Halloween Hoops on Sunday

Oct. 20, 2003

For parents trying to merge their children’s love of the Iowa Hawkeyes and Halloween, Coach Steve Alford’s squad has you covered.

At 6 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 26, kids both young and old will meet the Hawkeye men’s basketball team inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena for “Halloween Hoops.”

The event is free, open to the public and will feature free gifts upon entry, and the chance to win official Iowa Hawkeye gear and more, including a chance to win courtside seats for select men’s basketball game for the best costume to make its way into Carver.

“This event is a grass roots effort geared for kids of all ages,” said Toby Trail, Iowa’s assistant director of marketing. “We can’t wait to see the costumes and give away some great prizes in a fantastic atmosphere before the college basketball season begins.”

The Hawkeyes look to improve on a 17-14 overall record from last year with the most experienced team coach Steve Alford as had in his four-season tenure at Iowa.

The 2003-2004 Iowa team will return eight lettermen and 11 players who were with the team for the second semester a year ago, including senior center Jared Reiner, who led the Big Ten Conference in rebounds last season, and senior guard Brody Boyd, who averaged 9.7 points per game.

“This group worked hard, played together, and moved the program in a positive direction,” Alford said. “It was a very enjoyable year and we look forward to building on that foundation as we head into the upcoming season.”

The Hawkeyes have already had a jumpstart on the upcoming season with 10 practices and a five-game trip to Australia last summer. Iowa emerged with a 4-1 record over professional teams in the land down under.

“The trip came at a good time for our team as we continue to look forward to next year,” Alford said. “It was a great opportunity for our student-athletes to travel to a foreign country, experience the culture and the people.”

Fans attending Halloween Hoops should use the west entrance of Carver-Hawkeye Arena.