This Saturday, Hawks Nest and the University of Iowa Student Government (UISG) are challenging students to welcome the Hawkeye football team's Big Ten rival Penn State with respect.

This includes maintaining a competitive spirit and exhibiting positive sportsmanship at the game Saturday night at Kinnick Stadium.

Additionally, Hawks Nest and UISG encourage students to post to their Facebook pages a graphic promoting sportsmanship with the words, “We are the Big Ten: Welcome our Big Ten rivals with respect."

“Hawks Nest and UISG are passionate about promoting a positive environment for the Penn State fans, student-athletes, coaches, and staff on Saturday night," says UISG President Nic Pottebaum. "This grassroots social media effort will hopefully promote a respectful game atmosphere.”

Hawks Nest President TJ McCann adds, “We understand that Iowa and Penn State are part of a shared conference goal. No matter what colors we wear, we respect the game and each other. I want my fellow Hawkeyes to cheer as loud as possible, but not degrade our opponent.”

Hawks Nest and UISG are asking students and fans to refrain from booing Penn State when the team takes the field; remain passionate throughout the course of the game and cheer without degrading Penn State; create the loudest and most exciting atmosphere possible while maintaining full support for the UI; and respect game officials.

The ideas behind promoting sportsmanship came out of the student-led Big Ten Sportsmanship Agreement developed in 2011 with the help of Hawks Nest and UISG members.

More information is available at uisg.uiowa.edu.