Some of the best collegiate athletes in the nation will find out where they stand this weekend at the Iowa State Classic.

Men’s coach Steve Lynn said teams from all over the nation, including Big 12 schools, will be in attendance.

“This is the top meet in the nation this weekend. The competition is not a question,” Lynn said. “Of the top teams in the nation, most will be here. If you finish in the top eight, you’re really, really good.”

Lynn expects more than 30 teams from both sides of the country to send men’s and women’s squads. The attendance list includes Washington, Oregon and Florida, in addition to a large contingent of Midwest schools.

Cyclone long jumpers Daniel Kaczmarczyk and Oliver Koenig could qualify for the NCAA meet with a good showing, along with runners Abraham Rotich in the 800-meter run and Jared Graham in the 600-yard run.

Besides the large roster of colleges attending, Lynn said there should be several impressive athletes competing unattached.

Throws coach Dan O’Mara said Christian Cantwell, the former world record holder in the shot put, is considering competing unattached. Cantwell, who competed at Missouri, is ranked second in the world in shot put and finished fourth in last summer’s Olympic trials.

O’Mara also said that former Cyclone Jamie Beyer may also compete unattached. Beyer finished fifth in the Olympic trials.

Lynn said there may be some throws over 70 feet in the shot, but O’Mara said he isn’t so sure.

“It’s possible — you never know, but I doubt it,” O’Mara said. “Jamie’s not ready [to throw that.]”

This may be the toughest meet for shot put thrower Jamal Salahuddin, next to nationals, O’Mara said. He also said he expects weight throw specialist Tony Stewart to break his personal record this weekend.

“He’s on the verge of showing something here,” O’Mara said. “He’s improving every week. He’s been throwing 58 feet, and we’ll hopefully see a [personal record] this weekend.”

For the women’s team, coach Dick Lee said there is a possibility for national-qualifying caliber performances. Ada Anderson, last week’s champion in the 800-meter run at the Panther Classic, will be competing in an event that could see several national qualifiers.

“It’s going to be one of the best and deepest events,” Lee said. “Last year, you needed a 4:52 mile to make it to finals.

“We’ll use this weekend to judge where we’re at. As long as everyone’s healthy, we should be seeing our season bests.”

Iowa State Classic events begin at 3 p.m. Friday at the Lied Recreation Center.