Crossword puzzle clue "start to state"

Article of tropical apparel ... whose start is a state nickname for the state indicated by the circled squares

Secretariat's mother, for one ... whose start is a state nickname for the state indicated by the circled squares

Emergency worker ... whose start is a state nickname for the state indicated by the circled squares

Biblical idol ... whose start is a state nickname for the state indicated by the circled squares

Catchphrase shouted in "Jerry Maguire" ... whose start is a state nickname for the state indicated by the circled squares

Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Northwestern, Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue and Wisconsin

Helps (a start-up) start up

Start's start?