Iowa fans began what will hopefully become a tradition for many years on Saturday in the first game of the college football season. At the end of the first quarter, fans all stand together and waive towards the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital that rises up above Kinnick Stadium.
#FTK @UIchildrens pic.twitter.com/l0zlvIJoHk
— The Iowa Hawkeyes (@TheIowaHawkeyes) September 2, 2017
#Hawkeyes fans waiving to the Children's Hospital after the first quarter Saturday. Just an amazing scene.https://t.co/g8fJcWmXK3
— Sportsnaut (@Sportsnaut) September 3, 2017
As noted by College Football Talk, “The tradition was born through a social media campaign asking fans attending Iowa games to find a way to recognize the patients at the Children’s Hospital that overlooks Kinnick Stadium.”
Needless to say, fans certainly figured out a way to make a big impact and let the children being treated at the hospital know they are not alone.
Just as touching, each home game the Hawkeyes play there will be a kid captain chosen to represent all the kids who are being treated. In Week 1, it was Jaelyn Butikofer, who helped the Hawkeyes get their season started with a big win over Wyoming.
Our first #KidCaptain, Jaelyn Butikofer (Manchester, IA) kicked off the .@hawkeyefootball season with a win! #GoHawks #Hawkeyes #Kinnick pic.twitter.com/jlucLlVpRg
— UI Stead Family Children's Hospital (@UIchildrens) September 3, 2017
If that doesn’t warm your heart, then nothing will.