From “Go Blue, Go Green” country to black and gold, Tim Jacobson (Class of 1980) found his home at the University of Iowa—drawn by the chance to grow, compete, and experience the authentic spirit of “Iowa Nice.” A former Hawkeye men’s tennis standout, Tom reflects on the lifelong bonds forged with teammates and coaches, the pressure-packed challenge matches that defined each season, and the thrill of upsetting top-ranked opponents. Along the way, there were spring trips, mischievous road memories, and a campus life that shaped his career, character, and even how he met his wife. Decades later, his Hawkeye pride burns brighter than ever—and his message to today’s student-athletes is simple: savor every moment.
Why Iowa?
Growing up in go blue, go green country, and many classmates going to Michigan schools, an opportunity to go away to school, meet new people from different parts of the country, play tennis and attempt to grow, and develop as a person! And by the way, the “Iowa Nice” expression is real!
Greatest memory competing as a Hawkeye.
Hard to pick one but the camaraderie and relationships with teammates which still exist today , and I’m still great friends with , at the time our assistant coach and his family today, who live in Iowa City, and just saw them / went to the Iowa/Indiana game a few weeks ago! Matches, Practice was all school season long and thus, the amount of time spent with teammates, coaches were extensive!
Toughest opponent/match.
When I played, Michigan was the top big ten team, however, every spring we went south and played ACC, SEC schools for our spring trip. My Junior year, I remember playing Tennessee, then ranked in the top 10 in the country, and while our team lost , my doubles partner, and I somehow scored a victory!
But I’d also add that challenge matches against teammates prior to the big ten season, determining your spot on the team was always pressure packed and memorable! I still have s few nightmares of specific matches!
Road trip memories that make you smile?
Well my senior year, we traveled to Illinois, and Purdue, and let’s just say, we got into a little mischief with some of my teammates, ended up at a sorority party in West Lafayette, and probably stayed out a little later than we should have and our coach became aware…..
My sophomore year we took 3rd in the Big Ten Tournament and that was fun/ nice team accomplishment
Tradition/team ritual I’ll never forget?
I can’t think of one specific thing, but the practice, going to football, basketball games together, the traveling as a team , was always a constant, and all of that time together was special!
How did being a Hawkeye shape your life after college?
So much! I learned how to get along, interact with people from all walks of life for one! Time management- class, practice , travel etc….it was job preparation for the future! The diversity! I graduated in 4 years with a B.B.A in marketing, which led to my career, and ultimately how I would meet my wife of 35 years! It was everything when I really stop and think about it, and everything would be different if I had not gone to Iowa! I’m so fortunate I am a Hawkeye!
Message to current Hawkey student Athletes
Savor it! Memories and relationships for life! Appreciate how fortunate you are to be a student athlete at a great Big Ten school, in a great city!
If I had to do it over again?
No changes, no regrets, and memories for a lifetime! My passion for Iowa football for example is greater today than when I was in school! I go to bowl games, some home games, etc. My wife will often leave the house during football Saturdays to avoid my outbursts!
But to those of you at Iowa, and playing sports, realize you are a fortunate, small percentage of the population! Appreciate it and enjoy!