2009 wasn’t fun

Let's face it - 2009 wasn't exactly a lot of fun for Iowans. None of us need more reminders.

Instead, let's take a moment to focus on something uplifting this early in 2010. Many Iowans walked a lighter gait Wednesday. The night before, their beloved Hawkeyes turned in a convincing 24-14 victory over Georgia Tech in the Orange Bowl.

Other than those annoying graphics that kept comparing the temperature in Iowa City to Atlanta and Miami, the Fox telecast conveyed impressive images of the Hawkeye players, coaches and fans. Who knows how many casual viewers - and potential player recruits - nationwide took away favorable thoughts about the university and its players, coaches and fans.

And in the high-profile world of college football, Iowa's victory nailed down a 4-3 record including two BCS triumphs for Big Ten bowl teams, ramping up national respect for a conference that has been maligned in recent years.

Notably, the Hawkeyes' road to the prestigious postseason event was littered with adversity. Major injuries sidelined key players even before the season began and many others followed. The schedule was not favorable, with Iowa facing the expected most difficult Big Ten opponents all on the road.

Even after Iowa won its first nine games, doubters pointed to Iowa's unpredictable offense and how the Hawkeyes had to pull many victories from the proverbial jaws of defeat. Then, when quarterback Ricky Stanzi was sidelined by injury early in the Northwestern game and Iowa stumbled to its first loss, armchair critics intensified their attack.

All of which eventually proved the stuff of which this batch of players was made (with all due respect to the much-improved Iowa State Cyclones who won the Insight Bowl under new coach Paul Rhoads). Time after time, overcoming adversity became the Hawkeyes' rallying cry.

Sure, it's just football, young men playing an expensive game that provides fans with a brief escape from daily routine or troubles. It's not life or death.

But the Hawkeyes demonstrated that old-fashioned hard work, working together and can-do attitude still bring positive results. A good reminder for all of us as we face the challenges ahead in 2010.