Echoing Bspringsteen-a long narrative-(good call adding his post to article jon)
I too grew up idolizing Hayden Fry, and to this day it feels like blasphemy to even hint that perhaps Kirk Ferentz has improved on the great thing that Hayden had going, but he has, and I truly believe that the program will continue to move forward over the next ten years. However, as great as the winning and the improved prestige is, the most important thing about the continuation of the Ferentz era is that we are (continuing) winning "the right way!" We are obviously blessed as a fan contingency for a head coach that has continued to win and raise our national profile (multiple top ten finishes/BCS bowls/Orange Bowl win etc.) but as importantly and equally forgettable nationally is that we do it the right way! We are not Florida/Texas/Alabama/Ohio St./USC etc....and I for one am very thankful for that. This is not to say that every one of those programs do not compete "the right way", but I think it is safe to that "every one" of those programs does not!
I decided to come to the University of Iowa because I grew up a lifelong fanatic and disciple of Hawkeye Football (Hayden Fry) and Hawkeye Basketball (Tom Davis). Two gentlemen who are the definition of success and class. Unfortunately I only was given one year to experience first hand their leadership while I was apart of the student body. But I am thankful to have had at least one year. I am not ashamed to admit that I cried during Hayden's announced retirement (as well as Mr. Davis's lack of contract extension!) My tears/regret was not solely what I was losing as a fan of winning programs, but more importantly the quality of leaderships that was representing my teams. At Iowa, in my opinion, it is about more than competing at the highest levels athletically... it is about competing at the highest levels both competitively and ethically. It is not merely coaching football for the hopes of championships, but also the process of molding and developing young individuals and giving them the life lessons that will allow them future success (whether professionally or personally). It is about reflecting the values of your community, and state, that can be appreciated on a wider plane than simply "college football".
This is what coach Ferentz has done...as did Hayden and Mr. Davis before him. As DJK referred to during media days-Kirk Ferentz has taught him "the IOWA WAY."
As great as the high points have been this past 10+ years (and they have been fantastic!) some of my fondest memories of the Ferentz era were those building blocks of the '99/2000 seasons. It is the hours I used to spend defending the football program on message boards like this, and talking about the improvements that were being made-even when the large majority couldn't see it. To echo "the Boss's" reference, some people would wish for unending success during their college years. I on the other hand, couldn't be prouder that I witnessed firsthand the transition from one legend to another (1998-2002), and the re-building of the program. I was sad to see Hayden go, but was confident from Kirk's opening press conference that we got the right guy. From his opening introduction to his most recent post game interview...Kirk represents our program/fans/state in a way that we can all be proud. It is only too bad back in 1999 that we only got one out of two right, or I would still be as passionate about basketball! Here's hoping that Coach Fran is a return on that front as well. Anyway, I apologize for the length, I did not intend to go that long, if you made it to the end of this statement congratulations and thanks for sticking in there
