A series of articles by Brandon "Blankman" Cavanaugh.

The Life of a Pollyanna

Greetings and Salutations, Husker Nation. This past football season, I heard it all the time. Everywhere I went, be it the grocery store, my favorite electronic spots or even to the doctor's, the question was prevalent: What happened to the Huskers? It's easy to sit back and blame folks, which takes little or no effort and, in some cases, makes folks feel better about the position we were in. The coaches, Frank in particular, Jammal Lord, the offensive line, etc., there was no shortage of things we could all chalk up what was unveiling in front of our eyes, but here's my question to all of those who would be overly upset with the 2002 season, especially now as we embark on a new journey: Why? Why would a person put themselves through that much undue stress and upset themselves so? Today in SPB, we're going to take a look at the opposite end of the spectrum into the life of the Rose (or in this case, Scarlet)-colored glass-wearers.

So what's with the blind optimism anyway? What's the allure of being a Cob-Half-Grown person rather than a Cob-Half-Killed? Allow me to bound mercilessly through a few of the reasons that make this lifestyle preferable to myself and several others:

- The Kids

When it comes down to it, it is about the children, or more so, the young men and women who devote a good chunk of their lives to wearing scarlet and cream, to live the dream that so many of us don't get the chance to. Each and every one of them want to win, want to carry on the tradition that has been brewed in Lincoln, Nebraska since 1890 and carry the banner of champions. Of course, I'm not just talking about the Eric Crouches, the Tommie Fraziers, the Grant Wistroms and the Jerry Tagges, all of the names that we toss around as "The Best". It's also about the Jeff Lakes, the Jay Sims', the Frankie Londons and the John Klems. Guys who bust their collective butts day in and day out in an effort to provide their team with the chance to win and win with honor. These guys play, not necessarily for the trophies or the glitz, but to be a part of something special, the Cornhusker tradition.

- The People

Many individuals claim that Nebraska's sellout streak is anything less of spectacular. "There's nothing else to do in Nebraska anyway, so of course they're all there." Maybe, or maybe we all just have so much fun planting ourselves on the small strip of wood we occupy, watching our boys play their hearts out, we don't want to do anything else. When we meet another Husker, it's an automatic friend for you to gab with. You may meet Joe B. Husker (and what a lucky sod to have such a last name, no?) on the street after your car breaks down and spend 30 minutes gabbing with him about the I-backs, all because you like the same bunch of kids. Here's a story, and, it's true: I recently had a chair of mine repaired and when the kind gent who was fixing it up came by to repair the piece saw the BlankCave (he was promptly hit on the head with a large mallet once he was done to prevent memory), we ran the gambit from collectibles to next season to where we sat to just how much fun actually being in Lincoln on a game day is. Husker fans are quite unique that way.

- The Cornhusker Idea

Since I started following Nebraska as a wee Blanklette back in the early 90s, there has been an idea about the Huskers: They were big, they were strong and they won. Not just won, sometimes, kicked the snot out of other teams, but did so without cheap shots or foul language, upholding a code of honor. You know that part in the Husker Prayer that goes, "If we should win, let it be by the code; With our faith and honor held high. If we should lose, let us stand by the rules; and cheer as the winners go by."? It's a lifestyle in Lincoln. You wake up, work your tail off be it in the fields in Western Nebraska or in the weight room in the Capitol City, shake your brother's hand and go to bed knowing that you made a difference. Even though this past season was far from The Cornhusker Idea as we've been in a while, it doesn't mean it has evaporated, no. The ability is there, the want is there and the drive, be it in the kids or the coaches, is there.

- What's To Come

Speaking of the coaches (how is THAT for segue way?), they bring up another reason why it Pays to Pollyannaize these days. With the latest coaching changes, people have sparked some very rabid interest in Dear Old Nebraska U. Will Barney Cotton bring the forward pass back to prominence? Will Bo Pelini, Marvin Sanders and Jimmy Williams whip the D into shape? I'd be willing to say yes, but of course, you knew that. I saw a commercial recently that made an interesting point, "Without sports, " it said, "There would be no next year." I think that's a big part of what drives Cornhusker athletics year in and year out. We're always wondering who will be the next phenom, the next great quarterback or defensive end, the next big thing. We all want to see NU succeed and why not? It brings many around the state, including yours truly, a lot of joy to see Nebraska doing well, it puts a bit of spring in our step, some pride in our heart.

So maybe after this long-winded tirade you find yourself a little surer of yourself as a positive individual or at least, maybe it gave you something to think about. Being a positive person isn't easy as there are so many people who look to tear down, but have no fear, there's plenty of PollyHuskers out there willing to lend a helping hand. When it comes right down to it, we're all on the same side, we'll all cheer and expectations will be met on many levels. Next season will come and go as will the ones after it and we'll all gab about what was and what could've been. Maybe we'll get lucky and see a few titles in that time. In the meantime? Take the advice of many a California surfer: "Chill out, dude, you'll live longer"

Questions, Comments and IT Job Offers can be sent to [email protected]

===Brandon a.k.a. Blankman #71===

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