Fans to chant 'Norm' at Iowa v. Wisconsin game Saturday

IOWA CITY – Thousands of Hawkeye fans are planning to introduce a special chant at this weekend's game against Wisconsin.

“A lot of fans are talking about getting some Norm chants going at the game,” said Collin Coughlon, a University of Iowa student who plans to attend Saturday's game.

The shout-out will be for Norm Parker, the defensive coordinator for the Hawkeyes, who recently had his foot amputated due to complications with diabetes.

“The University of Iowa is very good about supporting its coaches and team,” said Nick Kennedy, a junior at the University of Iowa.  “I think it's really good to support Coach Parker like that.”

A special Facebook page set up by Sawyer Mishak, a U-I alum, is requesting fans chant “Norm, Norm, Norm” every time Wisconsin has the ball on a third down.

The University of Iowa athletics department, who Thursday afternoon announced that it supports the Hawkeye fans effort on behalf of Coach Parker, is asking fans to modify the cheer to every first down, instead of every third due to pre-programmed game effects that would drown out the cheering fans.  Plus, a large banner will be on display on the southeast side of Kinnick, near the stage, for fans to sign get well wishes for Coach Parker.

“His personality has been driven into the fan base and he's just a lovable person who's going through a difficult time,” said Rick Klatt, associate athletic director for external affairs.  “It speaks to our fans and it also speaks that Iowans that they're special in how they care about people.”

Fans hope their cheers throughout the game will pump up Hawkeye defense to stop the Badgers from scoring.

“I think it's intimidating to the Badgers,” said Bob Burns of Johnson County.  “But most of all, it sends a message to Norm Parker about how much we appreciate him.”

Coughlon isn't sure if the Badgers will know why fans are shouting Norm, but believes the shouts will be “going to be 6 seconds of hell for them on defense.”

Fans who know Coach Parker say that is exactly what he would want.

SourceMedia Group tried to reach Coach Parker to get his reaction to fan's efforts to show their support of him.  He could not be reached for comment.