FORMER NU FOOTBALL COACH TOM OSBORNE waves to the crowd during a ceremony Friday night at Memorial Stadium. A rededication of Memorial Stadium, a dedication of Tom Osborne Field, a ring ceremony, the presentation of two coach-of-the-year awards to Osborne and a fireworks show were all part of the festivities. MATT MILLER/DN
The tranquil sea of red that filled half of Memorial Stadium Friday night erupted into cheers and a standing ovation as HuskerVision screens showed Tom Osborne's last walk down the tunnel as head coach.
When Osborne stepped onto the field the cheers reached their height in appreciation of the hard-fought wins, heart-breaking losses and three national championships he brought to the state.
Behind Osborne, the players filed into the stadium, clad in black warm-ups as the marching band recanted the well known melody of "Dear Old Nebraska U."
Once everyone was in place, the band offered a somber rendition of the "Star Spangled Banner," starting quietly then building to a strong finish, much like Osborne's career. Three F-15 fighter planes flew overhead near the end.
After the anthem, the crowd remained on its feet in anticipation of the dedication of Tom Osborne Field and the distribution of the 1998 championship rings.
On the podium alongside Osborne, Athletic Director Bill Byrne and the stadium announcer, dignitaries from the university and state, clad in bright red blazers, officiated over the ceremony.
NU FOOTBALL COACH FRANK SOLICH sends in a play with sophomore split end Matt Davison Saturday during the annual Red-White Spring Game. MATT MILLER/DN
The evening began with a rededication of Memorial Stadium to the state's veterans for whom it was named.
UNL Chancellor James Moeser retold the history of the stadium and reviewed its meaning.
"We build monuments to great things," Moeser said. "Memorial Stadium is built on a firm foundation and the ideal of freedom."
Then Regent Robert Allen from Hastings rededicated the stadium.
An armed forces color guard presented the colors while a soldier played Taps.
A HuskerVision video detailed the history of the stadium from its 90-day construction and $430,000 price tag through the 305 victories and five championships for which it has been home.
When Gov. Ben Nelson took the podium, he changed the focus of the evening to "the career of a true coaching legend."
From the days when Nelson and Osborne shared a duplex in Hastings, Nelson knows more of Osborne than just his career as a football coach.
"The stats tell one story, but the other story is about a man, a father and a husband," Nelson said.
Nelson even called Osborne's waiver into the College Football Hall of Fame a "no brainer."
University of Nebraska President Dennis Smith said, "Osborne symbolizes the best in all Nebraskans.
"I simply want to say thanks."
Then Smith wished new Head Coach Frank Solich the best of luck.
"The tradition will live on with Frank," Smith said.
Then the evening changed focus again, this time to the championship season and its accompanying hardware.
After the president of Sears presented two scholarships to UNL and the championship trophy and a HuskerVision video highlighted the entire season, the presentation of the rings began with Osborne.
Then the gold-and jewel-encrusted Big 12 and National Championship rings were presented to what Osborne called "the best coaching staff in the history of collegiate football."
What followed was like a graduation ceremony with all the players called across the stage to receive rings.
Players accepted their rings with mixed emotions as they said goodbye to the man who helped them earn the rings.
"It is a sad day to see him leave," receiver Matt Davison said. "I hope he is happy. He deserves it."
Cornerback Ralph Brown said the championship was a dream come true.
"I'm real proud I decided to come to Nebraska," Brown said.
The celebration also attracted many former Huskers who came out to honor Osborne.
After the ring presentation, Osborne was presented with two different coach of the year awards.
Byrne called Memorial Stadium "the Carnegie Hall of college football."
"Tom is the genius of Memorial Stadium," Byrne said. "Thank you on behalf of all Nebraskans."
Then fullback Joel Makovicka came to the podium to speak for the players.
"I don't think he realizes how much we'll miss him," Makovicka said. "He treated us all as equals, and he taught us about life.
"The program is in great hands with Coach Solich."
Then Moeser took the microphone for the dedication of Tom Osborne Field.
"We are here to pay tribute to a great man," Moeser said. "Championships build stadiums, but the game builds men."
Regent Allen then made the field's new name official.
The HuskerVision screens came to life again with a tribute video to Osborne, including sportscasters, fellow coaches and former players.
When Osborne finally reached the podium, he used his time in a traditionally humble Osborne fashion: He thanked everyone involved with the program in any way for their help in his success.
"Relationships are the things that count," Osborne said. "It is the players, coaches and people I will remember.
"I will never forget any of you."
The name "Tom Osborne" is now indelibly stamped across the sideline near the north and south end zones in brilliant Husker red, much the way he is stamped in the hearts of Nebraskans.
