The versatility of Iowa State defensive back Ben Nikkel has paid off as a senior. Nikkel walked on at Iowa State after a standout career at McPherson College in Kansas and was a regular on four special teams units for ISU last season. He was awarded a scholarship at practice this week.

Nikkel says he always wanted to know if he could make it at the highest level.

Nikkel says the things available to players off the field at Iowa State have helped make him a better player.

Nikkel says special teams have been his way to contribute to the team.

The Cyclones open at home on September second against Northern Iowa.

AMES, Iowa – Iowa State University will launch the officially licensed Iowa State 1858 Vodka just in time for tailgating season. The university branded spirit comes as a result of collaboration between the University’s Athletics and Trademark Licensing departments, along with athletic media rights holder LEARFIELD/Cyclone Sports Properties, licensing agent CLC, Iowa Distilling Company and the We Will Collective.

“As we continue to grow our offerings to Iowa State fans, we are excited at the opportunity to collaborate with organizations like the Iowa Distilling Company and the We Will Collective that have direct ties to Iowa State and its community,” said Leesha Zimmerman, the University’s Director of Trademark Licensing. “Launching Iowa State 1858 Vodka with these partners alongside LEARFIELD and CLC illustrates the limitless potential we have in elevating the Cyclone fan experience.”

Iowa Distilling Company is one of the state’s largest native distilleries and bottles seven award winning spirits including its flagship Prairie Fire Cinnamon Whiskey, Saints ‘n Sinners Apple Pie, Zone Vodka, Steel Drum Rum, IDC Straight Bourbon, and Rocket Fuel.

“Iowa Distilling Company is proud to bottle a vodka that gives back to ISU Athletics and the We Will Collective,” said Kyle Doyle, president of Iowa Distilling Company. “We have created a spirit that Iowa State fans, supporters and alumni can be proud to enjoy at home or out with friends.”

The We Will Collective is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, governed by a volunteer board of Iowa State alums and former staff, who give their time, energy, and resources to help it become a force for good in the Iowa State community through NIL opportunities for student-athletes.

“We are thrilled to partner with Iowa Distilling, Iowa State and Learfield/Cyclone Sports Properties for this unique collaboration that positively impacts so many areas including the work we’re doing at We Will in the Central Iowa community with Cyclone student-athletes,” added Brent Blum, We Will Collective executive director.

“It is tremendous to see this type of partnership executed which brings together cross-discipline entities to provide ISU fans an elevated product experience with a home-grown connection,” said Chris Andrews, Cyclone Sports Vice President and General Manager. “Iowa State 1858 Vodka is a unique spirit offering that demonstrates the potential that lies within in true collaboration.”

Iowa State 1858 Vodka will be available at participating retailers. Visit the Iowa, https://iowadistilling.com/IowaState1858/ for the latest news and information.

About Iowa State University

Considered the nation’s most student-centered public research university, Iowa State University is home to nearly 30,000 students. With six undergraduate colleges, a graduate college, and a college of Veterinary medicine, students have access to more than 100 programs of study and 800 student clubs and organizations. It is known worldwide for its excellence in science and technology, discovery and innovation; and its student-centered culture with faculty and staff who are dedicated to student success.

About Iowa Distilling

Our spirits have a way of making you feel like you’re exactly where you want to be. And that’s no accident. We are locals. We’re from here and we’ve chosen to stay here. Not because we have to, but because this place is who we are. We’ve done our homework. We’ve put in the time. We were one of the first in the state to get a native-distilling license. That means our aged spirits are aged right here in Iowa. We’ve researched our craft tirelessly to make sure every bottle we produce is our best product, every time. But the real knowledge behind our operation comes from the fact that we are true Iowans. We know the farmers who grow the corn. The hands that distill and then distill again. And often times, the people behind the bar serving every last drop.

So, you can put our flagship Prairie Fire Cinnamon Whiskey, Saints ‘n Sinners Apple Pie, Zone Vodka, Steel Drum Rum, IDC Straight Bourbon and Rocket Fuel on your top shelf, if that’s your style. Introducing the latest spirit to join the Iowa Distilling family, Iowa State 1858 Vodka, the official sponsor of the Iowa State Cyclones. But regardless of where you keep the bottle, welcome to the family.

About We Will Collective

The We Will Collective is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, governed by a volunteer board. The board is made up of Iowa State alums and former staff, who give their time, energy, and resources to help We Will Collective become a force for good in our community. We believe that NIL should be used to grow the character of athletes and to benefit our communities. The We Will Collective is a way to uphold our values as Cyclones, while still competing in the new era of college athletics.

About LEARFIELD

LEARFIELD is a media, data, and technology services leader in intercollegiate athletics. The company unlocks the value of college sports for brands and fans through an omnichannel platform with innovative content and commerce solutions. LEARFIELD services include licensing and collegiate sports properties’ multimedia sponsorship management; publishing, audio, digital and social media; data analytics and insights; ticketing software; and ticket sales, premium seating, and fundraising services; branding; campus-wide business and sponsorship development. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for NACDA’s acclaimed LEARFIELD Directors’ Cup, recognizing athletic departments across all divisions.

Strong numbers and lots of returnees highlight the 2023 Atlantic cross country roster. Trojan head coach Dan Vargason said he is really pleased with the competition they will have throughout the lineup with such great participation.

On the girls side there is a big spot to fill with the loss of All-State runner Ava Rush, but the rest of the core returns led by Claire Pellett.

The boys return all of their varsity runners from last season and Coach Vargason loves the leadership that a number of guys have shown.

Coach Vargason said they really try to understand what kids want to get out of their experience and a great encouraging team atmosphere has naturally developed.

Ashley Mosier is joining the coaching staff this year and Coach Vargason said she is a great addition.

The Trojan cross country teams will open the season on August 26th at the Glenwood Invitational.

Irving, TX – Today, the Big 12 Conference has announced that tickets for the 2023 Dr Pepper Big 12 Football Championship game will go on sale Saturday, August 12 at Noon CT.

New for this year, tickets will be available across nine price levels ranging from $99-$350. They can be purchased online only via SeatGeek at https://big12.us/3i564VW.

The 2023 Big 12 Football Championship Game will kickoff at 11 a.m. CT on Saturday, December 2 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Tickets will not be sold through the Big 12 Conference office or the AT&T Stadium Ticket Office. A limited supply of all-inclusive premium club seating will be available for purchase at a later date. For all-inclusive premium club information, please contact tickets@big12sports.com.

Each participating university will be allotted approximately 7,000 tickets, which will become available upon qualification for the championship and distributed by the respective participants’ ticket offices. Roughly 1,500 student tickets at $65 each will also be sold through the participants’ ticket offices only.

NASSAU, Bahamas – The Iowa State men’s basketball team closed its foreign tour to the Bahamas with a 79-66 victory over the Puerto Rico National Team Wednesday afternoon at the Imperial Ballroom.

The Cyclones held an 18-12 lead after the opening quarter and pushed the lead to 35-26 at the half. Iowa State opened the second half on a 19-3 run, extending the lead to 54-29. Puerto Rico answered with a run of its own, cutting the lead to 59-41 going into the fourth quarter. Puerto Rico held a 25-20 advantage in the fourth quarter.

“I was pleased with the way we started the game today,” Iowa State Head Coach T.J. Otzelberger said. “Our veteran players have done a great job in these three games of setting the tone and being leaders for our younger guys.”

Keshon Gilbert led the Cyclones with 18 points, while Jackson Paveletzke and Curtis Jones had 14 and 12 respectively. Tre King and Tamin Lipsey each had 10 points. Hason Ward had a game-high eight rebounds, while C. Jones and Lipsey each had five. Gilbert and King added four boards each. Lipsey added to his impressive stat line with nine assists, while Gilbert did the same with six assists. Lipsey finished with a game-high four steals, while C. Jones had a pair. King and Milan Momcilovic each blocked a shot.

“We had really good scoring balance in our three games, with three different guys leading us,” Otzelberger said.

Iowa State will open the regular season Nov. 6 at Hilton Coliseum against Green Bay.

The Sioux City Bandits are joining a new indoor football league. Bandits Owner Don Belsen announced they will play the 2024 season as a member of the National Arena League.

The Bandits had been part of the Champions Indoor Football League, but Belsen says this will be a good move for the franchise.

The Bandits rival, the Omaha Beef is also moving to the N-A-L. The league currently has seven teams with five on the east coast and two in Texas.

Iowa State coach Matt Campbell says it will take the entire month of August to determine who the starting quarterback will be in the season opener against Northern Iowa. After starting all 12 games last season Hunter Dekkers is not in fall camp after being charged in a gambling investigation. Redshirt freshman Rocco Becht, junior college transfer Tanner Hughes and true freshman J.J. Kohl are competing for the job.

Campbell says the two keys are leadership and protecting the football.

Campbell would not rule out playing multiple quarterbacks in the opener and it is something he has done at Iowa State and his previous stop at Toledo.

AMES, Iowa – The Iowa State soccer program will wrap up preseason play on Thursday, August 10, as it travels to Saint Paul to face off with Minnesota in both schools’ final exhibition before the regular season. Thursday night’s contest is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.

This marks the second straight season that Iowa State and Minnesota will meet up for an exhibition match to end the preseason. Last year, Iowa State and Minnesota tied with a 1-1 final.

This will be Iowa State’s final tune-up before the regular season which begins on August 17. The Cyclones head to Minnesota after defeating UNI in an exhibition, 2-1, on Monday evening in Cedar Falls.

The Matchup: Iowa State at Minnesota

Where: Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium // Saint Paul, Minnesota

When: August 10 – 6 p.m.

What To Watch For 

• With it being an exhibition, expect the Cyclones to throw multiple different players and lineups out.
• The Cyclones will look to implement 11 newcomers into the fray this season, as five freshmen and six transfers will look to find their place in the rotation.
• Iowa State is looking to settle the most competitive preseason battle in exhibition play, as four goalkeepers are vying to replace program legend Jordan Silkowitz who went on be drafted into the NWSL this past winter.
• ISU lost 50% of its scoring production in the offseason, so finding offensive production will be another key in preseason action. The Cyclones received goals from both Sophia Thomas and Hannah Shaw in Monday night’s exhibition.
• ISU has just one returning player who started all 17 games last season in Mira Emma and only four players (Emma, Lauren Hernandez, Hanna Reid, Sophia Thomas) competed in every outing.
• Besides the new player faces on the sidelines, ISU fans may also notice a new pair of coaches as Kathleen Duwve (assistant/goalkeepers coach) and Olivia Seddon (soccer development coordinator) joined the team over the summer.

On Deck
Following the final exhibition match, Iowa State will turn its attention to the regular season and prepare for Arizona. The Cyclones and Wildcats are set to square off on August 17 at 6 p.m. on Big 12 Now on ESPN+. 

STAMFORD, Conn. – NBCUniversal celebrates the inaugural “B1G Day” Thursday, Aug. 10, with integrations across NBC Sports, NBC News, NBC Entertainment and Universal Parks, engaging with fans through interactive social posts, and giveaways. NBC Sports, which kicks off its Big Ten football coverage on NBC and Peacock on Sept. 2, joins the Big Ten Conference and its media partners in looking ahead to the kickoff of the 2023 college football season.

NBCUniversal “B1G Day” activations and engagements include:

• Big Ten promotion across NBC Sports’ properties such as the NFL, MLB Sunday Leadoff, and GOLF Channel.

• Big Ten integrations across the NBCUniversal portfolio including:

• • A B1G Day themed TODAY Show segment featuring school mascots
  • Set takeovers across ACCESS Hollywood shows
  • An NBC Sports Grill & Brew takeover at Universal Parks Orlando and Hollywood

• NBCUniversal campuses across the U.S. and globally will celebrate “Big Ten Day” with themed tailgate and experiences

• Big Ten schools will generate excitement with their students, alumni, and fans nationwide across their social and digital platforms.

• Fans can celebrate the upcoming college football season on “Big Ten Day” by breaking out Big Ten school colors and using #BigTenDay across social media platforms.

• Fans will also have the chance to win B1G with NBC Sports’ “Big Ten Day” giveaway:

• • To enter for a chance to win, fans can wear their favorite jersey and share photos of their school pride with the hashtags, ‘#BigTenDay #BigTenDayGiveaway’
  • Prizes include a trip to a 2024 B1G Saturday Night game, coffee deliveries to kickstart B1G Day, branded bucket hats, custom tailgate coolers, and flat screen TVs, so fans will be well-equipped for the start of the Big Ten college football season on NBC and Peacock on Saturday, Sept. 2

NBC Sports’ Big Ten Football package features Big Ten Saturday Night on NBC and Peacock – marking the first time ever that Big Ten Football will have a dedicated weekly primetime game on a national broadcast network. – and nine exclusive games on Peacock.

The Riverside Bulldog football team struggled in 2022. The Bulldogs managed to nab two wins, one against Sidney and the other at home facing Missouri Valley. However, the two wins felt small compared to an overall record of (2-7). Head Coach Darrell Frain acknowledges that even with how competitive the Bulldogs were last season, a losing record is a hard pill to swallow.

So now the offseason has been dedicated to conditioning and the weight room. Coach Frain wants his players to be in shape and ready for moments when being conditioned really matters.

This summer Coach Frain has seen quite a few of his players dedicated to doing the little things that coaches like to see. The starters returning this year do show a strong promise for the fall. Players like Senior, Grady Jeppesen who learned tremendously under center last year. He had a completion percentage of 54%, nearly threw for 1300 yards, and notched 11 touchdown throws on the year. He’ll be accompanied by Senior, Kyler Rieken who rushed for 179 yards and 3 scores.

The talent coming back will be a big help for Coach Frain and the Bulldogs. Especially considering the tough schedule they face this year.

Riverside starts its season August 25th, on the road against the West Monona Spartans.

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