As the ISU women’s track and field team sets out on their busy weekend of three meets, the first stop on the list is the Mt. SAC Relays in Walnut, Calif.

The Mt. SAC Relays have been known throughout the years for fast times and tough competition. Heading into the weekend, coach Corey Ihmels said he is eager for the full weekend ahead.

“It’s a great trip for us. We get to take our whole team, and this is the first time we’ve been together since indoors,” Ihmels said. “And we get our bang for our buck, everybody gets to race a few times.”

The hectic weekend is not the first for the Cyclones. In early April, the track and field team had similar scenarios, traveling over the states of Arizona and California but within their respective squads.

During the weekend before the Drake Relays, Ihmels said it is unfortunate to have such a busy weekend right before one of the biggest weekends for track in the country, but he couldn’t let a weekend that includes the Mt. SAC Relays slip away.

“A lot of the kids are going to get two or three opportunities,” Ihmels said. “It’s one of those opportunities that is hard to pass up because so many good things can come out of it.”

Sprints coach Nate Wiens said he isn’t concerned with what heats his athletes are placed in for the relays this weekend. With a confident state of mind, Wiens said the weekend is shaping up to be worth the travel.

“Kianna and Ese got into the elite heats on Saturday, [and] our 4×400[-meter] relay is in the elite 4×4 race,” Wiens said. “I think we were the last ones in lane nine, and I don’t care: Our girls can race.”

Wiens talked specifically about the competition that will be at the Mt. SAC Relays this weekend but said he is not worried his runners will not perform.

“We’re up against some front team,” Wiens said. “It’s going to be a true test.”

The Mt. SAC Relays is the first stop on the Cyclones’ three-day tour across California. Competition will commence on Thursday with the longer distance events and end with 4×400 relays Saturday evening.