A ladies day to remember at Kinnick Stadium

IOWA CITY — After attending my fifth Iowa Ladies Football Academy last year, I decided my work was not done.

I vowed to attend again this year.

On June 4, the sixth Iowa Ladies Football Academy was held in Iowa City. Each attendee was required to pay a $50 registration fee, which covered a shirt and lunch. Attendees also were expected to raise at least $500, with all funds going to research at the University of Iowa Children's Hospital, which towers over the east stands of Kinnick Stadium.

I raised more than $2,500 this year. For my efforts — and for being in the top 20 for fundraising — I was able to pick an Iowa football helmet, which I asked Coach Kirk Ferentz sign.

I attended the first year by myself, not knowing a single person. This year, through related Facebook and Twitter accounts, I attended with a group of friends who had grown to more than 20. We decided on the color wrist band to grab at registration so we were able to stay together throughout the whole event.

Blue Team (as we called ourselves) checked in at the Kenyon football practice facility promptly at 9:45 a.m. Since this wasn't our first rodeo, many of us got there at 8 a.m. for a small get-together and tailgate, and to ensure we were the first in line. I think many of us didn't sleep well the night before because of the anticipation for the day. Most of us consider the academy one of the best events of the year during football's off-season.

After registration we were given a tour of the weight room and the upper floor of the complex. Coach Ferentz then talked about what happens on game day and what the schedule is for the players during the week in regards to training and meetings. I was overwhelmed by the time and commitment it entails to be an athlete. Add in being a student in and you can plainly see these young men are very dedicated in not only excelling on the field but in the classroom. Lastly, we got to see all the trophies brought home from the 2015 football season. Each one is beautiful and seemed right at home in the practice facility.

After the tour of the facility, we were taken to Kinnick Stadium where we had photo and autograph opportunities with the football players and coaching staff. A few photos were staged, including a human pyramid with C.J. Beathard playing along. We had the opportunity to do short drills at each position — running, passing, kicking and tackling all while interacting with the players. Each and every player and coach on the field seemed to be having as great as time as I was. They were polite and generous with their time. The players were not required to be there and had to cut their summer break short to help.

After the autographs and photos, we were given a short program by Kirk and Mary Ferentz and then members of the spirit squad and the players did a short dance that involved one of the players (offensive lineman Levi Paulsen) doing the splits at the end.

Next up were the drill stations. Each color wristband academy member was taken to different stations where each position was explained and attendees had a chance to perform drills with the players and coaching staff. We got to throw and catch the football, run plays, interact and ask questions.

I bet I wasn't the only person with sore muscles Sunday morning.

After the drills, we had another short program where our Kids Captain, Chris, and his mother gave a brief account of the amount of time Chris has spent at UIHC receiving care. Mary Ferentz gave our group total for the amount of donations raised and gave out prizes to the Top 20 fundraisers.

The event was hugely successful. The 414 attendees raised more than $346,000 dollars. Seeing the Children's Hospital hovering over Kinnick this year in its almost completed state was a subtle reminder of why each and every one of us was there on Saturday.

I'm already thinking of ways to raise money for next year. I know this is one event I will attend as long as I am able.