1. “The motto that we had during the tournament was, why not? Why not us? We kept saying that and really had nothing to lose and just played to have fun. It worked out better than we thought.”

– Infielder and pitcher Erik Rasmussen on the ISU club baseball team qualifying for its NCBA World Series.

2. “I was supposed to celebrate, but you know there are some rules when you do some stuff. They might DQ [disqualify] you. So I said, ‘You know what, I’m going to cool it for now.’”

– ISU track runner Edward Kemboi’s reaction to his seven-win, seven-finger celebration at the Big 12 Outdoor Track and Field Championship.

3. “Danny [McDonald] was always the first to shake your hand before and after every competition. He always has the mentality of a winner, which is why he deserves this award.”

– Reader Pam Wagner announces the athlete of the year for the 2015 Special Olympics Iowa. McDonald was the first wheelchair-bound athlete to win the award.

4. “When I enter Ames, I’m nervous. I wasn’t nervous as an athlete, but when I became a rival coach it changed. It’s just something, like when I came into town the other night, I’m not looking over my shoulder, but I’m cautious. That’s the way I am, and that’s what brings out the competitiveness in me.”

– Dan Gable on his return to Ames for a book signing.

5. “Thank God Fred left. There’s a new mayor in town. Tell the people I’m coming.”

– ISU forward George Niang’s reaction to the departure of Fred Hoiberg.

6. “Walking down that tunnel today, it was emotional,” Hoiberg said. “It smells the same. [This place is] something I will miss a lot.”

– Fred Hoiberg on his final return to Hilton Coliseum for his departing press conference.

7. “The whole goal of the game is to continuously move forward, and I feel like coach Fred has left a mark on this school that will never be forgotten.”

– Naz Long’s reaction to Fred Hoiberg accepting the head coaching position for the Chicago Bulls.

8. “Oh yeah, I’m ready, I have to be [ready]. I know I have to have a good season, it’s a mind thing.”

– ISU wide receiver Quenton Bundrage on returning from injury for his final season at Iowa State.

9. “It is really special. Just because the people in Ames have supported me, people in Iowa have supported me since day one. … It’s nice to hit the highest point in your sport and come back to your hometown to be able to celebrate.”

– Golden State forward Harrison Barnes’ reaction to returning to Ames for the Fourth of July parade.

10. “Let’s just be great today, then let’s be great tomorrow, then [eventually] we’ll do something special together. It doesn’t happen overnight.”

– ISU basketball coach Steve Prohm’s message to his players at Prohm’s introductory press conference.