Hawkeye Kids Camp....

[IOU1]

Maybe a little off topic, but had the opportunity to take 2 of my boys to the Hawkeye Kids' Camp last night. Received a pretty basic tour of the new facility...meeting room, weight room, etc. Kids were able to do a few activities on the indoor field. Then kids rotated through some stations on the field in Kinnick. Stations were all manned by coaches (including KF) and players. Camp ended with players and coaches signing autographs for the kids.

I can't possibly say enough good things about the way the coaches and players handled themselves. 100% Class. I heard more "Thank you for coming" How ya doin' buddy" "What was your favorite drill" etc than I could count. Kirk, CJ, King, Jewell, Daniels, Akrum, etc. all stayed longer than they were 'required' to sign for kids and pose for pics.

As a fan, I want the Hawks to win on the field just as badly as the next guy....but as a father, the experience last night was a positive one that my kids won't soon forget. It could have all been "just for show", but my gut tells me that Iowa is doing it the "right" way with genuinely good guys. Can't wait to return the favor this fall by supporting them, no matter what the record or scoreboard says.

 

[Im4Iowa]

Maybe a little off topic, but had the opportunity to take 2 of my boys to the Hawkeye Kids' Camp last night. Received a pretty basic tour of the new facility...meeting room, weight room, etc. Kids were able to do a few activities on the indoor field. Then kids rotated through some stations on the field in Kinnick. Stations were all manned by coaches (including KF) and players. Camp ended with players and coaches signing autographs for the kids.

I can't possibly say enough good things about the way the coaches and players handled themselves. 100% Class. I heard more "Thank you for coming" How ya doin' buddy" "What was your favorite drill" etc than I could count. Kirk, CJ, King, Jewell, Daniels, Akrum, etc. all stayed longer than they were 'required' to sign for kids and pose for pics.

As a fan, I want the Hawks to win on the field just as badly as the next guy....but as a father, the experience last night was a positive one that my kids won't soon forget. It could have all been "just for show", but my gut tells me that Iowa is doing it the "right" way with genuinely good guys. Can't wait to return the favor this fall by supporting them, no matter what the record or scoreboard says.

I couldn't agree more. My kids had so much fun and to see them run around the field, high-fiving the players as they caught a pass or did a drill was priceless.

It was really neat to hear from Coach Ferentz, too. He talked about what he tells the players when they start and what's the most important. It was education first, followed by being well respected, having good friends and then being the best football player you can be. He's a great coach and an even better person.

Overall, it was a great camp and something my kids will never forget. Every player thanked my kids for coming and asked what they liked the best.

 

[m.stoops2013]

I took my son yesterday as well, I can't say enough how genuine & classy this group of players & coaches were. We drove from over 4 hours away to come & it was worth every minute. Class group of people all around this program. As we left last night my son says dad I liked the Hawkeye's before, but I love them now!

 

[hawkster03]

Both my boys went as well. Came back with a t-shirt, great memories, and a poster full of autographs, not bad for $25. My youngest was super pumped when Herky signed his poster.

I have a pic of my boys with Kirk and it just makes me so glad he is leading our team.

 

[hknation]

As m.stoops boy said, "As we left last night my son says dad I liked the Hawkeye's before, but I love them now"!

This how you make the young boys of IA wanting to grow up and be a Hawkeye........the makings of the recruiting class of 2024, etc.

 

[ukiddinme]

Thanks for the report. Very proud to hear. More evidence that KF IS the man!!!

 

[GoUIowa]

I was there also and have the same sentiments. Very memorable.

Unrelated...while waiting inside the indoor practice facility, I was able to watch about 30 minutes of QB/receiver drills. There is a lot of speed in our young receivers. I believe Ogwo was the one who stood out to me specifically. Of course they were catching the ball well since they were just drills, but a couple of the receivers are definitely faster than some we've had recently.

 

[BondHawk]

Ditto for everything stated above. A very well put together event and everyone involved did a fantastic job. These are the kind of threads you hope rumors of make it back to the athletic department and administration.