Women

Betsy Saina and Meaghan Nelson have become synonymous with Iowa State cross country in the past years. 

Nelson, a two time All-American, finished 20th in 2012 at the national championship. Saina, a five time All-American, ran a 19:27.9 en route to becoming a national champion. 

Saina and Nelson have left indelible marks upon the program, but it is up to the remaining line-up of runners to carry on the legacy.

Senior Samantha Bluske earned Midwest All-Region honors in 2012 while also being named to the second team All-Big 12 after her ninth place finish at the Big 12 Championships. Bluske also competed in the national championships.

The team will also lean on the likes of young talent, such as Crystal Nelson. As a freshman, Crystal earned Midwest All-Region honors and also ran at the national championships.

Men

After a fifth place finish at the Big 12 Championships, the men’s cross country hopes to further their success in 2013.

Edward Kemboi returns for the Cyclones after finishing his 2012 campaign with Midwest All-Region honors as the top finisher for the Cyclones. Kemboi also finished 31st at the Big 12 Championships.

Coach Corey Ihmels leads both men and women teams, after winning his second straight Big 12 Coach of the Year award. Ihmels knows what it takes to be a champion: Ihmels was a runner on the 1994 Iowa State squad that claimed the national championship. 

Ihmels will use his experience to bring the men’s and women’s teams to both familiar and new heights.