"Fanatic: 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' story: 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, "Fanatic: 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.
Chris Williams has spent more than 20 years shaping the sports media landscape in Iowa. He is the Publisher of Cyclone Fanatic, one of the largest independent college sports media outlets in the country, and the Founder of Iowa Everywhere, a statewide digital platform dedicated to telling Iowa's stories through sports and culture. A trusted voice for Cyclone fans, Williams has covered Iowa State athletics across print, radio, television, and digital media, earning a reputation as both a storyteller and community builder.Over his two decade career of covering the Cyclones, Williams has been published by Rivals.com, scout.com, The Ames Tribune, The Des Moines Register and of course, Cyclone Fanatic. From the years 2015 to 2022, Williams hosted an afternoon sports talk show on KXnO Radio in Des Moines. Williams began "podcasting" about the Cyclones in the year 2008 on his own RSS feed, which would eventually become the Cyclone Fanatic Podcast Network. Williams has been the Iowa State football radio postgame host since the year 2010. He has also done play-by-play for the Cyclone Radio Network for men's and women's basically sporadically throughout the years. He is a 2007 graduate of Iowa State University.
Rob Gray has worked professionally as a sportswriter for a quarter of a century and his work has been featured in numerous newspapers and magazines.His association with Iowa State University runs much deeper, as he was born and raised in Ames, and obtained his bachelor's degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from ISU's Greenlee School.Rob began his journalism career at The Des Moines Register, where he covered a broad array of sports for 10 years. He currently serves as Cyclone Fanatic's senior writer and also covers Iowa State athletics for The Cedar Rapids Gazette.
