Do you ever think about why the hell you decided to come to this university?

This past week has held some rather trying experiences for me, really making me doubt the competency of this institution.

But hey, enough about the trained soldiers of the DPS Parking Division staking out my every move so they can ensure that my car will be towed at least once a year.

What would I do without those guys?

Really now, enough about those vultures nested in the Armory who peck at their victims even while they’re down.

Great parking with even greater parking fines definitely were not some of the main reasons I decided to come to ISU.

And I’m sorry to say I didn’t attend this school because of their nationally-renowned athletic programs.

I have no idea why I came here. I just know that I’m here and even though ISU has been scoffed at in the past by sports commentators everywhere, may it be because of our financial difficulties, or just a truly pathetic coach at the helm of our football team — while I’m here I’ve decided that right now is a good time to be an Iowa State fan.

We are witnessing a miraculous turnaround in what used to be one of the worst squads on the gridiron right in front of our eyes and in record-breaking fashion.

The Heisman Trophy and the Cyclones in the same sentence is no longer a punchline for a joke. We’ve also got a gold mine of talent in the other athletic programs boasting some impressive accolades already this year.

* Both of the cross country teams have just recently been rated in District V. The women are rated fourth and the men are rated second and just happen to be the defending National Champions. They also have been rated in several preseason polls at No. 1 and No. 4 in the nation.

Expect great things from those two teams and their coaches, Dick Lee and Bill Bergan.

* The first-ever women’s soccer team made ISU history by winning their very first game at home 2-1. Dawn Weber is also new here. She is a transfer from Creighton along with goalie Lauren Muser and Head Coach Cathy Klein. I wonder if Klein knew about the Parking Systems before she took the job?

Klein and her team are building a strong foundation for a sport becoming more and more popular at ISU.

Also, the men’s soccer club is rated fourth in the country after beating second-rated Illinois over the weekend. Good things are coming from the great sport clubs around campus.

* Jackie Nunez is in her third season here and has directed ISU volleyball into the record books. Nunez turned a mediocre team into the winningest ever in Cyclone history and to a No. 30 spot on the preseason polls.

The netters have received many votes in the polls and will make it into the top 25 and the NCAA Tournament by the end of the season.

Also watch for possible All-American honors for senior outside-hitter Kirstin Hugdahl and similar recognition for senior Stephanie McCannon.

Nunez also has tons of young talent to replenish those instrumental seniors she will lose in the future.

* This year marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of women’s golf at ISU, and the linksters are doing well. Julie Manning has depth on her squad with four different golfers placing in the top three of four different tournaments. If they put it all together, they could tear up even some of the toughest courses.

Travis Korver leads the men’s team in what could be an unpredictable season behind Dale Anderson.

Right now is a great time to be a fan of Cyclone athletics. Try to keep that in mind the next time you get a parking ticket and feel like murdering the jerk who towed your car.