The ISU men’s track and field team will start off the 2014 indoor season with the Nittany Lion Challenge ‘all day event’  this Saturday in University Park, PA.  

“This weekend is going to be a rust buster for some of the guys. We’re going to open it up and let the guys stretch their legs after taking a break from cross country. For a few of the guys, it will be their first season and first time competing for Iowa State. It will be an exciting weekend for these guys to get out there and get the indoor season rolling,” said distance coach Jeremy Sudburg.

Redshirt Junior Alex Dillenbeck, a mile runner for the Cyclones, will be 1 of 6 being sent to the Nitney Lion Challenge.

“Everybodys been working really hard and the team has come together under the new leadership.  There should be alot of PR’s [personal records] and stand out performances throughout this year.” said Alex

Alex said, the men’s squad appears to be a well balanced one and they’re meshing well together.

“We have a lot of people doing a lot of different events,we should have a stand out guy in almost every event.”

At this point in the year the team is spread out competing in different meets until they come together as a whole at the Iowa State Classic. said Alex

“It’s about getting the athlete where they can have the best chance of getting thier best peformance, so that’s different meets all over the country.”

Although its too early in the season to tell Alex says the team is starting to click really well as they get back in shape and prepare for the big 12 season.

“We’re all just excited to get out there and race and see what kind of progress we’ve made coming off a good cross country season, and taking that motivation into the track season.”