Iowa State Cyclones

I am back this week with the third team in the Big 12 - the Iowa State Cyclones

The Iowa State Cyclones began their long, successful history in 1892, but football did not become an official sport until two years later. That first year, the Cyclones finished with a 6-1 record including a defeat over their current big time rival, the University of Iowa. Over the decades, Iowa State has done less than average with a 476–556–46 overall record but still have high hopes for the seasons to come.

The name of the Cyclone’s stadium has a sorrowful history. In 1923, Jack Trice became Iowa State’s first African-American athlete and was also the only athlete ever to die from injuries during a sporting event. Earlier on in the game versus the University of Minnesota, Jack Trice had broken his collarbone and continued to play until he was trampled by a few Minnesota football players on the field. Trice died three days later and it was highly disputed to whether the players had intentionally hurt him. The stadium was named Jack Trice Stadium to commemorate him, along with a statue in front. The Jack Trice Stadium is still the only NCAA Division I stadium named after an African-American.

The Iowa State Cyclones fans are always in bright red at home games in the Jack Trice Stadium to show the other teams they mean business. The Cyclones fans go overboard on their school spirit, especially when their big time rival, the Iowa Hawkeyes, come to town. With only three conference title banners hanging in the stadium, the Iowa State Cyclone football team is hungry for more.

I wouldn’t want to miss an Iowa State Cyclones game solely to experience Cyclones fans!