Project Editor: Jeffrey Miller, History 470: Digital History, Spring 2008

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OPEN FIGHT TO GET HOKUF BACK IN UNI

Petitions Signed at Crete Asking Reinstatement of Nebraska Football Star

CRETE, March 28.—Mayor F. J. Kobes of Crete and President Fred Kind of the Community club are circulating petitions in Crete asking University of Nebraska authorities to reinstate Steve Hokuf, star football, basketball and track athlete, who was suspended as the result of the "student beer apartment" raid by Lincoln police last Saturday night.

"We are requesting the university authorities to reinstate Steve because he was not involved in the liquor case in court, and had committed no crime sufficient to sustain his expulsion from school," said Mayor Kobes.

"We have investigated and found that several students found guilty of drunkenness were suspended, and reinstated in a short time. There is no evidence that Steve even took a drink."

Hokuf was not taken in the raid on the "beer apartment" on Tenth street, just across from the University campus. He was suspended because he was listed as one of the tenants of the apartment.

Mayor Kobes said the American Legion and Rotary club, as well as Community club, are behind the Hokuf reinstatement petitions.

The petitions will be presented early in the week to Dr. T. J. Thompson, dean of men, according to the mayor.

Steve Hokuf was born and brought up in Crete, and Crete has great faith in him. He has a clear record, the Crete residents point out. He has been working his way through college. For a time he had a job with an auto concern, and lately has been on the staff of a Lincoln newspaper.

Should Hokuf not be reinstated before long, he would be ineligible to play football next fall, even although he attended a summer session. It is generally understood the suspensions are to last for the rest of the present term.

Mayor Kobes declares the court hearing at which one of the students declared he alone was responsible for the beer and beer-making apparatus in the apartment proves that Hokuf had nothing to do with it.