Iowa History Daily: On March 5, 2003, legendary voice of the Cyclones Pete Taylor passed away. An icon on Iowa’s television and radio airwaves, Taylor left a lasting legacy of love which continues to resonate with Cyclone fans today.
Born and raised in Des Moines, Taylor attended Roosevelt High School. He headed east to Iowa City after graduating in 1967 to pursue higher education while also playing baseball for the Hawkeyes. His association with Iowa State started in 1970, covering Cyclone events for KRNT radio when he was KRNT (now KCCI)-TV's sports director. Taylor was chosen Iowa Sportscaster of the Year four times during his career as the director of Des Moines' top-rated news telecast from 1969-90. Taylor worked 22 years as sports director at KCCI-TV in Des Moines prior to joining the Iowa State staff.
In 1984, Iowa State signed a contract for exclusive broadcast rights for all sporting events with Clear Channel Communications. Taylor was picked alongside color man and partner Eric Heft, forming the broadcast tandem that spanned 24 years in basketball and 19 years in football.
In 1990, Taylor left KCCI to work full-time at Iowa State as director of athletic fundraising. He later was promoted to associate athletic director, serving as the department's liaison with men's basketball, football, the car program and special projects. In addition to his administrative and radio play-by-play duties, he also hosted the football coaches' TV Show, Cyclone Replay Show and radio call-in shows for both football and men's basketball. #IowaOTD #IowaHistoryDaily #IowaHistoryCalendar
