‘Created a legacy’: Husker fans say Cook’s impact is long-lasting in light of statue dedication

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Many Husker fans attended the dedication of former Husker volleyball coach John Cook’s new statue outside the Bob Devaney Sports Center on Thursday.

The common theme? The honor is well deserved.

Kansas City native Caden Mickelson is a freshman at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

He said he was well aware of Cook’s coaching prestige before enrolling.

But after some time on campus, he better understands the true impact Cook has made on the state.

“It’s just unbelievable that he’s been able to pretty much have a flawless record since he’s been here,” said Mickelson. “And they’ve been able to hold the number one team in the country for as long as they have.”

WATCH: John Cook statue unveiled in front of Bob Devaney Center

Mickelson is on the men’s golf team for UNL and said Cook has respect from student-athletes across the board.

“I think everybody looks up to him, even the other coaches,” he said. “Because they’ve seen what he’s been able to do. They’re trying to learn from him, and as a student athlete I think you know the players of their sports are kind of looking for that role model and a coach and just trying to follow in his footsteps.”

Jim Green has been a tour guide for Memorial Stadium since 2019 and said he still remembers meeting Cook at the Fellowship of Christian Athletes lunch.

“He goes to mass everyday,” said Green. “I think at the student place over here, and he’s just a really good person, and I’m glad he ended up being a cowboy and I’m glad he came back to Nebraska.”

Green said he will always remember the team playing a match at Memorial stadium.

The women’s volleyball team played in front of 92,003 fans, which still holds the record for the highest attended women’s sporting event in the world.

Lauren Thiele is a senior who plays on the women’s golf team at UNL.

She said she doesn’t know Cook personally, but his impact will forever live on.

“I grew up in Nebraska and grew up going to volleyball games, and he’s just an incredible coach and an awesome person, too,” she said. “Everyone just holds him in such high regard. He’s obviously a very successful coach and created a legacy here and carried the program to the top.”