Caitlin Cark got to take in one of the greatest traditions in sports from Stead Family Children’s Hospital on Saturday.
The WNBA star and former Iowa Hawkeyes great took part in Iowa’s Hawkeye Wave during the Ohio State game. What made this unique was Clark was with the kids in the hospital looking down on the stadium. She was the guest picker earlier in the day for ESPN’s College GameDay, but didn’t want to leave without being part of the tradition.
Clark wasn’t the one who added to Iowa’s famed gesture. Ohio State coach Ryan Day sent a letter to each child at the Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital ahead of Saturday’s game.
When the stadium clock hit zero at the end of the first quarter, 70,000 football fans turned their attention from the field to UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital. Everyone waves to the pediatric patients and their families watching the game. This genuine act of kindness is what makes college football great.
The tradition, which started in 2017, has evolved into a moment for everyone to take part of. The UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital staff love being part of the ongoing tradition with Iowa athletics.
Clark being able to come home and experience this on the other side has to be thrilling. The three-time WNBA All-Star for the Indiana Fever was bounced from the playoffs early by the Las Vegas Aces this week.
