As the Minnesota Golden Gophers and the Iowa Hawkeyes faced off, PJ Fleck made sure his team joined in on the Kinnick Wave.
The Iowa Wave (or Kinnick Wave) is by far one of the best traditions in college football. It’s relatively new as far as most traditions go, but it’s definitely one of the most heartwarming traditions college football has to offer.
Following the conclusion of the first quarter, fans at Kinnick Stadium, home of the Iowa Hawkeyes, turn to face the kids and hospital staff at the nearby University of Iowa’s Stead Family Children’s Hospital. Then everyone in the stadium greets the children with one beautiful collective period of waving.
As it turns out, PJ Fleck and the Minnesota Golden Gophers wanted to have a hand in brightening the day for some of the kids at the hospital. Fleck has apparently fully embraced the tradition and it’s great to see.
No opposing coach has embraced The Wave like P.J. Fleck. His team sprinted to the hashmark to start waving to the UI Children’s Hospital. pic.twitter.com/Z9GDz0YEB0
— Scott Dochterman (@ScottDochterman) November 13, 2021
PJ Fleck, Minnesota Golden Gophers make sure to take part in the Kinnick Wave
Unfortunately, Fleck is certainly familiar with the heartbreak that comes with having a child who is ill.
Tragically, he and his wife have had to endure the devastating pain that comes with losing a child as their son passed away at a young age.
After losing his son, he has said before how meaningful it is to him. It's a classy gesture and it's important. The rivalry remains as spicy as ever, but we're all human. I'm glad he does that.
— Scott Dochterman (@ScottDochterman) November 13, 2021
It’s heartwarming to see the Golden Gophers embrace this tradition. Things have been rough for a lot of folks over the past couple of years. Having a brief bright moment like this is nice to experience every now and then. That’s especially true when it comes to doing anything to help or cheer up a child who is ill.
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