Cy-Hawk Trophy When Iowa State and Iowa resumed football competition in 1977, the Des Moines Athletic Club donated a
trophy to be awarded to the victor of the annual game. The trophy features a football player in the classic
running back pose and also depicts likenesses of Cy the Cardinal and Herky the Hawkeye on the front of
the trophy.
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.
The History of the Football Victory Bell One cherished tradition of Cyclone football is the ringing of the Victory Bell after each gridiron triumph in
Ames. It has graced the Iowa State University campus for more than a century. The bell was originally used to signal changes in
class periods and student curfews. It was moved to Clyde Williams Field early in the 20th century and eventually to Jack Trice
Stadium. The bell was cast in 1890 by the Clinton H. Meneely Bell Co. of Troy, N.Y.
Football: The Cannon The cannon, operated by members of the Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity, is traditionally fired after every Cyclone
touchdown or field goal. Additionally, it has been fired on kickoffs and was formerly fired during the Cyclone Marching Band’s
playing of the "Star Spangled Banner."
