Cy the Cardinal is the mascot of Iowa State University's sports teams. Since a cyclone was difficult to depict in costume, a cardinal was selected from the cardinal and gold of the official school colors. A cardinal-like bird was introduced at the 1954 homecoming pep rally. A contest was conducted to select a name for the mascot, and the winning entry of Cy was submitted by 17 people. The first to submit the name, Mrs. Wilma Ohlsen, won a cardinal and gold stadium blanket. Over the last half century, Cy has undergone several makeovers and redesigns. The first Cy was approximately 8 feet tall with a bulging chest made mostly from chicken wire and aluminum. Cy was again transformed when ISU Athletics changed the school's logo and color combinations. Today's Cy has a wide grin that is friendly, yeta bit mischievous. He is able to move through crowds with ease and loves to pose for pictures with his adoring fans! To have the privilege of being Cy a student had to meet certain requirements. Due to the size and weight of the original costume, there are some physical requirements. Applicants needed to be 5’11” to 6’2” and weigh 175 to 210 pounds. When Cy first was introduced only one student served as Cy. Now Cy is performing in public about 200 days a year, and four to six students share mascot duties. Today Cy does not need as much as physical attributes are not as important because the costume is now available in three sizes. The official athletic department website is where you find information on being on the mascot squad. Cy makes appearances at various Cyclone sporting events such as football, men's and women's basketball, volleyball, wrestling, soccer, softball, and gymnastics. In addition to sporting events, Cy is often requested to make various appearances across the state of Iowa for a number of events. Cy also competes each year at the NCA College Mascot Nationals in Daytona Beach, Florida
Recognition
Cy has won two national mascot challenges since 2007; the CBS Sportsline Most Dominant College Mascot on Earth in 2007, and the CapitalOne Bowl National Mascot of the Year in 2008.
