Hawkeye Throwback Replica Jerseys Available

At a special Throwback Game in celebration of the 75th Anniversary of Kinnick Stadium against Kent State Sept. 4, the University of Iowa football team will wear 1939 replica jerseys, similar to those worn by Iowa Heisman Trophy winner Nile Kinnick. The 120 uniforms--to be worn by the Hawkeyes and then offered to fans--were sold out in less than two weeks for $500 each. For those friends and fans who missed out on purchasing a uniform set, an official replica jersey can be purchased for $150.

The jerseys are exact duplicates of the game jerseys and are custom made so fans can choose their number and size.

"There were so many fans who missed out on purchasing a uniform set, we didn't think it was fair. The throwback jerseys won't be made again. It's a rare opportunity to buy a real piece of Hawkeye memorabilia," said Joseph Sulentic, a faculty member at the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (JPEC) in the UI's Henry B. Tippie College of Business.

JPEC is coordinating the sale of the jerseys for the athletic department. Sulentic oversaw the sales and marketing activities of students Tim Rypma of Des Moines, Lora Baccam of Mt. Pleasant, Diana Reed of Norwalk, and Cory Finley of Geneva, Ill. Each received a grade of "A" in the class, Entrepreneurship and New Business Formation, and each was directly involved in the Throwback Game uniform project.

The students say they are getting excellent experience by working on the Throwback project. "We get the chance to do it all--contact the media, talk with the press and our customers, develop marketing strategies, and see the results of our sales efforts," Rypma said. "Employers are excited to hear about the skills we've developed in college. This project makes us more marketable when we graduate. The Entrepreneurial Center is a great resource. I get all fired up about the classes. It's fun and we get the chance to learn things that are interesting. I'm even helping over summer vacation!"

Added Sulentic: "We feel fortunate to help out on this project. The passion and intensity of the football program rubs off on our entrepreneurial students. The UI has a unique partnership between the athletic department and the Tippie College of Business. This is a great way for Hawkeye fans to show their support of the university. Plus, nothing will look better than wearing a throwback jersey in the stands at Kinnick."

Throwback jerseys can be purchased for $150 at www.heroeswanted.net or by calling 866-35HAWKS.

Contact: George McCrory, UI News Service, 319-384-0012

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