Brad Banks humbled after Hall honor

IOWA CITY -- Former Iowa quarterback Brad Banks was humbled beyond words Saturday afternoon before he was publicly honored as a member of Iowa's National Varsity Club Athletics Hall of Fame.

Banks, who had an all-world season for Iowa in 2002, was inducted Friday at a dinner and will be recognized at halftime.

“It didn't hit me until last night," Banks said. "Just at the dinner, seeing people, the whole set-up. The I-Club did an awesome job.

"It's sinking in slowly, but I'm truly honored. It's a privilege beyond measure. It's overwhelming. I'm humbled at the same time."

Banks, who now lives in West Des Moines, was runner-up for the Heisman Trophy in 2002 in leading Iowa to its first unbeaten Big Ten season in 80 years. He completed 170-of-294 pass attempts for 2,573 yards and 26 touchdowns. Banks led the nation is pass efficiency and claimed the Chicago Tribune's Silver Football as the Big Ten's most valuable player.

"To go on the field and be recognized by the greatest fans in the world that were a big part of that success," Banks said. "In  '02, and now to be a part of that on the field, it's pretty cool."

Other members inducted include: Sam Bailie (men's gymnastics), Craig Clemons (football), Jennifer Brower-McNutt (track and field/cross country), Franthea Price (women's basketball), and former UI women's golf coach Diane Thomason.