Nov 14, 2015; Ames, IA, USA; The Iowa State Cyclones mascot prepares to enter the field before the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Jack Trice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
Your Iowa State Cyclones are college football’s version of the “lovable losers.”
That’s what Sports Illustrated inked earlier this week in its attempt to compare a college football program to the Chicago Cubs, who are currently attempting to win their first World Series in over 100 years.
On the surface, this isn’t exactly a flattering comparison. Had Iowa State not compiled an excruciating .323 winning percentage over the last decade (the second-worst to Colorado in P-5), the Cyclones would not be on this list. Iowa State is named because let’s face it, like the Cubs; it has traditionally stunk at football for a really long time.
However when I think of Cub fans, passion and loyalty come to my mind first. The losing is second. Win or lose, Wrigley is always packed and energized. The bleachers are awesome. Wrigleyville is legendary. There’s the seventh inning stretch, WGN and so much more.
Being a Cubs fan is more of a tradition than anything.
Can’t we say the same thing about being an Iowa Stater? Cyclone football is more of an event than it is a game. It’s about gathering friends and family into one spot to celebrate common ground. That along with your love for this university and desire to win is why you keep coming back.
Despite the losing, Iowa State still averaged over 56 thousands fans filling in Jack Trice Stadium last season.
A school like Purdue has a similar resume to that of Iowa State, but the hunger for success from the fan base just isn’t there.
Calling Iowa State the Cubs was absolutely a dis on the football program but as a Cyclone fan, I’ll go ahead and take it as a badge of honor.
