The Iowa State track and field team showcased an impressive performance over the Valentine’s weekend, breaking six school records across three meets. The Cyclones demonstrated their strength, securing NCAA top-10 marks, and are set to compete again on February 20, 2024, in Iowa City at the Iowa Open and Fayetteville, Arkansas, at the Arkansas Qualifier.
Valentine Invite Highlights Strong Performances
During the Valentine Invite in Boston, the Cyclones found their momentum, particularly within the middle-distance group. Senior Emanuel Galdino finished the mile event with a time of 4:00.01, narrowly missing the four-minute mark. His teammate, senior Nathan Pestka, also excelled, achieving a personal best time of 4:00.78. These performances indicate the Cyclones’ ability to compete at a high level as they approach the indoor championships.
On the second day of competition in Boston, Galdino continued to impress, solidifying the team’s reputation for distance running. Although no new records were set, the Cyclones maintained consistent times that highlight their ongoing development and readiness for upcoming challenges.
Record-Breaking Performances at Tyson Invite
The Tyson Invite in Fayetteville featured remarkable sprints and record-breaking achievements. Senior Daylin Williams made headlines by breaking the school record in the 60m hurdles not once, but twice. He first set a new record with a time of 7.76 seconds in the prelims before further improving it to 7.74 seconds in the finals. In the 400m event, senior Rachel Joseph delivered an outstanding performance, clocking in at 51.53 seconds.
The second day of the Tyson Invite was equally impressive, with Joseph rewriting history in the 200m event by breaking a 25-year-old record with a time of 23.63 seconds. The success of the sprinters significantly enhanced the team’s standing on the national stage. Freshman Matthew Shelly also made an impact, narrowly missing a four-minute mile as he competed in his home state of Arkansas.
Cyclones Excel at Husky Classic
At the Husky Classic in Seattle, day one featured the women’s distance medley relay team breaking another Iowa State school record. Sophomore Robin Kwemoi Bera delivered one of the fastest times in program history during the 3,000m event, while sophomore Joash Ruto achieved a top-five mark all-time, showcasing the Cyclones’ prowess in distance events.
Day two of the Husky Classic saw a flurry of record-breaking performances. Freshman Mercyline Kirwa set a school record in the 5,000m event, while sophomore Betty Kipkore broke the school’s 3,000m record. Senior Rodgers Kiplimo also made his mark, climbing to number two all-time in Iowa State history with an elite performance in the 5,000m race.
Overall, the Cyclones’ remarkable achievements over the weekend not only highlighted their individual talents but also reinforced the team’s competitive spirit as they prepare for future contests.
