Fanatic: Stories From 20 Years Inside Iowa State

by Chris Williams, Rob Gray (Editor)

" Stories From 20 Years Inside Iowa State" is both a love letter to Cyclone Nation and an insider's chronicle of the modern era of Iowa State athletics. Written by Cyclone Fanatic co-founder Chris Williams, the book brings fans closer than ever to the moments, people, and turning points that have defined two decades of football and basketball in Ames.



Williams draws on exclusive interviews with the figures who helped shape the Cyclones' athletics director Jamie Pollard, football coaches Matt Campbell, Paul Rhoads, and Dan McCarney, and basketball leaders T.J. Otzelberger, Fred Hoiberg, and Greg McDermott, among others. Their voices, paired with Williams' perspective as both a journalist and longtime fan, offer a rare behind-the-scenes look at the decisions, challenges, and victories that made Iowa State what it is today.



From the drama of the so-called "Big 12 Missile Crisis" to the rise of Hilton Magic's next generation, Williams not only recalls history but also reopens the doors to the what-ifs that continue to linger in Cyclone fans' minds. What if conference realignment had gone differently? What if McDermott's tenure had taken another path? These hypotheticals sit alongside vivid retellings of monumental victories and heartbreaking defeats, guiding readers through the emotional rollercoaster of following the Cyclones through an era of dramatic change.



Williams weaves in his personal experiences covering Iowa State, from partying with fans in the dungeon of King Jerry Lawler's Hall of Fame Bar & Grille to witnessing the greatest rivalry in the state unfold year after year. The result is a book that feels deeply personal yet universally relatable for anyone who has ever invested their heart in a team.



For longtime fans, Fanatic offers celebration, nostalgia, and context, reminding readers of how far the Cyclones have come since the early 2000s. For newer fans, it provides a roadmap through the twists and turns that built today's programs, illuminating the people and events that still shape Iowa State athletics. And for all readers, it's an invitation to celebrate a community that has grown stronger through adversity, bonded by the shared experience of loving the Cyclones.



Packed with insider detail, candid reflection, and a clear passion for Iowa State, " Stories From 20 Years Inside Iowa State" captures the soul of Cyclone athletics at a pivotal time in its history. It's a must-read for anyone who has ever yelled "Go State!," whether from the stands of Jack Trice Stadium, the seats of Hilton Coliseum, or their couch at home.

Genres: Sports

340 pages, Paperback

Published November 24, 2025

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Reviews

[Derek VanRoekel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was bouncing between 4 and 5 stars but ultimately landed on 5 stars because of how much fun I had while reading. I don’t enjoy certain parts of Chris’ writing style, but overall it was so fun to re-live Cyclone memories and learn a lot more about ISU in the 2000s before I started following ISU athletics closely. All in all, I highly recommend for any ISU sports fans.

[Brendan Mass · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good. I’ve been enjoying CycloneFanatic content since around the start of college, and this read so well. I’m normally hesitant of books written by podcasters, but Chris does a great job throughout. Many a story I remember throughout my life as a Cyclone fan, and many that I was too young to remember. An absolute must read for anyone who bleeds Cardinal and Gold!

[Amy Brandau · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this all in one night it was so entertaining. It covered Cyclone stories and history from the same years we lived in Ames, before kids, when our lives revolved around Cyclone Athletics year round. I would recommend to anyone who is as big of Cyclone fan as I am. Funny story about the author - I remember being invited to a Cyclone Athlete event (signing day maybe) and I was more fan struck by Chris Williams than any coach or player.

[Katie Moritz · Rating 4 out of 5]

My husband gifted me this book for Christmas because I am, quite truly, a Cyclone Fanatic. It was a fun read! I am Iowa State born, raised and educated and I enjoyed the stories of the past 20 years, most I remember well. I also learned a lot as those stories were told!

I do wish there was more content on Women’s Basketball and at least a chapter added for Wrestling. We’ve had multiple NCAA Champions in the past 20 years including our most recent 2x’er, David Carr!

[Rexford Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not put this book down. As an Iowa State sports fan this is an absolute must read. Could not recommend this more, especially for Cyclone fans.

[Craig Adamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a surprise gift from a fellow Cyclone fan and ISU alum, Scott. He said I’d really enjoy it and he was right. Fun walk down Memory Lane from 2003 to 2023 of Cyclone Sports highs and a few lows.

Love books by hardcore sports fans like the author. Objective but not too much. Who needs that????

Really appreciated reading in-depth about Dan McCarney and Jamie Pollard who are possibly the 2 most consequential people in this period and possibly in school sports history. Both of them a large part of the credit for the emergence of ISUs current success.

As others have mentioned (and the author notes briefly) there is not much time spend on our highly successful women’s basketball program nor our wrestling programs major comeback. Hopefully a future book will highlight those in more detail.

Go Cyclones!

[Cael Hull · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an Iowa State fan's dream. It features in depth conversations with many legendary Cyclone players and coaches going over what makes their current or former time at Iowa State great. It also goes over what makes Iowa State what it is today through the many ups and downs of the past 20 years as well as a look into the possible future.
Chris Williams also tells his story from a Hawkeye fan in small town Iowa to a student at Iowa State and now a huge part of Cyclone nation.
I would highly recommend this book to any Iowa State fan.

[LuAnn Reinders · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read for Iowa State Cyclone football and basketball fans. I got a better understanding of the coaches. (In particular why Coach Greg McDermott had such a tough situation at ISU, but doing great at Creighton.) I gathered insights of many of the players, I WILL and the development of CYtown. The chapters can be read in order or choose as your curiosity is piqued.

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every Cyclone fan should read. Good trip down memory lane!

[Jacob Ohnmacht · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read for any cyclone fan.

[Jay]

must read for all Iowa State Fans

[Wade · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable read that brought back some good Cyclone memories.

[Abby Greder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never ever once written a review on goodreads but this book means a whole lot to me.