IOWA CITY, Iowa – Iowa Athletic Director Gary Barta was the guest on a rare Thursday edition of the Hawk Fanatic radio show and podcast.

He addressed a number of topics, including the Big Ten’s new alliance with the Pac-12 and ACC, dealing with the Covid-19 global pandemic, the future of the Iowa State football series, and why the Big Ten had to react to Oklahoma and Texas both leaving the Big 12 Conference to join the SEC.

Barta, who has been the Iowa athletic Director since 2006, also talked during the 20-minute interview about Iowa’s success in multiple sports, and about the importance of hiring the right head coaches.

He also talked about how excited he will be to see fans back at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday.

The Hawk Fanatic radio show and podcast normally airs from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, but Barta had scheduling conflicts on those days.