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So long spring game, we hardly knew ya’.
Cyclone fans have received troubling news regarding the spring game for the second year in a row. In 2018, rainy weather forced the athletic department to cancel the spring game.
Per the Cedar Rapids Gazette: “Coach (Matt) Campbell and I mutually decided to cancel the Spring Game due to the anticipated weather for Saturday,” Iowa State Athletics Director Jamie Pollard said in a release. “We know this will be disappointing for our fans and players. The football team will use Saturday as their final practice in a closed practice similar to this spring.”
This came as a disappointing blow to Cyclone fans who were planning on attending the spring game, regardless of whether or not they actually planned to attend or were just seizing the opportunity to enjoy a spring tailgate.
In fact, the weather in Ames disappointed many a fan in 2018. Weather canceled the spring game and the home opener against South Dakota State. The latter of those was rescheduled (twice) and the weather once again intervened, nearly causing the Cyclones to drop a buy-game to the Drake Bulldogs. In addition, the grass tailgate lots were closed for nearly every home game due the athletic department’s deep fear of mud.
While 2019 brings a new year and new hope, the weather is once again up to its old tricks.
Jamie Pollard, who (according to double-digit sources) has been cowering in his office for months afraid to go outside because the weather is not sunny and perfect, gave a statement regarding the 2019 spring game.
“As a result of the uncertain weather conditions we face each spring in Iowa, plus the site preparation work that will begin this Spring for the new Sports Performance Center project, Coach Campbell and I have decided to not schedule a spring football game,” Iowa State Athletics Director Jamie Pollard said. ”Similar to last year, Coach Campbell and his staff can use that day to conduct a 15th spring practice which they feel is more beneficial for the overall development of the student-athletes and the football program.”
Pollard declined to comment when asked if Matt Campbell demanded his new contract include the creation of an athletic department staff meteorologist position.
It is uncertain at this time how many outdoor sporting events Pollard will cancel in 2019 out of fear that there is a 10% chance of rain anywhere within a 500 mile radius of Ames.