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7 Unforgettable Facts About Cy The Cyclone: The Mascot Who Defied His Name And Won The Nation

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Cy the Cyclone, the beloved and boisterous mascot of Iowa State University (ISU), is more than just a costumed cardinal; he is an enduring symbol of school spirit that has captivated fans for over 70 years. This iconic figure, instantly recognizable in his cardinal-and-gold uniform, stands as one of the most decorated and peculiar mascots in college sports, primarily because he is a bird representing a weather phenomenon.

As of December 22, 2025, Cy remains a central fixture in the Iowa State community, recently celebrating his 70th birthday and appearing alongside the football team's Pop-Tarts Bowl trophy, proving his legacy is as strong as ever. His story is one of necessity, national dominance, and a few bizarre twists that have cemented his place in the history of the Big 12 Conference and beyond.

The Official Profile: Cy the Cardinal

While the team is known as the Cyclones, the mascot's full title is Cy the Cardinal, a direct nod to the university's official colors—Cardinal and Gold.

  • Full Name: Cy the Cardinal (Mascot for the Iowa State Cyclones)
  • University: Iowa State University (ISU)
  • Debut Date: October 16, 1954
  • Species: Cardinal (Chosen because a cyclone was deemed too difficult to depict in a costume)
  • Nickname Origin: The "Cyclones" nickname was given to the ISU athletic teams in 1895 after a sportswriter compared the team's decisive victory over Northwestern to a "cyclone" following a year of devastating tornadoes in Iowa.
  • Home Arena/Stadium: Jack Trice Stadium (Football) and Hilton Coliseum (Basketball)
  • Notable Achievements: 2008 Capital One National Mascot of the Year; 2007 "Most Dominant Mascot on Earth"
  • Annual Appearances: Over 150 public and private events, showcasing his commitment to the Ames community and the broader Iowa fan base.

The Bizarre Origin Story: Why a Bird Represents a Tornado

The decision to choose a cardinal as the face of a team named the Cyclones is a classic piece of college sports lore, rooted in a practical problem that arose in the mid-1950s.

The Challenge of Depicting a Cyclone

In the early 1950s, Iowa State's teams lacked a physical mascot to rally the crowds at games. The "Cyclones" nickname, despite its dramatic origin in the 1895 football season, presented a significant visual challenge. How do you create a recognizable, friendly, and mobile costume that accurately represents a swirling, destructive funnel cloud?

A local college souvenir supplier was tasked with creating a costume but quickly realized the difficulty of making a cyclone suit. Instead of trying to fabricate a walking tornado, the ISU Pep Council decided to hold a contest to choose a new mascot that would still connect to the university's identity.

The Cardinal and Gold Solution

The winning entry was a cardinal, a direct and simple reference to the university's official colors: Cardinal and Gold. The name "Cy" was chosen as a clever shorthand for "Cyclones," bridging the gap between the team's powerful nickname and the mascot's avian appearance.

Cy the Cardinal made his official debut at a pep rally on October 16, 1954, and has since become a beloved fixture, proving that sometimes, the most logical solution is to embrace the illogical. This unique choice has become a defining characteristic, setting the Iowa State Cyclones apart from other mascots in the Big 12.

National Fame and Unexpected Controversies

Cy’s career has been marked by high-profile success in national mascot competitions and a few unexpected brushes with legal and on-field drama, adding layers to his character.

Mascot of the Year Dominance

Cy is not just popular in Ames; he has been recognized nationally as a top-tier mascot performer. His most significant victories include:

  • 2007 "Most Dominant Mascot on Earth": Cy earned this title, showcasing his widespread appeal and the dedication of the Cyclone fan base in online voting contests.
  • 2008 Capital One National Mascot of the Year: After months of voting, Cy was crowned the national champion at the Capital One Bowl, defeating a field of top contenders from schools across the country.

These awards are a testament to the students who wear the suit and the Spirit Squad program that supports Cy’s 150+ annual appearances, maintaining a high standard of performance and engagement.

The Lawsuit and the Broken Wing

Cy's image has occasionally found its way into unexpected situations, leading to minor controversies that only serve to highlight his cultural significance:

  • The NORML ISU Lawsuit: In a unique legal battle, the student chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML ISU) became involved in a lawsuit over the use of the Cy mascot logo on a T-shirt. This incident underscores the value and protected nature of the university's intellectual property, even when used by its own student organizations.
  • The Liberty Bowl Accident (1972): On the way to the Liberty Bowl, the vehicle carrying the original Cy costume was involved in an accident near St. Louis. The costume was reportedly "bent, mangled, and covered with oil," requiring a swift emergency repair to ensure Cy could cheer on the Cyclones.
  • The Broken Wing Incident: At one point, rumors circulated that Cy had broken his wing during a performance. It was later confirmed that the injury was caused when the student inside the mascot costume tripped down the stairs, a reminder of the physical demands of mascot life.

Cy's Impact on Modern Iowa State Athletics

Cy the Cyclone’s presence is inextricably linked to the most memorable moments in Iowa State sports history, providing a constant, energetic presence across all major sports programs.

He is a visible link between the past and present, connecting fans to legendary moments like Seneca Wallace’s iconic "The Run" in 2002 and the success of the Elite 2000 basketball team. More recently, Cy has been on the sidelines celebrating the achievements of the current generation of Cyclone stars, including NBA talent Tyrese Haliburton and NCAA wrestling champion David Carr.

In late 2024 and early 2025, Cy was prominently featured with the football team as they celebrated their victory in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, a testament to the continued success of the athletic programs under coaches like T.J. Otzelberger and Matt Campbell. The mascot’s role in promoting the university extends beyond the field, as seen in the "CyclONE City Project," a community initiative in Ames that uses Cy's image to promote local pride.

From his debut as a compromise in 1954 to his status as a nationally recognized figure, Cy the Cyclone remains one of college sports' most unique and enduring symbols. He is the perfect blend of tradition, absurdity, and pure, unadulterated school pride.

7 Unforgettable Facts About Cy the Cyclone: The Mascot Who Defied His Name and Won the Nation
cy the cyclone mascot
cy the cyclone mascot

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