Brown duo le ip
By David Wilson
Staffwriter
It’s an almost fitting and not
uncommon sight to see senior defen
sive backs Ralph and Mike Brown
walking together down the crooked
hallway in South Stadium after lifting.
They laugh together as they unin
tentionally brush up against the por
traits of every Cornhusker All
American that grace the walls.
The duo could legitimately add
their faces to the hall by the end of this
year - but that’s not the first thing on
their minds.
“It’s just a natural thing when you
become a senior - you want to go out a
winner,” Mike said. “I think it is a little
bit of urgency. I’m taking a lot of
weight on my shoulders just to be a
good leader so we can go out and get
the job done this year.”
The job they expect to accomplish,
of course, is a national championship
- something both Mike and Ralph
experienced as sophomores.
This time around, however, they’ll
play the role of the leaders in what
looks to be the most experienced sec
ondary in their four-year careers.
As the only seniors in the defen
sive backfield, both Browns have
taken part in 33 wins and six losses.
Ralph, who earned the starting right
comerback position as a true freshman
in 1996, has started in each of those
games.
“They’ve been in almost every sit
uation possible,” sophomore left cor
nerback Keyuo Craver said. “From the
beginning, they’ve been showing us
the way to handle pressure - not to get
too excited, not to get too calm, but
how to just go out there and compete.”
That’s the exact message Ralph
said he is hoping to get across to the
younger Huskers in the secondary.
“I know how it feels to go unde
feated one season and the next season
lose four games,” Ralph said. “I know
how it feels to be at a high and be at a
low. I know how to handle a lot of situ
ations during games.
“I’ll never call myself a leader. I
just think I’m taking upon the role to
make sure everyone is doing their job.
If people want to call me a leader, then
that’s what I am. I just want to make
sure we’re all focusing on one main
goal.”
On the practice field this spring,
both Ralph and Mike said they are
working to bump the team’s effort to a
higher level.
Both agreed that Ralph leads more
by example, while Mike gets a little
more vocal.
“When you get some guys out
there that are being loud, it picks up
the intensity,” Mike said. “That’s what
I like to do.”
Said Ralph: “He’s always been
more vocal than me. He’s not afraid to
get on anyone on the field whether it’s
third-teamers, first-teamers or players
that have been starting longer than
him. He hates to lose, so he wants our
standards to be high.”
While Ralph has started every
game at the same position since 1996,
Mike has been a little more versatile.
After starting his career playing
behind future NFL player, Michael
Booker at left cornerback, Mike
moved to rover, where he started as a
sophomore in 1997.
As a junior last season, Mike led
NU with 102 tackles, becoming just
the 13th player in Husker history to
record more than 100 stops.
“He’s just always going 110 per
cent every play,” Ralph said. “He’s one
of the most aggressive players I’ve
ever seen.”
Ralph, on the other hand, who has
now started 39 straight games, holds
school records for pass breakups in a
game (seven), season (14) and career
(35).
“Ralph Brown isa big playmaker,”
Mike said. “Every day in practice he’s
giving 100 percent. He doesn’t take a
play off. In games, he’s a guy that
makes exciting plays that get the
defense going. Ralph is just one of
those guys that stands out. He’s like
the one superstar out there.”
Together, Ralph and Mike rank as
one of the strongest duos the NU sec
ondary has seen in recent years.
“They’re right up there with any
players we’ve had back there,”
Secondary Coach George Darlington
said. “They’re exceptional - and really
team-oriented individuals.
“We’ve got enough talent to win
the whole thing if we put it all togeth
er. Certainly, the secondary, with all
their experience, expects to be a domi
nant part of the football team.”
Ralph and Mike will probably still
be seen joking together off the field,
but come game time, things will be
intense, they said.
It has to be if they’re going to go
out with a bang.
“People are going to remember me
by this season,''’Ralph said, “not by my
freshman or sophomore years. I want
to make a lasting impact.”
Covermen: Group
‘secondary to none’
SECONDARY from page 9
“I can’t give anything but praise
to what Keyuo and me are going to
do on the left side,” Swiney said.
“We have the feeling that anything
and everything that happens on the
left side is going to be sewed up.
Everything’s going to happen
according to us.”
The friendly competition for the
starting job (and both comerbacks
assure that it is friendly) only helps
to solidify that premise, Craver said.
“I know he’s doing his job, and
I’m doing mine,” Craver said.
“We’re just trying to do what’s best
for the team. If that’s what it takes,
pushing each other to get better, the
team only gets better.”
Also thrown into the talent bowl
at left comer are two redshirt fresh
men in DeJuan Groce and Mike
Demps. Though Demps is also
experimenting at free safety and
right comer, he could expect to see
some action at the left corner, as
could Groce.
Moving around the rest of the
Husker secondary, returning starters
Clint Finley at free safety, Joe
Walker at rover and All-American
candidates rover Mike Brown and
right cornerback Ralph Brown, all
look to make things as difficult as
possible for opponents’ passing
games.
Ralph Browq said the old and
new veterans started clicking again
right away in spring practice, having
lost no one from last year’s squad.
“We have a lot of young guys
that are very mature,” he said.
“They’re close to our level of maturi
ty. I don’t know how they’re going to
be in games, but right now they get
the job done.”
And that includes everybody,
Swiney added.
“Secondary to none, you
know?” he said. “All of us and none
of the rest - all secondary, all the
time. We’re all going to get the job
done.”
Husker netters to face
key Big 12 competition
By Jake Bleed
Staff writer
-r-———
While children across the nation hunt for eggs and candy.this Easter week
end, both Nebraska tennis teams will be hunting for conference victories. »
The Nebraska women’s tennis team will head south to meet Kansas in
Lawrence on April 3 and Kansas State on April 4.
No. 69 NU (14-3) is on an eight-game winning streak.
The No. 32 Jayhawks (5-9) will be the tougher of the two matches for NU.
Kansas (5-9) will go into Friday’s match after losing to No. 20 Florida State on
March*24.
KSU (3-12 overall) has had a tough year and will meet NU on a five-game
losing streak.
The men’s team will be at home this weekend, meeting Big 12 rival
Colorado on Friday at 2 p.m. and No. 52 Indiana State on Saturday.
If weather permits, this weekend’s matches will be held at the Cather
Pound tennis courts.
The bb^-ranked Huskers (5-10 overall, 1-3 in the Big 12 Conference) lost
to No. 40 Tulsa 5-2 last weekend. Juan Hamdan, who suffered a shoulder
injury against Texas Tech, returned to the lineup last week but is not yet at 10C
percent.
Colorado is the first of five Big 12 opponents NU will face by season^
end. The Buffaloes (7-6 overall) will arrive in Lincoln after picking up three
victories in a four game tournament last week.
Indiana State entered the national rankings for the first time last week. On
a five-game winning streak, Indiana State could be the toughest match of the
weekend for NU.
NU track
travels to
Clemson
for meet
■ The Huskers won their
last meet despite lacking a
permanent practice track.
By Josh Cam^nzind
Staff writer
Clemson University in South
Carolina will be the site of compe
tition for the Nebraska track and
field team this Saturday. The
Cornhuskers will be competing
against the men and women of
Clemson, Georgia Tech, South
Carolina and the women of
Wisconsin.
The Huskers are coming off a
win in their first outdoor meet of
the year in the Jim Click Shootout.
The meet on March 27 saw sever
al competitors set qualifying
marks.
Scott Warren broke his own
school record in the javelin with a
throw of 243 feet 3 inches. This is
the second time this season that
Warren has broken his own mark,
and the throw also qualified him
automatically for the NCAAs.
umui luuaiciy, waiicu win nui
be able to travel to Clemson this
weekend because of illness. Other
than Warren, the overall health of
the team has been good through
the first two meets.
The competition at the
Clemson Invitational will be
tough, especially in the sprint and
hurdle events. The Wisconsin
women also will provide a chal
lenge, as they are a perennial pow
erhouse in the Big 10.
Training for the team has been
hectic and time has been hard to
come by as the rebuilding of the
Ed Weir Track has forced the team
to find another home; the
Nebraska Wesleyan track has
become one of their transitional
homes.
“It’s like moving into a new
house or apartment,” Head Coach
Gary Pepin said. “We realize that
we are going to be scrambling for
a while with it and it presents a big
inconvenience but we will sur
vive.”
402-472-2588 6enA/1c .
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, , ' , , . - . * , . . * * VvJ'v-- .
200s For sals
Super single waterbed, 6 drawers below; nice head
board. No leaks, new heater, $100 OBO. 435-6023,
leave message.
300s Samoa
r".
A BABY
We want to share our warmth, laughter, and hearts
wit ha newborn. Financilly secure, loving home, and
close, carirtg extended family. Expenses paid. Please
call Debbie and Dennis at 1-600-641-4226.
Auto Accidents & DWI
Other criminal matters, call Sanford Pollack 476-7474.
Bike Repair
Repairs are close by. Expert repairs on all models with
short turnaround time. Cyclewo'ks, 27th & Vine,
475-2453. _
Free
Pregnancy Test
Birthright is a confidential helping hand. Please call for
appointment or more information, 483-2609. Check
out our website www.birthright.org.
Resumes at reasonable cost. 477-8848 or
00089568@bigred.unl.edu
400s Housing
1 -2 M/F roommates needed for house in country, rent
$190-280. Non-smokers preferred. Michelle
798-0328 evenings.
Female roommate needed to share two bedroom
house. 435-3154. Ask for Victoria.
. Female roommate, nice 2 bedroom apartment, 2
blocks from East Campus. $175+ 1/2 utilities. Call
467-5851.
Roommate needed flow. HUGE 2 bedroom
apartment. 5 minutes to campus. Electricity paid.
Off-street parking. $217.50/month. 477-6665.
3 BR, sublease May 1- Sept 1. Pool, rec room, balcony,
B-ball court. $655/month. Call 474-6436.
Wanted, 2 roommates to fill positions in a 5 bedroom
house. Mid-May through July. $179/month + utilities.
Call 438-5621.
3, 4 and 5 bedroom houses. Available for August, near
campus. Call and reserve yours now. 432-0644.
1426 N.23rd (23rd and Holdridge). Awesome 5 BR, 2
bath. NearUNL! $950. Available May. 432-0644.
1531 North 22nd, very nice 4 bedrooms/2 baths, near
UNL, $800.432-0644.
1615 N. 64th. 3BR, central air, 1 1/2 bath, fenced
yard, $745 plus deposit. References and no pets.
Call 483-4887,483-7720,489-7803.
1900 S. 52nd. 5BR, 2 bath, all appliances, dishwasher,
,yV/D hookups. 3 month or 1 year lease. Call 327-0598.
2935 Holdredge, 3+ 1 BR, 2 bath, $750/month+ $700
deposit. Pets negotiable. Available May 1st. 475-2797
or 440-5437. _
Great 3,4,5, and 6 bedroom homes near campus. Re
serve now for summer, fall or both now, and relax! All
appliances provided. 423-1535.__
Great house, 3 bedrooms/2 baths, basement, near
UNL, $725. Available May. 432-0644.
Summer, fall, yearly teases* 3, 4 5, bedroom houses.
Pets OK, 432-6644. _,
4 bedroom, 2 baths, brand new duplex at 37th & J
Street, $895 including washer and dryer, no smokers
or pets. Call Julian 432-7030 or Remboit 488-9222.
1996 4BR
2BA Ckjplex. Dishwasher, disposal, 2 attatched garage.
Responsible landlord, quiet neighbors. Available
immediatly. 2980 Dudley, $850. 474-5776 or
730-5925. $50 bonus for first come.
2618 Q. Brand new duplex, 2 bedroom, all appliances,
garage, $575.430-6328.__
3131 Orchard. Great 2 bedroom, fireplace, dishwasher,
W/D hookups, off street parking, $520 plus deposit.
430-9019.
3224 Mohawk. 1 bedroom, A/C, garage, $375+ deposit.
References, No pets. 483-4887,483-7720.
Brand new 3 bedroom, 2 bath, fireplace, family room,
A/C, 2 garages. $875+, available May 10. RESERVE
YOURS NOW!! 432-0415.
-'--1
Large 1,2 & 3 bedroom duplexes, 4 bedroom house
near both campuses. 489-5168.
NEWER 3BR
3baths, double attached garage, all appliances,
wash/dry, dishwasher. Campus close. Reduced to
$795. HIP » 465-8911
Newer near campus, new 3 bedroom, 2 baths, garage,
washer/dryer, $700.438-3393.__
Nice 3 and 4 BR places available for May and August.
3BR—$795, 4BR—$895-$925. Call now to reserve
your property. Call 435-7807.
!! SUNNY & CHEERFUL!!
!! SMOKE FREE!!
1 BR 2000 J St, Clean $295
2BR 2000 J St, Nice $350
2BR 1501 S 19th, New carpet $395
No Smokers or Pets 440-3000
1 BEDROOM APTS «
In Unique Complex between campuses, super clean,
O-month leases, newer decor,,
stove/fridge/dishwasher/disposal/blinds, parking, cen
tral heat/arr, laundry, gas/water/garbage paid, enclosed
patios, big closets, breakfast bar, $345,
489-4857/
2 bedrooms, clean, furnished, free cable, $390+. Laun
dry room, 1 -year lease, downtown. 435-0608 evenings.
640 S. 20th- Efficiency $299, 1BR $349, 2BR $419
andup. 2301 A St.- 1BR $329.
Jones Properties 475-7262
*700 South 17th FURNISHED*
2 bedrpom/14-plex. Cable/utilities paid, $379. Micro
wave, fan, laundry, bus line. References. 488-6707,
450-8895.
1120 E St., T bedroom just remodeled. Heat paid, no
pets, $300. 474-5327. ' _
1660 G, tbedroom, C/A, storage, parking, dishwasher,
disposer, remodeled, $330. Larger w/balcony, $350.
423-7892.
1810 H Security Building
Large 1 bedroom/5-plex, cable, Jaundry, parking,
utilities paid, $379 + electricity. 488-6707,450-8895.
2910 N. 42nd. Brand new 4-bedroom. 2-baths, deluxe
unit with all appliances, including W/D, C/A, garage
available, no pets. $95Qs$995. Taking reservations for
spring and summer. 474-5327. _
3541 Baldwin, spacious 2 bedroom, fireplace and bal
cony short term or extended lease, available Mid-April
or May 464-2308.'
Apartments on UNL Campus
Studio and one bedroom units. No smoking, no pets,
controlled access, laundry, UNL shuttle stop, campus
parking. $300-425/month. Brickyard Apartments,
17th and Holdredge. 477-6578.
AUGUST LEASE-2 BR
36th and Huntington. East Campus/Wesleyan area,
fire place,, central air, laundry, parking. No pets.
489-9916.__
Better dollar value studio and one bedroom in well
maintained vintage building. $295-330.432-2288.
Brand new 3 bedroom, 3 bath, $725 including washer
and dryer. Close to downtown. No Smokers or pets.
Call Julian 432-7030 or Rembolt 488-9222.