Who Will Rep the 308?
7 comments so far
March 20, 2009 by
Unless you are from Nebraska the headline of this story likely doesn't make much sense. And, even if you hail from the Good Life, it is probably still a bit odd. Those folks who are lucky (or unlucky) enough to have watched a game with me know what it means. You see, I have a few traditions or oddities when it comes to cheering. One of them is to "represent the 308", or cheer especially hard for the guys that rep the 308. Basically the guys who hail from my adopted home area code hold a special place in my heart. I also think they have a symbolic value for Huskerdom in general. Last year was a great year for 308ers, with some significant contributors on both sides of the ball. But, with their graduation, who will proudly rep the 308 in 2009?
Geography is Destiny
Nebraska is a big state geographically, but a very small one in terms of population. We only have two area codes, 402 and 308. And, in case you were not aware, a majority of the state population is on the eastern end, around Omaha and its suburbs and in Lincoln. So, the population base is all in the 402 area code. And it's getting more and more that way each year.
I grew up in Hastings, 402 territory. But, my folks moved to nearby Grand Island when I was in college. GI is in the 308. And, I've adopted those three numbers as my own. No I don't put it on eye black or anything. That's just not how the 308 rolls. Okay? But, I seriously think kids from the 308 have some symbolic value to the program.
Sure, looking at the map, there is plenty of central and western NE that is part of the 402 area code. That's not the point. I'm talking about kids who are from "out state" Nebraska who come to Lincoln - quite often as walk ons - and contribute meaningfully to the program. That's what it means to rep the 308.
Peterson's Real Number
2008 was great for the 308. Two Grand Island products, wide receiver Todd Peterson and linebacker Tyler Wortman contributed greatly to the squad. In fact, Peterson is the 308 poster child. When he would catch a ball, the folks in my living room would roar for the 308. I'd get text messages that said simply "308". I even considered having a replica jersey commissioned that had Peterson as the name and 308 as the number.
308 is not only Peterson's true number, it's a nickname for him among some folks. A young woman I'm acquainted with recently saw Peterson at the mall and texted "308 is at the mall signing autographs. He's cute without his helmet. Why was I not made aware of this?"
Cozad Connection
So with the poster boy graduating, there is a void to fill in proudly carrying the 308 banner. Who could the replacements be? Well, Micah Kreikmeier has symbolic value, considering his Osborne-led recruitment. And, pictures like this one practically scream "308". Come on, could they pack any more stereotypes in to that shot? But, West Point is in 402 territory.
Imperial's own Mathew May could contribute in 2009. So could the pride of Loomis, Lance Thorell. Both of them make very nice candidates. But, I think a town in Dawson County might have the 308 market cornered in 2009.
Relatively tiny Cozad, Nebraska - smack in the heart of my favorite area code - has two Huskers ready to contribute significant snaps next year. Tight end Dreu Young emerged for NU in 2008 collecting 9 catches and a touchdown. And, fellow former Haymaker Jared Crick is considered one of the favorites to fill the void created by Ty Steinkuhler's departure. That would be a nice Cozad connection, I think. On top of that, I have family living in Cozad. So, the 308 would continue to be a point of emphasis on game days at our house. Hey, everybody wins.
Okay, sure, "Rep the 308" has taken on a sort of goofy life of its own among some of my friends. But, the point is that during a time when more and more of the state's population and resources are moving east, it is nice for the University's football team to have ample representation from the rest of the great state of Nebraska. And, quite frankly, they make some good people and good players in that part of the world, too.
So, rep the 308, baby!
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Seewag Mar 20 09
My dream is, one day a kid from area code 91 will wear The Scarlet and Cream and represent our DONU. I am currently training my 1 year old nephew for that task. GBR!!
Brandon Mar 20 09
I'd go with Terry Connealy as my favorite 308er ever.
Dwayne Mar 20 09
Is that the ocean I see behind Kreikemeier sitting on that pipe fence? Where's the beef? Who's never stepped foot on present day industrial farming... the feedlot.
teamster Mar 20 09
Wall posters should be made of Kreikmeier's photo. What with sitting on a cattle panel, cattle in the background, and mud(or something) on his shoes? I can relate well because I use work horses on the farm, hence the handle 'teamster'.
Coming from the small town Nebraska area that produced Ken Mehlin and the Kelsay brothers, I relate. Admittedly they are from the 402.
Small town walk-ons really enthuse me when they crack the 2-deep.
Go Big Red and Go 308
Greg Morrow Mar 20 09
I've been away, a while. I didn't know there was a "308"!
Shout out to ranch country!
Darren, Cozad also boasts Chris Dishman, who had a nice career in the NFL. His homeboy, Brendan Holbein, you also well remember.
Yeah though, that's a great photo of Kreikmeier, especially with the mud? on his white shoes. So great, that every player should pose right there, just like that, for their individual bio photos!
Especially the coaches.
Alas, teamster beat me to the mud ambiguity.
No doubting, it didn't take long for little Micah to learn to take his shoes off, at the porch.
HuskerDeck Mar 22 09
Loved the "308" being from Gothenburg it really hit close to home. I would love to see some young Swede down at Lincoln, but guess I will root for those Haymaker boys just 10 miles east of us.
308beatZ Apr 04 09
Ohhh I Love The 308, I was born and raised in Lexington, NE But I Would of have also loved to live in the city of omaha as a kid and teenager.