Matt Campbell Creates An Award Honoring ISU Fan Nick Bassett

Iowa State football coach Matt Campbell is making sure that the memory of one of the Cyclone's biggest fans lives on forever, and I couldn't be happier. Nick Bassett lived for Iowa State football, and now the courage he showed throughout his life won't be forgotten.

The Des Moines Register reports that Campbell has created the Nick Bassett Perseverance Award. It will recognize two Cyclone players each year at the end of spring practice. The winners will be chosen by other players who show the same characteristics that Nick did; a positive spirit, perseverance, and selflessness. Bassett struggled with health issues his entire life. I met him at one of the first CMN Radiothons that I ever did for KHAK. Even back then his spirit and attitude inspired everyone he spoke to.

Bassett's health took a turn for the worse, and he had to have both of his legs amputated. He didn't let that stop him from seeing his beloved Cyclones. The Register reports that he set a goal of being physically ready for the 2021 football season. Head coach Matt Campbell visited Bassett while in the hospital. Nick reached his goal and was there for the first game of the season at Jack Trice Stadium. He was even featured on ESPN's 'College Game Day' program.

The Register reports that head coach Matt Campbell visited with Bassett during his final days in the hospital, and also spoke at his funeral which was held on the south side of Jack Trice Stadium. Campbell said that he would continue to find ways to honor Nick Bassett. The new award is just the beginning. Congratulations to the first two winners of the Nick Bassett Award for Perseverance, Zach Ross and Tayvonn Kyle.