The Iowa State track and field team achieved remarkable success over the Valentine’s weekend, breaking six school records across three competitive meets. This performance not only highlights the team’s strength but also positions them as a formidable contender as they prepare for the upcoming indoor championships. The Cyclones will return to competition on February 20, 2024, participating in events in Iowa City and Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Valentine Invite Highlights Strong Middle-Distance Performances
During the Valentine Invite held in Boston, the Cyclones showcased exceptional talent, particularly in the middle-distance events. Senior Emanuel Galdino competed fiercely against a competitive field in the mile, finishing with a time of 4:00.01. His performance was complemented by senior Nathan Pestka, who clocked a personal best of 4:00.78. These accomplishments underscore Iowa State’s growing reputation among elite athletes, as the team gains momentum heading into critical championship events.
On the second day of the Valentine Invite, Galdino again demonstrated his prowess, solidifying the Cyclones’ status in the national rankings. Although no records fell on this day, the consistent performances affirmed the team’s readiness for the competitive season ahead.
Record-Setting Sprinting at the Tyson Invite
The Tyson Invite in Fayetteville marked another high point for Iowa State, particularly in the sprinting categories. On the first day, 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 preliminaries, and then improved it further in the finals with a time of 7.74 seconds.
Senior Rachel Joseph also had a standout performance in the 400m event, finishing in 51.53 seconds. The competitive environment of the Tyson Invite highlighted the Cyclones’ ability to excel against top-tier talent. On the second day, Joseph continued her record-breaking streak by setting a new benchmark in the 200m event, clocking a time of 23.63 seconds to break a long-standing 25-year-old record.
Freshman Matthew Shelly, returning to his home state of Arkansas, narrowly missed breaking the four-minute mile, further demonstrating the depth of talent within the team.
Impressive Results at the Husky Classic
The Husky Classic in Seattle provided another platform for the Cyclones to shine. The first day featured the women’s distance medley relay team, which broke another Iowa State school record. Sophomore Robin Kwemoi Bera delivered an outstanding performance in the 3,000m, recording one of the fastest times in program history. Additionally, sophomore Joash Ruto achieved a top-five all-time mark, reinforcing the Cyclones’ elite standing in collegiate athletics.
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 record in the 3,000m. Senior Rodgers Kiplimo also made headlines with a performance that propelled him to the number two spot all-time in Iowa State history for the 5,000m.
The Cyclones’ record-breaking weekend not only showcases individual talent but also highlights the team’s collective strength and determination as they approach the championship season. With the upcoming competitions, the Iowa State track and field team is poised to continue its impressive trajectory.
