Coach Dresser - CEO

I remember seeing an article when Dresser was first hired at ISU where he was described as a "CEO-type" coach (maybe he described himself in that way). I didn't realize at the time how important that was for this program and how badly ISU needed this type of an individual as the head coach.

Jackson was a great instructor of technique, but watching Dresser's rebuild further emphasizes, to me, that KJ was not ready to head up a division 1 program like Iowa St. Loved the guy and knew he was passionate for Cyclone wrestling, but he was the wrong hire.

In 2+ years on the job, Dresser has changed the culture in the wrestling room, marketed the hell out of the program, hired a top-notch staff, and made incredible strides in developing and funding the RTC. Confirms the importance of having a visionary coach lead this program at this time. I knew he was a good coach, but didn't realize that his strength may actually be in his vision and leadership of the program as a whole, rather than his on-the-mat coaching.

With the announcement of Delgado coming on board as a resident athlete, it's just another sign of progress being made towards the Cyclones getting back into the top tier of wrestling programs.

MBB team's schedule on Italy trip next week

Just an FYI .... ISU says it will be tweeting out information on streams if they are available. We'll keep you guys updated on that too.

Tues., Aug. 13 – Noon (CT) - vs. Netherlands National “B” Team

Thurs., Aug. 15 – Noon (CT) – vs. Siena All-Stars

Sat., Aug. 17 – Noon (CT) – vs. Ivory Coast National Team

Jesse Delgado to join CycloneRTC - Your donations at work!!!

Login to view embedded media

AMES, Iowa – Today Cyclone Regional Training Center Director, Kevin Dresser, announced the addition of Jesse Delgado as a Resident Athlete of the C-RTC. Prior to the C-RTC, Delgado had been training with the Illinois Regional Training Center.

“We have the unique opportunity to hire Jesse as a resident athlete in the short term with the hopes to possibly transition him into a coaching position in 2020,” Dresser said. “Jesse’s wrestling resume speaks for itself. He is a guy who loves to get on the mat and train. He also has a passion to coach in the very near future. I think he will be a great fit for our entire program.

Will McDonald, the next Matt Blair?

Will McDonald and Matt Blair?

After some consideration, I find myself forced (forced, I tell you!) to be the first to make this comparison in total earnestness. Will McDonald’s shift to linebacker, his sheer athleticism, feel for the game, reputation as a “freak”? It all fits!

Yep, I know, I’m old compared to some of you young whippersnappers. But my own real exposure to Matt Blair came when he was in his prime as a Minnesota’s Viking, making multiple Pro Bowls, making big plays all over the field, and setting records blocking kicks.

His reputation as an athletic freak came well before that, though. Part of the Matt Blair mythos at ISU is that he could place a quarter on top of a backboard. Seriously.

I have no idea whether that’s true or not—though I do have a friend who played basketball with Matt. As I recall, in games before the Cyclone varsity took the court.

I’ll mention that at one Spring Game, I glanced over and realized I was sitting a few feet away from Matt in the stands. Long retired then, he must have been in his forties—but in a tank and shorts, sprawled in the sun, looked like he could still go down on the field and kick some serious college kid ***.

Now, Will McDonald’s prep athletic successes, including starring in basketball and excelling in both the discus and high jump in track, are well documented on this site.

But the comparison goes deeper than sheer athleticism. With the switch, Will McDonald now plays the same position that Matt did as a pro. Even more, though the roster lists Will at 6’4” 230, he apparently claims to be 6’4 225 at the moment. Matt was listed as a pro at 6’5” 229. Yeah, that was a different day for football (both of Minnesota’s starting tackles, one a future HOF’er, were listed at 6’6” 255).

And the comparisons just keep coming. I’ve heard old timers (older than me) talk about how Matt was a total disruptor on the field as a Cyclone. That’s exactly how the staff is starting to about Will nowadays. All the things he can do, how fast he learns, how he’s a natural.

So, is Will McDonald going to be another Matt Blair? Only time will tell...but that time is very close.

Hey, somebody ask Will to put a quarter on top of a blackboard? And while you’re at it, get Matt down here to meet the kid!

ISU Items For Auction

Hey fellow Fanatics! The young alumni group from the Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering Department are having a social event at the Blank Park Zoo on August 21. This is part of the ongoing Zoo Brew series.

In order to raise money for their organization, they are having an auction. I made two items for this auction that I thought folks on here might be interested in bidding on.

Item #1 is a Jack Trice themed sign that measures approximately 21" tall by 15" wide.

Item #2 is a Thor themed mallet with CYCLONES on one side and POWER on the other. This one is beefy; at approximately 2 ft long and weighing about 10 lbs.

If you're interested in bidding, you can find more about their event here: https://www.ccee.iastate.edu/events/isu-ccee-gold-alumni-zoo-brew-2/

I do believe you have to attend to bid, though. Go Cyclones!

HBV Sign.JPG Mallet1.JPG Mallet2.JPG
  • Like
Reactions: JP4CY

On That Note: By The Time We Got (Back) To Woodstock

It's another edition of "On That Note," CF’s hub for music obsession, hosted by @MeanDean, @CycloneRulzzz and cyclones500.

Next week is the 50th anniversary of Woodstock and we’re about to become knee-deep in the mud of nostalgia. (“Woodstock 50” finally imploded after months of false-starts),

To mark the occasion, post some of your favorite songs by artists that performed at “3 Days of Peace & Music.” It is not limited to songs played at the festival — it can be anything from an artist’s catalog. Iconic performances from the show are fitting, of course.

There's no limit to how many time an artist is cited, but try to use a song that hasn’t been posted already.

Lineup reference: Official lineup from Woodstock.com

If you want to post songs played at the festival, here’s a handy setlist, by performer.

My list will start in a follow-up post.
  • Like
Reactions: MeanDean

Filter