I’ve been thoroughly enjoying the success of Iowa State’s recent athletic teams. The Cyclones’ unprecedented performance in athletics is great for the school, students, staff and fans, but can we handle the success? I attended the K-State game on Saturday. It was a great game, one of the best I’ve ever seen first-hand. The fans were good, supportive and active. But 10 years ago when I attended games regularly, the fans were GREAT! We stood and yelled for every basket. We even yelled “Hi Ed!” and “Benson Motors!” loudly for the shoot five for five halftime contest. I heard that Saturday’s game was sold out, and by the number of folks outside looking for tickets, I figured the place would be jammed. There were a couple thousand empty seats. Where were those folks? The fans at the game were good, but are we beginning to relax? Are we beginning down the path of fans from Iowa City and Lincoln? Of the four possible outcomes of a game (favored winner, favored loser, underdog winner and underdog loser), only one is particularly fun. As we continue to win at more sporting events, let’s try to be humble, sportsmanlike winners. What fun it is to leave a contest having soundly out-coached and out-played the opponent? Let’s celebrate our success wildly, without taunting those who have taunted us for years or becoming enemies of the very teams we want to support. Let’s continue to be the best fans in the country, as always. Kevin Maak

Alumnus

Midland, Mich.