Get To Know the Corn Nation Community: ~Only Jade~

If we ever have a Corn Nation party, I nominate Jade to cater. On the game threads you have probably seen the pictures of food she is cooking or baking. I would ask her for recipes more often, but I have a feeling my version would not be as good as hers. (And I consider myself to be a pretty good cook).

How did you become a Husker fan?

I was born in Nebraska, I don't really remember ever not being a Husker fan. I can remember being SO excited when a game would actually be on TV, trying to plan my day around it; when I was going to do my chores or asking dad if we could change the water earlier so we could catch the entire game. All the other game days setting at home listening to the game on the radio. Those were always the days that volunteered to clean my room, so I could have the radio all to myself.

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?

Absolutely. I think the thing with us Husker fans is that it's not just a team we route for, it's part of our identity. People walk into my office and see the Husker flag I have on display and usually say something like, "Really? Nebraska." but when I explain that I'm from Nebraska everyone just says "That explains it." Don't get me wrong winning is fun and watching the guys lose sucks, really sucks, but I enjoy watching the game.

What is your favorite Husker-related memory?

My first Husker football game has to be on the list. I was able to take my parents and my aunt and uncle with us (the first game for all 6 of us). Probably made more special by the fact that it was the last time the 6 of us were together before my Uncle's accident probably makes it so much more special.

Also on the list would be me 'bumping' into Coach Miles when my friends took me to the Husker basketball game in Champaign. Her husband dropped us off at the door (since we were invited to drinks and dinner with the Chancelor of the U of I, and yes I was wearing my Husker red) and we were walking past and Coach Miles was there talking to some guys before he got on the bus. I took my jacket off so he could see I was a Husker and he gave me a huge smile and a thumb's up. I waited for a while, I really wanted to shake his had if he had time and when he was done he asked if I wanted a picture....who say's no to that. So my friend took a picture of Coach Miles and me and he went on his way. He really is a super nice guy.  The funniest part was when we got into the ball room for the dinner my friend asked who he was.

What is your most prized piece of Husker gear or memorabilia?

I really don't have anything that cool, two ticket stubs, and my Husker hoodie. I had a Tom Osborne autograph, but it was stolen out of my car when I moved to NJ.

Do you have any "superstitions" or routines that you have to do on game day?

For the past six season's it's been watching the game with my "family" from CN. I just feel weird when I can't check in on a game day. Although if I'm home, I feel like I should cook something. It's probably just working off some of the nervous energy or pounding out some frustrations on some innocent bread dough, but it makes me feel better if there's something cooking on game day.

Among your family and friends, who is the most die-hard Husker fan?

Me. My husbands family if from NJ, they don't know what college football is. My friends don't really enjoy football, and yet I still call them my friends - weird I know. My family will watch, but only if they don't have anything better to do. I think the move to the B1G has made it so much easier, since now all of our games are on TV and you can catch some other sports too.

What is something non-Husker related about you that people here at Corn Nation would be surprised or interested to know?

Let's see.....I cook (nope, Jon think's I'm addicted to it), I crochet......(nope, I've shared pictures of most of my projects), my husband hates sports.....(nope, Red and I have bonded over the fact we have non-sports loving husbands), I'm the worlds worst speller, if it wasn't for spell check on chrome I probably would never post anything.

What are you looking forward to the most this upcoming season? What are you most worried about?

This year I'm just hoping we aren't as bi-polar as we've been in the past.  I would love to see some consistency instead of looking great one week and like a JV team the next.  My biggest worry is the reaction of the fans if Riley doesn't meet expectations this year, and honestly how could he considering that everyone has different expectations for him, he's really in a lose-lose situation.

Predictions!

Will Armstrong's completion % improve and about where do you think it will end up (%)?

With the new QB coach it has to doesn't it? 75%

# of interceptions for Nate Gerry - and how many does he return for a touchdown?

13, with 5 for TD

What animal will Jack Gangwish kill this year?

Opossum -  with a math book on 14th street.

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Thank you Jade for letting us get to know you a little better.

Last call - if anyone wants to participate in the GTKtCNC series, send me an email at heemstra.jill@gmail.com