Every Cyclone fan remembers last year’s miserable season. But the past is the past. Granted, no one has any illusions about the upcoming football season, especially Coach Dan McCarney and his football squad.

And everyone knows that reconstructing a quality Division I football program is not an easy task. But it’s a task to which the team has committed itself.

Aside from their hard work on the practice field, the players and coaches have made a tremendous effort to reach out to the Iowa State community to rally support for the season.

Now it’s time for the fans to answer.

The road to success will be a long one for the football team. It will need all the help it can get — including fan support.

If ISU expects to have a top-notch Division I football team, the burden cannot rest solely on the players and coaches. Cyclone Stadium needs to be filled for more than just the Iowa and Nebraska games.

The first step back to a successful program begins Thursday night. Fan support is needed.