On November 26, 2021, the Hawkeyes were in Lincoln, Nebraska for the annual rivalry game. The Hawkeyes took home the dub, but it wasn’t enough to secure the title of Big10 West champions; they were going to need Minnesota to knock out Wisconsin. The very next day, that is exactly what they did. The Gophers took down the Badgers and sent our Hawkeyes right up to the number one spot, and right to Indianapolis the following week. On a whim, my parents and I booked flights and hotels, and before we knew it, we were also going to Indianapolis. 

We arrived at Lucas Oil Stadium around 4:15—4 hours before the game started—and it was PACKED. We immediately headed to the pregame festivities: tailgates, food, pep rallies, and more. The streets were flooded with blue and yellow, and our beloved black and gold. The pep rally was amazing: seeing current students and alumni alike, singing the fight song was an especially fun moment. I loved being able to show that hawkeye spirit to my family.

As for the game, it didn’t go the way we had hoped, but nevertheless, we still had a ball. Those moments are one of the many moments it makes me extraordinarily proud to be a hawkeye. Everyone handled the tough loss like a champ, and ultimately everyone was grateful for the experience to watch our Hawkeyes give it their all. That is a day I will remember forever.

As always, Go hawks!

Abbie