Husker, highway visits connect the East and West

Reaching out to the edges of Nebraska, the University of Nebraska athletic program and the Nebraska Highway Commission both made visits to McCook Friday morning, conducting back-to-back sessions at The Coppermill and Country Kitchen.

Their visits were much appreciated locally, as shown by the large turnouts for both events. Getting an early start on the day, the "Husker Nation Tour" started at The Coppermill at 7:30 a.m. Led by the Huskers' offensive coordinator for football, Jay Norvell, the group also included Nebraska's volleyball head coach, John Cook; Husker offensive lineman Brandon Koch of Gothenburg; and the master of ceremonies, former Husker receiving star Matt Davison.

It was great to have this region's Husker Nation Tour start in McCook. Even though it was bright and early, fans were in "game day" form, all decked out in red and eager to get their Husker Tour posters autographed.

In his first visit ever to McCook, Norvell came across as an old friend. As soon as the first few words were out of his mouth, it was apparent that the new offensive coach shares Nebraska's passion for football and the Huskers. Norvell said the West Coast offense -- which he helped introduce to Nebraska -- will allow the Huskers to be multi-dimensional, either running, dropping back to pass or starting play action from every offensive set.

Cook -- with an unbelievable 124-9 win-loss record in four years at Nebraska -- had high praise for Christina Houghtelling from Cambridge, a Husker volleyball standout. "Thanks for sending us Chris," he told the Southwest Nebraska crowd. "Send us some more like that in the future."

What a treat it was to have the Husker Tour in McCook. We hope they come back every year.

McCook was also honored by the visit of the members of the Nebraska Highway Commission. Even though the commission comes from all parts of the state, there was unanimous attendance of the eight members in McCook, and they came away impressed with the community's hospitality. Several members had a windy round of golf Thursday, followed by a festive evening at the Bieroc Cafe. "I've attended several highway meetings, and this was one of the best," said State Sen. Joel Johnson of Kearney.

During the Friday morning session at Country Kitchen, McCookites spoke eloquently about the benefit of a trade corridor along the route of U.S. 83. It's not yet on the Department of Roads' schedule of projects, but deserves serious consideration in time to come.

Jim Knott, the District 7 engineer from McCook, did a good job of telling about area highway work, including $13 million in construction projects in the year ahead.

We hope the Highway Commission came away with a renewed appreciation of this area's belief in, and support for, road development. Highways have transformed this state, as they have this nation.

Thanks to Greg Wolford of McCook, the commissioner from District 7; John Craig, the director of the Nebraska Department of Roads; and the other members of the commission. We appreciate your visit to McCook, and look forward to working with you on highway development in the future.