House divided

CyHawk rivalries flourish within the Tague home

It is more than just a game. It is a tradition that splits Iowa households every fall, filling houses and tailgates with cardinal and gold and black and gold.

The Iowa-Iowa State football series dates all the way back to 1894, making it one of the oldest rivalries in college football with roots that stretch back more than 130 years. The two schools played 24 times between 1894 and 1934, then the series stayed dormant for 43 years but was finally revived in 1977.

Since the revival, the Cy-Hawk Game has become one of the most anticipated dates on the state of Iowa's calendar. It is as much a family event as it is a sporting one.

Iowa State has won the last two matchups, but still trails the Hawkeyes in the Iowa Corn CyHawk series 27-25.

While most people have no problems choosing their favorite team, others live in divided households, making for a more interesting, fun game.

The Tague family in Manson is one of those families.

Julie Tague is an Iowa State fan, while her husband, Mark Tague, is a die-hard Iowa fan.

"Mark enjoys making small bets with me and other friends about the outcomes," said Julie Tague. "The game can get heated, but it is all fun."

When it comes to friends and family, even most of Julie's seem to be Hawkeye fans.

"I'm usually in the minority; even my kids are Hawkeye fans," she said.

Julie is an Iowa State fan as that is her alma mater, so she has supported them for many years. "I found out how fun and exciting football games can be back in my college days, especially at the Iowa/Iowa State matchups," she said.

Mark Tague, on the other hand, became a Hawkeye fan when he was really young because of his dad.

"His dad has followed them ever since Dan Gable came from ISU to Iowa to be the head wrestling coach," Julie Tague said.

During the CyHawk game, the Tague's traditions are usually watching the game with friends and family.

"If it is nice out we bring the big screen TV outside to watch the game, and enjoy adult beverages and delicious munchies," she said.

"We have even watched the game outside with friends while camping," she added. "It is always a good time."

The CyHawk game is usually a very competitive game, and a great time to get together with friends and family for a little rivalry and some good old-fashioned fun.

It is a game the Tague's look forward to every year.

"Go Cyclones," Julie added, while Mark chimed in with a "Go Hawkeyes."

The University of Iowa and Iowa State University face-off today in Iowa City at Kinnick Stadium, with a 6:30 p.m. kickoff, which gives fans plenty of time to settle into their game-day traditions.