Iowa State University Library Special Collections and University Archives
The Bomb
Iowa State School Yearbook
Iowa State University Athletics
Ames Tribune Photo Courtesy of Ames History Museum
Ryan Riley, College of Engineering, Iowa State University
Katie Sanow
Samuel Bowen
Carley Jansen
Brooke Hance
John Davidson
Katie Liskey
REPORTING
Jacob Rice, Visuals Editor
Brett Twelmeyer, Sports Editor
Pavle Markovic, Assistant Sports Editor
Zander White
Kayde Sheaffer
Noah LaBlanc
COPY EDITING
Taylor Kenny, Copy Chief
Isaac Heng, Copy Chief
Nicole Niemi
Cleo Westin
DESIGN
Caitlin Hess
Editor’s Note
While interviewing the people behind Cy for the Iowa State Daily, we were asked to uphold one of the number one rules in the world of mascotting: secrecy. To protect the anonymity of the current performers and preserve the magic of Cy’s character, we were only allowed to directly quote and share the names of former mascots or those who were graduating soon. This rule allowed us to tell authentic stories about life inside the suit while still honoring the tradition that makes Cy so special. We are
continue the legacy while sharing the unseen world of the Cyclones’ iconic mascot.
INTRODUCTION
Cy the Cardinal is the spirited mascot of Iowa State University, representing Cyclone pride with every high-five, dance move and touchdown celebration. Despite the team being called the “Cyclones,” Cy was created to provide a visible, energetic symbol for fans since a swirling weather system isn’t precisely costume material. With his bold cardinal feathers and fierce gold beak, Cy is instantly recognizable at sporting events, pep rallies and all things Iowa State.
Cy isn’t just a sideline performer — he’s a cultural icon for the Cyclone faithful. His presence unites students, alumni and fans across generations, turning him into more than a mascot.
He’s a living, high-fiving embodiment of Iowa State spirit and his journey from humble beginnings to modern-day icon status reflects the growth of Iowa State itself.
CY THROUGH THE YEARS
HISTORY OF CYCLONE NICKNAME
Iowa State got the nickname “Cyclones” back in 1895, and it all started after a football game.
That year, Iowa State’s football team traveled to play Northwestern University, a much more established team. Iowa State wasn’t expected to win, but instead, it demolished Northwestern 36–0. The Chicago Tribune described the game with dramatic flair, saying that “Northwestern might as well have tried to play football with a cyclone as with the Iowa eleven.”
That quote stuck. Soon after, Iowa State teams were referred to as the Cyclones in newspapers and local conversation. The name captured the team’s unexpected strength and intensity — like a force of nature — and it officially became the school’s nickname.
THE GREAT DANE
Before Cy spread his wings, Iowa State’s early athletic history featured a four-legged mascot: a great dane adopted by the Pi Epsilon Pi fraternity in the early 1930s. They called the dog Cy. Cy accompanied the football team, earning cheers and affection from fans. While not official, this pup set the stage for future mascot enthusiasm by creating a visible, emotional connection with the crowd.
As school pride grew, so did the need for a more formal, lasting symbol. While dogs had their moment, they didn’t quite capture the bold, unique energy the university wanted. The era of canine companions gave way to bigger ideas, leading to the brainstorm that brought Cy to life decades later.
1895
Iowa Agricultural College receives its ‘Cyclone’ nickname
1931–1933
Pi Epsilon Pi, pep fraternity, adopted a golden brindle Great Dane as a mascot for the College and called him Cy
As the modern designs of mascots came to what we know them as now, Clone was permanently retired and Cy got a new look
SUIT EVOLUTION
The first iteration of Cy was built in 1954 by a local textile service called the Collegiate Manufacturing Company. The Pep Council and cheerleading squad gave their design notes to the staff and paid $200 for the suit.
“It stood eight feet tall and was made of aluminum and hardware cloth covered with plush fabric using salad bowls as eyes,” according to the Ames History Museum records on the Collegiate Manufacturing Company. “Though this first Cy was much loved, it was cumbersome and in 1995 was given the look we know today.”
Cy’s metal frame, silhouette and eye slit at the neckline stayed consistent for several decades until the late 90s when he adapted the fuzzy jumpsuit and wide grin.
The current design of Cy is a hockey helmet with a structured head fitted on top. The teeth are a metal mesh that offers a wide range of vision compared to many other mascots. The bottoms of the feet have room for the wearer’s shoes to fit inside with straps to secure them. Cy’s legs are a set of overalls and his red feathered portion is a jumper.
IOWA STATE LOGO EVOLUTION
Over the course of Iowa State’s history, the school has had 16 primary logos. The first 10 featured different types of lettering, beginning with I.A.C. (Iowa Agricultural College), ISC (Iowa State College), a simple letter A and later Ames before going towards a mascot logo.
In 1965, Cy was featured as the logo for Iowa State. It featured him walking towards the left with an ISU flag in his beak. In 1978, the iconic “walking Cy” logo debuted. Cy was taken off of the 1984 rebranded logo before he returned in 1995 for the “Cynado” logo.
The current I-State logo was created in 2007 and redone in 2008 and is the longest-running Iowa State logo to date.
MASCOT CULTURE
Mascots are more than just entertainment — they’re emotional anchors for sports communities. Cy embodies the best of mascot culture: a mix of nostalgia, school pride and wild, unspoken energy. Whether it’s dancing with cheerleaders, photobombing fans or goofing off during timeouts, Cy knows how to work a crowd. He’s also a symbol of the mascot profession’s growth and his performances require stamina, athleticism and timing.
Cy is part of a larger family of NCAA mascots, even participating in national competitions and mascot challenges. His appearances off the field at places like hospitals, parades and alumni events show his broad reach. He’s not just a game-day character, but a yearround ambassador for the university, bringing Iowa State into the hearts of young fans and lifelong Cyclones alike.
Mascots have a unique collective culture. Their world is niche, yet closely connected to be a resource for one another.
“I feel like it’s a lot of people asking questions,” Holden Jackola, former Raider Red, Texas Tech University said. “Suit maintenance, better ways of staying in shape, staying hydrated, certain health tips and the culture is just a well-connected group of people trying to help each other. You don’t find that in a lot of jobs. In other jobs, you find that people throw each other under the bus for better opportunities but mascotting isn’t like that.”
“Within the Big 12 especially, I think we have a strong community,” Katie Liskey, Baby Jay, University of Kansas, 2021–2025 said. “We joke around together, support each other when we can, and even try to work on cool projects like this. It’s been very cool to get to meet people from all over the country who understand this very unique experience and can appreciate it like no one else can.”
“One of the ways I like to describe mascotting is selfless serving because it’s not about me, it’s about who I’m representing as the face of Iowa State.”
Samuel Bowen, Cy, 2021–2025
“I mean, don’t get me wrong, when I am exhausted, I’m counting down the minutes to get out of suit. In the end, I know I’m gonna miss it. Every single event is fantastic in its own sense. If anything, it kind of led me to be a leader. You can see the good or what’s enjoyable at any event or any moment; that’s a good tip to have, and that will take you far.”
Austin Glenn, Swoop, University of Utah, 2022–2025
“Remember your why, which sounds cheesy, but it really is so important to keep things in perspective. You’re part of something much bigger than yourself that has meant a lot to generations of fans and alumni. Have so much fun and be kind in all your interactions! Never forget that even the smallest action can have a huge impact on someone.”
Katie Liskey, Baby Jay, University of Kansas, 2021–2025
GAMEDAY
Cy’s game day starts long before kickoff. In the early morning, the team of Cys meets up, preps the suit and reviews their game plan. By mid-morning, Cy is out at tailgates, posing for photos and hyping up fans of all ages. He’s a walking selfie opportunity and a spark plug of positivity, setting the tone for the day.
During the game, Cy is everywhere from the sidelines to the stands. At halftime, he may be on the field with the band or perform a skit or choreographed routine. Cys also switch suits at halftime. Postgame, win or lose, he’s there to thank the fans and send out high-fives. From sunrise pep rallies to late-night campus strolls, Cy works to make game days unforgettable.
“The heat. Oh my God, the heat. Especially football games early in the season — it was brutal. And whoever got into the suit second had to deal with all the sweat from the first guy. It was nasty. We never washed the suits during the season.”
“When you swap suits at half-time, in about two seconds, your sweat is my sweat–we’re just swapping sweat. It’s fine.”
Brooke Hance, Cy, 2021–2024
John Davidson, Cy, 1989–1991
F u r n i s h e d
2 4 / 7 c l u b h o u s e / f i t n e s s c e n t e r
P e t f r i e n d l y
F r e e W I F I
I n - u n i t l a u n d r y
D i s h w a s h e r
P r i v a t e b e d r o o m s / b a t h r o o m s
L o u n g e p o o l
B i s t r o b a r
F R E E p a r k i n g
W W W . P O I N T A M E S . C O M
@ p o i n t a t a m e s
n g a t T h e
P o i n t g i v e s s t u d e n t s t h e i n d e p e n d e n c e t h e y d e s i r e w i t h t h e c o n n e c t i o n t o t h e a m e n i t i e s a n d r e s o u r c e s n e e d e d t o h e l p s t u d e n t s t h r i v e w h i l e a t t e n d i n g c o l l e g e !
CY TO THE COMMUNITY
“We always said the personality of Cy was the really cool and funny jock. He’s the guy you want to hang out with and he wants to hang out with you. He wants to be your friend and you want to be his.
A big man on campus sort of thing.”
Brooke Hance, Cy, 2021–2024
“You’re just involved so much more that you just have to appreciate it. You’re not a mascot just for the fun of it, you do it because you love what you stand for and what you’re able to represent.”
Samuel Bowen, Cy, 2021–2025
“Something that my mom thinks is really cool, is that we actually have a picture of Cy holding me when I was about six months old. And so, being able to grow up and take those pictures with those kids and be able to give those experiences to other people, it moves you a lot because you’re like, well, I’m a foundational part of somebody’s childhood or their college experience.”
Katie Sanow, Cy, 2021–2025
FIRST QUARTER OF
FOOTBALL GAMES
WERE THE BEST.
You got to sprint out with the giant flag, run with the team and hype up the crowd. That was my favorite part, hands down. Nothing gets the adrenaline pumping like that moment.
Crayton Mitchell, Cy, 2021–2024
BEING CY WASN’T ABOUT HANGING OUT WITH STAR ATHLETES.
It was about being part of the whole atmosphere. You got to see the passion and dedication from all the people behind the scenes.
1998–2002,
Lawrence Cunningham, Cy,
Mascot Coach, 2002–2006
“Obviously he represents Iowa State, but I think he also represents the soul of Iowa State. Cy IS Iowa State to people, not just what Iowa State is represented by. He represents the fandom, the loyalty that everyone feels… loyal, forever, true. Everyone has gone to Iowa State at different times, but something that’s been common ever since, is Cy.”
Katie Sanow, Cy, 2021–2025
“It helped me become way more comfortable being an extrovert. You learn how to engage people meaningfully, communicate nonverbally. It really shaped who I am today — helped teach me leadership and hard work behind the scenes. You appreciate the unsung heroes — the ushers, concession workers, everyone who makes the experience happen.”
Lawrence Cunningham, Cy, 1998–2002, Mascot Coach, 2002-2006
“We do it because we love the community, this job and making people happy.”
Holden Jackola, Former Raider Red at Texas Tech University, Blooper for Atlanta Braves
RESPECT THE SUIT.
You’re not just some dude in a costume. You’re carrying a whole tradition with you every time you zip up the back.
Kendall Griffith, Cy, 1988–1989
Cy was the greatest part of my life.
Crayton Mitchell, Cy, 2021–2024
CY GRADUATES
“It was so much fun. When I got up on stage, Wendy was there and seemed so hyped to see me. I jumped, my cap flew off and I gave her a big hug. It was just pure excitement. And it was fun finally showing everyone that I had been Cy all along.”
Crayton Mitchell, Cy, 2021–2024
“Who would have thought that I would be here now? That I had like five years on the squad and a couple years coaching and, you know, in the suit hundreds of times. So even if you think you're too small, too quiet, too whatever, for being Cy, try it. If you have a passion for Iowa State it might, you know, change your life for the better and give you some of the coolest experiences that you could ever imagine.”
Carley Jansen, Cy, 2016–2020, Iowa State Mascot Coordinator, 2021–2024
