This is getting tough. This, my second to last column, is definitely bringing back memories for me.

When I started working here three years ago, things were drastically different. But with time comes change. With change, success often follows.

I think that will be more evident in the future of Iowa State football.

Saturday’s spring game showcased exactly what everyone wanted to see. Darren, not Troy, ripped the defense up while the quarterback we’ve all been waiting for showed what he can do.

Bandhauer’s 17-of-19 day had fans already looking ahead to August with a menacing grin.

And then there was defense.

Defense?

That’s right. Defense!

The Cyclones’ first-team defense was not scored upon, a feat many dreamed would not be possible.

McCarney was quick to point out that it wasn’t as though the defense was stopping Nebraska or anything, but it was a step in the right direction.

Allow me to elaborate.

It was a huge step in the right direction. There were times last year when I felt as though the Neola Tri-Center third grade powder puff league had a legitimate shot at putting themselves in at least field goal range.

But things are different now. I really believe that!

“Thunder” Dan McCarney is getting it done, and I really believe that in August we will all begin to see some very promising signs.

On other news, what about Troy? Look out NFL world.

You know, Troy Davis plus Mike Ditka equals Troy Ditka! Well, actually it equals a solid runner with a coach that knows how to build teams around a running game.

Now let’s talk about those who got drafted from Iowa.

Okay, we’re done.

Now let’s talk about Michael Booker from Nebraska, who also went in the NFL draft. Booker bench presses a car, runs a 4.4-4.5 40-yard dash and can never be trusted. Why? Two words: Lawrence Phillips. Enough said.

Relax Huskerheads, it’s merely a pun that I find amusing. If you don’t…… so?

Besides, next week is it for me. Those faithful Nebraska fans can finally sleep under their blanket of fantasy once more, the feminists can breath a sigh of relief as the insensitive one takes a vow of silence and the department of public safety can finally downsize their security around the goal post for the 1997 football season.

Just remember to sniff and eat glue, lick your bumper, mow your lawn, hump you dog’s leg, drink toxic substances, suck the sugar out of the twinkie, throw the twinkie at the oldest person you can find, make psychotic love, cheer for the Cyclones, love your enemies, be the guy that succeeds, force the fat lady to sing, never march to the beat of the drummer for Marilyn Manson, snort snot, blow spit bubbles, beat the llama, tame the yack, kill the lonely buffalo and never ever think that your poop doesn’t have a most ominous fragrance.

Until next time.

We’ll talk later.

---

CHAD CALEK is a junior in journalism and mass communication from Persia. He is the sports editor of the Daily.