At the beginning of each game, the team swarms out of the tunnel, hand in hand. As a spectator, fan, and student, for me, that moment is powerful. It transforms an entire stadium to feel excited, happy, and united- together as one body of black and gold. For those who attended or watched the game, Iowa vs Penn State, know that it was a devastating loss, one completely unexpected for the Hawkeye Nation.

However, I saw a win, a win shared by the entire team and stadium, a win as players, coaches, staff, and fans. Especially at the end of the first quarter, as flashlights illuminated the stands, we all waved to the children and their families in the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital. We “Fight for Iowa”, and the team and crowd embodied that for the the entirety of the game. A competing offense and an incredible defense allowed the team to make an overwhelming comeback. Watching, one could see the determination, heart, and pride that each player illustrated on the field in trying to fight back.

Nearing the completion of the fourth quarter, the Nittany Lions managed to put points on the scoreboard, points that earned them the win. Thus, the game ended and it was time to leave. Suddenly, “lets go Hawks”, filled Kinnick Stadium and the team paused before swarming the tunnel. Collectively, each player linked hand in hand with his neighbor, and soon the loss seemed insignificant. It was a win because despite the loss, beaming with pride, we cheered for the Hawkeyes who fought strongly as a team, as a swarm of brotherhood.