A 15-hour trek and meticulous preparation helped tell the story of Nebraska’s iconic volleyball coach in a new light.
Our production crew traveled to John Cook’s home in Western Wyoming for an exclusive interview for the new documentary, The Last Ride with John Cook.
They drove 15 hours in two days, in two vehicles packed with about 30 bags filled with equipment, including cameras, lights, microphones, tripods, a drone and plenty of cables – all to capture the story of one legendary coach.
“They planned for every scenario and it’s a lot more complex than you could imagine,” said reporter/producer Aaron Bonderson who was along to produce a radio story with Cook, take candid photos and help carry gear.
Cook and his two rescue dogs greeted the crew. “He showed us the barns and the pasture and pointed out the peaks of the surrounding mountain ranges. It is really beautiful,” said Bonderson.
The crew got right to work, gathering footage of Cook riding his horses and roping cattle. Day two dawned with an intimate, early morning conversation between Larry Punteney and Coach Cook.
Just like he does for every sports broadcast, Punteney was prepared with plenty of research and a lot of questions. “I think John was surprised by exactly what Larry already knew about his life,” said Bonderson.
Floor to ceiling windows frame the mountain views in Cook’s home, and the crew spent hours lighting and preparing the space to get the perfect shot. “Before we moved any furniture around, we marked its location with tape. We were really careful with the equipment inside,” he said. “They [the Cooks] were incredibly patient and welcoming.”
Bonderson said Cook’s wife Wendy noticed the crew’s attention to detail, asking why they cared so much. “It just shows how big of a deal volleyball is in Nebraska,” answered Cook.