AH podcast: Former star forward Ed Horton looks back at his days as a Hawkeye
IOWA CITY, Iowa – Ed Horton is one of the best power forwards in the history of the Iowa program and one of the most intimidating players to ever wear an Iowa uniform.
He was part of the well-celebrated triumvirate, along with Roy Marble and B.J. Armstrong, that helped lead Iowa to great success in the late 1980s under Tom Davis. Horton spent nearly 30 minutes on Monday looking back at his college days.
He was a sophomore on Iowa's 1987 squad that won 30 games and advanced to the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight.
Horton finished his college career with 877 rebounds, which ranks fourth all-time at Iowa. He is also 17th on Iowa's all-time scoring list with 1,372 points.
Horton grew up in Springfield, Ill., and was recruited to Iowa by George Raveling. However, Raveling left Iowa after Horton's freshman season to coach for the University of Southern California.
Davis replaced Raveling and then convinced all the returning players to stay put. Horton said he liked being a Hawkeye and liked his teammates too much to consider transferring after Raveling left. Horton also liked Davis from the beginning, and Horton said on Monday that he considers Davis the best coach he played under.
Horton spoke highly of Roy Marble, who passed away in 2015 after battling cancer. Horton said Marble was scared of doctors and waited too long to get a physical. Horton stressed the importance of getting a physical each year and he called Marble his best friend.
Horton also talked about his personal life, which includes being married with six children, including five daughters, and about his volunteer work with disadvantaged kids. Horton currently resides in Springfield, but helps run a basketball camp each summer for disadvantaged kids in Des Moines.
And we had to ask Ed about the current Iowa team, which is 1-7 in the Big Ten and 10-11 overall heading into Tuesday's game against Wisconsin at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. He still remains optimistic and spoke highly of Iowa coach Fran McCaffery.
We appreciate Ed giving us time to reminisce about his days as a Hawkeye. We really enjoyed it and think you will, too.