Ryan Day's Hospital Letters
Ohio State Coach Ryan Day Sends Encouraging Letters to Iowa Hospital Patients
Anonymous
Key Points
1
Day was on Ohio State’s coaching staff when the Buckeyes last played at Iowa in 2017, and he took part in the Hawkeye Wave then.
2
The letter described Ohio State’s culture as built on “FIGHT,” which Day defined as trying each day to be the best version of yourself.
3
Iowa fan Mitchell Austin praised the gesture on Facebook, writing, “We’re excited to wave back at you!” and adding, “Thank you Buckeyes, but GO HAWKS!”
4
Stead Family Children’s Hospital is Iowa’s only comprehensive children’s hospital and cares for more than 112,000 children annually, with patients from all 99 Iowa counties, other states and multiple countries.
Ohio State football coach Ryan Day sent personalized letters to patients at Stead Family Children's Hospital ahead of Saturday's game at Iowa, urging them to face challenges one day at a time. WKBN reported that Day signed letters for each patient and their families, telling them the Buckeyes were thinking of them as they navigate their own battles.
Day emphasized Ohio State's culture built on "FIGHT" — trying each day to become the best version of yourself. The coach also promised the team would participate in the Hawkeye Wave, a Kinnick Stadium tradition where fans, players, and coaches turn toward the hospital at the end of the first quarter and wave to patients watching from above the field.
Day's History With Iowa's Hospital Tradition
This wasn't Day's first encounter with the Hawkeye Wave. USA Today noted that Day was on Ohio State's coaching staff when the Buckeyes last played at Iowa in 2017, and he participated in the wave then. The gesture left a lasting impression on the coach, who returned to honor the hospital tradition years later.
A Hospital Serving All of Iowa and Beyond
Stead Family Children's Hospital is Iowa's only comprehensive children's hospital and a vital regional resource. The facility cares for more than 112,000 children annually, with patients coming from all 99 Iowa counties, other states, and multiple countries. The hospital's location overlooking Kinnick Stadium gives patients a unique vantage point to witness game day traditions.
Iowa Fans Welcome the Buckeyes' Kindness
The gesture resonated with Iowa supporters. AOL reported that Iowa fan Mitchell Austin praised Day's letter on Facebook, writing, "We're excited to wave back at you!" Austin added a rivalry twist with "Thank you Buckeyes, but GO HAWKS!" — showing how sportsmanship and community care can coexist with fierce game day competition.
Sentiment
Mostly PositiveNEGATIVENEUTRALPOSITIVE
Publishers
11
Articles
16
Reach
27
A
AnonymousAuthor
