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Our Story
Step into the world of Cyclone athletics like never before with “Cye of the Storm.” Join former ISU legends, “Big Play” Brent Curvey and Marcus Fizer, as they offer an exclusive athlete’s perspective on all things Cyclone football and basketball. Every week, these two Iowa State icons take you through the highs, the lows, and the unforgettable moments of Cyclone sports. Whether it’s a thrilling victory on the gridiron or a slam-dunk on the hardwood, Brent and Marcus have been there, done that, and are here to give you the inside scoop.
But “Cye of the Storm” is more than just a trip down memory lane. It’s your go-to source for the latest updates, recaps, and previews of ISU’s athletic endeavors. Get ready for in-depth analysis, candid discussions, and lively banter that only these legends can provide. They’ll break down the plays, strategies, and moments that define Cyclone sports.
And the excitement doesn’t end there! “Cye of the Storm” also welcomes special guests from the Cyclone community. You never know when a fellow ISU great or an up-and-coming star will drop by to share their experiences and insights.
Brent "Big Play" Curvey
Brent “Big Play” Curvey is a former Iowa State football legend, professional athlete, and now the proud co-owner of Coaches Kolaches, a Texas-style kolache shop located in Urbandale, Iowa. Known for his power on the football field and now for his passion in the kitchen, Curvey’s journey is a true Iowa success story rooted in grit, heart, and hustle.
A native of Houston, Texas, Curvey became a defensive force at Iowa State University from 2003 to 2006. He earned First Team All-Big 12 honors in 2005 and was ranked among the top defensive tackles in the nation. With 17 career sacks and three defensive touchdowns—including a memorable 66-yard pick-six—he left a lasting mark on Cyclone football. After college, Brent spent time with the Carolina Panthers, the Saskatchewan Roughriders (winning a Grey Cup), and eventually became a fan favorite with the Iowa Barnstormers, where he led the team in sacks and was named All-League.
After retiring from football, Brent transitioned his energy into entrepreneurship, launching Coaches Kolaches in 2017 alongside his wife, Patrice. Inspired by the kolaches he grew up eating in Texas, the duo brought authentic sweet and savory kolaches to the Midwest. Their menu includes hits like the "Astro" kolache—brisket and jalapeño cheddar sausage wrapped in their signature dough—and has earned them loyal fans across the Des Moines metro.
Today, Brent applies the same work ethic that earned him his football nickname to every aspect of the bakery—often starting his day before sunrise to hand-roll dough and serve up fresh kolaches with a side of southern charm. As a proud Black business owner and community supporter, he’s not only feeding his neighbors but inspiring them through resilience, passion, and pride.
Whether on the field or in the kitchen, Brent Curvey has always delivered big plays—and he's just getting started.
Marcus Fizer
Marcus Fizer is one of the most iconic players in Iowa State basketball history and a former NBA lottery pick whose career left a lasting impact both in college and around the globe. Born August 10, 1978, in Inkster, Michigan, and raised in Louisiana, Fizer made national headlines as a McDonald’s All-American before becoming the first—and only—such player to sign with Iowa State.
From 1997 to 2000, Fizer became a dominant force in the Big 12 under head coach Larry Eustachy. As a junior, he averaged 22.8 points per game, led Iowa State to a Big 12 regular-season and tournament championship, and helped propel the Cyclones to the NCAA Elite Eight. That same season, he earned Big 12 Player of the Year honors and was named a Consensus First-Team All-American. By the end of his college career, he had scored over 1,800 points and established himself as one of the most decorated players to ever wear a Cyclone uniform.
Fizer was selected 4th overall in the 2000 NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls, reuniting him with former college coach Tim Floyd. He went on to play four seasons in Chicago, averaging nearly 10 points and 5 rebounds per game and earning NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors. His pro career also included time with the Milwaukee Bucks and the New Orleans Hornets, as well as an MVP season in the NBA D-League with the Austin Toros.
After his NBA tenure, Fizer continued playing professionally overseas, with stops in Spain, Israel, Puerto Rico, Taiwan, Argentina, Bahrain, and Mexico, proving his skills translated worldwide.
In 2015, Fizer was inducted into the Iowa State Athletics Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as a Cyclone great. From dominating Big 12 courts to traveling the world through basketball, Marcus Fizer's journey reflects talent, perseverance, and a lasting love for the game.
Dave Larson
Dave Larson is co-host of In the Cye of the Storm and bounces in and out of the other 3 Beards Media podcasts as a pure fan. An Iowa State alum and longtime ISU football season ticket holder, there are very few football or basketball games he has missed. Dave is the senior Human Resources leader for a major Iowa beverage company and when not watching the Cyclones enjoys distance road running where he listens to many podcasts. At double speed. @HRRunnerGuy
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