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I’m about a month late in writing this, which I guess is normal in my life lately. And no, I definitely didn’t shoot par on the course.
I recently witnessed a debate about who should erect the next statue in front of Memorial Stadium after the statue of Tom Osborne and Brook Berringer was moved in front of the new football facility.
Personally, we need something that honors all three Huskers Heisman winners.
It got me thinking, though. I had a fun little debate in my head about who should get a statue for which of our local schools.
Before you get upset about who I forgot or left out, please know that this was all just fun and I certainly didn’t forget anyone on purpose.
As far as former Aurora players go, I’ve narrowed it down to three, and there’s no doubt if AHS wants to draft one of all three.
Tom Kropp is first, and no matter what legend you believe, when people mention Aurora, Kropp is first for most of them. That might change with the next guy I’m going to mention, but I digress.
Next, of course, is Baylor Scheierman. I’ve written in several places that Scheierman should have his number reserved in the gymnasium rafters, and I’m still pushing for it.
For the latest and future generations, Scheierman and Aurora will be synonymous, no matter how his NBA career turns out.
Austin Allen is another option, and for those who revisited his accomplishments after our Legend of Oz series, he is a great ambassador for the school, the community, and Nebraska as a whole.
As far as Aurora’s coaches go, it’s tough. Just look at this list: Rollie Carter, Jack Guggenmos, Randy Huebert, Kyle Peterson, Bill Holliday, Bill Wofford, Lois Hixson, Tony Sigler and Ron Haden just scratch the surface.
Moving to Hamptons is probably the place I’m most looking forward to, and it also has a slightly bittersweet aftertaste.
You have to start with Jerry Eickoff, of course, Mr. Hampton. I envision a statue of Mr. Eickoff with his arm around former Hawk player and coach Kyle Ediger.
No one embodied what it meant to be a Hampton Hawk better than these two. Ediger learned from Eickoff and passed it on to his players before Eickoff tragically passed away.
Hampton also has another really good option in Diane Torson, the volleyball coaching legend who has three state championships on her resume.
In Giltner, the player representative could be either Drew Ott or Corey Hoelck. Both were monstrous players for the Hornets and had great college careers.
As far as coaching legends go, it starts with Nancy Lockmon. I’m not sure where to rank her since Giltner doesn’t have a career, but with six state titles to her name, she IS Giltner’s career.
And then there’s Bill Root, the volleyball legend who started at Giltner and won four state titles.
At HPC, Norm Manstedt obviously deserves a spot somewhere with his 50-year wrestling tradition. I’m not that familiar with the entire history of HPC and all the schools, so it’s going to be difficult.
That was fun. Now the season can begin!
RICHARD RHODEN can be reached at [email protected].
