Preparing for Tempe

Fans of the Iowa Hawkeyes are excited about their upcoming trip to Tempe, Arizona for their Insight Bowl match-up with Missouri. The excitement bled over to the newspaper as a half page ad was placed in the Arizona Republic promoting the HawkeyeSports Web Site for locals to purchase tickets. The game is December 28th on ESPN.

 Designated as the practice facility in 2010 for the Big Ten team is Corona del Sol High School. Practices get under way early the week of December on both the school's participation and practifields.

 The home away from home for the Iowa Football team is the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass, located on the south side of Tempe on an Indiana Reservation. Above is the view from the Sheraton as the sun sets on another Arizona evening.

And finally, Sun Devil stadium is where the Insigh Bowl will be played. The last four Insigh Bowl winners have shared the same locker rooms, located under the South stands, which is also home to the Arizona State Wildcat

Photos from Ryan Field

Saturday's Iowa road game wasn't one of the more memorable trips to the Windy City. It was a rainy, windy, dreary day on Chicago's North Side which found the Hawkeye on the losing side. But it was the first time since 1985 Ryan Field was a sell out for a team other than Michigan or Ohio State, and the Hawkeye fans showed up in full support of their favorite team. Below are some of the sights from the day.

Early in the day the Chicago skyline was bearly visible over the top of Ryan Field in Evanston.

I called them the One Tree Hill gang, but (R-L) it was Chad, Michael, Derek who accompianied me on Saturday from the video staff. I'm off to the left.

It was the Chicago Skyline to the south, but Lake Michigan was only a few blocks to the east of Ryan Field. Just beyond the field past the Northwestern locker rooms is Welsh - Ryan Arena, the home to the university's basketball teams as well as the annual Midlands Wrestling Tournament. On top of the Northwestern football locker rooms is a scaffolding that lets ESPN and each visiting team shoot an end zone shot. Before the locker room was built, that shot was taken from the top of Welsh - Ryan Arena, and in 1995 it was a cold spot to shoot from as the game time temperature was 2F.

At halftime Rob Brooks of Learfield Radio Network interviews Iowa Football Coach, Kirk Ferentz.

A closer look at the scaffolding. On the lower level is the Northwestern replay board camera with ESPN on top in the middle. Northwestern takes the far top position as Michael is on the near side.

Aside from the bowl game, the Iowa Marching Band and Dance Team makes one road trip a year. Saturday the Iowa Dance Team had to deal with the rain and wind.

Northwestern students stormed the field following the upset of #12 Iowa. It was the last game of the 2010 season at Ryan Field. This Saturday Northwestern hosts Illinois at Wrigley Field

A New Video Era



Matt from Iowa alongside Big D and Ryan from Wisconsin

 Many of you have already heard of the recent tragedy at Notre Dame involving a video student losing their life when the scissor lift they were shooting practice from tipped over in winds totally 50mph. My sympathies and those of my video staff are extended to the family of the student as well as the Notre Dame Video Staff.

Much of what I wanted to say has been covered in a recent article on ESPN.com. Being a member of a college video staff can at times be anonymous. We are those who hide behind the cameras, rarely being seen in front of those. While many have their eyes on the on-field action, there are those recording every move of the players, seemingly non-stop throughout a practice or a game. That footage is edited and shared out to coaches and players on your own team, and games are exchanged with teams throughout the conference and country.

While many eyes constantly play, replay and review each play over and over, it is a small group of people that watch their footage. Coaches and players are the target audience for this video, but fans rarely get a glimpse of this behind the scenes world.

This tragedy strikes very close to home. While I did not know the young man who lost his life, I do know his immediate boss. He has been at Notre Dame for as long as I've been at Iowa--around twenty years. All of us in the profession have been atop those lifts getting everything a coach would want to make his team better. And whether or not we continue to get into scissor lifts, boom lifts or other shooting towers, we send other students up to capture every step, route, punt and hit. When I began working at Iowa the saying was, "Whatever the Hawkeyes are doing, we're shooting it." Big Brother we became.

The unique part of the job is the comraderie that binds video staffs across the county. Coaches may like one another, but they also want to beat their fellow friend. But in our profession our rivalries must be put aside as it is important to help one another out. We need our opponent's video as they need ours. And in the process of helping one another out, we become friends with each other.

This two-week period on the schedule features Wisconsin and Michigan State. Our team goal is to win the game, but at Iowa we share a booth as well as assisting each other to ensure they can do their job quickly, efficiently and correctly. And at the same time, we form a bond of friendship. Some greater than others, but for these consecutive weeks we host two staffs we consider friends and not opponents.

For those who follow this blog know Wisconsin's and our video staffs meet in Dubuque every Summer for a friendly, yet competitive game of golf. A lot of fun is had on that day, and that continues over to a great time in the booth during a game. Michigan State will also provide a fun experience within the booth on Saturday regardless of the outcome of the game.

Tomorrow when Iowa and Michigan State put their cameras atop their tripods, nothing will have changed. I will be standing next to MSU's Tom and our students will be in the end zones side by side. That is our normal. We will be thinking of what those in South Bend must be going through as their normal will never be that again.

Michigan in Pictures

Saturday's Iowa Football win at Michigan was only the seventh time since 1900 the Hawkeyes won in Ann Arbor. Many Hawkeye fans were in attendance for this win on a beautiful Autumn afternoon in the Big House.

Departing two hours prior to the Hawkeyes arrival at Michigan Stadium, managers, trainers, cheerleaders, video personnel and the Hawkeye Radio team left the hotel in Romulus for the game. Play by play of Hawkeye Athletics is Gary Dolphin, who was getting in some last minute preparation on the bus for the four hour broadcast with Ed Podoolak.

Outside advertising is rare in the Big House. However fans can't go far without seeing the Michigan block "M" on anything. Whether is is on beverage coolers, concession stand signage, or on pastries (as seen here) that were served in the press box.

 Much controversy took place in the renovation of Michigan Stadium. Prior to the 2010 season, suites and luxury boxes were added making for a new look of the Big House. Volunteers in the press box said there were many who did not like the athletic department messing with the look of the beloved stadium. But what was an historic stadium has turned into a facility that takes Michigan Athletics far into the future.

Michigan is proud of their history and traditions. On the West concourse banners signifying national championships are hung.

A newer tradition is one that many other schools have been doing, a "Walk" to the stadium. Michigan coaches and players take campus buses into the parking area where they unload and walk through fans to the Michigan Stadium locker rooms. Head Football Coach, Rich Rodriguez leads his team amid fans, cheerleaders and marching band members.

Michigan alum, Erik Campbell returned to Ann Arbor as a member of the Iowa coaching staff. His last year at Michigan was 2007, the same season Lloyd Carr decided to retire as head football coach. The Wide Receiver coach talks with Michigan running back coach, Fred Jackson who worked with Cambell at Michigan.

Fans begin to enter Michigan Stadium minutes prior to kick off. Downtown Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan campus is seen over the north end of the Big House.

After the Hawkeyes took a 21-7 halftime lead, the Wolverines made a comeback, but it was too little too late. Iowa went on to win 38-28 and the players celebrated with the fans.

Iowa - Arizona in Pictures

A little late in getting photos up from the weekend in Tucson. It was definitely a dry heat, but with a breeze on game night, the climate was very pleasant while in Arizona.

The J.W. Marriott in Tucson was the home for the Hawkeyes while in Tucson. A decent drive from Tucson, but a quiet place to get away from the buzz of the college town.

Cacti all over the grounds of the hotel

A name familiar to many Iowa fans. Former Iowa and Arizona basketball coach, Lute Olsen and his late wife have the court at the McKale Center named for them.

The McKale Center is home to Arizona basketball and volleyball. Located adjacent to Arizona Stadium, the Hawkeye basketball team of the '86 - '87 enjoyed success by beating Santa Clara and Texas El-Paso here in the NCAA Basketball Tournament First and Second Round.

The "Zona Zoo" is the official name of the Arizona Student Section. Students line up for general admission seating at this gate off the NE corner of the stadium

The origin of the term, "Bear Down." John Salmon, who was critically injured in an auto accident, proclaimed to his fellow student-athletes from his hospital bed to "Bear Down."

Sun setting on Arizona Stadium.

It was a "Red Out" for the Iowa game. All Arizona fans were encouraged to wear their Arizona red.

But the Hawkeye fans were prominent. At least 10,000 Hawkeye fans stood out in their gold shirts.

Arizona head coach, Mike Stoops prior to the kick off with Iowa. Stoops was one of three brothers who played at Iowa. Bobby is the head coach at Oklahoma while younger brother Mark is the defensive coordinator at Florida State.

Sun sets on the Tucson downtown district.

Joined by my colleague at the University of Arizona, Tim Cummins.

Former Hawkeye DB turned 3rd Base Coach

When Iowa Football speaks of those who make it to the next level, the NFL is the league most will consider. But out of the last 20 years an All-Big Ten Defensive Back has made his way into the coaching ranks of Major League Baseball. Recruited to play two sports as a Hawkeye from New Jersey, Bo Porter excelled in baseball following his college career. After bouncing around the minor leagues with a couple of opportunities in the majors, Porter has found success as a coach.

Porter spent five years in the Marlins organization and was elevated to third base coach by manager Fredi Gonzalez. Bo joined the Diamondbacks prior to the 2010 season, but has managerial aspirations. He was most recently rumored as a replacement for Gonzalez at Florida, and has had other interviews. The time is near when Porter will be the manager of a Major League Club, and while in St. Louis for a three-game series, he sought the advice of Cardinal manager, Tony LaRussa.

Part of Bo's responsibility is throwing Batting Practice before games. In St. Louis, BP was taken inside Busch Stadium on this warm afternoon. Hitting Coach, Jack Howell oversees the session. Howell is a native of Arizona, and the barbs were being tossed between the ex-Hawkeye Football player and the fan of the Arizona Wildcats. The Hawkeyes and Wildcats meet again in 2010 after the Hawkeyes won the 2009 battle in Kinnick Stadium.

Howell utilizes video with all of his hitters. A video coordinator travels with the team and takes in all the different angles shown of home plate. The Arizona hitting coach will spend time after innings looking at some pitches and swings, but will rarely try to fix anything in-game. Typically he utilizes the video to check on location of pitches, or noticing anything that may be out of place in a player's swing. However he will sit down with the hitters after the game if he observes anything needing work.

Without a doubt Porter will be calling the shots soon at the Major League level. At the end of the season there will be many more openings, and it will be no surprise to anyone to see Bo sitting in the dugout was the team's Manger.

Turning 6 at Wrigley Field

Six years ago one little boy was born and Colin celebrated this birthday as he did his 5th, at Wrigley Field in Chicago. On Saturday the Cubs took on the Arizona Diamondbacks. Colin has enjoyed a bit of a Cubs winning streak. Heading into Saturday's game he witnessed Cub victories in each of his three games he saw in 2009. Mom and Dad were hoping that streak would continue.

Although we stayed near O'Hare airport, it didn't mean we weren't close to the Chicago Loop area. The advantage of styaing near the world's busiest airport was taking advantage of Chicago's "L" system. Our hotel was steps from the Blue Line which...

...allowed Colin to enjoy train and bus travel to get to Wrigley Field.

And the bus dropped us off at the corner of Clark and Addison, or better known as the Friendly Confines, Wrigley Field. The home of the Cubs has a different look with banners surrounding the famous marquee promoting the more notable Cub players.

Another change to the historic park is the addition of the PNC Club of Chicago. Located on the suite level down the left field line, this club has tickets sold on a season ticket basis and allows the fans an opportunity to have the benefits of a suite, without committing to an eighteen person box.

Throwing out the first pitch and singing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" during the seventh inning was well-known actor Vince Vaughn. Native Chicagoan Vaughn is a life-long Cubs fan.

Coaching third base for the Diamondbacks is former Iowa dual sport player, Bo Porter. Porter played for Iowa in the early 90's was a defensive back for the football team as doubled for Duane Banks in baseball. He played a while in the Atlanta Braves and Chicago Cubs farm system before getting an opportunity to coach third base for the Florida Marlins and currently for Arizona.

It wouldn't be right for Colin to be without a pretzel at a sporting event. It also wouldn't be right if Dad got a picture of both looking at the camera. The other picture had Colin looking elsewhere.

Once the pretzel had been eaten, the peanuts were next on the menu.

The Cubs came back to win 7-5 and it was "white flage" time as the "W" flag was raised.

Video appears above of the last out and what has become the Cubs favorite song.

Rivalry or Good Natured Fun?

When I started this blog prior to the 2008 football season, my philosophy was to give a different perspective on the Iowa football team. My access to different places and people is what could keep it original. In that time Darren Miller of hawkeyesports.com has improved the athletic department web site. Good natured barbs between the two has been fun and here the two of us take time for a photo before the 2010 Fed Ex Orange Bowl. Make sure to read Darren's columns on Iowa athletics, especially those on his daughter Missy Miller, a freshman on the Iowa track squad.
All of these photos are courtesy of Darren Miller at hawkeyesports.com.

Me alongside the Georgia Tech Ramblin' Wreck.

Iowa Football Banquet 2009

Saturday night at the Coralville Marriott the Iowa Football team held their annual awards banquet. A capacity crowd of close to 1,000 showed up to celebrate a 10-2 Hawkeye season that landed them in the 2010 Fed Ex Orange Bowl. The list of awards is too many to list here, but most of your favorites all walked away with some hardware.

Consecutive Streak

My new mission is to find the person who has witnessed the most consecutive Iowa Football games. That person must have been to games on both the home and road and more than an appearance is necessary.

In the adjacent picture is Bob Brooks. Bob was one of many who broadcasted Hawkeye Athletics. Known for his play-by-play on KHAK in Cedar Rapids, he currently is the Sports Director for KMRY in Cedar Rapids. He continues to follow the Hawkeyes by travelling with the team as part of an agreement made with all those who finished their play-by-play career in 1996.

On a recent road trip I asked Bob when was the last football game he missed. In 1983, Bob travelled with the men's basketball team to a tournament in Los Angeles while the Hawkeye Football team played Florida at Jacksonville's Gator Bowl. It was determined that year there were not enough booths at the Gator Bowl press box and it was difficult for anyone to broadcast games on each coast. The men's basketball team was playing USC and Memphis and Bob was the lone Iowa broadcaster in attendance. As Bob told me with a laugh, "I was in Los Angeles where it was 80 degrees. And it was 32 in Jacksonville."