News
December 01, 2025
What a Hawkeye fan at Casey's told Iowa State's MJ Gaitan before Cy-Hawk dual
Gaitan defeated 174-pounder Patrick Kennedy, scoring critical points in ISU's 20-14 win against Iowa.
**Hawkeye Banter Fuels Cyclone Victory: Fan's Words Before Dual Seemingly Inspire Gaitan**
A spirited exchange at a local Casey's convenience store might have inadvertently played a role in Iowa State's recent Cy-Hawk wrestling triumph. Before the highly anticipated dual meet against the University of Iowa, Iowa State wrestler MJ Gaitan had an encounter with a Hawkeye fan that ultimately fueled his performance and contributed to the Cyclones' 20-14 victory.
Details surrounding the specific words exchanged remain somewhat vague, but sources indicate a Hawkeye fan offered Gaitan some pre-match banter while he was at Casey's. While the exact nature of the exchange hasn't been publicly disclosed, it seems the fan's comments served as motivation for the Cyclone wrestler.
Gaitan, competing in the 174-pound weight class, faced off against Iowa's Patrick Kennedy in a pivotal match. With the team score hanging in the balance, Gaitan delivered a crucial victory for Iowa State. His win against Kennedy not only secured valuable points but also shifted the momentum in favor of the Cyclones.
The Cy-Hawk rivalry is known for its intensity, both on and off the mat. The passion of the fans often spills over, creating a charged atmosphere leading up to and during the competition. This latest anecdote highlights the deep-seated rivalry and the impact it has on the athletes involved.
While Gaitan's wrestling prowess and dedication are undoubtedly the primary reasons for his success, the incident at Casey's adds an intriguing layer to the story. It serves as a reminder that even seemingly insignificant interactions can have a profound impact on an athlete's mindset and performance. The Cyclones ultimately secured the overall win, adding another chapter to the storied history of the Cy-Hawk series. It's safe to say that the Hawkeye fan's pre-match words, intended or not, might have backfired, contributing to a Cyclone victory.
A spirited exchange at a local Casey's convenience store might have inadvertently played a role in Iowa State's recent Cy-Hawk wrestling triumph. Before the highly anticipated dual meet against the University of Iowa, Iowa State wrestler MJ Gaitan had an encounter with a Hawkeye fan that ultimately fueled his performance and contributed to the Cyclones' 20-14 victory.
Details surrounding the specific words exchanged remain somewhat vague, but sources indicate a Hawkeye fan offered Gaitan some pre-match banter while he was at Casey's. While the exact nature of the exchange hasn't been publicly disclosed, it seems the fan's comments served as motivation for the Cyclone wrestler.
Gaitan, competing in the 174-pound weight class, faced off against Iowa's Patrick Kennedy in a pivotal match. With the team score hanging in the balance, Gaitan delivered a crucial victory for Iowa State. His win against Kennedy not only secured valuable points but also shifted the momentum in favor of the Cyclones.
The Cy-Hawk rivalry is known for its intensity, both on and off the mat. The passion of the fans often spills over, creating a charged atmosphere leading up to and during the competition. This latest anecdote highlights the deep-seated rivalry and the impact it has on the athletes involved.
While Gaitan's wrestling prowess and dedication are undoubtedly the primary reasons for his success, the incident at Casey's adds an intriguing layer to the story. It serves as a reminder that even seemingly insignificant interactions can have a profound impact on an athlete's mindset and performance. The Cyclones ultimately secured the overall win, adding another chapter to the storied history of the Cy-Hawk series. It's safe to say that the Hawkeye fan's pre-match words, intended or not, might have backfired, contributing to a Cyclone victory.
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Sports