Husker fans welcome basketball team home at Lincoln Airport following loss to Iowa
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – After what many are calling the greatest season ever, Husker Nation showed up to see the Nebraska men’s basketball team touch down at the Lincoln Airport on Friday.
Despite the loss to Iowa, the fans on the tarmac said that it doesn’t matter to them, only that the team has made Nebraska proud.
Mark Lutjeharams saw the team play in Oklahoma City and says he showed up to thank them.
“Just to support the Huskers, a team that brought a great sense of gratitude to my family and the entire state, and just represented the state so well. It was just kind of the last opportunity to come out here and show our support for the Big Red,” he said.
Lutjeharams described the loss as a “gut-wrenching loss to a longtime rival,” and he can imagine how the team might feel, but it should motivate them.
“It’s going to take them a while to get over that loss, no doubt, but hopefully in the end, once they let this immediate feeling of disappointment and not getting it done subside, they’ll truly sense the pride that they brought to all of us and recognize that it was a remarkable season,” he said.
Sharon and Chuck Moore showed up at the airport in formal wear, having just left a funeral.
“We have to show up because they have had such a wonderful season, and I don’t want people to think, oh, they lost, and you’ve got to support them. They’ve been great all year long,” said Moore.
Chuck, Sam Hoiberg’s substitute teacher at Pius X High School, described him as a polite kid in the classroom.
“We just wanted to be here and let them know that we appreciate everything they’ve done. It’s great,” said his wife.
Their advice to the team?
“We love you, no matter win or lose, and it was a great season,” said Sharon Moore, “And thank you!” added Chuck.
“Don’t hang your heads. Keep your heads up. Thank you for an awesome ride that you took us on, and go Big Red!” said Lutjeharams.
The team waved to their fans with appreciation, as they held their heads high.
