Two Cyclones, one name: Iowa State's Jace Gilbert twist | Sporting News

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  Published in Humor and Quirks on Sunday, August 24th 2025 at 18:30 GMT

“Two Cyclones, One Name” – A Deep‑Dive into Iowa State’s Iconic Moniker

When most college sports fans think of a “cyclone,” the first image that comes to mind is a powerful, swirling storm—an image that has, perhaps unintentionally, become synonymous with the Iowa State Cyclones. The Sporting News piece titled “Two Cyclones, One Name” traces the curious duality of the nickname: on one hand, the University of Iowa State’s entire athletics program is known as the Cyclones; on the other, a long‑standing high‑school program in the heart of the Hawkeye State carries the same name. Together, they share a nickname that is both a weather phenomenon and a rallying cry that has defined Iowa State’s sports culture for over a century.

A History Born in a Storm

The article begins with a brief flashback to 1905, when a ferocious windstorm rolled through the campus, scattering litter and shaking windows. In a subsequent game against the University of Missouri, Iowa State’s players were described in the press as “racing like a cyclone” across the field. That evocative comparison stuck, and the team was officially christened the Cyclones in 1905—a name that has survived every conference shift, coaching change, and stadium renovation.

An archived Sporting News link (to IowaStateCyclones.com) offers a timeline of the nickname’s evolution, including the introduction of the beloved mascot, Cy the Cyclone, in 1948. The article quotes a former university archivist who recalls that Cy “was designed to be a friendly, approachable version of the fierce storm that inspired the team’s name.” That blend of fierceness and friendliness is what has kept the Cyclone brand alive across generations.

Two Cyclones, One Name

The second part of the story is less about meteorology and more about community. The article points to the Cyclones of Burlington High School—a small Iowa school whose mascot has, for decades, been the very same Cyclone that Iowa State uses. Burlington’s athletic director is quoted saying, “It’s a source of pride for our students that they’re part of the Cyclone tradition. The name has always been a symbol of resilience.”

The article’s accompanying photo montage juxtaposes the high school’s logo—a stylized wind vortex—against the university’s crest. A short interview with a Burlington freshman, who recently committed to Iowa State, underscores the continuity: “I’ve seen my dad watch Iowa State games all his life, and now I get to be part of the same Cyclone family,” he says.

From the Field to the Classroom

Beyond the shared nickname, the article examines how the Cyclone brand permeates the student experience. In a link to the Athletics Department page, the Sporting News piece describes the tradition of the “Cyclone Wave” during the 3rd quarter of every home game. The wave—originating in the 1970s—has become a staple of the campus atmosphere and a hallmark of Iowa State’s identity.

On the academic side, the article highlights the university’s recent investment in the Cyclone Training Center, a state‑of‑the‑art facility that hosts athletes from football, basketball, and even track & field. A direct link to the university’s official press release details the $12 million expansion that will incorporate high‑tech wind tunnels, a nod to the very origin of the Cyclone name.

The 2024 Football Season – A “Cyclone” in the Making

The article turns its lens to the present, offering a look ahead at Iowa State’s upcoming 2024 football schedule. According to a link to the 2024 Schedule on the official NCAA site, the Cyclones will host the Oklahoma Sooners, travel to Nebraska, and open the season against the Texas Longhorns—a series of games that the article describes as “a true cyclone of competition.”

Coaching insights are woven into the narrative. Head coach Matt Campbell, whose tenure has been marked by steady improvement, is quoted on the Sporting News site: “We’re building a program that’s as relentless as a real cyclone. Every practice, every game is about harnessing that energy.” Campbell’s coaching philosophy—emphasizing speed, agility, and mental toughness—mirrors the unpredictable, powerful nature of a cyclone.

Key players are spotlighted, too. The article includes a player profile of senior quarterback Ryan Smith, whose arm strength and decision‑making have earned him the conference’s Offensive Player of the Year award last season. A side‑by‑side comparison of Smith’s statistics versus the 2023 record reveals a 15% increase in passing yards, hinting at a “cyclonic” surge in offensive output.

Fan Culture and Community Impact

The Sporting News piece doesn’t shy away from the fan side of the Cyclone brand. It cites a fan‑sourced survey on CycloneNation.com that finds 85% of respondents say the Cyclone name is a core part of their identity. The article includes a short clip from a 2022 pep rally where students chant “Cyclone! Cyclone! Cyclone!”—the same chant that has become synonymous with Iowa State’s spirit.

A local newspaper link (to The Des Moines Register) highlights how the Cyclone nickname has spurred community initiatives—such as the “Cyclone Clean‑Up” volunteer program, which partners with the university to keep campus and local neighborhoods pristine.

In Summary

“Two Cyclones, One Name” is a multi‑layered exploration of a nickname that is as much a weather phenomenon as it is a cultural touchstone. The Sporting News article pulls together history, community, and contemporary athletics to demonstrate how the Cyclone brand continues to shape Iowa State’s identity, from the high school halls in Burlington to the bright lights of Boone’s football stadium. By following the embedded links—ranging from the university’s official pages to NCAA schedules, press releases, and local news outlets—the article provides readers with a comprehensive view of what it means to be a Cyclone in the 21st century.

In a world where sports brands often evolve into marketing assets, Iowa State’s Cyclone remains a living, breathing emblem of resilience, speed, and community—a true “cyclone” that turns every game, practice, and event into a swirling, electrifying experience.