Musings from the CU Suite

Written by Anthony Demangone

I went to Penn State, along with my wife. We're huge fans. 

The 1994 Penn State football team was one of the best ever. But back then, there wasn't a playoff system. We were ranked #2, and we had to play in the Rose Bowl. Nebraska was ranked #1, and they had to play in the Orange Bowl. Both teams won their game, and Nebraska won the national championship. 

Was all that drama a big deal? Nope. But for Penn State fans, that season tends to come up when we gather and chew the fat about the "good ole days." 

Fast forward many years later to my honeymoon.

Mandy and I were in Estes Park, Colorado,just outside Rocky Mountain National Park. When travelling, I like to buy a t-shirt from the local college football team. A local suggested a sports store called "Big Red." 

Upon entering, I was confused. There was nothing there but Nebraska gear. I mean, the entire store was Nebraska Cornhusker gear, and nothing more. 

I spoke to the man behind the counter. It turns out he was the owner. 

He explained that there are a ton of Nebraska fans in Colorado. And that Nebraskans travel a great deal, and when they are on vacation - they love to buy Husker gear. He also said he does local banquets, and other events for area Husker fans. 

He was so successful, he was opening up a second store in Estes Park at the time. He saw a surprising opportunity and dove in.

I had to bring up the 1994 team. I told him Penn State would have smoked Nebraska. He just chuckled and rubbed his chin. Thereby showing a massive ring - the sort you get when you win, say, a national championship.

Me: You were on that team? 

Him. Yep, I was the backup punter on that team.  

We laughed a ton. He was a good guy. We talked a while shook hands when we left.

Where does all this leave me? With these three thoughts.

• There's always room for another great store. For a great new brand. When you look out at the the world, why would anyone open a new pizza restaurant? Or coffee store? Or credit union branch? Isn't there enough of all of them already? But if you have a vision and a dream, there's always room for one more. Even a Nebraska store in Colorado.
• The world is full of wonderful encounters and conversations. They are just waiting for all of us. We just need to explore and be open to them. 
• And of course, Penn State would have killed Nebraska in 1994. Now, Jesse Kosch in Estes Park will disagree with me. And I'm more than OK with that.