My introduction came when I was very young. My folks used to throw an annual "Herkey's No Turkey" party for one of the season's biggest games. They'd print fliers, have cups made, pass out koozies, dress head-to-toe in Iowa gear, decorate the house, prepare a buffet of food..the whole shebang. Few things are more fun as a kid than having a house full of partying adults. Of course, they were all downstairs while the kids were upstairs with the babysitter. I'd still sneak down for some quick hellos a couple times a night though. I vividly remember sitting on my dad's shoulders cheering on the 1984 Hawkeyes before being sent back upstairs. The next morning, the driveway would be full of cars until about noon as one of the party rules was cabbing home. Iowa football seemed mythical to me then. Kinnick Stadium, Hayden Fry, the players and the uniforms felt larger than life. I still feel that way when it's game time and the first glimpse of Iowa's players comes across the TV. Or when they emerge from the tunnel. I still feel like a kid watching the Hawks.