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Iowa State University Athletics
Final Home Game For Cyclone Seniors
11.10.2017 | Football
The resurgence of the nationally ranked Iowa State football team has been one of the best stories in college football this season. For the 20 seniors on Matt Campbell's squad, it has been a long time coming. Today marks the last time the senior class will play football inside Jack Trice Stadium.
"I can't believe that it's already here," senior linebacker/quarterback Joel Lanning said. "Five years ago, I was thinking my senior year would never get here. [Running through the tunnel for the last time] is going to be an awesome moment and it will be one of those things I'll probably remember for the rest of my life."
Success doesn't just happen, it is earned. Lanning, Allen Lazard and Jake Campos know that firsthand.
The trio, all raised in the shadows of Iowa State University in Central Iowa, felt drawn toward Ames and the feeling of home it gave them. Campos, who was originally committed to Missouri, said something kept bringing him back.
"I've been around Ames and it felt like home," Campos said. "That's kind of what I was trying to get away from, but really it's where I needed to be."Â
This senior class gutted their way through adversity and a coaching change, and kept coming back for more. Now, the seniors are reaping the benefits of their hard work, dedication and patience.
Lazard flirted with an opportunity to take his talents to the next level, but decided to return to Ames for one final season.
"I think staying [at Iowa State] has been one of the best decisions I've ever made," Lazard said. "To be able to be with my friends, teammates and coaches, enjoy the atmosphere of Jack Trice Stadium and the community one more time is something very special."Â
When Lazard hauled in the game-winning touchdown to down No. 3 Oklahoma in Norman, he thought it was much more than that. It embodied everything the senior class has been through at Iowa State.
"It was more than just a catch to me," Lazard said. "It defines what we've been going through. Those tough times. We started out that game down 14, but we were able to stick with each other and keep on pushing."
Down, but never out.
"Just like my career here at Iowa State where we didn't start off too well these first three years, but this year we're finally able to get something going," Lazard said.
Two of the biggest wins in Iowa State football history have helped send the senior class to the first bowl game of their careers. Unsurprisingly, none of them are worried about that
"We want to compete for a Big 12 championship," Lazard said.Â
While enjoying success on the field, Lanning, Lazard and Campos all agree that what happens behind closed doors in the locker room is what they will miss most.
"[I'll miss] being around all the guys all the time," Lanning said. "Doing stupid stuff inside the locker room or outside of football just messing around. Being around all the guys and the relationships I've made."
"I'll miss the people," Campos said. "There's all kinds of crazy stuff going on in the locker room that you're never going to get anywhere else and that's really special."
Thank you, 2017 seniors!
Players Mentioned
Jaylen Raynor 4_25_26 interview
Saturday, April 25
Zaimir Hawk 4_25_26 interview
Saturday, April 25
Tyler Roehl 2_25_26 interview
Saturday, April 25
Jesse Bobbit 4_25_26 interview
Saturday, April 25
