Iowa State Cyclones Football
Iowa State Cyclones Football
The Iowa State Cyclones football team has a long, proud tradition of excellence on the field. Much of the credit is due to their players, of course. But, the successive line of coaches who guided the players through the years have played a role that is just as significant. Recently, the team has gone through a tumultuous time as they sought feverishly for a new head coach. Below, we’ll briefly explore the roles played by a few of the high-profile players and coaches on the Iowa State Cyclones football team.
Players Making A Mark
Troy Davis made a clear mark on the Cyclones football program by setting a number of attention-grabbing rushing records. Between 1995 and 1997, Davis set records for total rushing yards in a single game, a single season, and overall. In 1997, he decided to abandon his college playing career for the NFL draft. He was brought aboard the New Orleans Saints and played in the NFL for 3 years.
Ellis Hobbs enrolled in Iowa State University in 2001 with high expectations. He played impressively in high school and continued to capture attention while playing for the Cyclones. Due to his collegiate performance, he was awarded All-Big 12 Conference first team honors before being drafted in 2005 to the New England Patriots. Hobbs, a proven kick returner on the Cyclones, set the NFL record – and still holds it – for the longest kickoff return.
Seneca Wallace stunned fans and Cyclones teammates in 2002 with a 12-yard touchdown that required running 120 yards to achieve. Backing up, dodging, and barely escaping tackles, Wallace became an instant star on the field. In 2003, he was drafted to the Seattle Seahawks where he continues to play.
In Search Of A Leader
Dan McCarney began his tenure as head coach for the Iowa State Cyclones football team after the 1994 season. Though the team experienced a few missteps during McCarney’s watch, there were far more victories. However, after posting a losing season in 2006, he resigned, sparking the search for new leadership.
Gene Chizek was hired to fill the empty spot. Though the Cyclones football program had placed their long-term hopes on Chizek, he surprisingly resigned after 2 seasons. Late in December, 2008, Paul Rhoads was coaxed into Chizek’s empty shoes. He had helped lead Pittsburgh as a defensive coordinator from 2000 to 2007, but has never filled the spot of a head coach.
Iowa State Cyclones football fans are excited by the prospect of success that Rhoads’s hiring implies. Their hope is that he continues the tradition of high-caliber performance enjoyed by the team during McCarney’s tenure. At the very least, they can expect Rhoads, a native of Iowa, to stick with them through the years.
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