Tag: iowa athletics

Iowa set to hire ex-Colorado State AD Joe Parker as deputy athletic director, Chief Operating Officer

Iowa has a new deputy AD and Chief Operating Officer.

The University of Iowa has reportedly found its new deputy athletic director and Chief Operating Officer.

After spending nearly nine years as Colorado State’s athletic director, Joe Parker is set to be the Iowa Hawkeyes’ new deputy AD and Chief Operating Officer.

ESPN’s Pete Thamel was the first to report the news on Tuesday.

Parker steps into Iowa athletic director Beth Goetz’s vacated position. After nearly nine years guiding the Rams’ athletics department, Parker announced he was stepping down as Colorado State’s athletics director in February.

Hired in March 2015 by Colorado State, Parker oversaw the construction of CSU’s new on-campus stadium, Canvas Stadium. The $220 million, 727,000-square-foot facility was financed entirely through a bond sale, with no general fund or tuition funding, and backed by private donations.

Parker helped secure a record-setting $5 million donation from the Bohemian Foundation to aid in the creation of the women’s sports facility.

Under Parker’s guidance, Colorado State won 24 Mountain West championships.

One of the highlights was the hiring of Niko Medved to replace former Iowa State head coach Larry Eustachy. Medved has compiled a 117-75 (60-46 Mountain West Conference) record during his run as Rams coach from 2018-24. CSU has made two out of the past three NCAA Tournaments.

Turmoil on the gridiron seemed to be the root of frustration among Rams fans with Parker’s tenure.

Mike Bobo, Steve Addazio and Jay Norvell each served as Colorado State head football coach during Parker’s run as AD. Bobo compiled a 28-35 (20-20 Mountain West) record from 2015-19, Addazio a 4-12 (3-9 Mountain West) mark from 2020-21 and Norvell an 8-16 (6-10 Mountain West) record during the 2022 and 2023 seasons.

“It has been a privilege to serve Colorado State University and our students in this role. I also want to thank our many donors, partners and fans for helping to move the department forward and position CSU Athletics for a very bright future,” Parker said in a statement after his resignation from Colorado State.

Prior to his time at Colorado State, Parker served as Texas Tech’s deputy athletic director. Parker also joined Michigan as the associate athletics director for development and was promoted in 2006 to senior associate athletics director for development and corporate relations.

Parker also spent time at Texas, Washington State and Oklahoma.

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B.J. Armstrong headlines 2023 Iowa Athletics Hall of Fame class

Three-time NBA champion B.J. Armstrong headlines Iowa Athletics’ 2023 Hall of Fame class.

The University of Iowa Athletics has a new set of inductees to add to the Hawkeyes’ Hall of Fame.

The University announced on Tuesday its 10-person Hall of Fame class. The class will be inducted on Friday, Sept. 1—the night before Iowa football’s season opener against Utah State—and the induction ceremony is open to the public.

For a get-in price of $25, fans can join in honoring and welcoming Iowa’s 34th Hall of Fame Class. It’s headlined by three-time NBA Champion B.J. Armstrong.

It also includes Cherie Freddie (field hockey), Jolette Law (women’s basketball), Terri McFarland (softball), Brent Metcalf (wrestling), Peaches Roach Findlay (women’s track and field), Bill Seaberg (men’s basketball), J. Daniel Sherman (wrestling), Eric Steinbach (football) and Anne West Burmeister (rowing).

Armstrong was a player for the record books during his time in Iowa City, establishing himself as one of the greatest Hawkeye basketball players in program history. Armstrong was named the team’s Most Valuable Player for the 1988 and 1989 seasons, earning second-team All-Big Ten accolades.

He led the Hawkeyes to four straight NCAA Tournament appearances, including their Elite Eight run in 1987. He still holds school NCAA Tournament single-game records in assists (10), 3-point field goals (6), free throws (16), and free throw attempts (20).

Armstrong finished his illustrious career in Iowa City as the program’s career assist leader with 517, still good for sixth all-time. His 1,705 career points are the seventh-most in program history. Armstrong’s number was quickly retired by Iowa in 1992.

B.J. Armstrong was never a pro whose stats jumped off the screen, but many who watched 90s’ basketball recognize the key contributions he made to the Chicago Bulls. Armstrong was a three-time NBA Champion with Chicago, providing a great tertiary scoring option to Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen.

Armstrong was known for his great shooting ability, leading the NBA in three-point percentage in 1992. During his career in Chicago, Armstrong never shot below 40% from beyond the arc. He also earned a lone all-star appearance in 1993.

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With NCAA Baseball Tournament bid, Iowa Hawkeyes join exclusive group nationally

Thanks to its at-large bid in the NCAA Baseball Tournament, Iowa is part of an exclusive group of athletic programs nationally.

Iowa baseball is back into the postseason for the first time since 2017. The announcement set off a celebration within Hawkeye nation on Monday.

“No, it feels great. Really happy for this group. I mean, they took it out of the committee’s hands and that’s what we set out to do this fall. What can we do to make sure that we’re still playing in June?

“You know, there is a part of me that you’re thinking about those last two teams that didn’t get the call and felt like that they should have and we’ll be playing for those guys, too,” Iowa head baseball coach Rick Heller said of his team’s draw.

Iowa heads to the Terre Haute Regional, which has No. 14 overall seed Indiana State, North Carolina and Wright State. Here’s your full Terre Haute Regional encyclopedia, complete with plenty of stats and facts on each.

With its inclusion in the college baseball postseason, Iowa also joins a select group of programs nationally in the 2022-23 academic and athletic calendar year. Take a look below.

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Gary Barta retirement news electrifies social media

The college football world—and Iowa Hawkeye fans—had plenty of reactions across social media to the bombshell that Gary Barta was retiring.

The Gary Barta bombshell was made for social media.

Of course, on Friday morning, news broke that Barta would be retiring on Aug. 1. After 17 years leading the Iowa Hawkeyes, a new athletics director will soon be presiding over the University of Iowa’s athletics.

Iowa won four wrestling national championships and just played in the women’s basketball national title with Caitlin Clark and co. this past spring. In addition to those accomplishments, Iowa captured 27 Big Ten team crowns under Barta’s watch.

Still, the Barta story at Iowa isn’t one without controversy. It’s a complicated legacy that resulted in a series of discrimination settlements totaling over $11 million during his run as the Hawkeyes’ athletics director.

Naturally, given the complicated history, some Iowa fans saw this as a welcome bit of good news. Meanwhile, others pointed out that the Hawkeyes’ athletics programs have had a fair bit of success with Barta as the AD.

Iowa fans had plenty to say on social media about the news on Friday morning. From potential replacement candidates to just pure shock, here were the best reactions to the breaking news.

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Kirk Ferentz, Fran McCaffery release statements on Gary Barta’s retirement

Kirk Ferentz and Fran McCaffery released statements regarding Gary Barta’s upcoming August retirement.

After 17 years at the helm, Gary Barta revealed this morning that he would be stepping away as Iowa’s athletics director come Aug. 1.

Under Barta’s watch, the Iowa Hawkeyes captured four wrestling national championships, 27 Big Ten team titles, saw more than 160 student-athletes recognized as first-team All-Big Ten selections, and had multiple National Player of the Year athletes.

Naturally, those that worked closely with Barta wanted to make sure to share their thoughts on his nearing retirement. The Gazette‘s John Steppe shared statements from Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz and Iowa head men’s basketball coach Fran McCaffery.

Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz and the Hawkeyes enjoyed a mark of 137-79 (83-59 Big Ten). Iowa won a pair of Big Ten West division crowns in 2015 and 2021. The Hawkeyes earned 15 bowl game trips and won seven of those contests.

Ferentz shared his thoughts on Barta’s decision to retire.

“I was surprised to learn that Gary is retiring today. I valued our working relationship as he led our athletic department over the past 17 years. I certainly understand and respect his decision to walk away and wish he and Connie the very best in their new chapter,” Ferentz said in a statement.

The Hawkeyes are arguably enjoying their best period of sustained men’s basketball success. Iowa has made four consecutive NCAA Tournaments and seven overall under the guidance of Iowa head men’s basketball coach Fran McCaffery.

McCaffery has compiled an overall record of 261-176 (126-118 Big Ten) and is just 10 wins shy of tying and 11 wins shy of surpassing Tom Davis and the Hawkeyes’ all-time wins record.

“Gary Barta was phenomenal to work with. One of the things that attracted me to the University of Iowa 13 years ago was his unwavering support of our staff and student-athletes, his commitment to doing things the right way, and always maintaining the integrity of our institution.

“Gary is loyal, and he was committed to constantly making us better. His diligence has helped our program succeed in the most competitive conference in college athletics. A lot of the success of our program has had is a direct result of Gary’s vision to improve Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The addition of the practice facility, and upgrades to the weight room and locker rooms were game changers for both men’s and women’s basketball, not to mention a number of other facility improvements for other teams.

“On a personal note, he has always been incredibly supportive of my family, including when my son Patrick was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2014. That speaks volumes about his character,” McCaffery said of Barta.

Of course, Barta released a statement earlier today on why he felt this is the right time to move on from the University of Iowa.

“The success enjoyed by our student-athletes and coaches during my entire tenure, and especially the past several years, has been impressive and record breaking on so many levels.

“My wife, Connie, and I were blessed to be able to raise our two kids (Luke and Madi) in this wonderful community. The four of us will be Hawkeyes for life. I’ve made incredible friendships within the athletic department, across campus, throughout the greater Iowa City community, and across the State.

“This decision didn’t come suddenly, nor did it come without significant thought, discussion, and prayer. As I’ve reflected, I came to the conclusion there’s never a good time to step away…because there’s always more to be done. That said, I’m confident this is the right time for me and for my family,” Barta said of his decision to retire.

Barta came to the University of Iowa in August of 2006 after serving as the Wyoming athletic director from 2003-06.

In Iowa’s press release of Barta’s upcoming retirement, the University revealed that an interim athletics director would be announced next week.

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Iowa AD Gary Barta announces upcoming retirement

Iowa athletics director Gary Barta announced he will be retiring on Aug. 1 after 17 years leading the Hawkeyes’ athletics department.

The University of Iowa is officially in the market for a new athletics director. Gary Barta announced he is retiring on Aug. 1 after 17 years overseeing the Iowa Hawkeyes‘ athletics department.

“It has been an absolute privilege and honor to serve in this role the past 17 years. I’m humbled to have worked beside and on behalf of so many student-athletes, coaches, staff, donors, fans, and community leaders over the past two decades,” Barta said in a statement.

UI President Barbara Wilson celebrated Barta’s tenure and the Hawkeyes’ accomplishments under his direction.

“Gary’s achievements at the University of Iowa are significant, and our coaches and student-athletes have enjoyed tremendous success on and off the field during his tenure. I’m grateful for his leadership as a Hawkeye and I wish him well in his retirement,” Wilson said.

Under Barta’s watch, the Hawkeyes captured four NCAA team championships and 27 Big Ten team titles. More than 160 student-athletes were recognized as first-team All-Big Ten athletes, multiple athletes captured National Player of the Year and Big Ten Player of the Year honors and there were Coach of the Year recognitions as well.

On the gridiron, the Hawkeyes tallied an overall mark of 137-79 (83-59 Big Ten) with head football coach Kirk Ferentz during Barta’s oversight. In men’s basketball, Barta hired Todd Lickliter to succeed Steve Alford who left for New Mexico in the spring of 2007. Lickliter compiled a record of just 38-58 (15-39 Big Ten) before being fired after just three seasons.

Barta’s next men’s basketball hire was a good one. Fran McCaffery has taken the Hawkeyes to seven NCAA Tournaments, including each of the past four. McCaffery holds a 261-176 (126-118 Big Ten) and is just 10 wins shy of tying and 11 wins shy of surpassing Tom Davis as Iowa’s all-time wins leader.

Meanwhile, women’s basketball is of course coming off a Final Four and national championship game appearance with the nation’s best player in Caitlin Clark. The Hawkeye women’s squad has won back-to-back Big Ten Tournament championships, too.

In wrestling, Barta orchestrated the hire of Tom Brands. Brands just completed his 17th season guiding the Hawkeye wrestling program. Iowa is a five-time Big Ten and three-time NWCA Coach of the Year. In 17 seasons as Iowa’s head coach, Brands has led the Hawkeyes to four NCAA and six Big Ten team titles, crowning 13 NCAA champions, 25 Big Ten champions and 100 All-Americans.

Before this past athletics year, Iowa’s athletics programs had won 11 Big Ten championships along with a Big Ten West division crown in football since the fall of 2020.

The fundraising and facility growth with Barta as Iowa’s athletics director was significant, too. Iowa totaled more than $380 million in facility upgrades and new construction projects.

Those projects included Kinnick Stadium’s North Endzone; the Hansen Football Performance Center; the Gerdin Athletic Learning Center; the Carver-Hawkeye Arena Howard Family Pavilion; the Goschke Family Wrestling Training Center; the Nagle Family Clubhouse and Hoak Family Golf Complex; the Iowa Soccer Operations Center; the P. Sue Beckwith Boathouse; and the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center among others.

The University of Iowa also raised more than $650 million in private support for athletics scholarships, operations, facilities and endowments. With Barta as Iowa’s AD, the athletics endowment grew from $31.6 million to $76 million.

Of course, Barta’s tenure at Iowa wasn’t without plenty of controversy. There were a series of discrimination cases, the latest of which resulted in a $4.175 million settlement to former players that sued the program for racial discrimination. It brought the grand total of settlements for the University of Iowa north of $11 million during Barta’s tenure.

After Barta and the University of Iowa initially asked for $2 million of taxpayer funds to cover the racial discrimination settlement, the University of Iowa wound up reimbursing the state to cover the costs. Rob Sand, Iowa’s State Auditor and a member of Iowa’s Appeal Board, called for Barta’s resignation after he and the University requested the $2 million in taxpayer funds.

There will be an interim athletics director announced next week and a search for the replacement should begin immediately. David Eickholt of Hawkeye Insider with 247Sports indicated that his top name to watch as a successor for the University of Iowa is Beth Goetz.

Goetz joined as Iowa’s Deputy Director of Athletics and Chief Operating Officer in September of 2022.

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UI releases gambling probe timeline, investigation includes 26 student-athletes

The University of Iowa gambling probe includes 26 student-athletes and one full-time employee of the UI Department of Athletics.

After Darren Rovell of the Action Network reported yesterday that the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission had launched an investigation into the University of Iowa’s baseball team, the University of Iowa’s Office of Strategic Communication shared more information on the ongoing investigation.

Iowa’s Office of Strategic Communication said in its press release that it is “aware of the sports wagering investigation and are fully cooperating.” UI’s Office of Strategic Communication noted that they have alerted the NCAA of the potential violations and that they have hired outside counsel to assist in the investigative process.

Per UI’s Office of Strategic Communication, the university has received information about 111 individuals in relation to the sports wagering investigation. That number includes 26 current Iowa student-athletes from baseball, football, men’s basketball, men’s track and field, and men’s wrestling. There is also one full-time employee of the UI Department of Athletics included in the investigation.

According to the UI Office of Strategic Communication, this list does not include any current or former coaches. The release also noted that “the vast majority of the individuals are student-staff, former student-athletes, or those with no connection to UI Athletics.”

The UI Office of Strategic Communication also released the timeline of events thus far in the investigation as follows:

May 2: University of Iowa leadership was notified of potential criminal conduct related to sports wagering that also suggested possible NCAA violations.

May 3: Law enforcement notified the university that additional information would be provided the following day.

May 4: The university received a list of individuals alleged to have participated in sports wagering.

May 5: The University of Iowa took the following action:

  • notified several student-athletes that they would not be participating in upcoming competitions;
  • alerted the NCAA to potential violations; and
  • engaged outside legal counsel to advise the university and potentially lead an investigation.

UI’s Office of Strategic Communication also shared this statement from the Board of Regents:

The Board of Regents is aware of concerns related to online gambling involving individuals associated with the University of Iowa and Iowa State University. The Board of Regents and the universities will fully cooperate with any investigations related to these concerns.  We are closely monitoring the situation and have confidence that University administrators at each institution will take all necessary steps to ensure ongoing compliance. – UI Board of Regents.

Finally, the University of Iowa issued the following statement:

The University of Iowa and the Department of Athletics are aware of the sports wagering investigation and are fully cooperating. We have alerted the NCAA of the potential violations and we have hired outside counsel to assist in the investigative process.

The athletics department provides education on NCAA rules regarding the the prohibition of sports wagering as well as the potential consequences.

Redshirt sophomore Keaton Anthony, the Hawkeyes’ leading hitter on the baseball team, was withheld from this past weekend’s series against the Ohio State Buckeyes. Other notable players withheld from action included right-handed pitcher Jacob Henderson, catcher Ben Tallman and catcher Gehrig Christensen.

The news of a gambling investigation concerning violation of NCAA rules at both Iowa and Iowa State University comes on the heels of a scandal in SEC country.

Former Alabama head baseball coach Brad Bohannon was recently fired after an investigation into suspicious betting activity following Alabama’s 8-6 loss against LSU on April 28.

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A Big Ten school becomes the first in the conference to cut sports programs due to lost revenue

The first Big Ten school has decided to cut multiple sports as a result of the coronavirus pandemic

A move that many have sadly projected was coming given the loss of Big Ten revenue this season happened yesterday.

Wisconsin Athletic Director Barry Alvarez has been very public about the financial difficulties created by the COVID-19 pandemic for the department at UW. In a letter to fans written just a few weeks ago and posted on uwbadgers.com, he stated that Wisconsin was in line to lost over $100 million dollars in revenue without a college football season.

In the letter, Alvarez also noted the steps that the Badgers had already taken to minimize costs during this uncertain time:

“To this point, we have taken many steps over the past few months to minimize the impact of a cancelled winter postseason and spring season. We have instituted pay decreases for our top 25 earners and workshare furloughs for all employees, put a freeze on almost all hiring, restricted travel, limited to essential-only spending and announced the delay of the South End Zone renovation project. These steps have allowed us to avoid the tough decisions other schools have already had to make, like eliminating sports or laying off employees.”

Another step to minimize costs came as devastating news to many division one athletes in Iowa City yesterday. The Iowa Hawkeyes announced they would be discontinuing men’s gymnastics, men’s swimming and diving, women’s swimming and diving, and men’s tennis due to money lost during the coronavirus pandemic.

“The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a financial exigency which threatens our continued ability to adequately support 24 intercollegiate athletics programs at the desired championship level,” University President Bruce Harreld and Athletic Director Gary Barta wrote, in a statement that was published yesterday. “With the Big Ten Conference’s postponement of fall competition on August 11, UI Athletics now projects lost revenue of approximately $100M and an overall deficit between $60-75M this fiscal year. A loss of this magnitude will take years to overcome. We have a plan to recover, but the journey will be challenging.”

This is yet another disastrous side effect of the coronavirus pandemic that has impacted nearly every facet of life for colleges and universities.