The One Time A Year The State Splits Just For Fun
These buses sit side by side at the home of Tom and Mary Rielly in Oskaloosa and are very symbolic of the atmosphere around Iowa when Iowa and Iowa State square off in football.
Oskaloosa, Iowa – During an election year, there are enough polarized opinions to make a person wonder how we function as a state and or nation. But for one week, the residents of Iowa, whether permanent or short-term, move into two polar opposites. Many of them get into the spirit of it by carrying their Cyclone or Hawkeye banners to the nearest football party they can In anticipation for the big game.
A week long poll showed that 127 people believe the Iowa Hawkeyes will be bring home the Cy-Hawk Trophy, while 63 believe the Cyclones are going to be victorious. 9 people said they just didn’t care.
This ‘polar opposite’ is not all bad. At places like Mahaska Drug, they turn that rivalry into a charitable event. There, you could stock up on your favorite teams gear, grab lunch and donate to the local food bank. On Thursday alone, over 150 people made their way through the food line to grab some lunch and help the cause.
Former Hawkeye and current New York Giant Tyler Sash had his #GBNB gear set up as well. His foundation was also giving to the local food pantry, The Ecumenical Cupboard.
We posed the question to our Facebook readers as to why they believe the game is so important to the state and its residents.
Bob DeVore said, “it’s a healthy rivalry, kinda like it used to be between Osky/Pella”
Molly Kay Williams: “Because it’s something that everyone can get rallied up for. It’s something fun within the communities and people get really excited about it! Even the school districts become involved by getting studentswhere ear their favortie team. It’s something fun that everyone can enjoy.”
Oh yeah, and about that political thing and football. Mahaska County Supervisor Candidate Tom Rielly held a get together and fundraiser at his residence. It was easy to spot with two former school buses parked out front. One painted up in support of the Iowa State Cyclones, the other was all decked out for the Iowa Hawkeyes.
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