The ISU Track and Field team readies for competition as the NCAA Outdoor Championship meet in Fayetteville, Ark. draws closer.

Seven athletes will represent Iowa State at the meet, which runs Wednesday through Saturday. The mix of veterans and newcomers to the championship showcases the progress the team has made over the past season.

Corey Ihmels, head men’s and women’s track coach, said each athlete will contend, no matter his or her level of experience.

“All of the athletes we’re taking have competed at a high level, so I don’t expect any one of them to back down to the challenge,” Ihmels said.

Sophomore distance runner Lisa Koll will be the focal point of the 10,000-meter run, returning to defend her title from last year’s championships.

“I’m confident, but there are a lot of girls that are really good and have been training as hard as I have for this race,” Koll said.

Koll’s injury during the indoor season served as a reality check for her and the rest of the team. The injury prevented her from running for about a month and a half, forcing the remainder of the team to fill her absence.

“After my injury, a lot of people stepped in to show progress and leadership, which ultimately helped our team,” Koll said.

Newcomers to the NCAA championships, like senior distance runner Kiel Uhl, have benefited from the experience and support of their teammates also traveling to Fayetteville.

“Whenever you have a crew going, you know that you’re a part of something more special than being alone,” Uhl said.

Uhl was the last athlete to qualify for the 10,000-meter, but Ihmels believes the late placement will work to his advantage.

“If there’s one guy that wants to prove to rest of the field that he belongs, it’s him,” Ihmels said.

Other athletes returning to the championships, along with Koll, are senior Jenna Caffrey in the 100-meter hurdles and senior Grace Kemmey in the 10,000-meter race.

Along with Uhl, newcomers to the championship include freshman Betsy Saina in the 5,000 meter, sophomore Luke Pinkelman in the shot put and junior Hillary Bor in the 3,000-meter steeplechase.