Our Long National Nightmare is Over
Ladies and gentlemen, Doak Ostergard is back at NU. The Journal Star is reporting that Ostergard has rejoined the NU staff. This time it will be in more of a public relations capacity - serving as an "outreach director", where he will be a point of contact of past letter winners. If there ever was a symbol for the rift in "Husker Nation", it was Ostergard. The former trainer's dismissal created a firestorm among former players and fans, and divided Husker loyalties significantly. I hope his return means that people can finally turn the page on that chapter of NU athletics.
Loyal fans all know the story. After his firing by Callahan last year, Ostergard went public. Said he wasn't given a reason. He served as an important source for a book called "The Nebraska Way", an expose on the Callahan regime. His ousting started a hullaballoo that led to dueling golf outings and lots of venom being spewed on both sides. It was the symbolic beginning of the end for Pederson and Callahan. It was ugly. Embarrassing, if you ask me.
I'll say this about Tom Osborne, any description of him should include the word savvy. He recognized Ostergard's importance to former players (an important constituency) and inserted him in to a spot where he can do the most good during the "welcome back" year of 2008.
I have absolutely no beef with Ostergard. I've never met the man. And, frankly, I'm all for his return to NU. (though, some would have me notice it is not as an athletic trainer). I just hope his return can help everyone move forward. His quotes in the paper ("I feel more comfortable" etc) aren't exactly humble, in my opinion. But, that's journalism for you.
If this helps bring former players back in the tent, then great. Sure, a largely symbolic position may eat up much needed university funds. But, NU's revival is as much about culture as it is about football (or athletic training). So, Ostergard returns. Let's get back to business.
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