Football Throwback Game & Auction Set

AMES, Iowa ? Celebrating the 30^th anniversary of Iowa State's 1977 Peach Bowl squad, the Cyclone football team will wear throwback uniforms from that season in the Sept. 15 game vs. Iowa at Jack Trice Stadium. Fans will then have an opportunity to acquire the game-worn helmet, jersey, pants and socks through two online auctions this fall.

“Celebrating historical achievements of our athletics program is an exciting way to honor the legacy of our former student-athletes,” Iowa State's Director of Athletics Jamie Pollard said. “Thirty years ago, a team of Cyclones coached by Earle Bruce overcame not being selected for a bowl game the year before and won eight games to qualify for the third bowl game in school history. Recognizing that team's achievements ? through the throwback uniform promotion and auction ? will be a chance for Cyclone fans to either recall some fond memories or learn about a significant team from the past.”

The Cyclones will wear replica uniforms ? white jerseys with cardinal/gold piping around the shoulders and cardinal numbers with a gold outline and gold pants ? very similar to what was worn in the Peach Bowl against North Carolina State. The Cyclones' helmet will be gold with the letters I-S-U on a capital letter I. Iowa State will also have a “Throwback Game” patch on its jersey. The University of Iowa has agreed to wear its black home jerseys for the game on Sept. 15.

The throwback jersey promotion is being sponsored by GridironGhosts.com, a company that sells historical replica jerseys and helmets.

More than 50 packages (helmet, jersey, pants and socks) will be auctioned online at cyclones.com between Aug. 20 and Sept. 14. The remaining packages will be sold at GridironGhosts.com in the weeks after the game. Fans with winning bids from the auctions can pick-up their gear at the Jacobson Athletic Building in Ames or, for a fee, have the apparel mailed to them in October after the gear is laundered and packaged.

The 1977 Cyclones were picked to finish sixth in the Big Eight Conference, but the team felt it had something to prove after being overlooked for a bowl the prior year after an 8-3 season. The Cyclones won three of four non-league games to open the season before recording a 7-0 triumph over Missouri to begin league play. It was ISU's first shutout of the Tigers since 1934. A 24-21 victory at ninth-ranked Nebraska (first win in Lincoln in 17 years) the following week catapulted the Cyclones into the national rankings at No. 16. A loss at sixth-ranked Oklahoma knocked Iowa State out of the polls but closing the season with conference wins over Kansas State and Oklahoma State earned the Peach Bowl bid against the Wolfpack.

Led by 1,000-yard rusher Dexter Green and first team all-conference selections Tom Randall (DT), Mike Stensrud (DT), Kevin Hart (CB) and All-American nose guard Ron McFarland on defense, the Cyclones won five Big Eight Conference games for the first time in school history.

As part of a season-long look back at the '77 Cyclones, the athletics department will feature video board tributes from that season at each home game this fall and the squad will be recognized at the Iowa game this fall.

Randall and kick returner Tom Buck, who both lettered on the 1977 team, attended Monday's press conference. Buck wore the same jersey he donned that season.

“This is a great way to celebrate Iowa State's football tradition,” Randall said. “The 1977 team ? as well as the 1976 and 1978 teams ? was made up of hard-nosed football players, some of whom were over-achievers. We played for a tough coach in Earle Bruce, who got the most out of us. Obviously, I think it's great to recognize all of the guys who made the Peach Bowl season possible. I look forward to putting on that uniform again.”

“It's an honor to be a part of this celebration. We did some great things in the 1970s, including winning 24 games over three years,” Buck said. “Our Iowa State teams were teammates on and off the field. It is really special to look back and we are grateful to Iowa State for giving us that opportunity.”

“Adding to pageantry of the Iowa State-Iowa rivalry is certainly good for the game, and we are confident the throwback uniforms / auction are another element that people will look forward to,” Pollard said of the highly anticipated match-up between the state rivals. “Season tickets remain on sale and that's the only way to guarantee admittance to the game between the Cyclones and Hawkeyes on Sept. 15.”

Pollard also noted that the throwback uniform promotion compliments Iowa State University's sesquicentennial celebration in 2007-08.

“As Iowa State University celebrates its 150^th birthday this coming academic year, it's certainly appropriate for the Athletics Department to contribute to the rich history of excellence at this institution with a salute to one of its bowl squads from the past,” Pollard said.

Iowa State University Athletics

Football Throwback Game & Auction Set

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