What are some of the best things about Iowa State University?

* Finding a used copy of that engineering textbook on the Internet.

* Deep-dish pizza night at food service.

* Stopping by the Hub and not having to listen to anyone rant for hours on end.

* Passing that first test with flying colors.

* Campaniling.

* Watching the leaves turn colors as fall semester rolls by.

* Never having to say you’re sorry for riding your mountain bike across busy sidewalks.

* Mug night.

All of these things are immensely satisfying.

But is there anything more satisfying than beating the Hawkeyes at home?

Only one thing comes close, and that is walking up and down Welch Avenue after a big win.

Why can’t Veishea be this much fun?

Here is why: No one is regulating what happens after a big win. No one is there to tell revelers how and when to enjoy themselves.

Saturday night’s festivities were unplanned, unorganized, unregulated, spontaneous and, most importantly, fun.

Could there be something to this?

Veishea is like going to a grade-schooler’s birthday party from 3:30 to 4:30 on a Saturday afternoon.

Get in, eat the cake, open the presents, play the games and get out.

Thanks for coming, see you next year.

What happens on Welch Avenue after we win a game is the not only the way Veishea should be every spring, it’s the way Iowa State should be every weekend.

What’s the point of life if you can’t have a little fun?

Saturday night, even with disappointed Iowa fans milling around, there was no trouble.

Just happy people having a good time, celebrating ISU the way ISU is meant to be celebrated: Without an overabundance of authoritarian supervision.

Even the cops were fairly jolly.

As they walked around smoking (always a slick look, by the way) and monitoring the fun, the police were as much a part of the spirit and good will as the throngs crowding the firehouse, benches and bars of Campustown.

Victory is sweet.

There is indeed something to be learned from a night like that.

This university is usually so uptight that blowing off steam on a regular basis is the only thing that will keep other uncontrollable outbursts or “celebrations of spring” in check.

If we want to avoid troubles at Towers and violence at Veishea, we need to celebrate ISU all the time and not just at sanctioned events when it is deemed appropriate.