Grew up in Ames- Cyclone ball boy 1976- Got punched in the face by a drunk hawk fan in 1978 after we smoked them 31-0 in football. We were sitting at a stoplight in Ames in a 1972 piss yellow Mavrick with my dad. I was 12- Like I needed another reason to hate hawk fan jagoffs.
Long two days left. Story time! Please share your own
- Thread starter RezClone
- Start date
Grew up in a smallish town in NE Iowa. 3rd generation Iowa State graduate. Being an Iowa State fan was pretty tough growing up. I use to take so much crap at school from classmates, their parents, teachers and coaches. Not bullying er anything but little jabs here and there. It actually hurt my feelings because my folks were proud graduates of Iowa State and that's why I started really hating Iowa. The comments being made to me were by people who didn't even go to Iowa. So I took pride in the fact that there was a true connection between me and the University, unlike Iowa fans whose parents like them because of Hayden Frye.
At my high school there were probably less than 10 true Iowa State fans where everyone else were Iowa and UNI fans and of course the UNI fans were also Iowa fans. Every single coach I played for was an Iowa fan and tried to emulate our programs off of Iowa's. Jerseys, our team gear, etc. It sucked.
I still remember the sense of pride and belonging the first time I went to Iowa State on a visit. It was the best feeling in the world walking around that campus and seeing ISU gear left and right. Cardinal and gold signs and posters just everywhere. I thought I loved Iowa State growing up but it wasn't until receiving my degree where it clicked in my brain just how special the place is.
Go Cyclones.
At my high school there were probably less than 10 true Iowa State fans where everyone else were Iowa and UNI fans and of course the UNI fans were also Iowa fans. Every single coach I played for was an Iowa fan and tried to emulate our programs off of Iowa's. Jerseys, our team gear, etc. It sucked.
I still remember the sense of pride and belonging the first time I went to Iowa State on a visit. It was the best feeling in the world walking around that campus and seeing ISU gear left and right. Cardinal and gold signs and posters just everywhere. I thought I loved Iowa State growing up but it wasn't until receiving my degree where it clicked in my brain just how special the place is.
Go Cyclones.
I was at a party that day with a mixed bag of fans. As the game before the Rosebowl was winding down, a pudgy Hawkeye dude that had few friends there took a seat by the TV and said, "time for some big boy football".
This was me growing up close to Omaha; ISU is nonexistent if you're not in the ag field and hearing so much about the 'skers, you'd think Memorial Stadium was built next to Rosenblatt.
I was at a Halloween party with Iowa fans that year. I think Stanford was struggling to beat someone that night and everybody was complaining how Iowa should be ranked higher because of how each team played against Northwestern. The Rose Bowl was delightful.
In sixth grade, we had an assignment to write some type of paper on what we wanted to do or be when we grew up (at least that's how I recall it.) I wrote that I wanted to be the head coach for the University of Iowa men's basketball team, and they would win a national championship. I figured that by the time I could actually do that, being a female coach wouldn't be so odd.
Even though my parents met at Iowa State, at that age I couldn't really remember where ISU and UI were and needed to create a mnemonic. Capital letters of the school and city added up to four: Iowa State University - Ames, and University of Iowa - Iowa City.
Fast forward a few years and I was applying and getting acceptance letters from lots of places. I eventually chose Iowa State because it was cheaper than most, including Central College where I'd interviewed for a president's scholarship.
I give credit to my parents who didn't discourage me from any post-secondary location except very small institutions. They must have known I'd eventually become a Cyclone where I would meet my husband.
Or not. That's all I have.
Even though my parents met at Iowa State, at that age I couldn't really remember where ISU and UI were and needed to create a mnemonic. Capital letters of the school and city added up to four: Iowa State University - Ames, and University of Iowa - Iowa City.
Fast forward a few years and I was applying and getting acceptance letters from lots of places. I eventually chose Iowa State because it was cheaper than most, including Central College where I'd interviewed for a president's scholarship.
I give credit to my parents who didn't discourage me from any post-secondary location except very small institutions. They must have known I'd eventually become a Cyclone where I would meet my husband.
Or not. That's all I have.
Yes they were starting to feel themselves a little bit before that game. Just beat Grand Canyon (Who? The school w/ all the commercials? What's next, Phoenix University?)
The covid year probaby felt like a lost opportunity for them and the year before they were celebrating a moral victory after giving Tennessee a game in the round of 32.
Then BAM! Oregon.
Gets up on an 8 count lands a couple Murray-Murray combos on a watered-down big ten then...
BAM! Richmond. Out Cold.
Sure, I'll finish Frog's love story. haha. I met her again at that game-fate. I'll admit I was thinking of her. I obviously thought she would be in their student section. My friends put up with me and we worked our way around there. Didn't see her, too many people and dealing with the joy of their fans so decided to leave. Walking back to our car down Melrose they were not at the same house but we unexpectedly caught up to them. They recognized us and we started talking. My now wife had a bota and said I owe you a drink so handed it over. We walked and talked and was a spark for sure. She grew up not too far from me and we knew some same families. I asked if I could call her. She had just broken up with boyfriend not too long before we met so taking it slow. Eventually she told me where she lived in IC and the coffee shop she hung out/studied in and I could meet her there for coffee. I met her and starting dating. She was done with law school that spring and wanted to work in Chicago but never made it to Chicago. Poor girl became my wife about a year after we met.
I should write a romance novel this summer. haha.
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This thread is pretty fun and interesting.
Except for when people mention their first Cyclone memories are of Dan McCarney and Floyd.
Then I just feel old.
So very old.
Except for when people mention their first Cyclone memories are of Dan McCarney and Floyd.
Then I just feel old.
So very old.
Grew up in Arnold’s Park in NW Iowa. Everyone was a tavern hawk. I didn’t really care/pay much attention. Was in a bar watching hoks/ucla rose bowl in ‘86 and they kicked me and my buddy out for cheering for ucla(we were the only ones). That started my cyclone fandom. Graduated from ISU in early 90’s.
That's what happens when you start beating them. The 5-year streak from McCarney is why the rivalry is where it's at today.
Knew nothing about Cyclone sports until going to ISU. Went there for the engineering program and loved the big campus but college town feel of Ames. From the first game at Jack Trice I was hooked. As much as a I love ISU football, basketball is my #1. I was fortunate enough to be in school for the Hoiberg years and have so many amazing memories in Hilton. Already passed the fandom on to my wife and hope to do the same with kids someday!
A few years back, a group of us went to a BIG college FB game in different states every year. That year we went to see Notre Dame @ Michigan. I bought a nice Michigan shirt while in Ann Arbor - just to antagonize Iowa fans.
The next Fall, my wife + I were in the Amanas on a Sunday. I was wearing my Michigan shirt. While in a store, some older gentleman spotted me, and started to stare me down. He was waiting for us outside as we left the store. He says to my wife, "remind your husband that he lives in Iowa." I was fuming!
My wife knows I despise Iowa, and got me out of there before I could say something.
Like I told her, "Maybe we're from Michigan + moved here?" or "maybe I went to Michigan and am just supporting my Alma mater" or "maybe we're just visiting here?" "That jackass didn't know!" "Fn jerk".
Such an arrogant fan base that thinks the world revolves around them.
The next Fall, my wife + I were in the Amanas on a Sunday. I was wearing my Michigan shirt. While in a store, some older gentleman spotted me, and started to stare me down. He was waiting for us outside as we left the store. He says to my wife, "remind your husband that he lives in Iowa." I was fuming!
My wife knows I despise Iowa, and got me out of there before I could say something.
Like I told her, "Maybe we're from Michigan + moved here?" or "maybe I went to Michigan and am just supporting my Alma mater" or "maybe we're just visiting here?" "That jackass didn't know!" "Fn jerk".
Such an arrogant fan base that thinks the world revolves around them.
Iirc those were his last words spoken, and went missing after half-time.He was right just not the way he thought.
Nope.
Was born in central IA, moved to SE Iowa in between 1st & 2nd grade, grew up in a small town that felt about 99% Iowa Fans. Have been a Cyclone since conception as my parents met at ISU, and my Dad's side of the Family is made of a good chunk of ISU/ISC grads.
We generally tried to go to one football game/year, and basketball was appointment TV. Whenever a game was on TV we watched it, if it wasn't on TV we were listening on Radio. One of my earliest memories is watching the Big 8 tournament on TV. Living in SE Iowa during the 5 year streak has given me some fond memories. Growing up in the area though I grew to absolutely loathe Iowa fans. (though one of my best friends from HS is an Iowa fan, but he never followed it too closely to be irrational like most of the fans in SE Iowa.) However, living in SE Iowa had its downsides, like after the *@#$ing Hampton game. I didn't want to show my damn face in school because I was so pissed/upset/sad.
One of my fondest memories (and the moment when football became my preferred sport) was being at ISU for Opus in middle school, eating some lunch at MWL with a couple friends when Hiawatha Rutland walked up, sat down, and ate lunch with my friends and I. He asked what we were doing there, and just talked with us while we ate lunch. The second to that only being on the floor of Hilton during a game because my seat had been called in a contest but since I was a minor my dad had to shoot the shots for me so I got to watch a portion of the game from the tunnel.
Moved back to Central IA for college at ISU. Never graduated, (we can blame poor life choices, and ADHD for that), but never left Ames (for very long) either because I love this place. I've become much more even keel on Iowa due to getting to know more rational Iowa fans (and probably getting older/maturing helps too).
My Dad used to take me to a lot of BB and FB games. I remember the old Armory and Don Smith. I swear you could smell the leather of the bouncing balls during warmups. And hear the squeaks of the sneakers on the wood floor. It was almost game time.
I've been hooked on the Cyclones and Cyclone sports ever since.
I remember seeing Doc Severinsen walk right past us up to his seat, several rows above us. I think this was 1972 at the ISU v Nebraska FB game. O Lord unfortunately only a tie there. But it was pretty cool seeing Johnny Carson's band director and trumpet player in Ames at an ISU football game.
I've been hooked on the Cyclones and Cyclone sports ever since.
I remember seeing Doc Severinsen walk right past us up to his seat, several rows above us. I think this was 1972 at the ISU v Nebraska FB game. O Lord unfortunately only a tie there. But it was pretty cool seeing Johnny Carson's band director and trumpet player in Ames at an ISU football game.
I grew up in a family that didn't care much about sports. College sports weren't on much back then, and Saturdays were just a full day for working. I loved the NFL and MLB. My sister started at ISU when I was 8 and I became a 'fan' but only in name. Then Troy Davis happened and people actually talked about ISU, and then Meyer, Mayor, Mikalek.
About this time my aunt moved back from Chicago. She was a Hok fan despite going to school at ISU, and while I now see that her behavior was pretty typical of Hok fans, it was pretty shocking at the time. The amount of arrogance and condescension towards ISU was disgusting and turned me into a true Cyclone. Also the reason I hate the Cubs, all the hubris, none of the accomplishments.
I hate the Hoks, but work hard to be civil, especially with their young spawn, believing that at some point maybe they'll see how repulsive their fan base is. I don't ever want to be that person that causes someone to hate ISU.
About this time my aunt moved back from Chicago. She was a Hok fan despite going to school at ISU, and while I now see that her behavior was pretty typical of Hok fans, it was pretty shocking at the time. The amount of arrogance and condescension towards ISU was disgusting and turned me into a true Cyclone. Also the reason I hate the Cubs, all the hubris, none of the accomplishments.
I hate the Hoks, but work hard to be civil, especially with their young spawn, believing that at some point maybe they'll see how repulsive their fan base is. I don't ever want to be that person that causes someone to hate ISU.
Our family's Cyclone connections go back about 60 years. My grandparents moved to Ames in the '50s and a few years later, my grandma got a job working as a secretary for the English Department at ISU. They weren't big sports people, but quickly became Cyclone fans. My dad grew up in Ames, going to games as a kid at Clyde Williams and the brand new Hilton Coliseum and Cyclone Stadium. When he got to high school, my grandpa had the chance to buy his own business and the family moved to Indianola. Eventually, my dad ended up back in Ames, attending ISU for a year in Aero E, but then realized he really just wanted to fly planes, not design them. So, he got a full-time job after that year and never returned to school - ended up flying full-time for nearly 40 years after that, so it worked out well for him and our family.
Because of these connections, I grew up in a household of ISU fans, although no one had ever actually graduated from the school. My first game at Hilton was when I was 4 - Johnny's last season and when a guy named Fred Hoiberg was one of the stars on the team. I remember my dad trying to teach me about the game by keeping score in the program. That was a treasured item that I kept for many years. My dad and I went to dozens of games in the '90s and '00s, mostly basketball, and I was fortunate to grow up during the Floyd, Eustachy, and McCarney years where there was a lot to be proud of. The first season I really remember was the final Big 8 tourney year - Holloway, Willoughby, Bankhead, Pratt, and Cato. I have so many memories of games in Hilton with Fizer & Tinsley, and learning truly what "Hilton Magic" felt like. We were the fans that even risked the drive up I-35 from DSM during blizzards, because it was our job to make sure the Cyclones couldn't possibly lose that night.
While I considered a bunch of other schools, in the end it really wasn't a choice for me - I don't think I could have lived with myself if I'd gone to school anywhere else. Being a Cyclone was in my blood and a part of my identity by that point, and I was determined to be the first graduate in our family. Eventually, all 3 of my younger siblings followed me at ISU and 2 ended up marrying people they met in school - so we now have 5 Cyclone grads at all our family gatherings. On a special note, Hilton truly is my "happy place" that connects treasured childhood memories, All-State concerts in high school, and my own graduation from Iowa State. This year, I started a new job in Ames after many years away, some out-of-state, and was able to attend more football and basketball games this season than probably the last 10 years combined. ISU is truly a unique place made up of the best people I've ever known. It's always a great day to be a Cyclone.
Because of these connections, I grew up in a household of ISU fans, although no one had ever actually graduated from the school. My first game at Hilton was when I was 4 - Johnny's last season and when a guy named Fred Hoiberg was one of the stars on the team. I remember my dad trying to teach me about the game by keeping score in the program. That was a treasured item that I kept for many years. My dad and I went to dozens of games in the '90s and '00s, mostly basketball, and I was fortunate to grow up during the Floyd, Eustachy, and McCarney years where there was a lot to be proud of. The first season I really remember was the final Big 8 tourney year - Holloway, Willoughby, Bankhead, Pratt, and Cato. I have so many memories of games in Hilton with Fizer & Tinsley, and learning truly what "Hilton Magic" felt like. We were the fans that even risked the drive up I-35 from DSM during blizzards, because it was our job to make sure the Cyclones couldn't possibly lose that night.
While I considered a bunch of other schools, in the end it really wasn't a choice for me - I don't think I could have lived with myself if I'd gone to school anywhere else. Being a Cyclone was in my blood and a part of my identity by that point, and I was determined to be the first graduate in our family. Eventually, all 3 of my younger siblings followed me at ISU and 2 ended up marrying people they met in school - so we now have 5 Cyclone grads at all our family gatherings. On a special note, Hilton truly is my "happy place" that connects treasured childhood memories, All-State concerts in high school, and my own graduation from Iowa State. This year, I started a new job in Ames after many years away, some out-of-state, and was able to attend more football and basketball games this season than probably the last 10 years combined. ISU is truly a unique place made up of the best people I've ever known. It's always a great day to be a Cyclone.
