A traditional handoff: ROTC cadets transport Cy-Hawk game ball from Iowa City to Ames

Ryan Hansen, Iowa City Press-Citizen
·1 min read
Cadet Battalion Commander Jon Gualtieri analyzes the cadet's formation as part of the annual ROTC Game Ball Run prior to Saturday's Cy-Hawk game on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023.
Cadet Battalion Commander Jon Gualtieri analyzes the cadet's formation as part of the annual ROTC Game Ball Run prior to Saturday's Cy-Hawk game on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023.
Cadets practice running in formation through the parking lot of Kinnick Stadium as part of the annual ROTC Game Ball Run on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023.
Cadets practice running in formation through the parking lot of Kinnick Stadium as part of the annual ROTC Game Ball Run on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023.

The Cy-Hawk game kicks off on Saturday afternoon, but festivities for this weekend's showdown in Ames began early Friday morning as cadets departed Iowa City in the 35th edition of the annual ROTC Game Ball Run.

This year's running has University of Iowa cadets running the "game ball" from Kinnick Stadium to Tama, on foot and by vehicle, to meet with the Iowa State ROTC. Cyclone cadets will receive the ball there and make their way to Jack Trice Stadium in Ames.

This year's stops included a nursing home in Marengo, a trip to Williamsburg and Belle Plaine High Schools, while they also made an appearance at Longfellow Elementary.

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"It's a great opportunity for University of Iowa students and cadets to focus on community engagement," Lieutenant Colonel Todd Kuebler said on Friday. "And it's a great way to represent the University of Iowa."

The University of Iowa's journey ended around mid-day Friday with a cookout at the Tama Country Club.

Saturday's matchup between Iowa State and Iowa will kick shortly after 2:30 p.m. The game will air nationally on FOX.

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This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: A unique tradition: Cadets make handoff in ROTC Game Ball Run