Fans of University of Iowa football — and fans of college football in general — will have an opportunity to rub elbows with some of the biggest names in Hawkeye grid history Wednesday, Dec. 19.
Former Iowa grid standouts Chuck Long, Chuck Hartlieb and both Lon and Jason Olejniczak will be present for a special gathering at La Poste, 1219 Warford St. in Perry, with Gary Dolphin, Voice of the Hawkeyes, on hand to emcee the event.
The evening will begin with a “Huddle With the Hawks” from 6-7 p.m. This portion of the gathering will feature a meet-and-greet, with special photo opportunities, appetizers and a cash bar. Tickets are required for the “Huddle” and are $50 each or $75 per couple.
From 7:30-8:30 p.m. Dolphin will lead a special “Resurgence of Hawkeye Football” talk that will include question-and-answer from the Hawkeye gridders. A free will donation at the door will be taken for this session.
At 8:30 p.m. a live auction will be held, with memorabilia and many special items up for bid, including a copy of Long’s autobiography, “Destined For Greatness,” signed by Long and Iowa head coaches Hayden Fry and Kirk Ferentz.
Long will be selling hardcover ($30) and softcover ($20) copies of his book, which he will sign. Fans can bring their own memorabilia to be signed by Long, Hartlieb, Lon and Jason Olejniczak and Dolphin as well.
A portion of the proceeds collected will be given to benefit Perry High School football.
Long was 35-13-1 as a starter at Iowa. because of a peculiarity in the red shirt rules at the time, he is believed to be the only collegian to play in five bowl games. He was second in the 1985 Heisman Trophy race in what at the time was the closest vote ever for the award and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1999.
He completed 782 passes for 10,461 yards and 74 touchdowns and still holds the record for highest completion percentage of any collegiate passer, with at least 1,000 attempts.
To purchase tickets contact Kurt Whiton at Kurt.Whiton@teamultravue.com or Tiffany or Jason Olejniczak at olejniczak5@msn.com.
