Sept. 29, 2010
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IOWA CITY, Iowa – Wednesday night proved to be a pretty busy evening for many University of Iowa student-athletes. Their busy schedules didn’t involve practice or games, however. It was spent signing autographs for a few hours while putting smiles on the faces of numerous local children.
UI student-athletes from nearly every sport took a couple hours out of their busy schedules to take part in “Sport Night,” in conjunction with Homecoming Week. “Sport Night” is organized by the UI Homecoming Council and is a chance for fans, young and old, to secure autographs from their favorite Hawkeyes.
Fans made their way up and down the floors at the UI Athletics Hall of Fame Wednesday night, getting posters, schedule cards and sporting equipment signed by UI student-athletes.
Chelsey Carmody, a senior on the Hawkeye softball team, said it’s great to see so many invade the Roy G. Karro Building in Black and Gold.
“It never ceases to amaze me how many fans turn out for events like this,” Carmody said. “People say that Iowa has the best fans and it’s events like this that make it true. It’s always fun to see so many kids around our athletic teams. We recognize them from coming to our games and attending our camps. They just love the Hawkeyes.”
Hannah Draxten of the women’s basketball team said events like Wednesday night are a great way to show the fans how much they mean to each team.
“Our fans do so much for us,” Draxten said. “Fans spend their money to watch us play, drive through terrible weather sometimes in the winter and things like that. We are just happy we can return the favor by signing some autographs and taking some pictures. Hawkeye fans are second to none and we love being able to interact with them at events like this.”
“School spirit around Iowa City feels like an all-time high for this weekend’s game,” Carmody added. “I know all of us on the softball team can’t wait to get to Kinnick Stadium Saturday night. It’s going to be an awesome atmosphere and a great game.”