TODD HENRICHS / Lincoln Journal Star | Posted: Wednesday, December 14, 2005 6:00 pm
SAN ANTONIO – Thirty two wins look good on the resume, but it was the 15,000 Husker fans at Qwest Center Omaha last weekend that likely landed John Cook his second national coach of the year honor.
Cook accepted the award at a banquet Thursday morning in San Antonio, where the top-ranked Huskers are preparing to face No. 11 Santa Clara in the NCAA national semifinals.
“We’re trying to be a leader in the sport,” Cook said. “We’re trying to take risks and dream big, and fortunately I’m surrounded by a lot of people that have that vision. I’m really proud of what we’re doing to try and enhance the sport.”
Coaching colleagues applauded at the mention of the NCAA record crowd for Saturday’s regional final against Florida in Omaha. Cook was introduced by John Baylor, the Huskers’ longtime radio play-by-play voice, who highlighted how Cook has built upon the recruiting and fan-base foundation created by predecessor Terry Pettit.
Now in his sixth season, Cook is 186-12 leading the Huskers. This year, the Huskers are 32-1 and have held the No. 1 ranking since the preseason.
Nebraska won its fifth Big 12 Conference championship under Cook, going 19-1.
Cook was chosen over a field of regional coaches of the year that included Geoff Carlson of Ohio and Jon Wallace of Santa Clara, both considered strong candidates for the national award.
Ohio advanced to the regional semifinals for the first time in school history this season. Santa Clara will make its first final four appearance against the Huskers.
Cook received his first coach of the year honor in Nebraska’s run to the national championship in 2000.
Reach Todd Henrichs at 473-7439 or thenrichs@journalstar.com.