To football fans, encouraging coaches, parents striving to teach all the right lessons and the players with true love of the game:

Although Saturday’s game against Northwestern was a loss for our Hawkeyes, a few members of the team were victorious with some younger fans.

With our two girls out, we took our boys, Ryan, 14, and Andrew, 10, to a restaurant in Coralville. It was a busy Saturday evening, the most of the patrons dressed in black and gold looking a little defeated.

As we were finishing our meal, the hostess sat a neighboring table. I recognized the injured quarterback, Ricky Stanzi. He leaned his crutches against the wall and sat with his back to us. To his left, Tony Moeaki; across from him, Jeff Tarpinian and Brett Morse.

I told the boys who they were. Immediately, Andrew hopped up next to Ricky and said “Hi Stanzi.”

At this, I tell you just how much their reaction taught my boys. How much we as teachers affect those whom we teach. With the interruption to their evening, a defeat and the injury, Ricky looked up at Andrew, smiled and sincerely shook his hand. Andrew absolutely lit up, exclaiming to never wash his hand again.

Over the next several minutes, the boys drank in the Hawkeye players, from what they ordered (all four water) to just how big they were. More diners left, passing by their table with words of encouragement for a quick recovery. Andrew, beside himself for an autograph, had nothing worthy to sign. I suggested getting the “ill fated” Sports Illustrated, so my husband, Dave left to find one.

Too intimidated to shake their hands, Ryan proudly removed his sweatshirt, revealing his Washington Demons football T-shirt. This pride I admire. His dream of one day playing for the Hawks declared, he marveled at the players- the role models unaware of how closely they were being watched.

Andrew returned with the magazine, apologize for interrupting and asked for autographs.

Once again the way these gentlemen reacted was heartwarming. Kidding Moeaki about getting barbecue sauce on the magazine, they all signed it and handed it back to a boy who both admired and aspired to be like them.

Despite a crushing defeat, they showed team spirit, pride and graciousness that helps make up a team we can all be proud of.

From the fans, parents, teachers and players, “Well done, Hawkeyes!” It’s that heart, spirit and love of the game we’ll be watching for Saturday.

Jessica Waite and her husband Dave, live in Washington with their four children and are longtime Hawkeye fans.            Cedar Rapids Gazette 11/13/01