*Scratch that last one. The Big Ten clearly does not care about baseball.
This week, Nebraska plays for the Freedom Trophy against Wisconsin. Introduced in 2014, the trophy is essentially a bronze mullet: Memorial Stadium in the front, Camp Randall in the rear, and screaming “MERICA!” via a large flag sticking out of the middle. Contrary to popular belief, the trophy does not celebrate the career of former Nebraska defensive end Freedom Akinmoladun.
I’ll understand if you (or most of our fan base) do not know about this trophy. Nebraska has never won it.
On Black Friday, Nebraska plays for the Heroes Trophy (presented by Hy-Vee!!!*), against Iowa. When Nebraska joined the Big Ten, I loved the idea of a trophy game against our neighbors to the east and hoped it would something fun and ag-themed, like Floyd of Rosedale. Instead, we got a generic heartwarming trope, a generic doorstop of a trophy, and a generic corporate sponsor. Unlike the Freedom Trophy, Nebraska has actually hoisted the Heroes Trophy (presented by Hy-Vee!!!*) a few times – a sight that reminds me how far the program has slipped since you and I graduated.
*UPDATE!!! Did you know the Heroes Trophy is now presented by Scheels!!!? Of course you didn’t, because the only thing worse than a rivalry trophy with a disingenuous, self-adulating theme is a rivalry trophy with a corporate sponsor. The only reason I know about it is I saw it on Iowa’s website when I was looking up something else.
Nebraska really got screwed over when they joined the Big Ten. Part of the allure of the conference – aside from the money and stability – was establishing an “I hate you 365 days a year” rivalry with another school, symbolized by a random object that looks like it came from an antique mall. A bronze pig. A gigantic axe. A little brown jug. An old spittoon. The Huskers had very little of that in the Big 8 / Big XII.
Scott, did you know that Nebraska and Mizzou played for the “Golden Gavel Victory Bell
So, here’s what I would like: Beat Wisconsin. Beat Iowa. But leave those stupid trophies to rust on the opposing sideline. I’m not saying Nebraska should not aspire to get back to Wisconsin’s level of success or have a contemptuous 24/7/365 rivalry with the mouth-breathers on the east side of the river. I want both of those things. But I want them without the Freedom and Heroes Trophies.
If a new trophy appears organically – such as the beloved “$5 Bits of Broken Chair” Trophy against Minnesota, I’m all in. I do have some ideas for replacement trophies that you can pass along to your boss and your buddy Kevin Warren, but that’s separate.
Scott, I know this season has not gone the way you planned. So many things have gone sideways, and the hot seat conversation will continue into 2022. If the unthinkable happens, what do you want your legacy to be? You can’t erase the losses, but you can help get Nebraska out of their loveless arranged marriages with meaningless trophies. Honestly, I’d rather have that than a lower-tier bowl game.
Be a Hero, Scott. Give us Freedom from the Delany trophies.
Respectfully,
Dave (on behalf of Husker Nation)
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