BEATRICE, NEB. - The Big Give Gage preview event held a special guest on Thursday night.

Nebraska Athletic Director Troy Dannen made his way to Beatrice, to take part in the event, which he says, reflects his midwest values.

“We take care of each other in the midwest,” Dannen said. “It’s who we are… The opportunity for me to take part of this is part of why may family and I are here. But when you cut down the scoreboard, we’re all trying to do the same thing, which is put each other in positions to succeed.”

Dannen discussed the importance in giving back to community while also giving a glimpse into the upcoming fall sports season for Husker Athletics. Earlier this week, Nebraska announced a five-year contract extension for baseball coach Will Bolt. Dannen broke down why now is the right time to make that move.

“I think we have a gem of a coach in Will… Both as a human and certainly technically,” Dannen said. “I know what the SEC looks like and the experience on those staffs in the south, but I w ant to make sure we keep good people and we reward success for good people. And coming off those championships, you want those coaches to stick around to build that success of the program.”

Dannen was named Nebraska’s AD on March 20. Coming up on five months at the helm of Husker sports, he reflected on his first takeaways of the programs and Husker nation.

“It’s more intense and it’s greater than I ever anitcipated,” Dannen said. “It feels like there’s a lot of momentum, coming off five Big Ten championships. I was thrilled with the opportunity the day i got here, I’m even more thrilled five to six months in.”