Favorite Ferentz Era Memories

JonDMiller

JonDMiller

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Favorite Ferentz Era Memories « Hawkeye NationHawkeye Nation

That includes a compilation of tweets from folks who replied to me yesterday when I tossed it out...some great stories including one from a former Hawkeye who was in the middle of the action.

Here are mine:

While we can all name the great wins and walk off moments, there are other great memories that stand out more to me than just knocking off a highly rated team in dramatic fashion. Two moments stand out to me more than any others:

Alamo Bowl Celebration: It was December of 2001 and Iowa had just defeated Texas Tech in the Alamo Bowl on a late Nate Kaeding field goal and Bob Sanders interception in the end zone on a hail mary attempt by the Red Raiders. Iowa players were celebrating on the field and bowl officials were erecting a makeshift podium at the 50 yard line. Kaeding was down in one end pretending to be a maestro, leading the band. Confetti was literally falling from the roof and Kirk Ferentz was handed the bowl trophy and said into the microphone to the crowd, ‘The Hawks are back! Here we go!’ Ferentz repeated the ‘We’re back’ mantra in the post game interview room, too. That has always stood out to me because of how reserved Ferentz is and just how little I have seen him act that way in the moment. No, he wasn’t crazy or outlandish and he was certainly correct; the program had climbed back out of the hole it was in and was on solid footing. Little did we know how solid; Iowa would finish #8 in the nation the next three years in a row, including two Big Ten championships and two bowl wins.

6-4 Win in Happy Valley: This is one of my favorite Iowa games of all time that I really never want to watch again. The reason it’s one of my favorites is because of the end of game reactions of Kirk Ferentz, with his sons on the sidelines and then the post game interview where Kirk choked up. He had just buried his father a few days earlier. John Ferentz had passed away at 84 and the entire Ferentz clan flew out to Pittsburgh the Wednesday of that week. You can read a great account here from Mike Hlas. The team grieved with Kirk and celebrated with Kirk. It was just one of those indelible moments you never forget, that makes an impact on you in some way. When people want to rip Kirk for this or that, it’s moments like this that I recall.

There are dozens more, such as actually standing on the sidelines, with my brother, at the goal line that Warren Holloway would cross to win the Capital One Bowl later in that 2004 season and Bob Bowlsby bear hugging me. This followed either my brother or I saying after the late LSU score ‘Let’s walk down to the other endzone in case there is a miracle.’ The years have clouded my memory there; I thought I said it and my brother thinks he said it. He may be right.


What are yours, and why?
 
I was one of the Herky mascots from 2003-2005. Gotta say my favorite moments were riding out on the platform before the 2003 Michigan Homecoming game and carrying out the Heartland Trophy to the 50 yard line before the inaugural battle for the bull -the 2004 game against Wisconsin (that sucker is HEAVY). But my favorte "Ferentz moment" was right before the 2003 spring game. I was with a couple of the other mascots preparing the Herky platform before the players came out of the tunnel and we had about 10 minutes before everything started. I saw Ferentz milling around the field and talking to a few folks. Then, Ferentz just walked up an introduced himself to us and spent the next ten minutes making small talk until he had to go back to the locker room to bring the team out. Really and truly a genuinely nice person.
 
2002 vs Michigan, thats when I knew we were back. I was shocked how severely we dominated them but it put the conference on notice and really started the "bullies of the big ten" moniker.
 
Not a favorite, but what sticks in my mind. Over in Ames coming out at halftime in 07. I was standing back by the door for the visitors locker room. A GA, dont remember his name, said something to Ferentz and he goes "Obviously he doesnt feel like playing anyway today so we'll get someone else ready to go". He turns around and heads to the field with the most ****** off look Ive ever seen on his face. Not sure who he was talking about, it could have been a number of guys that day.
 
Orange Bowl victory...with the health problems Norm had been having leading up to that game, when KF and Norm met on the field after the game, the reaction was...well...priceless. Say what you will about KF, he's passionate about what they do, and it hasn't waned in his tenure. That's why I know this team will climb it's way back to the top with the new coaching staff...because their leader still wants it and will do what it takes to get there.
 
2004 #17 Iowa vs #9 Wisconsin in Kinnick. I was at the game with my brother the a share of the Big Ten Title was on the line with an Iowa win and a Michgan loss. Iowa was in control all game and when the PA announcer stated the Michigan/Ohio State final, the place went nuts. Seeing Ferentz hoist up the Big Ten Trophy was awesome and the place was just electric.

2008 Iowa vs #3 Penn State in Kinnick. Another game I attended. At the tailgate we were all nervous that if Iowa got beat badly, that the tone of the season would sour and making a good bowl would not happen. We all know how it turned out rushing the field when time expired was a surreal moment. The field was a madhouse of people hugging and high fiving. It took my friend and I about 20 min to make our way to the proper exit, and then we drove back to Bettendorf for victory beers. I don't think I got to bed that night until 5am. That game set the stage for the rest of the season and Iowa won out.
 
2003 @ Wisconsin
This game was a roller-coaster. Iowa scored first, 21 unanswered for Wisconsin, then Iowa scratching back toward the end of the first half. Dog fight in the 2nd half. Barry going for it on 2 4th & shorts and running into a DL of killers and getting stoned both times. Goal line stand as time expired with the Outback Bowl on the line. 2003 is probably my favorite team in the KF era.

2000 MSU
I was deathly afraid that Iowa was going to go 0-8 in the B10 for the second consecutive year. I remember some bad B10 teams over the past 25+ years but I didn't recall at the time and still don't, a program going 0-8 in two consecutive years. I was just happy Iowa got a B10 win. Little did I know that this is the game when the Iowa program started to punch back.

2009 @PSU
ABC's entire pre-game buildup was this was PSU's revenge for 2008 and it started out looking that way. Then Norm unleashed hell. Clayborn's blocked punt may have caused was heard throughout my neighborhood even though I'm confident my buddies and I were the only ones watching the game.
 
Mine is the 2009 Iowa vs. Michigan State game. I remember watching on TV after MSU scored late in the 4th quarter and how absolutely peeved I was watching the MSU fans celebrating.

Then when Stanzi hit McNutt on the 4th & goal my wife and I both jumped up out of the couch whooping and hollering. I'm surprised we didn't wake the kids with our yelling.

For some reason that win sticks out for me more than "The Catch" against LSU.
 
A few others:

The win over MSU in 2000: Not a big game nationally by any stretch, but this ended a long, long losing streak.

2002 @Michigan - Big beat down in the big house

2002 @Minnesota - The celebration on the field after finishing a perfect 8-0 conference season was something I'll never forget

2003 - Rolling ISU in Ames, and ending that darned losing streak against the Clowns

2003 Outback Bowl - Beating down the Gators in Tampa

2004 Wisconsin - Manhandling the Badgers in the 2nd half and wrapping up a share of the B10 title

2004 Cap One Bowl vs LSU - Nuff said

2008 vs PSU - Playing spoiler is lots of fun

2009 - Stanzi's winning TD drive @MSU

2009 Orange Bowl win
 
My absolute favorite Ferentz Era memory was of MulvaSpills from the old site. Unless you were there, it's impossible to explain...."That's not me, that's my jacket" will stay with me forever!

As far as game memories from the Ferentz Era, there's so much to pick from. So I'll give you 5:

5. PSU 2008 - After years of failed 2:00 drills, I had no doubt we'd do nothing on the drive. And it looked like that'd be the case until the call that Iowa NEVER gets on the pass interference against Troy/Terry/Trey Stross on 3rd down. After that, marched down the field and kicked the FG and the last 2 years of mediocre/bad football was gone (from 2nd half '06 to second half '08).

4. LSU in Cap One Bowl - Was watching with my small boys. They still remember and bring it up occasionally...."Hey mom, remember that time dad was running around the house and screaming like a mad man?"

3. KO return TD against USC - Was in the end zone seats that CJ ran to. Was the craziest I've ever seen a sporting event when it happened. Too bad 2nd half didn't live up to that electricity.

2. 2004 Wisconsin - Was there. In the south end. Wind blowing right in my face. Coldest I've ever been at a game. At the end I didn't care as I got to celebrate with KF and the team at mid field.

1. 6-4 game - Worst game I've ever witnessed....but cried like a baby at the end.....cuz I'm a crier and love sports because of the emotion.
 
03 ASU. Went with a Cyclone buddy since I couldn't find anyone else to go with. At one point, I caught him pumping his fist and yelling. He claims he wasn't, but it was pretty clear he was caught up in the Kinnick emotion. Also punched a 7 year old kid in the back of the head while pumping my fist. The dad was cool about it, knew it was an accident, but the tears probably ruined the kid's first Kinnick experience

09 at MSU, 7 got 6. Was so mad at the end, but when we started driving, I wouldn't move so I didn't jinx it. The chaos that ensued at the bar once he caught it was something I'll never forget. Also I tend to get emotional after a big win and the bartenders making fun of me for tearing up afterward was a nice finishing touch

04 vs Wisky. Probably the coldest game I've been to in the south end zone. The bars that night were so much fun with people chanting "Big Ten Champs" everywhere you went was awesome. Then my friends telling me that night that they were ready to go down on the field and were waiting for me to make the call was disappointing. I was ready, but didnt think they would. Also, I was busy tearing up and soaking it all in

08 vs PSU. More tears (yes it's a theme) and more adrenaline than I've ever felt after a game. And was completely sober so the memories are vivid

Most memorable: Tate to Holloway. Partied at my brother's the night before, but as always, was ready to go the next morning. Got to his house, tried to wake him up but he was out. I think my cheering at the first Solomon TD from his living room finally convinced him to get up. Then the angst and anxiety of the last drive. We were silent until we started yelling "call a f**king timeout!!!" When Holloway crossed the line we were already jumping and screaming and then it happened. A great 5-10 second man hug. Even though we're as close as can be, it was the first hug we had since we were little and fighting and our mom told us to hug and make up. And probably the last until his wedding last year. Will always remember that moment as a great Hawkeye moment, and as my favorite moment with my bro
 
2002 vs. Purdue I was in the endzone that Dallas Clark made the game winning TD from Brad Banks on 4th down.
 
hawkfan8691 said:
03 ASU. Went with a Cyclone buddy since I couldn't find anyone else to go with. At one point, I caught him pumping his fist and yelling. He claims he wasn't, but it was pretty clear he was caught up in the Kinnick emotion. Also punched a 7 year old kid in the back of the head while pumping my fist. The dad was cool about it, knew it was an accident, but the tears probably ruined the kid's first Kinnick experience

09 at MSU, 7 got 6. Was so mad at the end, but when we started driving, I wouldn't move so I didn't jinx it. The chaos that ensued at the bar once he caught it was something I'll never forget. Also I tend to get emotional after a big win and the bartenders making fun of me for tearing up afterward was a nice finishing touch

04 vs Wisky. Probably the coldest game I've been to in the south end zone. The bars that night were so much fun with people chanting "Big Ten Champs" everywhere you went was awesome. Then my friends telling me that night that they were ready to go down on the field and were waiting for me to make the call was disappointing. I was ready, but didnt think they would. Also, I was busy tearing up and soaking it all in

08 vs PSU. More tears (yes it's a theme) and more adrenaline than I've ever felt after a game. And was completely sober so the memories are vivid

Most memorable: Tate to Holloway. Partied at my brother's the night before, but as always, was ready to go the next morning. Got to his house, tried to wake him up but he was out. I think my cheering at the first Solomon TD from his living room finally convinced him to get up. Then the angst and anxiety of the last drive. We were silent until we started yelling "call a f**king timeout!!!" When Holloway crossed the line we were already jumping and screaming and then it happened. A great 5-10 second man hug. Even though we're as close as can be, it was the first hug we had since we were little and fighting and our mom told us to hug and make up. And probably the last until his wedding last year. Will always remember that moment as a great Hawkeye moment, and as my favorite moment with my bro
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awww, aren't you just the cutest! haha, remember it like it was yesterday. remember there was an ice storm that morning and you were lucky you didn't die when you ran outside AFTER our hug and slipped on the ice. i'd put that moment right there with getting our tattoos before the orange bowl.

08 PSU game-had a buddy and his wife over to watch the game and i hadn't seen them in a long time. he kept trying to talk to me after the game but i was too busy tearing up(its a family thing). i just sat there in silence for probably 5 minutes. awesome

09 MSU- i was actually by myself watching this one at home. i was so ****** after the MSU td that i lit a smoke. we started driving, had to light another one. 7 got 6, jumped up and threw the ash tray across the room. didn't even care. went to the bar right after and as soon as i walked in "in heaven" started playing over the sound system and my bartender buddy gave me a hug. it was awesome.

09 NW- bad memory, but i couldn't believe how quiet the whole stadium became when ricky was laying there broken in the end zone. an absolutely deflating moment and something i will never forget

10 wiscy- another bad memory, but this is also the loudest i've ever heard kinnick. i remember screaming as loud as i could and i couldn't even hear myself.
 
hawkfan8691 said:
03 ASU. Went with a Cyclone buddy since I couldn't find anyone else to go with. At one point, I caught him pumping his fist and yelling. He claims he wasn't, but it was pretty clear he was caught up in the Kinnick emotion. Also punched a 7 year old kid in the back of the head while pumping my fist. The dad was cool about it, knew it was an accident, but the tears probably ruined the kid's first Kinnick experience

09 at MSU, 7 got 6. Was so mad at the end, but when we started driving, I wouldn't move so I didn't jinx it. The chaos that ensued at the bar once he caught it was something I'll never forget. Also I tend to get emotional after a big win and the bartenders making fun of me for tearing up afterward was a nice finishing touch

04 vs Wisky. Probably the coldest game I've been to in the south end zone. The bars that night were so much fun with people chanting "Big Ten Champs" everywhere you went was awesome. Then my friends telling me that night that they were ready to go down on the field and were waiting for me to make the call was disappointing. I was ready, but didnt think they would. Also, I was busy tearing up and soaking it all in

08 vs PSU. More tears (yes it's a theme) and more adrenaline than I've ever felt after a game. And was completely sober so the memories are vivid

Most memorable: Tate to Holloway. Partied at my brother's the night before, but as always, was ready to go the next morning. Got to his house, tried to wake him up but he was out. I think my cheering at the first Solomon TD from his living room finally convinced him to get up. Then the angst and anxiety of the last drive. We were silent until we started yelling "call a f**king timeout!!!" When Holloway crossed the line we were already jumping and screaming and then it happened. A great 5-10 second man hug. Even though we're as close as can be, it was the first hug we had since we were little and fighting and our mom told us to hug and make up. And probably the last until his wedding last year. Will always remember that moment as a great Hawkeye moment, and as my favorite moment with my bro
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Cool story bro!
 
taffaej said:
Jon, maybe we should do this topic in November when coach is gone.
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You know, we are all having a moment here with our love for KF's greatest team moments. It's funny though...but I'd place a wager that KF is still here for 2014, if you have the nards. You know what's funny, I'm never been the hugest of KF fans, but it pisses me off when people dismiss his accomplishments...and focus on everything negative about his tenure. it's ********. Take the good with the bad. At the end of the day, I just like the way his teams play...physical team football...with no quit. We may not always execute as everyone wants, but you know they will always show up, punch you in the mouth, and then back it up every snap. Call me old school...I like that about Iowa and I hope they keep that reputation with all the no huddle / tempo offense talk. I still think you can play physical in that style...and who knows, maybe KF and GD are charting some new territory on offense. Wow...KF setting trend offensively...how crazy does that sound. Dogs and cats living together crazy.
 
My favorite game memory beyond the obvious Tate to Holloway and 7 getting 6 moments was the comeback victory over Indiana in 2009 to move the Hawks to 9-0 and into the top 5 in the country. The Hawks were down pretty big in this game but Tyler Sash's ping ponging interception and return for a TD and Stanzi's gonzo 4th quarter passing stats gave Iowa the win and landed them on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Of course the SI jinx took Stanzi down in the next game vs. Northwestern and Iowa lost a pretty good shot at a perfect season, but I don't think I have ever gone from being so down to being so elated in one game as much as that Indiana comeback on Halloween in 2009.
 
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