WHAT: Students, faculty, and fans are invited to cheer on the University of Iowa Army ROTC cadets before they depart for the 28th annual Army ROTC Game Ball Run, which carries the Cy-Hawk football series game ball from Iowa City to Ames.
WHEN:
Beat State Pep Rally, Thursday, Sept. 10, 6:30-7:30 p.m. (Pentacrest)
On Thursday evening, UI students, faculty and fans are invited to attend a Beat State Pep Rally, which will feature a corn cob-eating contest, music from the University of Iowa Marching band, and remarks from UI Army ROTC and Gary Dolphin, the voice of the Hawkeyes.
Game Ball Run, Friday, Sept. 11 (Kinnick Stadium)
On Friday morning, UI cadets will run the game ball from Kinnick Stadium and make stops in Williamsburg, Marengo, and Belle Plaine before handing it off to Iowa State University’s Army ROTC program in Tama.
Along the way, Iowa Army ROTC will be collecting cereal, dry pasta, baby wipes, Gold Bond foot powder, and canned food items to support veterans and deployed military.
Schedule:
- 7:20 a.m. — UI Army ROTC cadets leave Kinnick Stadium to begin journey.
- 8:30 a.m. — Williamsburg
- 9:35 a.m. — Marengo
- 10:20 a.m. — Belle Plaine
- 11:45 a.m. — Meet and greet with both Army ROTC Cadet Battalions at Tama Toledo Country Club in Tama.
BACKGROUND: The first Army ROTC Game Ball Run started on Sept. 19, 1987. The event was designed to build esprit de corps among cadets of the UI and ISU, but also became a fundraiser for the Multiple Sclerosis Society when a UI cadet was diagnosed with the degenerative disease.
UI participants in the Game Ball Run ride vans to each starting point and run approximately 10 to 12 miles total. Items will be also collected by the cadets to support local veterans and deployed military, and their families.
The Beat State Pep Rally is sponsored by the UIAA Students Today, Alumni Tomorrow (S.T.A.T.), Hawks Nest, Hawkeye Caucus, and UISG.
For more on Beat State week, visit www.iowalum.com/beatisu.