The Oklahoma Cornhusker Club History
On July 1st, 1981, Don Nelson had lunch with Art Newburg and Mike Henry, publisher of the Husker Illustrated Magazine, with the thought of starting a Cornhusker Club in Tulsa. By the end of 1981, in 5 short months, the club had 66 charter members families. Those members still with us in 2001 are:
Don & Linda Nelson, Nick & Faye Landin, Karey & Pam Low, Craig Buntemeyer, Debbie & Russ Sowell, LaNelle Meyer, Eugene Meints, Dave Roach, Gerald & Beth Roberts, Mark Blongewicz, Howard & Betty Seigfreid, Glenn & Cheryl Carlson, Keith & Loree Steffen, David & Terry Laudenklos.
During the early years, before cable, when TV coverage was relegated to ABC, CBS and NBC there were not many opportunities to see our beloved Cornhuskers on TV. On Saturdays in the fall we would meet at Don Nelson's house. He would call his parents long distance in Omaha. His mother would put the phone next to her radio which was of course tuned in to Lyle Bremser on KFAB, 1110 AM. At half time we'd take a break and place another call for the second half. We all kicked in to cover the expense of the phone calls which in the 80's were expensive.
For games which were televised, like the annual Thanksgiving Oklahoma game, we met at different peoples houses. As the club grew it became more and more difficult to find somebodys house that was big enough and had enough TVs. Then one year a member, Del Snoberger, bought a big screen TV and had a room for it big enough to comfortably seat those members who enjoyed viewing the games together. Eventually we wore out or welcome as our membership continued to grow. Over the past several years we have met at different sports bars alway moving as membership grows. We currently have three Watch Party sites across the state. Check out the Watch Parties button to see where we are currently meeting.