IOWA CITY, Iowa – John Streif, a member of the University of Iowa athletic department since 1972, has announced his retirement. Streif served as assistant athletic trainer for 40 years and added the position of travel coordinator in 1980. He has also served as a member of Iowa’s Athlete Assistance Program.
“John has served the UI athletic department in a professional manner throughout his career, and to many he is the face of Iowa athletics,” said Gary Barta, the UI’s director of athletics. “John’s service and dedication to our student-athletes, coaches and staff members is second to none. He has touched the lives of so many people, within the University of Iowa, the Big Ten Conference and college athletics. We congratulate John on his retirement and wish him nothing but the best, while knowing he will never be replaced.”
A native of Manchester, Iowa, Streif joined the Iowa staff after serving as assistant athletic trainer at West Point Military Academy from 1970-72. Streif also served three summers as assistant athletic trainer at the Detroit Lions pre season camps.
“To think that I came to Iowa as a student in 1966, and have been a part of this department for so long, it’s been a great experience,” said Streif. “I feel so fortunate to have been involved with the University of Iowa and this department. It has been an honor and a privilege, and I am grateful to so many individuals, student-athletes and fans, who I have been able to work with throughout the years. They have impacted my life.”
Streif was recognized in June, 2001 with the Athletic Training Service award and in 2000 received his 25-years of Service award. He received the Hall of Honor Award from the Iowa Athletic Trainers Society in 2008.
Streif was honored in May, 2010 with the first PRO-CATS Quality of Life Award, presented by the College Athletic Trainers Society at the annual national convention.
Streif received the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Above and Beyond the Call of Duty Recognition Award in January, 2007 and the David J. Skorton Staff Excellence Award for Public Service in July, 2006. John also received the 2009 Honorable Mention Award: Educator of Character, from Character Counts in Iowa.
Streif was honored in 1994 with the development of the John Streif Endowed Scholarship, a scholarship that was established by former Iowa basketball players. The 1997 Iowa basketball team voted Streif co-winner of the annual Chris Street Award.
The athletic training facilities in recently renovated Carver-Hawkeye Arena are named in honor of Streif, due to a substantial gift and request from former Iowa basketball letterman Ronnie Lester. Iowa football coach Kirk Ferentz presented Streif with the game ball following Iowa’s 19-16 win over Texas Tech in the 2001 Alamo Bowl and Streif was the recipient of the 2003 Bump Elliott Appreciation Award, presented by the Iowa football team.
Streif served as the men’s basketball trainer at the 1987 Pan American Games and has served in numerous USOC athletic training assignments. He has traveled on numerous occasions with Big Ten men’s basketball all-star teams. He has coordinated several overseas tours for the Iowa basketball program and hosted overseas alumni tours for the University of Iowa Alumni Association.
John holds certification from the National Athletic Trainers Association, Inc. and is a member of the Iowa Athletic Trainers Society and the College Athletic Trainers Society. He earned his bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation from Iowa in 1970.
UI athletic officials are planning an appropriate celebration and recognition event in honor of Streif’s contributions to Iowa athletics.
