Add players’ tribute to Ferentz’s 2015 honors

LOS ANGELES — On Dec. 2, Iowa's football team finished practice and head coach Kirk Ferentz did what he typically does, and asked his assistants if they had any announcements.

But senior center Austin Blythe, a team captain, piped up.

'I stood up,' Blythe said. 'I just said we're happy for other peoples' success, like Coach says, and he was named Big Ten Coach of the Year (the night before).'

Blythe's teammates responded with a hearty ovation for Iowa's coach of 17 seasons and four-time conference Coach of the Year.

'It wasn't so much of a presentation,' said Blythe. 'We just wanted to mention what he has accomplished this year. One thing he always says is we're happy for other peoples' success.

'As teammates and just a group of guys that cares for Coach, we wanted to recognize him for what he's done. Just be able to do that for him is really special just because of the way he cares for his players.

'To be able to do that for him was really special for me just because of what he's done for me as a player.'

Blythe is a senior from Williamsburg who will make his 49th and final career start Friday in the Rose Bowl. He was a Rimington Trophy (outstanding college center) finalist and was named second-team All-Big Ten.

Two weeks after his players feted him, Ferentz was announced as the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year by the Football Writers Assocation of America. Wednesday, he was named the recipient of the Dodd Trophy by the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation.

'We need to bring something together for our banquet in February or whenever it is to really recognize what he's done,' said Blythe. 'It's well-deserved.'

Comments: mike.hlas@thegazette.com