Cassidy will present the Heart and Soul Award, which honors seniors extensively involved in community service from their first day of their college careers to the end of their careers. Five seniors will be honored this year.
  
Former Nebraska women's basketball player Kelsey Griffin will present the Outstanding Newcomer Award. Female finalists are Kenzie Knuckles, volleyball; Madi Kubik, volleyball; Darby Thomas, track and field; and Macey Way, rifle. Male finalists are Colby Gomes, baseball; Alencar Chagas Pereira, track and field; Peyton Robb, wrestling; and Wan'Dale Robinson, football.
 
Former Nebraska wrestler and Olympic gold medalist Jordan Burroughs will present the Best Athlete Award. Female finalists are Tristen Edwards, softball; Taylor Houchin, gymnastics; Raquel Orozco, bowling; and Lauren Stivrins, volleyball. Male finalists are Jake Bonnay, gymnastics; George Kusche, track and field/cross country; Burger Lambrechts Jr., track and field; and Eric Schultz, wrestling.
 
NCAA Top 10 Award winner Anton Stephenson will present the Student-Athlete of the Year, the most prestigious honor that will conclude the ceremony. Female finalists are Aubrei Corder, soccer; Sierra Hassel, gymnastics; Taylor Houchin, gymnastics; and Allison Morris, bowling. Male finalists are Kevin Cahoy, track and field; David Jensen, wrestling; Wyatt Mazour, football; and Luke Siedhoff, track and field.
 
"A blend of the past," Zimmer said, "will be recognizing the present and celebrating excellence."
 
Reach Brian at brosenthal@huskers.com or follow him on Twitter @GBRosenthal.