Get To Know the CornNation Staff: Ty Peteranetz

From volleyball to football and from basketball to beer, Ty keeps tabs on all things Husker. CN is lucky to have his enthusiasm and know-how. I look forward to his volleyball articles and analysis and have especially enjoyed the brewery profiles this summer (not that I like beer or anything....). Follow Ty on Twitter @Coach_Ty6

How did you become a Husker fan?

Ty: I was born and raised ten miles due east of Folsom Field, so I was a Buffs fan until the early 90’s.  My mom’s sister and brother-in-law are Nebraska alums and desperately wanted to convert one of us… I was the one that finally caved (or maybe saw the light).  Being a Husker fan in enemy territory (Buffs fans are terrible fans…) galvanized my fandom.  Moved to Omaha in 2011, Lincoln in 2012.

If you travelled 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?

Ty: I love the Huskers, and I can’t see anything changing that.  I was still a passionate Husker fan in a time and place it was hard to be one (Callahan Era in Boulder).  I also passionately love Husker Volleyball, so yeah, I’d stick around.

What is your favorite Husker-related memory?

Ty: National Championship game over Florida.  I was 15, but still had an early bedtime, and didn’t have a TV in my room.  I had, however, used my Christmas money that year to buy a 1.3" battery operated over the air TV.  Yes, it was color.  I sat in bed and watched the entire game.  I remember Tommie’s big run REALLY well.  He stomped a couple of dudes.  I just read Joe’s piece, too.  I also remember working Husker Volleyball camps in 2008 and meeting some of my favorite players, and Coach Cook.  Lindsey Licht and I are still friends and now play sand volleyball together.

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

Ty: A stuffed Herbie doll that my cousin gave me in 1996.  We had a nasty RV accident, and we stayed with them for a night.  Yes, I was 15, but I’ve kept that doll for a long time.

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

Ty: I’ve always made sure to have a pair of red/white or white/red Adidas kicks to go with whatever Husker gear I wear for the games.  That’s probably less superstition, though, and something that dates back to my six years working in a shoe store and having kicks to match EVERYTHING!

Among your family and friends, who is the most die-hard Husker fan? What makes you say that?

Ty: Probably my uncle Dave.  Dude always asks me questions and I have no idea how to answer them.  However, moving here from Colorado was a huge wake up about what fans know about their team.  It seems even the most casual Husker fan knows more than the most passionate fans (of any team!) out that way.

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

Ty: Hmm…  Well, I fancy myself as a writer of fiction, though I don’t do it very often and I have yet to complete a piece.  I wrote a comic for my brother (who is a damn talented artist, ask Greg) to draw, but he had suggestions, and I had my pride, and it got hung up in one of those sibling disagreements.

You’re on an island with the CN Staff. Who do you kill and eat first?

Ty: Lordy I have no idea.  I mean, Cobby’s food, right?  So… him?

What one thing about the Mike Riley regime has stuck out most to you so far?

Ty: The fact that we know what’s happening. The staff’s on social media letting Husker fans in.  There’s a great optimism with the staff, and they seem so gosh-danged grateful to be here.  It’s the kind of attitude that gives me great hope for this staff.

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ICYMI: Ty's series on Nebraska breweries can be found in the Beer & Other Libations section of CN.