The Hayden Fry Statue; photo courtesy of Max-Cast

Four months ago, Steve Maxon and Doris Park of Max-Cast in Kalona embarked on a project to create a bronze statue of famous former University of Iowa football coach Hayden Fry, and last week at FRYfest it was revealed to the public. Coach Fry was in attendance to see his statue. According to Maxon, Fry’s reaction to his likeness was, “He’s really good-looking!” Maxon said the response to the statue has thus far been largely positive, especially from the City of Coralville, who commissioned the statue. Maxon was pleased with how his work turned out, saying he particularly likes how the sunglasses look, though Park doesn’t like them. Park also felt he should have had a mustache, but Maxon believes people will probably put mustaches on the statue anyway. Overall, Maxon felt it was one of the best statues they’ve made, if not the very best.

Maxon said he and Park were working on the statue virtually right up to the unveiling, adding final touches to the coloring. Now that it’s complete, they’re looking forward to their first time off in four months, after which they’ll begin their next project. The statue is scheduled to be placed on its permanent pedestal on the northwest corner of First Avenue and Ninth Street in Coralville as early as this weekend.