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Nebraska Spring Football

6 Apr

The Nebraska Huskers are not only a football powerhouse team, but the players on this spring day in 2013 showed their very human side as it was just not a football game, but a lesson in compassion and integrity. Bo Pelini lead his players through a scrimmage and gave 60,000 fans a memory they will never forget.

Yes, you heard right. Sixty thousand plus fans come out every year just to watch the Red: White game where the first team scrimmages against the second team in the final spring practice before the pre-season practice in late summer. The highest attendance of any NCAA team in the country. Why are Nebraska fans so loyal? You will soon find out.

I have attended four spring games and this one will stick out in my mind as the best one yet. Not only were “special” drills sprinkled in throughout the quarters as a “game break” to give the fans a taste of creative drills such as the “Good Hands” and the “Never Give Up” drill, but a special 4th quarter touchdown was made my a special seven year old player, Jack Hoffman.

Jack gets his dream, score a touchdown for the Huskers.

Jack gets his dream, score a touchdown for the Huskers.

Jack has been a special fan and friend of Rex Burkehead for two years and the whole team has gathered around him and supported him in his fight against pediatric brain cancer called Team Jack Foundation. Saturday he wore Burkehead’s number 22 and ran 69 yards for a touchdown which actually went on the board for the Red team.

There were very few dry eyes in the stadium and the entire team rushed the end zone and held Jack high on their shoulders. Watch for yourself and maybe, just maybe, the lesson that sports is more than just winning will be apparent. Sports is about more than winning, team is more than just individuals. Support Team Jack as the Nebraska Huskers help raise money for pediatric brain cancer with a donation or an official Nebraska licensed brain tumor shirt.

Nebraska Husker football is not just a game, it’s an event. Even during the spring game the carnival environment is in full force with food, tailgating and getting together with family and friends.

Nebraska Husker Football

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Nebraska Big Red Football

23 Nov

If you live in Nebraska, the Midwest, or are a fan of college football you may of heard how passionate Husker fans are about their football, the players and their coaches. One person in particular strikes a solemn awe in Nebraskans, and that would be Tom Osborne. However, this is NOT your typical football blog post.

Memorial Stadium, Lincoln NE

Memorial Stadium, Lincoln NE

My husband is just a little bit passionate about “his” team, me I like college football, but I grew up in Connecticut and went to Oklahoma State during the Barry Sanders years. (It was awesome!) So I’m not a dyed in the wool Nebraska fan. I do enjoy it though, for many reasons. First off, I like watching my husband enjoy a game. It’s like he’s back in college again.

Last Saturday I was lucky (and thankful) that a friend from church offered to sell me their football tickets. In fact the conversation went a little bit like this.

“Hi Dawn, I heard you might be interested in our Husker tickets this weekend?”

“Sure Betsy, Randy was going to be up in a tree stand deer hunting..” I look back at Randy in the kitchen, “..but judging on the look on his face I think he’d rather go to the game. It will be an early birthday present.” (I’ve been told I can’t say how old he’s turning, anyone want to guess?

Waiting for the Tunnel Walk, think he's excited?

Waiting for the Husker Tunnel Walk, think he’s excited?

We got to the game early, it’s been said that only Nebraska fans show up in the stadium and hour early so they can watch warm ups. Well, we were there at least an hour ahead of time. That’s ok, I had my camera to play with and there was plenty of photo ops. The atmosphere in Lincoln Nebraska is like no other experience. Fans start tailgating at 9 am for a 2 pm game. Nebraska fans are also know for their hospitality towards visiting teams.

Today we played Minnesota, and for one of the few times this season we were pretty much assured a win. By how much would be the question. (Gotta keep reading to see by how much)

University of Minnesota visits the Huskers in Lincoln Nebraska

University of Minnesota visits the Huskers in Lincoln Nebraska

Saturdays attendance topped out at 85,330 and the Huskers still lead the NCAA record for number of sell outs for a college football team. An added bonus is getting to watch our local Elmwood-Murdock graduate play for the Huskers. Sam Burtch (below) is officially a freshman coming out of his red shirt year and graduated with my son David. Sam has won Scout team MVP several times and has seen playing time during many games.

Sam Burtch, red shirt Husker freshman

Sam Burtch, red shirt Husker freshman

The game also represented  Tom Osbornes 500th official game and tribute ran from the pregame, to halftime and post game. Many people shed a tear, including my husband. The stadium reverberates with excitement and it’s something only to be experienced.

Tom Osborne and Coach Polini do the tunnel walk together

Tom Osborne and Coach Polini do the tunnel walk together (can you spot them?)

Below are just a few of the (cough, cough) many photos I took that day. I used a 4 Gig card just to let you in on a secret, but I was shooting in RAW.  Let’s say I have enough for many posts to get us through Bowl season. My Canon Rebel XS 70-300 lens got a workout and during the course of the day and afternoon I went from a 100 ISO to a 1600 ISO. My manual skills are getting better and I can blindly set my settings when I meter. I did all my post work in Lightroom 4 and processed all (cough cough) images in just an hour and a half. Some special effects took longer, but by that time I was playing.

BUT, back to the game. Taylor Martinez completed 21-of-29 passes for 308 yards on the day, his third 300-yard passing day on the season and the fourth of his career. His favorite target was Bell, as the sophomore wide receiver hauled in a career-high nine catches for a career-high 137 yards with two touchdowns.

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Greatest Fans in College Football

Greatest Fans in College Football

By the way Nebraska won 38-14, in case you were wondering.

Nebraska notched its fifth consecutive victory to improve to 9-2 overall and 6-1 in the Big Ten. The Huskers registered their fifth straight nine-win season under Head Coach Bo Pelini and moved a win away from clinching the Big Ten Legends Division title. NU closes its regular season at Iowa in the Heroes Game on Friday, Nov. 23 at 11 a.m. That game will be televised nationally by ABC.

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A Marine Mom’s Real Fear

7 Nov

On Friday September 15, 2012  two Marines were killed at Camp Leatherneck in Southern Afghanistan by what is claimed to be a Taliban attack.  This was just just a few days after the September 11, attack on Bengazi. This series of events sent a chill through my spine. My oldest Marine son had just returned from Leatherneck in August and I was thankful to have him home during his post deployment leave.

He was assigned to MALS, or Marine Aviation Logistics and spent his time between the hangers, the flight line, and the warehouse. He worked 12 hours a day, seven days a week on night crew, during the same time the attacks occurred. He always assured me he was safe, there hadn’t been IDF (indirect fire) the whole time, it created a false security with Mom back in Nebraska. I had the attitude that he was just as safe on this base as he was in Yuma. (Which in a way is a good way to view a deployment) Marines are told “Don’t give information that would cause your family back home to worry”

Marine in Afghanistan

How wrong I was. He could have been in the Harrier hanger when it was bombed.  Thoughts run through my mind now of how I would be feeling had my son still been deployed and working in the shop on night shift. Could I even sleep until I knew he was safe? I’m sure I would be calling his FRO (Family Readiness Officer) for the latest news. But he’s stateside now, I got to hug him and tell him I love him. He’s safe and I thank God for bringing him home.

During his leave he showed me his deployment photos and where slept in the barracks  ”next to the wire”. I’ve heard the phrases “outside the wire”, “inside the wire”, and there is a big distinction between the two. For those Marines who never get “outside the wire” moving “next to the wire” may be a subtle difference, but it’s a big deal. The small huts I saw in the photos were the same ones described in news accounts that may of aided in the attack. (don’t have permission to post those, for OPSEC can only publish non distinct photos without landmarks)

He said it was kinda crazy being able to see the wire and know just beyond, within eyesight, was clear and present danger. All Marines carry their weapons with them all the time, even on base. Now I know why.

I pray for the all Marines and troops in harms way and for their families at home worrying about them. Although I am furious at the indifference the media seems to have on the incredible increase of attacks and violence against Americans and our allies in the Middle East and Muslim countries.

The attack on Bengazi, the lack of media attention and outrage baffles me. I remember the Beruit embassy attack and it was plastered all over TV and how we as a country were outraged. The initial report of the Ambassador and three other Americans seem to be a diluted way of not recognizing that two Navy Seals were killed.

President Obama was quick to point out their responsibility in killing Osama Bin Laden, but does not give them the credence and recognition when they are killed in the line of duty.

So many emotions run through the mind of a Marine Mom, sometimes its hard to keep them straight, or under control.

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The Lengendary Musical Tunnel

8 Oct

Every first Saturday in October a certain tunnel in Nebraska fills with music. I’ve heard about it, my kids have told how awesome the music is when it reverberates in your ears, but I never witnessed this phenomenon until this year.

It is the tunnel at the start of the Harvest of Harmony parade. What else did you think it was? Over the years I’ve sat at the reviewing stand and various points along the route. Last year I took video of them coming “out” of the tunnel. But being IN the tunnel is awesome!

The sound is amplified and reverberates off the concrete walls. The Elmwood-Murdock band was entry #185, so I had plenty of time to watch, listen, and enjoy other bands.

Harvest of Harmony marching band parade

The 71st Harvest of Harmony parade, held in Grand Island Nebraska is one of the largest marching band competitions in the country and in 1996 broke a Guinness World Record for the most marching bands in a parade.

Marching Band competition

My daughter playing the quads

This year the Elmwood-Murdock High School band was one of 93 bands from across the state and received a 3rd place out of 25 bands in their division.  In years past they have received second place and even came home with the 1st place trophy in 2009.

Marching band parade in the cold Nebraska Weather

In Nebraska we march in 30F weather

The weather is anything but predictable and Saturday was no exception. Bundle up was the key to staying warm, as the spectator above was sure to do. The parade starts at 8 am and ends three hours later.

The full parade is not only broadcast live on the Grand Island NTV/ABC  television station, but they post videos of each band on their website in a yearly directory going back to 2008. In 2009 the Elmwood-Murdock marching band took first place in Class C and third overall.

Marching band competition in the Midwest

The last view of the last parade of my kids high school career

Seniors waiting for formal pictures after the band competition

My daughter (rt) with a friend

Senior marching band members after the marching band competition

Seniors being silly. I will miss these kids. (I won’t say which is my daughter, so cute huh?)

At the end of the parade the buses take the schools to the stadium for formal photos on the bleachers. It’s a tradition for a senior photo, my favorite is the “goofy” pose. Yup, this is how the kids really are, in their raw form.

Band Mom's

Band Moms, Cindy and Tracy

Yes, I’m a band Mom. I have literally chased the band down the parade route at many events. I’ve done it for years, from Washington DC to the Nebraska City Apple Jack festival. You take video, take pictures,  run ahead, dodge people and baby strollers, and zig zag down the sidewalk, all while juggling a camera and try not to run out of breath. This time I only chased them a few blocks, found out I’m getting too old to chase bands anymore.

So I leave the next few years of following the bands to my friend and fellow blogger Tracy (Nebraska Wheatie). Her daughter is also a senior, but she’s lucky to have one more still in band. Yes, we both chase bands, this year I was only 5 feet behind her as we ran through the tunnel. Her husband Jim saved my hide by noticing my cell phone which bounced out of my coat pocket. THANKS JIM!!!

So while I will miss watching band performances, and yes I shed a few tears, I will NOT miss the chase. It’s been quite the journey.

Fun Facts about the Harvest of Harmony Parade and Band competition.

  • First Harvest of Harmony was held October 20, 1938.
  • 8 Schools marched in the first parade: Grand Island, St. Paul, Ravenna, Gibbon, Scotia, Central City, North Loup, and Broken Bow.
  • The parade was originally named the Central Nebraska Music Festival. Changed to Harvest of Harmony in 1946.
  • The 1st Harvest of Harmony Queen was Pelorice France of Gothenburg.
  • St. Paul has the most candidates named Harvest of Harmony Queen with 8.
  • 21 bands performed in the 1948 parade.
  • In 1996, 130 bands marched in the parade “A Guinness World Record”

Related Links

Harvest of Harmony brings Nebraska’s Finest Bands to Grand Island

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Where Were You, Remembering 9-11

11 Sep

Where were you at 8:45 am ET, September 11, 2011?

For me it was a morning like every other. I was getting ready for work and paused to get on the computer and check my email. In the background the TV was tuned to Good Morning America. I glanced at the TV just in time to catch breaking news right after the first plane hit.  My heart stopped when I watched the second plane live and I felt as though I couldn’t breathe.

I went to work at Oxbow Pet Products and we huddled around a small TV we brought into the office. The phones were silent. No calls were coming in, no orders being placed. Nothing mattered. No one wanted to go home, we cried silently at what this meant as the towers fell. Planes were grounded, and then news of the Pentagon. What was next? After lunch we shut off the phones, closed the doors early and went home to hug our families.

No I will not forget that day.

911 Memorial

At 7:40 this morning I was driving to work, listening to KFAB radio and I heard the  Strategic Air Museum placed  3000 flags as a memorial on the lawn.  I was only a half mile away. I had to stop.  On each flag was the name of each person who died that day. As the sunlight streamed in from the east, I couldn’t help but think of that day and where I was, when the World Stopped Turning.

I live in Nebraska, yet I’m from Connecticut and had been to the World Trade Center and been up in the Towers. I’ve visited the site in 2002, 2004, 2010, and 2011. They say time heals all wounds. But the scars remain. Let’s never forget

Let’s never forget  some some never made it to work, some never made it home. Let’s never forget  those that died, those who lost family and friends, and all the countless fireman, police officers and volunteers who gave of unselfishly gave of themselves.

So where were you on that day? What do you not want to forget?

“Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)”

Where were you when the world stopped turning on that September day?
Were you in the yard with your wife and children
Or working on some stage in L.A.?
Did you stand there in shock at the sight of that black smoke
Risin’ against that blue sky?
Did you shout out in anger, in fear for your neighbor
Or did you just sit down and cry?Did you weep for the children who lost their dear loved ones
And pray for the ones who don’t know?
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left below?
Did you burst out with pride for the red, white and blue
And the heroes who died just doin’ what they do?
Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer
And look at yourself and what really matters?[Chorus:]
I’m just a singer of simple songs
I’m not a real political man
I watch CNN but I’m not sure I can tell
You the difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith, hope and love are some good things He gave us
And the greatest is loveWhere were you when the world stopped turning on that September day?
Were you teaching a class full of innocent children
Or driving down some cold interstate?
Did you feel guilty ’cause you’re a survivor
In a crowded room did you feel alone?
Did you call up your mother and tell her you loved her?
Did you dust off that Bible at home?Did you open your eyes, hope it never happened
Close your eyes and not go to sleep?
Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages
Or speak to some stranger on the street?
Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow
Or go out and buy you a gun?
Did you turn off that violent old movie you’re watchin’
And turn on “I Love Lucy” reruns?Did you go to a church and hold hands with some strangers
Did you stand in line and give your own blood?
Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family
Thank God you had somebody to love?[Chorus x2]And the greatest is love.
And the greatest is love.

Where were you when the world stopped turning on that September day?

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Tom Osborne Speaks About Character

22 Aug

Tonight was the opportunity to listen to a Nebraska and football legend. Who might that be? If you live anywhere within a hundred mile radius of Nebraska, or follow college football at all you know the answer. Tom Osborne. Former Nebraska football coach, member of Congress, and currently University of Nebraska Athletic Director.

Tom Osborne talks about character

Tom Osborne talks about character

To think, just a little over a week before the Nebraska Huskers kick off their season, Tom Osborne would take time out of his busy schedule to speak to Elmwood-Murdock Booster Club event. This says volumes about his character.

Elmwood-Murdock High School not a Class A school, we don’t have a huge population base, but Doctor Tom explained it this way.  ”We scheduled this function quite a while ago, and although Rose Bowl committee was in town today and wanted me to attend a function tonight. I told them I had somewhere more important to attend.”

Former Nebraska Husker coach talks about character

“Character is a choice”

Tom Osborne is a very soft-spoken man, even with a mic it was difficult to hear him and you could have heard a pin drop in  the auditorium as everyone was as quiet as they could be so they could hear him speak.

Many people speak about character, and Tom emphasized that “Character is not inherited, or a trait, it is a choice.” A choice the “defines  how you act when there are no sanctions” (an appropriate  football reference) “It’s how you act when no one is looking, when you know you won’t get caught. Will you follow the rules when the coach isn’t looking? Return that wallet when you could keep the $50 inside.”

Tom referenced another famous Nebraska native,  Warren Buffet who once said that “Character was an aspect he looked for in an employee, along with Intelligence and Energy.” Intelligence and  energy were wonderful, but without character a lot of harm could be created. A positive character was a trait Tom looked for in players.  ”Character will define how you react in adversity” Will you blame, divide or see adversity as an “opportunity to learn and grow.”

Tom and Nancy Osborne receive a check for TeamMates

Tom and Nancy Osborne receive a check for TeamMates

Very few times will you hear a public figure speak about spirituality. Tom Osborne does not shy away from this topic. He considers “spiritual dimension to be very important to character. Even if someone is not religious, spirituality is important. Every morning the football players had an opportunity to participate in morning devotionals and prayer before every game. The players were willing to sacrifice themselves for the team. “

I couldn’t help but think of Notre Dame and the troubles in Happy Valley when former Coach Osborne spoke of honesty being part of character that he cherishes and looks for in a player. “It’s telling the truth, even when it won’t make you look good. A good reputation takes 30 years to build, but only five minutes to wreck”

This man has lived and built his character and reputation through not only how he has coached the Nebraska Huskers, but also through community service.  He created the TeamMates mentoring program in 1991, volunteers for many community events, and has made many unpopular decisions in support of his players.

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Sidney Iowa Rodeo

16 Aug

Rodeo is an American sport, born and breed in the Great West. Tradition, patriotism, respect, and family values are celebrated at the start of every rodeo with the American flag and a tribute to the US military.

Opening of the Sidney Iowa Rodeo

Opening of the Sidney Iowa Rodeo

Saddle bronc at the Sidney Iowa Rodeo

Saddle bronc at the Sidney Iowa Rodeo

The Sidney Iowa rodeo is no exception and 2012 celebrated their 89th year with 339 cowboys participating in the five-day event. The talent and quality of stock was definitely better than what I saw the week before at the Wahoo Nebraska rodeo. While both were PRCA sanctioned events, Sidney takes it to a whole different level.

Calf Roping at the Sidney Iowa Rodeo

Calf Roping, just look at the horse, he knows what to do

Sidney Iowa has a population of about 1,500 people and hosts more than 38,000 people during five days. To this small town come professional cowboys that are nationally ranked in the top ten and perform in the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.  This meant watching a large percentage of full 8 second rides and few missed throws in the roping competitions.

Barrel Racing

Barrel Racing, times in the low 17 second range

Bull riding at the Sidney Iowa Rodeo

Bull riding at the Sidney Iowa Rodeo

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Kids Have Fun Mutton Busting

13 Aug

 

At many county fairs and rodeos in the Midwest and across the United State little kids line up to ride a sheep. To protect the sheep there are weight limits, normally under 60 lbs. It’s not uncommon to see boys and girls in cowboy boots and hats as young as four years old clinging on as life depended on it.

Normally the kids don’t make it more than two seconds when they topple off. But this little girl rode like a champ and was the best I’ve ever seen.

Mutton Busting at the Wahoo Nebraska Rodeo

Mutton Busting at the Wahoo Nebraska Rodeo

Mutton Busting

The secret is to cling like a tick, get low and hug the neck

Mutton Bustin or Sheep riding at the rodeo

This little girl was so good she had to be plucked off after 8 seconds

The walk of a Mutton Bustin Champion

The walk of a Mutton Bustin Champion

As the announcer said “If you want something done, just get a woman” Most all the kids had fun, most dusting themselves off and giving a big smile. A few got trampled, beyond what they expected, and a hug from Mom or Dad made everything right again. Most likely they will be back in line next year.

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Wahoo Nebraska Rodeo

9 Aug

On any given summer Friday or Saturday night in the Western United States a rodeo can be found within driving distance. In eastern Nebraska the Wahoo rodeo has been a long tradition for 58 years.

In his younger days my husband traveled the rodeo circuit as a steer wrestler, otherwise known as a “bull dogger”. Every rodeo event has a practical working purpose on the ranch. It didn’t start as a sport, but as a way for a ranch to gain bragging rights and cowboys to one up each other. The history of rodeo dates back to the 1600 Spanish ranchers and their Mexican cowboys.

Patriotism is Strong at the Opening of a Rodeo

Patriotism is Strong at the Opening to the Wahoo Nebraska Rodeo. Note the young boy with his hat over his heart.

The rodeo opened with the announcer giving tribute to family, thanking all military personal, and saying a prayer for God to protect the cowboys and keep them safe during the night. I wish I had brought my video camera as the speech is extremely moving and brings a tear to your eye.

Calf Roping at the Wahoo Nebraska Rodeo

Calf Roping at the Wahoo Nebraska Rodeo

Cowboys waiting for their turn

Cowboys waiting for their turn

Saddle bronc riding

Saddle bronc riding (click for larger image)

All photos were shot with a Canon Rebel XS with a 75-300 lens. Since the rodeo doesn’t start until 8pm and everything is fast I had the ISO cranked up to 800 right away and it wasn’t long before it went to 1600. Aperture was high at 5.6 and shutter speed no lower than 1/100 sec.

Being around horses and attending previous rodeos I could anticipate my shots to get the best picture like this bull exploding out of the chute.

Bull riding

Bull riding

Lightroom 4 was used in post production for cropping white balance and increased clarity. Noise reduction was accomplised in the Luminescence function I described last week.

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Lucky Guy: Mockingbird Sun, I’m Liking It

6 Aug

 

Couldn’t resist posting another song from  Mockingbird Sun. I love  the share tool on the Bandcamp website that lets me embed songs right into WordPress. So enjoy another and photos from their opening during the Huey Lewis concert for the Fourth of July celebration that was held in Omaha the end of June.

Mockingbird Sun in concert in Omaha Nebraska

Mockingbird Sun in concert in Omaha Nebraska

Mockingbird Sun

Mockingbird Sun

Just a little photography information. I was really trying to get a handle on using my 75-300 mm lens and get sharp images. I pushed the ISO up so my shutter speed could stay at 1/100 or higher. That eliminated the blurriness I get from the hand shake.

My friend Beth used her monopod which I’m going to have to start doing. I found out my husband has a monopod for his hunting scope. It may need to be re-purposed.

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