Athletics

The Start as a Husker

N Our Voice by Kevin Coleman

The Start as a HuskerDillon Galloway

As a student at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, my friends and I would band together and paint our bodies for football games.

We called ourselves the “East Stadium Psychos” and came up with all sorts of wild themes for each game. 

Those weekends were an absolute blast—some of the best years of my life—and they left me with some of my fondest memories.

During those years, my deep passion for Husker sports and the UNL community truly took root.

Today, I'm a little more recognizable within the Husker community. 

Over the years, I've been called a “super fan” and even a “real-life mascot.” 

You can usually spot me at games wearing my signature red wig and red-and-white overalls, cheering louder than just about anyone in the stands.

I absolutely love being part of this community and having the opportunity to share my passion for Nebraska Athletics with fellow fans. 

And truthfully, I kind of stumbled into this role without even realizing it.

Killing the Noise

As much as I love the excitement and energy of Nebraska Athletics, it’s also been something much more personal for me—a way to manage autism, anxiety and depression.

Game days are where I can genuinely be myself, surrounded by people who share the same love for the Huskers. 

Being among Husker fans, athletes and coaches feels like being with family. 

It’s where I feel like I belong, where the noise in my mind fades away, and I can simply live in the moment.

I’ve even had people come up to me during games just to say hello, grab a picture or ask for an autograph. 

It’s still surreal to me when that happens.

But what’s most rewarding is knowing that I'm able to make a difference, not just for myself, but for the entire crowd. 

I help get people hyped up, lead the “Go Big Red” chants and fuel the atmosphere that players and fans feed off.

And the athletes notice it too. 

They can feel the energy. 

They know how much we care and want them to succeed. 

That connection is powerful.

Fuel to the Fire

The energy I bring doesn’t just stay with me—it spreads through the crowd. 

That’s what makes Nebraska fans so special.

We’re passionate, we’re dedicated and we show up no matter what. 

We treat visiting teams with respect, we travel to support our teams and we create an atmosphere that’s unmatched anywhere else in the country.

Being a Husker fan is about more than just supporting the team—it’s about being part of a family and a tradition. 

It’s about sharing in the highs and lows together, and always standing proud.

For me, it’s about being a Husker for life. 

It’s about feeling at home in the environment of the coaches, the players and the fans. 

And it’s about being grateful every single day for the role I get to play in it.

I’m thankful for the memories I've made, the friendships I've formed and the small but meaningful impact I've had on the community.

It’s been an incredible ride filled with laughter, pride and unforgettable moments—and I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.