Sunday, September 5, 2010

Opening Weekend - Evashevski Drive

The Iowa City / Coralville area honors those who have spent time in the area making it a better place or placing the area on the map. Around the University of Iowa Athletic Complexes there are many reminders of those who were integral in placing the Hawkeyes on the map. Downtown Iowa City honors historian and former All-American swimmer with a statue as well as one of the cities schools being named after him. The early 70s found the football stadium being re-named after the lone Heisman Trophy winner who was later killed in World War II, Nile Kinnick. In the 90's Elliott drive, located near Carver Hawkeye Arena - a facility he worked hard to build - was named in honor of former Athletic Director Bump Elliott. And a year ago hall of fame football coach for the Hawkeyes, Hayden Fry had the main access road into Coralville and the athletic complex named after him. In 2010 another former Hawkeye Football coach had the distinction of a road being named after him.
Forest Evashevski was the head football coach for the Iowa Hawkeyes in the 50s. He led the Hawkeyes to their first bowl appearances, those being the Rose Bowl as Big Ten Champions. Evashevski Drive, dedicated the day before the Hawkeye's home opener, runs on the west side of Kinnick Stadium. Among the dignitaries on hand for the presentation were University of Iowa President, Sally Mason, current Head Football Coach, Kirk Ferentz, Athletic Director, Gary Barta and a member from one of Evashevski's teams, Jim Gibbons. Former football assistant coach and Varsity Club President, Dave Triplett was the master of ceremonies.


Children of Evashevski's were on hand for the presentation and unveiling of the street sign that bears that former Hawkeye's name.

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