Feb. 16, 2004
Iowa Football Summer Sports Camps
Listen to today’s edition of Inside Iowa
Editor’s Note: The following was written for hawkeyesports.com by Jon Miller.
The 300-plus Iowa football fanatics that attended FanFest 2004 were once again treated to a Hawkeye version of ‘Black and Gold Heaven’ this weekend. This year’s events were held at the Collins Plaza in Cedar Rapids, and from the minute the festivities began at Friday’s evening’s registration, it was evident that the Iowa Sports Marketing staff had ‘one-upped’ themselves from the inaugural FanFest of 2003 that was outstanding in its own right.
Fans mingled with more than 20 Hawkeye players and a few coaches that evening, getting their pictures taken with the players while also having an opportunity to get an up close look at Floyd of Rosedale, The Outback Bowl Trophy and the CyHawk trophy.
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Grown men and women had the look of children on Christmas Day as they engaged in conversation with the men whom they root for each and every Fall Saturday, and the players were most accommodating and enjoyed spending time with the fans.
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Grown men and women had the look of children on Christmas Day as they engaged in conversation with the men whom they root for each and every Fall Saturday, and the players were most accommodating and enjoyed spending time with the fans.
I was honored to emcee several of the ‘Chalk Talk’ sessions, where Iowa assistant coaches explained in great detail several of the nuances of their craft; giving those in attendance a unique insight into how the ‘Bullies of the Big Ten’ go about their business.
Special teams and linebackers coach Darrell Wilson led things off on Friday evening, breaking down Iowa’s punt return team for more than 45 minutes.
On the surface, that might not sound like such an exciting or interesting presentation. But Wilson broke down film on Iowa’s ‘special’ unit, and the fans looked on with rapt amazement as they were taught several of the nuances of one of the most important aspects of Iowa’s football team.
Attendees left that session mightily impressed with the details and preparation that takes place at the Iowa football practice facilities to say the least.
For the complete story, click here.