Something New

The kids’ jerseys are new.  The best part about them…besides that they are cardinal and gold and say Iowa State…they were FREE!  Last night we made the trek to Arnolds Park to be part of one of the stops on the Cyclone Tailgate Tour.  We had so much fun!  Besides the gas to get there the entire night was free.  The girls played on inflatables until they were red in the face and dripping sweat.  Cade got the opportunity to visit with a couple ISU football player.  I finally got to meet the face behind the voice of one of my all-time favorite Cyclones, John Walters…the ISU commentator!  Silly I know, I took a picture with one of he most handsome coaches in all of college basketball, but I was most excited about meeting John Walters.  Cade and Bryan go to the games and John and I spend the evening together.  By the end of the season I feel like I know him personally.  We also got to meet all the coaches and AD.  Everyone was so friendly.  Almost all of them commented on our “crew” and gave us plenty accolades for doing our part in growing the ISU community and passing on the Cyclone tradition. 

The kids with the Cy/Hawk Trophy!  With a win in football, men's and women's basketball, and volleyball, the trophy is proudly in our possession for this year.  

Caden and Bryan visiting with Paul Rhoades after he signed Cade’s football. 

Coach Hoiberg asked Caden how old he was.  Caden was a little “star-struck” and had to be reminded of his age.  It was really kind of cute.  When Caden finally got out that he was 12, Coach Hoiberg commented on how tall he was.  Lots of people comment on how tall he is for his age, but I have never seen his face light up like it did last night when anyone else comments. 

This is Christy Johnson Lynch, the women’s head volleyball coach.  She has been at ISU for 8 years.  In the 8 years that she has been there they have been to the Sweet 16 four times and the Elite 8 twice.  They have a very talented team back next year and have hopes for a Final Four appearance.  She shamed us for never having taken our 4 little girls to an ISU volleyball game when we are in Ames for all those football games.  She also commented on our very battered and beaten volleyball that she signed.  She said to Miah, “I love to see that”. 

Cade insisted that he get an autograph from Jamie Pollard, the AD.  It surprised us that he cared.  That interaction turned out to the the most humorous of the night.  All the other coaches and players had long lines of people waiting to talk to them and sign their their paraphernalia.  Jamie Pollard was just standing off to the side, talking with two other  gentlemen.  Cade walked up to him and said, “Would you sign my football?”  He looked at Cade and said “Sure, buddy.  But first you have to answer a question for me.  What is your favorite subject in school…AND you can’t say P.E. or recess.”  Cade paused for a moment and then looked at him with a smile and said, “What kind of question is that?”  The three guys just busted out laughing.  Jamie looked at the guys he was talking with and said, “This is kid is good.  He already knows the infamous answer a questions with a question trick.”  They went on to have a conversation about how his favorite subject (science) was also Jamie’s favorite subject and how it would be a perfect fit at ISU…I tell ya, they are not only coach and staff, they are also politicians! 

The night ended with the cheerleaders and Cy leading the kids and crowd in some cheers.  If the kids cheered loud enough the jersey’s were theirs!  What great night of good old fashion Cyclone fun.