As Iowa (8-4, 6-3 Big Ten) prepares for Monday’s TransPerfect Music City Bowl clash against Missouri (9-3, 5-3 SEC), sixth-year senior defensive back Sebastian Castro spoke about his decision to participate and what being a Hawkeye has meant to him during his tenure in Iowa City.
When asked why he didn’t opt out of the bowl game, the 5-foot-11, 205-pound senior stated he owed it to the program to play one last time as a gift of gratitude after the countless lessons and memories gained while wearing the black and gold.
“I mean, it’s like a bittersweet ending. This is going to be my sixth year here after the season. I’ve been here a long time, and I love being here. I’m grateful for everything that’s changed my life coming to this program. But it’s time to go, you know? I can’t be here forever. I appreciate all the memories, everything I learned,” Castro replied.
“That’s why I’m playing the bowl game. I feel like I owe it to the program to play this game. Just do it one more time. It’s going to be a fun one. I’ve been having fun this past 3-4 weeks. I just try to enjoy everything.”
Entering his 53rd career game and 32nd start as a Hawkeye, Castro has recorded 112 solo tackles and 50 assists for a total of 162 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, two sacks, five forced fumbles, 18 pass deflections, four interceptions, and one defensive touchdown.
The Music City Bowl kicks off from Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, at 1:30 p.m. CT. The game will be televised on ESPN and can be listened to on the Hawkeye Radio Network.