At 51 Years And Counting, Godfrey Is Still Working

AMES, Iowa – Duane Godfrey has seen it all in his lifetime as an employee at Iowa State University, and he's seen a lot of football games. In 1959 at the age of 21, Godfrey was hired at Iowa State in facilities planning and management, working primarily as a plumber.

His trade and his love of football brought him even closer to Iowa State athletics. In 1960, Godfrey began volunteering his services at the old Clyde Williams Stadium on Iowa State football gamedays. He's still here, 51 years later. Even more impressive, Godfrey has never missed a home football game since he started. That's 293-straight Iowa State home football games if you are counting at home.

Was there ever a time where the streak could've ended?

“I was close to missing one game when my daughter got married,” Godfrey recalled. “It was an early kickoff and I worked the football game and left right after it ended so I could get to the wedding. I had somebody cover my duties after the game. That was about the only close call I had.”

Godfrey is a valuable asset to the Iowa State football gameday experience. If you need something done, chances are Godfrey can help you out.

Iowa State Associate Athletics Director for Communications Tom Kroeschell has worked Iowa State football games since 1985. He's seen Godfrey in action.

"From the first time I got here in 1985, Duane was the go-to guy if there was any job that needed to be done.” Kroeschell said. “I remember in 1985 we played Oklahoma State in the final game of the season. It was bitterly cold and the pork producers group that was supposed to show up to provide the pre-game meal to the media called the day of the game and said they couldn't come. We were in a panic, but Duane went and rounded up food from the concession stands, including 150 hot dogs, just so people could eat. We made it through that day because of him. That's the bottom line with Duane. No matter what your problem is, he has been the go-to guy.”

Working at the antiquated Clyde Williams Stadium, Iowa State's home from 1914-74, was quite a chore.

“Clyde Williams Stadium was a lot different than Jack Trice Stadium,” Godfrey said. “When they made the addition on the south end zone, they didn't have enough water, so we had to close Lincoln Way off to get water from the other side. We would run a fire hose from across the road just to run the stools.”

“It was really great moving into Jack Trice Stadium,” Godfrey recollected. “We thought it was super and a huge improvement from Clyde Williams. Obviously on my end, it was easier to work at the new stadium because everything was modern.”

Of course, there have been troubleshooting moments for Godfrey at Jack Trice Stadium as well. Power outages still happen, and Godfrey remembers a game against Baylor when a pressure valve broke, shutting down all water to the locker rooms.

Thanks to Godfrey, he was able to figure out a way water could get into the Olsen Building so the opposing team could shower.

Godfrey retired from Iowa State in 2000, but he hasn't given up his work in the fall. His love of football and Iowa State runs very deep.

“I really enjoy football and I love Iowa State,” Godfrey said. “I have enjoyed it all my life. I like watching NFL games, too. I've been to pro games in Minnesota, Kansas City and St. Louis. I grew up near Boone and I have always followed Iowa State.”

The 73-year-old Godfrey sees his time coming to an end. He's even hinted this could be his last season. He lives on a farm near Boone and enjoys farming as a hobby.

“I really think this could be my last year, but I have been saying that for the last five years,” Godfrey laughed. “I just told my wife I was going to give it up, but she doesn't believe me. I feel really good, so who knows, I might be back next year.”

We know Iowa State won't mind seeing Godfrey again.

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