Iowa State University head women’s basketball coach Bill Fennelly may have put it best when he told Raccoon Valley Radio, “We couldn’t start the tour any better. I don’t care how big a town we go to from here on out, they’re going to have a hard time beating what Paton did today.” The Greene County community of 285 (give or take) residents hosted the first stop of the Cyclones’ Tailgate Tour at noon on Tuesday. Nearly 200 people ate lunch at 209 Main, and many more stayed on the street outside the restaurant because Fennelly, men’s basketball coach Fred Hoiberg, football coach Paul Rhodes, Director of Athletics Jamie Pollard, and the radio voice of the Cyclones John Walters, all stayed on the street. It’s safe to say the population of Paton easily doubled over the noon hour on Tuesday. Autographs were signed, photos were taken, hands were shaken, and more than a few hugs were given out to fans by the ISU contingent. Cy the mascot was on hand, as were ISU cheerleaders. Prizes were drawn for and the celebration of “all things ISU” was conducted under a festive atmosphere.

Interviews with the ISU athletic dignitaries are airing on Raccoon Valley Radio sports at 7:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 5:30 p.m.

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo was the Tuesday night stop on the tour.

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