Sports Cornhuskers, Aegies to ‘kickoff’ football season By Mike Muck Stall Reporter Two days of speculation ended Thursday when the Nebraska foot ball team accepted a bid to play Texas A&M in the ld88 Kickoff Classic. Nebraska athletic director Bob Devancy said there w ere two reasons why the Huskers accepted an invita tion to travel to East Rutherford, N.J., and face the Aggies. “()nc of the reasons we decided to go was because we were invited, which is an honor,” Devancy said. “Secondly, some of the returning players expressed an interest to Coach (Tom) Osborne that they wanted to go.” The Comhuskcrs will be the first team to play tw ice in the game that officially begins the college football season. Nebraska defeated Penn Suite 44-6 in the 1983 game. The time and date of this year’s game has not been set. Nebraska, which earned a No. 6 ranking last season despite losing two of its last three games, will be led by all-Big Eight quarterback Steve Taylor, All-America defensive end Broderick Thomas and all-Big Eight linebacker LeRoy Etienne. Last year. Texas A&V1 won its third consecutive Southwest Conlcr cnce Championship and defeated Notre Dame 35-10 in the 1988 Cotton Bowl. The Aggies have an eight game winning streak. Texas A&M's defense earned the nickname of the “wrecking crew last season after finishing seventh in the nation by allowing opponents 244.7 yards per game. The 10-2 Aggies’ defense returns seven start ers, including All-America John Ropers. Devaney said he isn t sure how much money Nebraska will receive for playing in the game. He said the Huskers made $450,()()() from the 1983 contest. Dcvaney said Nebraska's official acceptance was delayed because the I luskers had to receive approval from the other Big Eight schools. He said Big Eight school officials will let the Huskers take 70 to 75 players rather than the 60-player limit normalK imposed by the Big Eight. Hometown visitors may steal some olNU s applause By Lori Griffin Slafl Reporter When the Nebraska women’s gymnastics team meets Denver and Brigham Young Saturday in the Big Red Invitational, the Cornhuskcrs won't be the only ones benefiting from the Lincoln fans. Denver women’s gymnastics coach Dan Garcia said his squad also w ill have a home advantage when it enters the meet at the Bob Devaney Sports Center. Denver freshman Kristin Gut/, a Lincoln East High School graduate, wil 1 compete for the Pioneers in the all-around competi tion. “Kristin will give us some of the home-town rooting section,” Garcia said.“It could help because (fans in Lincoln) already know her.” Garcia said Gut/ has been a con sistent performer this season. Gut/’s highest score in the all-around com petition is 35.5. Garcia said Denver's “cheering section” also w ill be aided by fans of Kathy and Diana Dctwilcr, who arc from Omaha. "We w ill have our ow n little root ing section at the meet,” Garcia said. Garcia said Denver, which de feated Brigham Young 177.4-174.3 earlier this season, docs not expect to win the meet. He said the 3-2 Pio neers want to have a good meet and perform to their capabilities. “We hope to upgrade our routines and do well with all of the events, ’ Garc ia said. “We hope to have a good meet and to stay in the 180 (point) range." Denver is led by senior Tina Johnson, who scored a career high 37.45 in the all-around com petition earlier this season. The Pioneers also rely1 on senior Kathy Smith Milbcrger and freshman Jenny Sctnicker, Garcia said. BYU women's gymnastics coach Brad Callcrmole said the Cougars are excited about this weekend's meet. He said BYU has had problems with injuries and a midseason coaching change. “If we can gel healthy, I think v\e can be as talented a team as an\ body,” Callcrmole said. “Our kids Seo GYMNASTICS nn 8 ‘ UPC BLACK SPECIAL EVENTS Presents Dr. Harry Edwards j Date: Friday, Feb. 26, 1988 Time: 7:00 PM Place: Union Ballroom Dinner Tickets: Students $5.75 ! Non-Students $6.75 General Admission Tickets W/O Meal I Students $1.00 Non-Students $2.00 Tickets available at Union Info. Desk Sponsored by UPC Talks & Topics, Black Entertainment Summer employment opportunities available for college students in ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK, COLORADO! in the areas of food service and retail sales. On campus interviews will be conducted at U of NE BRASKA on Wednesday, March 2. Sign up for an interview and applications 22 Administration Bldg, or contact our office at BOX 2680 ESTES PARK, CO 80517 (303) 586-9308. 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