During the week, Jake Olson, '99 PharmD, leads pharmacy operations as the Wisconsin regional pharmacy director for Ascension's 340B Program. He implements new processes and manages relationships with wholesalers, manufacturers, and third-party administrator vendors.

On the weekends, Olson trades his white coat for a fake mustache, drumsticks, and his Hawkeye gear to rock out with the tribute band he founded, Van Hayden.

Named for legendary Iowa football coach Hayden Fry, the band pairs Hawkeye-themed parody lyrics with melodies made famous by Van Halen, a popular ’80s band. At tailgate concerts in Iowa City, Van Hayden gets fans ready for game day with music, humor, and plenty of Iowa spirit. 

The band often tours in its signature “Vanbulance,” a converted 1994 ambulance featuring Eddie Van Halen’s distinctive Bumblebee guitar stripes in Hawkeye black and gold.

Positive Energy
When Olson takes his place behind the drums, his goal is simple. “Bringing joy and positive energy to the Iowa football community is the core of what we do,” Olson said.  “When we see fans laughing and enjoying themselves while chanting along with our songs on their way into the stadium, that is the energy we want to bring to the Iowa Hawkeye football program and transfer that energy to the players on the field.”

Van Hayden’s Hawkeye-inspired hits include:

• “Punt!,” a tribute to Iowa’s longstanding defensive tradition based on Van Halen’s “Jump”
• “Caitlin Clark (Oh) Pretty Woman,” celebrating one of the Hawkeyes’ all-time greats
• “Iowa,” based on Van Halen’s “Panama”
• “Hayden Fry,” dedicated to the legendary coach himself based on the Zac Brown Band’s Chicken Fried

Although pharmacy and performing may seem worlds apart, Olson sees a common thread: organizing a team to bring good vibes to others.

“When I worked as a pediatric pharmacist in a children's hospital, I saw a lot of sad and depressing situations,” Olson said. “With my skill set of organizing a team to make our small contribution to a patient's overall experience just a little more tolerable, I brought that positive energy to the Hawkeye faithful through the band I created and made everyone smile, even when they are stressed out over a big game.”

In addition to tailgate appearances, Van Hayden has been featured on ESPN, in Iowa Magazine, and on FOX Big Noon Kickoff during Iowa’s 2026 Homecoming. Learn more about Olson, meet the rest of the band, and find upcoming performances on Van Hayden’s official website.