Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht says an experienced Iowa State defense made it tough on the offense during spring drills. The Cyclones take high hopes into next season and return 18 starters from a team that finished 7-6.

Becht leads an experienced offense and is coming off a season where he had 23 touchdowns and just eight interceptions. He was named the Big 12 freshman offensive player of the year. The Cyclones wrapped up spring drills on Saturday.

ISU opens at home on August 31st against North Dakota.

IOWA CITY, Iowa – Junior RHP Brody Brecht has been named the Big Ten Co-Pitcher of the Week, it was announced Monday. The honor is the third Big Ten weekly honor of his career and second for the Hawkeyes this season. Brecht shares the award with Jacob Denner of Michigan.

The Ankeny, Iowa, native threw a career high 7 2/3 innings against Rutgers and allowed just one hit and three walks. He struck out 12 and allowed just one unearned run as the Hawkeyes swept the three-game series against the Scarlet Knights.

Brecht has a 4.12 ERA and a 1-2 record. He has recorded 84 strikeouts in 48 innings pitched. He leads the Big Ten in strikeouts and ranks eighth in the nation, and he is first in the Big Ten and third in the nation in strikeouts per nine innings (15.75).

The Hawkeyes finish up a five-game homestand on Tuesday at 6:05 p.m. (CT) against Milwaukee.

IOWA CITY, Iowa — Long-time University of Iowa football color analyst Ed Podolak is transitioning out of the Hawkeye football radio booth as color commentator.

“I have decided that this is a good time for me to step back from my role as color commentator for the Hawkeye football radio broadcasts,” said Podolak. “I believe there is no greater honor than to be part of the Iowa Hawkeye Football team. I have loved watching these young men and coaches compete for the past 42 years. Sharing my perspective for the incredible Hawkeye fans from coast to coast has been a thrill.

“I look forward to my new role this fall, providing analysis during the pregame shows and on podcasts.”

Podolak has been a part of nearly 500 Hawkeye football games as a radio analyst, spanning 42 seasons. Following a lengthy playing career, Podolak moved to the announcing booth, joining WHO radio broadcasts of Iowa football games in 1982 after initially serving as an NFL color commentator for NBC, and college football commentator at ESPN. He worked for WHO radio until joining with Learfield Sports in 1997.

“I have said it often across 27 years that Ed Podolak is the best I’ve ever worked with in the broadcast booth,” said play by play voice Gary Dolphin. “One of the game’s great competitors, Ed’s ability to explain plays was unparalleled. Football mentalities of all ages understood and enjoyed the humor each Saturday. I look forward to Eddie’s continued involvement on game day.”

Podolak played quarterback and running back for the Hawkeyes. He was named first-team All-Big Ten and team MVP in 1968. He ranks in the top 20 in school history in career rushing yards, passing yards and total offense. In 1968, he set a then-school and Big Ten record, rushing for a record 286 yards on 17 attempts against Northwestern. Podolak currently ranks 20th in passing (172-398, 2,316 yards, 8 TDs), 22nd in career rushing (407-1,710-14 TDs) and 14th in total offense (4,026 yards) in Iowa history.

“Ed Podolak has had an incredible impact on Hawkeye fans for 40 years,” said Moon Family University of Iowa Head Football Coach Kirk Ferentz. “He was one of the greatest college football players of his era, leaving his mark all over the Big Ten record books. He followed that with an outstanding professional career in Kansas City. And since his retirement from football, he has been the voice that Iowa fans have counted on for decades. Knowledgeable and passionate – always entertaining the fans across our state and across the country. There will never be another Ed Podolak. I hope Hawkeye fans will join all of us in wishing Ed the very best as he steps away from the broadcast booth.”

He was selected in the second round of 1969 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs and won Super Bowl IV in 1970. Podolak continues to hold the NFL record for all-purpose yards in an NFL playoff game, totaling 350 yards against Miami on Christmas Day, 1971.

A native of Atlantic, Iowa, Podolak is a member of Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Honor, the Iowa Letterwinners Club Hall of Fame, and the University of Iowa Media Hall of Fame.

Hawkeye Sports Properties, in conjunction with the UI Athletics Department, will begin a search for Podolak’s replacement this spring.

DES MOINES – Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has released a video message announcing a proclamation in celebration of Iowa Hawkeyes Women’s Basketball historic 2023-2024 season. The proclamation declares today, April 22, 2024, as Iowa Hawkeyes Women’s Basketball Appreciation Day in Iowa.

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds

(Transcript below):

Her message said “The Iowa women’s basketball team made dreams come true this season. From sold-out arenas and record viewership to continuing their reign as Big 10 Champions, returning to the NCAA tournament. And earning a place in the national title game for the second consecutive year.  They captivated fans nationwide, from lifelong Hawkeyes to Hollywood celebrities. Their star power was undeniable and they demonstrated the very best of our state in every way.   

I want to congratulate and thank coaches Lisa Bluder, Jan Jensen, the entire coaching and support staff. And, of course, the team. Caitlin, Kate, Gabbie, Hannah, Molly, Taylor, Sydney, Kylie, Kennise, Jayda, AJ, Ava, Sharon, and Addison, you transformed women’s basketball and inspired young girls and boys to dream big, work hard, and believe that they can do anything. Most importantly, you showed all of us what a true champion is.   

In appreciation of all you’ve accomplished and everything you represent, it’s my privilege to declare today, Monday, April 22nd Iowa Women’s Basketball Appreciation Day.   

Congratulations to the Hawkeye women and coaches on an incredible season.  We are so proud of you.”

DES MOINES, Iowa —[KCCI]  New royalty was crowned in Des Moines on Sunday afternoon. The 45th ‘Beautiful Bulldog’ was crowned at Drake University. An English bulldog named Pumpkin took the crown at the pageant at the Knapp Center. She very gracefully took her throne during the festivities. The event, part of the festivities during Drake Relays week, saw Pumpkin donning a royal red cape trimmed in a white edging with black polka dots and pearls.

As the winner, Pumpkin traded her red cape for a blue one and a crown.

Pumpkin, who hails from Oakland, and is owned by Shawna Anderson, will serve a year-long reign as the Drake Relays mascot and the Most Beautiful Bulldog.

Iowa State closed out spring drills with most of the regulars sitting out the scrimmage. ISU has high hopes after finishing 7-6 last season.

That’s ISU coach Matt Campbell who says spring was another step toward building to next season.

Campbell says there is a ways to go for this team to reach its potential.

The offense is experienced and Campbell feels the Cyclones are getting better at the line of scrimmage.

The Cyclones open next season at home against North Dakota on August 31st.

IOWA CITY, Iowa – The University of Iowa volleyball team closed its spring season with scrimmages against Creighton, Quincy and UNI inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Saturday.

In an altered format, Iowa won three matches and dropped a pair of close battles with Creighton.

The Hawkeyes were led offensively by newcomer setter Claire Ammeraal, middle hitters Anna Davis and Hannah Whittingstall, and outside hitter Gabby Deery.

Defensively, libero Joy Galles led the Hawkeyes in digs and serve receive.

“The transformation was inspiring to be a part of this spring,” head coach Jim Barnes said. “We added four newcomers and rebuilt our entire team. We have implemented my favorite offense to take advantage of the talent and developed our leadership core. Our team put in long, mindful hours and has improved in every area. The team understands how we want to play and has taken ownership of that.”

HEAR FROM HAWKEYE NEWCOMERS

Claire Ammeraal – Jr. (S)

“The team showed a lot of resilience, especially against a high-level team like Creighton. This tournament showed our strength and what we need to work on. My first few months at Iowa have been a learning experience and it has been great to form so many connections on and off the court.”

Joy Galles – 5th Year (L)

“We came out with plenty of energy and fight, like we have all spring. This team plays with a lot of joy for the game, which makes for an awesome environment. With that being said, I do believe we could have been sharper. We made some errors in crucial moments, which made it hard to finish out sets. Our team has made so much progress since January. It’s been a privilege and pleasure to work with these women and this staff. Our coaching staff is special. Nothing about this program is transactional and that has incentivized our team culture. I was grateful to see the fans that came out to watch us play.”

Hannah Whittingstall – So. (MH)

“Our team has been working hard during the spring and Saturday showed our potential. I am excited to see where we can go moving forward. This is a team that is supportive on and off the court. The past few months at Iowa have been great. The team and staff are very welcoming, in addition to the community. I have enjoyed my time training with the team and getting to explore Iowa.”

The Hawkeyes have concluded their spring season and will return in the fall.

IOWA CITY, Iowa – The University of Iowa softball team fell in the final game of a three-game series, 7-3, against Indiana Sunday afternoon at Bob Pearl Field.

Freshman Jaylee Ojo got the start for the Hawkeyes and gave up two early runs to the Hoosiers after five free passes. Junior Haley Downe entered in relief in the first inning and picked up two strikeouts to leave the bases loaded.

Iowa’s offense responded in the bottom of the first as Rylie Moss and Jena Young reached on back-to-back hits to open the inning. Sophomore Tory Bennett capitalized with a single up the middle to score both runs and tie the game at two.

Indiana answered back scoring in the top of the second on two straight singles to take the lead, 4-2. The Hoosiers extended their lead, 5-2, in the fourth on another RBI single.

The Hawkeyes were able to load the bases with one out in the bottom of the fourth but left them stranded as the Hoosiers shut the door. Indiana pushed two more across on a two-run home run in the top of the fifth.

Iowa senior Grace Banes came around to score in the home half of the fifth on an Indiana error to make it 7-3. Sophomore Jalen Adams entered the game in the sixth and kept the Hoosier bats quiet in the final two innings.

The Hawkeyes finished with three runs on seven hits and no errors.

UP NEXT

Iowa (16-21, 4-11) heads to Lincoln, Nebraska on Tuesday, April 23, for a midweek matchup against the Cornhuskers. Game one of the doubleheader will begin at 4 p.m. CT and both games will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network.

HAVRE DE GRACE, Md. – The University of Iowa women’s golf team closed out play at the Big Ten Championship, firing a final round 304 on Sunday at the Bulle Rock Golf Club. The Hawkeyes tied for 13th place with a 54-hole score of 902 (300-298-304).

Sophomore Madison Dabagia paced the team, tying for 31st place with at 221 (75-71-75).

Sophomore Kaitlyn Hanna had the best round of the day for the Hawkeyes, shooting a two-over par 74 (73-76-74). The Omaha native had three birdies en route to her 223, putting her in a tie for 37th place.

Indiana was the team champion, firing an eight-under par 856. Minnesota’s Isabella McCauley, Michigan’s Monet Chung and Indiana’s Caroline Craig finished with seven-under par 209s to share the medalist honors.

IOWA LEADERBOARD

T31. Madison Dabagia 75-71-75=221

T37. Kaitlyn Hanna 73-76-74=223

T55. Riley Lewis 74-75-80=229

T55. Ximena Benites 78-76-75=229

83. Shannya Vogler 87-82-80=249

84. Paula Miranda 92-80-81=253

T13. IOWA 300-298-304=902