April 4, 2007
- Public Event Photo Gallery
- Press Conference Photo Gallery
- Watch the Media Conference
- Watch the Public Introduction
- Listen: CBS Sports Seth Davis and Clark Kellogg on Lickliter
- Listen: Bill Raftery, Jim O’Connell and Kevin Harlan on Lickliter
- Listen: ESPN’s Andy Katz on Lickliter
- Listen: Former Butler Bulldogs Thad Matta and Brandon Miller on Lickliter
IOWA CITY– A new chapter in the 100-plus year history of University of Iowa men’s basketball was opened Tuesday night when the 2007 National Coach of the Year entered Carver Hawkeye Arena. Todd Lickliter – the new head coach of the Iowa Hawkeyes – received a well deserved standing ovation from the estimated crowd of 2,500.
“I am really impressed with the coach, I can’t believe that we brought in the National Coach of the Year” said Chad Wells, an Iowa student. “He’s got a great personality, a funny guy, and that’s always a good thing when it comes to recruiting and related to people.”
The 51-year-old native of Indiana is excited about the energy Hawkeye fans will bring with them to Carver Hawkeye Arena next season.
“I heard about our wonderful fans, and I can only imagine this arena being filled and this team coming out and competing every night with a great spirit” said Lickliter. “Why can’t this be the most difficult place in the nation to play?”
“I saw a book that was dedicated to the fans of Iowa, I don’t know if I have ever seen a sports book for the fans,” added the two-time Horizon League coach of the year. “I have heard there aren’t any better fans than Iowa fans and I can’t wait to meet them all.”
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Humble. Competitive. Driven. Successful. Engaging. Humorous. It’s easy see why Iowa fans have quickly made a warm welcome to the newest member of the Hawkeye family.
“I’m very, very honored to be a part of institution, this community,” Lickliter said. |
Lickliter left Butler with after having accumulated a 131-61 record over six seasons. He took his alma mater to four post-season tournaments in the past six years, a mark that included two visits to the NCAA’s “Sweet 16.”
Hawkeye fans look for Lickliter to bring back the tradition of excellence as well as win a few games in the NCAA’s post-season party.
“I’m optimistic the new coach will get us to the March Madness Tournament,” said Chad Nagelberg, an Iowa sophomore. “Hopefully, we can get some good recruits and get back to the winning Iowa tradition.”
“Lickliter’s tournament success proves how great of a coach he could be at Iowa. Getting that deep into the tournament is very impressive,” said Kevin Judge, another Iowa student.
Humble. Competitive. Driven. Successful. Engaging. Humorous. It’s easy see why Iowa fans have quickly made a warm welcome to the newest member of the Hawkeye family.
“I’m very, very honored to be a part of institution, this community,” Lickliter said.
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