The enthusiasm of the coaches was infectious. Each and every one of them promised a more energized and physical team. Looking around the arena, even blue-haired elderly women looked like they wanted to strap on the helmets and start spring drills. If the players catch even a slight whiff of the coaches' enthusiasm, next year's opponents are going to be sore after every game.

The event was sponsored by Home Federal Bank and Tom Dinsdale Chevrolet-Cadillac and the community owes them a hearty thank you for bringing the event to Central Nebraska. Orv Qualsett in particular put the event on his back and carried it across the goal line.

The Eihusen Arena and the Heartland Events Center were excellent hosts. Athletic Director Osborne had to be impressed with the facility, especially with the volleyball/basketball floor in place during the luncheon. It was trimmed in red and would look especially nice with the Nebraska volleyball team and the Husker basketball teams in action on the surface. Central Nebraska would love to see the Huskers play an exhibition or three at the HEC.

Also in attendance was Jim Tenopir, the executive director of the Nebraska High School Activities Association. No doubt he noticed the facility, the crowd and the excellent environment. It beats the heck out of Pershing Auditorium, but then, so does Babel's Barn in Wood River. Regardless, there is lots of upside to showing off the HEC to these groups.

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One of the finest art exhibits in recent years is on display this month at the Grand Island Public Library. Paintings and sketches by legendary Grand Island native Grant Reynard, one of the most famous illustrators of the early 20th Century, is being featured with the words of modern African American poet Charles Fort. Fort is a professor of English at UNK. The combination of Reynard's insightful images and Fort's intimate perspective of the black experience is a powerful exhibit.

The exhibit is being underwritten by Chief Industries, a Grand Island company with deep roots in the community. A Saturday Salute to Chief for its commitment to the arts and for bringing the exhibit to Grand Island. The arts often struggle in the economic realities of this era, even though they need to be celebrated now more than ever before. Exhibits such as this allows Central Nebraskans to experience an era long lost. To experience this exhibit is to step back into the swirl of civil turmoil when blacks struggled to gain acceptance into mainstream America.