Stanzi IS, by any measure, the Manzi

So yesterday, my tweenage cousin was diagnosed with diabetes, and was sent down to Iowa City for treatment. She's spent the last two days in the Children's hospital there as they begin her treatment. However, the best treatment possible is the smile brought by our own Ricky Stanzi. He sat and played Madgab with her and her sister this afternoon, bringing a much needed smile to the entire family.

While I've had nothing but good things to say about Stanzi up to this point, he is now the absolute measure of what I want in an Iowa football player. While he is a very good athlete and quarterback, he is a far better person. For a college kid to take time out of his day to spend time with kids at the Children's hospital is a FAR better measure of what he can and does mean to the Iowa program.

I realize this is nothing new, as evidenced by the wristbands and fanfare he's received for this very thing, but quite simply we don't recognize it nearly enough. The kids he spends time with, and their families, will never forget this simple act of kindness.

I tip my cap to you, Rick Stanzi. You are an honorable man, and any success you bring to the Iowa football program will pale in comparison to what you mean to those kids. Keep up the good work.