AMES — Every kid with special needs scores a touchdown. And every touchdown evokes an ear-to-ear smile. That’s what Iowa State’s annual Victory Day is designed to produce each Friday at the end of fall camp, and as Voice of the Cyclones John Walters has often said, “It never gets old.”
“So much joy,” senior wide receiver Jaylin Noel said of participating in the powerful event for the fourth time. “Everybody’s just eager to get out and see the kids smile. It’s always a great time.”
ISU head coach Matt Campbell decided to start a Victory Day tradition at Toledo more than a decade ago. It’s modeled after one he learned of from a high school coach in Michigan and it’s been a late summer fixture of his Cyclones’ program since he arrived in 2016.
“It’s always been bigger than us here and it’s not just about football,” said Campbell, whose team opens the season Aug. 31 at 2:30 p.m. against North Dakota State at home. “It’s about how do you use your platform to make a difference in the lives of others.”
Every touchdown scored brought a unique celebration. There were many spikes and even a few flexes. But the smiles framed each interaction, making an indelible impression on ISU’s players and the participants alike.
“I think the concept of it is not something you can really wrap your mind around,” senior defensive end Joey Petersen said. “You’re like, ‘OK, we know that’s what’s going on, but until you actually get to it and get into the event, you don’t …”
Petersen then brielfy stopped himself.
“It’s really cool,” he summed up.
Enough said. Soon the Cyclones will begin playing their slate of 12 regular season games. And soon it will be all football, all the time. But memories of this Friday night will linger — and that’s what matters the most to Campbell.
“It is bigger than you,” he said. “And can you I’ve more than you ever take from the whole? Probably need more of that in our society in one way, shape or form, but I think our kids really do a great job with that. I think they’ve shown (they) do a great job with that and a great opportunity to maybe do that one more time before things get a little hectic with the football season coming their way.”
