The state of Iowa honors the golfer killed before the Akron football game



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AMES, Iowa – Iowa State honored Celia Barquin Arozamena, the star of the golf course killed, in a complex ceremony before the Cyclones match against Akron on Saturday.

The Iowa State group used a training that featured Barquin's initials, and both teams wore decals on their helmets.

A tribute to Barquin played on a video screen before a moment of silence, and fans were invited to wear yellow, one of Iowa's main colors and a nod to Spanish roots of Barquin. Most of the more than 60,000 spectators present were content with yellow shirts and polos in cold weather in central Iowa.

Barquin, 22, from Puente San Miguel, Spain, was killed on Monday while she was playing at Coldwater Golf Links in Ames, a course located less than one kilometer to the east. Jack Trice stadium.

Before his death, Iowa State had planned to honor Barquin on the field to celebrate his nomination as Female Athlete of the Year.

"I think it's fantastic. The tribute is amazing. But in the end, it would have been perfect if she could have been here for her tribute, which was going to happen anyway, "said Ed Hamilton, a retired police officer from Ankeny, in New York. ;Iowa.

Barquin, the first Big 12 Cyclone in 25 years, was graduating from Iowa State and pursuing her ultimate goal of becoming a professional golfer.

Barquin took part in the U.S Women's Open earlier this summer and coach Christie Martens said she was getting closer to "the top of her career".

"The fans of Iowa State are very loyal. We have not had a lot of winning football teams over the years. Yet, the fans are revealing themselves. There is great loyalty here – but it also affects other sports, "said Kent Hollrah of Denison, Iowa, a fan of Iowa State.

Collin Richards, also 22, was charged with first degree murder of Barquin's death. Police said Richards stabbed Barquin and left his body in a pond on the course, where other golfers had noticed his bag dropped.

Hurricane coach Matt Campbell wore an Iowa State golf hat Saturday to show his solidarity with his colleagues. Iowa State defeated Akron 26-13.

"Be with us all today, Celia, your heritage will live forever and we are grateful for your impact. A lot of love from your Cyclonitas, "Iowa linebacker Willie Harvey said on Saturday, using the nickname that Barquin had for his teammates.

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