A large crowd gathered Tuesday afternoon at the Atlantic Golf and Country Club for a stop of the Iowa State University Athletics tailgate tour.  Cyclone fans of all ages were able to mingle with Iowa State Head Coaches and Administration and get autographs along with photographs.  Fans then listened to a speaking program lead by voice of the Cyclones John Walters.  The crowd heard from Athletic Director Jamie Pollard, new ISU President Dr. Stephen Leath, Football Coach Paul Rhoads, Men’s Basketball Coach Fred Hoiberg, Women’s Basketball Coach Bill Fennelly, Wrestling Coach Kevin Jackson, and Volleyball Coach Christy Johnson-Lynch.

Athletic Director Jamie Pollard let us know what the importance of the Tailgate Tour is to the Cyclone Athletic Department.

“They are really important, the main reason is because we get to see the fans in their home area.  We spend all year where they come to Ames and this is our chance to come out to their home and tell them thank you for doing what they do for us.”

Men’s Basketball Coach Fred Hoiberg said his hometown roots really drives home the importance of interacting with the fans.

“Well it’s special for me because I grew up in Ames and used to go to every sporting event as a kid. I played in front of what I consider to be the best fans in the world my four years at Iowa State and now I get a chance to coach in front of those same people, and it’s just really our opportunity to get out and thank you to the great Iowa State fans.”

Football Coach Paul Rhoads echoed Hoiberg’s thoughts.

“It means a great deal because these are people that give so much to us.  These are the people that fill the seats at Jack Trice Stadium and Hilton Coliseum. These are the people that give their hard earned dollars to support what our mission is as an athletic department.  To get out and shake hands, and rub elbows, and sign autographs especially for the kids is a lot of fun.”

Fans in attendance also were able to pick up team posters and other promotional materials and many door prizes were handed out.  The Cyclone Tailgate Tour was set to roll on to Omaha, NE for a stop at the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo on Tuesday night.