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TheChuckwagonisrolling is a smart person. I know this because he chose Nebraska over Texas and has some pretty awesome predictions to boot. Bonus points to anyone that can guess which NBA player inspired his login name.
How did you become a Husker fan?
I became a Husker fan by odd happenstance. I grew up in deep South Texas, and was groomed to be an Aggie. I attended Texas A&M, thinking my dreams were coming true, my life was complete, I was where I belonged! But very quickly, I began to despise A&M. The longer I was there, the more I wanted to get out. I could write a book all the negative things I have to say about Texas. Thus, I decided to simply move. To get out before I lost my mind. So I applied to many places, and Nebraska was one I applied to on a whim. After traveling there once for New Student Enrollment, I decided to stay. I loved. it. I had never been in the state of Nebraska until that day, but there was just something about the people I met that day. Thus, I finished my college career at Nebraska, and loved every second of it!
What is your favorite Husker memory?
My favorite Husker-related memory is honestly just the first time I ever went to a Husker game. I didn't know anyone, didn't have any friends, as I'd just moved here. I volunteered to be a member of the Engineering crew that unfurls the giant flag in the band section (I figured I could make some friends that way). Thus, when the Tunnel Walk started, I was at ground level, watching the players come out. I'l never forget the chills I got, and the sense of awe and comradery that hit me. That specific moment is indelibly etched into my brain. But what made the game so great was how everyone treated me. I didn't know any traditions, calls, anything Husker related. But every single person in the stands treated me as a friend and made my first game fantastic. (As an aside, Aggies are just as fierce and loud in the stands, but they are some mean SOB's. You will get threatened with bodily harm in the stands if you aren't doing the Yells and movements with them.)
Ranchbabe's note: Did someone say Tunnel Walk? Here is the one from 2012 when Tom Osborne led the team out for the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers.
What is your most prized piece of Husker gear or memorabilia?
My prized piece of memorabilia is Gate 24 (The actual sign from above the entryway). I was walking with a friend one night and decided to walk around the stadium. As we got around gate 24, we saw that the actual sign had fallen from the stadium. Landing on the concrete had smashed it a couple pieces, but it was the actual gate sign from Memorial Stadium! It was too damaged to be put back on....so I took it home, put it back together, and now it's the pride of my Husker gear.
If you traveled forward in time and learned that the Huskers never win a Big Ten title or a national title ever again - would you still cheer for them?
If the Huskers never won another national championship or a BIG title, I would still cheer for them just as loudly. To me, the connections and friends you make cheering for your team are far and away the most important part of being a fan of anything. Win or lose, you have a connection to every other Husker fan. It's the journey, not the destination. That said, I still might have an aneurysm if we lose to Iowa anytime in the near future. That's not too much to ask for, is it?
What are you looking forward to the most this upcoming season? What are you most worried about?
I am most looking forward to having Mike Riley as a coach. I know that we live in a results-driven world, but I want to enjoy those results. I may be in the minority here, but I'd rather have a good team with a coach and team I admire than a world-class team that has a personality I can't stand. Thus, I'm looking forward to Seeing Grandpa Riley out there, building his players up even if our record doesn't improve. Also, I've heard this rumor that Tight Ends are allowed to catch footballs. I'm really excited to see if that's actually possible! In terms of worrying, I'm most worried about Tommy Armstrong. He hasn't really ever impressed me as a quarterback. Without Ameer forcing linebackers to stay in, I'm worried that his football IQ isn't good enough to be an actual threat. I forsee a lot of interceptions.
Predictions!
# of interceptions for Nate Gerry - and how many does he return for a touchdown? -6 interceptions, and two touchdowns. I really like this kid.
Will we get the monkey....errrr badger....off our backs this year and beat Wisconsin? I think this year, we can beat Wisconsin. Riley has a good track record against them, and now he has a better personnel, and we should have our act together by then, I believe.
What animal will Jack Gangwish kill this year? Gangwish is going to kill multiple animals. I see Cougars, Jaguars, Golden Eagles, Badgers, Golden Gophers, Wildcats and Hawkeyes all will feel the wrath of his cresent wrench!!!
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Thank you Chuckwagon for answering all my questions and for being a part of the CN community!