How Did Iowa State Cyclones Get Their Name?
The Iowa State Cyclones got their name from a historic event in 1895. The Iowa State football team traveled to Northwestern University and defeated them in a stunning 36-0 victory.
The Origin Story
Following this win, the Chicago Tribune's headline read, "Struck by a Cyclone: It Comes from Iowa and Devastates Evanston Town." The name "Cyclones" stuck, and it became the official nickname for Iowa State's athletic teams.
Symbolism Behind the Name
The term "Cyclone" was chosen to symbolize the energy and power that the Iowa State teams brought to their competitions.
