Des Moines Register
10-19-07
Less-populated states have recruiting disadvantage
The fact that University of Iowa athletic director Gary Barta has to give the U of I
football coach, Kirk Ferentz, a public vote of confidence proves that Iowa fans
have unrealistic expectations.
Iowa is not going to contend for the Big Ten conference championship every
year. There may even be some years, like this one, when the Hawks will
struggle. That doesn't make Ferentz a bad coach. It is a reflection of the
competitive disadvantage Iowa has.
Trying to support programs in the Big Ten and the Big Twelve from our state,
which has a very low population base in comparison to Ohio, Michigan, Texas,
etc., is tough. Although many U of I and Iowa State University players come
from out of state, the bulk of each squad must come from Iowa.
After dividing an already shallow pool of talent in two, there are not enough
quality football players to build teams capable of challenging for titles every year.
Congratulate Ferentz in his good years, and cheer for our Hawks all of the time
instead crying for the coach's scalp when things don't go well.
Keith Germann,
Storm Lake.