Through 10 games in 1999, junior wideout Chris Anthony has a team-high 33 receptions for 340 yards.

A Cyclone co-captain, Anthony was originally a walk-on but has emerged as a go-to guy.

Anthony sat down with the Daily and discussed Iowa State’s progress this year and his role on the team.

Iowa State Daily: Could you talk a little about the successes and failures of the team so far this season? Is this where you expected to be or wanted to be at this point?

Chris Anthony: No. We set some goals early in the season, and we’ve come up a little short, but we still have one game left. We owe it to the seniors and to ourselves as a team, collectively, to go out and play the best we can.

ISD: So even though this game means nothing in the standings or postseason, you still view it as an important contest?

CA: It’s extremely important, not only in terms of this team, but also in terms of the program. We know that we’re a lot better than 4-6, and we have this one last chance to go out and prove it. So, we have to take advantage of that opportunity.

ISD: Have you enjoyed the 1999 season, despite some setbacks?

CA: It’s been a fun season. It’s truly a family atmosphere on this team. I’ve enjoyed my teammates, I’ve enjoyed the coaches, and it’s just a shame that it has to come to a close so soon.

ISD: Being a team captain and being asked to replace one of the top receivers in the Big 12 in Damien Groce, you’ve faced a lot more pressure this year.

CA: I just really feel bad for Damien. One of the things I said when he went down is that I wanted to play for him. I’ve done that this year – not always up to par, but I’ve done it. And on Saturday, I’m going to go out and do it again. As a receiving corps, we’re going to go out and play for him.

ISD: Have you been impressed with the way the other receivers have stepped up in his absence?

CA: Yes. Mike Brantley comes in, and it seems like every time he touches the ball, something good happens. J.J. [Moses] has been excitement, like he usually is. Craig [Campbell] and Reggie Moorer have stepped up, too. People have stepped up, and it’s nice to see.

ISD: Do you have any major regrets going into your final game of ’99?

CA: I don’t think so. For the most part, I think, as a team, we’ve gone all out. We’ve given it everything we’ve got, and we’ve just come up short.

We haven’t erred on the side of what we give. We give everything we have and we just made some mistakes, and those are things we’ll have to correct in the off-season. We haven’t erred on the side of giving effort.

ISD: So you’re still happy with your decision to come to Iowa State?

CA: Without a doubt. This program has taken another step this season in getting it turned around. I don’t want to look ahead to next year because that wouldn’t be doing the seniors right, but we’re looking to do some good things.

ISD: Where do you personally go after your career here is over?

CA: I’m not sure what I’m going to do. I’ll just see what opportunities I have and take it from there.

— Ron DeMarse