Hawkeye spirit shines brightly on Dace Richardson
Fans rally behind former Iowa offensive lineman in his battle against cancer
By Pat Harty
IOWA CITY, Iowa – The Hawkeye spirit, which is built around devotion and generosity, was proudly on display Saturday as friends and former teammates and people he doesn’t even know rallied in support of former Iowa football player Dace Richardson.
In barely two hours, the Dace Richardson Hardship Fund reached it $30,000 goal, and the money will help Richardson pay for his medical expenses, and other expenses, as he battles colon cancer and is unable to work.
The fundraiser was organized by former Iowa linebacker Pat Angerer, and the response has been extraordinary and inspiring.
The news of Richardson’s medical diagnosis was devastating, but through the darkness a light shines brightly, a light that glows from the power of the human spirit, and from the Hawkeye spirit.
I remember interviewing Richardson multiple times during his Hawkeye career, and he was always polite and respectful.
Richardson dealt with numerous injuries at Iowa, but he stayed healthy long enough as a senior in 2009 to have made first-team All-Big Ten.
It was a reward for his perseverance and his resolve.
Richardson came to Iowa as a heralded recruit from the Chicago area, and when healthy, he lived up to the hype.
He was part of Iowa’s highly-ranked 2005 recruiting class, and was beloved and respected as a Hawkeye teammate.
That love is now working its magic with how the Hawkeye community has rallied behind Richardson in his time of need.
Richardson has worked for the Waukee Police Department for the last two years and is currently a resource officer within the Waukee School District.
Here is part of what is written on the gofundme page in support of Richardson.
“Dace was recently diagnosed with Colorectal cancer, and in December had 8 inches of his colon removed. Due to some complications post-surgery, he has had to have another surgery to complete the healing. The diagnosis has been positive, and Dace should make a full recovery. However, due to the amount of surgeries already and with more to come, he will be unable to work. Without any income, raising his daughter, paying bills and allowing himself the time to truly heal will be difficult.”
It didn’t surprise me at all with how quickly the money was raised.
Hawkeye fans are kind and unified, and when somebody they love and support needs help, they rally behind that person because it’s the right thing to do.
Dace Richardson has some tough days ahead, but he also has comfort in knowing that he is in the thoughts and prayers of so many.
His former Hawkeye teammates will be at his side, and will do whatever it takes to help Richardson win this battle.
The Iowa football program has been under a microscope since multiple former Iowa black players accused the program over the summer of racial disparities.
Kirk Ferentz’s reputation has been tarnished by the accusations, and 13 former players have filed a discrimination law suit.
It would be foolish, disrespectful and unfair to dismiss the accusations because there are just too many.
But there is also a good side to Hawkeye football, and to the culture that has been built under Kirk Ferentz, and we’re seeing it with how so many have rallied behind Richardson, who is black.
Angerer, who is white, deserves praise for springing into action, for spreading awareness, and for having a big heart.
You often hear the phrase “Once a Hawkeye, always a Hawkeye. Thankfully, it’s true.