Cyclone Football Players Show Their Appreciation

AMES, Iowa - Iowa State football players and staff members showed the construction crew building the new video screen for Jack Trice Stadium their appreciation on Tuesday.

Organized by Assistant Director of Operations, Markus Alleyne, Cyclone football players cooked lunch for the Baker Group construction workers. Redshirt sophomore Ethan Tuftee manned the grill and cooked hot dogs, while senior Stephen Ruempolhamer and redshirt junior Drew Davis helped set up the table for pasta salad and condiments.

"This was an idea that myself and head football coach Paul Rhoads conceived of," Alleyne said. "We know that these guys are working hard to get the new board up on time for the start of the season and we're all appreciative, so we decided to grab a couple of our guys, and one of the best chefs on the team, Ethan Tuftee, to cook lunch for the workers."

The 6-foot-4-inch, 310-pound Tuftee enjoyed cooking over 40 hot dogs and grills out when he can during the summer nights.

"This crew is working hard and I don't think they get quite the appreciation they deserve," Tuftee said. "It's just our way of saying thank you."

When news of the job first surfaced at Baker Group, everyone wanted to be a part of it. Many workers jumped at the opportunity to be a part of the addition to Jack Trice Stadium.

"It's not an every day job," said construction worker Chad Welch. "We're all excited about doing it, and definitely happy to be up here."

Click the "play" link in the photo above or visit the embedded media player below to see a short video clip.

Video: Football Players Grill For Construction Workers