Yes Cyclones, there is a Santa Claus. A look back on the past athletic year hasn’t necessarily been a disappointment for ISU. However, it hasn’t exactly left a sweet taste in the mouths of many athletes, coaches and fans.

First, our beloved football team nearly beat the Hawkeyes. Then after a nearly successful second run at the Heisman Trophy, halfback Troy Davis opted to exit stage left for the fame and fortune of the NFL.

Next, after a great run through the NCAAs, the men’s hoop squad suffered second defeat in the Sweet 16 to some school from the land of drive-bys. Meanwhile, the team’s female counterpart and ace coach Fennely suffered an early first-round exit in its first ever trip to the Big Dance.

It could easily make even the most die hard of fans ask “when can we catch a break?”

But after a year of near misses, could-have-beens and numerous what-ifs, all the Cyclone faithfuls have a little extra something to cheer about.

We caught a break. But luck and reading of tarot cards had nothing to do with it.

Skill, ability and dominance won the race this time.

In the midst of all the basketball and football hype, leave it to the wrestling team to emerge from the flames and salvage the sinking ship.

Hats off to Barry “I knew I was the better wrestler” Weldon on winning the 177-pound national championship title. Your skill and ability are credits to you and your entire team. You say you are not a big technique wrestler. Well, you must have done something right.

Not the biggest guy on the mat, no matter, because now everybody knows and nobody can dispute that you are the best. We knew you were the better wrestler, too.

Congratulations on the victory. You deserve the fanfare. Hats off for bringing home the first 177-pound championship ISU has seen since 1973. It’s rough being the best, but you can handle it.

Job well done. Now there is finally some joy in Mudville.