The ISU track and field team is competing in Des Moines this weekend at the Jim Duncan Invitational.

For the first time this outdoor season, the Cyclones will be competing with a full team.

“We’re excited to have everyone with us in Des Moines this weekend.” said coach Corey Ihmels.

At the Jim Duncan Invitational last season, Iowa State sprinter Nick Efkamp led the Cyclones in the 200-meter dash as a freshman. 

“Traveling is tough once we move outdoors,” Efkamp said. “It is important to cut down on the credits for the outdoor season.”

The men’s team recently dropped out of the top-25 rankings after starting the outdoor season ranked No. 25. The women’s team moved up to No. 15 in the nation after starting unranked.

“It was a positive thing being ranked in the preseason and we have some work to do to be top-25,” Ihmels said in reference to his men’s team. “I thought we had a chance to be ranked indoors but it did not quite work out for us.

“But I think we are just as good outdoors as we were indoors. We have to be healthy and these meets will give us a chance set some marks and be ready to roll once conference comes around.”

Iowa State’s schedule lists it as competing in the Tom Botts Invitational and the JJK/Rafer Johnson Invitational this weekend as well. However, no ISU athletes are competing in those meets.

The Jim Duncan Invitational is scheduled to start at 3:30 p.m. on April 12 at Drake Stadium. Both high school and collegiate athletes will be competing at the meet in separate events April 12 and April 13 and the collegiate events begin at 9:30 a.m. on April 13.