Mr. Pederson,

     I just finished reading letter sent to you by a former teammate of mine, Ben Kingston.  My name is Jeremy Slechta and played football for UNL from '98 to '01.  I have to say this is the last connection I had at the University and now Doak is gone as well.  You started by removing Coach Solich, then Brian Bailey, and now Doak Ostergard.  My connection to Nebraska Football seems to lessen every year.  It's a good thing I remind myself that the players are the reason I watch the games.  I feel that the Tradition that was built by the programs of the past is now lost. 

    I understand that over time things have to change.  The removal of Doak was not something that I thought would ever change.  Doak has always been a friend of mine and someone I could rely on if I needed anything.  During my career at Nebraska I spent a lot of time in the training room with Doak considering I had two knee surgeries during my career not to mention other injuries.  I truly feel, because of Doak and the training staff under him I was still able to make an NFL roster for two years despite those injuries and the negative questions the injuries raised with scouts.  Doak also helped me to rehab an injury while I was in the NFL and because of him, I was able to get my knee up to speed and perform well enough at a workout to land a roster spot.  Keeping that in mind, I don't really feel that the program would be that willing to help past players now like they did then.  It's unfortunate to witness the dismissal of Doak from a program that I know he cares about.  Like my teammate Ben said "I will always bleed Husker Red," but I'm not sure I will always agree with the decisions you and your staff make for the program.

Concerned Husker

Jeremy Slechta

Defensive Tackle- Class of '01