Shades Of Red Part 2
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Reference Education -> subcategory Weather.
Shades of Red: Part 2
Exploring the Legacy of Coach Tom Osborne
While diving into the comparisons between Rutgers and Nebraska, I discovered a fascinating biography of former Nebraska football coach Tom Osborne in a book called 100 Heroes: People in Sports Who Make This a Better World. This piqued my interest, and I wanted to share more about this Hall of Fame coach with our online audience. It's clear that the Rutgers 1000 chose the wrong school to critique.
Osborne's Football Achievements
Tom Osborne's 25-year tenure as head coach at the University of Nebraska is legendary:
- 2 undisputed national titles
- 25 Top 15 rankings
- 12 Big Eight Conference titles
- 1 Big 12 Conference title
- 255 career wins
Impact Beyond the Field
Osborne joined Nebraska in 1960 as both an assistant coach and the team's first academic counselor. Over 30 years, his teams achieved an 82% graduation rate, surpassing the regular student body at many institutions. Notably, Nebraska has graduated 65 Academic All-American football players since 1962. By 2006, Nebraska's football graduation rate had reached 88%, the best in their conference.
Osborne and his wife, Nancy, also founded Husker TeamMates, a statewide mentoring program with 73 active chapters in Nebraska and neighboring Iowa. Initiated in 1991, it pairs student athletes with middle school students in a mutually beneficial mentor-mentee relationship, impacting over 3,000 youths annually.
Osborne's Political and Personal Achievements
In 2000, Osborne was elected to Congress with 80% of the vote from his Lincoln district. That same year, he became the first college football coach to receive the Jim Thorpe Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing individuals who influence others and pave paths for future generations. Osborne is one of just seven recipients since 1986.
Rutgers’ Future with Greg Schiano
Rutgers coach Greg Schiano, though only 40, is well on his way to building a similarly impressive legacy. As a Rutgers season ticket holder, I've witnessed firsthand Schiano's impact?"not just in revitalizing the football program, but also in fostering a strong community connection. After a decisive win last week, Schiano led his team to the student section to sing the alma mater, "On the Banks of the Old Raritan," a moment that beautifully united team and students.
Rutgers’ bold decision to hire Schiano parallels Nebraska’s choice with Osborne. Schiano’s focus on quality people reflects in Rutgers posting a three-year NCAA Academic Performance Rate (APR) of 971, the best among state universities nationwide.
Conclusion
The disparaging remarks by some members of the Rutgers community, targeting Nebraska, missed the mark entirely. Nebraska's football program sets a standard many universities aspire to match. It deserves appreciation, not ridicule.
For us New Jerseyans, jokes about our state often hit close to home. The spirit of excellence and community connection apparent in programs like those at Nebraska and now at Rutgers reminds us of the great potential within our own borders. Let’s celebrate it.
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: Shades Of Red Part 2.
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