No, not AI. Some things just need to be said directly from one human to another. This is difficult to write both because of the topic and because of my illness. But it needs to be said.
Does Pollard Belong On "CyRushmore"? Hell No
Many fans on these forums have never known Iowa State Athletics without Jamie Pollard at the helm. They don't know what the 89's and 90's were like. Sure, we're good at major sports now, what is so difficult about keeping the lights on? Anybody can shout Iowa State and wine and dine donors. Who wouldn't love to go to major sporting events.
CyRushmore is the place of legends. The place reserved for those that have fundamentally changed the face or trajectory of a major sport at ISU. Could be Troy Davis for making Football something ISU fans of the 90s didn't really know much about until he stepped onto the field. Could be Hoiberg for combined playing and coaching. Could be Cael for his dominance on the mat. Could be Haliburton, Purdy, Niang, Ejim.... Could be TJ in a few years.
No, Jamie Pollard does not exist on CyRushmore. That is an insult to even suggest. No, that is reserved for a select few, a few that will always be debated. No, Jamie has contributed far more than any one player, coach, or coaching era. He made Iowa State a National brand. He showed the world that the best fans aren't always the ones with the most trophies or the biggest budgets. he brought and kept the most respected coaches in the country, all at a place with the lowest donor contributions in the conference (not a hit on donors at all).
Jamie Pollard doesn't deserve to be squished between other legends that contributed massively, but for a short period of time. Jamie has spent 22 years living, breathing, and bleeding Iowa State and Ames. He has taken us from the bottom of the swamp to the crystal clear waters at the surface, able to see the sunlight, much like a few newfound goalposts on campus.
Jamie deserves his own recognition, something that demonstrates the commitment, steadiness, and pride he represents. Seneca had the run. Davis broke barriers. Niang broke Hawk hearts. Pollard grew an oasis amongst the corn fields. He deserves the best because he gave the best, represents the best, and is twice the person most of us will ever be.
You don't have to agree with Jamie on everything, I haven't, but I never, and you should never, question where his best intentions and heart has always been. He is loyal. He is true. He is Iowa State Athletics. There are many things to criticize people for, but sometimes what gets lost is the contribution and intent rather than one's own opinion on any given matter. Nothing is perfect in hindsight, but Jamie always does what is best for Iowa State.
I don't have an answer to what structure represents Jamie's tenure. But be certain, it should stand alone on it's own to get the attention and respect it deserves. Much like the Lincoln Memorial or Washington Monument at the National level, Jamie Pollard at the ISU and college sports level is absolutely unique. Not comparing the roles or the people, but rather stating what should be clear - some men and women deserve something that represents their true identity and contribution and the place and time of their service.
When I think of Jamie's tenure coming to the end, I think of Rocky running the steps. Pride, respect, and true passion. Maybe we build a mountain to represent the long, tough path he's had to forge during rocky times. Stairs to represent the climb we've taken one step at a time. Nah, Jamie deserves something special, I think we'll call it CyTown.
With love, respect, and admiration for the greatest Cyclone of our generation.
Jer
P.S. This isn't an agree/disagree thread about Jamie's tenure. It's about how much he has contributed and what he represents to many of our Cyclone faithful.
