Annual Victory Day celebration at Jack Trice tonight

[Pope]

I have a special needs grandson who's in 7th grade and who was fortunate enough to be selected to participate in Matt Campbell's annual Victory Day celebration. What an incredible evening.

When we arrived at the stadium, my grandson was given a special Cyclone jersey (black of course) and matched with one of the Cyclone players who hung with him the entire evening. He showed him the Cyclone's amazing new locker room and the game room where the players like to hang out.

Then he escorted my grandson through the tunnel and ran out on the field with him as his name was announced over the stadium PA. Shortly afterwards, Campbell put his arm around my grandson, escorted him into the huddle and called the play. Then Dekker handed my grandson the ball and he ran around the right end for touchdown while his new Cyclone teammates, the stadium announcer, the band and cheerleaders all celebrated.

What an amazing moment. What an amazing group of coaches and players. What an amazing culture.

 

[DowntownCy]

I have a special needs grandson who's in 7th grade and who was fortunate enough to be selected to participate in Matt Campbell's annual Victory Day celebration. What an incredible evening.

When we arrived at the stadium, my grandson was given a special Cyclone jersey (black of course) and matched with one of the Cyclone players who hung with him the entire evening. He showed him the Cyclones amazing new locker room and the game room where the players like to hang out.

Then he escorted my grandson through the tunnel and ran out on the field with him as his name was announced over the stadium PA. Shortly afterwards, Campbell put his arm around my grandson, escorted him into the huddle and called the play. Then Dekker handed my grandson the ball and he ran around the right end for touchdown while his new Cyclone teammates, the stadium announcer, the band and cheerleaders all celebrated.

What an amazing moment. What an amazing group of coaches and players. What an amazing culture

My 6th grade Autistic son was also selected this year. It is such an amazing event and it meant so incredibly much to my son. He’s always wanted to be able to be an athlete like his brother and this is one of the few moments he’s really felt like a member of a team. These players and this coaching staff, not to mention the band, spirit squad and all other staff are such incredible ambassadors for this University. I wish I could express my gratitude, but there are no words!

 

[helechopper]

This is so cool. I’m so happy for the kids, so proud of the football team.

 

[jsb]

What really takes this event over the top is that the cheerleaders and band are involved.

And I'm always so impressed with the football players being great sports and just being so kind to the kids. They never seem awkward or 'too cool' for the event.

 

[DowntownCy]

Special shout out to my kids host Quaron Adams and to Treveon McGee who wasn't 'assigned' to us, but hung out with us anyways. Quaron is taller than than his listed 5' 6" and I thought Treveon was a DE only to find out he was a safety. Also... Orien Vance is huge and X Hutchinson is a physical specimen. In the past I thought we exaggerated players size/weight - I think we are now doing the opposite.

 

[Pope]

I spoke with Campbell briefly last night and he shared that this is his favorite event of all. I observed him for two hours plus, and he did nothing but put his arms around young kids, shake hands with grateful parents and grandparents, and pose for family pictures.

Then, when the event had ended and people were leaving, Matt walked over to the north endzone, climbed to the top of the majorette's ladder, and told the ISU band members how much their presence tonight impacted the lives of these children and their families.

I believe leadership by example is the best form of leadership, and Matt Campbell is one the best leaders I've ever seen.

 

[DowntownCy]

I spoke with Campbell briefly last night and he shared that this is his favorite event of all. I observed him for two hours plus, and he did nothing but put his arms around young kids, shake hands with grateful parents and grandparents, and pose for family pictures.

Then, when the event had ended and people were leaving, Matt walked over to the north endzone, climbed to the top of the majorette's ladder, and told the ISU band members how much their presence tonight impacted the lives of these children and their families.

I believe leadership by example is the best form of leadership, and Matt Campbell is one the best leaders I've ever seen.

Yeah - Matt Campbell had a huge smile on his face the entire night, and every kid no matter what made them special gravitated to him. We are incredibly lucky to have him.

 

[DowntownCy]

Yeah - Matt Campbell had a huge smile on his face the entire night, and every kid no matter what made them special gravitated to him. We are incredibly lucky to have him.

I'm pretty sure my wife fell in love, but I can't hold that against her because I was pretty close to the same LOL.

 

[joefrog]

ISU Football is now the best it has ever been. Best coaches, best players, and best people. And that is before they even play a down. I love this event so much, and can only imagine how much it means to everyone involved, but especially those wonderful kids.

 

[SayMyName]

I just watched a video of CMC's speech to the band after this event. Onions

That man just gets it, and is an incredible leader and role model to everyone he interacts with. Yes, wins and losses matter, but sometimes there are bigger, more important (and longer-lasting) things in life. No better ambassador for my beloved Alma Mater.

 

[kirk89gt]

How does the application process work for this? I think my son would love an experience like this. TIA

 

[JP4CY]

Who is cutting onions? Love this thread.

 

[JP4CY]

ISU Football is now the best it has ever been. Best coaches, best players, and best people. And that is before they even play a down. I love this event so much, and can only imagine how much it means to everyone involved, but especially those wonderful kids.

I think it's the best collection of coaches in school history. (All sports)

 

[NebrClone]

I have a special needs grandson who's in 7th grade and who was fortunate enough to be selected to participate in Matt Campbell's annual Victory Day celebration. What an incredible evening.

When we arrived at the stadium, my grandson was given a special Cyclone jersey (black of course) and matched with one of the Cyclone players who hung with him the entire evening. He showed him the Cyclone's amazing new locker room and the game room where the players like to hang out.

Then he escorted my grandson through the tunnel and ran out on the field with him as his name was announced over the stadium PA. Shortly afterwards, Campbell put his arm around my grandson, escorted him into the huddle and called the play. Then Dekker handed my grandson the ball and he ran around the right end for touchdown while his new Cyclone teammates, the stadium announcer, the band and cheerleaders all celebrated.

What an amazing moment. What an amazing group of coaches and players. What an amazing culture.

How many children are invited?

 

[iacyguy]

I just watched a video of CMC's speech to the band after this event. Onions

That man just gets it, and is an incredible leader and role model to everyone he interacts with. Yes, wins and losses matter, but sometimes there are bigger, more important (and longer-lasting) things in life. No better ambassador for my beloved Alma Mater.

Where is that video?

 

[SayMyName]

Where is that video?

It was recorded by a band member and posted to a private Facebook parent's group. I'm watching to see if it is made public or posted to the band page, and will link it if possible. Really great stuff.

 

[DowntownCy]

How many children are invited?

60 kids I believe.

 

[DowntownCy]

How does the application process work for this? I think my son would love an experience like this. TIA

I’ll ask my wife as she did all the work and surprised our son (and me) with the news he was selected.

 

[MuskieCy]

Victory Day Creates Memories For a Lifetime - Iowa State University Athletics

AMES, Iowa – The Iowa State football program is steadfast in its commitment to community service and on Friday welcomed back a tradition that was put on hold due

cyclones.com

 

[joefrog]

Curious how much of the public is invited, if at all? Would be a wonderful season kickoff event.