University Iowa State University Description Cyclones | Conference Big 12 First seen 1954 | |
Cy the Cardinal is the mascot of Iowa State University's sports teams.
Contents
Origin of Cy
Since a cyclone was difficult to depict in costume, a cardinal was selected from the cardinal and gold of the official school colors. A cardinal-like bird was introduced at the 1954 homecoming pep rally. A contest was conducted to select a name for the mascot, and the winning entry of Cy was submitted by 17 people. The first to submit the name, Mrs. Ed Ohlsen, won a cardinal and gold stadium blanket.
Recognition
Cy has won two national mascot challenges since 2007; the CBS Sportsline Most Dominant College Mascot on Earth in 2007, and the CapitalOne Bowl National Mascot of the Year in 2008.
References
Cy the Cardinal Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA