Husker fans can see finest in class tonight

LINCOLN, Neb. — On the heels of its extraordinarily successful virtual spring football game, the Nebraska athletic department is inviting fans to participate via the Internet for another annual event that’s been altered because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Nebraska’s annual Night at the Lied, which celebrates student-athletes’ achievements in athletics, academics and community involvement, will run live tonight at 7 p.m., with a link to the virtual ceremony available then on Huskers.com. A replay will also be available.

This marks the 30th year of Nebraska having such a student-athlete recognition event. It began small, at the NBC Bank building in downtown Lincoln, before moving to East Campus, then the Devaney Sports Center, and now the Lied Center for Performing Arts, which drew a crowd of 2,000 last year.

“It’s grown,” Keith Zimmer, senior associate athletic director for Life Skills, said. “And it really celebrates all the positive things about Nebraska athletics and shatters a lot of the stereotypes that still are out there regarding student-athletes collegiately, and even professionally.

One advantage of having this year’s event on-line is that it will give more Nebraska fans an opportunity to learn about Night at the Lied and the many accomplishments of student-athletes they may only know from athletic competition.

Greg Sharpe will host the event, with athletic director Bill Moos making an opening statement. Husker Vision will unveil its video highlights of top moments from the abbreviated 2019-20 athletics season, and Kevin Kugler will narrate a video featuring student-athletes from around the world.

Zimmer said 323 student-athletes will receive Academic Medallions; 151 will receive bronze medals (GPA 3.0.3.499); 79 will receive silver medals (3.5-3.74); and 93 will receive gold medals (3.75 to 4.0).

Zimmer said 26 have either a perfect 4.0 cumulative GPA for their career.

Gerald and Jill Foltz will present the 27 recipients of this year’s Sam Foltz Hero 27 Leadership Award, named in honor and memory of their son.

The award recognizes student-athletes in all sports who exhibit strong leadership qualities, commitment to service and ability to encourage and empower peers.

“A blend of the past,” Zimmer said, “Will be recognizing the present and celebrating excellence.”