IOWA, La. (KPLC) - Russell Hardy spent 50 years cheering for the Iowa Yellow Jackets, never missing a game and always hoping to see his team reach the state championship.Hardy, who passed away on Nov. 8 at the age of 65, was known throughout the community for his kindness, generosity, and unwavering support of the football team.“One time, my mom said, ‘Russell, you know a lot of people.’ And he said, ‘No mom, a lot of people know me,’” Russell’s sister LaDonna Singletary said.He ...
IOWA, La. (KPLC) - Russell Hardy spent 50 years cheering for the Iowa Yellow Jackets, never missing a game and always hoping to see his team reach the state championship.
Hardy, who passed away on Nov. 8 at the age of 65, was known throughout the community for his kindness, generosity, and unwavering support of the football team.
“One time, my mom said, ‘Russell, you know a lot of people.’ And he said, ‘No mom, a lot of people know me,’” Russell’s sister LaDonna Singletary said.
He was born in Kinder, but Hardy spent his life in Iowa. He faced some early challenges growing up, but he never let them hinder his spirit.
“He had a rough start in life. He had like 15 surgeries before he was 10, and my mom brought him to Lake Charles every day so he could get special schooling,” Singletary said. “He didn’t go to public school until he was about 12 or 15, and he went to Iowa because they had the special education department and they gave him the education he needed to succeed, along with the town of Iowa.”
A devoted fan with signature style
Hardy became synonymous with Iowa football, earning recognition for both his dedication and his colorful game-day uniform.
“He had his purple hat, his purple shirt, his yellow pants, and purple shoes,” Singletary said.
“I’ll never forget when he got that jacket, that letterman’s jacket. Man, he was so proud, so proud. He had to get another one because he wore it out,” said Ricky Guidry, Russell’s second cousin.
Hardy’s post-game reactions became predictable to his family members.
“He would come through that door on Saturday morning, and I either got two responses. Either was, ‘Iowa won! Iowa won!’ or, ‘Iowa lost! The referees cheated!’” Singletary said.
Dream fulfilled after 50 years
For five decades, Hardy hoped to see the Yellow Jackets reach the state championship game at the Superdome.
“When I was thinking back, for 50 years, he’s been cheering for the Jackets and wishing for them to go to the dome,” Singletary said.
That wish came true on Dec. 5 when Iowa defeated Belle Chasse 28-21 in the state semifinal.
“‘Iowa won LaDonna! Iowa won! We’re going to the dome! We’re going to the dome, LaDonna!’ That’s what he would say, and he’ll tell Ricky, ‘Ricky Iowa won.’ And he’d go to every business and make sure they knew Iowa won,” Singletary said when asked what Hardy’s reaction would be to the Jackets going to the Superdome.
Hardy was the heartbeat of Iowa. A genuine soul who touched the lives of many. He may not physically be at the Superdome on Friday, but his impact is everlasting.
“You can never thank this community, this town of Iowa, for what they’ve done for Russell. They were a big part of who he is,” Singletary said.
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