Iowa State’s new football uniforms, new coach and its players were introduced to the public Sunday afternoon at Cyclone Stadium.

Head Coach Dan McCarney led his team down the east end of Cyclone Stadium to a standing ovation. After a quick jog across the field and a brief introduction by Athletic Director Gene Smith, McCarney spoke to ISU students, fans and alumni.

“I didn’t want a public display with a scrimmage,” McCarney said. “I’d rather let the wonderful Cyclone fans get a chance to come down and meet the players. We’ve got a long way to go, but it starts with fan support. I’m not going to predict wins, but I’ll say this: The days of laughing at ISU football are over.”

Smith praised McCarney’s preseason efforts and reiterated the importance of the upcoming season.

“We’ve only had 10 winning seasons since 1950,” he said. “This is the most important year in Cyclone history. Our goal for this year is one win. Once we get the first one, then second will be easy. And after we get the second win, the third will be easier.”

With one of the worst football seasons in ISU history now behind the Cyclones, the new emphasis is to move on to greater achievements in ISU athletics, Smith has said. The athletic department has planned special events such as pep rallies and post game fireworks in order to create excitement for the football program.

“We’ve got to make [Cyclone Stadium] like the Hilton,” Smith said. “These kids worked hard this entire summer to get bigger and stronger. We need to help them to make this the most difficult place to play in the Big Eight. Bring your friends, bring your family, bring people that don’t like you. Pass the word because this is Cyclone country.”

The Cyclones will take the field under McCarney for the first time on Aug. 31 when ISU will host the Ohio University Bobcats. Game time is 7 p.m.