Our GTKtCNC volunteer today would be a really fun person to hang around. Analyzing risk by day, martial arts and table tennis by night.... read on to find out more.
How did you become a Husker fan?
I started attending games about 1962 when I was 7. My Uncle, my brother and I went to every home game and more than a few away games (ISU, Kansas, KSU, Mizzou) until I graduated from high school and went off to college (not DONU). I think the Game of the Century cemented it. It's the first game that I remember really being worked up over, so much so that I ran outside and screamed after JR's punt return. I actually met JR a couple of times at the North Omaha Boys Club while I was in high school. I spent a lot of time at the South Omaha Club and the two clubs would periodically have joint functions. He'd never remember but he seemed like a nice guy.
Ranchbabe's note: How about a little "Game of the Century"? The real one that is.
Second note: YouTube is amazing. Click if you want to watch the Game the Century in its entirety (and your boss does not mind you avoiding work for 3-ish hours). I got shivers when the video started and the announcer said "Regularly scheduled programs will not be seen at this time, so that we may bring you the Nebraska-Oklahoma football game".
What is your favorite Husker-related memory?
I think just going to the games with my Uncle and brother are my favorite memories. We'd drive down, a family friend would drop us off at the game and pick us up afterward. We'd either go out for dinner or just go to the friend's house to eat. And then we'd play cards for a few hours and drive back. Game memory would be some forgotten game where I saw the play open up before everybody else. It was a fake option to the right, the QB took three steps then dropped back quickly. The tight-end on that side fake blocked then ran past the LB and safety and caught the pass in stride for a touchdown. I saw the tight-end get past the LB and stood up and yelled touchdown before the pass was released. The people around me looked like I was crazy until about 6 seconds later.
What is your most prized piece of Husker gear or memorabilia?
I have a Tommy Frazier autographed SI cover after the second national championship. I also have an Osborne signed canvas blow up SI cover of his first NC. Tough to choose between those two.
Do you have any "superstitions" or routines that you have to do on game day?
No superstitions, really but my wife won't sit in the same room with me when I watched a game and I have to shower afterward.
Among your family and friends, who is the most die-hard Husker fan? What makes you say that?
Me. No question. I get worked up over every game and I take every loss personally.
What is something non-Husker related about you that people here at Corn Nation would be surprised or interested to know?
I'm an actuary who studied to be a biochemist in college. I teach Aikido and Brazilian jujitsu and play too much tennis and table tennis (both competitively).
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Thank you Shojon for sharing about yourself. I think the Game of the Century was a memory many in Husker Nation appreciated right about now!