Iowa State University Athletics
Cy's Favorite Alum: John and Kay Mortimer
10.04.2019 | Athletics
Long time Iowa State Cyclone Club members, John and Kay Mortimer reflect on their time in Ames.
Being the second-generation member of the Mortimer family to attend Iowa State, John has proudly watched his and Kay's children graduate from ISU. The fourth generation continues this loyal tradition, with one grandchild already graduated from Iowa State and two currently enrolled.
John Mortimer has been a member of the Cyclone Club since graduating from Iowa State in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Farm Operations.
In addition to the Cyclone Club, John has also been part of the Dallas Center Rotary Club for 50 years. John was inducted into the Iowa Cattleman Hall of Fame in 2002 and is involved in the Cattleman's Beef Quarter at the Iowa State Fair. He has been with them for 35 years, being the President and General Manager of the Beef Quarter, which was founded in 1985.
John likes to stay busy, being in Iowa State activities and other activities that have defined him. He is always trying to find ways to help the community and Cyclone events.
John has been heavily involved with the Cyclone sports by being a part of the Gridiron Club and the Iowa State Letterwinner's Club.
During his time at Iowa State, John was the football manager from 1960-63 and has many great memories from the games he attended. Being the football manager took time and dedication and included traveling to all away games with the team.
"Today, much has changed. We used to pack a van full of supplies and take it to the airport and fly with about thirty players to each away game," said John. "Times have definitely changed."
John was a freshman when Iowa State had its 1959 "Dirty Thirty." The next year John became a team manager.
The "Dirty Thirty" team which consisted of thirty players that ended the season with a 7-3 record, tying Oklahoma for the best record in the conference.
John and Kay have both been to many Iowa State games throughout their time and have made so many great friendships and memories, but some of the memories that stand out are the game in Norman when Iowa State beat Oklahoma in 1961. Other favorite Cyclone memories include attending Big 12 Basketball Tournaments, the 1977 Peach Bowl in Atlanta and more recently the Alamo Bowl.
John and Kay love and support Iowa State unconditionally and have had football season tickets ever since John graduated from Iowa State. They also have held season basketball tickets for 48 years, since the opening of Hilton Coliseum. It's been a proud tradition of support they hope to keep alive in the Mortimer family.
Jamie Pollard, Iowa State's Athletic Director, talks about John and Kay and how their effect on Iowa State is unmatched.
"We are very excited to honor John and Kay Mortimer as this year's recipient of Cy's Favorite Alums," said Pollard. "John Mortimer graduated from Iowa State University in 1964 and helped out the football team by becoming the football manager.
"John and Kay have been involved with Cyclone sports by being a part of the Cyclone Club, Gridiron Club and ISU Letterwinner's Club and have been season ticket holders for more than 55 years. There is not a family more deserving. It is truly an honor for us to recognize John and Kay with this year's award."
Thank you for your support of Iowa State Athletics, John and Kay Mortimer!
