RECRUITING: Iowa State hosting former NDSU WR Eli Green on visit this weekend

RECRUITING: Iowa State will host former NDSU wide receiver Eli Green (@Eligreen_) on a visit this week as it continues to put the final pieces together for its 2024 roster.

Twister Sister Special - Interview with Cyclone Great Heather Ezell!

The year was 2005 and an athlete from Springfield, Missouri appeared on Iowa State’s campus and immediately changed the Twister Sister team for the better. She started all but one game as a freshman and had such laudable moments as hitting five treys against Texas and had a
then ISU freshman record 13 assists in one game against Missouri. Who are we talking about? University of Wyoming Head Women’s Basketball Coach Heather Ezell.

Heather Ezell came to Iowa State as the 2005 Miss Show Me Basketball and a two time state champion at Kickapoo High School. In her four years at ISU, Ezell would go on to have a stellar career for the Sisters, starting all four years and becoming a deadly threat from behind the arc. She appears throughout the ISU record book. Here are but a few examples:
• Most Three Pointers in a Game - 10 versus Sacramento State
• Most Threes in a Game (Freshman) - 5 versus Missouri
• Most Steals in a Game (Freshman) - 5 versus Texas, versus Nichols State
• Tied (5th) Threes in a Season - 88 (08-09)
• Three Pointers Attempted in a Season - 214 (Tie 10th 05-06), 232 (6th 07-08), 249 (3rd 08-09)
• Steals in a Season - 9th 63 (08-09) (she led the team in steals all four years)
• Three Pointers Made in a Season - 2nd 69 (Freshman 05-06), 4th 78 (Junior 07-08), Tie 3rd 88 (Senior 08-09)
• Career Games Played - tied 2nd with 135
• Career Three Pointers Made - 2nd with 287
• Career Three Pointers Attempted - 2nd with 857
• Career Assists - 10th with 414
• Career Steals - 4th with 201
There are many more, but this illustrates just how valuable Ezell was to the Iowa State women’s program between 2005 and 2009.

I’ve followed Heather’s career with interest after ISU. So, what’s she been doing? I recently conversed with her via email to share with you a bit more about this amazing Cyclone.

1. What about your high school experience do you think attracted Iowa State to recruit you? Who was your primary recruiter?

I had the opportunity to play for an amazing high school coach who before she took the HS job was an Assistant Coach at Mizzou. So she knew the college game and the recruiting process. I think it was easy for coaches to recruit from her program because she ran the HS program like a college team. We only lost 7 games during my High School career, we won two state championships and being from Missouri I believe it was local enough for Iowa State that it made it easy to recruit. At the time Jack Easley was the primary recruiter.

2. What made you decide that Iowa State was where you wanted to play your college ball?

I went on a lot of visits and when I came to Iowa State on an unofficial I remember meeting the team and just feeling like I fit in so well. My dream was to play in the Big 12 and I did a handful of visits within the Big 12 but none of them compared to that feeling of belonging like I did on my visit to Iowa State. I also believe the style of play at Iowa State was the perfect fit for my game.

3. Of everything you did while at Iowa State, what was the “one” thing you incorporated into your practice/preparation routine that improved your play the most?

I believe the work in the weight room and conditioning was what improved my play the most. I was definitely not in the best shape my freshman year but I really bought into the strength and conditioning program after my Freshman year and I think it propelled me into being the best player I could be.

4. While at Iowa State, was there a particular game that stands out in your mind as one of your greatest memories? Why?

It’s hard for me to not say the Michigan State game my Senior year in the NCAA tournament. There was never a moment in that game that I didn’t have belief that we could win, even we when were down by 7 with a minute to go. And then obviously to do what we did in that final
minute and win the game, is just a memory I will never forget. (for a recap of this amazing game go to: https://cyclones.com/news/2009/3/28/3701735.aspx)

5. As an extension of that question…was there a particular play you were a part of that will always stand out in your memories?

Same game, I was never known for my rebounding ability, especially on the offensive end. But for some reason I found myself down there and got the rebound and made pass (assist) to Aus for the go ahead three, that in the end won the game. It was one of those plays where we as a team were going to do whatever needed to be done to win the game and if that meant I needed to go for an offensive rebound, well then I was going to do it.

6. How did the coaching staff help you to grow into the player and now coach that you are? Do you still communicate with them professionally?

The coaches were always available to talk, watch film, and rebound. I realized how important those moments with coaches were when I first got into coaching. Making sure I made time to be there for my athletes no matter what the need was. Sometimes just to talk and listen to what was going on in their life. I stay in touch with all the coaches on a consistent basis. I know I can reach out to them with any questions and they are happy to help.

7. What made Hilton Coliseum a special place to play for you?

The fans!! To be able to run out of the locker room and the stands were already packed full with 30 mins still on the warmup clock.

8. If you had to pick one…what would be your favorite memory of your time at Iowa State (this might not be basketball!)?

Graduation – The older you get you realize just how important that part of your college career was. I am only a second generation college graduate and that makes me proud.

9. You are one of the all time great three point shooters in Iowa State history. Did you focus on shooting three’s more than other things in practice? What made you so good at it?

I focused on the fundamentals every time I came in the gym to get shots up. I started at 3 feet before moving to 30 feet. I talk to players all the time, it’s not about quantity, it’s about quality. I came in the gym focused on the right shots and the right mechanics every time. The last piece and could be the most important was confidence, I always believed there wasn’t a shot I shouldn’t make, couldn’t make and I was mad when I missed.

10. Your parents were obviously huge supporters. What would you say about how they supported you over the years as a player and coach?

My parents are who made me who I am no doubt. Their support through my early years of basketball, the money they put in for me to travel around during my high school years and then all the miles they put on their car driving to Ames or wherever to watch me play, I will never be able to say thank you enough. I lost my dad in 2022 and it was one of the hardest times in my life because he was my biggest fan and biggest supporter.

See Part II for the remainder of the Interview!!

Twister Sister Special - Part II Interview with Cyclone Great Heather Ezell!

Here's Part II of my interview with Wyoming Head Coach Heather Ezell!

11. * While at Iowa State what was your favorite away venue to play at?

Favorite away venue was Municipal Auditorium during the Big 12 Tournament in Kansas City. I was able to have so many family and friends at those games and to be able to break some records made it all the better.

12. * Share a funny story about a teammate that never was publicly told (you don’t have to name them!)

A teammate and I would stay up until at least 2-3am on the road nights before games playing super Nintendo. I always traveled with my super Nintendo in college and we would stay up late usually playing tetris.

13. * Where is the weirdest place you were ever recognized?

At a farmers market in Steamboat Springs

14. * Was there any opposing player that you genuinely liked and/or respected more than others?

Honestly I respected a lot of players in the Big 12. Playing for the USA Jones Cup team the summer before my Junior year gave me the opportunity to to get to know a lot of fellow Big 12 players and after the experience I really respected all those players I got to play with (Jackie McFarland Colorado, Leah Rush Oklahoma , Jhasmin Player Baylor , Rachel Allison Baylor, LaToya Micheaux Texas A&M).

15. * Did you talk trash? If yes, what was your go-to?

I did not, I was more player that showed emotion after we made a really good play. I was the hype man!

16. As your career at Iowa State began to wind down, when did you start to think coaching was something you wanted to do? What type of things influenced that decision making?

Since high school I knew I wanted to be a coach, I was unsure at that time what level that would be at but by my senior year I knew it was at the college level. I wanted to make the same impacts on athletes lives like my coaches made on my life. I want to give athletes the opportunity to do something special and something very few get the opportunity to do. And lastly I wanted to give athletes the opportunity to graduate from college while doing something they loved.

17. You’ve been the head coach at Wyoming for a couple of years now. How would you describe your experience as a head coach so far and what are you looking forward to in future years?

I have been so blessed to be at Wyoming for the past 9 years. I was able to work my way up the ladder here and get the opportunity to take over a very successful and well respected program. It was an easy transition in the big picture because I wasn’t coming into a whole new place as a first time head coach. I already knew the players, the other coaches and the administration. The biggest adjustment was calling the shots. I think at first I second guessed myself earlier but now as I finish year 2 I am very confident in the decisions we make as a program and where we are going in the future. Our goal is to win championships here and I have no doubt we will do that sooner than later.

18. How has becoming a parent changed your life view? Has it made it tougher/different to balance work/home?

Oh my gosh, where do I ever start. Becoming a parent has changed everything, I am more aware of different emotions and situations that might affect my family or someone else’s family. It was tough to balance at first as I never wanted to miss some milestone as a parent but as time does, things have gotten easier and I have figured out that balance.

15. If you had one message to share with the Iowa State fan base, what would it be?

THANK YOU. My 4 years at Iowa State was nothing short of amazing because of the fans that supported us night in and night out. Walking in to a restaurant or grocery store in Ames and having numerous people stop you and just talk basketball was so awesome.

That’s a wrap! I feel blessed that I have a fan’s connection with Coach Ezell and the willingness she and other former players have to share their stories. Coach Ezell is another great example of the influence a good college experience can have on success in life. I wish her and her team all the best in continuing their success on and off the court.

Help with preserving vegetables

Does anyone have experience with freezing fresh vegetables? I recently bought more asparagus than I needed, so I blanched all of it and then vacuum sealed what I didn't need right away and froze it in individual portions. But I'm curious about the best way to prepare those frozen portions whenever I'm ready to eat them. Should I thaw them out first and then toss into a skillet, or just throw them in the oven/microwave?

Cyclone Club Question(s)

Am I able to see how many Priority Points I've accumulated over the tenure of my CC membership? If so, where/how via the website (I presume)?

I'm assuming the culmination of my lifetime Priority Points is considered for ticket selection priority?

Am I correct in that if a CC membership is not renewed, all historical PP acumination is lost and I would begin at ground zero if a membership is renewed in the future?

We Will Membership May

Morning all!

We Will had a very generous donor step up and wants to help us grow our support base. The donor is pledging $200,000 if we can add 200 new recurring members in May. We’ve had 10 sign up already. Can join for $10 a month. Pretty awesome chance where a little now can really add up. Can’t thank you all enough for how you’ve rallied behind our efforts. Sign up here and please tell your friends! https://www.wewillcollective.com/donate#your-ID-here

Re-siding house

About 10 years ago, my son helped me re-side my house. It was a lot of work over about 10 days, but based on the estimates I received from contractors earlier, I ended up saving around $25,000 by doing it myself.

Now it's time to re-side my son's house. It's a modest ranch home, so not as much siding as many other homes, but still a big job. We'll have to remove the old vinyl siding and, unfortunately, also remove the layer of masonite siding under that.

Because we don't have a whole week or two to devote to this project, we're thinking about replacing the siding one side of the house at a time. That way, we can do each side over a 2-3 day weekend. It will extend the entire project out to several weeks, but it will make it much more manageable.

Anyone have experience re-siding a house one side at a time? I'm thinking the biggest issue will be dealing with the house wrap, but I think I can just extend the wrap a few feet beyond the corners of the house and tack it into the next side and then overlap the wrap after I remove the siding from that side.
  • Like
Reactions: JEFF420

Dmitri Stanley trying out with Packers

I came across an article that said Dmitri Stanley has impressed in the early going with the Packers. I'll put in a few excerpts...

"There are three names to be aware of after Day 1 of rookie minicamp: Edgerrin Cooper, Kalen King, and Dimitri Stanley."

The other name to watch is wide receiver Dimitri Stanley, who is among the rookie tryout players at camp. He may have earned himself a spot on the 90-man roster ahead of OTAs.

"Dimitri Stanley with a sick one handed catch in team. We have our tryout rookie minicamp hidden gem of the year," writes Andy Herman of the Pack-a-Day Podcast.

Head coach Matt LaFleur referenced the catch when asked about discussions of which tryout players they may sign. The Packers often have a young receiver emerge during the offseason, and Stanley has made a promising start.

Dmitri Stanley a name to know

2024 Kentucky Derby

It's the one horse race I try to watch every year. Looks like Albaugh Family Stables has a horse that qualified for this year's race in Catching Freedom.

Filter