Game Time: Nebraska’s Farewell to the Big 12

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“Growing up in Nebraska, it’s darn near impossible to not be a Husker fan,” says Kenneth Jarecke, a photojournalist with Contact Press Images and former college football player. “My first football memories are of Heisman trophy winner Johnny ‘The Jet’ Rodgers ripping through opposing defenses while leading the Cornhuskers to two national championships.” Jarecke combined his own memories of playing the noseguard position—one of the most grueling spots on defense—with his photographic eye for Husker Game Day 2010—Farewell Big 12, a new book to be released in November. The tome features more than 275 pictures of the University of Nebraska’s final season in the Big 12 conference; the college joined the Big Ten in July 2011 and plays its first conference game this Saturday against the University of Wisconsin—Madison.

“Twenty-five years later after traveling the world and witnessing the best and worst humans have to offer, nine Olympics, dozens of would-be presidents, the poorest and the most powerful among us, I’m back in Nebraska and halfway through shooting my dream project,” Jarecke said. Though the book won’t hit shelves until November, the photographer is already planning a companion volume, A Big Ten Welcome, which will document the Huskers throughout their inaugural 2011 season in the fabled conference.

Kenneth Jarecke is photojournalist who has worked in more than 80 countries and covered nine Olympic games, Presidential elections, conflict and revolutions. His work has been featured in LIFE, National Geographic and Sports Illustrated among other publications. See more images from Husker Game Day 2010—Farewell Big 12 here.

Nebraskaʼs baton twirler Rachel Foehlinger seeks warmth from a heater on the sidelines next to kickers Alex Henery and Brett Maher during a November 2010 game against Colorado. Kenneth Jarecke—Contact Press Images
A Husker player leaves the field after a hard fought victory over Colorado in November 2010. Kenneth Jarecke—Contact Press Images
Confetti litters the field after Nebraska blows a 17-point lead and loses the Big 12 Championship game in December 2010 to longtime rivals, the Oklahoma Sooners. Kenneth Jarecke—Contact Press Images
Husker offensive linemen enter the field before the Holiday Bowl in San Diego to play the University of Washington in December 2010. Kenneth Jarecke—Contact Press
Husker cornerback Prince Amukarmara looks stunned as a penalty flag comes in from the far side of the field during an October 2010 game against the University of Texas.Kenneth Jarecke—Contact Press Images
Oklahoma Stateʼs mascot Pistol Pete takes a knee along the sidelines while the Huskers and Cowboys shoot it out during last seasonʼs October contest in Stillwater, Oklaholma.Kenneth Jarecke—Contact Press Images
Iowa Stateʼs long snapper readies himself along the sidelines in preparation for a November 2010 game against the Huskers in Ames, Iowa.Kenneth Jarecke—Contact Press Images
A broken dry erase board lies behind the Nebraska bench during last seasonʼs losing effort against the Washington Huskies in December 2010. Kenneth Jarecke—Contact Press Images
Texas A&M fans cheer on their team during a November 2010 game against Nebraska in College Station.Kenenth Jarecke—Contact Press Images
Husker quarterback Taylor Martinez nearly loses his eye, along with his helmet, during last yearʼs Big 12 championship game against Oklahoma in December. Kenneth Jarecke—Contact Press Images
A couple share a kiss as the light fades at Memorial Stadium during a November 2010 game in Lincoln, Nebraska.Kenneth Jarecke—Contact Press Images
Nebraskaʼs marching band prepares to play before the October 2010 Huskers game with Kansas State in Manhattan, Kansas.Kenneth Jarecke—Contact Press Images
Huskers halfback Roy Helu Jr. runs to the daylight on his way to one of his three touchdowns against Missouri in October 2010.Kenneth Jarecke—Contact Press Images
Painted Huskers fans hang out under the seats of Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska in October 2010. Kenneth Jarecke—Contact Press Images
The eye of Huskers halfback Roy Helu Jr. looks out across Memorial Stadium while he rushed for a team record of 307 yards against Missouri in October 2010. Kenneth Jarecke—Contact Press Images
The famous “Sea of Red” made up of Husker fans, blankets Memorial Stadium during an October 2010 match in Lincoln, Nebraska. Kenneth Jarecke—Contact Press Images
A parting shot of the Holiday Bowl game against Washington in December 2010.Kenneth Jarecke—Contact Press Images

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