'HAYDENISMS': Legendary Hawkeyes coach Hayden Fry explains some of his most famous sayings

Editor's note: This story was originally published in February in honor of Hayden Fry's 90th birthday. Fry, the Hawkeye legend, died Tuesday. 

Back in 1998, the Register's Randy Peterson asked legendary Iowa football coach Hayden Fry to translate a handful of his famous sayings.

Fry, who turned 90 today, won 143 games at Iowa between 1979 and 1998.

“High porch picnic.” A West Texas expression for having some fun.

“Covered the waterfall.” Preparation for the next game is now complete.

“Only thing I’ve got going for me are my day dreams.” Injuries are piling up, fans are grumpy and the media is second-guessing.

From the archives:

Hayden Fry’s first win as Hawkeyes coach comes against Cyclones

The day Hayden Fry nearly fired McCarney and Ferentz

“Clowns.” Reporters who criticize his program without having a football background themselves.

“We’re not rolling into town on a load of wood.” The Hawkeyes aren’t nearly as hick as some people think they are.

“Scratch where it itches.” If an opponent tries to stop the rush, “We pass.” If it stops the pass, “We rush.”

Fry retired in 1998 with the most wins in school history. He led the Hawkeyes to a 143-89-6 record over 20 seasons and was 6-7-1 in bowl games at Iowa. Kirk Ferentz tied Fry's wins record in December 2017 when the Hawkeyes beat Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl, and has since surpassed the mark.