Orange Bowl brings to mind other victories

The Orange Bowl doesn't compare to health care reforms, terrorism, the global economy or flood recovery, but it sure was a sweet break.

Still bubbling over Tuesday's Hawkeye win, I've been poring The Gazette eEdition since I recently moved from Cedar Rapids to Philadelphia. Thanks for that remote access to the local happiness!

I won't argue about this being the “best win in three generations” or “the most meaningful win in a half century,” as your sports writers proclaimed, but I will offer some games that for me, may rank just as high.

Indelibly atop my list are some from the 1981 season that ended years of servitude to the Big Two of the Big Ten and the rest of the national programs.

I joined Iowa football fandom in the '60s, early during the Hawkeyes' 20-year stretch of losing. Dull, maddening, losing, but they were my team.

Then in 1981, all the past demons were gone. I remember the sound of the radio as the 20-some-year losing streak to Purdue was vanquished. I remember disbelief as we actually beat Michigan - in its stadium.

And Iowa in the Rose Bowl? On national television? Yes, yes, glorious yes!

I offer this not to compete with the current thrill of this season. It's just that the claims of greatness for this win reminded me of some other old sweet passion fruit. Thanks to all the Hawks for a good time all these years.

And thanks for The Gazette eEdition so I can savor everything but the smell of newsprint!

Dale Lucas

Abington, Penn.