Gut Punch

I’ll preface this with the fact I’m drunk, it’s late, and we just got back to our hotel. This was supposed to be OUR year to shine. WE had the talent and coaching. Instead, the @&#$ing squawks and their first year head coach waltz right in and make the Elite 8 with a fraction of the talent we have!! Seriously, what a @&#$ing kick to the nuts. One of our best teams ever outshined by a bunch of scrubs from Drake and whatever other division 2 school they pull “talent” from at Iowa. Screw this.

Go Illinois!!

Why? Just why?

Why does this happen every single time? First Niang, now Jefferson, and we are stuck not being able to advance to the elite 8 again. This one stings and it feels like we’re just trapped. I love Otz, but man, he needs to get us further than this because I don’t think us fans are satisfied with the same outcome every time. Sorry for the rant. I’m just bummed.

Edit: I’m well aware Otz wasn’t the coach when Niang got hurt in the tourney. Some people seem to think I think that.

*** 2026 Milwaukee Brewers ***


I don't post much, but I'm super excited for another season of Milwaukee Brewers baseball.

Can they win the NL Central for a 4th consecutive year, and 4 of the past 5 years?
Can they have a repeat year with the best record in baseball?
Can Murph win his 3rd NL Manager of the Year in a row?
Can their young players and deep farm system meet, or even exceed, expectations?
And lastly, the big one... Can they break through in the playoffs and claim their first WS title?

Buckle up; it should be a wild Summer -- Let's go Brew Crew!!


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Pinging a few folks who have commented over the years, and my apologies if I missed any Crew fans.
@CYEATHAWK @ameslurker @stormchaser2014 @kentkel @4cy16 @brokenloginagain @Fishhead @azhuth09 @Cmonwhatarewedoinghereman @packattack425 @delt4cy @daniel22 @Cardinal and Gold

New Story: The real story of Yonger Bastida was never about one match

Hi everyone!

I have been working on this story all week. I've written it and rewritten it 100x. I had Randy Peterson read it for me too because I needed it to be as close to perfect as I could. Yonger's story is so special to me because his story IS special. It's been such an incredible journey not only as a reporter but just as a fan. He's been so entertaining to watch even from his early matches when he was learning folkstyle and how to get out from bottom (lol).

But most importantly, as a person. I've watched him truly transform in interviews. I will find those early interviews but he's just so different in all the best ways because it goes to show how he became comfortable and began to find himself in this new world he calls home.

I hope you all love it and I hope those who don't know Yonger and are casual fans that like to pop in sometimes read it and learn something about the special heavyweight who leaves a huge impact on all who have had the privilege of getting to know him.

DAILY CLONE: Jefferson Update, Big Game Blake, Another Otzelberger Statement (March 26, 2026)

Joshua Jefferson is back on the practice court, T.J. Otzelberger provides an update on the game-time decision, Blake Buchanan explains the importance of him rising to the occasion, T.J. Otzelberger makes another statement. Jake Brend reports from the United Center, presented by Wyffels Hybrids in the Northwest Bank Studios.

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WILLIAMS: Otzelberger is staying - and now comes Tennessee

Column from the Windy City. Enjoy.

ISU's "dictate and disrupt" defense will be key in Friday's Sweet 16 matchup with Tennessee

The Beat Reporters: T.J. Otzelberger’s powerful statement, WBB transfers, and Sweet Sixteen weekend

Jake Brend, Ben Hutchens, and Rob Gray react to T.J. Otzelberger’s opening statement regarding job openings across the country. What’s the latest on Joshua Jefferson? Women’s basketball is seeing a mass exodus. Previewing the Sweet Sixteen and more. Presented by Kelderman Manufacturing.


Twister Sister Summary - When Things Go Wrong in a Program

We are experiencing a week filled with chaos, angst and waiting for the next shoe to drop...

On That Note: Take Me Back to Chicago

Welcome to another On That Note, brought to you weekly from @cyclones500, @CycloneRulzzz and me.

We're looking ahead to Iowa State’s Sweet 16 game vs. University of Tennessee Volunteers in Chicago on Friday night. Based on that theme, we're exploring songs with titles/lyrics of "Chicago," "Tennessee" or "Volunteer." Since Tennessee’s dominant school color is orange, we also accept songs with "Orange" in the title/lyrics.

Last week's topic was, Gust of Wind. It can be found here: https://cyclonefanatic.com/forum/threads/on-that-note-gust-of-wind.298106/

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T.J. Otzelberger quashes "speculation" as ISU prepares for Sweet 16 matchup with Tennessee

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