Here’s an A to Z list of predictions for the new year in Cyclone athletics. Keep in mind that these are all very optimistic predictions and not all realistic. I threw this together on the plane ride back from Phoenix.
A – Austen Arnaud will have a breakout year in 2010. He’s finally going to be comfortable with the Tom Herman way of running things and Ames’ golden boy will be one of the best signal callers that the Big 12 has to offer.
B – Craig Brackins will be a lottery pick in the 2010 NBA Draft. Brackins has a lot to prove over the next few months and I am one of the believers that he will do so.
C – Christy Johnson Lynch will at the very least, lead the Iowa State volleyball team to another Sweet 16.
D – Denae Stucky will develop a reputation as the scrappiest women’s basketball player in the Big 12.
E – Iowa State’s 2011 men’s basketball recruiting gem, Elgin Cook will be a household name in America by the end of his junior season.
F – Fans – Iowa State has the greatest in America. Of course, that will continue in the New Year.
G – Greg McDermott will silence his critics with a run in the 2010 NCAA Tournament.
H – Give Tom Herman another season and you’ll see why he is one of the most up and coming young offensive football minds in America.
I – I am going to get married in May. You better believe that the Iowa State fight song will be our first dance.
J – Jerome Tiller will be utilized in many different areas for the 2010 Cyclone football team. Remember Phillip Bates? A lot like that. Sorry to bring up that name.
K – Iowa State University will abolish the “Kiss Cam” during all athletic events. The promotion has run its course.
L – Loomis P – AKA…Hiawatha Rutland will come out with sequel rap album to his cult classic, “Bigger and Wetter Thangs” that dropped while I was in college.
M – Marquis Gilstrap will get another year of eligibility and play for Iowa State again next season. Realize that this is strictly wishful thinking. My gut tells me that he’s gone.
N – NOT IN MY HOUSE. That’s what Gilstrap will yell upon swatting a Sherron Collins shot against the Jayhawks on Jan. 23.
O – I am sensing an overtime victory for the Cyclones against Nebraska in football next season. Two in a row over the Skers…that has a nice sound to it.
P – Iowa State’s punter, Mike Brandtner, will be signed by an NFL team after the draft. He’ll have a long and successful career in the league.
Q – Is there really any question that Bill Fennelly is the coolest cat in the entire sport of women’s college basketball?
R – Alexander Robinsion will be in the conversation for the Big 12’s offensive player of the year award next season. He won’t win it, but he’ll be brought up.
S – One of my best friends and former Cyclone Scott Stephenson is getting married in 2010. I never thought I’d see the day. Poor girl.
T – Thank you to the thousands of Cyclone Fanatics who log onto this site each and every day. I wouldn’t be able to make a living doing what I love if it weren’t for each and every one of you.
U – The early under on wins for the 2010 Cyclone football team is six.
V – Victory. The Cyclone men’s basketball team will experience more of these than what many think this season.
W – How about a national championship for the Iowa State wrestling team in 2010? Crazier things have happened.
X – Nobody is better with the X’s and O’s than Iowa State defensive coordinator Wally Burnham. His value to the 2009 Cyclones was drastically underrated by many.
Y – Iowa State will play in the 2010 New York YANKEE bowl game. The Big Apple over New Years. It’s going to be sweet. Book your plane tickets now. On second thought, you might want to wait. I’m sure that CF will provide some sort of sick charter for this inaugural event.
Z – I feel like catching some zzz’s after writing this column. Happy New Year Fanatics!
