Iowa band spells ‘DEREK’ at halftime to honor member who died after collapse

The Hawkeye Marching Band spells out “DEREK” to honor former bandmate Derek Phillips who died on Tuesday. Scott Dochterman / The Athletic IOWA CITY, Iowa — The Iowa Hawkeye Marching Band spelled out “DEREK” at the end of its halftime performance in commemoration of former bandmate Derek Phillips, who died Tuesday after suffering a heart attack during the stifling heat at Kinnick Stadium last week. In a performance Phillips helped create but was postponed by one week, the Hawkeye Marching Band performed “50 Years of the Muppet Show” during halftime. During the final song — Rainbow Connection — the band shifted into formation to spell Derek’s name. The sold-out crowd at Kinnick Stadium gave the band a standing ovation.

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