December 1, 2014

Ferguson protests spill into Lincoln streets, Page 10

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Nebraska football headed in a new direction, Page 12

Volume 114, Issue 027

WINS A YEAR

.713 WINNING PERCENTAGE

0 CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS

FIRED.

DN THE

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2014

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LETTERS FROM THE EDITORS

Well then,

This morning I woke up at home, went to church with my family and headed to lunch. No sooner had we sat down at Spin Pizza than we saw the headline scrolling across a TV screen: Bo Pelini had been fired.

Given that I work with journalists, this news has predictably dominated the rest of my day.

Honestly, I was surprised. I’m not sure this was the right time or the right way to handle a coaching staff change. But I’m not going to otherwise comment on the decision. Considering the state of my newsfeed and the multiple conversations I’ve had at work today, there are plenty of people already expounding upon it.

Instead, I want to say this: I understand the desire to reclaim the glory of the past, but we don’t have to be carried away by that belief.

I was raised on Husker football. I’m the third generation and ninth member of my family to attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. I was born in Lincoln, grew up an hour away and knew early on I wanted to go here.

I grew up hearing about the “glory days” of football when my parents were in school. When I started watching the Husker games in earnest, it was during the Callahan years. I was told time and again how we were re-defining ourselves after the incomparable Osborne era.

Still, attending watch parties, yelling at the TV and believing in our team until the bitter end were staples of my childhood. Since coming to college, I’ve discovered the joys of the student section. The chanting, shoe waving, jumping under the flag, cheering on the band, thrill of attending a game.

For a long time I’ve seen the unerring pride of Husker fans. In recent years, though, I’ve also witnessed the absolute craziness of living in the North Bottoms on a football Saturday. I’ve encountered the drunken jerks yelling obscenities. I’ve ended a game cold, tired and frustrated.

Husker fans are by no means perfect. We’ve had our inconsistencies, our moments of “we’re better than this.” Maybe it’s crazy to believe so fervently in something that is ultimately just a game. They’re just college-age young men. The coach is only human.

I grew up on football, but I have not been blinded by it. I’m trying to say I understand the multitude of emotions people have gone through with this team. Maybe this year is prime time to re-evaluate ourselves as a fan base.

All things considered, self-reflection and changes, Husker football will always be important in Nebraska.

We remember the glory years, we’ve survived the dark days and we believe there’s something better yet to come. We are Husker fans.

Keep breathing, Amy Kenyon Opinion editor FRONT PAGE PHOTO BY ANDREW BARRY | DN

Bo Pelini stands on the sideline during the Iowa game Friday. Two days later, Athletic Director Shawn Eichorst announced Pelini would be dismissed as head coach.

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ON THE WEB

CHECK OUT THIS WEEK’S

DNEWSMAKERS

ARTS

NEBRASKA UNION CRIB

Black Friday

Working the crowds isn’t so bad if you’re surrounded by good co-workers

Perfect Combo What’s behind Nebraska’s chili and cinnamon roll obsession

OPINION

It’s not a joke

What seems an offhand joke to you may impact your listener’s psychological health

Thursday: 2 p.m., University Health Center Director Dr. James Guest talks student wellness.

NEWS

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Shoppers traverse the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, on Black Friday.

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PHOTO BY SHELBY WOLFE | DN

Extended hours reduce Black Friday hype Chris Bowling

A

bout 800 miles away, there’s an outlet mall in Ohio near the city of Monroe. It’s a decent size as it features 100 stores, among them the likes of Saks Fifth Avenue, Banana Republic and Polo Ralph Lauren.

This ode to American consumerism is also less than 15 minutes away from where I live in Liberty Township, and as a 17-year-old whose previous work experience included

a grueling summer at an amusement park and an unfruitful few months at a fast food restaurant, retail seemed like the pinnacle of achievement.

I started at Tommy Hilfiger in May 2013 and during the next seven months I became a seasoned employee. I survived the Fourth of July, Memorial Day and other retail high points (or low points depending on who you’re talking to) but nothing prepared me

for Black Friday.

I worked 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. that year. I can’t recall much about that shift other than repeatedly watching people push over stacks of polos, throw their discarded choices in piles on tables or the floor and generally act like animals. It wasn’t akin to the horror stories told on TV or anything; no one was stabbed or even

BLACK FRIDAY: SEE PAGE 6

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If you want to participate in Black Friday, go Thursday Bailey Schulz

I

’ve never really been an avid Black Friday shopper, mostly because I come from a family that tends to value sleeping in more than the chance to buy cheap appliances.

I wanted to change that this year and get the full Black Friday experience. So my sister, cousin and I woke up at 4 a.m. to find deals. We made plans to leave at exactly 4:30 a.m., get to the stores

at 5 a.m. and let the saving ensue.

We left 15 minutes behind schedule (because ignoring the snooze button is hard) and arrived at Des Moines’s Jordan Creek mall around 5:10 that morning, walking into the mall before the sun had even risen.

Our first stop was Scheels, which opened its doors at 5 a.m. As a Black Friday rookie, I was expecting the worst – a mob of shoppers, clothes strewn across the store, fist fights breaking out – but in reality, the store was pretty calm. The lines were short, the store was clean and the employees didn’t look like they were about to snap.

Unbeknownst to me, most of the Jordan Creek stores with Black Friday sales had opened at 6 p.m. on Wednesday. I had missed the biggest wave of shoppers.

After Scheels, we hit Forever 21, which was even emptier and had disappointing sales. There, I met Brittanie Lantz, a sophomore from Indian

Hills Community College. The Ottumwa native woke up at 2 that morning to avoid the midnight rush.

“We missed the first wave of people,” Lantz said. “I think it’s a good time to come.”

Although 2 a.m. is an early wake-up time, Jenna Jensen, a student from North High School in Des Moines, didn’t sleep much.

“I didn’t really sleep between Thanksgiving and Black Friday. I slept for like an hour,” she said.

The freshman and a friend had been at the mall since 11:30 p.m. the day before and had been at the mall for more than seven hours when I talked to her.

“Our ride left us,” she said. “We slept for a little bit here (at the mall), but now that I’m awake I’m ready to shop.”

The two planned on shopping for another hour or so before going home.

After American Eagle, I felt disappointed by the limited sales and lack of a crowd. We drove to the nearest Super Target to try my luck at finding a mob. But much like the mall, it was pretty empty, too. “(It was busier) last night, definitely,” said Vicki Feldmann, an accountant from Mount Pleasant. “There were lines, but it looked like it was closed almost when you came in today.”

Feldmann had faced larger crowds the night before at Wal-Mart at about 8 p.m. when the store opened.

“Wal-Mart was crazy,” she said. “There were mazes trying to get to checkout. You need a map to be able to check out.”

So long story short, I learned that in order to truly see the madness of Black Friday shopping, you have to show up on Thursday.

NEWS@ DAILYNEBRASKAN.COM

Lincoln’s homeless dine with City Mission for Thanksgiving People’s City Mission provides Thanksgiving dinner to hundreds of Lincoln families Thursday KELLIE WASKIKOWSKI DN This Thanksgiving, the Hubbard family of York, Nebraska, spent the day making others feel at home.

In fact, they have spent the last 20 Thanksgivings volunteering at the People’s City Mission, Lincoln’s largest housing and homeless shelter.

“We just had fun the first year,” said Sheila Hubbard, the mother and pioneer of the family’s volunteering effort.

The City Mission offers various services to Lincoln residents, from individual and family housing to homeless prevention services that provide goods to families who may be at risk of becoming homeless. In addition, the City Mission has a free public medical clinic that’s open year-round and primarily serves low-income families who don’t have health insurance. But the necessities like housing and healthcare are just as important to the patrons of the City Mission as the holiday meals and gatherings.

This year, it was predicted that the Hubbard family and the rest of the volunteers would serve up to 400 guests who both live in the City Mission facilities and come from around the city. The holiday season is a different time for shelters around the country to plan programs because they want to make it an especially comfortable time for patrons.

“What we try to do during the holidays

FILE PHOTO | DN

The People’s City Mission offers food and housing services to the homeless, in addition to events dedicated to donating gifts to children and parents during the Holidays. is bring that sense in to our guests here that there is a home,” said Jerry Owen, associate director of the People’s City Mission.

In addition to serving meals on Thanksgiving Day, the City Mission distributed Thanksgiving dinner supplies to about 500 families throughout Lincoln, including full turkeys donated by Nationwide Insurance, as well as other goods to complete the holiday meal.

Providing a home and sense of belonging and respect are some of the core values of the faith-based organization. Owen said

the holiday season could be tough to get through for some individuals who can’t afford extravagant Christmases, and faith helps people get through the tougher times.

“From my point of view, it’s an immense help being able to speak with people and give them hope in something other than just my own ability to do it,” Owen said. “For me and for all of us, one of our core values is to stay faithful.”

To alleviate some of the material stress individuals and families may feel when it comes to buying holiday presents, the City

Mission organizes events to provide donated gifts to children and parents, which is a part of their seasonal holiday planning.

While the numbers of people seeking out services from the City Mission have steadily risen over the past few decades, the number of volunteers serving there has too.

“Normally we will have people go through a line to get their food,” Sheila Hubbard said. “But today we will have enough servers that everyone’s order will be taken and they will be served, and I just think it says you’re special and we want to serve you.”

The increase in demand for donated holiday gifts to the shelter has been met with an increase in gifts. The shelter holds days where different members of the families get to pick out gifts, so parents pick gifts for their children and children also get to select gifts for their parents. The PCM also has an adopt a family program where groups or organizations can purchase gifts for an entire family.

Owen said it’s common for college students to volunteer during the holidays, and they have many options for students to get involved, such as participating in gift wrapping or helping with other holiday events. But he mentioned the enthusiasm to volunteer is something that ought to happen year round, and the City Mission has other opportunities for students to regularly impact the lives of those who seek out these services, such as the homework clubs that provide tutoring to the kids living on the facilities.

“We have college students come in and tutor the kids in the afternoons,” Owen said.

“The homework clubs are very important because if they can’t get their education going, the odds of making it are tougher. But the odds of them making it academically are pretty high if they have the right help.”

NEWS@ DAILYNEBRASKAN.COM

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5 volunteer opportunities this holiday season According to the People’s City Mission, 11 percent of Nebraskans and 8 percent of Lincoln residents live in poverty.

College students don’t always have money to spare, but there are many other ways to give back. Not only does volunteer experience help those less fortunate in the community, but it’s also a great résumé-booster.

Here are five places to volunteer, all conveniently located within 2 miles of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s City Campus.

Foodnet:

Foodnet was founded in 1985 by a group of churches and nonprofit organizations whose goal was to stop the waste of food in Lincoln and provide for people in need. Foodnet distributes mostly perishable foods — fruits, vegetables, dairy products, bread, etc. – to more than 1,000 needy families each week via 22 different distribution sites in the Lincoln area, with help from dozens of local businesses and volunteers.

Those interested in donating or volunteering can contact Foodnet.

People’s City Mission:

Founded in 1907 by several local churches, PCM served more than 32,000 people in 2012, providing more than 118,000 nights of shelter, offering free medical, dental, vision and behavioral health care to nearly 7,800 low-income residents and serving more than 172,000 meals and giving away more than a million pounds of food. More than 98 percent of PCM’s support comes from private donations. Donations can be made online or via mail. Individuals and groups can find more information about volunteering via the PCM website.

Matt Talbot Kitchen and Outreach:

MTKO is named in honor of an Irish Catholic known as the Patron Saint of Alcoholics. Established in 1992, MTKO serves homeless and near homeless people in the Lincoln area by providing meals twice daily, 365 days a year. Donations are tax-deductible, and can be made online or via mail.

MTKO welcomes individual and group volunteers. More information about volunteering can be found on their website.

CenterPointe:

Founded in 1973, CenterPointe provides treatment, rehabilitation and housing services for people suffering from mental and substance abuse disorders. Online donations are accepted, and CenterPointe also encourages people to give in more creative ways. Volunteers do not work directly with people in the CenterPointe program, but a list of other volunteer opportunities can be found online.

The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign:

Founded in 1865, the Salvation Army is an international faith-based organization that offers spiritual ministry, social services and youth programs to individuals in need. The Red Kettle Campaign, started in San Francisco in 1891, has traditionally been its most prominent fundraiser.

Volunteers can view participating locations in the Lincoln area and sign up for a 2-hour bell-ringing shift through the Salvation Army.

NEWS@ DAILYNEBRASKAN.COM ART BY MIKE RENDOWSKI COMPILED BY LANI HANSON

BLACK FRIDAY: FROM 4 uncomfortable, but it was still unnerving.

Since then I’ve graduated high school, come to Nebraska and as my old manager said, “probably been terminated.”

In other words, retail is a nominal part of my life, which is why I thought it might be fun to visit my old work on this year ’s Black Friday for what I can only assume is some twisted form of nostalgia. But when I returned, all those feelings of panic didn’t flood back. It looked just like another

shopping day.

I don’t know if that was because the mall opened even earlier this year (it opened at 6 a.m.) or if people noticed a drop in deals (Tommy had a storewide 40 percent off promotion that wasn’t uncommon for normal weeks year round). But at midnight, as I walked into the familiar space that housed the likes of polos, button-ups and jeans, the shoulder-to-shoulder sea of people had transformed into a casual crowd of people

milling about. They also hadn’t hired a DJ like years past, and I was able to have decently long conversations with employees.

But maybe it’s because I was now an outsider looking in and I also had the luxury of walking out the door whenever I wanted.

Whether Black Friday is becoming a nullity is open to interpretation. Stores seem to be relying on the established hype for the shopping holiday so they can let up on sales and stay open longer to maximize profits.

Maybe someday that will turn off some consumers and the trend will start to shift in the opposite direction, but that’s still a mostly consumer opinion. As an employee, I can still recognize that Black Friday is retail’s most important day of the year. And as long as that rings true, it will find its way into the psyche of unprepared 17-year-olds from suburban Ohio.

NEWS@ DAILYNEBRASKAN.COM

MONDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2014 | 7

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Cyber Monday deals to check out Wal-Mart

Up to 50 percent off electronics, toys and video games, home and appliances, sports, tools and auto, clothing and gifts

Best Buy

-Up to 30 percent off select HDTVs -Tablets starting at $49.99

Target

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H&M

-30 percent off entire purchase

Old Navy

-40 percent off online purchase at Old Navy, Gap and Banana Republic Use code: Cyber

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*For DSW rewards members only: -$10 off $49 -$20 off $99 -$50 off $199 Use code: Cyberthon

Gamestop

-Save $70 off Xbox One Holiday Value Bundle ($329.99) and $50 off Xbox 360 500GB Holiday Value Bundle ($199.99) -$20 off new video game titles for Xbox 360 and PS3

Sports Authority

-25 percent off online purchase with free shipping NEWS@ DAILYNEBRASKAN.COM ART BY LYDIA COTTON COMPILED BY NEWS STAFF

Brass knuckles, Chinese throwing star found in Harper ANNIE BOHLING DN Despite a quiet campus last week with students gone for Thanksgiving break, many reports were made to university police regarding lost or stolen items. Plus, three weapons were found in a dorm room.

On Monday, someone made off with a backpack holding $2,680 worth of items. The backpack was left on the second floor of the Temple Building. In it was a laptop, cash, credit cards and a driver’s license. UNLPD checked camera footage but have no suspects.

On Wednesday, a hit and run caused $300 in damage. It happened at the Stadium Loop parking lot. The side mirror was broken off the non-UNL student’s car. A witness left a note on

the windshield. The report reads that a suspect is identified but hasn’t been contacted. The investigation continues.

The only report on Thanksgiving had to do with marijuana. Police were called to a student’s dorm room. He was ticketed for possession of less than an ounce of marijuana. A bottle of alcohol was confiscated too, but the student wasn’t cited because he is of drinking age.

On Friday, one student didn’t lock his locker at the Campus Recreation Center. His clothes, valued at $150, were taken.

Also on Friday, a student told police her Nintendo 3DS, its black case and two games went missing at Love Library sometime between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. The items are valued at $230.

On Friday, a University Housing staff

member found two pairs of brass knuckles and a Chinese throwing star in a room at Harper Hall.

“Housing was doing scheduled room checks and discovered the items basically sitting out in the room,” saud UNLPD Sgt. Zach Byers.

The two residents of the room denied ownership of the items, and UNLPD confiscated them. It’s against UNL and University Housing policies to obtain weapons on campus. Possible punishment will be decided by Housing or University Judicial Affairs.

On Sunday, a student told police her car was broken into in the Andersen Hall parking lot. Her purse, wallet and CD case were taken, all valued at $120.

NEWS@ DAILYNEBRASKAN.COM

ART BY MIKE RENDOWSKI | DN

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Plan your week, Dec. 1-5 MONDAY DEC. 1 Grassland Studies 2014 Fall Seminar Series 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Nebraska East Union

TUESDAY DEC. 2 Stress Free Zone 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nebraska Union

WEDNESDAY DEC. 3 Digital Humanities student projects showcase 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Love Libarary

THURSDAY DEC. 4 Brown-bag on Natural Decorating Noon to 1 p.m. Keim hall

FRIDAY DEC. 5 First Friday: Cowboy Christmas 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Great Plains Art Museum

Student group collects bras for sex trafficking victims Donations are sent to Free the Girls nonprofit for sex trafficking surivors to sell for a living BAILEY SCHULZ DN While the University of Nebraska-Lincoln hosts its fair share of fundraisers, the Nebraska University Students Against Modern Day Slavery is accepting an unconventional donation item: bras.

For the rest of the semester, NUSAMS will accept gently used bras and give them to women who have escaped sex trafficking. Donations can be dropped off in boxes that are set up in the Nebraska Union, Andersen Hall and the Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center from 11 p.m. to 1 p.m. every Friday until Dec. 10.

NUSAMS decided to hold the event after a member attended the Interdisciplinary Conference on Human Trafficking conference in Lincoln and heard news of Kearney’s own bra drive.

“I think we’re going to be successful here,” said Elise Polly, NUSAMS vice president and a senior psychology and sociology major. “Kearney raised more than 1,000 bras, and we’re hoping that we can do the same.”

Once the bra drive is over, NUSAMS will send all of the collected bras to the non-profit organization Free The Girls. The organization then sends the bras to aftercare facilities they’ve

partnered with, where they’ll be distributed to women who have escaped sex trafficking. The recipients will then sell them.

Free The Girls chose bras as a donation item because selling bras, according to the organization’s website, can provide a great income, a flexible schedule and a safe environment for the trafficked women, because selling a product made for other women would limit their exposure to men, with whom women have a history of abuse.

“The whole second-hand clothing is a big thing in other countries,” Polly said. “I think that there’s a high demand for bras because it’s kind of more of an intimate item that people don’t donate.”

The women can sell the bras for three to five times the minimum wage and selling provides the women with a self-made business that’s both safe and efficient, especially when compared to alternative options.

“These women, once they’re free, usually they have no way of making any money,” said Sriyani Tidball, an assistant professor of practice at the College of Journalism and Mass Communications and NUSAMS’ adviser. “They often have to go back to their pimp because there is absolutely no other way to survive.”

That fact doesn’t make these women the ones to blame, Tidball said.

“As a journalism teacher, I have learned that you don’t use the word prostitute, but you use the word prostituted because most of the women have been forced into it,” she said.

Free The Girls ships bras to prostituted women in Uganda, El Salvador, Mexico and Brazil, but the bras collected on campus will be sent to women in Mozambique for this specific project. Free The Girls hopes to ship 130,000 bras total to the country by the end of 2014.

PHOTO BY CALLA KESSLER | DN

Nebraska University Students Against Modern-Day Slavery (NUSAMS) is holding a bra drive to support victims of sex trafficking.

“We were planning on doing it every year, something to give to the international community of human trafficking,” NUSAMS President Jaclyn Blake said. “We do a lot locally but not a lot internationally.”

So far, the bra drive has had a good turn out.

“I know personally in my sorority, we had a girl bring 42 bras from home,” Blake said. “But I know we have over 400 bras so far, and it’s only been a week or two.”

NEWS@ DAILYNEBRASKAN.COM

MONDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2014 | 9

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Give and Get durinG the holidays

Why not finish what you started at SCC?

You can do this!

Finish the degree you started at Southeast Community College!

What is Reverse Transfer?

Do you have some down time during the holiday break? Celerion is now seeking participants for clinical research studies.

Qualified participants may receive: ■

■

Compensation up to $250 per day for time and travel

Individualized copy of study medical results

Overnight stays and return visits may be required.

HelpResearch.com • 866-213-2965

Reverse transfer is the process of awarding an associate degree to students who begin their education at SCC, transfer to another institution, and complete their associate degree requirements while working toward a bachelor’s degree. In this case, UNL.

Why do it?

• The completed degree is a marketable credential for your resume and an important milestone in your education.

• Employers value a degree as evidence of your commitment to expanding your knowledge and achieving your educational goals.

• A degree can help you land a better job while continuing your education.

“This process has allowed me to accomplish my educational career goals. I’m very appreciative of all the advising staff at SCC who helped me. It was a very quick and easy transfer, and in the end I felt a sense of accomplishment.”

Brooke Werner, Associate of Science Degree, Academic Transfer Graduate, December 2013

Lincoln, NE

621 Rose Street

Go to www.southeast.edu/CompleteYourDegree to learn more

10 | MONDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2014

DAILYNEBRASKAN.COM

‘Hands up, don’t shoot’

People hold up signs at the #BlackLivesMatter rally, a non-violent gathering held in Lincoln Tuesday to express solidarity with Ferguson, Missouri, residents.

DAILYNEBRASKAN.COM

MONDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2014 | 11

Nina Gullikson, 5, holds up a sign that reads “Stop Fighting” during a non-violent protest to express solidarity with Ferguson residents in front of the Federal Building in Lincoln Tuesday.

Lincolnites join in national protests against a grand jury’s non-indictment of Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson

photos by Shelby Wolfe Keiyana Thomas, a junior advertising and public relations major, leads a chant at the solidarity rally for Ferguson on Tuesday outside Lincoln’s Federal Building.

SPORTS

Bo Pelini was fired after seven seasons at Nebraska. He had won at least nine games in each season as coach.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2014 DAILYNEBRASKAN.COM

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PHOTO BY ANDREW BARRY | DN

A NEW DIRECTION

MONDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2014 | 13

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EICHORST BEGINS SEARCH FOR NEW LEADERSHIP OF FOOTBALL TEAM STORY BY JOSH KELLY

B

o Pelini is out as the coach of the Nebraska football team, and the man who fired him will handpick his successor.

Athletic Director Shawn Eichorst announced his decision to fire sevenyear coach Pelini Sunday; replacing him for the bowl game will be assistant coach Barney Cotton.

Eichorst said he decided to fire Pelini before the bowl game rather than after, so it’s “fair” to the coaching staff. He said he wants to give them an opportunity to stay on with the new coach or to look for positions elsewhere.

Instead of having a search committee, Eichorst will be conducting the coaching search on his own.

“I’ve been doing this for a while,” Eichorst said. “I have great confidence in my approach.”

Eichorst said the university has the tools to find the best possible candidate to lead the players at Memorial Stadium.

“I will work diligently in the coming days to find the absolute best fit for the University of Nebraska,” Eichorst said. “We have tremendous student athletes, and we have a world-class education to offer them. Therefore, I’m confident we will find a great coach to lead our storied program.”

Before Pelini was fired, Cotton was the run game coordinator while also working with the tight ends and offensive line.

As a former player and longtime coach, Eichorst said he was confident that Cotton will be able to rally the players for the bowl game.

“Barney Cotton is a Husker through and through,” Eichorst said.

Cotton released a statement Sunday on accepting the interim position.

“I feel it is my duty to be there for our staff and to show love and support for our players,” he said.

“I accepted this responsibility because of my loyalty to Bo, this staff and our players.”

Toward the end of the weekend, Eichorst made his decision.

He explained his thought process at a Sunday afternoon press conference, when he met with the media for about half an hour. He said

PHOTO BY DAVID GASS | DN

Nebraska Athletic Director Shawn Eichorst speaks at a press conference on Sunday, when he announced the firing of football coach Bo Pelini.

he made his decision Saturday night after consulting with University of Nebraska-Lincoln Chancellor Harvey Perlman.

After much evaluation, Eichorst said, he didn’t see the football team heading toward the goals that have been set by the program, such as competing for national championships.

“At the end of the day I didn’t see enough improvement in areas that were important for us to move forward to play championship-caliber football,” Eichorst said.

Eichorst said Pelini went into his office this morning, and after about 20 minutes of discussion, the two were on the same page.

“I think we both agreed it was best to go in different directions,” Eichorst said.

During Pelini’s seven years as the head of the football program, he accumulated an overall record of 67-27. After two seasons with the program, Eichorst said he had a “crystallization” that the tough losses were going to continue. He said the team wasn’t on track to turn a corner.

“We weren’t good enough in the games that mattered,” Eichorst said. “I didn’t see that changing at the end of the day.”

Pelini, who was given a contract extension until 2019, will receive $7.9 million for his severance package, the athletic director said.

He finished his career with a road-win against Iowa. Down by 17 points in the third quarter, the team came back to defeat the Hawkeyes in overtime, completing the largest comeback on the road

We have tremendous student athletes, and we have a world-class education to offer them. Therefore, I’m confident we will find a great coach to lead our storied program.”

SHAWN EICHORST

nebraska athletic director

in Nebraska history.

Despite the victory, it wasn’t enough to persuade Eichorst to keep Pelini on as coach.

“Our kids showed great character and resiliency in a tough environment,” Eichorst said. “So it certainly did play a factor but in the final analysis, I had to evaluate where Iowa was. Their record was where it was, and our record was where it was.”

Iowa had a record of 7-4 going into the game, while Nebraska stood at 8-3.

He said he isn’t concerned about the Nebraska brand. When asked about the concern of recruits and players being upset, Eichorst said his focus is on the current players.

“First and foremost, my concern is in worries with our kids that are in this program and making sure that they are mentored and led in pursuing a degree,” Eichorst said. “That’s the most important

thing we are doing here.”

Since Pelini’s departure, there has already been one recruit who has decommitted. Threestar offensive lineman Mirko Jurkovic Jr. tweeted soon after he will be weighing his options at other schools.

Although the decision to fire Pelini is considered unpopular by many, he said it was the right thing to do with everything Nebraska has to offer its student-athletes.

“In the end, this is what’s best for the university,” Eichorst said. “The people of Nebraska deserve, not only high standards and expectations, but they deserve our people and teams to reach them.”

“I think we have kids in our program that are capable of winning championships.”

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BO PELINI’S CAREER WITH THE HUSKERS

2008 Record: 9-4

Pelini replaces Callahan as football coach

Jan. 1 Nebraska wins Gator Bowl against unranked Clemson, Unranked Nebraska beats Nov. 7 26-21 No. 20 Oklahoma.

Record: 10-4

2009

No. 13 Texas defeats No. 22 Dec. 5 Nebraska, 13-12, in one-second runoff

2010 Record: 10-4 Nov. 20 No. 18 Texas A&M beats No.9 Huskers

Huskers Join Big Ten Conference and played seven conference games

Record: 9-4

2011

Huskers beat Ohio State at Oct. 8 home, 34-27, in epic second-half comeback

2012 Record: 10-4

Made it to Big Ten Championship for first timeand lost to unranked Wisconsin Sept. 16 Deadspin releases recorded tape of Pelini venting about fans after Ohio State comeback game in 2011 Eichorst supports Bo Pelini despite criticism from fans about Deadspin recording

2014 Record: 9-3

Mar. 7 Pelini’s contract is extended to February 2019 Nov. 19 No. 22 Wisconsin beats Nebraska, 59-24.

Wisconsin’s Melvin Gordon FBS rushing yards record Nov. 30 Athletic Director Sean Eichorst fires Bo Pelini; Barney Cotton will be the interim coach for bowl game

Nov. 30

Record: 9-4

2013

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‘Biggest mistake you ever made’: players back Pelini REECE RISTAU DN After Sunday’s announcement that Bo Pelini was fired from his position as Nebraska head football coach, current and former Nebraska athletes took to social media to express their support of Pelini and weigh in on the decision.

Josh Mitchell, cornerback and a senior communication studies major, wasn’t too happy about the method of delivery: “Bro u sent us an email to tell us u fired our coach............WHAT!!?!??”

Tommy Armstrong Jr., quarterback, offered his support in a single tweet: “Biggest mistake you ever made.... Bo was the best coach I’ve ever had and I’ll always appreciate the things you taught me.”

Jordan Westerkamp, wide receiver and a junior management major couldn’t believe the news:

“Unreal. Bo believed in me and I 100% believed in him. Can’t believe this....”

Writing that “logistically, it was impossible to gather” all the players with the off weekend, athletic director Shawn Eichorst notified the team through an email.

“I have decided to make a change in the head coach position at Nebraska...Coach Pelini is a good man and has served the University well for seven years,” Eichorst wrote in the email.

Eichorst also explained that tight ends coach Barney Cotton would lead the team through the bowl game.

On Twitter Sunday, Ndamukong Suh, a former Husker now playing defensive tackle for the Detroit Lions, said the issues plaguing the program go beyond Pelini.

“The leadership issues at the University of Nebraska extend above the Head Football Coach’s office.”

Also on Sunday, three Nebraska recruits decommitted: wide receiver Stanley Morgan,

running back Kendall Bussey and offensive lineman Mirko Jurkovic.

This wasn’t the first time players have been vocal about staffing decisions.

In Nov. 2007, former head coach Bill Callahan was fired following a 76-39 loss to Kansas — the most points allowed in school history — and a Thanksgiving weekend loss to Colorado, 65-51. Players were less supportive of their coach after Callahan’s 5-7 season.

“It’s Nebraska,” then-I-back Cody Glenn said in an ESPN article. “We don’t have 5-7 seasons. So you know after a season like that, something’s going to happen.”

Around the same time, two players, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, told the Lincoln Journal Star that the media was incorrect about former head coach Bill Callahan’s job status. It was reported that Callahan had been asked to resign, but the players said this wasn’t true and Callahan simply believed fans wanted him to leave. Callahan was fired days later.

Former players at the time were also vocal about Callahan, such as Mike Rozier, who won Nebraska’s second Heisman Trophy in 1983.

“Everybody knew it was coming,” Rozier told the Daily Nebraskan in November 2007.

“He knew it was coming, too, especially after Steve got fired. Nobody’s that upset about it.

When Frank (Solich) got fired, a lot of people were upset it. I don’t think anyone’s upset about (Callahan) getting fired.”

The similarities with Nebraska coaching changes don’t end with player outcry.

Frank Solich, head coach before Callahan, was fired on Nov. 29, 2003, after six years in the position and 11 years before Pelini’s firing. Solich’s final season, like Pelini’s, ended 9-3. Neither coach would go on to coach the bowl game. Solich’s final record was 58-19; Pelini’s: 67-27.

NEWS@ DAILYNEBRASKAN.COM

Comparing the firing of coaches Callahan, Pelini NEWS STAFF DN Seven years ago, almost exactly to the date, Nebraskans were immersed in a similar conversation to the one following Sunday’s dismissal of football coach Bo Pelini.

Back then, the firing of another football coach came as no surprise. The Huskers floundered under coach Bill Callahan, finishing 5-7 on the heels of a 65-51 loss to Colorado in 2007. Earlier in the season, Nebraska had given up a school-record 76 points in a loss to Kansas. The team failed to qualify for a bowl game for the second time in four years.

Husker fans were fed up.

“I expected it to happen after his record and the winning tradition at Nebraska,” senior anthropology major Jonathan Weiland said at the time.

Fans saw the Callahan era as a departure from the program’s championship standards.

They said he threatened its winning tradition.

They yearned for the glory days of Tom Osborne.

A polarizing coach. A frustrated fanbase.

A longing for the past.

Sound familiar?

“I am not surprised,” Sina Bear Eagle, sophomore theatre major, said at the time of the Callahan firing. “I hope they find somebody who is cloned from the DNA of Tom Osborne because that is the only person Nebraska fans will truly accept.”

Some fans had a replacement in mind.

“I know Bo Pelini is a possibility,” freshman computer engineering major Carlos Paelinck said at the time. “I think that due to the lack of progress in the football program, Callahan’s departure is a good thing.”

COURTESY PHOTO

Bill Callahan’s tenure at Nebraska was marked by repeated losses on the national stage and a perceived plunge into mediocrity that left fans calling for his dismissal.

Then, Sunday, Pelini joined his predecessor. He became the third Nebraska coach to be fired since 2003.

The decision appeared to blindside some.

After all, Pelini was fired following a win.

The decision came early in the morning on a

holiday weekend. Players were informed by email.

“I think they did it sooner than they should have,” Kelli Griffin, a freshman dance and psychology major said. “I would have waited until after the bowl game.”

And while there were certainly similarities in the university’s handling of the terminations, the messages from the departing coaches were vastly different.

The Colorado loss all but sealed Callahan’s fate, and the coach knew as much. As he walked off Folsom Field in Boulder, Colorado, on that day, a man wearing a red Nebraska coat raised a sign reading “Adios Bill Callahan.”

That day, standing yards from the field, Callahan came as close as ever to giving a public apology.

“We have the greatest fans in the country, and I’m disappointed in myself that I didn’t reach my own expectations and goal,” Callahan said. “I’m more disappointed than anybody. I think they’ve just been terrific, and I wish I could’ve given them a better season.”

A day later, Callahan’s tenure at Nebraska came to an end.

Friday’s game at Iowa had the same makeor-break feel as the games that closed out Callahan’s tenure.

Pelini had praise for his team after a comeback victory that left some feeling he deserved to keep his job after another 9-win season.

Then, Sunday, he was curt. The coach, loud and boisterous, known for repeated outbursts at the media and the public, had few words when pressed for comment.

“I’m good,” he told the Associated Press via text. “Thanks for asking!”

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NU stays strong against N. Colorado Despite having field goal percentage of 35.8 percent, Huskers pull off victory against Bears STAFF DN The No. 15 Nebraska women’s basketball team escaped Pinnacle Bank Arena with a 6356 win against Northern Colorado on Sunday.

The Huskers jumped out to a quick 26-5 lead with less than 10 minutes left in the half.

But the Bears took advantage of poor Husker shooting.

During the course of the next 8 minutes, the Huskers watched their lead disappear.

Going into the locker room at halftime, Nebraska led by a score of 38-35.

The second half of action had the lead go back and forth between the two teams. Ne-

braska held a slim lead of 58-56 with 1:54 left in the game when the Bears began to foul.

Senior guard Tear’a Laudermill made one of her two attempts, which brought the score to 59-56. Northern Colorado had its chances late in the game to knot things up, but missed shots and late turnovers prevented the comeback.

The Northern Colorado Bears’ senior forward Amber Van Deudekom led the way for her squad with 20 points and just a turnover.

She shot 7-of-9 from the field and was perfect on her both shots from behind the 3-point line.

Van Deudekom was the lone Bear to score double-digit points.

The Huskers were led by senior forward Emily Cady and junior guard Rachel Theriot.

Cady finished the game with 16 points, one assist and two turnovers, and Theriot scored a season-high 25 points. Cady notched the double-double with 11 rebounds.

Nebraska will look to keep its perfect record intact when it takes on No. 8 Duke Blue Devils on Wednesday in Lincoln.

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Husker freshman wide receiver De’Mornay Pierson-El returned a punt for an 80-yard touchdown to help Nebraska come back against Iowa on Friday.

PHOTO BY ANDREW BARRY | DN

Freshman ignites Nebraska in win against Iowa JOSH KELLY DN Down by 17 points against the Iowa Hawkeyes on the road, the Huskers needed a spark. They needed something, or someone, to get things going for the team to avoid another loss.

After two touchdown passes from sophomore quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr., the Huskers were down 24-21 to the Hawkeyes.

Iowa was forced to punt the ball. Then came the spark.

Freshman wide receiver De’Mornay PiersonEl has given Husker nation a certain excitement it has lacked. There aren’t many players in college football able to take it to the house every time they touch the ball.

Pierson-El reiterated on Saturday that the Huskers will have a playmaker for the next three

seasons. Pinned deep in his own territory, the speedster took the ball after almost scoring a touchdown earlier in the game, only to be stopped by the punter.

He dashed for 80 yards, which was capped off with a broken tackle to propel him into the end zone. The score put the Huskers up 28-24, the first lead of the game.

After being taken down with one guy to beat, Pierson-El joked with the media afterwards that he could have taken the first return for a touchdown.

“I beat him the first time,” Pierson-El said. “He just got lucky. Hats off to him; he got me one time.”

When he walked over the sideline after the play, some of the coaches and players were throwing some playful jabs at him. He felt challenged and wanted to prove them wrong.

He was smiling to the point where his face was hurting when he returned the next one for a touch-

down.

On the day after Thanksgiving, Pierson-El said he was thankful for the 80-yard touchdown.

Had he not have returned the ball for a touchdown, there could have been a missed opportunity to take a lead to cement the comeback. Once the game was over, Pierson-El said he was thankful for another thing on that day: giving the seniors a win.

“It was real sweet,” Pierson-El said. “We just wanted to see the seniors out with a W. We came here with one goal in mind, just to do that, and we accomplished it.”

Pierson-El is already one of the team’s favorite players to watch, coach Bo Pelini said.

“De’Mornay is a competitor; he loves to play,” Pelini said. “The kid, he doesn’t act like a freshman.

He has a smile on his face. He loves the moment, and he wants the ball in his hands.

“To be a freshman and go back and return

punts, that’s not easy to do. He’s fearless about it, and plays really well.”

Pierson-El has returned punts for 589 yards this season along with three touchdowns, averaging 17.8 every time the ball falls into his hands. His 589 yards on the punt return team is more than any other player since Alabama’s Javier Arenas went for 650 yards in 2008.

With three years of eligibility remaining, Pierson-El gives the Nebraska football program a bright spot – a reason to watch the games, a player to get excited for every time he touches the ball.

When he’s running with the ball, he’s not holding anything back. His worn-down cleats have given the Huskers a spark in a dark space with an unknown direction to the program.

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Huskers win, see room for improvement don’t,” Pitchford said. “I would have to say just putting a little extra time in at the gym Nebraska records 8 offensive and just making sure to concentrate more for the little things here and there just tweaking rebounds, Miles says the the little things. That’s about it, though.” performance is season low Pitchford said he and his team got a confidence boost when his first couple 3-point for squad shots went in.

“It was a good feeling, obviously,” Pitchford said. “I don’t know how many shots I missed. I don’t concentrate on that. I came in to this game today just to contribute for the NICK WILKINSON team and to this victory. It’s another offenDN sive weapon for us. I feel like I am back and ready to contribute. It’s hard for teams, you Nebraska basketball earned its fourth win saw it last year.” of the season Friday night with a 75-64 vicMiles said offensive rebounding against tory against Tennessee-Martin in front of the Tennessee-Martin was probably a season low 15,987 in attendance at Pinnacle Bank Arena. for the Huskers. Nebraska got 10 offensively The Huskers improved to 4-1 this season off the glass and 24 at the other end of the because of a big push from junior forward court.

Walter Pitchford, who had a career-high 19 “I wasn’t surprised they came back (in points. Pitchford started the game off for the the second half), they’ve done that against Huskers hitting the first three 3-pointers.

Arkansas State,” Miles said. “They were The Huskers also hit 10 3-pointers, which down 18, came back and won. I thought we was a season best and the most since hitting did some really good things to build the lead 11 against Minnesota on Jan. 26. Nebraska to where it was.” coach Tim Miles’s men now have 11 straight Miles said the Huskers focus “a great wins at home and a record of 19-1 since mov- deal” on offensive rebounding. ing to the Pinnacle Bank Arena.

“You have got to love it,” Miles said. “ “We moved the ball really well,” Pitch- That’s one thing we are working on. You ford said. “The shots that I got my teammates can’t just teach it, it has to be a love inside were wide open, and they passed up the shot of you. That’s the big thing at practices. We to pass it to me. They were just trying to get challenge each other just getting after each me going, and I appreciate them. I love those other ’s heads for the boards because that’s guys.” the way we are going to get better for games.”

Pitchford was 6-ofSenior forward Mo10 from 3-point range ses Abraham completed When you look at it, against the Skyhawks. the day with a seasonEighteen of his 19 came high seven points and we got the lead, then from beyond the arch. earned four offensive re“(Pitchford) really they just started draining bounds for the Huskers, worked hard to get his Miles said he believes rhythm shooting,” Miles the 3’s. I really liked what Abraham is getting betsaid. “I know Kenya ter and better.

Hunter worked with we were doing for a long “You can see his him, I worked with him, time on offense. We just numbers have inand Kenya saw that he creased,” Miles said. was dropping the ball a still turn it over a little too “When he comes in, it’s little bit and got him to a significant difference much.” tighten up his release with our defense.” and his shooting pockSophomore guard et.”

TIM MILES Tai Webster, freshman Including Pitchnebraska basketball coach guard Tarin Smith and ford’s performance, Abraham combined for Miles said his team had 11 points to help the a lot of good things going for them offen- cause Friday, and Petteway’s nine assists sively, though he said he thought both teams were the most by any Husker since the 2011 looked tired. Miles said a tired team commits season. more turnovers.

“Tim has done a great job since he has “Offensive efficiency makes it hard for gotten here – I’ve known Tim for a long time, opponents, no doubt,” Miles said “When this team plays to his personality,” Tennesyou look at it, we got the lead, then they just see-Martin coach Heath Schroyer said. “They started draining the 3s. I really liked what we are disciplined, very talented, a lot of offenwere doing for a long time on offense. We just sive weapons, and they really space the floor still turn it over a little too much.” well.”

Senior guard Terran Petteway added 18 Monday night, the Huskers will tip-off in points of his own and a career-high eight as- Tallahassee for the ACC/Big Ten Challenge sists for Nebraska. against a 3-3 Florida State team.

Pitchford said his performance Friday “(Florida State’s) a physical team,” Miles was no different than any other night. He said. “They’re a really aggressive, defensive said all the games his team has won thus far team so I think it’s about being fresh. I like the have felt good. matchup because it’s going to test how well “Some nights they go in, some nights they

PHOTO BY JAKE CRANDALL | DN

Junior forward Walter Pitchford tries to make a shot in the game against TennesseeMartin on Friday. The Huskers won the game 75-64, and Pitchford had 19 points to lead the team in scoring. we handle the ball and how we do against pressure. They’re really well coached. They have a great program.”

Tip-off between the Huskers and Seminoles is set for 6 p.m. and will be carried on ESPN2 Monday night.

“They’re a tough team,” Pitchford said.

“They are going to be ready, and we are going to be ready.”

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Junior outside hitter Kelsey Fien attempts to block a kill in a match. Fien paced the Husker attack with 23 kills

FILE PHOTO | DN

Nebraska finishes season with back-to-back losses VANESSA DAVES DN The No. 10 Nebraska volleyball team broke its eight-game winning streak last week after No. 11 Illinois defeated the Huskers 3-2 Wednesday.

A few days later, No. 4 Penn State took a 3-0 sweep against the Huskers.

Last week, Nebraska coach John Cook said the fans in the Bob Devaney Sports Center fuel the team; they feed off each other and keep the energy going. Last week, both Nebraska’s losses were away games.

The Huskers played both teams earlier this

season. Previously, Illinois won in a four-set match and Nebraska defeated Penn State 3-1.

Going into the week, Cook said if the team could keep the energy going, it’d be a great way to finish out the Big Ten Conference. His goal of a 10-match winning streak wasn’t realized, and in the game against Illinois, he attributed that to an inability to stay with the Illini for the entirety of the match.

“We fought hard and got into the fifth game, and then we didn’t play very well in the fifth game,” Cook said. “We missed three serves, didn’t pass well and let (Morganne) Criswell bounce balls in the middle of court. We didn’t play anywhere near well enough to win Game

5, which is disappointing.”

He said the main reason they didn’t play well in the fifth game was because the team lacked aggression and determination.

“We were tentative,” Cook said.

On top of that, the team was having a hard time getting into a rhythm.

In the fifth set, the Huskers compiled four kills on 15 attempts, and they had three hitting errors in the set. The hitting clip was at .067 percent in the fifth set for the Huskers, while the Illini produced a .235 percent hitting clip in the same set. “(Setter Mary Pollmiller) couldn’t connect with the middles tonight, so that made it really

tough,” Cook said.

Against Penn State, he said the fire was there, but ultimately, the team still needed more.

“Our effort was really, really good tonight, but we got aced eight times and we made some hitting errors that took us out of it,” Cook said.

“We had a hard time killing balls, too.”

The Huskers hit just .133 percent hitting clip against the Nittany Lions. Junior outside hitter Kelsey Fien was the only Husker to notch double-digit kills with 10.

He added that Penn State’s All-Amerian setter Micha Hancock brought a new level of skill.

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DECISIONS

COLLEGE COACHES ADJUST TO NEW RECRUITING STRATEGY OF COMMITTING YOUNGER ATHLETES

S T O R Y B Y J O S H K E L LY Meghan Haggerty was only a sophomore in high school when she made the commitment to play volleyball at the collegiate level. She initially chose Wisconsin, but she ended up switching to University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Now, as a junior at Nebraska, the middle blocker realized it’s hard to make a decision when you haven’t even gotten a driver’s license yet.

“You just kind of wanted to get done with it and not really talk to any other schools about it,” Haggerty said. “At the time, I thought I was going to the right school.”

The recruiting landscape in college sports is swiftly changing, forcing high school athletes to make an impactful decision at an early age.

For many recruits, they have to be picked up by their mom or dad before they get home and look in the mail and see the college offers.

Haggerty wanted to decide early so she could go on with her high school career like others she knew. At the time, she knew what she wanted after high school.

As she developed mentally in high school, she thought more about the life-changing decision she made around the same time when she was adjusting to driving a vehicle.

“When I matured in high school, I realized that this may not be the right decision,” Haggerty said.

During her senior year of high school, she decommitted from Wisconsin and decided to become a Husker.

Haggerty said she has matured in her college tenure. When reflecting on the decision to commit to Wisconsin, she said she should have taken more things into account.

“It was really cool, being ‘Oh wow, all these schools want you.’ But people should make the best decisions for their future,” Haggerty said.

Like Haggerty did in high school, there’s still a lot of time until the commits go to college, holding them to a standard higher than their peers.

“You need to make the right decisions all the time, apply yourself academically,” Haggerty said.

“You definitely have to grow up a lot faster.

“It’s kind of what it’s turned in to, being recruited early and committing early.”

On the other end, college coaches are forced to put a player under the microscope and decide if they should pursue the player.

When it comes to pursuing sophomores, no other coach at UNL knows the game like volleyball coach John Cook.

Most of the players who Cook looks at are as young as freshmen in high school. He holds camps for the players and tries to get them to commit during their sophomore season.

It’s become a reality for college volleyball.

“It is what it is,” Cook said. “There’s no reason to say it’s positive or negative. That’s the way recruiting is in volleyball.”

Cook said a majority of his players decided during their sophomore season. Each week he has freshmen coming to Lincoln to watch the home games and learn what his program is all about.

Recruiting in volleyball has become more strategic than ever, and it’s something Cook has to deal with despite his preferences.

“You have to be on it, whether you want to be or not,” Cook said. “Do I agree with it? No. Do I think the NCAA should do something? Yes. Can they do something? No. I don’t know how you can enforce it.”

Although Cook wants his players to commit at the right time, he knows that it’s out of his control for the most part.

“It’s the recruits that are driving it. It’s not coaches,” Cook said. “These kids are visiting more and more at an earlier age. They’re getting involved more in the recruiting process.”

For Nebraska basketball coach Tim Miles, it’s a gamble when coaches evaluate young athletes.

“Everybody is rolling the dice,” Miles said.

“There’s pros and cons.”

Miles rolled the dice when his staff recruited Aguek Arop, a sophomore forward from Omaha South High School. Arop committed to Nebraska in early August with three full high school seasons left before he enrolls at the UNL in 2017.

“It’s definitely happening,” Miles said. “You want to get the best player possible as quick as you can. The thing is the younger they are, the harder it is to know where they are in their development.”

The Huskers were able to nab Arop, who’s already far in his development as a 6-foot-4, 175-pound sophomore in high school.

When Miles is recruiting a prospect, he said he’s looking for one of the largest assets in sports: skill.

“The first thing I look at is the pure talent and athleticism,” Miles said. “Can this person help us get to our end goal, which is the NCAA Tournament? You have to make sure guys can do that.”

Miles wants to align the right pieces on a roster that holds 15. He said it’s crucial they make a smooth transition to the college level. He said there’s a mindset that high schoolers need to kick before they move up to the next level.

“The biggest thing is their time management and their ability to do well in their school work,” Miles said. “There’s a fair amount of high school athletes who don’t take their academics seriously enough, so they come in unprepared.”

Education is essential for college athletes because they’re held to standard to play for their teams. Many coaches try and make that as clear as possible when a commit enters campus.

“I think that’s the first and foremost thing that we try and help them understand: to make sure that they secure their eligibility,” Miles said. “I want guys who value their education.”

PHOTO BY ANDREW BARRY | DN

Junior middle blocker Meghan Haggerty attempts to notch a kill in a match. Haggerty was originally committed to playing with Wisconsin but decommitted during the recruiting process to join the Huskers.

In a lot of sports, it’s unprecedented to go after such young players. Miles said although the age has declined, there needs to be an imaginary line set by the team.

“We go down to about sophomores,” Miles said. “That’s about enough for me. We don’t get much younger than that.”

When Miles is looking at a player, he’s not going to jump on them just because they can dunk at an early age. He said it’s something he evaluates for each player that makes it a sell for him.

“You just have to go with your gut,” Miles said. “The more I know about them, the closer they are to home, so to speak. It makes me more comfortable. It comes down to how well you know them, what you know about them.

“Are you getting the correct information from the right people? It comes down to the background

checks, your due diligence of understanding what you’re looking for.”

Whether the high school players fit the bill or not, coaches are weighing the risks. They need to know if a player is going to pan out or not.

In a span of three to four years, anything can happen to high schoolers. Their body can change into something that wasn’t predicted by scouts or they can fall off the tracks.

For coaches, it’s hard to tell.

“Are they just in the beginning? Are they going to become more athletic? Or taller? Or Wider?

There’s really a guessing game when it comes to the personal maturation of all those young kids,” Miles said.

“It’s a little bit of an inexact science.”

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Junior Alexandrea Lorentz aims to shoot in a competition in the season. The Huskers competed in her home state of Alaska last week.

FILE PHOTO | DN

Husker rifle team bonds during long trips SETH OLSON DN Long road trips all the way across the country, such as the 3,300 mile Iditarod-like journey the Nebraska Rifle team took last weekend to Fairbanks, Alaska, to face off against Alaska and Kentucky, is daunting for most collegiate teams.

But the Nebraska Rifle team isn’t just your ordinary group of student-athletes. The group of nine women used the friendships they’ve formed with each other along with the Thanksgiving break with their families as a way to regroup heading into the

home stretch of the semester and the second half of their season, which resumes in mid-January.

“These road trips can be very tiring and exhausting when keeping up with school and sleep, but it’s nice that we don’t have to go right back to school and take exams,” sophomore Rachel Martin said. “Instead, we get to enjoy our holiday break with family as we relax and regroup.”

Junior Alexandrea Lorentz credits the accountability aspect to keeping each other on their toes.

“We usually help each other most by being accountable to get stuff done, while balancing school and shooting,” Lorentz said.

Still, both athletes enjoy the road trips not only with what they get to experience and take in along the way, but also because they get to spend time with each other.

“It is nice to get off campus and to see new places and enjoy new experiences while competing,” Martin said.

Lorentz said the trips are fun because there’s a sense of adventure in having the opportunity to go somewhere exciting and often new.

“They are exciting because we know we are getting to go to some place fun, so we tend to become more relaxed and happy,” Lorentz said. “I

love traveling with them because even though the trips take a long time, we are still able to have a good time and enjoy one another’s company.”

Despite the fact that many of the members on the team live far away from Lincoln, nearly all of them were able to head home for the Thanksgiving break. Although they were able to spend this holiday break with their families, some of the breaks they aren’t able to make it back home, which is why breaks like this past weekend are all the more special to them.

RIFLE: SEE PAGE 23

MONDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2014 | 23

DAILYNEBRASKAN.COM

VOLLEYBALL: FROM 19

RIFLE: FROM 22

the night. Still, Cook said the team combatted her abilities well.

“She was bringing it, but we prepared for two days for it and passed it great,” Cook said on the post-match radio show. “Again, it’s nerves; the crowd here, so it’s a little bit different.”

These two games finished Nebraska’s regular season with an overall record of 20-9 and 14-6 in the Big Ten. SPORTS@ DAILYNEBRASKAN.COM

“It’s tough not being able to spend some important holidays or breaks with family,” Lorentz said.

“It definitely makes the ones like this more special, but when we can’t make it home, it is nice knowing you have the support system of your teammates.”

Lorentz, an Alaska native, went home with her parents when they picked her up in Fairbanks after the meet last weekend. So he was able to

spend more time with her family and take part in their annual Thanksgiving traditions. In addition to many family traditions of hosting or going over to grandparents’ houses while having different family members doing the turkey, the stuffing and other dishes that the Lorentz family partakes in, Lorentz also has a stake in a friendly rivalry with her dad in the annual “Turkey Shoot.”

“We like to battle each other

Shoot against her dad, who enjoys hunting, Lorentz isn’t an avid hunter.

“My dad offered to take me hunting, but it’s a big step I haven’t quite taken yet,” Lorentz said.

Even with breaks being few and far between for the Nebraska rifle team, the athletes cherish the times they do get to spend with their families and carrying out their unique holiday traditions with them.

SPORTS@ DAILYNEBRASKAN.COM

out,” Lorentz said. “We’re not really in it competitively against others but more against each other. He likes to think he’s a better shot than me, but I like to prove him wrong or at least think I can.”

This year, Lorentz proved to be the better shot as she got the best out of her dad in their friendly rivalry, beating her dad by shooting a 50/60, which bested his 45/60 mark.

Despite her success in the Turkey

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Apply to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Phonathon! We are looking for full-time undergraduate students that are passionate about their school, and possess a positive, friendly attitude and an aptitude for learning.

You’ll have the opportunity to work alongside your fellow classmates as you call and network with University of Nebraska-Lincoln alumni, parents, and friends. The purpose of the Phonathon is to raise support from those groups, so you’ll be able to give back to UNL while working in an exciting and fun environment.

Shifts are 5:30-9:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and Sunday shifts are 1:30-5:00 p.m. and 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. Callers are required to work ONE Sunday shift and TWO week day shifts. Additional hours will become available if callers are interested! Salary begins at $8.00 an hour for new callers.

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Calling begins Sunday, December 7th (with training shifts the week before) but interested students should reach out now in order to secure a spot at the Phonathon.

To apply, please visit the call center website: http://unl.thecallingcenter.com/

Scudder Law Firm has a team atmosphere, a collegial work environment, and is fast paced.

Compensation beginning at approximately $40,000, commensurate with abilities, plus bonus opportunity. Submit cover letter and resumé to Scudder Law Firm, Attn: Heather Schroer, hschroer@scudderlaw.com.

Career Opportunity!! If you are looking for a career in the Ag Industry that offers diversity and competitve wages we have the position for you.

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Pay differential for overnight hours. For more information visit: www.centerpointe.org.

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Teller positions available Part time Teller positions available at West Gate Bank. Multiple shifts and locations. Fun and friendly enviroment.

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Looking for an early childhood development student or someone with experience working with small children to be a part-time nanny for our 3 children, ages 5, 2 1/2 and 7 months.

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Help Wanted

Announcements

Part Time Delivery Driver

Meetings Alcoholics Anonymous meeting Mondays 7:30 p.m. at University Lutheran Chapel, 1510 ‘Q’.

Open Speaker Meeting.Public Welcome.

Classified Ad Deadlines & Rates Ads placed by 3 p.m. on Wednesdays

Dependable, flexible delivery driver needed 2-5 days a week. Hours are from 3-8 p.m. Good driving record, car and insurance are required.

Apply at The Pharmacy, 1221 N. Cotner, Ste. #1. 402-466-7283

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Edited by Will Shortz ACROSS 1 Contemporary of Columbus 6 Stats for DVDs 10 Homey 14 Actress De La Garza of “Law & Order” 15 Latin word that’s an anagram of 62-Across 16 Stone for a Libra, traditionally 17 One barely riding?

19 Put out 20 Choice for a huge movie fan?

21 20- and 60-Across, e.g.

23 Peacockery displayer 24 TravelMate notebook maker 25 Food items once called Froffles 26 Pattern seen on a diamond

30 Delay 32 Evidence of bodily harm 33 Lillie with a Tony 36 Leader in music 38 Some markets 40 Lets pass 41 All the best?

43 Husky alternatives 44 None for the money, two for the show?

46 Davis of “Bubba Ho-Tep,” 2002 49 Sonoma County winery 50 First name among exotica singers 53 White alternative 55 Heart-piercing figure 56 Vulgarian 57 Summer wear for women 59 “Plaid” and “spunk” derive from it

ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE F S T O P

L E I L A

A N D E S

W H A T A J E R K

A O X O M O X O A

G R E E N B E L T

K J A C I O R H A L R A L A N S I N G V E T E S S N H A S I M T O T O E S I A L O T C O P O F E F A

K E T I G H N G E K F I C A R Y A T I A V E S Y E S M S D E D I D I G W A L T E R A H L T T I L S E S

R E A L I T Y S T I V Z E S T O U P P T A

H O L S T

A R T I C L E I V

J O H N K E R R Y

T A S E R

S P E N T

60 ___ Blizzard (Dairy Queen offering) 61 Nonplussed 62 Be dashing 63 Keyboardist Saunders 64 Sordid DOWN 1 Rialto setting: Abbr.

2 Crockett Hotel’s neighbor 3 Malcontents 4 Stone for a Cancer, traditionally 5 Put out, in a way 6 Ready for publication 7 They cover the basics 8 Sarah Palin, self-descriptively 9 Shot 10 Wear banned in many schools 11 Impressionistic work?

12 One hard to find 13 Cagney player on TV 18 Boozing it up 22 Alternatives to Filas 27 Some bracelets 28 Almond, for one 29 What a host holds

30 Grp. operating within a network 31 Rendering on Connecticut’s state quarter

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44 47

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No. 0818

39 43

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Puzzle by Dana Motley

33 A 1952 3-cent stamp honored her 200th birthday 34 Long reign, say 35 Numbskull 37 Minimal market purchase 39 Grant, in Glasgow 42 Pitching ace?

44 Tap add-on

51 Looks down

45 Powerful explosive

52 Try to find out what’s inside

46 Youngster with disproportionately large eyes

54 “___ the gods would destroy …”

47 Popular vacation 55 Novel spot, with “the” addendum?

48 “The Liberty Bell” composer 58 Butt

For answers, call 1-900-285-5656, $1.49 a minute; or, with a credit card, 1-800-814-5554.

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DAILYNEBRASKAN.COM

flare

WHO

WHAT

Senior offensive lineman Holding the Heroes trophy Mike Moudy and freshman after the comeback win De’Mornay Pierson-El against Iowa

WHEN Kickoff was at 11 a.m.

Friday

PHOTO BY ANDREW BARRY | DN

The Huskers defeated the Iowa Hawkeyes by a score of 37-34. The Huskers finished the regular season with a 9-3 record.