Happy birthday to ISU great Gary Thompson who turns 90 years old today! The “Roland Rocket” was an All-American at ISU in both basketball and baseball and the first Cyclone to have their jersey retired.
Happy 90th Birthday to Gary Thompson
- Thread starter norsemen
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The
The Best Mr. Cyclone forever
He still comes to ISU games, usually see him getting ready to leave the East entrance after games. I always got a smile watching him help his late wife put her coat on like the gentleman he is. He's definitely a Cyclone legend and treasure. I remember growing up when he used to do color for the ESPN+ local broadcast with John Walters or Dave Armstrong.
Many years ago, Gary played pick up ball with us daily in State Gym over the lunch hour. He was 60!!
I believe part of the tactic for beating Kansas and Wilt Chamberlain was for Gary to guard Wilt and then as soon as the ball came a "big" would double Wilt to get the ball out of his hands. Also with Gary fronting and a big now behing Wilt if he put the ball on the floor to make a move Gary was right there to make the steal with his quick hands. Imagine little Gary Thompson guarding Wilt Chamberlain.
Also, I would be remiss if I didn't point out that Gary Thompson is something of a unicorn in Iowa State history. He was an All-American in two sports - a basketball point guard AA and a baseball short stop AA. Amazing!
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I about slapped my middle school daughter yesterday for not knowing who Gary is. She goes to Roland Story and there’s a court with his name on it and a freaking statue of him she see every day. I have failed as a father.
