A Night with Mark Manning, Bryan Snyder, and Antrell Taylor
The Nebraska Greats Foundation recently hosted an unforgettable evening at our Beyond the Mat event, celebrating the culture, resilience, and family that define Nebraska Wrestling. The event featured legendary Head Coach Mark Manning, Associate Head Coach Bryan Snyder, and current Husker star Antrell Taylor. Together, they shared powerful insights into what makes Nebraska wrestling so special, it's tradition of excellence and the care they show for each athlete, not just on the mat, but as people.
The Nebraska Wrestling Culture
Coach Manning and Bryan Snyder spoke passionately about the culture they’ve helped build. Nebraska wrestling isn’t just about championships and competition, it’s about family. As they reminded us, when you come to Nebraska, “you are family for life.” They have created a brotherhood across generations, where the values of hard work, integrity, and character matter just as much as wins.
That sense of family doesn’t stop with wrestling, it’s also at the core of the Nebraska Greats Foundation (NGF). When you become a recipient of NGF’s support, you’re not just receiving assistance, you’re welcomed into our family. It’s what Nebraskans do. It’s what family does. And we are family.
Antrell Taylor’s Story: Family Beyond the Mat
One of the most moving moments of the night came from Antrell Taylor, who bravely shared the story of losing both his father and brother. Antrell explained that he chose Nebraska because of the unwavering support he felt from Coach Manning. Manning was there for him, not just as a coach, but as family. That kind of compassion embodies what Nebraska Wrestling stands for, and it’s why young men like Antrell continue to trust their futures to this program. His story was a reminder that wrestling is more than a sport; it’s a community that stands with you when life is at its hardest.
Nebraska Ties
We were also honored to have Gary Sharp as our MC for the panel with Coach Mark Manning, guiding the conversation with his trademark energy and insight. In addition, Dwayne, another prominent voice of Husker athletics, joined us to lead the live auction and brought incredible enthusiasm to the room. The evening was another example of the deep ties between Nebraska athletics and the Nebraska Greats Foundation.
Since our founding, NGF has proudly supported over 20 recipients from UNL, making a meaningful impact on the lives of former Husker student-athletes. Together, we are building a legacy of care, compassion, and family, because that’s what Nebraskans do.
The Mission of the Nebraska Greats Foundation
Throughout the evening, we also shared the mission of the Nebraska Greats Foundation (NGF), to provide support and assistance to current and former Nebraska collegiate student-athletes facing medical, financial, or life challenges. Just as Nebraska Wrestling takes care of its family, NGF exists to ensure that athletes from all Nebraska colleges and universities have someone in their corner long after their playing days are over.
By spreading awareness at events like Beyond the Mat, we continue to build a network of generosity and support for those who once represented our great state in competition.
Join Us in Making a Difference
The evening was a celebration of resilience, brotherhood, and the enduring Nebraska spirit. But our work doesn’t end here. The Nebraska Greats Foundation relies on the generosity of people like you to continue our mission.
If you were inspired by the stories shared at Beyond the Mat, we invite you to make a donation today. Your support helps us extend a hand to athletes in need, reminding them, just like Nebraska Wrestling—that once you’re part of this family, you’re never alone.
Click here to donate today! https://nebraskagreatsfoundation.org/get-involved/donate.html
