Black Heart Gold Pants

WaterlooChazz says

My name is Chazz. I’m from Waterloo, IA. I still live in Waterloo. I’m 30 years old.

I like cold gold beer. I eat a lot of pizza. I like chicken with buffalo sauce.

I have a ton of favorite Hawks and teams. So, rather than me list off a bunch of guys that everyone else will also list off, perhaps I’ll name some guys I really liked that didn’t get a ton of hype.

Probably 02 gridders were my favorite Hawk football team. My “under-hyped” guy might be Marchus Schnoor. I’m not sure why, but I always wondered what he could have done if he was ever “the guy.”

Probably the Tom-Davis-era cagers (although, I also liked plenty of players and teams from the Alford era, as well) are my favorite hoops teams. My “under-hyped” guy is Darryl Moore.

I loved the Hawkeye wrestling team that won the nationals at the UNI Dome and won 5 individual titles (I think it was 96-97, with Ironside, McIlravy, Joe Williams, Whitmer, and Fullhart). My faves here aren’t necessarily under-hyped, but I liked Joe Williams and Wes Hand.

I don’t really have a favorite EPL (or other) soccer side. I like Stephen Gerarrd, although it seems he’s on the downhill side of his career. If I’m really being honest, I suppose I’d like to see a true underdog win the EPL sometime soon (maybe Everton, or Fulham or Wolves. It appears that Bolton and Blackburn could get relegated, but I could handle seeing them win, also. It could be neat to see Newcastle win, or maybe not, too). Messi is awesome, but it is difficult for me to really enjoy the Spanish or Italian game. I’ve never really seen enough MLS or the other European leagues to even know what is going on. In World Cup play, I kind of found myself rooting for Uruguay in 2010. I feel that the USA is kind of over-hyped for what I consider the minimal amount of success we’ve had in World Cups.

WaterlooChazz - February 10, 2012 reply

Contrary to my screenname, I don't think I've ever peed black.

So I’ve got that going for me.

I’m in Iowa City. Been a grad student for an embarrassing number of years. Master’s thesis was accepted a couple months ago (did I ever announce that on here for some cheap congratulations?) and I’ve got a maximum of 2 years left to finish the PhD (Biomedical Engineering). I’m a native Iowan (born in Clinton, moved to CR at age 5—one smelly city to another!), so I’m a Hawk fan by birth. Wanted to be a 2 sport star as a kid (football, basketball) but alas, I’m too short for BBall and too slow for either sport. I was about 10 or so when Kingsbury was ballin’ 40 feet out and I had a similar game of chucking from anywhere without much passing or dribbling. I’m still pretty dangerous on the HORSE court!

Soccer? I’m trying to get into it more. The last couple US World Cup teams (2010 Men and 2011 Women) were so exciting that I started getting more interested. I watch a little MLS and some of the European leagues but haven’t really adopted a team yet. I followed the Shamrock Rovers on Facebook because they are a rare Irish club to make the UEFA Europa league (and they promptly lost all their group matches). There’s a chance I’ll get a fellowship in Germany this summer during Euro 2012, and I will definitely try to catch a match.

Beer? Haven’t met too many I didn’t like, but if I had to commit to one for the rest of my life it would be Guinness. In general, anything roasty and a little bitter—stouts, porters, reds (Killian’s is another good one)—are my favorites. But I’ve had a few IPAs and witbiers that were also very tasty. Old Style and Icehouse are my favorite low-end brews.

On the other hand, I’m pretty new to whiskey. I originally didn’t care a whole lot for any distilled spirits, as I’m a wuss to the alcohol burn so I had to cut everything with cola or juice. That all went out the window when I decided to splurge a little bit on a bottle of 12 year-old Jameson a few years ago. That’s so smooth I can just throw a couple ice cubes in it and go to town. Then I got a bottle of Glenfiddich which was even better. On a grad student budget, I limit myself to about one bottle of good single malt per year and save it for special occasions, so experimentation is slow. Recently, I tried a 12 year Bowmore Islay. It was really medicinal—at first I thought I was drinking chloraseptic—but even it grew on my by the end of the bottle.

My absolute favorite relaxer is a scotch and cigar. For smokes I mostly like nice, dark, mellow maduros: Onyx Reserve and Macanudo my go-tos. Although some cigar purists don’t like the infused flavors, ACID makes some neat sticks. I really like the Blondies and the Toasts.

IPeeBlackAndGold - February 10, 2012 reply

Question for white lightning:

What pinot noirs do you drink? I love wine, including most reds, but only really enjoy 1 out of 5 bottles of PN, so I shy away from ordering it. Usually, when I find one I like, it’s far too expensive ($35+ retail).

I feel like I can order a cab and always get something safe. I love cab francs. I would like to have a few go to bottles of PN so I can mix up my game once in awhile.

Obviously, that movie Sideways did a lot to popularize PN (and devastate merlot, which is awesome for people who like good merlot at affordable prices). I’ve tried PN a few times, but can’t justify ordering something that I don’t really enjoy that often.

Regarding introducing myself, well, I’ll leave it to Detective Holmes to unravel who I am from my postings once he’s done with the Missing Offense case.

The Final Gun - February 10, 2012 reply

Suit up!

I’m Swarley, originally from Northern Iowa (Mason City) and living in North Dakota for the next 3 months. Yep, Swarley’s coming home!

I grew up a Hawk fan, went to isu (remained a Hawk fan!) and am raising a Hawk fan and converting another. Got an accounting degree and use it to scare people (I’m an auditor).

I played HS hoops with a Hawkeye great and was coached by the father of another Hawkeye hoops player.

I’m not a ‘beer snob’ and will drink most anything if it’s cold. For tailgating purposes, the cheaper the better!

Swarley - February 10, 2012 reply

Checking in

Manziball here. I’m from Cedar Falls, went to college in St. Louis, back to Iowa for grad school (another Biomedical Engineer grad student on here) and currently live in Memphis.

I have been a Hawkeye fan for life (people in St. Louis and Memphis have decided that people from Iowa are really proud of that fact – I think I live up to that stereotype).

I don’t watch a lot of soccer, but would like to watch more. As far as other sports go, Cardinals baseball kicks in during the doldrums of Iowa sports.

Alcohol – prefer the smaller breweries for beer – Stone has been a constant for me lately. For hard liquor, I have mostly been going with Templeton lately.

ManziBall - February 10, 2012 reply

Guess its time for Stylin' an Profilin'

Born in IC, but grew up in a number of places throughout the middle of the US. Lived in 4 states as I grew up, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, and Texas. Graduated from New Hampton HS, went on to UNI, but partied my way out of school. Finished at Kirkwood here in CR with a degree in Architectural Technologies. I’m still in CR.

Been a Hawk fan for life, and am raising 3 to be lifelong Hawkeyes. There are a lot of great Iowa teams. I think the 2002 and the 2009 teams are tied for my favorites. As for an individual game, the 1984 Freedom Bowl against Texas is possibly my favorite. I lived in Texas at the time, and to be a 9yo and rubbed it in the faces of all the Texas fans I came across, was one of the best feelings in the world.

Haven’t gotten into a lot of Futbol recently, but in college I was a big A.C. Milan fan due to my roommate. Paolo Maldini was one of my favorite players at the time. I’ll watch a match if its on at a bar I’m at, but it’s hard to watch at home with kids.

As for alcohol, I’m a big beer fan. Stella Artois and Goose Island Summertime are a couple of my all-time favorites, and as of right now, I have the Samuel Adams Winter Mix in my fridge. If I’m out a bar it’s Bud or Bud Light, unless one of my favorites are available.

BStylin Hawkye - February 10, 2012 reply

Oh what the hell

My name is Scott, I’m 42 and I’m a Hawkeye.

Lived on a combo horse stable and corn farm until I moved to Davenport in the 2nd grade. Moved to IC in ’89 for school, stayed there for 10 mostly great years. Currently live near Chicago where I do database related stuff for a big bank.

Been a fan since ‘79 when Hayden grabbed the state by the ear and said "Guess what, you’re going to care about this team again". And we did. It really can’t be understated what that man did for the football program.

My favorite Hawk teams are the ones that won a lot. Ha ha. My favorite player will always be Tim Dwight, not just for his on field antics but because he did something very nice for a friend of mine, who he barely knew, and she really deserved it.

Other sports? NFL, mostly the Bears, and a bit of an interest in the Cubs when they’re winning. The rest I rarely care, although I sometimes find this short circle track mud & crud crazy ass small time stock car racing on TV that is a blast to watch.

Booze? Can’t drink. Hated the taste of most of it anyway. The exceptions would be Boone’s Farm, Jim Beam and one particular Ukranian vodka. All straight from the bottle. So it’s probably better that I can’t drink.

Flakbait - February 10, 2012 reply

My Name Is Cornshoe Hammaker

Which I totally stole from Jacobi’s brilliant mind. I’m from Ogden, IA originally. And yet, being just 20 miles west of Ames, I grew up loving the Hawks and Hayden and Lute.

Despite living in Minneapolis (how I haven’t met Ross yet is beyond me) I have season football and basketball tickets. I love everything about the Hawkeye State.

My favorite football experiences are a tie: standing on the sidelines of the Capital One Bowl on New Year’s Day, and picking up Daniel Murray from the field at the end of the Penn State game in 2008.

I have deep ties to Iowa Basketball. I was courtside when we beat Arkansas in 1998 to advance to the Sweet Sixteen and I have no doubt Fran will lead us back.

I have been known to dress as Hawkeye Elvis at select football and basketball games. I really enjoy meeting other BHGP-ers and love this site and community.

Not sure I could tell you the difference between a cannon ball and a soccer ball, but I can tell you nothing is smoother than Iowa’s own Templeton Rye.

Finally, and perhaps most appropriately: It’s Great To Be A Hawkeye!

Cornshoe Hammaker - February 10, 2012 reply

I'll bite

I am a dirty old man, and I bleed Black and Gold (actually only 32).

I’m originally from Marshalltown, but currently live in a more rural town and work as an attorney. Actually, I’m an Assistant County Attorney, so if you’re in my neck of the woods, tell the prosecutor if you’re a BHGP guy; if it’s me, I’ll maybe cut you a break.

Sadly, I didn’t become an Iowa fan until after I started going to school there — 1999, to be exact. I was a Cyclone born and bred, though ever since the transformation to Hawk Nation became complete, even the sight of their colors pisses me the fuck off. I can’t cheer for them, I can’t be happy for them, I can only laugh at their embarrassing insistence on ineptitude and idiocy. Anywho.

My favorite Iowa team is tied: ‘00 and ’02 football. ’00 was still a rough year, but it was the first year where you could see good things were coming. Unlike so many others, I hated the Alford hiring. He was a smug sack of shit from day 1, and I never liked him. KF, however, was a complete unknown and I wanted to give him a chance. Year 1 was horrific, but there were still positive signs. In ’00, you could just tell things were coming together. ’02 was a trip just because of how good the team was. I’ll never forget being on South Beach for that Orange Bowl.

Best beers are all CO microbrews (lived in CO after graduation for a bit): 90 Schilling, Singletrack and Avalanche are my favorites. For cheap, I do Mich Golden. Whiskey is straight-up Northern Light Canadian whiskey or Evan Williams (green label). But also a huge rum fan, so there’s that.

Guess that’s it.

imadirtyoldman - February 10, 2012 reply

A chance to talk about myself?!

Born in Mercy Hospital in Iowa City and lived on the east side until I graduated from City High. I now live in Phoenix by way of San Diego, Stony Brook, NY (Marcus!) and St. Louis.

Since I was born in IC, it was pretty much obligatory to be a Hawkeye.

Favorite teams/players – The 82 Rose Bowl Team made being a Hawkeye fan fun again. People who complain about the stagnation of Iowa football under Ferentz most not have lived through the 70’s as an Iowa fan. It sucked. Most of the 80’s Fry era teams were fun to watch. The 86-87 BBall team was amazing to watch but the 1980 run to the final four was amazing. Favorite players: Andre Tippett, Owen Gill, Larry Station, Merton Hanks, Kenny Arnold, Michael Payne, BJ Armstrong.

Red Tail Ale is my favorite booze although I drink far less booze in general than I used to.

Enoch - February 10, 2012 reply

The long, circuitous route of Lukateake.

I was born in Iowa City and grew up in Clinton County (Iowa’s nose).

I was seven years old when my dad drove me to the Fieldhouse one wintery night during the Iowa wrestling season of 82-83 to watch Ed Banach absolutely murderate his competition.

I immediately fell in love with wrestling and continued in the sport through high school. Unfortunately, I had the poor distinction of being 6’ 4" and 152-lbs then. Suffice to say that I counted a lot of gymnasium lights along the way.

Upon high school graduation, I went to Iowa City as a chemical engineering major. After a couple years, I changed both my major and my school, ultimately matriculating at UNI with a B.A. in public relations and an emphasis in computer science. While an undergrad, I ran the 1997 NCAA wrestling tournament web site — which was absolutely revolutionary considering the year and the sport.

In the Y2K madness, I moved to Chicago where I spent a number of years growing a boutique technology consultancy. We sold out to an international conglomerate and I “retired” to Santa Monica where I spent a few years smoking medicinal and writing screenplays. “Taking meetings” is the apt euphemism.

Met my beautiful wife in sunny SoCal, we married and now have two precious little girls. We returned to Chicago a few years ago to be closer to our families.

I love a good scotch and have a celebratory bottle of blue label on hand at all times. If I have wine, it’s usually a cab sauv (get the 2007 at www.peju.com) to go along with my medium-rare New York strip.

Love a good book and am working on my library; the most important books in it are the ones I haven’t read yet. The Bard is near and dear to my heart and I demand excellence from my written work and wit. Alliteration is my favorite device.

I discovered BHGP far too late but have tried to help make the place with an equal milieu of the profound to go along with the profane.

My wife and I met several contributors and commentators on the Purdue road trip this past fall. It was an absolute blast and I’m looking forward to another fateful fete at Soldier Field in six months.

Oh, and it’s pronounced: Luka-TEA-ke.

Lukateake - February 10, 2012 reply

Oooo! I get to be the 1st girl!

I came late to the Hawkeye Fest: it didn’t happen till I started thinking about what I was going to study in college & where I was going to do it. My mom suggested pharmacy & Iowa was the only school
I looked at with that in mind. I was a full on Hawkeye from that point on. Imagine my disappointment as a senior in high school watching BJ Armstrong & thinking ’He’s so cute! Must only be a freshman.’ only to find out he was a senior. Damned baby face.

I’ve lived in OK, MA & Ames (army brat/Dad’s post army post grad ISU degree) but really grew up in IL farm country. Spent a few years in KC post college before moving to Chicago 15 years ago.

My fave Iowa teams were those I spent cheering for from the sidelines: the ‘91 football team, ’91-’92 basketball & wrestling teams. Went to the ‘91 Holiday Bowl & ’92 NCAA tourney on the school’s dime. My fave player, no contest, Chris Street. I ‘country danced’ with Royce Alger at a wrestling house party. Got season football tickets for the 1st time last fall & introduced my 9 y/o daughter to Kinnick, live Hawkeye football & IC. She wears her jersey to school weekly.

I am an equal opportunity drinker- wine, beer, champagne, vodka, gin, tequila, rum- tho I do try to stick with the same liquor choice the entire night.

Not yet into pro soccer but I am a soccer mom & anticipate falling more in love with the sport as my soccer playing child gets older & the teams get better. So far, I just really like watching my kid excel at the sport she loves.

I love to read but rarely read anything noteworthy. I blame my mother- she required me to read a classic each time we went to the library in the summer (& we went to the library a LOT- it had a/c!). I actually liked a lot of what I read but the force feeding of it left a bad taste in my mouth. I am the only girl in our fantasy football league. My husband doesn’t like college sports (but he still loves me).

I hated being a pharmacist but it led me to the life I love today: wife, mom, volunteer, fundraiser, Hawkeye/Cubs addict.

HawkeyeGirleye - February 10, 2012 via iPhone app reply

Hey all!

My name is Kyle. I’m 22, and from Marion. Currently attending Mount Mercy in CR, majoring in political science and philosophy. Graduating in May, and will be attending grad school for international affairs. Will hopefully figure out where in the next few months.
Born and raised a hawk. My dad took me to my first game 2000, I believe we beat jNW in that game. I’ve been attending wrestling meets since even before then, and remember Stritmatter, Juergens, Schwab, Hand, etc in the final Gable years. That pretty much how I learned to hate Minnesota. I remember going up to an Iowa-Minny duel at Minnesota with my family, and having to hide our Iowa gear to get tickets. That was the meet where I got to see Wes Hand throw Brock Lesnar (boo hiss) to his back.
More towards football, I distinctly remember watching Nate Kaeding kick the game-winning field goal in the 2001 Alamo Bowl. I could go on with other memories, but that is probably my first exciting “big game” memory that I have of Iowa football.
For beers, I love trying new beers, but the budget keeps me fairly limited. I seem to like wheat beers most, and like Boulevard Wheat, and Widmer Hefeweizen, to name a few.
Not really a soccer fan, but I watch USA when their matches are on. My roommate my freshman year was a soccer player, so I kinda have to like it somewhat.

kythom - February 11, 2012 reply

Contrary to popular opinion, I am not a bunny. Playboy, furry or otherwise.

Born and raised on a farm in Iowa. Lots of fun details in my life but I won’t bore you with the details – some of you already know that I was born deaf. I got a cochlear implant from the University of Iowa and that started my Hawk fandom. I didn’t really get into Hawkeye sports until I was in middle school. I wasn’t much of an athletic dude back in the grade school years and was more interested in Star Trek and reading books. I was (and probably still am) a nerd.

I’ve got a brother who went to the other school and we both were in marching band, and shared the field at Kinnick and JT Stadium in 2002 and 2003. I still hate Seneca Wallace.

I like trying beers from all over. Lately I’ve been hooked on Delirium Nocturnum and Life and Limb by Sierra Nevada/Dogfish Head. I picked up a spring seasonal of Magic Hat last night and it was quite nice! The hard stuff – I don’t drink very much but when I do, I only drink the stuff that’s smooth. As a result I’ve got quite the liquor corner in the kitchen.

I tried to get into soccer, and I haven’t had enough exposure yet and I’d love to learn the rules and find a way to enjoy the sport more. Maybe when I finally have kids I’ll be a soccer dad and I’ll finally get into the sport. Who knows.

Also – I’ve got a scar on my bicep from the time I blog-wrestled that dude and he bit me. That was intense.

EnergizerHawk - February 11, 2012 reply

Similar to EH, don't judge a man by his avatar

I am definitely not a Llama, nor am I a Beastie. Although I do have a collection of a few different beasties as a reminder of my time in Milwaukee as an undergrad and during my first stint (sans degree) in grad school. Currently living in the Philly suburbs and analyzing pharmaceutical market data for a living. The only thing that keeps me from feeling like a complete “sell out” is that I don’t work on the corporate side.

Grew up in the suburbs of Madison, WI in the 80s. Good time all around to be an Iowa fan in that neck of the woods. It was also a good time to be a badger hockey fan, so I’m that too. Raised in a Packers-Hawks-Cubs household by native Iowans (dad is UI class of ‘68). Now I’m a Brewers fan, but the other two teams stuck, hence the screenname. After HS spent a year at UW-Milwaukee, then 3 years at “waiting tables in Denver/raves/skiing/lost brain cells University”. Spent a brief stint in Lexington, KY which taught me the south isn’t all that bad. Then back to UWM to finish that pesky bachelor’s. Did grad school at UWM (architecture first, then urban planning) and then to Iowa for a PhD in Sociology which became an MA with some extra coursework.

My first stuffed animal was a little white pig. Not sure if I named him Floyd later or if he was named Floyd by my dad, but I still have that pig. However, I’m thinking about sending him to my cousins in MN for safekeeping. I stopped paying attention to Iowa sports from about 1997-2002. I’ll admit I came back into the fold as a die hard after that season.

Not really into soccer although I did attend a Union game this summer. Had a good time, but it’s still not my cup of tea.

Don’t drink, but used to love bourbon. Been getting into a lot of hiking since I moved to PA last summer and looking forward to a return to Happy Valley on Thursday. Hopefully for a W unlike last fall.

Anything else you want to know, you’ll have to ask! (trite internet profile ending)

PackerHawk - February 11, 2012 reply

My screenname is hawk4trees, my handle is templeton, my avatar is PeeWee Herman.

Literally, the most interesting thing about me, that can be stated in one sentence, is that my last name is Trees and my mother’s maiden name is Green, meaning that had she kept her maiden name my last name would be Green-Trees and I would almost certainly be a drug-dealer. Because, come on, are you really going to buy from anyone other than Mr. Green-Trees (Sampson ain’t got shit on me!)

Anyways, that didn’t happen, so instead I’m a Mechanical Engineer. Graduated from Iowa in 07’. While I am from Iowa and have, more or less, lived here my entire existence (Davenport to be specific) I wasn’t completely batshit addicted to all Iowa sports until my freshman year at the university (00’-01’). Specifically football. And mostly it was for the drinking, at least at the time. Let’s face it 00’-01’ was not a good time for much other than drinking. But then something beautiful happened. Throughout my college career I had the opportunity to witness the creation from the ground floor up of something so much better and more fun than a simple drinking culture, the creation of a contender of a football program. Good stuff, and have been on the wagon ever since.

Beer – I like IPA’s but I really don’t think that anything beats Sierra Nevada pale for a good standby. I used to like red wine alot mostly cabs and shiraz but have found that since I have been using whites in cooking more often that I have turned to the light side recently. As far as hard liquors go, just Templeton, and very infrequently.

My soccer fandom goes as far back as last weekend with the Chelsea Manchester United game. That was fun to watch, but I don’t which team I like, if either.

One more thing, I love BHGP. You all are some of the most interesting and insightful people I know and I look forward to reading the thoughts that are conjured up on this site on a regular basis. Be it serious concern, speculative conjecture, political pig-headedness, or batshit insanity; you guys (and girls) make me proud to be a Hawkeye!

hawk4trees - February 11, 2012 reply

Hi I'm Captain

Also named Aaron, and I am 25 year old Mechanical Engineering grad (which I’ve been…less than successful in finding a job) living in Moline right now but soon to move back to Des Moines after a job at Deere fizzled out like a firework in a lake. Took the long route to my degree, coming in 2004 and not leaving until Dec 2010. But that gave me the chance to watch all four major Hawk teams (FB, MBB, WBB, WRE) win B1G titles. Other teams I follow are the Cubs and Packers. In fact, one of my first memories is watching Iowa vs Duke in the NCAA tourney in 1991. However, I did not become an Iowa fan from that. I only learned to DESPISE DUKE IN EVERYTHING THEY DO EVER.
I can’t say I’ve discovered an absolute favorite beer, but I remember a VERY lovely German ale that I can’t remember the name of for the life of me (guess I’ll have to stop by Hessen Haus soon). But I also enjoy finding good pop and liquor mixes (mostly Mountain Dew because I’m STUPID).
I also take fantastic pride in being a super nerd with a gaming focus and anime subfocus (although thanks to a cute lady, I’ve been getting into British Sci-Fi READ: Doctor Who). Hell, in my bedroom I have five non-current consoles hooked up and they still get regular play. Game-wise I am a Zelda and Mario fan (still haven’t beaten Skyward Sword, though) over all, but I also have plenty of RPGs, such as the Disgaea series, Persona series, Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, etc etc. Anime/manga wise I have an eternal #1 (One Piece) and #2 (Eyeshield 21), with other series being loved, but mostly adventure-y things. Also RASSLIN’, mostly WWE because of availability, but Chikara is a fantastic indy fed and I wholly recommend for anyone that loves comedy with their fake fighting.
Music I will really listen to “whatever doesn’t suck”, but classic rock tends to show up more often in my playlists (whenever I’m lot listening to stand-up from geek comics such as Oswalt and Posehn).
Anyways, BHGP is fantastic because it combines my love for the Hawks and my love for off-the-wall quirkiness.

TheCapitain - February 12, 2012 reply

I am, as my name suggests, Alex, and I will now be breaking every rule my elementary and middle school teachers have ever taught me about going online.

I’m 17 and I live in Overland Park, KS with my stepdad, mom, and 11 year old half-brother. My 24 year-old brother, an Iowa State grad, lives in Seattle. My dad lives in Iowa with my step-mom, and is a huge ISU fan, as opposed to my step-mom who is an Iowa fan. I am not in college yet, but I’m looking to a computer science major with maybe(?) a music minor and I’m looking at Washington (Seattle) and Iowa State mostly, and also USC or Columbia if only because, hey, why not.

I’m an Iowa fan, mainly from being born in Cedar Rapids, and my mom going to grad school there. I really started to cheer for Iowa in second grade during the 2002 season (convenient, I know), and my first memory is the 2001 Alamo Bowl. I’ve only really been able to intelligently watch Iowa football games since the beginning of ’08 and I started reading this blog just in time for the UNI opener of 2009. My favorite football memory would have to be either the Cap One bowl, but probably because its more recent, Penn State 08. I have obviously not been around for the good BBall years, besides the 06 season and the B1G championship.

I do not drink, and turn it down if offered.

I’m a big nerd as well. I enjoy playing my 360 and have recently loved playing Skyrim, Arkham City, Bastion, and FIFA. I’m a HUGE Harry Potter buff and have probably read every book AT LEAST 6 times. That said, I also enjoy other fantasy and sci-fi series like Inheritance, Lord of the Rings, and one of my favorite books recently is The Passage by Justin Cronin. I’m in high school band (drumline section leader woot) and love going to competitions around the midwest during marching season. Its something I take seriously.

I LOVE watching soccer, and I cheer for Sporting KC super hardcore when that season comes around. I think Livestrong Sporting Park is one of the best places in the world to see a sporting event, even rivaling Kinnick and Arrowhead. As for European soccer, I usually just cheer for whichever team has an American on it. I find it hard to just choose a team to cheer for. I play soccer as well, although not through the school. In the World Cup, I pour everything into team USA.

I am also a big music buff, with (through Spotify) music ranging from Daft Punk to Dave Matthews Band to Gustav Mahler’s 5th Symphony to various movie and game soundtracks to Frederyk Chopin to Herbie Hancock and other jazz to Muse to Ben Folds to Incubus and Faunts. I usually find myself out of touch with the local music scene.

FInally, BHGP is awesome for awesome Iowa insight and coverage, crazy funniness, and also the great and funny people that comment on this site everyday.

iamalex13 - February 12, 2012 reply

I am Hawkeyepapyrus (or Bob) and I am a Hawkeye addict

Seriously, it is the only fandom i can own since the moment i was conceived.
Raised in Dubuque. Which is a beautiful, albeit a bit insular, little town on the Mississippi. Spent my high school days looking for fun between Iowa City and Madison.
Started my University of Iowa career in 1989. Spent the best five years of my life in Iowa City and was sad to leave in 1994 although in hindsight it was necessary or i would have become Record Collector guy part II.
After that spent a couple of hard working years in Colorado since that double major in Art History and Anthropology didn’t open as many doors as i didn’t think it would. If you want some life experience try working on an oil rig. I literally almost died twice.
After CO i ended up in Milwaukee where i was able to renew my passion for drinking because seriously people those fuckers know how to party. Started a new fandom for the Brewers, Bucks, and Packers. Met my beautiful wife and when she got into grad school at SUNY Albany i ended up in upstate New York. Which is ok. Nice scenery but i would move back to the midwest in a tenth of a second.
I do still enjoy drinking quite a bit although with every passing day the day after drinking gets worse and worse (enjoy it while you can, kids).
Beer is delicious (mmmm’ Boddingtons) but very caloric. Now the drink of choice is Luksosowa Potato Vodka.
My favorite Hawkeye of ever was Larry Station who was a beast on the field and in the computer lab.
I was in Iowa City during the whole Chris Street tragedy which was just a terrible thing.
Spent a lot of my post college years following Phish (don’t judge me) which is where i derive the whole Hawkeyepapyrus thang. But love all kinds of music from jazz to country.

Love the BHGP a ton although i don’t post very often. Love reading everything on the site and it keeps me connected. I can’t wait to get to a football game in IC again (one of these days).

I am not a soccer fan. It’s more exciting for me to watch our cats sleep, grass grow, or any other super boring activity you can think of. I watch golf for pete’s sake and i still cannot sit through a solid minute of soccer. No offense to all my soccer viewing hawkeye brethren which there seem to be a lot of.

In conclusion, i wish i was in Iowa right now but i’m not. So it goes..

HawkeyePapyrus - February 12, 2012 reply

Konichiwa, bitchezzz

Born and raised in IC – so I never had a chance at being anything besides an Iowa fan. City High grad, then went down to Kansas for college, eventually Seattle for grad school, then OPKS before ending up in my wife’s home state of Michigan. Ended up with a grad degree in counseling and working at MSU as an advisor.

Best memory, is the 87 Holiday Bowl against Wyoming; going to Jack Murphy as a six-year old was amazing. Fave Hawkeyes are Nick Bell/Any standup TE and Dre Woolridge/Duez Henderson. The first time I said the F word was directed towards George Perles inside Kinnick.

Drinky? I don’t pretend to have a refined taste, but I enjoy Kraken or Beam + Ginger and miss Mac & Jack’s out in Seattle.

Other sports? I love watching soccer, but don’t have a team I follow closely other than USMNT. I’d like to get into a EPL team, but not having cable makes it hard to stay up on it.

Otherwise, I spend my time running and reading. Currently training for a 25K in Grand Rapids and reading some Cormac and Civil War history.

Good call on the thread WL, interesting to see how we all got to be Hawk fans.

Ill Jukes - February 12, 2012 reply

My Intro

I was born in CR, lived in Burlington briefly, but grew up in Waterloo, Columbus class of ‘94. I was an incredibly not noteworthy person at Columbus, so if you know anybody from there, they won’t remember me. I grew up a Hawkeye, because my dad is an Iowa grad, as is about half of my extended family. I went to Marquette for two years (engineering) before moving back to Iowa and getting an English degree, which was useless so I went into programming, moved to St. Louis for work, and then got out of that and went to law school. Now I’m an intellectual property and technology attorney in St. Louis. If you need something patented, I’m your guy. I can also fix your ticket if you happen to get one here. Now I’m almost 36, married, with 4 kids. Wife has converted to full-on Hawkeye fan, raising my kids as Hawkeye fans, they love it.

Favorite Hawkeye is tough, but probably Nick Bell. My uncle knew him and I got to hang out with Nick quite a bit while he was at Iowa. Next up would probably be Larry Station, but I couldn’t tell you why, I just remember liking him as a kid. More recent teams – hard not to love Stanzi but when I was at Iowa it was Dwight & Devries, and my sister was dating the center and was partnered up with Epenesa Epenesa in some class, I had a peripheral connection to the team and remember some of the guys hanging out at my sister’s apartment. Favorite game is the QB keeper at the end of IA-MSU, just because I can so clearly remember my dad going crazy when Long held that ball up.

I don’t have a favorite soccer team. If I’m going to watch sports, I want to watch an actual sport, not a bunch of guys flopping to the turf like a gutshot policeman every time the opposing team gets within eight feet of them.

Other teams – I’ll root for any Iowa team any time, really. Otherwise, I root for individual Iowa players in the NFL. The Packers are my team (literally, I’m a shareholder).

I’m a beer drinker. My absolute favorite is Franziskaner hefe-weissen in the summer, Sam Adams Oktoberfest in the fall, and a wide variety of porters and stouts in the water. My current favorite dark is O’Fallon smoke. Dragon’s Milk is also superb. I also had a bottle of a Russian imperial I can’t remember now what it’s called but it was fantastic.

Music, whatever. I can’t have lyrics on while I’m working so I mostly listen to trance & electronica. Chemical Brothers, Daft Punk, etc. When I listen to normal music, it’s either bands I used to like in college (Alice in Chains, e.g.), classic rock (Queen, Floyd, Zeppelin, Hendrix, The who), or stuff like Muse, MGMT, Silversun Pickups, The Decembrists, Elliot Smith, Gorillaz, Franz Ferdinand, Radiohead, etc. I also mix in some classic funk, there’s really nothing I won’t listen to other than modern country and gangsta rap and even some of the latter I can stand. But country is RIGHT. OUT. Classic country I can deal with, I’ve got some Charlie Daniels and Johnny Cash around here somewhere.

Books, I read almost entirely genre fiction (fantasy) or biographies, but I don’t have much time to read for leisure.

Other tidbits? Urgh. I’ve said way too much already. I’m a lawyer, I love talking about myself.

hawkeyeinstl - February 12, 2012 reply

Late to the game, but here goes...

I’m 50 something (I can never remember and I’m too lazy to add it up) Born in Kentucky – Ft Knox. Spent several formative years in Seattle before moving back to Iowa – Sully to be specific. Spent all my Saturdays listening to the Hawkeyes losing – which may explain why a 7-6 season doesn’t make me bat an eye. Made it to Iowa Stadium many times for knothole days. I remember that first year they put in the astro-turf and they let everyone run around the field after the game – good times for a pre-jr high kid.

Got my degree in History/Pol Sci from Iowa State (don’t ask) which is why I work with servers at the University now.

Spent several years in the Air Force and have lived several years in Oregon, a few in Arkansas and a couple in Chicago. I am happily living in Iowa City now while my wife is trying to get into Pharmacy college (that is a long story). I have two kids – both of whom went to Iowa and both spent several years in the Marching Band. My son works with me while his wife is finishing her PhD and I am thoroughly enjoying the extra time I can spend with him. My daughter moved to New Hampshire to work on her graduate degree and I do miss her.

I play bass (my daughter owns a ‘74 Ric 4001 and an ’03 4003 that I borrow) and have been in a band – pretty much all classic rock stuff – mostly Allman Bros, The Band, etc. but since moving to IC I haven’t had much of a chance to play and I miss it.

I don’t drink much – can’t stand the taste of beer. I do kind of like whiskey, but don’t obsess over it and it is not a large part of my life.

I actually went to AnimeIowa 10 years in a row.

We have had season tickets to football and basketball for over 10 years now and were fortunate enough to have been to most of the the bowl games during that time. I think the Cap1 bowl was the best thing ever. I remember not even watching Tate at the end – my eyes were downfield and I remember thinking one thing – ‘Holy crap – he’s open’.

I support whoever is coaching or playing as long as they are wearing Hawkeye colors. I don’t understand everyone’s obsession with Alford (yes, I’ll say it – Alford). I liked him and a few pleasant conversations with him. I liked Licklighter – I thought he was a good choice that just didn’t work out. I still think he is a decent person and a good coach. I do love McCaffery and think he will turn things around.

I wear black and gold glasses and blinders. If Ferentz says punt from the 35, I am more than fine with that. I am really hoping that Ferentz is deliberately trollling the fanbase with his press conferences because that would make my day. (I used to hate Bobby Knight until I started watching some of his press conferences – now is is one of my heros).

Not much else to say. I like jazz (bebop especially) and prog rock but listen to a lot of folk – especially Harry Smith’s Anthology of American Folk Music. I read Science Fiction and have always liked Dr Who and have every MST3K ever made.

coltranemonk - February 13, 2012 reply

I'm also late on this one,

I’m 23 (soon to be 24), and was born and raised in Iowa City. I went to Regina, and was on the football, basketball, and baseball teams, as well as in plays, service projects, and several other activities, and loved every second of it. As long as I can remember, sports were an integral part of both mine and my brother’s childhoods, so I knew that I wanted to stay involved in sports in some fashion.

I am a Regina grad, and by the time senior year rolled around, I knew that I had to get out of Iowa City. I wanted a place close enough to home that I could come back if I wanted, but also far enough away that I could get a different experience. I settled on St. Ambrose, where I pursued journalism and radio/tv degrees. At the end of my sophomore year, I had settled on sports journalism, but realized that it would be a mistake for me to go into a failing industry. I started to take Sports Management classes, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Right now, I’m in the final semester of my grad work in Sports Management at a Division-I school. I’m a GA in the Athletics department there, and come May, I’ll be looking to stay in the Division-I college athletics industry. I’ll focus on the Marketing, Development, and/or Promotions areas.

Being from IC, loving the Hawks wasn’t even a decision for me. I can vividly remember much of the 02 season, which happened at the perfect time of my maturation for me to remember the first good Hawkeye FB team of my life. It would be tough for me to choose between that team and the 09 team, who kept the fanbase in a trance week after week as they won in more ridiculous ways each week.

I got engaged in November to the love of my live, and we’re getting married in January. She’s graduating in December from the Physical Therapy Doctorate program at St. Ambrose, which is where we met. She’s an avid Cards fan (being from Central IL), and unfortunately, an Illinois fan. I’ve been working on converting her to the good guys, and it’s working, proven by the fact that she bought us tickets to the Indiana-Iowa 09 game on Halloween for our anniversary. TMFS’ pinball interception happened almost directly even with our seats, which were 10 rows from the field. She got major points on that one.

I haven’t been that big of a soccer fan, but watched almost all of the 10 World Cup, and try to keep updated on the USMNT. I’ll watch almost any game, as long as there’s a notable player or American on the roster. As for other favorite teams, the only other allegiance I hold is to the Atlanta Braves, who were always on TBS when I was a kid. People always think I’m a sellout because they were always good when I was a kid, but it was easy for me to be a fan because they were always on, and I couldn’t be a Cubs fan because my brother was one.

I’m a scotch and bourbon drinker, but the GA stipend budget doesn’t allow for that to happen to often. As for beer: save for a few cheap varieties, my favorite beer is a cold one. I can drink almost anything, and find a variety to be the best way to experience several different brews. The best way to drink for me is to have good friends and food around, and the rest will take care of itself.

I have read each of the Harry Potter’s at least 8 times each. When a new book or movie came out, I would read the whole series up to that point, and it seemed like I took away something new from each one. I suggest it to anyone after explaining the point of the books—it is not a kid’s book—and the morals taken away from it are perfect for a mid-teenager starting to make their own decisions. Conveniently, that what my age when the books came out. If that makes me a nerd, so be it.

One Night Stanzi - February 13, 2012 reply

my turn in the box... I loves me some Hawkeyes

from a small town in NE Iowa, became an addict while listening to Ron “Goose” Gonder doing Hawkeye FB and BB games on WMT radio. High School coach took us to games in the 70’s, saw some epic wins like beating UCLA at Kinnick, and getting thumped by Rick Leach and Michigan, from the knothole seats in the south end bleachers, if you can remember those. Scores were so infrequent that fans threw rolls of toilet paper every touchdowns happened and alcohol was rampant in the stadiums. Tickets were cover charge to the biggest bar in Iowa and legal age was 18.

Went to football camp in 1975 with head coach Bob Cummings. As a tight end my position coaches were Dennis Green and Dan McCarney – who knew? I actually knew Lute and he is as much of a class guy as anything you have ever read. Ronnie Lester was the best guy, most humble human you ever wanted to meet.

Played baseball one year under Duane Banks (aka DB, Two Niner, the man), just a few years after they went to the college world series in 1972, when Fred Mihms was a young man, a year after Mike Boddicker left Iowa. helluva curveball, you shoulda seen it live. DB was a great coach, unfortunately I wasn’t as great a baseball player. :)

1976 Iowa beat Penn St 7-6 and the place was up for grabs. I’m not sure what Bob Cummings will be remembered for, but it certainly won’t be discipline in his program – perhaps he’s best known as the guy who coached before Hayden arrived.

During my years there I saw the first of the wrestling national championships, Bruce “Sky” King and then the assembly of the original Twin Towers (Krafcesin and Waite) with Ronnie for the trip to the Final Four, and the arrival of Hayden Fry which led to the emergence of Iowa Football after 18 losing seasons in a row.

I left Hawkeyeland for about 15 years for a tour of duty in Big 8 12 country and a dose of reality which has served me well. moved back to Heaven to enjoy the last of the ends of Dr. Tom and Hayden’s careers to the current state of affairs. Anyone who bitches about Kirk needs to go read the history of Hawkeye Football from 1963-1976 and then come back to reality.

Favorite Hawkeye moments are the win over Georgetown to go to the Final Four, smoking Texas in the Freedom Bowl 55-17, the Catch in the Capital One Bowl, and the remeergence of Iowa Hawkeye Wrestling under Tom Brands winning his first Nat Championship as a coach. (I love those wrestling team photos after the National Championships, reminds me of the end of Survivor).

Mrs. is a Hawkeye, my son is a Hawkeye and my daughter is a cyclone who is a secret Hawkeye (aren’t they all). My dog is even a Hawkeye

My favorite beers are free and cold, in that order.

two_niner_was_old_school - February 13, 2012 reply

I'll take a stab at it I guess

31, born in NE Iowa, grew up in Dyersville, IA (Field of Dreams, baby) Born into being an Iowa fan, went to my first game for my 10th birthday in 1990. Danan Hughes and Matt Rogers, Nick Bell, Sedrick Shaw, Tavian Banks got me to be a fanatic. Listening to the Hawks via radio when I couldn’t watch and agonizing over 2nd round NCAA tournament losses.

Was accepted to Iowa but chose to go to Drake, got my BA in biology and went to Palmer Chiropractic in 2003. Graduated in 2007 and relocated to St. Louis for the next 4 years. Moved up to Minneapolis in July of 2011 with my GF and took my first trip to the Bank to watch the rodents steal Floyd again this fall.

Not a huge fan of soccer, but will watch during the World Cup (men’s or women’s) as I never played it growing up. Baseball when I could (never fast enough to start) and golf as much as possible. Favorite teams are the Hawks, Atlanta Braves and San Francisco 49ers.

Booze – I’ve become a big craft beer nerd over the past few years, and Minnesota is a great state to be a craft beer lover. Favorites – Barrel Aged Old Rasputin XIV – North Coast Brewing, Rogue Ales – Double Chocolate Stout and Brutal IPA, Bell’s Hopslam (my cases are coming in this week!) Surly Brewers – Abrasive, Furious and Wet, Founders – Imperial Stout.

Bourbon when I’m feeling crazy – Bulleit, Maker’s Mark, Knob Creek and I always have a bottle of Templeton Rye on hand whenever I can. Definitely a wine fan as well, mostly Sauvignon Blancs for whites and Malbec for Reds.

Can’t wait for football season as soon as the previous one ends, have become way too engrossed in recruiting and all things hawk football, and I am extremely excited that I actually care about what happens with the Hawkeye basketball team again.

Enjoying the thread, keep it coming folks.

The Nihilist - February 13, 2012 reply

Late as always..

Don’t tell anyone but I’m not Chucks mom.
I was raised in Tipton, joined the Air Force to see the world and been living in Montana since 1999. I would like to raise my glass in toast to the BTN for giving me the opportunity to rekindle my passion for all things Hawkeye.
I got hooked on the Hawks following them though their season and their run to the final four. If only Ronnie had 2 good knees who knows how far they could have gone. Playing pick-up games on the Field house floor during the summer, watching Reggie Roby punt in pregame, memories I’ll never lose. Imagine if Kirk had Reggie, we win.
Hard for me to nail down my favorite Hawks, but from beside the obvious, heres a few: Ronnie Harmon, Steve Krafcisin, Owen Gill, Steve Carfino, Tim Dwight, Drew Tate, the Banach Bros, Marv Cook (had to play against him in High School BB, the guy could not be moved out of the post). I really just love all things Hawk and wish nothing but the very best for all of them.
Soccer, no. Alcohol, hell ya. Beer, any flavor, color, texture, smell. Mmmm beer. Hoooray Beer

chuck longs mom - February 13, 2012 reply

keeping this short

I am RH’s Bookie. The third known variation of such job title. I thought I was being clever.

I’m from Davenport. Born and raised. Left for a short stint at Iowa State before coming home to graduate from Ambrose. I’m a chemist for the Army now.

Don’t really have a favorite team or player. I do remember watching the Rose Bowl of my handle as a small child. (I’m 30) I remember my dad cussing up a storm and watching the parade with my mom.

I followed the Hawks in basketball some as a kid and started to get into wrestling in high school. I became a real fan in 02. A buddy forced me to watch every game every Saturday. I became rabid when I found BHGP after the Orange Bowl.

More to come. I lose everything I typed when I try to respond to a text.

RH's Bookie - February 13, 2012 via Android app reply

You don't know me.

I’m from a city-like town in North Central Iowa. It’s a dirty river town and if you figure it out, I might cut you. I attended the UI in the early 90’s, so I’m recently old. My maternal grandparents met at the UI in the 1920s. I joined my grandmother’s sorority and was initiated with her pin. My grandfather played football for the Hawks in the 19teens, coached and graduated from Iowa med school. My mom graduated from the nursing school. I have five brothers. I’m the only one who went to Iowa. In short, it’s in our blood but my mother and I are the only smart ones in the family. Yes, I have Cyclones in my family. The shame – it cuts so deep. I live on the east coast inside the 8th circle of hell. I live and breathe all things Hawkeye and love, love, love wrestling (the real kind). I’ll be participating in the Iowa Ladies Football Academy in June at which time I will so dazzle them with my skillz that KF (aka the Salt and Pepper Fox) will beg me to fill the Offensive Coordinator position. When that happens, I will become a frequent character in the Bloodpunch Diaries and my life will be complete. The end.

Hawkeyegirl - February 13, 2012 reply

I was born on the banks of the Mississippi

Or maybe I was sired there, I’m not sure. But I grew up in the shadow of the mighty Clinton Corn Processing Plant, which blocked my view of and smelled far worse than the Mighty Miss. I’m a fairly old fuck, 54 years old. And like a lot of others here I remember a time when a 7-6 football team seemed like a distant dream. Which was mainly true because they didn’t play that many games when I went to college. But I was there in the Dorm of Doom, er Daum when Lute, Lester and the Hawkeyes went to the final four, and saw Hayden’s (maybe) first Kinnick game, a loss to Corso’s Indiana which convinced me that they had a modern offense and he had them on the right track.
So my old man told me that Hayden was the real deal, and after 20 years of craptacular Hawkeye football I didn’t believe him. Of course he died in 1981, the year they made their run to the Rose Bowl for the first time in 24 years. Dammit pops, he loved him some Evashevski Hawkeyes, and I got to meet his buddy Al Ploen’s son Kenny. And he was right about Hayden.
Anyway, I live in Seattle now and love this place. I love skiing and hiking and beer drinking and think that Don Julio Blanco works very well in a flask on a ski lift. And Buckley’s on lower Queen Anne is da bomb for Hawkeye football. If’n any of ya are there on a given Saturday, look me up, I’m the guy in the “Ski Iowa” shirt.

Corncob Justice - February 13, 2012 reply

Late to the party as well

My name is Calvin. I’m 22, and if you couldn’t tell from my username, I’m a chemical engineer here at Iowa. It is actually my last semester here, and when I’m done, I will be going into the Navy and eventually becoming an officer on one of our nuclear subs.
I have always been a Hawkeye fan, and I’ve seen most of the varsity sports here at least once. I don’t have a favorite athlete really, but for teams wrestling and football are tied at the top. My favorite game is a tie between the 2008 Penn St. win tied with the Purdue win when Banks lofted that perfect pass to Clark (you can actually briefly see me on the highlights when Clark celebrates in the endzone).
Beer is quite delicious but I’m more of a whiskey guy myself. I’ve got a bottle of Templeton at my parents house for safekeeping.
Since I came to college, I’ve come to really love soccer and I’m claiming myself an Everton fan, even though I haven’t had the chance to really follow them. My other favorite teams are the Minnesota Vikings and Twins.

iowaChemE - February 13, 2012 reply

• I am from the 717. I currently live in New York state. This place sucks.

• Football is currently too painful to watch, but I fell in love with Iowa because Iowans are respectable people who do things the right way. There. That’s one sentence.

• I don’t know what soccer is. The only sports I care about anymore are wrestling and sprint car racing.

• Grandma makes the best dandelion wine. I listen to good country music (It exists and it’s not that hard to find – pick it, Moon), bluegrass, and miscellaneous folk – especially Irish. I like good movies, which primarily means I like movies I find on TCM. I read history books with some political stuff mixed in.

ReadingRambler - February 13, 2012 reply

The Ass-shot Avatar

I don’t post often, but I read daily. It does seem that every time I do post, someone points out that my avatar is an ass-shot and tho it was intended to focus on the helmets, I figure to take the notoriety however I can get it.
My tag is BlacknBlue11, but not because I do a lot of fighting or getting beat on, but rather because my high school was the Blackhawks and my college the Blue Devils (and no not Duke). I grew up in suburban Chicago, now I’m 25 and still live here, and quite frankly I’m ok with that. I’m a midwest guy so I prefer keeping it that way.
I have never lived in Iowa, nor did I attend any type of school there. I was born into a Hawkeye family and my grandfather played for Evy (there was actually a picture that was posted when he passed that had my grandfather in it) so that’s where my love for the Hawks stems from.
My favorite Hawk is Brad Banks, with Marvin, DJK and Bob Sanders just behind him. Growing up in Jordan-era Chicago, I loved the Bulls and BJ Armstrong was my favorite player but I never knew him as a Hawkeye so I’d say my favorite hoopyballer is still TBD with Jess Settles the leader in the clubhouse.
There is no doubt that the Penn State game in 08 was my favorite game of all time, and that includes being there to see my Packers win Super Bowl XXXI. It’s going to really take a lot to ever unseat that game for a sleu of reasons that I’m sure you all already understand.
Other than the Hawks, my loyalties sit mainly with the Packers and Chicago Blackhawks. Although Derrick Rose and Fran have inspired a recent return to basketball for me, it definitely has stepped back from where it was in earlier days.
As far as drinking goes, my answer would be captain and coke. My family drinks it while we tailgate. I have one just for good luck. It’s the only time I consume alcohol.

BlacknBlue11 - February 13, 2012 reply

Daily Reader, rare commenter

Born and raised in Austin, Texas.

Both parents went to Texas Tech, So did two uncles and three aunts, countless cousins and two brothers. So did I for a year before transferring to Iowa. Needless to say, I grew up more than passionate about the Red Raiders, but sometimes life throws you a curve ball and you gotta pick up and (ask your parents to pay outta-state) find somewhere new.

I found Iowa, I dont regret it at all. I love it. My requirements for a school when I decided to transfer was ‘Big time english department, and big time football’ Iowa really really fit the bill.

Since I have been an Iowa fan for a total of 1 season. My favorite game was this year against Pitt. I still didnt know anyone and went to the game by myself, and had an absolute blast.

My favorite hawkeyes are Micah Hyde and Vandy… because he is the mandy

The Texas Rangers are the only sports team that competes with the hawkeyes now on terms of sports affection. (Don’t ask me about Game 6. according to my GirlFriend it was the only time she’s seen me express ‘real emotion’)

I dont care about soccer.

Shiner Bock is a great beer. but I’m in college, I drink a disproportionate amount of Mill high life and keystone.

I’m Pre-law, and will probably attend law school somewhere in SEC country or Texas. I have family across the south and its where I want to live. But, who knows, I already broke family tradition once.

And if you got this far, enjoy this little tid bit. My brother is the writer of royalsreview (got his Ph.D here at Iowa) and told me about BHGP a couple years ago, so, while not ‘a fan’ I have been reading BHGP since the ‘08 season. So when I am here talking with other young literature types, and we talk about ’great Iowa writers’ I always say my favorite are Adam Jacobi and Patrick Vint. One day, one of these people will get it and we will become instant friends.

kmacsm - February 13, 2012 reply

Here's my 3 years too late intro.

And in that same fashion, I’ve been away from computers to jump in and say hi until now. I lurked for many months before creating an internet identity on BHGP following the Outback Bowl against the Cocks. Couldn’t think of a name, so I went with the big news of the time, which was the UI telling Ed Podolak to “retire” after having too much fun in Tampa.

I grew up in Dubuque County, graduated from the UI in ‘08, and haven’t really left. I work at the UI, have a house in Coralville, and am getting married later this year. I’ve had my own experiences with AIRBHG, to the tune of 4 ACL replacements. I’m a Hawk fan because my dad is a Hawk fan. He had season tickets throughout the ‘80s and ’90s, so I was able to go to a lot of games when I was young, so Kinnick is a special place for me. Some of my fondest memories are of Hayden’s later teams with Sherman, Dwight, Shaw and Banks, but my greatest experiences were being a student for the ‘03-’05 seasons. Standing on the grass of Kinnick almost felt like a regular occurance. I was once on the field after beating Minnesota, and suddenly found myself surrounded by a combination of fans and players, and I look up and see Floyd being passed around, about to fall to the ground when a friend and I put our hands up and at one point were carrying the 90 pound Floyd of Rosedale. Right place, right time, completely by accident.

Give Eddie a Beer - February 14, 2012 reply

Finally breaking down and doing this

I grew up in North central Iowa, and, contrary to my name, only live in the suburbs of Chicago. The name seemed like a good idea when I signed up around here, and since I survived the great SBN site name consolidation of…ummm…several years ago, this is the way it’s going to stay. Mr. Yuk is a product of RAGBRAI 1999, a small group of us were unofficially team Mr. Yuk. I say unofficial because we couldn’t decide on a name, I liked it, and I got the stickers, so I named us. I’m pretty sure no one else agreed, but that’s just tough.
I grew up loving the Hawks, partially because nothing beat listening to Zabel call a football game, and partially because my parents are both from Minnesota. And went to UM. Like any good kid, I wanted nothing to do with that.
As far as my favorite game, it would be a tie between the 2002 game in Minnesota and the 2001 Alamo bowl. It wasn’t a pretty game, but it was a win. More importantly, the road trip was one of the most fun of my life. At least one person around here understands if I yell “LA QUINNNTAAAAAAAA”
I don’t really follow soccer, but I do watch arena football. Near as I can tell, they’re the polar opposite of each other
When in doubt, rum. Pyrat rum, in particular. I’m also a fan, although certainly not a connoisseur, of wine. If you’re in the area, I recommend Cooper’s Hawk (see, how can you not love that) winery and restaurant. I don’t know if those of you who are PN fans would like theirs, but I enjoy it. Try the calamari, too.

chitownhawkeye - February 14, 2012 reply

My turn

Hello my name is Brandon and I’m 20, originally from Hamburg, Iowa (I wouldn’t be surprised if no one knows where that is). I’m currently going to UNI where I am studying Political Science and I’ve been a Hawk fan my entire life. I love college football and the MLB (Dodgers) and I’m starting to get back into watching the NHL (Sharks), how I’ve been a Dodgers and Sharks fan pretty much my whole life I have no idea. I’ve been following BHGP since I believe November and this is actually my first post…so yay for me?

swiaHAWK - February 14, 2012 reply

I don't Facebook

but I BHGP.

Kyle really is my name. I’m from Naperville, IL and grew up as soon as I left for good. Have lived in the 60625 part of Chicago for almost 8 years now. I’ve been married for 7 years and have 3 ridiculous children, one beta and, as of yesterday, two rats. Seriously. Not my idea.

I am the rare suburban Chicago kid who actually grew up a Hawkeye instead of acquiring the bug upon arrival in IC (my mom is from Ainsworth, IA). My grandparents were basketball and football season ticket holders since the mid-1970’s and attended every bowl game until the ‘03 Orange. Thus, I’ve been a maniacal Hawkeye in hostile territory my whole life, which has only added to the passion I have for Iowa.

I majored in marching band at Iowa for one year which led to the UI deciding it best if I continued pursuing my higher education elsewhere. I have also attended College of DuPage, Roosevelt University and Northeastern Illinois University, resulting in exactly 0 degrees (although I was only a few hours short of completing a double major in Poly Sci and Economics with a minor in Theology).

Chris Kingsbury and Andre Woolridge will always be my favorite Hawkeyes as Iowa basketball was my first love. The ‘98-’99 Hawks were probably my favorite since it was the only team I ever saw every home game for (and it was Dr. Tom’s last year; Jacob Jaacks scrapping with Kalhid El-Amin and Jake Voskhul at halftime = WIN). I also spent most of the ‘94 UI basketball camp in the trainer’s room with Russ Millard.

Big Arsenal fan since the ‘97 season and am currently suffering through their most maddening season in years. USMNT is also a favorite although I have a soft spot for the Dutch as well because they were the team that first made me love soccer at the ’94 World Cup. Dennis Bergkamp is the single most graceful player I’ve ever watched.

Most folks here probably know the rest. Alcohol is a big part of my life (I sell the stuff, after all) and I love it all although single malt Scotch and craft beer are my passions, with Half Acre currently ranking as my favorite brewery. I am the once and future beer writer for SBN site, MaizeNbrew. I geek-out hardcore for comic books (mostly Marvel with some indie’s thrown in) although I do “real” reading as well which might have something to do with working in book stores for over a decade. I love movies and television (Deadwood, The Wire, X-Files, Louie, Mr. Show and anything Tony Bourdain-related are a few of my all-time favs), am an avid cook/foodie (there is nothing I won’t eat) and once upon a time was a Chicago music scenester taking in well over 100 shows in just a few years back when I had emo hair, ripped jeans and a lot more energy. Now I mostly listen to old stuff although The National has been in constant rotation in my car for the last 6 months.

I am mostly a luddite which is why I try to actually meet BHGPers as frequently as possible. I have been known to organize events on occasion… I have also been known to ramble with absolutely no shame with regularity. Hmmm…

Kyle McCann't - February 15, 2012 reply

T-I-double-guh-er-hawk!

My real name is Angela, I was born in Corning, Iowa just like Johnny Carson. Currently I am 31.

I lived in Mount Ayr in the one and only Ringgold County from age 2ish to 19ish. The majority of my family has been in the SW IA/ NW MO area since the civil war. They did a lot of partying with George Washington during the revolutionary war and prior to that were in England. There’s also some German/Dutch/Belgian action in there. Growing up, it was really important to me to make sure I married well outside of the family tree.

I knew what a Hawkeye and that other school’s mascot were because our family physician had these giant wooden cutouts of football Herky and Cy in his waiting room. Yes, a giant wooden cutout that one often sees as the backside bloomers belonging to an old lady bent over weeding her garden. I thought Cy looked stupid and Herky was awesome and as a lot of our area was big cyclown fans, I chose the Hawks.

One summer I took a Calligraphy class with Mo Brown and Bob Sanders; I thought they were awesome dudes, really kind. There were a couple of incoming frosh women basketball players in the class too, but they needed some major attitude adjustments.

I really only follow the Hawks. I loathe most professional sports, especially baseball, although back in my junior high days I followed the Braves, the Bulls, and the Penguins. I also followed the Des Moines Menace through high school. I also really loved horses and wanted to be one.

I have a BS in chemistry from Iowa and spent 2 years as a PharmD student, plus some other time there, so I am book smart on all drugs and being a townie. I worked at Cambus during a lot of my academic endeavors and know a few BHGP members from there. I miss driving the Bionic Bus. My hubby also worked there when we started dating back in 2000; we have been married since 2003 and it’s the best thing ever. There were several Angela/Angie’s when I worked at Cambus so we all had different nicknames, and I was Tigger because I had an awful Tigger obsession. That’s why I’m Tiggerhawk on here.

Drinking is fun, but I can not do it like I did when I was underaged. I like my beer medium in the color spectrum, dark blonde to red to brown in color, but not all the way black and stout. I like my wine to be Malbec. I do really like Templeton, and have been trying a variety of whiskeys these days. Reasonable alternatives to TR are Stranahan’s (although not rye) and Redemption. On our last trip to IC, we left the Galesburg Hy-Vee with a whole case of Templeton. I also like coffee.

Now I’m in West Lafayette and trying to get a PhD at Purdue, so a lot of what I post is some of my best trolling. I keep getting really bad ankle sprains and have to go to the PT clinic at the student health center here with the Boiler athletes. I represent appropriately with tigerhawks and the right shade of gold. The fb players are scared of me and the bb players can’t look me in the eye because of their shame. It was also really great to attend the BHGP football event back in November.

I’m learning to play the guitar and am always looking for odd requests to learn to play. The 8 year old that takes his lesson before me has already requested LMFAO’s “Sexy and I Know It” and it’s quite fun to poke fun at my instructor for that. I’m thinking we’re going to have to work on the polka.

tiggerhawk - February 15, 2012 reply

It's go time

Born in Des Moines (DM Roosevelt grad), went to Iowa (06 grad), now living in Denver. I’m 28 and married (married last March) and really, really enjoy living out here. It’s beautiful most of the time.

My dad is a huge Iowa fan and he got me hooked at an early age (like any good father should). For my 5th birthday, he took me to my first Iowa football game (Iowa-Michigan State, 1989), and I’ve been taking it in ever since. As much as I love Iowa football, my first real love was Iowa basketball, and it always will be. I can’t describe how nice it is to have them slowly but surely making their comeback. They left my life (like they did for most Iowa fans) during the putrid Lickliter “era,” but they’re back, and it feels good.

My favorite Iowa athletes are Bob Sanders and Andre Woolridge. Sanders single-handedly changed the Iowa football landscape. As Kirk Ferentz said, when Sander arrived, it was like having your big brother show up to a fight. He made Iowa relevant again after a few down years. Iowa hasn’t had a player of Woolridge’s capability since he left in 96-97. Sure, there have been some good individual talents (Oliver, Ricky Davis, Luke Recker, Reggie Evans, Jeff Horner, Adam Haluska, Greg Brunner), but none matched his incredible accomplishments individually. You knew what he was going to do (go right, because he couldn’t go left), and you still couldn’t stop him. Him not winning the Big Ten MVP that year after leading the league in scoring AND assists is, and always will be, a travesty of the highest order. Iowa should’ve won the league that year were it not for some incredible cheating in Minneapolis.

Favorite Iowa teams are the 2002 football team, the 2005-2006 basketball team, and the wrestling team of 2010. 2002 was a dominant team, and it’s a shame they never got to play Ohio State. 2005-2006 also should have won the Big Ten regular season title were it not for another choke job in Evanston (which I saw first hand as a senior), though their home form that year was out of this world. The 2010 wrestling team won the NCAA tournament before it had begun. That was a team on a mission to dominate.

I’m a huge Manchester United supporter, though our greatest fears (Manchester City becoming a threat) have been realized. I think they’ll win the title this year unless they burn out (which is possible, despite their silly depth). The league will probably come down to United’s visit to Eastlands in late April. I really started following them once I got to college. I’ll always remember their 2002-2003 Champions League quarter-final tie with Real Madrid (which came right after the infamous Sir Alex Ferguson incident where he kicked a boot at David Beckham that left a cut above Beckham’s eye). So much talent on both sides. United won the 2nd leg at Old Trafford, but Madrid won on aggregate (6-5). It’s still the best match I’ve ever seen. Ronaldo (the Brazilian one) scored a hat-trick.

Internationally, I support the USMNT, but my family heritage is Dutch, so I support Holland. Hup Holland Hup!

Scotch has been growing on me in the last few years and I’m trying to broaden my spectrum. I went to Scotland in high school and we did a tour of Edradour, which is a small distillery maybe an hour north of Edinburgh. I enjoy a Gin and Tonic every now and then as well. A lot of the Colorado micros after fantastic. Going up to Breckenridge to hit the brewery is always fun. I’m looking forward to my first brew tour by bike up in Fort Collins this summer – heard that’s a blast.

As far as music, I don’t listen to much new stuff. I find a lot of it whiny and whimpy – where are the guitars? Where are the crunching chords? Not many traditional rock groups around that haven’t been around for a long time already. Seems like it’s all been replaced by computer-generated shit. But then again, maybe I’m not looking in the right place/listening to the right stuff.

So most of the time, my iPod hits the classic rock – The Who, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, etc. I still enjoy them greatly, but it gets boring after awhile.

As for movies, I’ve always been a huge fan of The Godfather films (well, 3 was weak, but 1 and 2 are 2 of the best 5 movies ever, and nothing will convince me otherwise).

Nickhawk08 - February 15, 2012 reply

surprised how large this got, in a good way

Which is also what she said.

Grew up bouncing around several small north central and northeast Iowa towns. Lived in Hillcrest and on Market St (DirtyJohn’s4Lyfe), worked for Hancher and wrote for the DI (no, not sports), BA in 08. Did some grad school at Drake, lived in a Des Moines a few years, now back working in NE Iowa and SW Wisconsin. The family has had football tickets for three generations, I’m currently working on what I hope will be my 7th year of student season tickets. I’ve been fortunate enough to make a lot of the bowl games and I try to hit 1-2 road games a year, including OMHRoadtrip last year, great work Kyle et al.

Love how this place has grown and the tone it still has, so much different than all Iowa sites and most sports blogs in general. Really only read this, Morehouse, and EDSBS and love how two of those three are so hard to share with most people I know in real life. Love the balance between batshit insanity and some of the most coherent, literate sports writing around. I’m not a snob or foodie, but I do love the food business and could talk bars/restaurants/grocery stores for hours, which is good because this commentariat goes from favorite beers/Iowa City establishments and without breaking a sweat shifts right into classic literature/civil war generals. I try not to be an asshole and like to photoshop or find a good .gif when the moment calls for it.

Also, proud member of team #everythingohiohawkwrites.

sailorjerry - February 15, 2012 reply

Two things about me

I just finished grading papers and

if you are a biology student at Texas Tech and you misrepresent “phenotypic plasticity” or incorrectly format the Linnean binomial, I will mark you off with a quickness.

Lycurgus - February 15, 2012 reply

What the hell

My name is Doug
Born in Beatrice, Neb., raised in Clear Lake, live in Swarley’s home town (you have been paying attention, yes?) and am trying to think of all the dirty river towns around here.
Married, three kids and a cat. I’m a Tavern Hawk. I was a dead tree journalist before the economic wheel of fate turned against me.
Chicago sports fan, learning to be an EPL fan (leaning Spurs), love all kinds of books and music. I love history: WWII, Cold War, American, Rome, whatever else trips my fancy.
Ummm…that’s all, I think.

Blackheartnopants - February 17, 2012 via Android app reply

First Post (woo)

I’ll go by Toobaboy.
I grew up in Newton (back when they had a formidable football team), and reside in Omaha (have developed an appreciation for the Huskers, but was definitely rooting for the Hawkeyes on Black Friday). I work as a geologist, so I travel a lot – am currently located near Panama City, FL.
I’ve always been a Hawkeye fan. I grew up idolizing guys like Chuck Long, Marv Cook, and BJ Armstrong. Ronnie Harmon made me cry as a little boy; “Daddy, why does he keep dropping the ball?!?!?” I went to UNI (when Kurt Warner played – still a fan of that guy) for music (guess what instrument I played) and NIU (when Michael Turner was tearing up the MAC) for my MS in geology, but I’ve always rooted for the Hawkeyes.
I played soccer in high school, but haven’t gotten into pro club football. I always get into the US national team when the WC comes around (men or women).
Alcohol. I like to say that I’m a professional – that is all.
I always have a book or two that I’m working on (mostly novels, some historical stuff), and enjoy a wide variety of movies and music (except for Top 40 crap).

Toobaboy - February 17, 2012 reply

Oh hi, BHGP. I didn't see you over there.

I’m the guy that goes by SomeJerkPoster, and I have a Hawkeye addiction.

I’m in my early 30s. Born in IA but family moved to northern IL (not Chicago or suburbs) when I was pretty young. I’d say it was tough growing up around Illini fans, but so few people seem to care about them here. Currently living here again while I get my shit together.

I’ve always been a Hawkeye fan; Dad follows the Hawks (and pretty much my entire extended family, for that matter) so I grew up watching them. The first game I vaguely remember attending was ‘88 Iowa-Michigan; I know this because the game ended in a tie. I cried the morning after Chris Street died, but my Mom made me go to school anyway. I attended the ’96 Hayden Fry football camp; John Austin told me I’d be good once I grew into my body.

I was good but not great in HS football, and I was a good student, so instead of trying to walk-on at Iowa or playing 1AA or D2 ball, I went out East to play D-3 ball at a school which was #1 in my desired field of study at the time. To say it didn’t work out there would be an understatement. I came home after a year. Went to the local JUCO to get my grades in order, got talked into playing football again by the best coach I’ve ever had, and met my two closest teammates I’ve had in years of athletics. After two good seasons there, I transferred to another good academic D-3, but ended up having some problems and came back home to finish up at the local State U. Played semi-pro football for a few years. Nothing glamorous (though Walner Belleus plays for my old team now), but I got to play with aforementioned teammates again and had a helluva lot of fun doing it.

Sadly I am not an Iowa grad or even an alumnus. I attended another Big 10 institution for grad school but fuck anyone who says I should root for that team “because I went there.” Congratulations, however, to those of you who here who grew up rooting for other teams and have seen the light. I chose this handle when signing up for the Rivals message board because I thought it was funny, though I quickly found that a) I didn’t have any inside info so I didn’t have much to add to the conversation, other than to poke fun at others, and b) doing that with a name like SomeJerkPoster rubs people the wrong way. Most all of the BHGP posters have been great though and it makes me happy to get recs for my bad jokes, so thank you for that.

My favorite soccer team is my AYSO team from 1986. Halftime orange slices FTW.

As far as drinking goes, I like pretty much everything, which sounds so much better when you say it about alcohol and food than when you say it about music. I enjoy smooth whiskeys (Jameson mostly), hoppy IPAs (Sierra Nevada or Bell’s Two Hearted are always a good choice), stouts and porters, gin and tonics and the occasional martini. I also like red wine, though I don’t know enough about them to talk a good game, which is frustrating when I’m trying to pick something to cook with.

I love, LOVE to cook (and, of course, eat). Despite my multiple degrees, I sometimes think that I might belong in the kitchen. I don’t even know where to begin with this. I want to (at least know how to) cook EVERYTHING. I spend a lot of time on Epicurious looking for recipes to make.

I’m a music snob and would probably be labelled a hipster if I was not a gigantic man; it’s difficult to find ironic clothing my size. Grew up on classic rock and 80s pop. Love old school hip hop and electro, post rock, other indie stuff. 2011 seemed like kind of a crappy year for music.

Oh boy, might’ve overshared there a bit.

Love you, BHGP.

SomeJerkPoster - February 21, 2012 reply