WHEN THE MAN COMES AROUND...

I recently met up with Dr. Tom Osborne, Athletic Director at the University of Nebraska, to get a shot for our upcoming 2010 issue of 'Lincoln Today' magazine. Coach Osborne was warmly welcomed back at the University in 2008 as AD to right the ship in Huskerville and restore traditions dear of the people of Nebraska... traditions envied by knowledgeable sports fans everywhere.

Considered one of the all-time best coaches in college football, Tom Osborne is a legend. Peerless as an offensive mastermind and fiercely competitive, he is most respected as a gentleman of principle and high moral character, who not only knows how to win but how people tick, as well.

In every sport, coaches are always looking for playmakers, impact players who rise to the occasion and make the difference in competition. But, no matter how talented the players, a winning team always needs 'a straw to stir the drink'...a phrase coined describing Reggie Jackson, 'Mister October', baseball superstar of World Series fame. Reggie once said, "I'll tell you what makes a great manager; a great manager has a knack for making ball-players think they are better than they are. He forces you to have a good opinion of yourself. He lets you know he believes in you. He makes you get more out of yourself. And, once you learn how good you really are, you'll never settle for playing anything less than your very best."

Coach Osborne had that knack.

Here are a few shots from the glory days when Coach Tom roamed the sidelines...

Coach Osborne always said the game was won by how you prepared in practice, and he always practiced what he preached...

... I should know since he was my Sunday school teacher when I was just a kid.

It's been a good run,

Tom