Only a portion of the ISU track and field team made the trip to Cedar Falls for the Panther Classic on Saturday, but results show the trip was worth it.

For the women, Ada Anderson cruised to victory in the 800-meter run, finishing with a time of 2:10.71. The second-place runner, Angie German from host Northern Iowa, crossed the line nearly four seconds later.

Anderson was in Minnesota last weekend and did not compete in the ISU Open, making her primary objectives at the Panther Classic to improve her time and shake off any rust she had from not competing. She took the lead after the first lap, but found competing against the clock was just as difficult, even after leaving the competition behind her.

“It’s kind of hard to push yourself when there’s no one next to you,” she said.

Anderson said she was happy with her time, considering the competition she faced, as well as the reputation of Northern Iowa’s track, which is softer than normal.

“A lot of people say they usually run slower times at UNI compared to our track,” Anderson said.

Next weekend at the Iowa State Classic, Anderson said, she expects to improve in the 800 and also anchor the women’s 4×400-meter relay.

“I’m looking forward to improving my time a lot,” she said. “There’s going to be some awesome competition.”

Tony Stewart competed well for the men’s team, throwing 58 feet 7 1/4 inches in the weight throw to earn second place.

Stewart, who recorded a personal record of 58-7 1/2 last weekend at the ISU Open, nearly broke his record for the second straight week. He missed it by a quarter inch. Teammate Kendall Fogle placed sixth in the event, throwing 50-5 1/4.

Stewart said next weekend is a big meet for the throwers.

“[The Iowa State Classic] should let us know where we stand,” he said. “It will be the biggest meet for us besides the conference meet. It’ll be fun to have a lot of good competition.

“I need to stay relaxed and, God willing, I’ll keep improving.”