The Hawkeye Marching Band announces the next Golden Voice of the Hawkeye Marching Band, Bob Shomper. Bob is an alumnus of the band, having played bass drum in the 1971 and 1972 seasons under the band's seventh director, Tom Davis. A Davenport native, he worked as a music educator in Iowa before transitioning to a successful career in broadcasting, starting at KBUR/Burlington and WOC/Davenport before working in the Dallas, Chicago, and Minneapolis markets among others across the United States.  He has previous experience in the Kinnick press box, covering games against Nebraska, Minnesota and Northwestern when he worked in those markets.

Lou Crist, the Golden Voice of the Hawkeye Marching Band for 44 seasons, announced his plans to retire as the band's announcer in February of 2025. It is "something that I've considered it a privilege to do, and an honor," Crist shared. "Words don't do justice to what these years and people have meant to me." The Hawkeye Marching Band directors and staff knew it was important to give the search for Lou's replacement the time and consideration it deserves. "This is not a decision we wanted to rush. We felt it was important that the process be as transparent as possible," shared HMB director Dr. Eric Bush. "The band's announcer plays a significant role, not only in game days, but in our HMB family as a whole. We need a partner and collaborator who fits into our vision for the future of the band, as well as someone who understands and honors our traditions."

A committee of HMB staff and students narrowed the pool of nearly 40 applicants to six finalists. Each finalist completed an audition in front of 70,000 fans in Kinnick Stadium (and even more at home via livestream). They worked with HMB staff to create a unique halftime script, rehearsed with the band, and announced for all of the Hawkeye Marching Band's game day performances. After each audition, feedback was solicited from all stakeholders: HMB students and staff, the Iowa Spirit Squads and Iowa Athletics Marketing staff, and representatives from the University of Iowa Center for Advancement. 

"All six finalists approached their auditions with the level of care and intention we hoped to see," said Bush. "Not only did they bring creativity and enthusiasm to their halftime scripts, they really integrated themselves into our band culture during their auditions. Their love and care for the HMB was apparent every step of the process." 

Ultimately, Bob Shomper rose to the top of the impressive pool of finalists, with his audition during the final home game of the 2025 season drawing an enthusiastic response from students and staff. The show required that he record a voiceover for a special "Saturday Night Live" intro video in the style of SNL's announcer. "From the moment Bob sent us his voiceover, I thought we might have something really special here," said Bush. Game day confirmed this. "His script was engaging and dynamic, his performances got the crowd hyped, and he fully immersed himself in making genuine connections with everyone he met throughout the process."

"I am so excited for Bob Shomper to be the next Golden Voice of the HMB!" Drumline captain Peyton Flynn shared enthusiastically. "He is so personable and resembles everything that the organization stands for. It's just a bonus that he marched in our shoes under Tom Davis! He is the perfect candidate to take over the work of legendary Lou Crist, and I know he will do so with great honor."

Hawkeye Marching Band associate director Dr. Nick Miller was Shomper's game day liaison during his audition. "Bob’s genuine connection with our students and enthusiastic announcing were evident throughout our entire organization," he said. "I witnessed his kindness with everyone in Kinnick Stadium, from security and support staff to Gary Dolphin. It can’t just be a coincidence that he went from playing the boom on bass drum to announcing it!"

Kathy Ford, the HMB's operations manager shared, "I saw how much Bob and his wife Diane truly care about our students and this organization. As an HMB alum, their support and enthusiasm is especially meaningful to me, because I know how powerful that experience can be and how much it shapes the people who come through it.”

"I’m standing on the shoulders of a giant named Lou Crist. Lou will always be the Golden Voice of the Hawkeye Marching Band," Shomper shared. "I love this band! These students represent everything that is good in the world. That’s a result of the culture that Dr. Bush and his staff have created. All of the finalists did such a fantastic job! It’s an honor to be a part the best marching band in America!"

Rod Lehnertz, the University of Iowa's senior vice president for Finance and Operations, and the next announcer for Hawkeye Football, will serve as the official backup announcer for the band. Lehnertz was also a finalist for the Golden Voice, and completed his audition at the October 12 game vs. Penn State. 

Both Shomper and Lehnertz will begin their tenure with the Hawkeye Marching Band at the ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa, Florida, December 29-31. Shomper will serve as the band's announcer for all bowl-related events, including band's Pregame performance during the game on December 31. Lehnertz will announce during halftime, as the band will be performing its Wicked halftime show from the Penn State game, with the script he wrote and performed.