Among the several retired jerseys and accomplishments draped from the roof of Hilton Coliseum is a certain, seemingly insignificant banner that brings little attention to itself.

While the flashy jerseys of Gary Thompson, Jeff Grayer, Jeff Hornacek and Fred Hoiberg draw immediate attention to the eye, this banner has a small symbol and a simple saying. The multitude of cardinal and gold signs that document the successes in basketball and wrestling is enough to make your jaw drop; even the picture of the fist-pumping Johnny Orr gives Hilton Magic a little extra flavor.

But this banner is different. It doesn’t need to be flashy. It is like the Marvin Harrison of banners, substance over style. Alongside an unimpressive silver microphone is this simple statement, “Pete Taylor. Voice of the Cyclones.”

Then it hits you like a ton of bricks; it has already been two years since Pete’s untimely death, silencing his voice at the young age of 57. Taylor was the ISU play-by-play man for more than 30 years. He was the stabilizing force for Cyclone athletics. During his tenure, which included work on television and in the ISU athletic department, it is estimated he announced around 5,000 Cyclone sporting events. Pete endured the best and worst of Iowa State’s athletics. Despite many opportunities to take his craft to bigger markets outside Iowa, he opted to stay in Cyclone country. It was here where he became nothing short of a legend.

For many Iowans, Pete was one of the only reasons to pay attention to Cyclone athletics. I still remember listening to some of the beat-downs given to the ISU football team at the hands of Nebraska, and hearing classic lines along with an exasperated laugh: “Well, at least the Cyclones kept the Huskers from putting up 100.” Even during the rough times, you knew Pete was fighting through, and somehow that made the losses easier to take.

He even made the victories taste sweeter. Listening to him was like being at the game with a close friend.

Very few people have the ability to make you feel like you know them just through their voice on the radio. He was warm and always said what came to his mind.

During one intense basketball game at Oklahoma, one of the Sooners’ big men hit a shot to give them the lead in overtime. Pete’s response came over the airwaves in an upset tone: “That big stiff hasn’t made a shot all game!” It was moments like this that endeared him to all his listeners. He wanted the Cyclones to win more than anybody; it didn’t matter if he was broadcasting live or not. So sits his banner, unassuming but powerful. Just observing his name etched in cloth makes the great memories come alive. While at Hilton, listen closely, and you can still hear his voice echo through the rafters.

“Tinsley over to Fizer, Fizer in traffic, takes it in and stuffs it over Mihm! Oh, what a move by Marcus Fizer!”

“Sullivan a mile out — GOOD! Oh, my word what a shot!”