IOWA CITY, Iowa – University of Iowa cross country student-athletes Will Ryan and Miriam Sandeen were named to the Big Ten Cross Country Preseason Watch List, the conference announced on Thursday.

Ryan, a native of Waukee, Iowa, holds the program’s seventh-fastest 6,000-meter time (18:17.4). Last season, he scored in four of the five meets he competed in, including a fifth-place finish at the Hawkeye Invite. Ryan holds personal records of 18:17.4 (6K), 25:20.5 (8K) and 32:53.7 (10K).

Sandeen enters the 2024 cross country campaign after a strong finish to the outdoor track season. The Eden Prairie, Minnesota, native has careers bests of 14:38.8 (4K), 17:54.2 (5K) and 21:51.3 (6K). Sandeen is a four-time academic all-Big Ten selection and three-time letterwinner.

The Hawkeyes open their cross country season on Friday, Aug. 30, with the Hawkeye Invite at the Ashton Cross Country Course in Iowa City. The meet begins at 6 p.m. (CT). Admission is free.

Iowa football coach Kirk Ferentz took responsibility for an NCAA violation that has led to a University imposed suspension for the season opener against Illinois State. Receiver coach Jon Budmayr is also suspended. The violation involves improper contact with a player before he entered the transfer portal.

Ferentz says the NCAA investigation is ongoing but at this point they felt a suspension was the right move.

Ferentz did not name the player involved but did call it a unique situation.

Ferentz will not be with the team on game day.

Iowa AD Beth Goetz says they were notified about a potential violation by the NCAA.

Goetz says Ferentz took ownership of the violation.

Various reports say the violation involved Hawkeye quarterback Cade McNamara and his transfer from Michigan in late 2022.

Iowa defensive lineman Aaron Graves says it is about upholding a standard and not living up to expectations for the Iowa defense. The former Southeast Valley star moves into a starting role this season for a Hawkeye defense that finished fourth in the nation in points allowed in 2023.

Graves on what that standard is.

Graves says having played in 26 games the past two seasons will help him transition into an expanded role.

Iowa opens August 31st at home against Illinois State.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (August 22, 2024) — University of Iowa Moon Family Head Football Coach Kirk Ferentz announced on Thursday that he and wide receivers coach Jon Budmayr will not coach the Iowa vs. Illinois State game on Aug. 31 to address NCAA recruiting violations that occurred in late 2022. The issue involved communications with a player and his family prior to him entering the transfer portal.

Following a thorough review and discussion with NCAA officials, Coach Ferentz and Athletic Director Beth Goetz recommended a self-imposed one-game suspension and loss of one week of off-campus recruiting to begin addressing the matter.

“I frequently tell our players to abide by the rules, and in this instance, I did not.” said Ferentz. “In 26 years as a head coach at Iowa — and more than four decades as a coach — this is my first potential Level II NCAA infraction. I made a mistake and would like to apologize to our players, University leadership, and our Hawkeye football fans. I know Coach Budmayr echoes those sentiments.”

Under the NCAA process a program can self-impose penalties or wait until formal allegations are issued. The University has chosen to self-impose these penalties.

“Coach Ferentz and I made the decision to self-impose the penalties, allowing the program to move forward without distraction,” said Beth Goetz, Henry B. and Patricia B. Tippie Director of Athletics Chair. “I appreciate
the accountability demonstrated and we will continue to fully cooperate with the NCAA through this process. I have confidence in Coach Ferentz and his leadership, and we look forward to turning our focus to the opening
game and exciting season that lies ahead.”

Until the University of Iowa receives formal notification from the NCAA that this matter has been closed, University officials will not be able to comment further. Coaches Ferentz and Budmayr will participate in all team activities in the days leading up to the game but will step away from all duties for 24 hours beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Aug. 31. Both coaches will return to normal duties on Sept. 1 at 12:01 a.m. Assistant Head Coach Seth Wallace will serve as the acting Head Coach for the game.