The ISU Open started the indoor track and field season for the Cyclones. The men’s track and field team competed against some tough competition at the track meet that hosted more than 40 teams.

From freshmen to seniors, the team received some needed experience.

“We have some guys that have been through the battles before and we have some that are just getting their feet wet,” said ISU coach Corey Ihmels. “All in all, I thought we had some pretty good things happen. We’re training hard and as we move forward we will continue to get better.”

On Friday afternoon, the women’s distance medley team broke a 31-year-old school record in the distance medley relay. The men responded as well, placing first in the same event.

“The men battled well and did a really nice job, too,” Ihmels said.

In an event that Ihmels hailed as “impressive,” the men’s 1,000-meter run also found its way into the record books when Edward Kemboi crossed the finish line with a time of 2:22.71.

As Kemboi finished and looked to see his time, he became elated, throwing his hands in the air accompanied by a wide smile.

The first week can indicate some things, but it does not grasp everything. Some of the men may have seemed to struggle, but with the tough training regimen, that is to be expected.

“The kids went out and executed what they were supposed to execute,” said assistant coach Pete Herber. “They got the best out of what their bodies would let them get today. We were pretty good with what we were doing.”

The season is still young and fresh in everyones’ minds. Practices will continue as the team sets its eyes on the road ahead.

“I think we have to show up in some areas,” Ihmels said. “In the throws we were solid, distances were solid, jumps and sprints were solid, but nothing [was] great. It’s a group that can be successful at the end of the year. They just need to keep battling and moving forward.”

With back-to-back weekends coming in the next month, the men’s team is just beginning to find its groove.