He’s no stranger to the track or to the miles upon miles of running. He’s a familiar face that, until recently, was seen only as the ISU men’s cross country coach.

Coach Corey Ihmels’ face can now be seen on the women’s side of the team as well. Replacing former head coach Dick Lee at the beginning of this season, Ihmels brings a new persona, a new attitude and new enthusiasm to the team.

“I think it’s a very positive thing for our team,” said junior All-American Lisa Koll. “Everything’s new, but it’s something that is a great change for the team, and we all trust him in leading us far.”

Ihmels said he is just as enthused about the new changes of taking over the head coach position of both the men’s and women’s teams.

“It’s a great opportunity for me,” Ihmels said. “We’ve got a big base of kids, and it’s obviously going to be a big job. I’m just excited to get the rest of my staff here and get the season started.”

Not only are there changes in the head coach position, but Ihmels has also made additions to the assistant coach positions as well. Ronnie Williams, John Dagata, Melissa Stoll and Blake Boldon have all joined the staff as assistant coaches. Ihmels has high expectations for his newly hired staff and has high confidence that he has found the right people for the positions.

“I think one of the key things I was looking for when I went out and hired my staff was that I needed to find a great group of leaders that will bring excitement and energy to the group,” Ihmels said. “I think . we’ve accomplished that so far in the staff we have hired. I’m really excited about their enthusiasm and their hope and passion to get into Iowa State track and field and cross country program.”

Despite all the changes recently made to the program, one thing remains the same in everyone’s mind – the desire to do well and go far as one complete team.

“The one thing I’ve really been stressing to the team, and one thing I feel is really important, is for us to realize that we are no longer the ‘women’s team’ or the ‘men’s team,'” Ihmels said. “We are Iowa State University track and field and cross country. We’re one group and team, and we’re going to run as one group and team.”