From the beginning, everyone pitched in. "From the top down, everyone really embraced this and moved forward with it," Leija added. "It really created something more than we could ever have imagined."

In just a couple of days, Leija and his University Advancement team transformed the vacant house into "Home of the Titans," draped in bold blue and orange banners, with striking navy flags emblazoned with the Titan "F" logo waving proudly from the rooftop. Two custom-made banners, produced on a moment's notice and donated by alumnus Eric Glaub '90 (B.A. business administration-marketing) displayed the team's national championship heritage. Even the bathroom sported makeshift blue-and-orange curtains, fashioned from former table coverings.

President Milton A. Gordon and his wife, Dr. Margaret Faulwell Gordon, welcomed parents, alumni, fans and supporters Friday afternoon before the Titan's first game against LSU, and those who traveled from afar to Omaha were treated to something special. Outside in the hot afternoon sun, sporting Titan caps and visors, Col. Lane and his officers and staff from Offut Air Force Base barbecued a feast. (When Lane had learned of Leija's efforts to keep costs down, he volunteered members from his 55th Services Squadron to do all of the grilling.)

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