In a rematch of the 2000 NCAA Midwest Regional in Auburn Hills, Mich., the Cyclones are battling Michigan State’s Spartans in “The Most Dominant College Mascot on Earth” challenge. This time, however, rather than an Elite Eight match-up, the two schools are squaring off in the final four.

In April, www.cbs.sportsline.com put together a mock tournament of college mascots, separated into four different regions, much like the real NCAA Tournament. The Cyclones are the No. 5 seed and winners of the Inanimates/Mythological Creatures Region.

The other three regions and their winners are the Land Animals Region’s Arkansas Razorbacks, the Predators Region’s BYU Cougars, and the Humans Region’s Michigan State Spartans.

The mascot squad captain for Cy, Brent Behrens, junior in speech communication and communication studies, is excited about the group’s final four appearance.

“I’ve been checking the poll often,” Behrens said. “I normally check it like two or three times a day. I’ve been on numerous discussion boards letting people know the tricks of how to vote a lot. I think the other schools might be catching on though.”

The Cyclones blew through the likes of the St. Louis Billikens, the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers, the Drexel Dragons and the Southern Utah Thunderbirds, giving them the opportunity to play the Spartans in the Final Four.

“I think if it were to happen in real life, the tornado-bird would easily sweep up the Spartan, and his sword would be flung into the ground,” said Amanda Ricke, junior in apparel merchandising, design and production.

The administration offices for Cyclone athletics have been pushing the ISU community to get online and vote for their beloved Cy.

“It is critically important for Iowa State University, and, in our case, athletics, to showcase itself whenever possible,” said Steve Malchow, senior associate director of athletics. “Winning a national competition like this distinguishes the Cyclones as something special. The fallout from a strong finish is school pride, brand enhancement and a sense of achievement or excellence.”

Earlier this year, Iowa State was selected to be part of a similar online tournament put together by ESPN; this one pitted the nation’s craziest basketball fans against each other. Thanks to loyal and relentless voting from the Cyclone faithful, Iowa State won the championship. Malchow likes the fan support the Cyclones have been receiving.

“After the ESPN.com poll listed Iowa State as having the best school spirit in college basketball, we tried to publicize the achievement in numerous ways. It goes back to school pride and giving all Iowa Staters a chance to brag about their alma mater and wear their cardinal and gold proudly,” Malchow said. “Much of campus jumped on board, as well as the Admissions Office, for one, and started using this award in their presentations almost immediately.”

The battle is close, and voting ends Friday. It should also be noted that votes can be submitted as many times as a voter desires.

“I voted multiple times. It was easy to access the Web site,” Ricke said. “My family members and the athletic administration have been sending me the link, it’s been spreading fast.”

If the No. 5-seeded Cyclones do happen to pull off the upset of the Spartans and win the championship, you can bet the actual Cys will be excited.

“I’m sure we’d pull something off with the athletic department,” Behrens said.

“Maybe we could have a grand entrance at one of our biggest football or basketball game – just something to acknowledge our national championship.”

Link: Vote here