For a time in my academic career, I attended Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. I loved it. I loved the atmosphere. I loved my classes. I loved the campus and I loved going to football games. In short, to this day, I stlll love the Iowa State Cyclones. And I still have a deep dislike for the Iowa Hawkeyes. I didn't realize how much until a couple of days ago.

 One of our sports guys, Tim Peters, walked into the studio with a Saint Louis Cardinals sweatshirt. That was fine. I have nothing against the Cardinals. But it was hot in the studio and he took his sweatshirt off to reveal an Iowa Hawkeyes t-shirt underneath. It stopped me in my tracks. "Why in the world are you wearing that?" I asked out loud. He looked at me and then explained how, when he had worked in Iowa, he had become a Hawkeye fan. It took me by surprise. I was having a good day until I saw that Hawkeye logo. He then said "Why would I want to be a Cyclone?". Thank goodness Phil Schreck was in the studio with me. Phil too went to Iowa State and has my back when it comes to Cyclone pride.

 Why do I dislike the Hawkeyes so much? I honestly can't tell you. I have met many a Hawkeye fan in my time who are snobish and obnoxious. But the same can be said of some Cyclone fans I know too. I think it just boils down to a love of the school and feeling strongly opposed to another school in the same area. Rivalries are like that. They're fun in the fact that they generate excitement (and for the schools, revenue).

 When I worked in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, I hosted the MDA Telethon and, as a fund-raiser, I wore my Cyclone football jersey and urged Cyclone fans to call in donations to show off their pride. Cedar Rapids is just north of Iowa City, which is Hawkeye Central. The phones went nuts as Hawkeye fans donated money to drown out and destroy my attempt at rallying some Cyclone pride in Hawkeye Country. After that segment, Hawkeye fans had contributed more than Cyclone fans and I had to wear a Hawkeye jersey for the resy of the Telethon. It made me ill and I had to take a shower afterwards.

 Football season will again be here before we know it. I plan many a trip to Jack Trice Stadium in Ames where I was jingle my keys on kick-offs and yell my head off when things on the field go right...and wrong...and I will circle the date of the Iowa-Iowa State football game and hope the Cyclones win. They could lose every other game of the season, but if they beat the Hawkeyes that's enough for me.

 Quote Of The Day: "How do you get an Iowa Hawkeye off your front porch? Pay him for the pizza." Rude, but funny, joke which is a favorite among Cyclone fans.

 This Day In History: China sent President Richard Nixon two giant pandas as a gift on this date, April 16th, 1972.

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