History shows that every successful team in the arena of competition has had a dynamic duo. The Bulls had Pippen and Jordan, the 49ers had Montana and Rice, the Jazz had Stockton and Malone and – if two ISU freshmen have anything to do with it – the women’s track team will have a dynamic duo of its own: Caffrey and Wright.

Sprint coach Scott Roberts and the Cyclones believe they’ve struck gold with the addition of freshmen Jenna Caffrey and Lashawn Wright.

“[Over the next four years] obviously we want them to excel at the conference level first, from that we like to see them get to the national meet and hopefully, eventually make All-American. That’s kind of the goal – we go through the process,” Roberts said. “I think over the next four years they are both going to be very, very good as long as they keep their focus and keep working at it.”

It’s rare that a freshman can come in and make a large, positive impact in any college, especially in track and field, where the adjustment from high school to college can be a harder transition than in any other sport.

Caffrey and Wright have thrown statistics out the window and stepped up to make an impact for the young team, something Roberts said they can’t always count on, no matter how successful the individual was in high school.

“You never know what a freshman is going to do that first year, how they’re going to respond,” Roberts said. “Some kids come in and they’re successful right away. Others can take one, two, sometimes three years before they make an impact.”

Caffrey, a high school Drake Relays champion from Burlington, has made a quick transition to the college ranks but is still adjusting to the competition and technique involved with college running.

“There is a lot more focus on technique coming into college and that’s been an up-and-down battle for me,” Caffrey said. “Some days are good days in practice, where I can see my improvements coming in my form, and some days are just struggles.”

Along with Caffrey, Wright has made a successful splash into the college ranks but has had to adjust to a little more than just the competition. The Texas native has had to adjust to running her first season of indoor track and the Iowa weather, but said the friendliness of the women and coaches was her reason for choosing the Cyclones.

“When I came, just everyone was really nice and really friendly. I was freezing my butt and it was like October,” Wright said. “I met the girls at practice and they gave me their sweaters and coats. Everyone was just real nice, real friendly. It just felt like it was a good choice to be in a whole new environment.”

For Caffrey, Iowa State was an easy choice, as the Cyclones have a history as being one of the premier hurdle schools in the Midwest.

Wright and Caffrey both go into the Big 12 Championships this weekend with confidence at an all-time high. Caffrey is currently ranked sixth in the Big 12 in the 60-meter hurdles and Wright had a very strong showing at the Iowa State Classic.

No matter what happens this weekend, both Wright and Caffrey believe they have four strong years in front of them and look forward to both individual and team success in the future.

“As a team I would like to build the environment and get more sprinters so we can have really good relays . I love relays,” Wright said. “As far as myself, [I want to] do the best that I can and always do well. After a meet, if I don’t do well, I am upset with myself. I have this look – if you see that face, don’t talk to me.”

Caffrey echoed the feelings of her teammate and sees success in the future of the Cyclones.

“I think there is a lot of potential on this team and it’s really exciting to get to work with the other girls in some of the relays and individuals,” she said. “I think there is a lot of good stuff going on here.”