ISU Media Day thoughts

JonDMiller · 08-02-2008, 05:52 PM

I always enjoy going to this, because its a good thing to be able to look into the eyes of the players and coaches, and establish at least some level of relationship.

For a lot of people in this state, the Hawk-Clone thing goes way beyond being a healthy rivalry. I enjoy the rivalry, but I always try to remember that at the heart of it all, are kids in uniforms. I guess the fans will have at one another, but when it crosses that line, I tend to get irritated.

Arnaud is one of my favorite Cyclones, because I just think he's a great kid, he is a gentleman (always has been with me) and has always been a winner. It's hard not to admit that i am rooting for him to become the starter, and I have no problem saying that it's because I like the kid.

That isn't to say that I don't like Bates, because that would be untrue. I have had more exposure to Arnaud. I had a chance to talk with Bates today, and he too seems to have a great personality. And my goodness, has that kid spent time in the weight room the past year. It was pretty amazing to see the work he has done...

The more I am exposed to Coach Chizik, the more impressed I am. ISU has an amazing collection of coaches right now as far as people go...and I also think quality at what they do. I have a great deal of respect for the kind of man Gene is in his life walk, and I can totally see how impressive he would be to potential recruits. The more I am around him, the more I like him. Again, that doesnt mean I didn't like him before, just didnt have any relationship with him.

RJ Sumrall has a great personality, and he is enjoying this last lap around the track. Jesse Smith is all business, and a nice story...not a Rudy story, but a great story. How can you not be rooting for Jason Scales, and I really enjoyed talking with Curtis Taylor...serious, focused on football...a thinker.

Monday's show will be two hours of ISU football...with about 15 minutes total of me talking and the rest ISU coaches and players, inlcuding Chizik, Bolt, McFarland, Bates, Arnaud, Smith, Taylor & Sumrall....some bonus Shaggy interview coming later this week too.

PS: The uniforms look real, real sweet. They are cardinal, true to the school colors. And the huge I-State on black on the back of the scoreboard driving in on University Ave looks real nice.

And thanks to ISU for letting us do the interviews inside and not out in the heat...that made my day!

More on Monday at 2.

Jon Miller

cstrunk · 08-02-2008, 05:56 PM

Thanks!

kurimski · 08-02-2008, 05:56 PM

Good post. Thanks for the all the info. Has Bates put on quite a bit of muscle?

ISUonthemove · 08-02-2008, 05:58 PM

Originally Posted by kurimski

Good post. Thanks for the all the info. Has Bates put on quite a bit of muscle?

OMG. The kid is a freak. I though he was put together last year.

jberryma · 08-02-2008, 06:00 PM

Great post Jon! Thanks for all the kind words and the coverage that you did on this.

hoosman · 08-02-2008, 06:22 PM

Thanks Jon.

After watching the FSN preview today, I am also gaining confidence in coach Chizik. With our "solid" defensive coaching staff, we'll be able to replace guys like Rubin, Braaksma, Bowen, and Banks.

I don't think our offense will have any "growing pains" either.

MookInLincoln · 08-02-2008, 06:30 PM

Originally Posted by JonDMiller

For a lot of people in this state, the Hawk-Clone thing goes way beyond being a healthy rivalry.

First of all, I respect you Jon .... BUT, have you ever been south of the mason-dixon line? or spent any time in the states of michigan or ohio?

ISU/Iowa is a good rivalry, but if you think it is unhealthy, I really think you need to look elsewhere and compare.

dinger · 08-02-2008, 06:31 PM

jon, just for future reference, its Kurtis Taylor.

(ironically, by trying to save you from the spelling police, i became the spelling police)

rhlentz · 08-02-2008, 06:31 PM

hes right the istate logo looks awesome

Cyclonepride · 08-02-2008, 06:36 PM

Great post, Jon. I agree completely. At the end of the day, they are just kids in uniform, whether Hawks or Cyclones, and I'll take it a step further. People wearing either school's colors are fellow Iowans. Once again, good job.

Cyclonepride · 08-02-2008, 06:37 PM

Originally Posted by dinger

jon, just for future reference, its Kurtis Taylor.

(ironically, by trying to save you from the spelling police, i became the spelling police)

Capitalization police here, put down your weapon!

CycloneWarrior · 08-02-2008, 06:54 PM

Thanks for the thoughts

cmoore_23 · 08-02-2008, 07:58 PM

great post jon, also will u podcast the monday show??

ketelmeister · 08-02-2008, 08:06 PM

Appreciate the comments Jon. Many of us Cyclone fans grew up listening to and following the Hawks. As you say, in the end, it's really about a bunch of kids, and the majority are really good ones. And they are all doing the best they can.

cloneaholic · 08-02-2008, 08:10 PM

I loved Chiz's response to the final question of the press conference. He was asked whether he is putting any additional emphasis on off the field conduct with his players (in an obvious reference to the mess in Iowa City). Coach basically said it's very simple at ISU - you mess up and you're gone. He also said he's very proud of his players' conduct off the field thus far.