UNIVERSITY OF IOWA

Iowa Athletics Director Gary Barta said he received a good vibe from meeting new UI President Bruce Harreld through the interview process. Barta conceded to the faculty-based Presidential Committee on Athletics on Thursday that Harreld’s hiring was “controversial.” But Barta added “I hope everybody across campus gives him a chance.” During his introductory news conference, Harreld offered his support for athletics and called football “the glue that binds in many ways.” Harreld plans to meet with the football program on Friday, something that was in the works for the new president before interviews took place. Barta said he would have supported any of the candidates, but he like Harreld’s non-traditional approach. – Scott Dochterman, The Gazette, Read More