The ISU men’s and women’s track teams will host the ISU Invite indoor track meet this weekend at Lied Recreation Center. The Cyclones will compete with about 1,100 other athletes in running and field events.

“No one from the Big 12 will be here,” women’s head coach Dick Lee said. “It won’t be a really high-powered meet. We are working to get back into shape and back on schedule after winter break.”

The meet will be used to evaluate what the team needs to work on and help to create specific goals for the rest of the season, Lee said.

“A lot of the kids are working to be at the level they were at in December,” Lee said. “If they are at or near that point then we will be pleased.”

Men’s coach Steve Lynn is in a similar situation with his squad. “I’ve been pleased with the workouts so far,” Lynn said. “Team goals and individual goals coincide. If everyone meets their individual goals then the team goal will be met. Everyone does their own thing.”

Iowa State’s men’s and women’s teams have recently had a strong run in the field event competitions.

“It’s an area that we point towards,” Lee said. “Sprints are tough because the Texas schools have such good recruiting and depth and Colorado gives most of their track scholarships to distance runners. We found our niche in field events.”

Lynn said the men are also focusing on field events, and injuries have plagued a few athletes.

“We are missing some athletes right now because of ankle injuries and a few of them have been fighting the flu,” Lynn said. “But our jumps and throws are going to be strong this year.”

Though the Cyclone track teams have athletes who are competitive in every type of event, throwing and jumping are the areas that there are more points available in, Lee said.

Lee said the indoor season is important for getting races in and can be more exciting for spectators.

“There is a lot of excitement and noise because the meets are held in a confined space,” Lee said. “Spectators don’t have to worry about the elements.”

Some of the events such as the weight throw are unique to the indoor meets and indoor races are shorter because the track is shorter. Depending on the facility, the tracks can range from the 200-meter banked track at Nebraska to the 300-meter flat track at Iowa State.

“The indoor races are very physical because of the smaller size of the track,” Lynn said. “Our track is one of the largest in the country and that allows us to host larger meets.”

Both coaches said they think the indoor track season is important.

“Indoor is beneficial because you are training but you are also racing,” Lee said. “You can only practice so long before you have to get out and compete.”