Iowa State University - Bomb Yearbook (Ames, IA)

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5|HE jFonb iHemoriesi THE UNDISPUTED TITLE. day of the contest that was to decide whether or not the ' OId Gold should wave triumphant over Iowa ' s Gridiron had come. By the middle of the forenoon, the greater part of the army of Ames- Iowa enthusiasts had reached the city. Special trains from Des Moines and Cedar Rapids, and heavy loads from the west and north had been pouring in for some time. State field was to be the scene of battle. By two o ' clock the forces of the Cardinal and Gold were gathered three thousand strong on the east side; on the west were the Old Golds, while at either end the hostile colors intermingled. Never was loyalty more strong. Around the standards were grayhaired men; men whose faces were well known in legislative halls; sober and calm-minded judges; robust and hardy farmers who had laid aside their cares for a time to rally once more around the old flag and shoot for their Alma Mater. The graduates of the last class or two were omnipresent, even the girls, with faces all aglow stood ready to advance, like the Amazons of old, to the defence of the flag they loved. The chimes pealed the half hour and a great cheer arose from the west side as the Old Gold varsity, massive yet active, battle scared warriors of many a fray, came upon the field. This cheer however, had no sooner died away than another, at first indistinct, but gradually growing louder like a peal of thunder, rolled simul- taneously along the east side as the Ames varsity squad, lighter but faster, eagerness and power eminating from every movement, trotted out single file. Stripping off their sweaters, both teams went through a little warm- ing-up practice while goals were being chosen. Iowa won the toss and chose the north goal with the wind at their backs. The players took their positions, every nerve under control, every muscle tense with determination. Iowa ready? Captain Mac Ilhinney of Ames? There was not a sound around the whole field save the slight rustle of the wind in the falling maple leaves back of the bleachers, and in the gentle flapping of the canvas wall around the south half of the field. Both sides were waiting breathlessly for the signal which would start the hottest football contest in the West,