As a bit of introduction to everyone, my first Daily column will deal with none other than my favorite Cyclone memories of years past.

I hope my stroll down memory lane is enjoyable for you, and that you share some of these memories as well.

• My first meaningful Cyclone memory was the NCAA tournament game in 1986 against Michigan.

Elmer Robinson seals the deal with a dunk. I was hooked.

• Four days later, heartbreak at Kemper Arena as North Carolina State ends the magical run in a thriller that features seven future NBA players.

• Sam Hill’s ears and hook shot (equally ugly and beautiful at the same time).

• Jeff Grayer’s overall game. Still the best player in ISU history (sorry, Freddy).

• Lafester Rhodes’ 57 points against the hated Hawks. Need I say more?

• Loren Meyer sitting atop the basket after a huge home win over the Jayhawks.

• “The Comeback against Oklahoma State in 1992. Thigpen and Hoiberg come from 19 down at the half to overtake the #2-rated Cowboys.

• Fred Hoiberg defeating Kansas by himself in ’95 and scoring 41 in his home finale.

• Hurl Beechum emerging from Floyd’s doghouse to give ISU a big lift in the Big 8 Tourney.

• The huge win over KU in the last Big 8 Tourney ever. My heart still skips a beat when I think of Jacque Vaughn floating through the lane.

• My favorite memory as a student, Troy Davis’ cutback TD run to seal a win against Missouri and give him an incredible 378 yards.

• Dedric Willoughby’s 3-pointer to end the first half against Kansas. Pandemonium at Hilton.

• Shawn Bankhead’s intensity.

• Kelvin Cato’s blocked shots.

• Jacy Holloway’s steadiness.

• Kenny Pratt’s tirades.

• Brad Johnson’s wonderful display off shooting in warmups.

• My most painful Iowa State memory, Cameron Dollar floating one over Kelvin Cato to end one of the best seasons in ISU history. Ouch.

• The first ISU football game I saw as a student, and one of the biggest blown leads in Cyclone history. I would quickly learn to get used to it.

• Todd Doxzon’s father going absolutely nuts after a good play, including a few dance moves that I have never seen before.

• The only highlight of the Nebraska football game in ’96: their flag guy (obviously with tired arms) falls head-over-heels in the end zone.

• Dustin Avey’s 94-yard interception return against Colorado down the right sideline.

• Tim Floyd’s class (He’s gone. folks. Let’s move on).

• As you can see, I have been a diehard Cyclone fan for quite a while, and hopefully more good memories will be added to this list in this 1998-1999 campaign.

Josh Flickinger is a junior majoring in journalism and mass communication from Rockford, Illinois.