The University of Iowa University of Iowa
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Iowa Baseball, Softball Begin 2013 With Fanfare

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After a couple of months off for the lull between semesters the men and women of the University of Iowa’s baseball and softball teams took part in public events to introduce the coaches and athletes to the fans.

The Hawkeye Softball team hosted its annual “Meet The Hawks” night on January 29th at the Indoor Practice Facility.  This year was the first time the event was held in the new facility and also the first time the event featured drills for younger players.  The event opened with the team running through defensive drills for the fans present.  After the team went through its paces, the players separated to their appropriate stations and started running the drills for the numerous girls that came to learn the basics from the best.  The evening concluded with a player autograph and photograph session.

“We easily tripled our crowd this year,” Iowa softball head coach Marla Looper said, “adding the drills was a great move.  Years before it was just a hob nob with the boosters.  I like this format a lot better.”

On the 12th of February the Iowa Baseball team hosted its fourth annual Steak Fry at the Bella Salla Event Center in Tiffin.  The event featured a catered meal by Chef Mickey, a silent auction, team autograph/photograph opportunities, a live auction, and comments by head coach Jack Dahm.  Up for auction were items like MLB ticket packages, autographed jerseys and golfing packages.

“This is the first time we’ve had the event on anything but a Sunday, so the number has been down a little, but the night has still been a success,” Dahm said.  “We’re excited about the upcoming season.”

The Iowa baseball team begins its 2013 season in Clarksville, TN and the softball team continues its season in Denton, Texas this weekend.  Both programs will have their home openers here in Iowa City in March.