Kids and adults alike jumped with joy as a big bird named Herky came running down the halls of the South Tama Elementary school. Last Friday, the ROTC came galloping through town as part of the annual Cy-Hawk game ball run.

Friday had every sports fan in the state picking sides and getting psyched up for the big game. Around noon, with a police escort, dozens of ROTC cadets came running through town. As they arrived at the elementary school, they were greeted by three students that were especially chosen for having shown good character, and working hard. Once inside the school, Herky and the cadets ran around in the lunchroom before heading into each pod.

Chanted screams could be heard around the school for both the Cyclones and the Hawkeyes as each grade got a chance to high-five the ROTC members. It goes without saying that Herky himself was the biggest hit at the elementary school.

The big bird was greeted by screams of delight from every classroom by teachers and students both. This hawk brought a wonderful interlude to the middle of what was sure to be a usual humdrum school day for some. Whether you wore red and yellow or black and gold, everyone had fun.