Jim Mostek invited former Iowa Hawkeye quarterback, Chuck Long, to speak to Rotary. Chuck was the quarterback for the Hawkeyes in the early to mid 1980s, shortly after Hayden Fry became Iowa's head coach. In his senior season, he came in second in what was then the closest ever race for the Heisman Trophy. Chuck went on to play in the NFL where he played for the Detroit Lions and the Los Angeles Rams. He has held several coaching positions across the country, claiming a National Championship as an assistant coach with Oklahoma in 2000, where both of his parents attended school. Eventually, Chuck landed back in Ames, Iowa, where he is the CEO and executive Director for the Iowa Sports Foundation.
Chuck was approached by Aaron Putze, who encouraged him that his story and the story of how Hayden Fry turned the Iowa Hawkeyes around was a story worth sharing. Aaron spent the next few years compiling facts and stories, and Chuck Long: Destined For Greatness was published this past summer. Since then, Chuck has been touring Iowa, doing meet and greets and book signings for the book. Your stories were very interesting, Chuck! Thanks for visiting our Rotary club to share with us.
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| President Lynn Koch with guest speaker Chuck Long and Rotarian Jim Mostek |
Mike Doughy is a former Rotarian who visited from Des Moines.
Jim Gorham invited John Runft to join us.
Joe McConnell attended with Craig Davis.
Our program was given by Chuck Long, who also brought his assistant, Angie Peterson. They are pictured with Bob Vittetoe. All three were guests of Jim Mostek.
Paul Horak brought his friend from the noon Kiwanis Club, Marty Beenblossom.
Chuck hung around after the regular meeting to greet fans and sign books. These will make great Christmas presents for Iowa Fans in the area. Thanks for visiting, Chuck!
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| Chuck Long signs autographs in the book Chuck Long: Destined for Greatness for Washington Rotarians. |
Upcoming Programs
December 1: LJ Roth CorporationDecember 13: Ryan Walker
December 20: 12 Days of Christmas
December 27: No meeting, MERRY CHRISTMAS
January 3: State of the Club - Lynn Koch
