As another season of Iowa State Cyclone football begins, a family tradition established almost 25 years ago will be revived once more.

Sophomore tight end Andy Stensrud, of Lake Mills, will be joined this season on the football team by his cousin, freshman tight end Josh Stensrud, of Waseca, Minnesota.

What makes this situation even more interesting is the fact that Andy’s father, Mike, is a former ISU All-American defensive lineman who played on the defensive line with one Maynard Stensrud, an all-Big Eight selection in 1976, during the mid-1970s. Maynard just happens to be Josh’s father and Mike’s cousin.

After their fathers’ success at ISU, both Andy and Josh look forward to having a chance to play alongside one another just like their fathers did before them.

“Josh is such a great guy and a great football player, so it should be fun,” Andy said.

“I like being able to play with him a lot because he’s only a year older than me and we grew up together,” Josh said.

After an impressive freshman season in which he had 17 receptions for 277 yards and three touchdowns, Andy strives to improve not only his play, but his team’s as well.

“We’re a very hungry team this season and our outlook is very positive,” Andy said. “Our defense improved a lot as last season went on, so hopefully they will continue to get better.”

Josh joins a crowded position on the Cyclone football team, one in which he, Andy, and returning starter Damian Gibson will all compete for playing time. Nevertheless, Josh said he will keep working hard and improving his skills to help the team in every way he can.

“Every area of my game needs work, in particular my physical nature,” Josh said. “My technique will get better as time goes on, but I still need to get bigger and stronger.”

The fact that Andy was originally recruited and signed as a basketball player by former Cyclone coach Tim Floyd makes his immediate success on the gridiron look even more impressive. Still, Andy knows that a lot more work must be done in order for the team to be successful.

“I was really proud of playing as a freshman last season because I came in ready to play,” Andy said. “However, myself and the team have a long way to go.”

No matter how different each may be, Andy and Josh Stensrud will still be linked together by their last name. However, they share some similarities.

“Andy and I are very similar. We both love to go to movies and we like to watch TV together,” Josh said.

“Josh is such a good friend of mine and we’re real close because of it,” Andy said.

Still, there must be some differences when the competitive juices start flowing on the field.

“There’s no real competition between us,” Andy said. “We are best friends on and off the field.”

“I just really like having him on the team to help show me the ropes and help explain the routes to me,” Josh said.

With a bloodline of success in their past, Andy and Josh Stensrud will look to utilize their skills in hopes of making the future of the Iowa State Cyclone football team brighter.