By Rachel Axtell

Most students at Mount Vernon High School have a college sports team that they cheer on throughout the year, for senior Tyler Elliott, that team is the Iowa State Cyclones. Elliott developed his love for the Cyclones at a very young age. “I remember when I was little going to an Iowa State football game and sitting on the hillside of the stadium and enjoying the game with my family,” Elliott recalled. As the love for the college was passed along, Elliott was introduced to Iowa State from the influence of his father, who is a fan of the Cyclones, and his grandfather, who wrestled at the university.

Elliott’s favorite events to watch are the men’s basketball and football teams. “I play football, so I can relate the most to the sport,” Elliott explained, “I like watching basketball because once they get good they’re fun to watch.”

Every year Elliott tries to go to as many Cyclone sporting events as he can with his friends or family. If he can not make a game, he is most likely watching or listening to the event. Elliott enjoys cheering on Iowa State with Ryan Clark, Andrew and Mitchell Louwagie.

Elliott was fortunate enough last fall to experience a monumental game for the university. Elliott and a couple of friends traveled to Jack Trice Stadium, home of the Cyclones, to watch Iowa State take down number six ranked West Virginia. “It was such a cool experience,” Elliott said, “after the game, we got to storm the field.”

Being an Iowa State fan has given Elliott many memories that he will always remember. Elliott is considering the option of going to Coe College to continue his academic and athletic career of baseball next fall. Unfortunately Iowa State does not have a baseball program. Although he does not plan on attending ISU, his love for the college will not change.