Cy

In 1954, members of Iowa State's Pep Council decided that Iowa State needed a mascot to symbolize new spirit for the athletic teams.  Since a cyclone was difficult to depict in costume, a cardinal was selected, from the cardinal and gold of the official school colors.  Pep Council ran a contest to select a name for the new mascot.  The winning entry, "Cy," was submitted by 17 people.  The first to submit the name, Mrs. Ed Ohlsen of Ames, won a cardinal and gold stadium blanket.

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