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Iowa to hold pep rally for Recker

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Posted: Thursday May 06, 1999 12:42 PM

By Greg Wallace
The Daily Iowan

Iowa City, Iowa (U-WIRE) -- After losing out on one high-profile transfer, the Iowa basketball program plans to put the full-court press on to make sure it doesn't lose Luke Recker.

The Indiana transfer will visit Iowa City this weekend, and Iowa basketball coach Steve Alford is rolling out the red carpet. A pep rally is planned for Friday at 4:45 p.m. in Carver-Hawkeye Arena to persuade the former Hoosier sharpshooter to come to Iowa.

"People from Alford's staff called the Interfraternity Council and asked them to inform their chapters about the rally," Josh Luther, social chairman for Delta Upsilon fraternity, said.

"It's between Arizona and us (for Recker's services) and they want to get the student section filled," Luther said.

Recker left Indiana after the 1998-99 season ended in March. He has visited North Carolina and the University of Florida, and is also interested in Arizona. Wherever he goes, Recker will have to sit out a season, then would have two years of eligibility.

Luther was told of the rally after his chapter's president, Brian Kurz, attended the Interfraternity Council meeting Wednesday. A member of the Iowa men's sports information department confirmed the rally would be held.

The ploy to obtain Recker's services comes after the Hawkeyes missed out on Wichita State transfer Maurice Evans. The former Shockers guard announced Wednesday he would be transferring to the University of Texas. Evans averaged 22.6 ppg for the Shockers last year, and had Iowa on his short list of perspective schools.

Iowa senior-to-be forward Jacob Jaacks said he and his teammates will put the best face on the university when Recker comes.

"I know we're going to try and show him all Iowa has to offer," Jaacks said. "If we show him what Iowa has to offer, I don't think we'll have any problems."

Jaacks said the timing of the visit could be better, but the Hawkeyes will welcome the former Hoosier with open arms nonetheless.

 

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