Iowa History Daily: On February 29, 1908, Drake and Iowa State met in basketball for the first time. The boys from Ames claimed a 36-16 victory, setting the tone for a series which currently stands at 110-65 all-time in Iowa State’s favor.
The first campaign for Iowa State, the S. Clyde Williams led the Cyclone hoopers. Williams, eventual namesake of Iowa State’s football stadium, grew up in Shelby, Iowa, and played at University of Iowa. After graduation, Williams arrived in Ames to coach football and also helped start the basketball program.
Drake’s basketball history dates back to 1906, when the Bulldogs boasted a 2-1 record before serving as a charter member of the Missouri Valley Conference the following year. Charles Pell served as the first Drake basketball coach while also coaching the football team.
With the two teams both hitting the hardwood during the first decade of the 1900s, the stage was set for a showdown between the two fledgling programs to meet in early 1908. Iowa State held Drake to a single basket during the first half, leading the Des Moines Register to write “Ames played circles around Drake.” #IowaOTD #IowaHistoryDaily #IowaHistoryCalendar
