Go Ahead and Wave

I’m not sure if you’ve heard, but Iowa started a new tradition last season. At the end of the first quarter the entire stadium turns and waves at the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital (fans, both teams, officials, everyone). The hospital opened just last year after years of construction and has several watching bays the overlook the stadium so the kids and families at the hospital can watch the games. The idea was thought of almost exactly one year ago by a typical Iowa mom.

The tradition immediately caught national attention. It got the Rinaldi treatment; was a clue in Jeopardy; Won an Epsy; and was even featured in a Carrie Underwood music video. It’s even won over the crustiest of opposing fans.

To my fellow Iowa fans, though, we must not let this awe-inspiring gesture turn us into those we loathe. The reason we’re able to make it is mostly because of happenstance. While it was excellent design to make the bays to view games, that the hospital is located where it is, is the reason. There are several other schools within the conference that have world class medical facilities and children’s hospitals, and they would all jump at the opportunity to be able to do this. Do not use this as a cudgel against fans of other teams. Do not get all high and mighty. Do not turn into these fucking assholes. The purpose is to recognize those in the hospital, to let them know they’re not alone.

To fans of opposing teams. Please make the trek to our hallowed ground, and take part in The Wave, you won’t regret it.

But to those who would say it’s all pointless, an empty gesture, and virtue signaling; I mean this with all sincerity: Fuck you. The Wave has raised awareness and money for Children’s Hospital. The sale of Wave T-Shirts alone has raised close to half a million dollars in the first year, alone. And that doesn’t include what it means to the families themselves.