Commemorative T-shirts and other giveaways will highlight the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference’s “Fan 101 = Respect” program during January and February. The program, which will emphasize sportsmanship, is funded by grant money made available by the NCAA.

“Sporting behavior by our student-athletes, coaches and fans is something that we value in the Iowa Conference,” said Commissioner Chuck Yrigoyen. “We are grateful to the NCAA for providing the funds to make possible this special emphasis on sportsmanship.”

Among the planned activities, T-shirts and other souvenirs will be given away at “Fan 101”-designated Conference basketball doubleheaders and wrestling duals. These events will be publicized on the conference's Web site and on the individual schools' sites during the two-month period.

The conference will also produce a brief video featuring men’s and women’s game officials.

“We hope those who watch the video will have a better appreciation for the professionalism and dedication it takes to do a sometimes difficult job that might otherwise go unrecognized,” Yrigoyen said.

“Fan 101” will support the "Be Loud, Be Proud, Be Positive" fan sportsmanship program presented by the Division III Commissioners Association and adopted by the Iowa Conference. It will also represent the IIAC's participation in the celebration of National Sportsmanship Day, which formally takes place March 3 and is sponsored by the Institute for International Sport.

– Courtesy Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Association