Iowa Hawkeye Fans: Cool Update on Fallen Soldier and his Dog Story
 

Many of you have seen the photo of Navy SEAL Jon Tomlinson's dog laying in front of his casket during the funeral service. The dog's name is Hawkeye because Navy SEAL Tomlinson was a Hawk fan. It has been proposed that Hawkeye lead the Iowa football team on to the field this year. The Iowa Athletic Department is considering the idea.

From Hawkeye Beat...

Iowa attempting to gauge interest of SEAL’s family in tribute
Posted by John Taylor on August 30, 2011, 10:29 AM EDT
Jon Tumilson Dog

Updating a story that’s been of great interest to many of you, Iowa officials are currently in the process of feeling out the thoughts of the family regarding a tribute to Navy SEAL Jon Tumilson. It doesn’t appear, though, that the tribute will take place before the opener as originally proposed.

Tumilson, an Iowa native, and 30 other American servicemen were killed when their helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan, prompting former Hawkeyes football player Jon Lazar to approach school officials with the idea of having the SEAL’s beloved dog lead the team out onto the field before the opener against Tennessee Tech.

Steve Roe, the school’s director of athletic communications, told CFT Sunday that a decision “either way” would likely be made on Monday. It appears after the meeting yesterday the interest is there on the university’s part, and they have reached out to the family of the fallen soldier.

“UI athletic officials are attempting to reach out to the family, to gauge their interest in being involved in recognition of their son and others who have lost their lives while serving their country, at some point during the season,” Roe told CFT in an email update Tuesday morning.

Well, regardless of what ultimately happens — and obviously it’d be understandable if the family were to shy away from such a very public tribute — good for the school for taking Lazar’s original idea and running with it. Bravo, Iowa. Bravo.

That program should do everything it can to associate themselves with people like Jon Tumilson.

Very cool of the university to do that.

I hope it happens but can sure understand if the family isn't into it.

The dog might be an upgrade at some positions.

I'm telling you, if they do this, the Hawks better win that game. That would be amazing.

That's what people are made of! Kudos!

Update: The deal is done. Hawkeye will lead the Hawkeyes on the field either November 5th against Michigan or November 12th against Michigan State.

http://hawkcentral.com/2011/08/30/ui...november-game/

Pretty frickin' awesome

Outstanding.

Awesome. Hope the Hawkeyes pull out a victory that day.

I'm told it will be the Michigan State game if this happens. Right after Veterans day.