. SI 3B SS s ' IJ ^^^^5rW!HlariCTally Mebraskan Born to fly Nebraska’s Jeaneane Smith flies through the air while competing in the vaulting competition. The Nebraska women’s gymnastics team posted a 184.3-182.05 victory against Penn State Monday at the Bob Devaney Sports Center. I_—---1 Osborne hoping to catch Florida runner Today is one of the favorite days of Nebraska football fans every where: national lcttcr-of-intcnt sign ing day for college football. It’s time for Cornhuskcr football coach Tom Osborne to go fishing, and not for trout or bass like he does in the summer. It can, too, be one of the toughest, most nerve-wrack mg day s for some fans and, most of all, Nebraska's coaches. It's a day of anticipation, wonder, worry, excitement and often ! heartbreak. Last season, Emmilt Smith, a running back from Escambia High School in Pensacola, Fla., was the biggest one that got away from the Huskers, but not before making some hearts in Nebraska beat a little faster. About a week before signing day, Smith said he had narrowed his choices to Nebraska and his home state favorite, the University of Flor ida. The day before lettcr-of-intent day, Smith confided to some friends that at his morning press conference, w here he would announce his choice, he would wear the colors of the school he decided to attend. When that Wednesday morning rolled around, Smith walked into the school’s auditorium to face about 60 members of the national sports me dia. He was wearing red pants and a red turtleneck with a white jacket over it. “Just kidding,” Smith giggled. “I’m going to Florida.” It was pretty funny until the 1987 football season started. All the laugh ing in Nebraska — and everywhere else, for that matter — was replaced by silent, head-shaking awe. Smith, 18, rushed for 1,341 yards and 13 touchdowns on 229 carries for the Gators. Thai’s about six yards every time he touched the ball. Smith became only the third ireshman in NCAA Division I history to rush for more than 1,(XX) yards. Only Pittsburgh's Tony Dorsett (in 1973) and Georgia's Herschel Walker (in 1980) have matched the leal. Now, the Huskers are recruiting Willie McClendon, a 6-2,220-pound tailback from Jacksonville, Fla., w ho broke Smith’s Florida high school single-season rushing record of 2,958 yards last year. Behind Nebraska's offensive line, McClen don would be a serious threat to w in the Heisman Trophv Ins junior and senior seasons, and maybe sooner. As of Tuesday afternoon, McClendon had narrowed his choices to Alabama, w hich has Heis man Trophy hopeful Bobby Humphrey returning next season; Florida, which has Smith and a new offensive coordinator who plans to install a single set-hack offense; and Nebraska, which has no clear-cut favorite for next year’s starting hon ors at I-back (take a hint, Willie). But, even w ith that in mind, some “others that got away" from Ne braska include Oklahoma tight end Keith Jackson, UCLA tailback Eric Ball, former Sooner halfback Spencer Tillman and Georgia tail back Lars Tale, just to name a lew. It's a heartbreaking list. Here's hoping Osborne, who loves to lish. snags what could prove to be the biggest catch of his career. (ireen is a junior news-editurial and criminal justice major and is a Hail) Nebras kan senior reporter. It's Valentine’s Day, y'know? \ what the hay-•• I ifrii t l li l “A special gift for a ML special valentine.” Pamper Yourself Basket *22" Fine collection of toiletries so she can relax and enjoy! Sweet Champagne Bouquet Luscious imported french chocolates and balloons abovel I Sweetheart “Snack for Two"_*20^ Have a romantic snack with this basketful of gourmet goodies! h Valentine “Balloon Bouauet” *8" I 488-GIFT A mylar and latex balloon bouquet with chocolates below* 9 Visa/MasterCard Citywide delivery or shipped anywhere 9 Delivery fee $2.25 Gifts 0n The Go displayed at E-Z Mail 70th & A Clocktower I___Call Now! We’ll do the rest! ■nr? ESCAPE FROM THE COLD Soak in a Hot Tub 4, 2 for *7 2 for *12 'Svf. */] 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sun.-Thur. 6 p.m.-Close 2*3 , \| ^ Expires 2/29/88 Th. Strike A Romance in The DN Personals. Strike a Romance by sending a Valentine message in the Daily Nebraskan on Friday, February 12th. A ten word personal is only $2.50 and 15