If I’m being honest, I had significant doubts not only about how we’d play tonight, but about whether we’d ever win 10 or more games in a season at Iowa State in my lifetime. We’ve been through so many awful collapses and seen our most heralded teams underachieve more often than not. As a kid growing up, it was not easy to be a Cyclone fan. This type of season is one that everyone who’s poured into Iowa State University and the athletic program should feel a sense of ownership in. I know it’s just a group of college kids playing a game, but it wasn’t possible for those final scenes to play out and not get pretty emotional. Not afraid to say that I shed some tears. It’s always a great day to be a Cyclone, but some days are much, much better than others.
Matt Campbell has brought about more than I ever thought possible for this program. For all of the frustrating moments, we’re living in the “good old days” and for the pessimists among us (certainly would include me), it’s past time to enjoy. These are the kinds of things that were once only dreams that never seemed to come true, but now they have. Congrats to all the coaches, players, and everyone else who made this happen. You’ve left an incredible legacy and elevated not just Cyclone football, but all of Iowa State.
