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from the issue of November 18, 2004
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Museum hopes 'Lucky Foot' becomes football tradition
BY ABBI GROTELUSCHEN, SPECIAL TO THE SCARLET
Nebraska football has an established tradition of excellence, but this doesn't stop fans from crossing fingers as a long kick soars through the uprights, or players from hitting a lucky horseshoe before making their way onto the field.
This year, Nebraska has found another token for good luck. Since the season opener Sept. 4, fans have taken to slapping the foot of Archie, the life-size bronze mammoth who lives outside the University of Nebraska State Museum at Morrill Hall. Slapping the foot, which is a little more than 6 feet off the ground, has become more popular with each home game.
"It's a fun way to get involved in the spirit of Nebraska tradition," says University of Nebraska State Museum Associate Director Mark Harris. Harris, who has worked with the museum since Archie's arrival to UNL in 1998, says he is not surprised by the participation in the new tradition.
"Archie has always been irresistible to people passing the museum. They take pictures under his foot and almost always try to reach and touch it," he said. "The new pre-game tradition is a natural progression of a practice that has been occurring for quite some time."
University of Nebraska State Museum Director Priscilla Grew looks to the new Archie tradition as a source of luck, not only for Husker fans, but also for the museum. Grew says she's happy that Archie's lucky foot has helped to promote the museum after rumors started that university budget cuts in 2003 would close the museum.
"The rumors severely damaged the public's perception of the museum for quite some time," Grew said. "We are still working to stabilize and increase attendance, but public participation in events like the new Archie tradition are helping to reaffirm our confidence."
Artist Fred Hoppe was commissioned by friends and supporters of the Museum to create Archie, which serves as the museum logo and is the largest mammoth sculpture in the world.
"The size of Archie always seems to impress tourists, but it also poses a challenge," Harris said. "Kids have a hard time touching his foot."
Watching children try to take on Archie's challenge amuses Harris.
"It makes me chuckle as kids jump, strain and get on each other's shoulders to try and make the reach," he said. "Touching Archie's foot is viewed as a test of ability, age and height to most kids."
But kids are not the only people partaking in the new tradition. Adults have also been seen trying to slap Archie for luck.
"Touching Archie's foot is a great way for fans to feel like they are contributing to the spirit of Husker football," Harris said. "It's a fun practice, and if it ends up helping the Cornhuskers win, then I'm convinced it's lucky."
Groteluschen is a junior advertising major from Columbus.
GO TO: ISSUE OF NOVEMBER 18
NEWS HEADLINES FOR NOVEMBER 18
Initiative to boost teaching, learning
Computer system helps keep Memorial Stadium safe
Professor examines how chemistry has changed through movies
A piece of University history
Day to focus on computer security
Museum hopes 'Lucky Foot' becomes football tradition
Obituary: Samy Elias
Obituary: Stanley Vandersall
Verbatim: Forum to discuss core values, strategic planning is Dec. 2
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