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Senior Class Small in Size, Big in Impact By Matthew Weitzel N ineteen seniors played their final home game in Kinnick Stadium last week against Nebraska. Of those 19, seven had been starters for a majority of this season, which is the fewest number of senior starters in the Kirk Ferentz era. Despite the low number of senior starters on this year's squad, that does not diminish what the class has meant to the Hawkeye football program. "They've all done a great job," said the 14-year Hawkeye head coach Kirk Ferentz. "I'm proud of this group. There are a lot of good stories among our senior class. Getting to know the guys personally, watch them go through hardships, and watch them in good times and development is the most gratifying thing about coaching. "I have such respect for guys who stay in the program four to five years because of all the work they put in behind the scenes, the practice time and the training they go through. They sacrifice a lot, but also get a lot in return, too. They pay a price physically, mentally, emotionally, but I think it's a healthy thing that will serve them well later in their lives." Hawkeyes who have started the most games in this class include James Ferentz (38), Micah Hyde (38), James Vandenberg (27), Keenan Davis (24), and Matt Tobin (22). Defensive tackle Steve Bigach, who is a two-time Academic All-District honoree, is thankful for being able to play football and get an education at the University of Iowa. "Having the opportunity to play for this great university, represent this great state, and play under such a tremendous coaching staff has been a blessing," said Bigach. 9 The seniors have provided the path and leadership for the younger Hawkeyes. As an offensive lineman, junior Conor Boffeli has modeled what he does after center James Ferentz. "I've looked up to James a lot," said Boffeli. "He's what it means to be a Hawkeye, so I try to model what I do after what's he's done. "We all look up to the senior class. They set the standard and have been the role models for the rest of the team." Junior linebacker Christian Kirksey said the seniors have made a big impact on the program. "They mean a lot to us," said Kirksey. "No matter if we are up or down, they have done an excellent job leading this team. This is a great senior class. It's been a privilege playing with them." "It's been a pleasure and an honor to have the seniors in our program," Ferentz said. "They have represented the university well, they're going to graduate, provided tremendous leadership and have been great role models for our players." 2012 HAWKEYE SENIORS No. 54 Steve Bigach No. 8 Trent Mossbrucker No. 2 Greg Castillo No. 29 Nick Nielsen No. 6 Keenan Davis No. 41 Jacob Reisen No. 85 Zach Derby No. 10 Colin Sleeper No. 13 Tom Donatell No. 83 Steven Staggs No. 53 James Ferentz No. 40 Jack Swanson No. 99 Joe Gaglione No. 60 Matt Tobin No. 92 Jon Gimm No. 16 James Vandenberg No. 18 Micah Hyde No. 14 John Wienke No. 66 Casey McMillan