The ISU men’s and women’s track and field teams will go on the road for the first time this season this weekend. They will compete in the 11th annual New Balance Collegiate Invitational in New York City.

Senior Ian Warner, sprinter, will be one of the Cyclones making the trip after winning two event titles at the Bill Bergan Invitational a week ago. Warner was the victor in the 60-meter dash (6.70) and the 200-meter dash (21.47), with both times being personal bests.

In New York, Warner will run those two events again and said he wants to repeat those efforts.

“I just want to run personal bests,” Warner said. “I just want to build on that and continue to get better.”

Sprints and hurdles coach Nate Wiens said he was pleased with the progress that Warner has shown so far in this young season.

“If anybody in track and field deserves to do well, it’s Ian,” Wiens said. “He’s one of those kids that does everything right and then some.”

There are over 130 teams scheduled to compete, including schools from all of the major conferences in the country. Wiens said that the number of teams and the talent of those teams will not intimidate his runners.

“A lot of people say [that we are] facing big teams from all over the country and what we realize now is that we are that big team,” Wiens said. “And it’s the fact that [Warner] realizes that [he] is that big athlete and we should do things well. He’s not trying to go after people, other people will be trying to come after him.”

Freshman Eseroghene Okoro, sprinter, said she is very eager to go to New York since she has never been there. Last weekend, at the Bill Bergan Invitational, Okoro recorded a personal best in the 400-meter dash (55.18), which was good enough for second place.

She also said how great her first season at Iowa State has been going so far.

“It’s been going really well,” Okoro said. “I’ve been splitting really good times in the 4×400 [relay] so I’m happy where I’m at right now.”

Wiens said he is equally impressed with the start to the season for his female athletes.

“Our girls train so well together,” Wiens said. “They all love training with each other and being with each other, and I really think that has brought the best out in [Okoro]. I couldn’t be more proud of her to this point.”

Events are scheduled to begin on Friday at 9:25 a.m. central time and resume on Saturday at 7:30 a.m. central time.