Ian Boerkircher relishes Big Red Senior Day experience

Saturday morning’s chill brought a swell of bittersweet emotions for Ian Boerkircher. 
The fourth-year Husker walk-on knew going in that everything he did that day would be the last time doing so in front of the greatest fans in college football. 
Boerkircher, who has spent the past five seasons playing college football, the last four of those for the Huskers, decided to hang up his helmet and cleats after the 2022 season. 
The former Husky was one of 31 players to participate in Senior Day recognition before the Wisconsin game Saturday, sharing a moment with interim coach Mickey Joseph as his name was introduced as well as a hug with his family on the field. 
His parents, Matt and Sherry, were there to greet him as well as his brother and teammate, Nate. 
Boerkircher thought a lot about whether or not to spend another year playing college football. At the end of the day, though, he felt like the time was right to move on. 
“I thought a lot about being here for four years and playing college football for five years,” Boerkircher said. “As a walk-on, you have to think about the finances, too. My time here was awesome and I really enjoyed all of it. I prayed a lot about it and it just seemed time to move on.”
Boerkircher graduated in May with a degree in communication studies. If so desired, he could have played another year of college football, given the extra season because of COVID. 
He thought a lot about that choice, but at the end of the day decided he had done everything he wanted while wearing the scarlet and cream. It is time for a new chapter. 
As Boerkircher was introduced to the home crowd, he shook hands with Joseph, who leaned in tight to share a few thoughts with a former Husky who first stepped foot on Memorial Stadium grass in 2015 when Aurora played Elkhorn South for a Class B title. 
Boerkircher then walked onto the field where his family was waiting, sharing a few precious moments together. Not only that, but the tunnel walk to follow was a bit emotional, too. 
“It was awesome. It was very bittersweet, obviously, but I got to give Mom and Dad a big hug out there and Nate was there, too, which was awesome,” Boerkircher said. “I started tearing up just a little bit, to be honest, running out for my last tunnel walk. I was very thankful I got to have this experience in the first place.”
In his final season for the Big Red, Boerkircher has seen the field in every game so far, participating on special teams. 
Both Boerkirchers made the trip to Ireland to begin the season while Ian has been lined up on extra point/field goals all season long. 
“It’s been great. I’ve been able to travel on the team and be part of everything we’re doing here,” Boerkircher said. “Obviously, it’s been tough with a lot of heartbreakers and not as much success as we wanted, but at the end of the day, I’m thankful to wear the ‘N’ and play with my brother. I feel honored and blessed to have the teammates I have.”
But, what’s meant the most to him over the years has been his relationship with his brother, Nate. 
The two became teammates, and roommates for that matter, once again at Nebraska in 2020.
While some may think that could be difficult for brothers, Ian noted it’s been very beneficial for both over time. 
“It’s all really special,” Boerkircher said of his relationship with brother. “Our bond is super close. It’s something not a lot of people get to do and we’re very fortunate it worked out this way.”
Ian smiles every time someone brings up Nate’s first career touchdown reception, which came against North Dakota earlier this season in a game where Nate also got his first career start. 
The two Boerkircher brothers shared an adrenaline-fueled hug on the field as Ian ran out for the extra point attempt, a moment neither brother will ever forget.  
“That was one of the greatest moments of my life,” Boerkircher said of Nate’s first career touchdown. “There was a surge of adrenaline running onto the field and giving him a hug. I’m so proud of everything he’s done. He works so hard and is making the Boerkircher name proud.”
Boerkircher isn’t quite sure about the feelings he’ll have by Friday night after the Nebraska-Iowa game comes to and end, along with his playing career. 
One thing he knows for certain -- he’s happy with where football has taken him and what football has made him into. 
“It definitely is. I’ve been playing tackle football since fourth grade on the Aurora youth team,” Boerkircher said. “It’s tough and I’m preparing myself for that final minute to come off the clock. At the same time, I can look back on so many great life experiences and moments here. I have so many things to be happy about. It will be tough because I love the game of football, but looking back, I’m thankful.”
Sure, there hasn’t been enough to talk about in terms of success for the Huskers since Boerkircher arrived in Lincoln in 2019. That doesn’t change how he feels about his time at Nebraska or the team he’s been around. 
“There’s an endless list of great things that happened while I was here,” Boerkircher said. “I’ve had great teammates and looking back, you realize this place (Nebraska) built and shaped me as a man. It made me a better man, Christian and brother. There’s so many positives I can take away despite other things.”
Currently, Boerkircher is working through some job interviews for the real world as his football career comes to a close in Iowa City Friday, but nothing official lined up as of yet. 
***
Speaking of looking for a job, I have no clue who will be Nebraska’s next head coach. It’s really incredible how AD Trev Alberts has kept this search so close to the vest. 
It really seems like no one will really know until there’s some sort of announcement, which surely should be any day now with the season ending Friday. 
Saturday’s loss to Wisconsin was just another chapter in the book of excruciating, hard-to-watch finishers. I’m not a big fan of large chapter books without pictures, especially in this case. 
It’s incredible, really. Even up 14-3, a voice in the back of my head kept reminding me that there was plenty of time for the game to go sideways. 
I hate that guy. 
Almost like how automatic it seems that the Kansas City Chiefs will win the game on a final two-minute drive, the exact opposite can be said about Nebraska football. They’ll blow a lead every time. 
But mostly, I’m happy for Ian, who got the opportunity to appropriately be recognized and go out on his terms. 
He’s been a great football player for a long time and he gets to take the next step in life. Congrats, man. 
RICHARD RHODEN can be reached at sports@hamilton.net.