University of Iowa football head coach in El Paso to share message of ‘The Wave’

It was an act of kindness that went viral in Iowa, that soon became an act of kindness in El Paso.

“The Wave” started under University of Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz.

Coach Ferentz and his wife Mary Ferentz, came to El Paso to help with a fundraising event for the El Paso Children’s Hospital Sunday, March 10, at the home of Drs. William and Victoria Spurbeck.

Dr. William Spurbeck a native of Iowa and a lifelong Hawkeye fan, is a pediatric surgeon and the chief of surgery at El Paso Children’s Hospital.

Back in 2017, a mother of three helped start the “the wave” between the University of Iowa’s football team and the patients at the Univeristy of Iowa Children’s Hospital.

Players and fans wave to the patients at every home game during the first and second periods.

Last fall, the Jefferson High School Silver Foxes football team followed in UI’s foot steps and waved to patients at the El Paso Children’s hospital during one of their home games. The Silver Foxes plan on continuing that tradition.

Coach Ferentz and Mary Ferentz told ABC-7 they have a deeper appreciation for the work that’s being done at children’s hospital across the country.

“Its really remarkable how “the wave” has just rallied everybody,” Mary said “You hear about kids who look forward too it all week, and it helps them hit their milestones so they can go participate in it.”

Coach Ferentz will speak to students at Jefferson High School and patients at the El Paso Children’s Hospital tomorrow to share the story and message of “the wave.”

“When you see the kids and learn about their stories, its very humbling, it’s very inspirational, and the kids their families and they people who work to get these kids so healthy, they all serve as a great inspiration to all of us,” Coach Ferentz said.