Smiling faces fill stadium

LINCOLN — The interests of fathers, mothers, sons and daughters seem to rarely align in such a way that the entire family can be captivated without complaint.

But Memorial Stadium was full of smiling faces Saturday, when an estimated 7,500 people scurried around the field for 90 minutes for face-to-face, in-person time with members of the Nebraska football team.

It was fan day, the program's annual meet-and-greet event.

Players and coaches sat at tables on the turf, while eager Husker backers of all ages asked for signatures on helmets, footballs and posters. Some took photos, others shook hands and others inquired about the season during their brief interactions with some of the state's biggest celebrities.

Naturally, head coach Bo Pelini drew the most attention. He was parked at his own table underneath a tent in the stadium's north end zone. From there, the line for a momentary meeting with the second-year coach stretched more than 100 yards, wrapping around the south end's goal post and snaking back down past midfield.

Pelini accommodated his admirers, staying an extra 15 minutes. And assistant coaches Barney Cotton and Ron Brown hung around 15 minutes after Pelini.

But Randy Armstrong and his family didn't have to wait that long to get signatures from the NU staff.

They came up from Kansas, making the trip in the early morning hours. They arrived at the stadium at 4:30 a.m., were first in line at Gate 3 and by 10:30 a.m., they were a few feet away from handing their footballs and posters off to coaches.

It was all worth it for the Armstrongs, who have made the last three fan days.

“We love the Huskers,” Armstrong said, standing next to his 7- and 12-year-old sons. “It's a chance to get some autographs and meet the players up close. It's great.”

Steve Mack of Overland Park, Kan., brought his two young sons to the stadium for the first time. Mack, who grew up in Nebraska, said his oldest was “starting to become a Jayhawk fan. So we had to put an end to that.”

Mack and his sons were among the first in line for autographs from the kickers. He said it didn't matter if he met stars or backups. Just being in Lincoln was gratifying enough.

“I'm thrilled to death,” Mack said. “Grinning from ear to ear.”

The Nebraska players had fun, too. Interacting with the team's supporters never gets old for senior safety Larry Asante.

“I think we have the greatest fans in America,” Asante said. “Just getting to talk to little kids and mothers — they want to take pictures — it's a wonderful thing.”

World-Herald staff writer Nick Rubek contributed to this report.

Contact the writer:

402-473-9585, jon.nyatawa@owh.com