Final Game For Cyclone Seniors

AMES, Iowa - Saturday marks the final game for 22 Iowa State seniors.

Through summer workouts, fall camp and game days at Jack Trice Stadium, the 2016 senior class will be remembered for bridging a transition into a new era of Cyclone football. They wore the Cardinal and Gold with pride.

When Matt Campbell took over the reins of the program almost a year ago, he needed his seniors to trust in his process. They did.

"I can't thank our seniors enough for their willingness to accept change," Campbell said. "What they went through wasn't easy, but they kept working, kept fighting. I admire them for that, because the younger players in our program needed their nurturing and guidance."

Many in this group witnessed incredible changes in their environment. For the fifth-year seniors like Dondre Daley, Cole Netten, Mitchell Meyers, Kane Seeley, Pierre Aka, Anthony Lazard, Josh Jahlas and Brian Bonacci, the Bergstrom Football Complex and the Sukup End Zone Club at Jack Trice Stadium didn't even exist at the beginning of their Cyclone careers.

Without a doubt, Iowa State football has made a major transformation, and these guys have enjoyed every minute of the ride.

Senior Day brings out a whole myriad of emotions and this year's elder statesmen jotted down their feelings before their final game.

Favorite Iowa State Moment
Jay Jones: Winning the first game of my career vs. UNI (2015).
Mitchell Meyers: Beating Iowa in my sophomore year. I mean, that was a lot of fun.
Kane Seeley: It would probably be running out in Jack Trice Stadium as a true freshman. It was something I dreamed of doing my entire life.
Jomal Wiltz: My first interception vs. San Jose State.
Pierre Aka: My true freshman year when we won our sixth game and became bowl eligible. That was pretty exciting.
Cole Netten: The best memory for me is the Iowa game in 2014. That will always hold a special place in my heart. Being able to beat them on the road, that's always good.
Brian Seda: Getting my first career start against TCU.
Anthony Lazard: Being a part of the Liberty Bowl would probably be my favorite memory. Another one that stands out is the "Ice Bowl" vs. Kansas.
Demond Tucker: When we shut out Texas last year. That was a good moment.
Justin Chandler: Being around the players and coaches were the best moments.
Nick Fett: My first start vs. Oklahoma State (2015) was really cool.
Nigel Tribune: Playing in the "Ice Bowl" vs. Kansas in 2013. Eight degrees at kickoff and a dominant win.
Gabe Luna: Starting my first game and going through the spirit walk and seeing how excited the fans are.
Breion Creer: Beating Texas last season at Homecoming.

Emotions Of Playing In Jack Trice Stadium For The Final Time
Jay Jones: It will be bittersweet, just knowing it will be the last time playing together with my teammates and in front of our great fans. I will also have a smile because I know there will be new opportunities ahead for me.
Mitchell Meyers: I think it'll definitely bring back a lot of memories. A lot of ups and downs in Jack Trice Stadium, but I think more than anything, just the fan support that we've had over the five years.
Kane Seeley: It'll probably be a little emotional for me. Just knowing it will be the last time I get to play in Jack Trice Stadium will make me give it all I got.
Mitchell Harger: It won't hit me until I leave the tunnel for the final time. I've worked five years for this moment. I'm going to make the most of it.
Brian Seda: It will be surreal. I'll have about 25-35 friends and family there, and it'll be a dream come true to walk out there on Senior Day. I'll just try to soak it all in and play my best that game.
Justin Chandler: I will want to play my best for the coaches because they're the ones who gave me an opportunity. I want to make the fans proud.
Nick Fett: Empty the tank. Leave it all on the field.

Advice To The Younger Cyclones
Jay Jones: Keep persevering. There will be times you will be down. You are away from your family for the first time, and it's tough. But keep persevering and keep fighting.
Mitchell Meyers: Always stick with it. There's going to be a lot of hard days, but in the end, it'll help you grow as a person.
Jomal Wiltz: Work hard and if people say you can't do it, don't believe them. Always believe and have confidence in yourself.
Mitchell Harger: Don't waste and don't wait. Every opportunity you have, you can't waste it. Always take advantage of the moment that you're living in, and take advantage of it now.
Dondre Daley: Pay attention to everything and go hard during practice.
Cole Netten: Make the most of every day. Your time here goes fast, so make the most of every day and do everything you can to be the best person you can be.
Josh Jahlas: I would just say to stay positive and keep working. Some rewards you get might not be right away, but it'll all be worth it in the end.
Brian Bonacci: Don't take any days off. Go 100 percent all the time. Don't take anything for granted.
Brian Bobek: Just take advantage of every day. It goes by a lot quicker than you think. Even six years goes by a lot quicker than you think (laughs).
Patrick Scoggins: Probably just be who you are and always work hard.
Breion Creer: Just keep striving. If you keep working hard, you are going to accomplish your goals.

What Will You Miss Most About Iowa State
Mitchell Meyers: I think I'm going to miss the friendships that I've made. I've made a lot of really good friends since I've been here, and hopefully they'll last for the rest of my life.
Kane Seeley: All the great relationships with the guys and the bonds we've made.
Jomal Wiltz: The fans and playing in Jack Trice Stadium.
Dondre Daley: I am really going to miss this place, my teammates, the fans and the atmosphere.
Pierre Aka: The fanbase and the atmosphere. I can't tell you how many times these fans could've just bagged it. They are always going to be out there supporting us.
Josh Jahlas: I'll just miss the fans. They're the best in the nation. They fill the stadium every time and they're are best.
Demond Tucker: The fanbase, the great people, the coaches, I'll miss it all.
Brian Bonacci: I'll miss my football family and everyone I've met in Ames. This place has been awesome and an incredible experience.
Nigel Tribune: I'll miss the fanbase. No matter what, through thick and thin, they'll always be there for you.
Brian Bobek: Definitely the people. There's no question that I'd love to be back around here and come watch some games when I'm done. I enjoy being around these coaches and players and everyone involved in this program.
Patrick Scoggins: I'll miss my teammates and the camaraderie. I'll miss the whole college experience.
Jhaustin Thomas: I'll definitely miss the fans and the great atmosphere at Jack Trice Stadium.

Players Mentioned

Pierre Aka

Brian Bobek

Brian Bonacci

Justin Chandler

Breion Creer

Dondre Daley

Nick Fett

Mitchell Harger

Josh Jahlas

Anthony Lazard

Gabe Luna

Mitchell Meyers

Cole Netten

Patrick Scoggins

Brian Seda

Kane Seeley

Jhaustin Thomas

Nigel Tribune

Demond Tucker

Jomal Wiltz

Sponsors

Iowa State University Athletics