"Fanatic: Stories From 20 Years Inside Iowa State" is both a love letter to Cyclone Nation and an insider's chronicle of the modern era of Iowa State athletics. Written by Cyclone Fanatic co-founder Chris Williams, the book brings fans closer than ever to the moments, people, and turning points that have defined two decades of football and basketball in Ames.
Williams draws on exclusive interviews with the figures who helped shape the Cyclones' story: athletics director Jamie Pollard, football coaches Matt Campbell, Paul Rhoads, and Dan McCarney, and basketball leaders T.J. Otzelberger, Fred Hoiberg, and Greg McDermott, among others. Their voices, paired with Williams' perspective as both a journalist and longtime fan, offer a rare behind-the-scenes look at the decisions, challenges, and victories that made Iowa State what it is today.
From the drama of the so-called "Big 12 Missile Crisis" to the rise of Hilton Magic's next generation, Williams not only recalls history but also reopens the doors to the what-ifs that continue to linger in Cyclone fans' minds. What if conference realignment had gone differently? What if McDermott's tenure had taken another path? These hypotheticals sit alongside vivid retellings of monumental victories and heartbreaking defeats, guiding readers through the emotional rollercoaster of following the Cyclones through an era of dramatic change.
Williams weaves in his personal experiences covering Iowa State, from partying with fans in the dungeon of King Jerry Lawler's Hall of Fame Bar & Grille to witnessing the greatest rivalry in the state unfold year after year. The result is a book that feels deeply personal yet universally relatable for anyone who has ever invested their heart in a team.
For longtime fans, Fanatic offers celebration, nostalgia, and context, reminding readers of how far the Cyclones have come since the early 2000s. For newer fans, it provides a roadmap through the twists and turns that built today's programs, illuminating the people and events that still shape Iowa State athletics. And for all readers, it's an invitation to celebrate a community that has grown stronger through adversity, bonded by the shared experience of loving the Cyclones.
Packed with insider detail, candid reflection, and a clear passion for Iowa State, "Fanatic: Stories From 20 Years Inside Iowa State" captures the soul of Cyclone athletics at a pivotal time in its history. It's a must-read for anyone who has ever yelled "Go State!," whether from the stands of Jack Trice Stadium, the seats of Hilton Coliseum, or their couch at home.
Industry Reviews
GEORGES NIANG
Chris Williams has known me since I was a 17-year-old kid and has remained a constant positive light in my life. Whether he was encouraging me to push through the tough times of college basketball struggles or celebrating the glory of winning Big 12 championships and continuing my career in the pros, Chris has always been reliable, a trusted friend, and a Cyclone. I know this book is amazing because not only does Chris have a great perspective on Cyclone history that he has lived, but he also does a great job of taking others' perspectives and putting them into words. He has done it masterfully for years and continues to do so to this day.
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JOHN WALTERS
When Iowa State played in Dublin this year, I walked by Saint Patrick's Cathedral, which was founded in 1191. The architecture was astonishing to me, and I thought, "How could you have possibly built something like this in 1191?" The answer, of course, is literally brick by brick. And that's exactly how Chris Williams has built Cyclone Fanatic.
Chris is a builder. He builds relationships. He builds trust. And he builds up other people. He's given so much back to the community through the years. I'm thankful to call him a friend, and I can't wait to read this book, because I know that Chris carries the gene that makes Cyclone Nation so special - the passion of the fan base. Loyal sons, forever true. Chris is one of us!
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T.J. OTZELBERGER
"Fanatic" is a must read for all Cyclone fans! The stories Chris has from his 20 years of covering Iowa State are engaging and something fans will enjoy for years to come.
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FRED HOIBERG
Chris always covered our program with respect and passion. I'm excited for fans to read some of the inside stories from his time chronicling Iowa State. Fanatic is the perfect gift for any Cyclone fan!
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KEITH MURPHY
I first worked with Chris Williams 20 years ago when he was an eager intern at WHO 13. Chris had big responsibilities, like our Cyclone Insider segment, and small ones, like feeding Andy's dog. He was good at both, though he once appeared on a newscast looking like an unmade bed. The dog never complained.
Chris would go on to bigger and better things as Cyclone Fanatic guru and creator of the fast-growing, ahead of its time, Iowa Everywhere. Chris saw the media world changing before most realized just how dramatic it would be. If he's not the king of local media, he's working on it.
Most of all when I think of Chris Williams,
