Clayborn to Tampa

One Buccaneer Place is the new address for Iowa defensive end, Adrian Clayborn. Congratulations to AC as he begins his new career in territory familiar to him. Tampa was the destination of the Hawkeyes for the 2009 Outback Bowl where he played at Raymond James Stadium, home to the Buccaneers. He couldn't be in better hands. The video department is led by Dave Levy who is one of three NFL Video Directors who oversee the league group. While we were in Tampa preparing for the game Dave was generous with his time as he gave me and my staff a tour of their facility. At one time on the tour, Dave and I spoke one on one regarding our upcoming Big Ten meeting and coordinating it with the NFL's. During our discussion, my video staff had to wait in the nearby hallway where yet to be named Head Coach, Raheem Morris started up a conversation with them. At one time all I could hear was laughter coming from the entire group. The Buccaneers are class people who are down to Earth.

Good Luck Adrian.

Preparing for the announcement

Raymond James Stadium a day before the 2009 Outback Bowl

Many fans think the athletic department knows the bowl fate of their favorite team. It is true that it is the job of those within to sell one's program to a bowl's board of directors, but often decisions aren't made until the day after many of the conference championships. At Iowa, the possibilities are few, with a wide selection of opponents trying to work themselves out. Possible bowl cities may be Tampa, Jacksonville or Tempe, playing teams from the Big XII or SEC.

In preparation for Selection Sunday, video coordinators around the country are constantly calling one another to find out what they have heard or read. And while many scenarios seem cut and dry, until the selection is announced, the possibilities are many. Such was the case in 2009.

Sun Devil Stadium, the home to the Insight Bowl.

The entire week leading up to the announcement, many of the so-called experts showed Iowa playing Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl. Although the Broncos weren't done with their season, we began sharing games between each other. However, prior to leaving the office after practice on Championship Saturday, I had read a scenario in which the Hawkeyes could play the ACC Champion in the Orange Bowl. That night Clemson and Georgia Tech played in the Tampa night with the Yellow Jackets claiming the ACC title. I had brought home the office numbers of each video coordinator and made the call to Atlanta leaving a message to be heard upon their return.

This year I have been on the phone with the video staffs at Missouri, Florida, LSU, Tennessee, Stanford, Nebraska, and Arkansas to name a few. All are friends, with each of us trying to get a better idea of what to expect come Sunday. The possibility of playing most of these schools are remote, if not impossible, but any information gained is beneficial, and perhaps it is the initial call to set up what may be the potential match-up.

While all of the fans sit and wait for the announcement, so will the staffs of all of the teams involved. But once that initial call is made, the preparation moves quickly.

End of a Sponsorship Era

After 21 years, Fed Ex has decided to cut it ties with the famed Orange Bowl game in Miami. With this breakup it made me wonder if Fed Ex was the first to become a title sponsor for a bowl game. Since Fed Ex signed on, many bowl games followed suit and some (Outback, Capital One) became the sole name on its featured game. Until a new sponsor steps forward, this will most likely be the look of Miami's BCS game.

Regular Season Finale

After 12 straight weeks the Iowa Football regular season comes to a close. 10-2 record culminating with a victory over rival Minnesota in the battle for Floyd of Rosedale. The victory was no different than eight others of the regular season, a tough battle with the decision in doubt until the last few minutes of the game. With this record the Hawkeyes have put themselves into position for a BCS bowl game or a trip to Orlando for the Capital One Bowl. Wherever the destination it was the first time the Hawkeyes finished with double digit wins since 2004 and quite possible could finish in the top ten, the first since that same year.

The family outside Kinnick Stadium prior to Saturday's game.
And what has become a good luck charm during the year, me along with the Minnesota Video guy, Mike Schaaf. Every game a picture has been taken with the opposing video coordinator, the Hawkeyes have been victorious. Of course I don't bring that up until after the picture has been taken.

One of the BCS bowls in consideration for the Hawkeyes is the FedEx Orange Bowl. With Voice of the Hawkeyes, Gary Dolphin is Orange Bowl representative Larry Gautier in the Learfield Booth prior to the Minnesota game. The Hawkeyes appeared in the 2003 South Flordia game bringing over 40,000 fans in a match-up with Southern California. Also in attendance Saturday were representatives from the Capital One Bowl and Outback Bowl. Iowa last appeared in the Capital One Bowl in 2005, and played in the most recent Outback Bowl against South Carolina. Iowa's bowl destination will not be known until December 6th when the bowl pairings will be announced.

On the Friday prior to the final home game, the Johnson County I-Club hosts the class of Seniors for the weekly breakfast. Seventeen seniors were honored.

Gary Dolphin introduced Head Football Coach, Kirk Ferentz.

Homecoming 2009 - Parade

For the first time ever as a family we were able to attend the University of Iowa Homecoming Parade. The annual event a special time for the Engelberts as Homecoming is where Matthew and Dana first met in 1991. She was the PR Director for Homecoming week while I was the Parade Coordinator.

Colin was looking for any advantage he could get for a better view of the entrants passing by.

What would a Homecoming Parade be without a college co-ed riding in a convertable. We're not sure if this is the Homecoming Queen or a member of the court, but like most Homecoming Queens, she'll be forgotten once the weekend is over.

And for some reason the people at Roberts Dairy felt it was important to bring their Cow to downtown Iowa City.

It was a tough go for Colin who was looking for any and all candy coming his way. A sucker and Laffy Taffy was the best he could do.

It was only appropriate that the Tampa Bay Iowa Club appears in the Homecoming Parade. With Iowa's three appearances in the city's Outback Bowl over the last ten years, the Iowa Marching Band has marched in the Outback Bowl parade held on New Year's Eve in Ybor City.

The floats sponsored by the many special groups at the University were a disappointment. This year's theme was "Black and Gold Never Gets Old." The above float by the Tippie School of Business was one of the better, yet we couldn't get a connection with the theme.

Hail Mediocrity

Can't say it any better than this. (Thanks to Sportsbybrooks for this).

A Night to Celebrate

We're still trying to post pictures from our trip to Tampa. I'll also post video as time permits. Please check back to this specific post for additional video.

Night Out on the Town

We'll revisit an earlier Night Out on the Town. Hat Tricks was profiled early in the season, but after our recent trip to Tampa it is worth updating. Hat Tricks is a Hockey Bar and we found that out first hand. Observing a Iowa fan ask the bartender if they'd switch the NHL game on the big screen to the Holiday Bowl, the bartender responded by saying, "We don't turn off Hockey Games."

The food was outstanding and it provided many of us a meal on Christmas Eve when all other restaurants were closed. I asked for the Grouper on a number of occasions, but all but one time they were out. The chicken was very tasty, but it was disappointing to find them out of grouper.


Hat Tricks was much more convenient on this trip as we stayed across the street at the Hyatt. However my secret dining spot no longer belonged to myself. It was busy every night, mostly with Iowa fans and those of our travelling party.


Hat Tricks did not disappoint.

Iowa Returns from Tampa

A smaller travelling party returned from sunny and warm Tampa to temperatures in the 20s at the Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids. Many staff members returned with the marching band following the Outback Bowl victory on the first, while many players returned to their homes with their parents for what remains of the holiday break.

Due to internet issues at our home, we will slowly post more pictures from the trip to Tampa over the next few days.

Hawkeyes Win Outback Bowl

Iowa dominates the South Carolina Gamecocks to win the 2009 Outback Bowl 31-10.

Iowa Head Football Coach, Kirk Ferentz accepts Outback Bowl trophy.

Shonn Greene accepts the Outback Bowl MVP after announcing his intentions to enter the NFL Draft.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

A early New Year's wish as we prepare for the Outback Bowl.

Team Photo at Raymond James

Players, coaches and staff members assemble for the team photo at Raymond James Stadium

Shonn Greene (center) gets seated for the team photo.

Move In Day

It is the day before Iowa's Outback Bowl game with South Carolina and the Iowa Football staff was busy moving into Raymond James Stadium.

The final preparations are made to the field.

Hospitality Rooms

At many of the bowl games, the bowl committee sets up an area for players and staffs to relax. The players have their hospitality room set up with video games, pool tables, television, and refreshments.

Above is the suite set up for staff members in town for the game. This suite consists of many different beverages and snack items.

Brad Banks

Among the ex-Hawkeye greats in for Thursday's Outback Bowl, Brad Banks entered town Tuesday night. Banks, who finished the season in the CFL, was the runner-up to Carson Palmer in the 2002 Heisman race.

Outback Bowl - Hawkeye Huddle

Hawkeye fans invaded the Tampa Convention Center for the Hawkeye Huddle. Countless black and gold fans streamed through the doors to listen to Gary Dolphin, voice of the Hawkeyes lead the crowd at this pep rally. Fans were treated to the band, spirit squads, Herky as well as other dignitaries.

U of I President Sally Mason, Athletic Director Gary Barta take a moment to speak with Jon Miller of KXNO.

Former Hawkeye great Ed Podolak signs autogrpahs and poses for picture for all of his adoring fans.

Final Day of Practice

The Iowa Football team had their last day of full practice before Thursday's Outback Bowl with South Carolina. It is a busy day for the team as it started out with the FCA Breakfast, followed by practice and then Beach Day at Clearwater.
Here Head Coach Kirk Ferentz overlooks preparations.

Closer to Game Time

Practice Continued today at the University of Tampa. This late afternoon practice is the second to last practice before Thursday's Outback Bowl.

ESPN's Chris Spieleman attends the day's practice.

One Buccaneer Place

Monday had the Hawkeye Footbal team at a noon luncheon, and the family spending the morning at Busch Gardens, the video staff went to One Buccaneer Place, the home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Dave Levy, the Video Director gave us a tour while we discussed our plans for February meetings. Dave is in charge of the NFL Video Director's Meetings and I plan the Big Ten's Meetings. Each are in conjunction with the 2009 NFL Combine in Indianapolis.

Raymond James Stadium across the street from One Buccaneer Place.

The Atrium

Representation of Coach John Gruden winning the 2002 Super Bowl.

Night Out on the Town

At the popular Channelside entertainment district is Splitsville, a bowling alley, pool hall, restaurant bar. It has something for all ages. Sunday night the family joined Hawkeye Staff Member Terry Armstrong for a game of bowling and dinner. It was more important to state that all had fun no matter what our scores were.

However, we were looking forward to dinner, bowling and watching the San Diego - Denver game on the television over our lane. However a group of young individuals ,"tools," began playing on the adjacent lane and asked the staff to switch the game to The Simpsons. I balked, but to no avail since every other television was tuned to the game.