ABOUT THE BOOK
FANATIC: Stories from
20 Years Inside Iowa State
For more than 20 years, I’ve had a front-row seat to the biggest names and games in the history of Iowa State athletics. Fanatic is a curated collection of stories and observations I’ve gathered in that time. The moments that shaped programs, defined leaders, and revealed what it truly means to be a Cyclone.
Why did Matt Campbell stay when so many
experts predicted he’d bounce for greener pastures? What first drew T.J. Otzelberger to Iowa State, and how did that bond help him become one of the most respected coaches in college basketball? What really happened during the Big 12’s “missile crisis?”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Chris Williams has spent more than 20 years shaping the sports media landscape in Iowa.
He is the Publisher of Cyclone Fanatic, one of the largest independent college sports media outlets in the country, and the Founder of Iowa Everywhere, a statewide digital platform dedicated to telling Iowa’s stories through sports and culture.
A trusted voice for Cyclone fans, Williams has covered Iowa State athletics across print, radio, television, and digital media, earning a reputation as both a storyteller and community builder. Born and raised in Clarinda, Iowa, Williams also happens to be a devoted motorsports fan, country music enthusiast, and weekend pitmaster.
He lives in central Iowa with his wife Ashley, their daughters Camryn and Elyse, and the family dog Diffie, who collectively keep him busier than a Big 12 schedule.
I’ll take you behind the scenes of Iowa State’s biggest games and most pivotal coaching searches.
This book pulls back the curtain on those
moments and more.
I hope you will enjoy reading stories from many of the heaviest hitters in Iowa State athletics in the modern era. I know you, like me, will gain a greater understanding and appreciation for what it means to be a Cyclone — and the blood, sweat and tears that we sign up for to support the cardinal and gold.
Testimonials
Georges Niang
ISU Basketball Legend
“Chris Williams has known me since I was a 17-year-old kid and has remained a constant positive light in my life. Whether it 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.”
John Walters
The Voice of the Cyclones
“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!"
TJ Otzelberger
ISU Men's Basketball Head Coach
“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.”
Fred Hoiberg
ISU Basketball Legend
“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!”
Keith Murphy
Iowa Everywhere
“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.
I have no doubt Cyclone fans and even non-fans will enjoy these all-access, untold stories. You couldn't find a better person to tell them. "
© 2025 Chris Williams |
Website & Hosting by WebWise Solutions