I wasn't sure what to expect when we launched the "Friends of Metro Sports Report.com" campaign two weeks ago, but I certainly never imagined what Cedar Rapids Jefferson girls track coach Bill Calloway has in mind.

Calloway joined "Friends of MSR" this past week and plans to use his Friends T-shirt as an award for one of his athletes next season. We've had a lot of fun covering the J-Hawks, who have broken numerous records with their championship relay teams the last few years.

The J-Hawks have made Metro Sports Report photographer Margaret O'Banion an honorary "Cheetah Girl" in appreciation of all the pictures she's taken of them. And we understand some of her photos will be featured in a new trophy case at Jefferson High School.

Calloway joined "Friends" as the Calloway Track Family and is listed that way on our "Friends of Metro Sports Report.com" page on the website. You can click on the "Friends" ad that appears on the main home page to see the list of everyone who has joined so far or you can CLICK HERE and go straight to the page and perhaps register yourself.

We made eight new "Friends" this past week. Or rather, we officially welcomed eight old friends into the club.

One of our new special "Friends" is former Jefferson teacher and football coach Bob Ask, who was featured in a story on the MSR website a few weeks ago in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of Jefferson's state football title in 1965. Bob lives right across the street from Jefferson and was watching an NFL game when we stopped by Sunday afternoon to hand-deliver his shirt.

"It's long overdue for sports fans in the Metro to display our appreciation and support for your Metro Sports Report," Bob wrote when he sent in his enrollment form. "I, like many, check in maybe two or three times a day for the breaking news and also for the details of all items your coverage includes.

"And now, in your new 'Friends' idea, it will be fun to see the listing of all the others who agree!"

Bob, who is 89 and going strong, signed the hand-written note "A Friend of MSR," and he certainly is.

Kyle Knock, the defensive coordinator for the undefeated Kennedy football team, joined "Friends" this past week on behalf of his family, which includes a 5-month-old baby. We've watched Kyle grow up over the years as a football player at Kennedy and Iowa State and now as a talented coach.

Kyle caught a touchdown pass for the Cyclones from Seneca Wallace in the Eddie Robinson game in Kansas City one year. Wallace lofted a high pass to Kyle in the end zone, and I'll never forget what Kyle said when we wondered what he was thinking while the ball was hanging in the air in front of a packed stadium and millions more on TV.

"I was praying I wouldn't drop it," he told reporters, giving everyone a good laugh.

"I really appreciate the service you and your team provide for the young student-athletes in our area," Kyle wrote on his enrollment form. "I check the site nearly every day. Keep up the good work."

And of course Kyle ended his message with, "Go Cougars!"

Mark Chute, an old friend from our days as youth baseball coaches, has joined "Friends" along with his wife Sheryl.

"Love your website. Question your sanity, though," Mark joked. "Don't think The Gazette will be joining up. Their loss."

That's Mark. He always kept us laughing at the ballpark. Both of our sons ended up playing high school and college baseball, so I guess we didn't screw them up too badly.

Randy Krejci, the commissioner of the Mississippi Valley Conference and a contributor to the Metro Sports Report, joined as one of our "Friends" this past week, but he's been a good friend all along.

Joe Hruska, who spent a long time as an assistant coach with the Kirkwood women's basketball team, has joined the "Friends" campaign. Joe's a terrific guy, and there was nobody better with boxscores and game reports.

Mike Murdock, a Kennedy parent who has been honored as the school's "Volunteer of the Year," has joined the club. Mike's sons, Blake and Cole, were good athletes at Kennedy and Blake is a member of the men's basketball team at Mount Mercy. Cole is a freshman at Northern Iowa and plans to join the UNI men's golf program next year after focusing on his studies this year.

"Just a small thanks for all the great work you've done with MSR," Mike wrote. "I really appreciate all the help you provided with the 'Just Drew It' drive, as well as the great articles you provide every day. Keep up the good work!!"

Drew Wall, a former Kennedy student, died in November 2012 after a five-year battle with cancer. Drew was an inspiration to his teammates on the Kennedy golf team and to everyone who knew him with his great spirit and determination. Mike Murdock, among others, led the "Just Drew It" movement that included special purple T-shirts that you still see today.

Kirk Hayden, another Kennedy guy, joined "Friends" this past week. His son Alex, an all-state baseball player at Kennedy, is a pitcher at Mount Mercy these days as he works himself back from Tommy John Surgery. His daughter Sydney is a member of the soccer and basketball teams at Kennedy and a future soccer player at the University of Northern Iowa.

I spent about three hours Sunday delivering the "Friends" T-shirts, visiting with old friends and chatting with new ones as well. I hope to make some more deliveries next Sunday as the "Friends" campaign keeps growing.