Doering joining Big Red

The snow and wind of the American plain were no deterernt for the fleet-footed valley kid from California.

“Nebraska has been my first choice since I was a junior,” said Yuba City High's Brad Doering, who signed a letter of intent Tuesday to attend the University of Nebraska next fall.

“I liked everything about it,” added Doering, who made a recruiting visit to Lincoln, Neb. over the weekend.

“We had talked about the early signing before I left, and I liked the college and I liked the team, so that's where I decided to continue my education and my running.”

Doering will run cross country and track and field for the Cornhuskers.

Jay Dirksen, the head cross country coach at Nebraska and distance coach for track and field, said Doering meets all the elements the Cornhuskers seek.

“Of course, he has to have good (times), but I think he has a real up-side because he has not been run to death,” Dirksen said.

“We think he is a really good runner, and we think he is a quality young man. And he's a good student. And I think he will fit in really well with the team, and that's really important.”

The scholarship package Doering will receive is a mix of athletic and academic support, Dirksen said.

Yuba City coach Mike Buzbee said Doering is the best he has seen in the area.

“There have been some good ones, but I don't think they are in the same league,” Buzbee said.

“When you take the whole package - the cross country and track, all the state meets and the other big meets he has run in - I think he is the best.”

Buzbee said obviously Doering has the raw talent, but he also credits his work ethic, desire to succeed and a stable family environment.

“And he is remarkably durable,” said Buzbee, explaining that Doering is rarely hurt, and can compete through the nagging pains.

Doering, who turns 18 on Dec. 1, is currently training for his third trip to the State Cross Country Meet in Fresno. The race is Nov. 25.

Doering will run track and field in the spring, and then get ready to head to Nebraska in time for the start of the Aug. 20 term.

In addition to the cross country State Meet, he also has qualified for the state Track & Field Meet twice - once in the two mile, once in the mile.

Doering, who lived his infant years in Sutter and grew up in Yuba City, was already aware of the weather waiting for him.

“They said they get about 21 inches of snow each year,” Doering said.

He said there were four colleges he considered, but had been leaning toward Nebraska all along. He visited only one other school.

Doering said he plans to study some kind of business degree.

“My dad and mom own their own business, and I'm thinking about getting into the same business,” Doering said.

It was at the American Mortgage office where Doering signed his letter.

He said he was ready to make the commitment while in Lincoln, but waited so his father could be at the signing ceremony.