Homecoming at Iowa

Being employed with the football team since being a student at Iowa I wanted to have the feel of being a normal student on campus. Working in athletics as a student I found myself consumed with Iowa Football every day in the fall. But in 1991 I wanted to have that "college" experience. I decided to volunteer to be the Parade Coordinator.

As a member of the Homecoming Council I found myself joining an organization that was full of individuals who knew each other from the Greek system on campus. There were only two...maybe three that didn't fit that description. I know another was the Homecoming PR person.

Meeting of the Homecoming Council typically came at a time when I had practice responsibilities with the football team. The Head of the Homecoming Council was a friend, and understood the hours I had to put in. She would keep me informed, but I was lacking that experience I was looking for.

I did spend time in the Homecoming Office, which provided a great opportunity to know my fellow classmates better. And I would do things college students would do on an Iowa City Friday night with some of members of the committee. We'd have good times, but there was still that "Greek" wall between us. I couldn't relate to them, now them with I and my athletic background.

But one member on the council and I shared a similar bond - neither of us were "Greek" members. We didn't know each other well since I didn't regularly attend the meetings. But our home towns weren't far apart, and our high schools were in the same conference.

After the parade a few of us went out to celebrate. Friday night culminated a week long series of events and it would be one of the last time many of us would be together. It would be the PR person, the Homecoming Head and a few others going from establishment to establishment on the night. And I thought that would be the last time I would see many of my fellow committee members. But....

The Homecoming PR person - who was not Greek, from the town near mine, and high school in my conference - would see me again a few years later. And thankfully I did participate in a campus activity, because if I hadn't, the PR person and I wouldn't have met, and we wouldn't have been married.

"The Herd" at the University of Iowa

The popular ESPN2 "Sports Nation" hosted by Colin Cowherd and Michelle Beadle makes a stop in Iowa City and at the University of Iowa as part of a week-long tour through Big Ten country. However before their popular show takes to the airways, Colin Cowherd hosted his ESPN Radio show which can be also seen live on ESPNU from Hubbard Park, on the campus of the University of Iowa.

The radio show attracted many students as they made their way to class, but the attention grabber is Sports Nation which will be televised live from the same location later in the day.

Cowherd took time to interact with the Iowa students during his commercial breaks as seen below.

Cowherd on his take of the National League Pennant Race and his favorite to make it to the World Series.

Cowherd talks about working with the beautiful Michelle Beadle and what his wife thinks about it.

Classes Underway

Iowa City became a college town once again as the University of Iowa opened up the 2010-11 school year on a beautiful sunny day.

Anniversary

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When I left my seat at Sec Taylor Park in Des Moines for a soda, I had no idea the change it would make in my life. It was something I had done on many occasions, but this trip was different, as it was at this time I met my wife.

Without a thought I walked up to the stand to place my order and a young lady from the back of the stand said she remembered me. And after some thought she referred to me by name. Of course I had the advantage and noticed her name tag and replied "confidently," Dana?! We had worked together at the University of Iowa as part of the 1991 Homecoming Council. She was director of PR while I was the Parade Coordinator. Being the only two on the council who were not part of the University Greek system was our connection.

We talked for a little while at the concession stand and we had decided that we should meet for a drink or something while I was in town later that year for the Iowa - Iowa State football game. She looked at it as an opportunity to recruit people associated with Iowa Football to volunteer for Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the company she worked for, and the reason she was volunteering in the concession stand--to raise money for the non-profit.

Over time we would either meet in Des Moines or Iowa City for either dinner or a football game. Then after dating for two years, this chance meeting led to our wedding...on this day in 1998.

31st River Run

RiverRun's Start in the shadow of Old Cap

A cool and breezy Sunday morning faced runners as they began the 31st annual University of Iowa River Run. The race is part of the University's River Fest activities based around the Iowa Memorial Union. Proceeds of the run go to Uptown Bill's Small Mall, a collection of businesses owned and operated by individuals with disabilities and staffed by volunteers.

The race meanders around the Iowa River and through a portion of campus which was devasted by the historic flood of 2008. A mix of people participate including students and residents of the Iowa City area. There are also teams of people and costumes are encouraged.

Colin captures Dad at the Finish Line

The Iowa Campus

After enduring a month of cooler than normal temps, today is the type of weather one would expect during October in Iowa City. With a high in the 60s, a few clouds in the sky, it was one of the more picture perfect fall days in eastern Iowa. Adjacent is the landmark of the Iowa Campus, the Old Capital.

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.

Senior Education Class

For the second consecutive year former Iowa Football Assistant Coach Dave Triplett has taught a four week class on the basics of football to for the University of Iowa Senior Education Department. Triplett who currently is the Assistant Vice President of Gift Planning for the University of Iowa Foundation discusses all the different phases of the game ending each class with a highlight video from the previous week's game. Retirees make up most of the student body along with women who want to know a little more about the game, but don't want to ask their husbands. This year's class concluded tonight.

Night Out on the Town

In honor of Homecoming at the University of Iowa, Mickey's Irish Pub in downtown Iowa City is the spot of the week. Located on Dubuque St off the U of I campus this is a necessary spot for anyone visiting the Iowa City area. Known for its Burger Baskets and Conglomerations as well as popcorn and beer. The most popular seats are those in the window.

This was the first "college hole in the wall" I attended after becoming a U of Iowa student. While at orientation my dad, sister and I met here for dinner. Mickey's is definitely the place to go for a good burger.

Sittin in the Principal's Office

It has happened. #4 is now playing with the Vikings. Packer fans moved on a year ago and many should be happy with the quarterback in place. With #4 in Minneapolis and Cutler in Chicago I still believe the best QB in the division is in Green Bay. I hope Rodgers proves me right.

Congratulations to the young men of Urbandale, Iowa for proudly representing the state.

Took in a movie in Cedar Rapids. In Iowa City, both movie theaters are owned by the same company leaving little difference in pricing and food. But at the Wynnsong 12 on the city's west side was a good change. Popcorn tasted better and pricing, while still considerably high, was better than what we are accustomed to in Iowa City. But I didn't need over 25 minutes of previews before watching the 2 1/2 hour Inglorious Basterds. Dinner at the Irish Democrat afterwards was good although I'm not Irish, nor a Democrat. My wife did feel at home.

Classes are underway at Iowa and a few observations. 1) this was the first time I've seen a skateboarder and cyclist run into each on the sidewalk. The cyclist won. 2) I've never seen adults fight over who would push the "walk" button on the signal light. 3) A few young female coeds were dressing to make friends quickly with young male students.

First college football prediction of the new year: Nevada over Notre Dame at South Bend in the first week. If I'm right, you heard it here first. If I'm wrong...oh, well.

Big Ten Network Practice Tour

At the Iowa River Landing sits the Big Ten Network Bus. It has been travelling throughout the Midwest visiting all the conference football team's practices. Iowa is the final stop.

Tune into the network's coverage Tuesday night at 9pm CT. Follow the blog for pictures of the event.

First Day of Classes

Classes are underway at the University of Iowa. Weather could not be more perfect to welcome the students back to campus. Sun and temps in the mid 70s.

Students sit on the steps of the Iowa campus landmark, the Old Capital.

Students heading to and from class in front of the dorms on Iowa's West East Side. (Thank you for correcting me).

A New Season Begins

Players filter into the Team Auditorium in the Jacobson Athletic Complex for the first team meeting of the 2009 Iowa Football season. Players and coaches listened in as members of the University and Athletic Department community gave insight into how each of their departments benefit them as well as the rules and regulations they must live by. Departments include University Public Safety, Resident Services, Sports Information, Ticket, Video, Training, and Equipment Services. Practice begins Friday with Media Day in the afternoon.

Nate Kaeding Golf Outing

One of the highlights to Summer in the Iowa City / Coralville area is the annual Nate Kaeding Golf Tournament. The 2009 edition was the fourth annual and my third straight year of playing in the event. It is definitely a unique event as Thursday is the pre-event "Par-Tee" which includes an auction, food and entertainment. Friday is the golf outing with a different activity on every hole along with the golf tournament.

Par-Tee participants Jackie Kaeding (Nate's Sister), Matthew Engelbert, John Mills, Bob Rahfeldt, and Dana Engelbert.

The Live Auction underway, with items such as season tickets in the club level at Kinnick Stadium, University of Iowa Golf Cart, and a life-size Nile Kinnick painting among other items.

A table for the silent auction which includes private parties at the Cedar Rapids Kernels, MC Ginsbergs, Nate Kaeding Framed Signed Pro Bowl Jersey, Jason Baker signed mini-helmet and a package of wines from local Muddy Creek Wineries among other items.

Many of the Par-Tee members engaged in the Live Auction.

While the Live Auction was in process, many others enjoying the social activities.

A change to the golf outing for 2009 was allowing two foursomes to play simultaneously on the same hole allowing our two groups to play together. XOS Technologies sponsored the two teams and they included: Justin Moen, Chic Ejiasi, John Mills, Matthew Engelbert, (host) Nate Kaeding, Charlie Bullen, Bob Rahfeldt, Kevin Foor, and Joe Marinaro.

The Marriott of Coralville provides food and drink on many of the holes at Brown Deer Golf Course.

What makes the tournament different from others is the involvement of the Iowa City / Coralville Community. Here the Holiday Inn Express Suites of Coralville sponsors the 14th hole with a bean bag game giving players the opporuntiy to a whirlpool suite. Others sponsoring holes were FryFest, University of Iowa Sport Medicine, Cedar Rapids Distillery, Arctic Cat, Coralville Nissan and many others. The title sponsor was Corridor State Bank.

Joe Marinaro of XOS Technologies, the sponsor of our two foursomes

The afternoon group of golfers ready to go. There were 36 foursomes in the morning and 37 in the afternoon.

Nate had many ex-Hawkeyes participate as well as current San Diego Chargers, Nate's current NFL team. Among the Chargers who participated were Mike Scifers, David Binn and radio analyst Hank Bauer. Jason Baker, former Hawkeye and current Carolina Panther also played in the event.

Proceeds from the event go to the Hope Lodge located on the University of Iowa campus.

River Run

River Fest is the annual spring festival at the University of Iowa. Along with activities such as Art Fair and games for the U of I students is River Run. This is the 30th year for the race which includes a 5K and 10K. This was my fourth or fifth year to participate and the second straight in which I did the 5K. Not a personal record, but I did finish unofficially in 24:20. This was the first year Chip timing was involved, and my first experience with it. Official times will be announced later today.

See if fyou can find me among the fnishers

Another event that coincides with River Fest is the Old Capital Criterium. Here participants practice the course.

Skippin' Class

A beautiful 80 degree on the Iowa Campus. The best day Iowa City has seen in 2009 and it coincides with the annual RiverFest celebration. Overheard while walking on campus was one college co-ed who was playing frisbee--"Dude, I'm skipping class. It is too nice."

IC Eels

The Iowa State Club Swim Meet for ages thirteen and above is being held at the University of Iowa Field House Pool. My neice, Sophie Shoultz is shown in lane 6 (third from the top) swimming the 1000 Freestyle. Sophie finished fourth with events to come on Saturday and Sunday.

A November Day on a Midwest College Campus

It is November 3rd on the Iowa Campus. The temperature was pushing 75 degrees. For many of you who have travelled to an Iowa bowl game, today's weather reminded me of what a late December day in Florida or Texas is like.

Hubbub of Activity

It is the first day of school for the University of Iowa. (I was told incorrectly and posted the wrong info earlier. My bad.) After a Summer which saw the Iowa City / Coralville area as well as much of Eastern Iowa damaged by flood waters, it was good to have a beautiful sunny day greet the students for the 2008-09 school year.

The first day of school was one of my favorites. Seeing old friends. Meeting new ones. Having new books and being part of the University Community was always exciting. I also knew I was not behind in any of my classes. The only time I could say that.

No doubt. It is nice to have school underway and Iowa City becomes the thriving community we know so well.

Moving Day

On my run through the University of Iowa campus I noticed many moving in for the 2008-09 academic school year. A couple of observations.

• It appears there is some sort of competition between those who live in the dorms and the Greek system. I saw t-shirts signifying life in the residence halls as well as those that promoted "Be Greek." Let the competition begin.


• To the very athletic young lady who was outpacing me on the run--my goal is to stay up with you.


• Mr. and Mrs Claypool, the lawyer and his wife who figures out my taxes every year--yes, that was me who ran by you and said "hello."


• Young ladies who were seen walking around with your "toolish" boyfriends--you can do better. But if you are stuck up and snobbish, stick with these "tools." You deserve them.


• Thank you to all who came a week early, not only to enter the Greek system or claim your space in your dorm room, but to get a feel of the town. Here are a couple of tips. 1. Pedestrians have the right of way. 2. There is no stop sign at the west end of Market Street by the Union. 3.Parents and future students--you can not save parking spaces by standing in them until someone pulls the car around. My dad tried to do this when I was a freshman, and it doesn't work.

Classes begin Tuesday, August 26.