Issue link: http://catalog.e-digitaleditions.com/i/757416
16 you should get recognition. But there are guys who will go out there on Senior Day like Steven who has had a long, hard road and hasn't gotten recognition. To go through the things he has on a daily basis and make the sacrifices to do the things he has done — I respect anybody that does that." James called it a blast watching Steve develop into an offensive lineman. "Every year he got better," James said. "He kept improving and working. He was never able to become a starter, but he embraced his role and to me that is just as special. Steve is somebody who embodied what it means to be an Iowa football player: finding a way to contribute somehow, some way." Previous Senior Days Many would be surprised that Brian's Senior Day in 2005 was the first time Mary was on the field inside Kinnick Stadium. "It's kind of magical down there," she said. "ere is an electricity that I had never felt before." Even when a son isn't involved in Senior Day, Mary said the coach's wives are "bawling in the stands." "Senior Days are always hard on coaches every year and when you have one of your own kids involved it's amplified," Kirk said. Brian felt fulfilled and sad Nov. 19, 2005. "I cried the first time I ran out in the swarm and again the last time I ran out on the field," he said. "It's a culmination of your career and lifelong dream, but you will never get to do it again." Emotions didn't hit James until he was introduced Nov. 23, 2012. "I remember going through warmups and Brian was pretty emotional," recalls James. "He said, 'I'm proud of you.' I said, 'Yeah, but we have to go win the game.' It didn't hit me until I ran out for the last time and then you're overtaken with emotion." It's Steve's Turn at Midfield Steve didn't wait until Senior Day to shed a tear. He already did while swarming with teammates before a 14-13 victory over No. 2 Michigan on Nov. 12. "at was my last true swarm before a (home) game because you come out as an individual for Senior Day," Steve said. "I teared up a little bit in that swarm because it is such an emotional thing." Steve is one of 11 Hawkeyes who can say they were on the field for Keith Duncan's game-winning 33- yard field goal that sunk the Wolverines as time expired. He returned to that same field once more as a student-athlete — and before the Hawkeyes defeated No. 15 Nebraska, 40-10. "It was pretty emotional for me considering the opportunity my parents have given me my entire life," Steve said. "en my dad giving me the opportunity to play here meant a lot to me as an 18-year old and it still does to this day. It is something I will always be thankful for." Leave it to Mary to provide a "mother knows best" perspective. "I try not to think about it and put too much significance on it with Steve," she said. "It's another step in his journey; it's another big step and he will have many more."