Hoiberg Hoists Little Cyclones: Iowa Time Machine March 11, 1991

Iowa Time Machine ⏰: On March 11, 1991, Fred Hoiberg poured in 51 points to propel Ames High School past Indianola and into the state tournament. Part of a run where ‘The Mayor’ helped the Little Cyclones to the state title, Hoiberg was just getting started making history in Ames.

Son of an Iowa State sociology professor father and elementary school teacher mother, Hoiberg grew up within walking distance of Iowa State’s Hilton Coliseum. By high school, Hoiberg stood out as a multisport athlete. A standout quarterback for the Little Cyclones, Hoiberg shined on the hardwood.

The Little Cyclones hadn’t appeared in the state tournament since 1976, but Hoiberg dominated during his senior season. His career-high, 51 points against Indianola, propelled the Little Cyclones to state. Later in the month, Ames hoisted the state championship trophy with a 79-63 win over Waterloo East. 

Named Iowa’s ‘Mr. Basketball’ for 1991, Hoibreg decided to head down the street to play for Johnny Orr’s Cyclones. Popular enough in Ames to garner numerous write-in votes for mayor, Hoiberg went on to etch his name in Iowa State history as a player and a coach. #IowaOTD #IowaHistoryDaily #IowaHistoryCalendar