Darian and Jordan Cotton, Brothers/Rivals

What a disappointment, both of Iowa?s division I football teams losing their bowl bids, Iowa State to Rutgers in the Pinstripe Bowl, and University of Iowa to Oklahoma in the Insight Bowl. For the first time in our state?s history, both Iowa State and U of I?s bowl games were on the same day, stretching fan support from one end of the country to the other. With Iowa State playing at 2:20 in the afternoon, and Iowa at 9:00 at night, many stay-at-homes, myself included, took the pleasure of a nap in between kickoffs. (I?m normally in bed at 9:00.)

Oh, well, we have next year to look forward to, with both Rhoads and Ferentz having all the makings of great teams. Here?s a thought: what are the chances of Iowa State and U of I meeting in a bowl game?

One set of parents who might have some interesting insight into the possibility are Cindy and Marshall Cotton of Mt. Pleasant. They have sons on both Iowa State's and U of I's football teams. Jordan Cotton is a red-shirt sophomore for U of I as a wide receiver, and saw limited playing time this season. Darian Cotton is a red-shirt freshman for Iowa State as a defensive back (safety). Hmmm. Maybe in the future, when Iowa State and U of I have their annual slug fest, we'll see d-back Darian Cotton covering wide receiver Jordan.

Dad, Marshall Cotton, smiles at the possibility. Of course, he's already thought about the scenario. According to Marshall, ?Darian would probably get Jordan to laughing and throw off his concentration.?

Darian is two years younger than Jordan. They were both football, basketball, and track stars in high school for Mt. Pleasant. There were occasions when both brothers were in the backfield at the same time, running and blocking for each other. Coach Bob Jensen was instrumental in procuring scholarships for the Cottons. Jordan and Darian still keep in contact with Jensen, seeking advice and giving progress reports.

The Cottons are a sports family, with Marshall Cotton having played fullback for U of I from 1983 to 1987 under Coach Hayden Fry. Bob Stoops, Oklahoma's coach, was a graduate assistant at the time.

Marshall resists the urge to coach his sons, instead encouraging them to study hard, get good grades, and to give it all they've got. When Jordan broke his ankle in preparation for last year's bowl game, it was painful to watch. And then when he came down with rhabdomyolysis, a rare muscle-deteriorating kidney aliment, caused from weight training, they just kept encouraging him to do his best and weather the storm.

Marshall Cotton is an activities specialist at the Mt. Pleasant Correctional Facility, and Cindy is Quality and Infection Control Director at Henry County Health Center. They have been married 22 years. Cindy and Marshall were at Jack Trice Stadium this year when Iowa State played Iowa to triple overtime. Were they torn as to whom to root for? No. According to Cindy, ?No matter what the outcome, we had decided beforehand that we couldn't lose. It was a great day for fans, and a great day for the state of Iowa.?

Marshall and Cindy have two other children, Delayna, age 13, and Jaylon, age 14. Delayna is active in basketball, track, and dance. Jaylon is involved in music and acting.

Coincidentally, both Jordan and Darian Cotton sport number 23. We may see the mighty clash of 23s in the future when Iowa State meets Iowa. Whatever the outcome, Cindy and Marshall Cotton are winners!

Have a good story? Call Curt Swarm in Mt. Pleasant at 319-217-0526, email him at curtswarm@yahoo.com, or visit his Web site at www.empty-nest-words-photos-and-frames.com