It’s been over two months since John Cook retired as the Nebraska volleyball head coach. And now, the time when Huskers witnessed his final project, or as Coach Cook put it, “my baby,” is finally upon us. That’s because the much-awaited Huskers Spring Game at Ord High School on May 3rd is little over a week away. Yet in the meantime, the former volleyball coach has already made a mark with something new.

What’s more? Cook’s venture contributed directly to athletics in Nebraska. Only this time, it wasn’t about volleyball, but for a sport the 68-year-old loves just as much: Rodeo. The former volleyball head coach revealed his plans to support the sport in Nebraska while speaking to Hurrdat Sports’ Ana Bellinghausen. So what exactly did the national championship-winning coach do?

“I’m a Husker by choice. I love and respect Nebraska and Nebraska athletics and the university both my kids graduated from here,” said Coach Cook. And while he has given over 25 years of life-enriching volleyball in Huskers Nation, John Cook believed he could do more. “I’m trying to help build a Rodeo scholarship fund right now,” Cook said on April 7.

Within a week after the interview, John Cook Team Roping Classic rolled through Nebraska, garnering a huge response. Event chairman Travis Schauda put things into perspective. “We have over 250 contestants coming from six different states,” Schauda said. He explained that over 60 duos competed for $180,000 in total prize money.

The first-ever John Cook Team Roping Classic raised funds through ticket sales. The event chairman explained that the money collected from ticket sales and auction items would be awarded to the UNL club rodeo team members, as per 10/11 NOW News. So, ti’s safe to say the Cook’s influence in Nebraska athletics will continue to grow despite Dani Busboom Kelly taking his place.

The excitement surrounding John Cook’s successor

In fact, the other reason why Nebraska Huskers fans are so excited about the spring game is because it will be Dani Busboom Kelly’s debut. The player who won a national title under Cook’s guidance, then learned the ropes from the 68-year-old as an assistant coach, will now script her own legacy at Nebraska. Just how excited are they to catch Coach Kelly’s debut?

Well, just how fast the tickets sold out should give you an idea. Coincidentally, the Nebraska spring games tickets went on sale on the same day John Cook’s rodeo fundraiser happened. Since the Ord venue only has a seating capacity of 1400, the tickets didn’t go on sale online. Yet did that hinder the Huskers’ volleyball community? Absolutely not.

Nebraska volleyball reporter Lincoln Areneal revealed the buzz surrounding the ticket sale. “Reports had people lining up as soon as late afternoon on Friday,” wrote Arneal. What’s more? In a town with a population of roughly 2000 people, the tickets sold out in 27 minutes. Then again, it’s not really surprising considering Kelly’s resume.

From turning Louisville into title contenders to being part of the first all-female NCAA final, Busboom Kelly got a hero’s welcome in Nebraska. Everyone from athletic director Troy Dannen to her former coach John Cook endorsed Kelly. “I went hard, and now it’s Dani’s turn,” Coach Cook said during the interview. Now, time will tell just how successful DBK becomes.