Earlier this week we introduced you to super UNO Maverick hockey fans from Omaha.
Now meet a Mav from Boston.
We asked 2012 UNO graduate Joe Burke to share why he’s a fan. Here’s what he had to say…
Q. Tell us about yourself.
A. I’m originally from Bellevue, Nebraska. I attended Gross High School from 2004-2008, and then studied at UNO from 2008-2012.
Q. Why are you most excited for the upcoming Frozen Four games?
A. I am really excited for the upcoming Frozen Four games because it will be great to see UNO put on the national radar. We have always had a strong hockey team, and it’s exciting to see the team make it this far in the tournament.
I also work in the marketing department at Boston University in the College of Communication. My ties to UNO and current employment at Boston University makes this a really exciting time to be in Boston. If UNO can beat Providence, and Boston University can beat North Dakota, it could make for a thrilling championship game that my coworkers and I will be talking about for a long time to come. In fact, the smack talk has already begun.
Q. What’s your UNO ties? When did you gradate? What did you receive a degree in?
A. Myself, along with my two older brothers, all attended UNO. I graduated from UNO in May 2012 and received a bachelor of science in journalism with a concentration in advertising and public relations, and an emphasis in graphic design. I was a student practice player on the women’s volleyball team for my four years at UNO, so supporting the athletic teams has always been enjoyable and a no-brainer.
Q. What brought you to Boston?
A. I made the move to Boston in the spring of 2013 to pursue my career in a more competitive market and experience the hustle and bustle of the east coast. After taking a short trip to Boston, I fell in love with the vibe and atmosphere and made the move two weeks later. Boston is a great city if you are a young professional looking to make your mark and learn from some of the best and the brightest, but Omaha will always be my home.
Q. What’s your profession?
A. My area of interest has always been advertising. Before moving to Boston I worked at Yahoo! in its search advertising division and before moving to Boston I received a job offer from a small public relations agency and knew it was the right time to pursue my professional life elsewhere. After a year and a half at the agency, I received another offer from Boston University to work in the marketing department at the College of Communication.
Q. Have you always followed UNO Hockey?
A. Hockey has obviously been one of UNO’s most successful athletic programs. It generates a large presence at home games and the team always seem to be one of the most competitive in the league.
My fiancé is from New Hampshire, so a group of us drove up from Boston to see UNO play the University of New Hampshire last year. One of my friends, who is from UNH, even made her own maverick shirt to support UNO. The two of us might have been the only fans in attendance.
Since hockey is so predominant in New England, sharing a similar experience and interest with friends brings back nostalgic memories from my years at UNO.
Q. In your own words, describe why this is an important/historical/monumental moment for UNO?
A. I’m happy that not only has UNO hockey secured their first NCAA tournament win, but they have made it to the Frozen Four. Having the Frozen Four and championship game in Boston is even more special since this is my new place of residence. All of my friends know I went to UNO, but instead of constantly explaining where Nebraska is and answering questions about their interpretations of “farm life”, I can now point to the hockey team and proudly say that’s where I’m from.
Q. Are you going to any of the Final Four games?
A. Unfortunately, I won’t be making it to any of the games in Boston. I tried searching for reasonably priced tickets, but they all proved to be too expensive. So, in the end my roommates, friends and I will head to the official Nebraska bar in Boston, Porters Bar and Grill, and cheer them on there. A large group of fellow Nebraskans will also be joining us.
