Game Day Baby

Though our team really only played the first quarter...at least that's how it seemed. But more on that later.

We awoke on the last day of 2012 pondering, "what to wear?" Forecast - chilly, wet. But we were going to be mobile so I didn't wish to carry a ton of stuff. I'm the girl who registers "reptile" on the thermometer when I give blood. Last time my temp was below 97 degrees. So I get cold fast. I couldn't believe I saw guy in shorts and flip flops the day before at the parade. I wish I had circulation like that! Thanks Pat Bullock for crappy veins. Oh well - at least I also got your penchant for sarcasm Mom! I settled on several layers, my Cyclone purselet, scarf, hat, visor (for rain) and wore my Columbia jacket. Paul carried a rain slicker in a pouch for me, and I had my Cyclone snuggy.

The cops did smile when we apprciated their helmet geat

The six of us had purchased tickets for a shuttle bus leaving from the Peabody Hotel, so we headed there. After a bit of confusion - the ISU buses were there awaiting the team - complete with escort motorcycle police with ISU stickers on their helmets. Memphis has gone Cyclone! The bus took about 15 minutes to get to the stadium - through some interesting neighborhoods. Once we arrived we headed right to the Pre-game Tailgate party (held in a huge building that said "Roller Derby) that we had purchased tickets for, skirting around the long Cyclone line by going in the Tulsa door.

We were in the middle - I could take the same photo pointing the other way...

Diana is doing her John Belushi "Animal House" pose here...

The event was a blast! Our friends saved us seats - we sait with Kleins and the Davenport people. We each got a big plate full of barbecue - chicken, pulled pork, beans, good cole slaw - I like the vinegar kind best. And with the $35 tickets, all the beer and drinks were free! Our group worked at making sure we got our money's worth.

The place was packed with cardinal and gold clad fans and a band played on a stage at one end. Then the ISU band took over. We began to see people we knew - like our niece Barb and husband Mike and children.

Johnny and about 6 of his former players were at the game

ISU's legendary former coach Johnny Majors came in to get a bite to eat. While he was chewing, Marilyn asked if we could get our photo with him. I think the old fella was pleased to get all this attention. He was the coach 40 years ago when Marilin and Dwight had attended the Liberty Bowl when ISU played.

We headed to the game about a half hour before kickoff. It was misting lightly. Crap! Our seats were in the same area our regular seats are at Jack Trice Stadium - right on the goal line, though we were closer to the action here, sitting near the families of many of the coaching staff members since McKim's son Ryan, Grad Assistant on the coaching staff had gotten us the tickets. The pageantry of the game was cool! A 9 year old cancer survivor (Thanks to St. Judes) sang the national anthem. I was doing fine until I saw Diana and Paul wiping their eyes...there was a giant flag on the field and the holders made if wave. Very cool!

Very moving opening ceremony. The game made me want to cry too...

Before I put my slicker on

 

Then the game. The first quarter was swell! We had offense, a pick 6. Things were going well! Then it started to rain a little harder and things went down hill. There was not much to cheer about after that. We heard later our quarterback had the flu the night before. That doesn't really explain the defenses lack of tackling ability...but regardless, I was cold, wet and not drinking beer. I was glad when it was over. On our way out of the game we saw paramedics working on a person down on the ground. We heard later a 47 year old Cyclone fan had died that day. It puts things into perspective.

Regardless, we were a bedraggled, grumpy group heading back to our hotel. We re-assembled back at the McKim suite to decide the plan for the evening. Looking out the window - still raining right along. Inside. Vodka, Black Velvet (whisky) and pop and a few munchies. We ended up ordering pizza - it arrived shortly before the new year. We made up a new game - Name the Crestonian! You had to give clues like, "I liked to sit in Berning's Red Room" I wore a crocheted hat made of beer cans" The answer of course? Hollywood Suzie!

Since Conovers lived in Creston from 1984 - 2010ish and McKims and we moved there in 1986, we had a lot to work with! Just think if Higgins and McFees had been there - Creston natives. Sharon and Jeff are scary because they're related to most of the people we gave clues about...

Once again - the bowl trip was a huge success, except for the damn game! The trip home was long - we listened to a somewhat boring book for a while and then enjoyed listening football games on ESPN. We arrived home about 8 p.m. to a happy Odie! Kimmy the dogsitter had done a fine job keeping her alive, with no messes that we know of. Now - on to 2013!