Urbandale High School welcomed former University of Iowa and NFL Football player Marv Cook to address students in J-Hawk Foundations on Wednesday afternoon.
Cook talked to the students about character, a focus on goals, enjoying their experience, and using their talents wisely in his nearly 45 minute address.
J-Hawk Foundations is a research-based program developed in conjunction with Drake University's Robert D. and Billie Ray Center and the Institute for Excellence and Ethics in Manlius, New York. This program is in its third year of existence and focuses on character and leadership development for students in Activities.
A little more about Marv Cook:
Marv attended the University of Iowa, lettering four times in football as a star tight end for Coach Hayden Fry. He was voted team MVP in 1987 and 1988 and was Co-Captain in 1988 when he led the Big Ten Conference in receiving and was also a consensus All American. He was two-time All Big Ten and an Academic All Big Ten player. Marv played on several bowl teams, including the 1986 Rose, the 1986 and 1987 Holiday, and the 1988 Peach. He was drafted in the third round by the New England Patriots and earned Pro Bowl status twice. In 1991 he was named the Patriots MVP. He also played for the Chicago Bears and St. Louis Rams. Among the many highlights in his football career, he will always be remembered by Hawkeye fans for his 28-yard touchdown reception on November 14, 1987, to beat Ohio State 29-27 with six seconds remaining in the game.
He also serves on the National I Club Board of Directors and was on the search committees that resulted in the hiring of Head Football Coach Kirk Ferentz and UI Athletics Director Gary Barta. Marv is a partner with the Marsh Cook Investment Group - Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network in Coralville, Iowa, and also is Head Football Coach at Regina High School in Iowa City, Iowa. The Regina Regals have won 6 consecutive state championships, set a state record for consecutive wins (56), and over the past 9 seasons have a record of 113-7. Marv and his wife Tracy live in Iowa City with their three children. Son Drew is a freshman on the Iowa Football Team.