A new month, another year older. So what's been happening since I last posted? . . .
The Iowa and Iowa State football teams are struggling in the early part of the season - one is a suprise, the other is not.
There's been a lot of chatter about the Hawkeyes, whether they need a new quarterback or if Kirk Ferentz can still coach. Seriously! Last Saturday, after loss to Indiana, a letter came in wanting Ferentz fired.
I'll say the same thing here I said when he was hired. Be patient. Ferentz is a good coach, a good person. Outstanding in both regards, actually. He will get this thing turned around. But he must look in the mirror to get it done. Something is wrong and only he can fix it.
Gene Chizik seems to be making progress at Iowa State. The Cyclones looked awful the first two games, but have shown signs of life lately. Keep an eye on Chizik and the Cyclones. This guy looks like he's in a hurry to turn things around.
Northern Iowa is, well, Northern Iowa. Mark Farley continues to do an excellent job in Cedar Falls and I'd be shocked if the Panthers don't make a deep run into the playoffs.
The fall sports are going strong and next week the winter sports kick into gear with media days. Iowa's men's and women's basketball teams hold their media events next week as does the Iowa State women.
The seasons are a changing!
Which brings us to wrestling, one of my favorites. Iowa State is ranked second, Iowa third by WIN. That's right, the first rankings already are out. This is going to be an exciting year in the sport in general, and especially here in Iowa. Tom Brands and Cael Sanderson are poised to entertain wrestling fans for many, many years.
On final thought. I was shocked to get the news on former Iowa State wrestler Joe Heskett. Joe is one of the greats, not only on the mat but as a person. He had heart surgery this week and seems to be recovering. That's great news! I always enjoyed watching him wrestle and interviewing him afterward.