Hoosiers in the halls at IU Health Bloomington

On Thursday, Jan. 22, the College Football Playoff National Championship trophy made a surprise stop at IU Health Bloomington.

Hundreds of team members, Health Sciences Building students, patients and visitors took photos with the trophy over a two-hour span, and at one point the line reached from the Infusion waiting room to the hospital entrance.

Chants of “Hoo hoo hoo, Hoosiers” broke out a few times and some people had tears in their eyes after they took their photo. It was definitely a special occasion, especially for two inpatients.

Maverick Walter

Born in early November at 28-weeks’ gestation and weighing 2 pounds 12 ounces, little Maverick Walter has never known a losing season of IU Football. In fact, some team members say he may have been the catalyst for the turnaround.

His NICU room is adorned in colorful decorations made by his loving NICU team, including his handprints from New Year’s Day and a photo celebrating the Rose Bowl. The “What matters most to you today” note on his whiteboard even says, “Celebrate IU winning the National Championship.”

His mom, Sydney Walter, an Academic Advisor for the IU Athletic Department, former college athlete and IU Alumni, couldn’t have known they’d get to celebrate by seeing the trophy in person.

“His dad [Kyle Walter] was a little upset he wasn’t here,” she shares.

Other than that, the timing was spot-on, with Maverick’s highly-anticipated discharge from the hospital being the following day.

“We are going to miss him,” says Sarah Hinds, RN, Bloomington NICU and Pediatrics Clinical Operations manager. “He has become part of the team at this point.”

Joe Novak

It was early in the day when IU Nursing student Izzy Garrett was working in Joe Novak’s inpatient room, listening to his stories about being an IU Football coach from 1984 – 1995 under Bill Mallory.

“Bill Mallory was a great footballer, I could never imagine anybody coming in and being better than that,” Joe reminisces. “I think Coach Cignetti and the kids did just a fantastic job. The kids are a great group of people—their character and how they play together. I was just hoping so much that they won, because it's such a great story.”

So, after hearing that the National Championship trophy was downstairs, Izzy knew she had to tell someone. Working with Jason Pursell, South Region Experience Design director, and other team members, they wheeled Joe down to the first floor where he proudly got his picture taken with tears in his eyes.

“I still follow IU Football closely. We retired and went to North Carolina, but we still watch as many games as we can. My boys were here, and I still feel attached to it. I certainly didn't contribute anything this year, but I got 12 years of blood, sweat and tears in the program.”