The true beginning to the ISU track and field season will occur Friday and Saturday as the men and women’s track and field teams compete at the ISU Open at the Lied Athletic Recreation Center in Ames. Coming off a long holiday break without meet competition since the Iowa State Holiday Preview on Dec. 11, the Cyclones are excited about the opportunity presented by competition coming to the competition.

Sprinters and hurdlers coach Nate Wiens has his squad ready behind junior hurdler Jenna Caffrey. Caffrey won the 60–meter hurdles event at the ISU Holiday Preview for the second year in a row, giving a strong indication of her capabilities this season.

A strong performance is also expected from senior Lashawn Wright, one of the top runners last year in the Big 12 Conference.

Wiens is looking for a good start to track in 2010, but knows that this early in the season won’t necessarily bring the best results.

“We’re just looking to stay healthy right now, if we go out and set a personal best that’s great, but that’s not necessarily what we’re looking for,” Wiens said. “The expectations are still high for our athletes because we know that when they put those cleats and that Iowa State jersey on they’re ready to go.”

A young squad will be representing the Cyclones in jumps and multi-events this weekend, but they certainly are up for the challenge. Having only underclassmen jumpers on the women’s squad puts heavy expectations on sophomores like high jumper Tiffanie Synacek.

Synacek had third place finishes at both the Big 12 outdoor meet and the NCAA Midwest Regional in the high jump last year and will be one of the strong components of the jump squad.

Throwing coach Grant Wall is coming into his first season at Iowa State, bringing fresh talent into an already accomplished group of throwers. After spending last season as the head track coach at Saginaw Valley State, Wall brought thrower Emily Nugent with him as a transfer to add depth to the squad.

“Emily fits right in where our throws group is at on the women’s side,” Wall said.

The women throwers are led by sophomore Laishema Hampton, who is leading the Big 12 in the weight throw competition by two feet.

“She’s shown glimpses in practice of throwing further. All throwers have shown good things in practice, we’re going to have a good year,” Wall said.

Wall’s optimism is matched by standout distance runner Lisa Koll. The seven-time All-American, former Drake Relays champion and two-time Big 12 champion in the 10,000-meter run looks to begin making steady progression toward the outdoor season, while remaining patient.

“The key is to pick a time to peak,” Koll said. “The first meet is a gauge to see where your fitness is at, as well as a confidence builder. It’s good for us to get in that racing mode. It’s hard to get fired up for running when it’s negative 20 degrees outside.”

The temperature will be much warmer than that inside Lied Recreation Center this weekend, but it provides a much greater advantage to the teams than its temperature.

“It’s great for us to be at home, have an opportunity to represent our university at such a great facility without being worn down from travel,” Wall said. “The comfort level of Lied is great for our athletes and the adrenaline it gives them makes for a great atmosphere.”

The Cyclones will compete against primarily local colleges, including Drake University, Grandview University and Iowa Central this weekend as they set off on a string of home meets that does not end until March.