Many of the athletes on the ISU track and field team saw their first action in outdoor competition last weekend, and in the few weeks succeeding the indoor season, coach Corey Ihmels has been impressed.

“I think we’re in a good spot; we’ve gotten some things accomplished on both the men’s and women’s side,” Ihmels said of his teams’ performances in the first few outdoor meets.

Key among the Cyclones’ highlights during the outdoor season is Betsy Saina’s school record-breaking mark in the 5,000-meter run last weekend at the Stanford Invitational.

“I think [Saina] can run a lot faster; she bounced back really well after having a sub-par national meet.” Ihmels said. “I don’t think she has a ceiling. I think she’s got the potential to be one of the greatest ever collegiately, if she’s not already. It is fun to see her back to the level of where we know she is.”

During the indoor season, a bright spot for the men’s team was sophomore sprinter Nick Efkamp. Efkamp finished the indoor season with a Big 12 title in the 400-meter dash and is hoping to see that success carry over to the outdoor track, where the Cyclones will do much more traveling.

“Traveling life is very difficult on my schoolwork,” Efkamp said with a smile. “It’s definitely more exciting to run outside, though; it’s a lot different running indoors than outdoors, and I think it’s a little easier.”

However, in the beginning of every season, a coach sees room for some improvement, and Ihmels knows he has a capable team.

“Anytime you have your first competition outdoors it’s a little hot and cold, some good things happen and some bad things happen,” Ihmels said. “But it’s a place to start.”

The Cyclones will participate in the Sun Angel Classic in Tempe, Ariz., on April 5 and 5, 2013.